Recent content by dustytool

Not surprised to find it's an Easco relative, as others of my older Master Mechanic wrenches appear to be made by them. I really like the way this wrench feels in the hand. Super-stoked to have it back in action! I say "back" in action, but it never was "in action" during my ownership. Some guy...

We don't have Menards here in Cali, but I'll be in Minneapolis in a couple weeks where they do. Fleet Farm is also in the area. I'll check 'em out if I have time.

The comments regarding use on hose clamps rings true for me. Recently I repeatedly had to deal with a fussy hose clamp in the field and all I had to use was a slotted screwdriver, which continually slipped off. A nut driver would definitely be better. For small-scale work with electronics, I...

I haven't seen the Husky Pro, but I'll look next time I'm at HD. I've read others say the Pittsburgh Pro are not bad. HF is not close by, however. Not sure where to find the FatMax drivers, but I've got a couple hardware store runs to make this week and will keep an eye out for them and the SKs...

The reason I ask, is I impulsively bought a small set of metric nut drivers a long while ago and have NEVER put them to use. I'm a home mechanic who works primarily on bicycles, motorcycles, electronics, household stuff and occasionally cars. I guess I am just in the habit of grabbing a...

Are there brick & mortar stores that commonly carry a selection of these brands? Or do I need to shop online for these? I think I've seen SK at a local hardware store. The other brands I am unfamiliar with.

I'm an occasional home mechanic looking to replenish my modest** tool chest and am looking for guidance on where to buy a good, basic set of screwdrivers. In looking around, I'm not finding much that looks like good, mid-range quality, reasonably priced and without retarded rubber overmolded...

No way would I exchange this for a new one. I know better. True Value doesn't sell tools of this quality anymore (other than old stock). Those days are long gone. Too bad, as I liked the USA-made screwdrivers they used to sell. I was so enthused about finally getting this wrench working again...

I just looked in MY bike bin and found that a fancy cantilever brake stradle cable features a tension spring of exactly the diameter I need. Hopefully I can stretch it sufficiently to defy it's nature and turn it into a compression spring. :evil:

I was thinking along the same lines. I have a couple of well-stocked hardware stores nearby. Also there's a large secondhand/junk store close that has old and broken tools and whatnot. Also, don't gunsmiths typically have a selection of small springs? Though I don't know any good gunshops. And...

On this one there's no need to remove the pawl pin. You pull up on the directional knob while turning counterclockwise, which allows the knob to turn beyond the normal range of motion, then the hole on the ratchet body can be lined up with where the detent balls and spring inside the knob...

Ah-HA! I was able to retrieve the spring using a small steel pick and pull it out. That freed up the mechanism to be able to move into a position where the direction selection cap can be removed. :rocker: Of course I ruined the detent spring beyond repair when I pulled it out. Any...

I've scrutinized this thing over and over for a pin to drive out or something, but there's nothing I can see. I suspect that hole you see in the second picture is not there for no reason, but it has not revealed it's purpose to me yet. It may be that I can't rotate the top plate far enough...

I have a nice USA made, 1/2" drive Master Mechanic ratchet (model T1658) that only works in one direction. I took the ratchet assembly out it to find that the direction changing mechanism is jammed by a damaged detent spring inside. The detent ball I was able to shake free. Thus far I cannot...