Recent content by visionguru

I was impressed by Fanttik S1 Apex (from Costco) when repairing a broken Samsung TV recently, the workmanship, features, and usefulness feel next generational. Looks like most of my huge collection of screwdrivers: PB Swiss, Vessel, Snap On etc screwdrivers will start gathering dust from now on...

This has been my favorite tool for precision measuring, used quite a bit in the last 20+ years. $10 back in 2002. Yesterday, I dug out my 20+ years old "Popular Mechanics" feeler gauge set, to check spark plug gaps. I was surprised by the accuracy of Harbor Freight digital caliper...

18650 Li-Ion battery cells are commonly used in power tools battery packs. If you crack open the case and do little soldering, you can renew the battery pack.

Those were "Assembled in USA". I strongly suggest you check the Duracells in your equipment. My Snap-ON torque wrench battery holder is electronically disconnected, equivalent to plain storage, yet Duracell leaked. Last year, 5 or 6 Duracells leaked in my plastic storage box. From now on, for...

Recently, I kept finding battery leaks: Snap-On 1/4" Techangle. 3 AAA batteries were in the battery holder, not in the torque wrench. 2 out of 3 leaked. Voltages were still more than 1.5v Bosch Laser distance measure. 2 out of 4 AAA leaked. Voltages were all above 1.5v. Coast Headlamp. 2 AA...

Had to drive my son to a fencing tournament last Sunday. To kill time, I went to a Harbor Freight nearby. The new ICON G2 ratchets are very nice! I have many Snap On ratchets. ICON G2s are probably the closest to Snap On. The 80-teeth is smooth, not sure about internal design, when rotated...

From the specs, Klein MM400 is a basic 4000 count, 1% accuracy multi-meter. $80 is highway robbery, and it doesn't even come with a case. $20 seems more appropriate. Search on Amazon, $80 can buy way better meters.

I used to be big on Snap On, visiting eBay quite often. As far as I can tell, there are counterfeit bags, watches, auto parts...., but there is no such thing as "counterfeit Snap On". Guess the small, limited customer base makes it not worth the effort.

Forget the click type, go digital! The real time torque display, warning lights, and handle vibrations (optional) will eliminate the chances of snapping a fastener, especially for a DIYer. I have Snap On Techangles, way more than I need as a DIYer, but those were purchased 5+ years ago when...

To me, flex head is better. I have GearWrench 81230P: I found that the set pretty much covers everything I need as a home gamer in doing brakes, suspension....etc. As for slimmer ratchet, I like Astro, for example tinny head 1/4", 3/8" head in 1/4" size, 1/2" head in 3/8"... I have all of...

I have the Gearwrench set, great quality. For superior visibility that puts everything mentioned above to shame, check out this Milwaukee set: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-SHOCKWAVE-3-8-in-Drive-SAE-and-Metric-6-Point-Impact-Socket-Set-43-Piece-49-66-7009/316467306 Tekton is for...

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Mini pry bars: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZKSS2ZM?tag=atomicindus08-20

(y)I used Abatron and other wood hardeners, as prep for wood repair. Those things basically turn soft (rotted) surface layer into plastic, but definitely can not penetrate deep enough. Even if penetrated deep, I doubt it can enhance structural strength at all.

Instead of getting tools that I won't use often, this is cheaper: 20 lug nuts for $10, expecting aftermarket lug nuts, but was pleasantly surprised the eBay seller is actually a local Acura dealer's parts department, those are OEM lug nuts. When I went there to pick up, I did make myself a...