Ha! Even stainless and titanium transition into quivering lattice phonon vibrational modes out of fear when they see me breaking out the properly sized cobalt bits!
Good one on your graphic!
Last edited:
Show your new tool arrivals
- Thread starter sarel.wagner
- Start date
Ha! Even stainless and titanium transition into quivering lattice phonon vibrational modes out of fear when they see me breaking out the properly sized cobalt bits!
Good one on your graphic!
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I particularly like them when I sometimes need to drill a slightly larger hole... the bit stays center as it enlarges itI don't have the Vortex-ies. They came out after my purchase. I don't know about them:
Tchicken
Well-known member
THAT looks like a hammer I used in me misspent youth, we referred to them as mash hammers, and used them to pound plastic jointless firebrick into the walls of furnaces we were rehabbing.
Twisted Sid
Well-known member
Supposedly in a few days, they are having a good battery sale on the 5ah twin pack. Take the receipt back and get the difference.
My Memorial Day sale Koken finally arrived today.
Koken's least skippy, most Flank-Drivey-ist, and somehow quite affordable socket set. (Fairly priced even before the big holiday sale.) 8-19mm, no skip.
Even came with a socket rail. A rail that, unlike some others I've known, doesn't fight you to the death to remove a socket.
Pardon my problems focusing at close range. Satiny down low, and the rest of the socket seems like satin that got polished a little bit. Each socket reads size, Koken, part number, made in Japan. No laser beams involved, either.
Really taking the Flank Drive (they call it Surface Drive*) concept far. I don't know how well these will work but I'll know soon enough.
_________
* Make your own Carlinesque commentary about "How else is a socket going to work?" and "surface streets", too.
An update from last summer! I bought these sockets for my road bag and moemc asked me questions right away:
I had no answers! Hadn't used them yet. Well, now I've used them on a project and they feel like sockets.
I was trying to remove an underbody aero pan on a used Kia and the the bolts were fighting me. One bolt broke. Here are various flats on a rusty bolt head to show what a good job they did of engaging away from the corners:
12 Piece 3/8 Sq. Dr. Surface Drive, 6 Point, Chrome, Metric Socket Set
The Ko-ken RS3410M/12 3/8" Square Drive Socket Set is a 12-piece surface drive socket collection designed for high torque applications and reduced - Ko-ken USA
kokenusa.com
$65.46 at HJE, that's a bargain for you!
Koken 3/8" Drive 8MM-19MM Surface Drive Socket Set (RS3410M/12)
Koken 3/8" Drive 8MM-19MM Surface Drive Socket Set (RS3410M/12)
www.harryepstein.com
Skyman
Well-known member
That is impressive.
66HertzClone
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The most aggravating underbody pans and bolts was the first generation of the Infiniti Q45, that thing was massive, front of body work all the way back to the seam where the fender ended at the door opening. Full width as well, almost the size of a pool table, needed to be there as it formed a duct to pull the air through the radiator as there was no grill opening. The fun was up here in the northeast the hardware would rust into the nuts that in most locations were threaded holes in the frame and crossmembers. Removal thus caused the head to snap off leaving no option but having to drill through the trapped rusted bolts ad then rethreading the holes. A little more plating on these bolts might have prevented or reduced this. It would have been nice if they had provided a hinged door to allow access to the drain plug and oil filter but no one at Infiniti considered that.An update from last summer! I bought these sockets for my road bag and moemc asked me questions right away:
I had no answers! Hadn't used them yet. Well, now I've used them on a project and they feel like sockets.
I was trying to remove an underbody aero pan on a used Kia and the the bolts were fighting me. One bolt broke. Here are various flats on a rusty bolt head to show what a good job they did of engaging away from the corners:
12 Piece 3/8 Sq. Dr. Surface Drive, 6 Point, Chrome, Metric Socket Set
The Ko-ken RS3410M/12 3/8" Square Drive Socket Set is a 12-piece surface drive socket collection designed for high torque applications and reduced - Ko-ken USA
$65.46 at HJE, that's a bargain for you!
Koken 3/8" Drive 8MM-19MM Surface Drive Socket Set (RS3410M/12)
Koken 3/8" Drive 8MM-19MM Surface Drive Socket Set (RS3410M/12)www.harryepstein.com
esben57
Well-known member
I have that Koken socket set (love Koken tools!) I've had them for a few years now and the majority of my regular sockets, deep sockets, ratchets, extensions, etc. are Koken.....for me probably some the very best tools to use when working on vehicles (especially foreign). 
Though I do have to admit I definitely didn't pay that price that HJE is offering them at!
Now that is definitely a very good deal!
Thanks for posting and sharing Squankum.
Though I do have to admit I definitely didn't pay that price that HJE is offering them at!
Now that is definitely a very good deal!
Thanks for posting and sharing Squankum.
Lowes current Dewalt sale as seen above. Two 5.0Ah batteries/charger for $299 and get two free bare tools.
Cut off is regular $199 & router at $250...I was just looking at routers online last week.
Cut off is regular $199 & router at $250...I was just looking at routers online last week.
Ugh! The Kia I was working on, I saw rust on the bolts for the belly pan, and the hose clamps for the air filter box/air flow meter were the Japanese wire-and-bolt type, and that was a tussle I decided not to push too far, too. Don't know if this thing got salt air in its past, or went north in winter. Other than that, it was nice, so I wonder if Kia cheaped out on plating.
Your story makes today's little pin-centered fasteners seem okay.
Last edited:
I have that Koken socket set (love Koken tools!) I've had them for a few years now and the majority of my regular sockets, deep sockets, ratchets, extensions, etc. are Koken.....for me probably some the very best tools to use when working on vehicles (especially foreign).
Though I do have to admit I definitely didn't pay that price that HJE is offering them at!
Now that is definitely a very good deal!
Thanks for posting and sharing Squankum.
I don't know why, but their Surface Drive sockets cost less!
I got a FACOM Nano set a year ago, and I love it! I take it on vacation, which is how I wind up using it. When you don't have tools, having these tools is a godsend.
Part # RL.NANO1PB
Now, before you think I'm Hank Hill fixing a squeaky door at a beach resort hotel in Mexico, my "vacations" aren't very leisurely, I wind up having to fix various things and chase down problems, sometimes at an ancient house on an offshore island.
Last thing I used it for was to remove some old-timey technology (DishTV satellite dish), using the 13mm to undo some 1/2" Nylock nuts that somehow looked new after a few years of damp wind, rain, fog, sun.
Since buying it I've learned that the HF is superior, having both metric and that weird fractional system sockets in the same box, for less money. If you can live with a lower quality ratchet, which of course you can in small doses, away from the bat cave.
Last edited:
CGarage
Well-known member
It is important to note that Facom invented the NANO cased maintenance sets.
I own all of them and they are exceptionally useful, especially as an owner of European manufactured vehicles with metric fasteners.
The CASE is as essential as the tools. It holds all of the bits tightly and they do not fall out or become loose (or worse, lost)!
This was a much needed and significant improvement over the status quo that existed at the time.
I seem to recall the NANO sets coming out about ~ 15 years ago. A few years later, Facom released a video, in French, of the NANO series being used “in the field”.
Really impressive and excellent engineering.
I own all of them and they are exceptionally useful, especially as an owner of European manufactured vehicles with metric fasteners.
The CASE is as essential as the tools. It holds all of the bits tightly and they do not fall out or become loose (or worse, lost)!
This was a much needed and significant improvement over the status quo that existed at the time.
I seem to recall the NANO sets coming out about ~ 15 years ago. A few years later, Facom released a video, in French, of the NANO series being used “in the field”.
Really impressive and excellent engineering.
Morning delivery !
Made in USA, headquarters here in MA? Thank you for posting that, I don't know what rock I've been living under, but I'll start looking for more of those when buying in the future!
Mike
Yup! They make for Matco I know and not sure who else but cheapest to get direct from mayhew
Last edited:
You need to start working on your Harry Epstein's wish list for July 4 weekend!
And in a similar tool ballpark, deals can be found with Wilde:
When did the 1/4" flex come out? I have the stubby, 4", and 6" and a I love them all.Yup... more new tools. The latest icon G2 1/4" and 1/2" ratchets in hsnf... Video on my channel if you are interested.
SRU1436
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I agree. I do not see the point of these. If you want accuracy with a center, you should use a centering bit. Split points are also not that bad and can be easily resharpened. These look like they would be a nightmare to resharpen. High quality bits are generally not throwaways.
A centering drill is made for that and would produce better results.
Lesserstore
Well-known member
I submitted a return, and got the replacement today, and it's worse than this one. It just spins like a fidget spinner. Disappointed in Lang for such a **** tool.I got this Lang 72 tooth bit ratchet in today, and just playing with it the thing will slip and free spin. Anybody else have this problem?
Does it slip in both directions? Does it slip even it you hold the direction lever?
Meursault74
Well-known member
Try the luck of the Irish........I have this one. Used it a few times, it works. It has a 1/4 " innie and outtie drive
neophyte
Well-known member
The Vortex style bit tip is designed to increase tip life, while requiring less effort to drill holes.
The intent, is likely not users who resharpen their drill bits, but more users who buy bits by the dozen in sizes they use frequently, and who bit the bits when the bits stop cutting well.
You are supposed to *sharpen* drill bits when they start cutting poorly or you want extra clean holes. Not keep using them till they get so bad and then pitch without resharpening. If that is your use mode, fine. But that is not something one should do if you want good, clean drill holes. The vortex bits are also quite expensive.
MichaelP
Well-known member
I don't know the intent, but I strongly suspect that these Vortex drills will mostly be bought by somebody who wants to try another new gizmo and use it a couple of times a year. Frankly, I cannot imagine a professional machinist or metalworker who buys his SMALL drills in multiples to fall for those.
It's not to say that the drills are bad (I never tried one and don't intend to), but a combination of a center drill, step drill and a regular one on top of each other looks a bit gimmicky to me. Especially, when they are sold by a single manufacturer.
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
They are available from a multitude of brands under quite a few different names. They are a game changer in hand-held, on-site, use. They will drill pipe/round bar without wandering - and you can use them without center punching. They will also produce an actual round hole during hand-held use, every time. “SmartStep” was introduced around 2021 if I’m not mistaken. I think Ruko was the first, actual manufacturer, of these.
EVERY major player here sells them. From drill bits, actual step drill bits to combination drill/tap bits. (…)
They have also not too long ago released a new tip geometry/shape that is even more aggressive/ steps are less linear/even spread. I don’t have one of those available right now.
The German made DeWalt “Extreme2“ drill bits have a similar tip like the first generation, but only a single step, and do also work quite well.
Yes, shop bound machinists might cringe at the thought. People on site actually rejoice.
Cost is insignificant.
Kind regards,
Olli
EVERY major player here sells them. From drill bits, actual step drill bits to combination drill/tap bits. (…)
They have also not too long ago released a new tip geometry/shape that is even more aggressive/ steps are less linear/even spread. I don’t have one of those available right now.
The German made DeWalt “Extreme2“ drill bits have a similar tip like the first generation, but only a single step, and do also work quite well.
Yes, shop bound machinists might cringe at the thought. People on site actually rejoice.
Cost is insignificant.
Kind regards,
Olli
Last edited:
Kasal
Well-known member
Stihl 261c chainsaw
neophyte
Well-known member
I have seen enough drill bits for sale on eBay from industrial close out sellers, to say that some manufacturers just buy bits in bulk in the sizes used, with the bits likely tossed in a bin when the bits get dull.
Some close out dealers wind up with dozens or hundreds of 12 packs of certain drill bit sizes.
Maybe the manufacturers will send out the bits for resharpening, or have a guy using a sharpener resharpen the bits occasionally, but you need a guy who is skilled at bit sharpening, and have the proper equipment, for this to be effective.
A quick search shows a 1/2” Vortex bit can likely be purchased for $30 or less.
This is not cheap, but if the bit saves time, either in hole drilling speed, or in setup time replacing bits and reseting for depth, it might save money in shops, and would almost certainly save money in the field if it makes drilling holes quicker and easier, and more accurate.
Also, there is more than one manufacturer, or at least brands selling the bits.
Norseman and Viking (technically two separate brands, but from the same manufacturer), sell the bits as “Vortex” bits.
Matco uses the name “Hyper-Step” for a similar drill bit.
KnKut seems to just use the term “Step Point”, as does Grizzly.
A bunch of other brands seem to offer variations on the design.
neophyte
Well-known member
The Dewalt single step design has gone thru variations over the years, but it goes back to at least the early 1990s, with Black & Decker offering the Bullet tip drill buts, on which the step angled forward slightly, like a bad brad point bit.They are available from a multitude of brands under quite a few different names. They are a game changer in hand-held, on-site, use. They will drill pipe/round bar without wandering - and you can use them without center punching. They will also produce an actual round hole during hand-held use, every time. “SmartStep” was introduced around 2021 if I’m not mistaken. I think Ruko was the first, actual manufacturer, of these.
EVERY major player here sells them. From drill bits, actual step drill bits to combination drill/tap bits. (…)
They have also not too long ago released a new tip geometry/shape that is even more aggressive/ steps are less linear/even spread. I don’t have one of those available right now.
The German made DeWalt “Extreme2“ drill bits have a similar tip like the first generation, but only a single step, and do also work quite well.
Yes, shop bound machinists might cringe at the thought. People on site actually rejoice.
Cost is insignificant.
Kind regards,
Olli
(The Black & Decker Trademark for drill bits under the name “Bullet” goes back to a filing date in 1987, and an issuance date in 1988, and is still live).
Trademark search
I believe those Pilot Point drill bits go back to at least the early 200s, although they might go back to at least the late 1990s.
(Apparently the name “Pilot Point” for drill bits is a registered Trademark belonging to Black & Decker, and the Trademark was filed in 1987, and issued in 1988, and us still a live trademark)
Trademark search
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Although that may be true, for most of what I'm doing, I am very unlikely to buy a set of specialized drill bits just for that task, especially in wood
After getting a Wiha Centrofix handle, I want to grab some hex shank bitholders as well. So I grabbed two.
I took one and used some Loctite 660 to bond it to a PB Swiss bit holder handle I had. The PB Swiss handle has the great Swissgrip and a very strong magnet but compared to the Centrofix, it's no contest in solidly holding bits. The length is not too bad, if now a little unbalanced.
Also pictured next to a Milwaukee 3404 drill/driver and a 2.5 AH HO battery. My first M12 items.
I took one and used some Loctite 660 to bond it to a PB Swiss bit holder handle I had. The PB Swiss handle has the great Swissgrip and a very strong magnet but compared to the Centrofix, it's no contest in solidly holding bits. The length is not too bad, if now a little unbalanced.
Also pictured next to a Milwaukee 3404 drill/driver and a 2.5 AH HO battery. My first M12 items.
YesIHaveAHammer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2025
- Messages
- 784
Halder Simplex soft-face (TPE-soft / TPE-mid) mallet, aluminium 3113.040
Soft and lightweight for delicate bumping. Total weight 345g (12oz). I'd say it's a good first one to get from this range, for versatility, and being different enough from other hammers one might own. Huge range of sizes, weights, and faces available - weight and face size can be varied independently through different head materials. These faces are the two softest, and this aluminium head is the lightest type.
Pferd 43316021 bevel brush crimped steel 115mm (4.5")
Pferd 43468902 cup brush crimped steel 60mm (2 3/8")
Pferd 43305001 cup brush knotted steel 65mm (2 1/2")
Adding crimped ones, and a slightly smaller knotted cup than what I previously had for the small grinder.
Pferd 43740169 round brush for drill, fine (180 grit)
Pferd 43740168 round brush for drill, coarse (80 grit)
Pferd 43740166 cup brush for drill, fine (180 grit)
Pferd 43740165 cup brush for drill, coarse (80 grit)
Some lighter options I thought would be good to have at hand for light cleaning/preparation or softer materials. Might have been good to have a hex shank to allow the use of extensions for access.
Stahlwille "Motor 10" double open ended wrench 22x24mm
To keep with the grinder for M14 thread accessories, some of which have an oversize nut. I don't see myself having use for more sizes of DOE wrenches, so I just got the one.
Soft and lightweight for delicate bumping. Total weight 345g (12oz). I'd say it's a good first one to get from this range, for versatility, and being different enough from other hammers one might own. Huge range of sizes, weights, and faces available - weight and face size can be varied independently through different head materials. These faces are the two softest, and this aluminium head is the lightest type.
Pferd 43316021 bevel brush crimped steel 115mm (4.5")
Pferd 43468902 cup brush crimped steel 60mm (2 3/8")
Pferd 43305001 cup brush knotted steel 65mm (2 1/2")
Adding crimped ones, and a slightly smaller knotted cup than what I previously had for the small grinder.
Pferd 43740169 round brush for drill, fine (180 grit)
Pferd 43740168 round brush for drill, coarse (80 grit)
Pferd 43740166 cup brush for drill, fine (180 grit)
Pferd 43740165 cup brush for drill, coarse (80 grit)
Some lighter options I thought would be good to have at hand for light cleaning/preparation or softer materials. Might have been good to have a hex shank to allow the use of extensions for access.
Stahlwille "Motor 10" double open ended wrench 22x24mm
To keep with the grinder for M14 thread accessories, some of which have an oversize nut. I don't see myself having use for more sizes of DOE wrenches, so I just got the one.
SC Fly Guy
Well-known member
Another lemming throws itself off the cliff!!
