Recent content by Phog Allen

That's them. I went back to NWS' s web site and they mention something about a SoftGripp 3K handle grips. Seems they announced it in January of 2015. Looking over their site they still list some of the yellow handled models but mention them as discontinued products. They also changed the...

Like all things tools, sometimes you get an itch to buy something...just because. So it has been for me with NWS combination pliers. I was trying to find the matte chrome(finish 49 I believe) with those neat looking yellow and black grips. Well Chadstoolbox and NWS themselves list them as out of...

Gents, this is not really a brand vs brand thread. I intend to buy one or two drivers of several brands in an attempt to determine grip size and how it fits me. I have Klein covered in multiple handle sizes and a few Wiha models so that should be covered too. I want to try Wera which is...

It depends upon your trade. Auto mechanics? Probably not so much. Electricians (me), HVAC, electronics tech, appliance repair, or process machinery control techs use them all the time. Magnetic 99% of the time. I like a mix of both short and longer shaft models. 1/4, 5/16, 11/32, and 3/8 see...

I don't post much but I did get a laugh out of the bi-weekly Crapsman screwdrivers stink comment. It is all too true. Back in my misspent y'ute, I thought CM was the huckleberry for a guy like me. Totally amateur wrench who only occasionally worked on his own stuff. And for the most part, it...

Best post in the thread. About the only thing I would add is to look first at whatever fools you may want to add to the stable and make sure the brand you are looking at has them available in the voltage you select. I think we are in a good place with cordless these days and I would make...

I wanted to add some links to PB Swiss USA site for those interested. The first is a link to the set I referenced above and the image from their site. All ownership of said photo goes to PB Swiss. And a following link to the Tool Lady. If we can get decent options through Amazon it will be a big...

Oliver, thank you for the great reply. A very informative post and it is always good to have hands on experience shared about products. And links to go along with it! Dave, great information and opinion. Yes, I am in the States. Zephyr is a name I have not heard in a long time. I recognise it...

Please do. This is one area where moving toward your favourite brands 'just because' is not really a good option. At their very best these are consumable products. I don't care what name is on them. Sooner or later you break them or wear them out. Ah, I had forgotten about Witte. They...

Gents, I really need to source a decent set of 1/4 inch drive insert bits. I am open to brands but do admit to some PB Swiss envy for the insert bits. Wera and Wiha seem to have a pretty stellar reputation in this department as well. I have used DeWalt, Milwaukee, and other store brands both...

It may be worth watching some of the videos by Dave Jones at the EEVblog. Google it. It will be the first hit. Videos tend to be lengthy but thorough. Dave is a hoot. A straight shooting Aussie who doesn't pull punches. He has done a lot of Fluke reviews and at lest one Metrowatt. His focus is...

It's a 3 phase panel. Just follow the bus bars and where they lead to the fuse holders. Oddball stuff like this was the norm before the advent of modern electrical codes. Electricians built the panels(and the fuses for that matter) on site to the needs of the owner. While the old girl looks...

Thank you Dave.

Gents, after a few false starts I am determined to grab up a few top quality precision pliers and cutters. We have had a few good threads here on the forums(including one I started a few years ago) and had some great suggestions offered. I would really like to source the Schmitz-Zanger brand...

Interesting takes. Depends on the work. In electrical work power drivers and interchangeable bits are less useful. Taking off large box covers and panel covers is a good use. Trying to jam it into a motor control cabinet isn't going to work. It's why sparkies carry a good selection of...