Tool updates and new variants we want

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Came across a couple of existing tools recently that made me think - I wish they updated it to improve/fix something, or made a new variant.

So I thought a thread for that sort of thing could be interesting, and who knows, some brands might take some influence from the community here. I can imagine all sorts of reasons why they wouldn't or don't need to, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Personally I have either chosen a different product from that brand, one from a different brand, or bought the current product in question anyway.

When mentioning something new, if we did one tool per post, the like reactions on the post could give an indication of how popular the idea is.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Milwaukee M12 charger - update to be faster (like the M12-M18 fast one), and more compact

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Knipex linesman - 8" (200mm) variant. The current 9.5" (240mm) is a bit of a beast and weighs just under a pound.

 

[honcho]

Milwaukee M12 charger - update to be faster (like the M12-M18 fast one), and more compact

Double slot M12 charger please

 

[AJHD]

Knipex linesman - 8" (200mm) variant. The current 9.5" (240mm) is a bit of a beast and weighs just under a pound.

They have a 7" version. I've been meaning to pick one up, a normal linesman for my needs is way too big.

 

[richfinn]

They have a 7" version. I've been meaning to pick one up, a normal linesman for my needs is way too big.

Snap-On sell a 7" Lineman

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I presume you guys do get the intent of the thread, but are posting alterative brands anyway. I guess that might help someone.

The intent is to do "I wish this brand did a better/different version of their tool"... rather than "you can get this other brand instead".

They have a 7" version. I've been meaning to pick one up, a normal linesman for my needs is way too big.

Klein.

Snap-On sell a 7" Lineman

 

[richfinn]

I presume you guys do get the intent of the thread, but are posting alterative brands anyway. I guess that might help someone.

The intent is to do "I wish this brand did a better/different version of their tool"... rather than "you can get this other brand instead".


Klein.

I don't really understand the intent, if you need a specific tool and another brand can supply it, why bother "wishing"?

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I don't really understand the intent, if you need a specific tool and another brand can supply it, why bother "wishing"?

Could be all sorts of reasons...

• It's part of an ecosystem that you otherwise prefer (e.g. I like M12 tools but not the charger)
• You prefer the design/quality/performance/features/COO etc. of a particular brand
• The alternative brand has poor/no availability in your country, no warranty, high/inflated prices, etc.
• General interest in the improvement of tools, rather than accepting what's offered

But yes, if someone needs it right now, they can compromise on some of the above things and get another brand.

 

[richfinn]

Could be all sorts of reasons...

• It's part of an ecosystem that you otherwise prefer (e.g. I like M12 tools but not the charger)
• You prefer the design/quality/performance/features/COO etc. of a particular brand
• The alternative brand has poor/no availability in your country, no warranty, high/inflated prices, etc.
• General interest in the improvement of tools, rather than accepting what's offered

But yes, if someone needs it right now, they can compromise on some of the above things and get another brand.

I'm a jobbing mechanic, if I need a tool I just pop on GJ do a search and find one that fits the bill and then buy it.

non of those caveats really apply in my case, so I guess it's just not a thread for me

 

[ecotec]

I don't really understand the intent, if you need a specific tool and another brand can supply it, why bother "wishing"?

It was pretty well summed up in the last post… but, I am not going to add another battery system just to buy a tool.

I have thrown tools in the garbage to reduce the amount of battery systems that I have.

There are a lot “not ready for prime time” tools out there.

The tool upgrade that I look forward to most is rocker switches on Milwaukee impacts. The day that happens, there will be tears at Snap-on.

Another thing that I would like to see redesigned is the paddle switches on Milwaukee die grinders and ratchets. Right now, you have to 3D print buttons to replace them.

 

[richfinn]

It was pretty well summed up in the last post… but, I am not going to add another battery system just to buy a tool.

I have thrown tools in the garbage to reduce the amount of battery systems that I have.

There are a lot “not ready for prime time” tools out there.

The tool upgrade that I look forward to most is rocker switches on Milwaukee impacts. The day that happens, there will be tears at Snap-on.

Another thing that I would like to see redesigned is the paddle switches on Milwaukee die grinders and ratchets. Right now, you have to 3D print buttons to replace them.

I kind of get the battery system allegiance thing from an OCD/symmetry point of view to an extent, but I don't follow that myself I have 3 power tools brands on the go

 

[ecotec]

Another variant that I would love to see is foam tool storage that works with snap on tools for a fraction of the price. Ideally, it would be even more space saving. If it is off-brand, you would not need to waste 10-15 percent of the area for a logo.

The company could look at the tool list from every auto tech school tool list that was easily available online. They could take the aggregate, and make a tray based on the average tool list.

They could also do a 7mm-32mm minus 31mm.

Ideally, they would be designed with enough extra space, so that SuperCombo wrenches would also fit.

 

[richfinn]

Thinking about this thread whilst fiddling around with a variety of tools on my day off, I would be interested to see what modifications or upgrades folk have done to existing tools to improve performance or ease of use?

Maybe that's something tool manufacturers might take notice of, I could definitely get behind that concept

 

[bwringer]

I want a Power Probe that can also place various loads on the circuits I'm probing.

So, for example, I've got a wire with good continuity that reads 12VDC when the circuit is live. It's a good wire, job done, right?

Nope; sometimes with corrosion or damage you're down to one little strand, or a very sketchy ground that reads OK but won't pass much current. Traditionally, mechanics have a selection of turn signal bulbs and headlight bulbs in salvaged sockets used to place an actual load on a circuit, to see if it can actually carry current.

Instead of my collection of bulbs and wires, I want to flip a switch on a Power Probe and press the button to engage resistors inside to put a temporary 20 watt, 40 watt, or whatever load on the circuit. Maybe with an audible squeaker speaker that will make a noise to tell me something about the voltage drop, and of course I can watch the voltage readout.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I do laugh at how wide this has gone from my initial question, but some nice ideas here nonetheless

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I want a Power Probe that can

There are companies that pay royalties for ideas they put into production.

Submit a Product Idea | Snap-on Incorporated

www.snapon.com

Idea Program

www.lislecorp.com

 

[ecotec]

I am understanding that right before the patent ran out, Power Probe was sold to a holding company.

In theory, anyone can make one.

 

[richfinn]

I want a Power Probe that can also place various loads on the circuits I'm probing.

So, for example, I've got a wire with good continuity that reads 12VDC when the circuit is live. It's a good wire, job done, right?

Nope; sometimes with corrosion or damage you're down to one little strand, or a very sketchy ground that reads OK but won't pass much current. Traditionally, mechanics have a selection of turn signal bulbs and headlight bulbs in salvaged sockets used to place an actual load on a circuit, to see if it can actually carry current.

Instead of my collection of bulbs and wires, I want to flip a switch on a Power Probe and press the button to engage resistors inside to put a temporary 20 watt, 40 watt, or whatever load on the circuit. Maybe with an audible squeaker speaker that will make a noise to tell me something about the voltage drop, and of course I can watch the voltage readout.

28800 Digital Test Light with Load Tester

3-30 Volts DC Dual Polarity Digital Test Light that Can Also Apply Load to Get an Instant Voltage Drop Reading.

www.lislecorp.com

I've modified the cable on mine to work with the Power Probe extension so I always have known good power/ground. In use it's basically a hybrid computer safe LED test lamp which when you hit the button it turns into a regular incandescent test lamp.

Or you could build one of these

 

[richfinn]

I am understanding that right before the patent ran out, Power Probe was sold to a holding company.

In theory, anyone can make one.

Chinese companies have been selling PP clones for years now, I suspect the original PP1 from the early 90s was copied from something a vehicle tech had made at work to be honest. It was very basic

 

[RMERR]

I like the Wera screwdrivers with laser etched tips (especially phillips). I'd love to have that etching on some 1/4" bits for racheting handles. I even submitted the idea on Wera's website, they responded with a we'll take a look at it. That etching is great on old screws that want to fight you.

 

[NitroExpress]

Milwaukee M12 charger - update to be faster (like the M12-M18 fast one), and more compact

Milwaukee M12 charger that is 12v input for charging in the truck. I know they have a 12/18 charger with a cigarette lighter plug, but I want a small M12 only. Bonus points for USB-C.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

@RMERR

You can try ACR type bits in the meantime.

Snap-On

PH
- 1 https://shop.snapon.com/product/PHILLIPS-ACR®/%231-PHILLIPS-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM221IRB
- 2 https://shop.snapon.com/product/PHILLIPS-ACR®/%232-PHILLIPS-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM222IRB
- 3 https://shop.snapon.com/product/PHILLIPS-ACR®/%233-PHILLIPS-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM223IRB

PZ
- 1 https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pozidriv-ACR®/%231-Pozidriv-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM251IRC
- 2 https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pozidriv-ACR®/%232-Pozidriv-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM252IRB
- 3 https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pozidriv-ACR®/%233-Pozidriv-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM253IRC

Wera makes (made) them as well.

Right now I have trouble finding the full range, but they still list the PH 2 in different variants.

Here’s the 25mm PH 2

853/1 TZ ACR® bits - Wera Product finder

High quality bits with Torsion zone: where kinetic energy is diverted from peak loads. This greatly extends the product service life. Come with rough ribs (anti cam-out feature, ACR®). Tough viscous, for universal use; ¼' hexagon, suitable for holders as per DIN ISO 1173-D 6.3.

products.wera.de

I’m sure there are more brands that offer the ACR style.

I use the Snap-On and they work great!

Here’s a close up of two more or less new ones from my stash. PH & PZ 2



Kind regards,
Olli

 

[bwringer]

28800 Digital Test Light with Load Tester

3-30 Volts DC Dual Polarity Digital Test Light that Can Also Apply Load to Get an Instant Voltage Drop Reading.

www.lislecorp.com

I've modified the cable on mine to work with the Power Probe extension so I always have known good power/ground. In use it's basically a hybrid computer safe LED test lamp which when you hit the button it turns into a regular incandescent test lamp.

Or you could build one of these

That Lisle is getting very close to what I want. Nicely spotted! Now they need to make one where I can apply a few different loads besides 800ma; 4 or 5 amps to simulate a headlight or fuel pump, 1.5 to 2 amps to simulate a turn signal or brake light, etc. Yeah, I know it would get hot...

That homemade box is even closer; it could be even simpler with a couple of switches to switch resistors in and out of the circuit.

I bring this idea up now and again around here (I want a variable load box for REALLY testing vehicle circuits for the ability to actually pass adequate current) and I remain astonished that there are so few solutions.

 

[RMERR]

You can try ACR type bits in the meantime.

Thanks Olli! Hadn't seen these, just ordered a few.

 

[Jtels85]

Channellock pliers that come with different colored handles (orange, green, red, etc...) The blue is boring and played out. They need to spice things up a bit.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

@RMERR

You can try ACR type bits in the meantime.

Snap-On

PH
- 1 https://shop.snapon.com/product/PHILLIPS-ACR®/%231-PHILLIPS-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM221IRB
- 2 https://shop.snapon.com/product/PHILLIPS-ACR®/%232-PHILLIPS-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM222IRB
- 3 https://shop.snapon.com/product/PHILLIPS-ACR®/%233-PHILLIPS-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM223IRB

PZ
- 1 https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pozidriv-ACR®/%231-Pozidriv-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM251IRC
- 2 https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pozidriv-ACR®/%232-Pozidriv-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM252IRB
- 3 https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pozidriv-ACR®/%233-Pozidriv-ACR®-1-4%22-Hex-Shank-Bit/SDM253IRC

Wera makes (made) them as well.

Right now I have trouble finding the full range, but they still list the PH 2 in different variants.

Here’s the 25mm PH 2

853/1 TZ ACR® bits - Wera Product finder

High quality bits with Torsion zone: where kinetic energy is diverted from peak loads. This greatly extends the product service life. Come with rough ribs (anti cam-out feature, ACR®). Tough viscous, for universal use; ¼' hexagon, suitable for holders as per DIN ISO 1173-D 6.3.

products.wera.de

I’m sure there are more brands that offer the ACR style.

I use the Snap-On and they work great!

Here’s a close up of two more or less new ones from my stash. PH & PZ 2



Kind regards,
Olli

Those are Zephyr Tool Group bits and relabeled for Snap On. They make quite a number of bits for Snap On.
I have Snap On Phillips, Flat head, Torx and Hex bits all marked as Zephyr.
Any Snap On bit with a Z in a circle (Z) is made by Zephyr Tool Group and can be bought for cheaper as a Zephyr bit.
They also make a lot of the bits, bit sets and hand drivers for Brownells who also has some Williams stuff relabeled as Brownells.

Zephyr Bit set

Brownells Zephyr bit set

 

[richfinn]

That Lisle is getting very close to what I want. Nicely spotted! Now they need to make one where I can apply a few different loads besides 800ma; 4 or 5 amps to simulate a headlight or fuel pump, 1.5 to 2 amps to simulate a turn signal or brake light, etc. Yeah, I know it would get hot...

That homemade box is even closer; it could be even simpler with a couple of switches to switch resistors in and out of the circuit.

I bring this idea up now and again around here (I want a variable load box for REALLY testing vehicle circuits for the ability to actually pass adequate current) and I remain astonished that there are so few solutions.

The high amp test light is an old Nissan front fog lamp with a siren (from Jarhead Diagnostics) and a hanger/stand = 5A approx

Scannerdanner OTC test light with 4mm adaptor (screw on from WTS) = 165mA approx

Lisle 28800 (I cut the cable down and added a 4mm plug) = 800mA approx

They all work really good and get a regular workout, I tend to modify all my test gear in some way to make it nicer to use

 

[Andres26tnt]

I just want someone to release a USA made QR locking flex ratchet in all sizes.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Those are Zephyr Tool Group bits and relabeled for Snap On. They make quite a number of bits for Snap On.
I have Snap On Phillips, Flat head, Torx and Hex bits all marked as Zephyr.
Any Snap On bit with a Z in a circle (Z) is made by Zephyr Tool Group and can be bought for cheaper as a Zephyr bit.
They also make a lot of the bits, bit sets and hand drivers for Brownells who also has some Williams stuff relabeled as Brownells.

Zephyr Bit set

Brownells Zephyr bit set

Thank you very much! I always wondered who, originally, makes/made those bits.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Those are Zephyr Tool Group bits and relabeled for Snap On. They make quite a number of bits for Snap On.
I have Snap On Phillips, Flat head, Torx and Hex bits all marked as Zephyr.
Any Snap On bit with a Z in a circle (Z) is made by Zephyr Tool Group and can be bought for cheaper as a Zephyr bit.
They also make a lot of the bits, bit sets and hand drivers for Brownells who also has some Williams stuff relabeled as Brownells.

Zephyr Bit set

Brownells Zephyr bit set

Took some time to look into Zephyr, very interesting company. Again, thank your for bringing that to my attention!

I then revisited some of the bits I own, and it’s interesting to see that Snap-On did have Zephyr manufacture the bits, but also ventured out on their own at some point to make them, or have them made by another manufaturer.

One PH2 used from one of my kits (marked (Z) Zephyr), one more or less new from my stash (marked S Snap-On). One can see the difference in manufacturing.





Kind regards,
Olli

 

[WWheeler]

I want one of these readily available at a price point of under $500.

 

[merkyworks]

Wera also makes ARC style bits along with a diamond coated tip bit for better grip.

https://www.kctool.com/wera-056662-2-x-25mm-phillips-torsion-acr-bit/


https://www.kctool.com/wera-056402-2-x-25mm-phillips-bitorsion-diamond-coated-bit/

 

[Pasha]

Milwaukee needs to make a M18 version of their right angle impact. The 12 volt batteries don't last.

 

[GeoBruin]

I wish Astro would make all their cool stuff (ultra deep chrome sockets, razor wrenches, etc) in SAE.

 

[Rodango]

I’ve had really good experience with Dewalt 20 + 20/60V batteries. When I consider a new battery tool, I first wonder they make a version I’d like. If not, then I wonder if the batteries can be adapted to the other brand tool. A good example is an Evolution slide/compound multi-material saw that’s battery powered. I am dedicated to one battery ecosystem (two, but Ego is entirely yard eq for me!) Using one system for power tools keeps me from having odd chargers all over the place and trying to keep track of different makes of batt’s and their characteristics.

So my WANT is an adapter for Dewalt 20/20-60V batteries to the Evolution saws: then I’d buy the dang thig! (here’s the saw, sold with a circular saw and one -small!- 4AH/20V battery + charger: https://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Co...-Material/dp/B0FFC7773P/?tag=atomicindus08-20)

BTW, Dewalt proved the concept to me when I started using their DCS373: that thing is great! I’ve put dozens of feet of sheet steel, some stainless sheet, even some angle iron (2”x3/32”) on it and still using the original blade! New blades, like an Oshlun , are cheap; oem blades are not cheap tho, haha, but both work pretty good. The saw has low speed and high torque to cut metal.