Took advantage of the Lowe's buy a battery starter set and get 2 free tools.
I mainly wanted the small cut off tool and honestly think the DeWalt will be better than the Milwaukee version. I think a power hungry tool like this would be better served by an 18v battery.
Unfortunately I have Milwaukee and DeWalt 18v tools and batteries. There are some things that DeWalt makes that are simply better than Milwaukee and vice versa.
I’m happy with my Klein, my wera (except when it occasionally skips or locks up), and that stupid long, swivel head gearwrench one I picked up is pretty decent.
I’m happy with my Klein, my wera (except when it occasionally skips or locks up), and that stupid long, swivel head gearwrench one I picked up is pretty decent.
I have a gear wrench bit socket set. I gave up on gearwrench ratchets in general just because when I would buy them they would arrive. Was something wrong with the set so I'd return it.
It is a lot bigger than the little Titans though.
The little ones are much more expensive than when I bought them, now they're like 20 bucks
For comparison, this is the only gear wrench ratcheting type thing that I kept, this is the bit socket set... I was just using it last week. Ironically, I was using it to remove a couple drywall screws...
Which is your favorite wera? I have never used their mini ratchets or bit ratchets.
This is a link to the 8011 mini, but it's like 40 bucks. At least I know how to use this one, not that I've ever tried it. I thought about getting one to try but I feel like it's part of a system.
Or do you mean the larger one That comes with an adapter so you can use 1/4-in sockets.. Amazon lists it has frequently returned, which seems weird since it has a 4.9 rating and lots of reviews. I did not read those reviews to find the bad ones to see why they returned them.
There is also a really tiny one that I think is meant to be used with a torque wrench that has kind of a square end. I never pursued that to see how the expected you to use it very expensive.
Or do you mean the larger one That comes with an adapter so you can use 1/4-in sockets.. Amazon lists it has frequently returned, which seems weird since it has a 4.9 rating and lots of reviews. I did not read those reviews to find the bad ones to see why they returned them.
This one is a bit of a banger. We have one at work (and mine in a ToolCheck) that I lean on pretty decent.
States 65Nm, but if you wanna act like a YouTuber turd and treat it like a breaker bar, yea - it will get bad reviews.
Found myself in a bit of a pickle yesterday afternoon. I'll spare you the details, as they are far from exciting, and a new friend was able to help me out in a pinch by lending me a small floor jack to get me out of my bind. Today I made sure it doesn't happen again.
I really didn't anticipate the size difference. Did anyone know it's possible to give yourself size envy???
I purchased some new Pferd chain saw files to go with my two free Stihl 2 in 1 Filing Guides I was given by a neighbor who couldn't figure out how to use them.
Nice! I have yet to see any of the 250th tools at my Walmart--and those pliers haven't been listed on the website.
I bought the regular red version of the driver, and it's surprisingly decent. Definitely one of those "stick in a drawer just to keep handy" type things, as most of my kits have ratcheting drivers of fairly short lengths that hold a ton of bits in the handle, and I usually have a box of specialty stuff if I haven't swapped out the stuff I don't use already.
I have been watching Amazon off and on for a chisel holder. This popped up last week as a “used” almost new.
Delieverd this afternoon. Williams chisel holder.
I have a gear wrench bit socket set. I gave up on gearwrench ratchets in general just because when I would buy them they would arrive. Was something wrong with the set so I'd return it.
It is a lot bigger than the little Titans though.
The little ones are much more expensive than when I bought them, now they're like 20 bucks
For comparison, this is the only gear wrench ratcheting type thing that I kept, this is the bit socket set... I was just using it last week. Ironically, I was using it to remove a couple drywall screws...
Which is your favorite wera? I have never used their mini ratchets or bit ratchets.
This is a link to the 8011 mini, but it's like 40 bucks. At least I know how to use this one, not that I've ever tried it. I thought about getting one to try but I feel like it's part of a system.
Or do you mean the larger one That comes with an adapter so you can use 1/4-in sockets.. Amazon lists it has frequently returned, which seems weird since it has a 4.9 rating and lots of reviews. I did not read those reviews to find the bad ones to see why they returned them.
There is also a really tiny one that I think is meant to be used with a torque wrench that has kind of a square end. I never pursued that to see how the expected you to use it very expensive.
I haven’t bought any GW stuff in forever except that long hex drive rat. GW quality isn’t what it used to be. That rat was a novelty purchase but little did I know it would end up the perfect tool for something a couple weeks ago. I’m glade I bought it.
Wera, I have that one in your link. I don’t have a favorite. Matter of fact I’m kinda disappointed in the quality of all the bit sets I’ve bought, none of it will ever get replaced. Screwdrivers are a different story. I don’t understand how wera can nail a quality screwdriver but fail on their bits.
The Klein, ya that what I have. It’s fine, no complaints so far. I also have this super itty bitty rat I bought because of this joint. Sorry I don’t remember who the manufacturer is. Also it’s only been truly used a couple times.
Wera, I have that one in your link. I don’t have a favorite. Matter of fact I’m kinda disappointed in the quality of all the bit sets I’ve bought, none of it will ever get replaced. Screwdrivers are a different story. I don’t understand how wera can nail a quality screwdriver but fail on their bits.
I have a bunch of specific bit sets, and I have some bit sets that I built out myself after piecing together individual bits that I wanted. Ignore the fact that I have a rather large PB Swiss bit set that I bought and I have some pre-arranged zephyr bit sets that I bought... Those are all really nice.
Also built some of my own bit sets from PB Swiss and also some from zephyr bits. Very expensive, and I have extra bits on the common ones...
The Klein, ya that what I have. It’s fine, no complaints so far. I also have this super itty bitty rat I bought because of this joint. Sorry I don’t remember who the manufacturer is. Also it’s only been truly used a couple times.
I was looking at the client and thinking about it... I noticed that Milwaukee has something similar on my local home Depot. Has one for $22 or $23. Depending on how well I recover from my cataract surgery today, I might pop in later this week and check one out. The Milwaukee version is called the the Milwaukee 7-in-1 mini-bit ratchet... I have no idea what the model number is.
Looks really similar to the Klein, the Klein is cheaper but the Milwaukee has like a clip so you can connect it to stuff. They both include I think the same bits
My local home Depot has the Milwaukee in stock and I would have to special order the Klein if I understand it right
I think the Milwaukee is more convenient if I want to hook it to a belt loop or something, but I think Klein would spin better if I wanted to shove my finger through the round hole and spin things around.
So I take it you find the Klein to be very usable and decent?
Also grabbed a folding saw. I've been wanting to get one for occasionally use but after trimming up some frontage at my parents, I pulled the trigger when I spotted it.
This style of saw is good for backcountry camping, too! Had a buddy who could go rustle up a good supply of dead wood with one of these for the night's campfire to keep the ape man at bay.
^ The "Silky" is the Snap-on of the folding saw world. Pretty spendy, but the guys who own them love them.
Mine is a cheapie - a little Bahco I believe I paid less than $20 bucks for. Fast. Very sharp. I chose this one for size - it fits easily into the side pocket of my little day pack. I am no longer doing trail work, so there's no way I could justify shelling out a lot of money for one of these.
I was not happy with the back drag on this titan ratchet plus it felt notchy. So disassembling and cleaning up some machining fairy dust that remained and lubing with avocado oil (don’t tell the ole lady please) smoothed all the notchy out but the back drag is still not great.
Easy fix you squeeze the heart clip together more it will lower the back drag. If the back drag is still too much repeat the process. If you do it too much you will cause the teeth to not catch but that is easily fixed by spreading the heart back out a bit. Just takes some time to get it perfect. I have done this with SK "tuff" ratchets, titan micro ratchets and a craftsman roto head.
I have a bunch of specific bit sets, and I have some bit sets that I built out myself after piecing together individual bits that I wanted. Ignore the fact that I have a rather large PB Swiss bit set that I bought and I have some pre-arranged zephyr bit sets that I bought... Those are all really nice.
Also built some of my own bit sets from PB Swiss and also some from zephyr bits. Very expensive, and I have extra bits on the common ones...
I was looking at the client and thinking about it... I noticed that Milwaukee has something similar on my local home Depot. Has one for $22 or $23. Depending on how well I recover from my cataract surgery today, I might pop in later this week and check one out. The Milwaukee version is called the the Milwaukee 7-in-1 mini-bit ratchet... I have no idea what the model number is.
Looks really similar to the Klein, the Klein is cheaper but the Milwaukee has like a clip so you can connect it to stuff. They both include I think the same bits
My local home Depot has the Milwaukee in stock and I would have to special order the Klein if I understand it right
I think the Milwaukee is more convenient if I want to hook it to a belt loop or something, but I think Klein would spin better if I wanted to shove my finger through the round hole and spin things around.
So I take it you find the Klein to be very usable and decent?
I have yet to pull the trigger on ANY mini ratchet. Looking back at jobs where they'd have helped, I'd say the smaller depth, the better (especially jammed into a vehicle dashboard). I highly doubt I'd ever use the carabiner "feature."
SRSLY?
There's a gazillion different options. New ones come out every day. Every day!
"Battle of the bit ratchets" thread - excellent source. Andy has done some deep-dive stuff on bits and those goofy ratchets.
I've purchased WAY too many of them. Some good. Some cheesy. Some plain damn silly. Take the plunge. Buy in for under $20 bucks:
I have yet to pull the trigger on ANY mini ratchet. Looking back at jobs where they'd have helped, I'd say the smaller depth, the better (especially jammed into a vehicle dashboard). I highly doubt I'd ever use the carabiner "feature."
I have used the clips (tool lanyard), especially when using a ladder... I also might use it in a few other situations, but I bet the Klein has better ergonomics without the carabiner.
I have small keychain ratchets from koken.
1/4 Sq. Dr. Ratchet Handle 20 teeth Short Length 75mm Key Ring - – Ko-ken USA https://share.google/UiMYAn3PyxC6lA1lK
I did not pay $50 each. Too bulky for a keychain as small as they are.
SRSLY?
There's a gazillion different options. New ones come out every day. Every day!
"Battle of the bit ratchets" thread - excellent source. Andy has done some deep-dive stuff on bits and those goofy ratchets.
I've purchased WAY too many of them. Some good. Some cheesy. Some plain damn silly. Take the plunge. Buy in for under $20 bucks:
I have used the clips (tool lanyard), especially when using a ladder... I also might use it in a few other situations, but I bet the Klein has better ergonomics without the carabiner.
I have small keychain ratchets from koken.
1/4 Sq. Dr. Ratchet Handle 20 teeth Short Length 75mm Key Ring - – Ko-ken USA https://share.google/UiMYAn3PyxC6lA1lK
I did not pay $50 each. Too bulky for a keychain as small as they are.
^ The "Silky" is the Snap-on of the folding saw world. Pretty spendy, but the guys who own them love them.
Mine is a cheapie - a little Bahco I believe I paid less than $20 bucks for. Fast. Very sharp. I chose this one for size - it fits easily into the side pocket of my little day pack. I am no longer doing trail work, so there's no way I could justify shelling out a lot of money for one of these.
I have yet to pull the trigger on ANY mini ratchet. Looking back at jobs where they'd have helped, I'd say the smaller depth, the better (especially jammed into a vehicle dashboard). I highly doubt I'd ever use the carabiner "feature."
Good! Because they're all too big, and I tells ya, they've got teeth, that's the first problem!
I got one of these a few decades ago and when you need it, you need it. Roller clutch. Three inches long.
The only drawback is that to change directions, you remove the socket and push the anvil through to the other side.
There are all kinds of them. The "ICON" model consistently gets high marks here.
The little "Titan", which I thought was just super, has seen a few detractors.
Buy-in is as low as $6 bucks for the cheapie PRC models (don't bother.)
You can find decent stuff for $16-$20 a pop.
Picked up a 18" 3/8 ratchet from the cornwell man today. Have been wanting to try out one of their new ratchet offerings now that we have dealer and this was on sale for $160. Not a huge fan of ball dent to the flex head but the 120 tooth head feels smooth. Really hoping the guts are as strong as the SO dual 80s
Picked up a 18" 3/8 ratchet from the cornwell man today. Have been wanting to try out one of their new ratchet offerings now that we have dealer and this was on sale for $160. Not a huge fan of ball dent to the flex head but the 120 tooth head feels smooth. Really hoping the guts are as strong as the SO dual 80s
My 18" matco locking flex (3/8" drive) is probably my most used ratchet now. The detent would cause issues for me getting smoothly around objects one handed.
Facom 441 XL OGV Grip wrenches 18, 19mm
Filling out the top end of a partial set I got a deal on a while back. These are for M12 bolts in ISO and DIN respectively, so as with all metric wrenches in this size pair (and 16/17 for M10 too) it does raise the little question of why one should be 1/2" longer than the other.
Stahlwille "Open Box 14" long combination wrench 13mm
Long and 12pt, as my Facom 440s are a bit shorter than ideal sometimes, and the 441s 6pt can be awkward. Went for something different to the 440XL just for variety, plus they don't even do 12mm or 18mm (might want in future) for some reason. It's not really long though, just a bit long (195mm) compared to the bit short "Open Box 13" (160mm), standard Facom 440 (170mm), and the actually long 440XL (235mm).
Stahlwille "Motor 10" double open end wrench 10x8mm
To go in my bike kit bag, for odd things like fenders/racks and old fashioned non-hex things. Notice the width of the body narrows towards the smaller end.
Stahlwille "Electric 12" offset mini double open end wrenches 8, 10mm
Thought they might save the day someday, so I just got the small standard metric sizes. They're about 100mm (4") long, and thinner than I realised at 3mm (1/8").
Stahlwille 4025 adjustable wrench 6" (161mm), 0-24mm
Mainly got this because household plumbing sizes are all over the place - e.g. illogical mix of 20, 22, 23, and 24mm for radiators. At least 22/24 are standard sizes, but then the length of normal wrenches sometimes gets in the way. I do have pliers wrenches but I prefer adjustables for some situations. They also do a 4026 variant with phosphated black finish.
Facom RTM.2GRP & RTM.2.5GRP Hex OGV Grip bit sockets 1/4"
Filling out the bottom end of a collection I bought a while back. Felt I was tempting fate by not having them.
^ The "Silky" is the Snap-on of the folding saw world. Pretty spendy, but the guys who own them love them.
Mine is a cheapie - a little Bahco I believe I paid less than $20 bucks for. Fast. Very sharp. I chose this one for size - it fits easily into the side pocket of my little day pack. I am no longer doing trail work, so there's no way I could justify shelling out a lot of money for one of these.
Well the Mac man got me today lol. I’ve been looking for a scan tool. Got this Mac GT3 scanner used for $1500. Still gets updates. Not a fan of it running off Android but you know they would never run off Apple like I prefer lol. Then been needing a seal puller I have one at the house but not at work so now I’ve got one. Also needed some 1/4 swivel sockets and got these which he gave me a good deal on since I bought the scan tool. And of course a “free” bag for the scan tool and two shirts and supposed to bring me the 4th of July shirt next week because he only had large today.
A few oddball Snap-on things for home and work. A 1/4” spinner (it’s ok, I think the Koken one which is a bit thicker and has better knurling is a superior spinner), the trim/pry/anything-and-everything meme tool from awhile back, and the 8” thin jaw adjustable wrench. I also ordered a 14mm combo wrench but it is on backorder. Waiting for some MAC stuff that is on backorder too. I’ve become very acquainted with the word backorder as of late…
