YesIHaveAHammer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2025
- Messages
- 802
I was wondering some time ago about a similar set, looked useful, but couldn't come up with anything, so didn't buy. What are they good for?
Show your new tool arrivals
- Thread starter sarel.wagner
- Start date
Thanks to enablers like @Jarhead0408 and @lilscorpion these came yesterday.
John, I wonder why they chose to broach square drive on one set 8 point on the other. I’ll keep the square drives on my truck and see how they do next week. Thanks bud.
Maybe to allow more positions if you use them with a breaker bar rather than a ratchet?
SouthernIllinois
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2024
- Messages
- 1,667
$36 cheaper than its Snap-On identical twin
Poking, prodding, prying, levering, scraping.
(Sorry I can't remember a concrete example, other than reaching in above a ball joint to remove excess grease.)
Tchicken
Well-known member
I also picked up Icon's newest Stubby 1/4". HF threw in a 10MM spare socket set for freebies ..
New, no. Used, by me maybe.
Found an SK screwdriver that looks suspiciously like mine at an antiques store I frequent. Didn't say a word (as I'm good friends with the owner and still not 100% sure it was mine) partly due to it only being a couple bucks, but I have a suspect (a guy who the owner of the antiques store regularly buys from, and who leases adjoining property--also a rusty ****** block I traded for a vise I never received from said individual was beside it) Also, shop's getting padlocked, even though most of my name brand stuff is now locked in the basement or my car's toolbox.
Every ding and dent looks like the one on mine, and there's also "H" scratched into the handle. Granddad always marked his stuff with "H", "Harry", or "HLS" by means of engraving or cold stamps. I rarely ever mark my stuff, typically it only has his or another prior owner's name engraved on it (though I think N&W RR is big enough to the point I should put something else on it...)
This was probably bought new in the '70s by Granddad. He was never much for cheap tools.
I mostly used this one as a prybar due to the size, but still--it wasn't in the drawer where it's kept.
It's also why I DO NOT loan tools out anymore, and empty out equipment toolboxes if someone say mows in the upper fields unless I 100% know that person well (and most of them are professionals with tools better than my own that also bring their own stuff).
Sorry for the pilfer.
I used to live in Berkeley Cali. There were a lot of break ins. Tools are a favorite target since they can be sold quickly in the local flea markets. I heard if you get burgled there was a decent chance that you could find what you lost in the local weekend flea market. It is super annoying for that to happen but at least provides an opportunity to get your stuff back (even with a double injustice). Of course the people selling know nothing about the origin and deny and the police have bigger problems to deal with. Maybe they will sell it back cheaper if you rant about it. Cali was a great place to live for the variety. But I really do not miss this kind of aspects of living there. Too much crime and ridiculous accommodations are often given to those doing things they should not.
I once was moving and I made the bad mistake of leaving some boxes of physics books visible in my car due to being exhausted and wanting to take care of it in the morning. When you live there nothing can be left in a car ... even change. You can guess what happened. A thief smashed the car side window and grabbed the boxes. That was a disaster since they had a lot of my physics notes in them when carefully reading. They were not worth much to someone else (much less with a bunch of pencil annotations), BUT they were worth a lot to me. So I hit the 2nd hand books stores in hope of buying them back. But no luck. One scientist I know had an extensive notebook he kept for 40+ years with tech stuff he used in it (and dumbly neglected to make a copy). You can guess: he got burgled and the notebook was stolen. The thief realized it must be worth something to the owner and my friend got a phone call with the thief saying: "I found this book ... " and wanted a substantial "reward" for the return. My friend was like YES YES YES. He got gouged a little. He said that the thief showed up with a rottweiler on a chain doing a hand swap out a car window (cash for notebook). Ah Cali life. Inspired by my friend's earlier experience, I put a sign in the area after my theft offering a no questions asked "reward" for find and return of my books. No dice. I am not so lucky. But I would probably also end up getting in a fight and get knifed.
Life in cali ... great and bad at the same time. I do not miss being so paranoid about potential breakins and being looted. Getting looted now would be truly depressing with my mostly high quality usa tool collection. There is no way I could replace it.
Last edited:
Yes I did today, but they didn't know much about the cabinets ( the thing was sold in the US by Wilson tool ). But I figured that they didn't make them. Wilson said they would try and figure it out and get back with me.
Thanks for that I was having problems with the ole search when I started I was getting some apple cookies or some thing and Ai was useless it just want to tell me that apple will litigate you to death for using any thing with an apple in it's logo!!
If you've ever owned/used NEW apex industrial tools before...you'll immediately recognize the finish...and to be honest, the smell...
-ETA-
Value is also relative/eye of the beholder...
This is MSC direct (not Grainger) price for 1x genuine APEX bit.
SAE hex bit
Torx...
etc.
Last edited:
four.cycle
Well-known member
You're gonna need a bigger box.
Stopped by local Harbor Freight, and miracle of miracles they actually had some 70612 skinny pliers in stock! WooHOO!
Didn't see any "close out" flashlights/lamps other than that black barrel-shaped number for $2.98, and I already have four or five of them.
Picked up this little unit for $8 bucks
new tools and tacos 03/20/26
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Very good lookin' tacos, at that!I don't frequent HF, they sell tacos?
MichaelP
Well-known member
ICONic ones!
Wera micro torx and hex drivers from Zoro. The Wera hex keys I’m sorta cheating because they actually came in a couple weeks back in a KC Tools order, but I am just now putting them at a workbench. Before I ordered the Wera micro drivers, I was digging around the Bondhus website because I really do like their soft round handle drivers. I saw they have these cool magnetic collapsible bins and I figured I’d post them because who doesn’t love magnets. 2 for like $14 or something.
Attachments
four.cycle
Well-known member
Tacos were from Taqueria Hermanos Cardona - 610 No. Mildred, Tacoma 98407
Excellent stuff.
About a mile west of Harbor Freight.
Skyman
Well-known member
Care to share a few pics of the repaired items?
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,344
If you've ever owned/used NEW apex industrial tools before...you'll immediately recognize the finish...and to be honest, the smell...
-ETA-
Value is also relative/eye of the beholder...
This is MSC direct (not Grainger) price for 1x genuine APEX bit.
SAE hex bit
Torx...
etc.
Ok. maybe the bits a worth the price of admission.
Are they COO USA?
Strike two…I installed the bit holder into the driver but it couldn’t easily be removed. Like, you couldn’t remove it. I had to use a pick to move the hog ring around while trying to pull it free. It appears like it was bent from the factory:
I can fix this but shouldn’t have to.
Definitely not impressed with the bit stamping either:
Last edited:
I forgot to mention why I hate that handle. I always have to pry the bits out with a pair of needlenose and my retention ring isn’t fobarred.Ok. maybe the bits a worth the price of admission.
Are they COO USA?
Strike two…I installed the bit holder into the driver but it couldn’t easily be removed. Like, you couldn’t remove it. I had to use a pick to move the hog ring around while trying to pull it free. It appears like it was bent from the factory:
I can fix this but shouldn’t have to.
Definitely not impressed with the bit stamping either:
If you go back re-read my "mini-review" of this set, it will make more sense (post# 80,133)
ah, yes. circlip retention ...
Sorry, I didn't think to take any. I was putting the snow throwers away for the year and gave them their end-of-season once-over. I knew the 1992 Toro CCR Powerlite had a small crack in the housing when I removed the scraper bar to replace it last time, years ago. Replacing it again today I found that crack expanded and there were two new(er) ones. I used this tool to fix those cracks. The hot staples were as effective as they were fun to use.
The repairs are covered by the scraper bar and shrouding, and the machines are now buried in the garage until next year.
I used mine today to remove the (surprisingly small) stuck fuel line off the ****** of a Chonda carburetor.
They also work great on o-rings on cartridge type oil filter housings.
cody1325
Well-known member
Some Mac USA
Looks great! It seems like Mac had it briefly on the website when it came out, but I haven't seen it again. The web search brings up nothing.
I've been wanting to try this one and/or the Snap-On of these as my pocket screwdriver--since both aren't really expensive (even by "regular" tool standards). However, I'm still undecided on which to get. I know the Mac guy at a relative's shop (I think I went to school with him as well) and I can get it on order through him. Snap-On--I have a few small pliers I want to get, but I don't know the rep I bought a couple items from at a shop near my house.
Looks like I'm leaning more towards the Mac for availability, and it seems like it has a metal socket for the bit. In addition--I like the grind on the slotted bits.
The SO appears to be plastic on the other hand.
Snap-on Store
I called Mac to order. Ordered right before their last flyer ended and it does have metal socket for bit.Looks great! It seems like Mac had it briefly on the website when it came out, but I haven't seen it again. The web search brings up nothing.
I've been wanting to try this one and/or the Snap-On of these as my pocket screwdriver--since both aren't really expensive (even by "regular" tool standards). However, I'm still undecided on which to get. I know the Mac guy at a relative's shop (I think I went to school with him as well) and I can get it on order through him. Snap-On--I have a few small pliers I want to get, but I don't know the rep I bought a couple items from at a shop near my house.
Looks like I'm leaning more towards the Mac for availability, and it seems like it has a metal socket for the bit. In addition--I like the grind on the slotted bits.
The SO appears to be plastic on the other hand.
Snap-on Store
shop.snapon.com
So I guess that I forgot to mention what the tool cabinet is storing. It came with about 3000lbs of Wilson wt press brake punches and dies.
So I now have additional capabilities to bend metal! I got slightly over 8' of 50mm, 40mm and 16mm 86 degree dies, and 8+' of the 60 degree dies. Also 3, 8' sets of punches, swan neck, 28 degree Slight goose neck, and straight punches. So I can now bend 8' of 1/4" steel.
Now all I need is some hemming tooling and I should be good to go, I guess some 3" die would be nice if I want to do some 3/8" stuff too.....
So I now have additional capabilities to bend metal! I got slightly over 8' of 50mm, 40mm and 16mm 86 degree dies, and 8+' of the 60 degree dies. Also 3, 8' sets of punches, swan neck, 28 degree Slight goose neck, and straight punches. So I can now bend 8' of 1/4" steel.
Now all I need is some hemming tooling and I should be good to go, I guess some 3" die would be nice if I want to do some 3/8" stuff too.....
Last edited:
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
- Messages
- 1,344
RangerChief
Well-known member
Insider Club only.I don't frequent HF, they sell tacos?
cody1325
Well-known member
$36 cheaper than its Snap-On identical twin
And my good set of chisels is coincidentally Williams. Definitely need to put this on order, as it should cut back on smashed fingers.
Skyman
Well-known member
You don't say...
A solar-powered darkroom timer?
Well, the sun can charge up the luminous dial, can't it?
landrover bodger
Well-known member
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
A few new items. New ICON G2 1/4 drive 6.5 inch standard ratchet with comfort grip. hats off to the Harbor Freight employee that actually helped me today. They had none of the ratchets on display despite the website saying they were in stock. The employee couldn't find them and checked the store computer which showed they had 2 in a tote on the back of the truck. He found one and brought it to me. 
I like the feel of the ratchet. I think Harbor Freight should add the checkering from the bottom of the handle to the top black sections.
Next up is a Tekton compact stubby flex head ratchet that features 1/4 square drive at the bottom of the handle. Great for a roadside kit.
Lastly the free giveaway Icon 10mm socket set.
I like the feel of the ratchet. I think Harbor Freight should add the checkering from the bottom of the handle to the top black sections.Next up is a Tekton compact stubby flex head ratchet that features 1/4 square drive at the bottom of the handle. Great for a roadside kit.
Lastly the free giveaway Icon 10mm socket set.
Attachments
Also easier: you don't have to reset these to zero before putting them away. Very convenient!
I bought a Precision Instruments like this a few years back and it fits in one of my drawers just fine -- without the case.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
I splurged today and spent $5 on cotton swabs to get some free Icon sockets.
You can call me a Q-Tip connoisseur.
You can call me a Q-Tip connoisseur.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
September of last year I put in a rather large order for zephyr bits (well mostly bits and mostly zephyr). They took long enough that they finally ship me probably 3/4 of my order this month; I expect the rest in May.@Ohio Andy as well, you brought this up too.
I picked this up since I needed some parts for another project I could only find at Graingers:
Meh.
Gives me 90's tool vibes, like I borrowed my Dad's stuff for an afternoon. Bits are poorly stamped, was hoping to see USA on the driver handle and adapter, but nope. The case feels cheap and the card insert looks like it was printed in 1987. The case latch is poorly made as well. The case doesn't say made in USA either.
I cannot believe someone would have really paid $120 retail for this...but It was made for a time that no longer exists and expectations are much higher these days for tools such as this.
If anyone can tell me for sure its 100% USA made, I'd give it a pass, but right now, I don't see the value, even @ $30 bucks.
One of the zephyr bits they shipped me was actually Apex. I have been mostly just cataloging them (building out bit sets mostly from zephyr and PB Swiss).
I thought that in general apex bits had a good reputation and did not expect stamped bits. I have some Apex bits that I think are milled. I have used my Apex sets, but not a lot. The few times I used them they seemed fine.
For certain the drivers are functional but they're not up to the standards I'm used to for some of my better drivers.
My friend ( Brad ) had some tools locked up in his truck
someone wanted them really bad …
He went to the swap meet and found his tool bags & skill saw
put his bags on & then asked the guy if he had a hammer the seller point to a bucket - BINGO all his other stuff !
he grabbed his saw and the bucket put his hammer in the holder on his bags then walked away …
The guy yelled pretty loud. Hey your stealing my tools!
Brad turned around and said to the guy, “Do YOU Want ME To Call the Cops ? “
Funny and True story !!
this was 15 -18 years ago in San Diego
YesIHaveAHammer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2025
- Messages
- 802
Hultafors Short Tape Steel PR3M, metric-only 3m
I only work in metric so thought to try an exclusive tape for the benefit of having markings both sides. There's something to get used to at first glance when reading it though, after decades of using combination tapes. It has a sensible metric body length (65mm) for internal measurements, and a recoil bump stop. It's well made and does the job but I don't love it - the blade printing is a little blurred, the lock switch takes a lot of effort, and it's fat. Made by the now acquired Fisco of England, also sold as Sola.
Britool CELM Combination Spanners 13, 17, 19mm
New old stock, just for historical reasons. These were made in England but later offshored and apparently continued to be marked as such for a while. The 19mm has shallower text and the font of the size number has been modernised.
Facom T handle nut driver 8mm (74T.8)
New old stock. Isoryl handle, looks great in the sunlight. The size is stamped into the socket, which is good as the handle printing will probably wear off fairly quickly.
I only work in metric so thought to try an exclusive tape for the benefit of having markings both sides. There's something to get used to at first glance when reading it though, after decades of using combination tapes. It has a sensible metric body length (65mm) for internal measurements, and a recoil bump stop. It's well made and does the job but I don't love it - the blade printing is a little blurred, the lock switch takes a lot of effort, and it's fat. Made by the now acquired Fisco of England, also sold as Sola.
Britool CELM Combination Spanners 13, 17, 19mm
New old stock, just for historical reasons. These were made in England but later offshored and apparently continued to be marked as such for a while. The 19mm has shallower text and the font of the size number has been modernised.
Facom T handle nut driver 8mm (74T.8)
New old stock. Isoryl handle, looks great in the sunlight. The size is stamped into the socket, which is good as the handle printing will probably wear off fairly quickly.
Last edited:
