Show your new tool arrivals

[Mike S.]

What type of crank pulley does that fit? Looks like a smooth walled cylinder with a locating pin?

I've been putting off this purchase for a while since I thought there would have been something better. It's supposed to work on the Honda engines from the 90's and earlier that didn't have the hex shaped cutout in the center of the pulley. I couldn't find any pictures of this tool design in use, but it appears that you position the circular open end over the center of the pulley and then slide the pin through the tool and into one of the outer holes on the pulley. Then you put a 17 mm socket through the open end to tighten the crank bolt.



OTC makes a very similar tool (4732) with a handle for like $250, but it also comes with the hex shaped attachment for the newer style crank pulleys. That seems like an awful lot for what it is. OTC also has the 4754 universal pulley holder, which looks like a much better design. Judging by the photos, I don't think it's quite right for this particular pulley. I also couldn't find any old forum posts or reviews for the tool stating that it worked on Honda's.

 

[Steel_Rain]

US General mini toolbox 72438 ($18):





For scale:




Craftsman CMMT45753V ($40 on sale):

 

[lund]

I had a similar issue in my older Stihl MS441 and could never figure it out. Hopefully this doesn’t happen to this one.

Several others here seem to be saying that the larger Husquvarna Rancher model (think I have their 350 model ... a size down) may not be afflicted with the oiler issues I have. That surprises me since manufacturers usually use similar designs across models and it is a real problem for most with the 350. I had a resort to spraying oil on the bar when using since it would plug quickly and I was continually ripping it apart to clear out only to have it briefly work again. I was not burying the bar in the dirt and was trying to be reasonably careful etc.

I thought Stihl saws had a better rep with these kind of issues.

 

[lund]

I've been putting off this purchase for a while since I thought there would have been something better. It's supposed to work on the Honda engines from the 90's and earlier that didn't have the hex shaped cutout in the center of the pulley. I couldn't find any pictures of this tool design in use, but it appears that you position the circular open end over the center of the pulley and then slide the pin through the tool and into one of the outer holes on the pulley. Then you put a 17 mm socket through the open end to tighten the crank bolt.



OTC makes a very similar tool (4732) with a handle for like $250, but it also comes with the hex shaped attachment for the newer style crank pulleys. That seems like an awful lot for what it is. OTC also has the 4754 universal pulley holder, which looks like a much better design. Judging by the photos, I don't think it's quite right for this particular pulley. I also couldn't find any old forum posts or reviews for the tool stating that it worked on Honda's.

I had a 97 honda civic that hit about 300k miles before it was totaled by someone hitting it (engine was still good though). So I did several timing belt changes needing the crank pulley removed. Yikes ... the first time I did that it was a terror. The bolt was put on in the factory at high torque AND corrosion welded in the threads over the years to hit ~100k miles. 1/2 Impact failed (I forget the ft lbs rating of my gun, but it is not low and I upped the pressure too). I hit so many impacts that the engine would start spinning while it was hammering for many cycles. I did not have the locking tool and eventually had to take apart the opposite side of the engine and pin the starter gear while using a huge breaker bar with a pipe extension. I looked like I was lifting the car when if *finally* broke free with a terrible noise. I at first I thought that I broke the crankshaft from the noise ... but it came out and all was ok when reassembled. But man, that was a PAIN.

Make sure you use anti-seize when putting it back together. I did that and my subsequent removals for later timing belt replacements were not so bad (1/2 impact worked fine). I searched online on this issue with Civics and gather that it was a notorious problem. Some reported breaking 3/4 impact on it ... which sounds crazy if not embellished.

 

[Jure]

$7 at local flea market

 

[NUTTSGT]

Damn Hansen socket trays.....

 

[mikeinri]

Several others here seem to be saying that the larger Husquvarna Rancher model (think I have their 350 model ... a size down) may not be afflicted with the oiler issues I have. That surprises me since manufacturers usually use similar designs across models and it is a real problem for most with the 350. I had a resort to spraying oil on the bar when using since it would plug quickly and I was continually ripping it apart to clear out only to have it briefly work again. I was not burying the bar in the dirt and was trying to be reasonably careful etc.

I thought Stihl saws had a better rep with these kind of issues.

Either your experience with the Husqy 350 is abnormal, or mine is. Or, somewhere in the middle...

I have one that's ~20 years old. The oiler worked perfectly until it developed a leak, then eventually stopped oiling properly (a few years later). I had the oiler replaced, it's back to working perfectly.

When it was still "just" leaking, lots of people were telling me that's normal, and to put something under it in storage and live with it. Now I know better, just get it fixed.

Mike

 

[Smokeshow69]

US General mini toolbox 72438 ($18):





For scale:




Craftsman CMMT45753V ($40 on sale):

Oh wow, this is actually pretty cool! I might get one as a business card holder

Damn Hansen socket trays.....

I know what you mean… problem with the Hansen ones is the pegs the sockets slide over.
If the broaching isn’t correct they stick out. I just noticed HF sells magnetic/ pegless ones. I think I’m going to switch over to those as the high sitting sockets are killing my ocd.

 

[lund]

Either your experience with the Husqy 350 is abnormal, or mine is. Or, somewhere in the middle...

I have one that's ~20 years old. The oiler worked perfectly until it developed a leak, then eventually stopped oiling properly (a few years later). I had the oiler replaced, it's back to working perfectly.

When it was still "just" leaking, lots of people were telling me that's normal, and to put something under it in storage and live with it. Now I know better, just get it fixed.

Mike

Interesting. My experience has been very different. I have had continual struggles with the 350. When I would take it apart, the oiler and channels would be very plugged up and it would happen quickly. I do not care much about the storage leaks. Those are going to be hard to prevent. I just turn it oiler pump side up when in storage (which on the 350 corresponds to fuel and oil reservoir fill caps down ... but those seal well enough when down not to leak). In my case, the oiler and channels get quickly plugged with sawdust and grime and fails to pump adequate oil to the chain -- even if I switch to lower viscosity oil. Spraying cleaners in does not help much, so I would have to regularly pull it apart (drive sprocket and flanges to get at pump). Ironically, even when it failed to oil the chain, the saw would still leak a lot of oil in storage depending on angles stored. The oiler up case was the only way I could keep oil from largely leaking out in storage. I tried various mods that were recommended online to the pump parts, channels, and flanges to better seal the assembly and increase pumping rate beyond the origianl design. Those helped signficantly to make it useable, but it was still a weak point. It also seemed rediculous to be modifying a basic chainsaw parts to work well enough to keep the bar oiled. So I am definately in the exasperated owner group! Perhaps the trees I cut (Eucalyptus and Pine mostly), conditions, and choice of oil were not a good fit to that particular model saw.

 

[Squankum]

OTC makes a very similar tool (4732) with a handle for like $250, but it also comes with the hex shaped attachment for the newer style crank pulleys. That seems like an awful lot for what it is. OTC also has the 4754 universal pulley holder, which looks like a much better design. Judging by the photos, I don't think it's quite right for this particular pulley. I also couldn't find any old forum posts or reviews for the tool stating that it worked on Honda's.

Did you consider turning your baseball cap backwards and going over to some Honda forums to see what tool they like?

 

[Squankum]

Damn Hansen socket trays.....

I got clever and put one of my Kobalt Hanson-type trays into my rock maple miter box and sawed off the end with the smallest two pegs. Fast forward a few months and I had taken my 3/8" Hansen with me in my junykyard box and I try to remove a fender from a Honda and I needed an 8mm... Yeah, what'a s little overlap? Why not fill up all of the pegs?!

 

[NUTTSGT]

I got clever and put one of my Kobalt Hanson-type trays into my rock maple miter box and sawed off the end with the smallest two pegs. Fast forward a few months and I had taken my 3/8" Hansen with me in my junykyard box and I try to remove a fender from a Honda and I needed an 8mm... Yeah, what'a s little overlap? Why not fill up all of the pegs?!

They are going to get filled up, just not all at once.

 

[NUTTSGT]

US General mini toolbox 72438 ($18):





For scale:

I'll have to check with the one I have, but looks just like the Kobalt box.

 

[mikeinri]

I'll have to check with the one I have, but looks just like the Kobalt box.

That's what I was thinking. And almost as much money.

Mike

 

[bobg03]

US General mini toolbox 72438 ($18)

I got one too, the girl said because I was patient she gave me 15% off the $17.99. $16.27 out the door.

It's cute just thought the top would be a tad bit deeper.

 

[mikeinri]

Interesting. My experience has been very different. I have had continual struggles with the 350. When I would take it apart, the oiler and channels would be very plugged up and it would happen quickly. I do not care much about the storage leaks. Those are going to be hard to prevent. I just turn it oiler pump side up when in storage (which on the 350 corresponds to fuel and oil reservoir fill caps down ... but those seal well enough when down not to leak). In my case, the oiler and channels get quickly plugged with sawdust and grime and fails to pump adequate oil to the chain -- even if I switch to lower viscosity oil. Spraying cleaners in does not help much, so I would have to regularly pull it apart (drive sprocket and flanges to get at pump). Ironically, even when it failed to oil the chain, the saw would still leak a lot of oil in storage depending on angles stored. The oiler up case was the only way I could keep oil from largely leaking out in storage. I tried various mods that were recommended online to the pump parts, channels, and flanges to better seal the assembly and increase pumping rate beyond the origianl design. Those helped signficantly to make it useable, but it was still a weak point. It also seemed rediculous to be modifying a basic chainsaw parts to work well enough to keep the bar oiled. So I am definately in the exasperated owner group! Perhaps the trees I cut (Eucalyptus and Pine mostly), conditions, and choice of oil were not a good fit to that particular model saw.

I mostly cut oak. Rarely ash or maple, and almost never pine.

I am NOT good about cleaning out my saw. I know guys who pride themselves on taking the covers off after each use and keeping them in showroom condition. I don't have that kind of free time, LOL.


-----

Back onto new tools, picked up some Gear Ties on clearance at HD today. These are 36" and orange (easier to spot when dropped, LOL)...



Mike

 

[lund]

I mostly cut oak. Rarely ash or maple, and almost never pine.

I am NOT good about cleaning out my saw. I know guys who pride themselves on taking the covers off after each use and keeping them in showroom condition. I don't have that kind of free time, LOL.



Mike

It might relate to our difference in logs: hardwood for you vs softwood for me. I am cutting almost no hardwoods. I am not so thrilled about needing to disassemble it so much also. I can think of better things to do with my free time and figure that I should not need to break down the saw so much and getting to the pump requires pulling the driver sprocket. But I also hate to pitch things. So I keep cleaning it out. For me, replacing the pump did not work (thought mine was bad at first). The only thing that helped me was carefully sealing the channel sides and slightly dremel'ing the pump (found instructions from others having issues online) to increase the pump rate. It is a shame since other than the oiler, the saw performs pretty well. But the oiler problem has been bad enough for me to inhibit use. Chains dull quickly and overheat without sufficient oil.

 

[mikeinri]

I probably would have tossed it out if the new pump didn't fix it. It's been a great saw otherwise, and other than fuel lines and two carb rebuilds (replacements) has been flawless for me.

I did have to replace the kill switch wiring harness, but that was my fault for getting the saw into some fine brush (something got into the starter / fan cover and broke the wires and some of the plastic).

Mike

 

[mikeinri]

Woo hoo! These arrived when I got home today (they weren't expected until next Tuesday).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DHHD11GP?tag=atomicindus08-20

Lisle just released these at the end of last year (and I'm just learning about them now, of course). They've been selling a 10-pack of metric ones for years, I don't know why they're only including 7 sockets in the SAE set (or why they waited so long to come out with a SAE set). I need SAE for some hydraulic lines on my Terramite backhoe that need to be replaced.

I'd been watching ebay for a used Snap-On set for the past two years. These NEW on Amazon are about a third of the price of USED Snap-On ones (which, in turn, are about half the price of new Snap-On).

I'm disappointed that they're made in China, but I've had good luck with Lisle tools over the years.

Mike

 

[Squankum]

Woo hoo! These arrived when I got home today (they weren't expected until next Tuesday).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DHHD11GP?tag=atomicindus08-20

Lisle just released these at the end of last year (and I'm just learning about them now, of course). They've been selling a 10-pack of metric ones for years, I don't know why they're only including 7 sockets in the SAE set (or why they waited so long to come out with a SAE set). I need SAE for some hydraulic lines on my Terramite backhoe that need to be replaced.

I'm sure in all of that hunting you found out they're also known as "injector sockets", based on diesel engine use. If you need bigger, I've found this one, 22mm aka 7/8":

CTA Tools 5069 22mm Injector Wrench​

Amazon.com

 

[mjdarg]

I’m a home gamer, but got on my first SO truck and he got me haha. The action on the flush cutters sold themselves and will be definitely get used as I’m using zip ties all over. I also got a set of the green handled mini pry bars, they are pretty useful and I love the green.

I finally got a set of the Hyper Tough pry bars to replace my worn out Pittsburgh ones. The striking cap is nice touch and these will definitely get used.

The Astro Turbo bits and drill guide were used on my E46 racecar to drill out a broken oil pan bolt. The turbo bits worked great and the drill guide helped keep me straight while lying underneath the car.

 

[JB33]

Just received my digital pressure indicator. Definitely not a need but used one in training out at Tinaja Hills and decided to snag one. Tried to order one through work but it was cat back ordered so bought an OTC. Still waiting on the another 5k psi transducer and cable.

 

[darkzero]

Got me the HF mini toolbox also using today's 15% coupon. They will be $10 for Black Friday but knowing my luck they'll be out of stock by the time I get there.


I bought the Kobalt one back in July. Had buyers remorse & ended up returning it. Glad I did since the HF one came out & is so much better quality.

 

[darkzero]

I'll have to check with the one I have, but looks just like the Kobalt box.

It's basically the same dimensions & when I first saw the leaked pics of the HF one I had no interest since I previously bought the Kobalt one & returned it.

But the HF one is different, not sure if it's thicker sheet metal but it feels much nicer, better finish, comes with drawer liners, & best of all has ball bearing slides. Even uses magnets for drawer retention.

The Kobalt like most mini tool boxs just has angled metal for slides which made it feel really cheap. One of the reasons why I returned the Kobalt. The one from Menards is pretty much identical to the Kobalt in build construction.

 

[darkzero]

I got one too, the girl said because I was patient she gave me 15% off the $17.99. $18.27 out the door.

Damn, and I thought our sales tax here is high. Was $16.74 with tax for me. Is sales tax there really over 19%!? Can't be!

 

[vwpieces]

Snap-on got me today lol. New rolling seat with drawer.

Just thinking that if I put anything in that drawer I would spend days looking for it.

 

[IRQVET]

Why are the mini tool boxes becoming so niche?

I don't get it . . .

 

[bobg03]

Damn, and I thought our sales tax here is high. Was $16.74 with tax for me. Is sales tax there really over 19%!? Can't be!

sorry that should have read $16.27. Sales tax can range from 0% to 10% depending on what your buying and where in the county you are shopping, tourist based taxing is the rage.

 

[bobg03]

Why are the mini tool boxes becoming so niche?

I don't get it . . .

I can't ride a Harley or shift a rock crusher ****** anymore, 3rd childhood maybe?

 

[cody1325]

I’m a home gamer, but got on my first SO truck and he got me haha. The action on the flush cutters sold themselves and will be definitely get used as I’m using zip ties all over. I also got a set of the green handled mini pry bars, they are pretty useful and I love the green.

I finally got a set of the Hyper Tough pry bars to replace my worn out Pittsburgh ones. The striking cap is nice touch and these will definitely get used.

The Astro Turbo bits and drill guide were used on my E46 racecar to drill out a broken oil pan bolt. The turbo bits worked great and the drill guide helped keep me straight while lying underneath the car.

Pretty much a home/hobby gamer myself also--what Snap-On I have Granddad got off the truck along with Mac) in the mining industry 40 years ago, plus a few odd sockets I got in eBay lots. I carry the PBM5S in Power Blue with me every day. It's the only thing I own off that I personally bought off the truck, and I use it regularly. Carries well, provides a ton of leverage, and has a great handle. Adding a brighter color, (lost and found the Power Blue version too many times to count) as well as a bent version soon. I tend to stick with straight since it makes a good screwdriver as well.


Think I have almost all the Hyper Tough pry-bars, save for the new "mini" ones. My favorites are the two opposites of the spectrum--the 6" is surprisingly robust for the tiny size, and the 48" is a tank. And VERY cheap compared to some other companies Wilde OEMs for--thus they were a huge upgrade for someone like me who just had thin trim bars and a cat's paw or two. Wish Walmart would give Wilde a pliers contract. I've never been impressed by any of the HT or Hart pliers at Walmart, but Wilde was Craftsman's OEM for ages.

 

[Squankum]

I'm just a fiend for HF's "Braun" product line in general. Already have one of these. Bought two more. Wanted another for a different part of The Shabby Dwelling, and one as a gift for the cat sitter.

Two in the dwelling are both for cat purposes, for the "Who didn't cover their poop?!" emergency litter box smell response team, and in the living room, one for looking at Sir Grumpalot, who lives under the couch.



Actually bought these off the HF website, paid a few dollars more each because of shipping. Had already stopped by the twice in recent weeks looking for these, sold out each time. They're so fairly priced for how good they are, I don't mind.



(He has a more dignified name, but he sure is grumpy.)

https://www.harborfreight.com/200-lumen-led-penlight-70755.html

$7.99. What a bargain. That's a bargain for me. I think I will buy some.

 

[Squankum]

Think I have almost all the Hyper Tough pry-bars, save for the new "mini" ones. My favorites are the two opposites of the spectrum--the 6" is surprisingly robust for the tiny size, and the 48" is a tank. And VERY cheap compared to some other companies Wilde OEMs for--thus they were a huge upgrade for someone like me who just had thin trim bars and a cat's paw or two. Wish Walmart would give Wilde a pliers contract. I've never been impressed by any of the HT or Hart pliers at Walmart, but Wilde was Craftsman's OEM for ages.

For a while they were selling Vaughn hammers, too. I was enthused -- you're on the right track! Have some wretched and cheap stuff for those who really need to save money (or are misers), but make good stuff available for a good price, too! Alas, the customers have spoken.

 

[Indexmill]

I'm just a fiend for HF's "Braun" product line in general. Already have one of these. Bought two more. Wanted another for a different part of The Shabby Dwelling, and one as a gift for the cat sitter.

Two in the dwelling are both for cat purposes, for the "Who didn't cover their poop?!" emergency litter box smell response team, and in the living room, one for looking at Sir Grumpalot, who lives under the couch.



Actually bought these off the HF website, paid a few dollars more each because of shipping. Had already stopped by the twice in recent weeks looking for these, sold out each time. They're so fairly priced for how good they are, I don't mind.



(He has a more dignified name, but he sure is grumpy.)

https://www.harborfreight.com/200-lumen-led-penlight-70755.html

$7.99. What a bargain. That's a bargain for me. I think I will buy some.

Very beautiful picture of a very beautiful cat. If she is grumpy, it is a small price to pay for that feline elegance. Or, maybe it is just the picture.

 

[Draftpick1]

Picked up the SAE and Metric craftsman Facom rebrand socket and bit set, and can see how they are in size to the Icon and some other bit set i have

 

[NUTTSGT]

Got me the HF mini toolbox also using today's 15% coupon. They will be $10 for Black Friday but knowing my luck they'll be out of stock by the time I get there.


I bought the Kobalt one back in July. Had buyers remorse & ended up returning it. Glad I did since the HF one came out & is so much better quality.

Well, that answers the question I had about colors. I have a black Kobalt one but I don't care for the big "KOBALT" on the bottom drawer. Unfortunately, it's not a decal but in the powdercoat or whatever so it won't come off.


US Gen, appears to be a badge ?

 

[MongoTA]

Diesel: Quite a few years ago I bought three 5G plastic jugs for diesel by FuelWorx, got them at Tractor Supply. Love them. Pricey, I think they were $45 each, but they're terrific fuel cans. They stack vertically. They have the vent button in the handle, and as advertised, they drain in 60 seconds with zero spill and a decent laminar (not really laminar) flow, regardless, there's no 'glug glug glug'.

Gasoline: I store gas cans outside the house in a vented cabinet. I really dislike the plastic 5G jugs I've been using for the past...can't even recall how many years. Bad enviro-spouts that may or may not dispense fuel, that may or may not spill fuel or vent fumes when bringing fuel home. Last straw was a couple days ago. Put 4 gallons in a 5G can and my car reeked while driving home. I thought of getting plastic FuelWorx jugs for storing gasoline, but plastic is plastic, and plastic cans can sometimes turn into bowling balls due to increased pressure inside the jug.

This came yesterday:


Filled it, used it, liked it, so I ordered two more.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Why are the mini tool boxes becoming so niche?

I don't get it . . .

Not sure I would call them "Niche" but maybe for some. When I first saw them, I thought perfect for the "office" type of stuff in the garage.



I prefer this much more over a plastic cup holding pens, pencils, Sharpie's and other stuff. For a 20 dollar bill, well worth it, IMHO. I know I can spend a $20 other places in a heartbeat.

Looks like the local HF is out of stock, so I'll have to wait for restock to check them out.

 

[RichRiddle]

Perhaps ladders are tools, perhaps not, but here is a picture of a step ladder recently purchased. The wife had mentioned she was worried about me falling off a ladder, so this step ladder showed up for sale. It has a few safety options. A friend suggested it's a bit of overkill.

 

[Beerhippie]

Perhaps ladders are tools, perhaps not, but here is a picture of a step ladder recently purchased. The wife had mentioned she was worried about me falling off a ladder, so this step ladder showed up for sale. It has a few safety options. A friend suggested it's a bit of overkill.

"A little overkill?" Really? Where's the anchor point for your harness?

 

[darkzero]

US Gen, appears to be a badge ?

It's a decal but not the typical vinyl sticker. They're individually cut letters & has some thickness to them, more of rubber like material. They're removable but it's the type of decal that breaks into little bits as you pick away at it.