Show your new tool arrivals

[Squankum]

Also, grabbed the Badland 12k winch with the current 25% off coupon. Im going to get a receiver mount for it (all the stores near me are OOS, and that item isn’t available online, so I’ll probably miss getting that 25% off) and add a 2” receiver to my trailer for winching disabled vehicles onto it. My Jeep also has front and rear 2” receivers so I’ll be able to use it there as well if needed.

Pardon me, but Harbor Freight's made up brand names always make me start thinking...


a) what name brand is this trying to sound like? (In the case of "Braun" lights, there is zero distance between HF sub-brand and reputable brand out there.)


2) If you were in the badlands, what would you attach your winch's cable to?

 

[BrandonV]

Pardon me, but Harbor Freight's made up brand names always make me start thinking...


a) what name brand is this trying to sound like? (In the case of "Braun" lights, there is zero distance between HF sub-brand and reputable brand out there.)


2) If you were in the badlands, what would you attach your winch's cable to?

Not going to lie. I just now realized Icon is half of Snap-on.

 

[GX460DIYguy]

Pardon me, but Harbor Freight's made up brand names always make me start thinking...


a) what name brand is this trying to sound like? (In the case of "Braun" lights, there is zero distance between HF sub-brand and reputable brand out there.)


2) If you were in the badlands, what would you attach your winch's cable to?

Could always break out the pick axe and dig a hole for a deadman setup

 

[lund]

Those look good; sometimes you need the offset ring for clearance, sometimes you don't, and reversible is good. From your picture, it looks like the smallest and largest wrench are spline drive, and the rest are 12 point?

Looked: All are spline drive. The standard apex style in the extra long rebranded icon wrenches. The finish is excellent on all.

 

[Squankum]

Could always break out the pick axe and dig a hole for a deadman setup

Neat! There's always a solution for the region. You could also grab a log off of a recently-destroyed T-72 tank and bury it perpendicular. Like, if you were stuck in a giant field in Ukraine.

 

[Motown]

I was give an oil extractor for Christmas, hopefully less crawling under vehicles to change oil.

 

[shanny19]

Not going to lie. I just now realized Icon is half of Snap-on.

Check out the font for the Bauer tools logo versus the O.G. Bauer Hockey logo font

 

[LeonardY]

LeonardY

After you use the saw at 30 feet, let us know how you like it and any issues trying to saw 30 feet above you. I have a couple of pole saws that are just awkward at 10-12 feet.

I have used it once. It flexes and you need to go slow but it works.

 

[LeonardY]

cosplay time?

Maybe a prostate exam for a giraffe.

 

[captain14]

I have used it once. It flexes and you need to go slow but it works.

Where did you source it from?

Thanks for the info.

 

[Squankum]

I was give an oil extractor for Christmas, hopefully less crawling under vehicles to change oil.

****-O-MATIC!

Those have many uses! Oil changes, sure. Brake fluid reservoir. Coolant overflow/debubbler tanks. (I like to remove as much coolant as I can, working down from the top, to reduce the eventual SPLOOSH!/mess down below.) Brake bleeding?

(I later bought a ridiculously large drain pan to catch coolant sploosh and mulltiple-origins drip. A pan so big one fella has trouble picking it up and pouring it into a funnel in a jug. But that's okay, I have... ****-O-MATIC!)

Should you use it for gasoline? Probably not.




(I've used it for gasoline.)

 

[SC Fly Guy]

I have used it once. It flexes and you need to go slow but it works.

It’s been awhile since I took physics, but at 30-feet, it must be one heckuva an arm/shoulder workout!!

 

[LeonardY]

It’s been awhile since I took physics, but at 30-feet, it must be one heckuva an arm/shoulder workout!!

I'm cheating it a bit. I have it at full extension. put the pole at the center of my chest. Do a 10 to 12 inch stroke. Hardly ever going above my shoulders. Not to brag but I'm used to that movement...

 

[LeonardY]

Where did you source it from?

Thanks for the info.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081595C5L?tag=atomicindus08-20

The Lady of the Garden thought we needed more height on the tree lights for Christmas. There was another few feet bare at the top.

I took that as I should but another tool. The saw was a bonus.

 

[BobsYourUncle69]

I believe those are new old stock. I dont know who in Taiwan made those for Ampro, but they are very well made. I have the DBE deep offset set and combination offset box set from that same generation. Nice find.

They are well made , they feel as well made as my gedore wrenches. I'll measure them with my caliper later and see if they are as accurate as my gedores and Heyco which consistantly measure 0.2mm bigger than the indicated size on the open end so they're a pretty good fit.

 

[upgrading]

The 3 wreaths around the garage look good.

 

[ZRX61]

Autel scanner doodad is going back. Fuckers claim it works on the Explorer ST... It doesn't work on ANY Gen 6 Explorers.
Edit:
After looking at who knows how many scanners on Amazon that claim to be 2024 or 2023 compatible, it turns out that not a single one of them works on vehicles made 2020 & later.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

I don’t use strap wrenches often, but sometimes, they’re just the tool for the job. The ones I have are cheap junk... a 2 piece set I bought at Auto Zone like 10+ years ago out of necessity. After looking at some options, I settled on the Blue-Point. Sadly, it looks like they changed it from a metal to plastic handle at some point. I found a NOS 6” wrench on eBay with the metal handle. A bargain at $12.95, but the shipping of $17.10 was a little silly. Nonetheless, I’m happy with the end total.

Need to look for a metal handle 4” blue-point next.

 

[Steve_P]

I needed a huge and high-quality strap wrench 10+ years ago. I ended up getting one of these. I also bought the Kleins that have the cast handles. The NWS has a steel handle...

Strap Wrench

For all common oil filters and round screw connectionsFor sanitary installations as wellWith strong, non-slip textile strapNickel-plated

shop.nws-tools.de

 

[SC Fly Guy]

I’m a bit surprised that I didn’t get a call from my local HF today asking where I was? I’ve gotta admit I’m regretting that I didn’t pick up the 12” S-Jaw Quick-Adjust Pliers Wrench. But, they’re only $20, so I’ll swing by and pick them up. I’m sure they’ll be happy to see me!!

 

[1320]

Icon 11" Long Reach Pistol Grip Needle Nose Pliers -



I have the other two Snap-on pistol grip pliers. The Icon set seems pretty nice. Unlike the Snap-on pliers, the auto opening spring actually works.

ICON 21" & 12" S-Jaw Quick Adjust Pliers Wrenches -



Ive never used any before, and for some reason, I was under the impression these Swedish style pipe Wrenches were locking pliers. These are made in China, unlike a lot of other Icon products. I probably shouldn't have bought both until I'd used one, but they "seem" like reasonable quality.

 

[LWB]

Capri SAE mids. That completes my 3/8" impacts. I have the Capri shorties and mids in both metric and SAE.

My 1/2" are vintage Gray/Proto deeps.

 

[M635_Guy]

I used the 25% off on a couple of things I've been thinking about but didn't want to pay regular prices for. I might keep both, I might return both - lol


The Icon brake kit is overpriced vs. the Amazon OMT kits that appear to come from the same factory, but I'm so tired of crappy cases that I might keep it for that reason alone. It's a really nice case and I'm sure the tools themselves are good, but I'm going to have to figure out if the extra $15 or $20 bugs me enough to make a stupid money choice or not.

Also going to think about the Holt kit. I have a Motiv bleeder I have never liked all that much, which is probably user-error. Guess we'll see...

 

[ChefRex]

Delete.

 

[AJHD]

I used the 25% off on a couple of things I've been thinking about but didn't want to pay regular prices for. I might keep both, I might return both - lol


The Icon brake kit is overpriced vs. the Amazon OMT kits that appear to come from the same factory, but I'm so tired of crappy cases that I might keep it for that reason alone. It's a really nice case and I'm sure the tools themselves are good, but I'm going to have to figure out if the extra $15 or $20 bugs me enough to make a stupid money choice or not.

Also going to think about the Holt kit. I have a Motiv bleeder I have never liked all that much, which is probably user-error. Guess we'll see...

That extra $20ish even with a 25% off coupon for the brake kit bugged me enough to not buy it.

Especially when it's made in China like the rest of them. When the time comes, I'll buy the OMT kit.

I have a few Icon tools, but honestly I'd buy more if HF didn't overprice almost all of them. Too bad.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I have a few Icon tools, but honestly I'd buy more if HF didn't overprice almost all of them.

Good point. I think they are trying to figure out pricing on them still (aka the sweet spot). My assumption is they didn't know exactly how to price them initially based on demand.

 

[Jarhead0408]

30 foot extension and saw.

Thanks. I can’t stand twist lock extension poles.

 

[Squankum]

I used the 25% off on a couple of things I've been thinking about but didn't want to pay regular prices for. I might keep both, I might return both - lol


The Icon brake kit is overpriced vs. the Amazon OMT kits that appear to come from the same factory, but I'm so tired of crappy cases that I might keep it for that reason alone. It's a really nice case and I'm sure the tools themselves are good, but I'm going to have to figure out if the extra $15 or $20 bugs me enough to make a stupid money choice or not.

Also going to think about the Holt kit. I have a Motiv bleeder I have never liked all that much, which is probably user-error. Guess we'll see...

****-O-MATIC 2!

I have a Capri brand pneumatic-vacuum brake bleeder and I now ignore ****-O-Matic 1 for most small liquid jobs -- a small scrap of coper tubing of the right OD will fit right in that rubber brake bleeding ******, for quick and easy cleaning out of master cylinder reservoirs, power steering reservoirs, BMW oil filter housings, etc etc. Also, now that I've found the right diameter tubing, 75W-90 gear oil. Much fun!

 

[Squankum]

Good point. I think they are trying to figure out pricing on them still (aka the sweet spot). My assumption is they didn't know exactly how to price them initially based on demand.

To me, $40 for an imitation of a Knipex pliers wrench just makes me want to spend another $12 and get the real deal. Then again, I've lost all HF couponing skills. A lot of the other ICON pliers look very fairly priced, though.

 

[KnurledNut]

To me, $40 for an imitation of a Knipex pliers wrench just makes me want to spend another $12 and get the real deal. Then again, I've lost all HF couponing skills. A lot of their other pliers look very fairly priced, though.

The ICON pliers wrench uses the same soft Snap-on style dipped grips found on some of their other pliers. This might be an advantage for some that deal with arthritis, or just prefer the extra cushion and tack it offers over Knipex. Subtle difference, but quite noticeable in hand.

 

[M635_Guy]

To me, $40 for an imitation of a Knipex pliers wrench just makes me want to spend another $12 and get the real deal. Then again, I've lost all HF couponing skills. A lot of their other pliers look very fairly priced, though.

People keep saying the Knipex is out there for $50-$55, which I haven't found to be true (at least consistently as a non-sale price).

My take was it should have been a $35 list price, which wouldn't be bad at all, and with coupons (how I buy nearly everything at HF) a killer deal.

I have and use both the Knipex and Icon 250mm/10" and can't say I'm finding the Icon lacking. The Knipex definitely has a more-refined design, but if I'm filling up a box even $15 a tool adds up mighty quick.

 

[demarpaint]

People keep saying the Knipex is out there for $50-$55, which I haven't found to be true (at least consistently as a non-sale price).

My take was it should have been a $35 list price, which wouldn't be bad at all, and with coupons (how I buy nearly everything at HF) a killer deal.

I have and use both the Knipex and Icon 250mm/10" and can't say I'm finding the Icon lacking. The Knipex definitely has a more-refined design, but if I'm filling up a box even $15 a tool adds up mighty quick.

I thought @$14.99 after coupon for the 12" Icon, and $26.24 for the 21" Icon it was a no brainer. At least for me. The Kinpex are probably better for professional use, but being able to walk into an HF to warranty them, lifetime, is a pretty good deal too. Opinions will vary.

 

[M635_Guy]

That extra $20ish even with a 25% off coupon for the brake kit bugged me enough to not buy it.

I was definitely going OMT vs. the list price of $60. With the discount, I decided to at least put it on my bench and eyeball it. I have to say the slimness of the case, the ability to pop it apart to put it in a box drawer how I want (though it probably won't go in the box) and things like the molded label on the side are a pretty good first-impression:


I really love a real hinge vs. the plastic of a blow-mold case...

Especially when it's made in China like the rest of them. When the time comes, I'll buy the OMT kit.

I was surprised that it was MiC vs. Taiwan like virtually all the rest of the Icon stuff. That said, these look very nicely-made.

 

[M635_Guy]

The ICON pliers wrench uses the same soft Snap-on style dipped grips found on some of their other pliers. This might be an advantage for some that deal with arthritis, or just prefer the extra cushion and tack it offers over Knipex. Subtle difference, but quite noticeable in hand.

It was one of the first things I noticed vs. my Knipex pair. It's the main reason I grab the Icon pair if I might have to really crank on something. Knipex offers a comfort grip of course, but it adds another $10+ to the price.

 

[Squankum]

...and things like the molded label on the side are a pretty good first-impression:

Now I'm mad at every blow molded case I've got on my shelves!

 

[Squankum]

People keep saying the Knipex is out there for $50-$55, which I haven't found to be true (at least consistently as a non-sale price).

Yeah, my pricing in my head may be off because I got the core of my Knipexes maybe 10 years ago, when Sears still existed, sales as Sears or Lowes were blowing them out, and in the past year, HJE selling some pliers wrenches that were last year's model. I really do try to wait for a good price on them, mostly with Amazon now. (Although I once ordered a circlip pliers set from a Polish electronics warehouse, thanks, Google Shopping.)

 

[HenryAZ]

I don’t use strap wrenches often, but sometimes, they’re just the tool for the job. The ones I have are cheap junk... a 2 piece set I bought at Auto Zone like 10+ years ago out of necessity. After looking at some options, I settled on the Blue-Point. Sadly, it looks like they changed it from a metal to plastic handle at some point. I found a NOS 6” wrench on eBay with the metal handle. A bargain at $12.95, but the shipping of $17.10 was a little silly. Nonetheless, I’m happy with the end total.

Need to look for a metal handle 4” blue-point next.

I have been using Boa Contrictor strap wrenches for a number of years. I keep the Boa and Baby Boa on hand, one set in the house and another set in the garage. They are very high quality. I have never tried their aluminum handled model.

 

[M6erfan]

I have been using Boa Contrictor strap wrenches for a number of years. I keep the Boa and Baby Boa on hand, one set in the house and another set in the garage. They are very high quality. I have never tried their aluminum handled model.

I have an ancient, probably 20 years old, Craftsman version of the Boa strap wrench, aluminum. I don't use it often, but when I do need it it just works!

 

[Chefjpd]

Latest Amazon delivery. You guys are serious enablers.......
Workpro cable cutters, mini bolt cutters, Klein multi pliers, Railer bit drivers.

20240104_161952 by chefjpd, on Flickr

 

[jeffmoss26]

got this on cLOWESout today