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mikegt4

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 12, 2005
Messages
3,262
Location
sw ohio
willf650 said:
Ok this ranks up there with the PVC glue can opener/grip I found last year. A simple cheap product I wish I had 30 years ago.

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Adhesives and gasket makers will never be the same around here. It turns any tube into a mini caulk gun with no waste.
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Those are made within walking distance of me, one has to fiddle with it at first but after you figure them out they work very well and seemingly extrude every tiny bit of product from the tube. They also make a gasket scraper (hand or powered versions) called the Peeler, I haven't tried one yet but it is interesting.

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Products

Valco Consumer Products manufactures a growing line of products offered to the consumer automotive after market and high-performance racing industry. Valco Consumer Products division makes sealants, adhesives, cleaners, waxes, polishes, and more.
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BlakeTheCarGuy

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
9,298
Location
Roanoke Virginia
DieHard 13 piece 6 point 1/2 inch drive chrome sockets from 12-24mm no skips. Strangely they don’t sell individual 6 point sockets only 12 points in 1/2 drive so to get the 6 points I had to buy a whole set which is fine now I’ll have two sets at the house lol. I also ordered an individual Craftsman USA 22mm 6 point to complete that set from Walmart I got a few days ago that I’m making for the house. I’ll wait on the 20 and 21mm for that set till I can find reasonably priced ones on eBay or on here. I have so many 1/2 drive chrome 12 points that I wanted 6 points. Mainly just wanted an excuse to buy new tools lol. I work right next door to Advance Auto so I just walked over there and got them during lunch. The guy who must of remembered me and who delivers to our work sometimes was like dang you are getting a whole set this time usually you just buy one haha. I don’t know why it’s so hard to find 6 point half inch drive chrome sockets locally I guess most people don’t really pay attention or know the difference or don’t care because they need it in a pinch. I almost decided to get the three I needed just in 12 points but it was going to be about $10 cheaper to just buy this whole set of 6 points so that’s what I did. I might go get the SAE set tomorrow haven’t made up my mind yet. So far I’ve had really good luck with DieHard tools. I used their warranty once too and they replaced it no questions asked when the chrome started peeling so I call that good warranty.
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L

lund

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 2, 2019
Messages
756
Location
Michigan
mikeinri said:
I'd be happier if the chrome hadn't peeled in the first place, but at least the warranty was easy.

I generally prefer 6-point sockets. I know there are use cases for 12-point, but I rarely encounter such jobs.

Mike
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For larger sockets I am not sure 6 point generally makes good sense. You are unlikely to round the edges on larger nuts with 12 point sockets, and with large sizes, it is much easier to index the socket and wrench to get started with 12 point rather than 6 point.

In my context of experience (mostly automotive and home construction), I generally want 6 point in 1/4 drive ranges and also (outside of the largest sizes) also for 3/8 drive. But for larger end 1/2 drive sockets, I do not so see the utility of 6 point sockets since you very rarely damage them breaking them free or torquing them to spec. Where that division line is between 6 pt and 12 pt working better may be somewhat subjective, but for me, I feel it is around 15-19 mm. In larger sizes, if the nut and threads are that damaged or corrosion bonded and distorted, you are not likely going to be using a socket anyway and will be cutting it off with a angle grinder or using a torch, etc. Some larger nuts on machinery are also 12 point nuts (example, some axle nuts), and you need to use a 12 point socket anyway.
 
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M

M.Jay

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 3, 2025
Messages
214
Location
Southern Germany
willf650 said:
It turns any tube into a mini caulk gun with no waste.
Click to expand...
mikegt4 said:
Those are made within walking distance of me, one has to fiddle with it at first but after you figure them out they work very well and seemingly extrude every tiny bit of product from the tube. They also make a gasket scraper (hand or powered versions) called the Peeler, I haven't tried one yet but it is interesting.

valco-cp.com

Products

Valco Consumer Products manufactures a growing line of products offered to the consumer automotive after market and high-performance racing industry. Valco Consumer Products division makes sealants, adhesives, cleaners, waxes, polishes, and more.
valco-cp.com
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And once again, this forum is costing me my hard earned money.
 
J

Jtels85

Well-known member
Joined
May 3, 2017
Messages
1,515
Location
Ohio
BlakeTheCarGuy said:
DieHard 13 piece 6 point 1/2 inch drive chrome sockets from 12-24mm no skips. Strangely they don’t sell individual 6 point sockets only 12 points in 1/2 drive so to get the 6 points I had to buy a whole set which is fine now I’ll have two sets at the house lol. I also ordered an individual Craftsman USA 22mm 6 point to complete that set from Walmart I got a few days ago that I’m making for the house. I’ll wait on the 20 and 21mm for that set till I can find reasonably priced ones on eBay or on here. I have so many 1/2 drive chrome 12 points that I wanted 6 points. Mainly just wanted an excuse to buy new tools lol. I work right next door to Advance Auto so I just walked over there and got them during lunch. The guy who must of remembered me and who delivers to our work sometimes was like dang you are getting a whole set this time usually you just buy one haha. I don’t know why it’s so hard to find 6 point half inch drive chrome sockets locally I guess most people don’t really pay attention or know the difference or don’t care because they need it in a pinch. I almost decided to get the three I needed just in 12 points but it was going to be about $10 cheaper to just buy this whole set of 6 points so that’s what I did. I might go get the SAE set tomorrow haven’t made up my mind yet. So far I’ve had really good luck with DieHard tools. I used their warranty once too and they replaced it no questions asked when the chrome started peeling so I call that good warranty.
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Glad to see a brick and mortar store offering 1/2” drive chrome 6 point. That also looks like a really nice rail compared to the cheap peg style Duralast uses.

Who makes Diehards sockets? I was curious if they’re Apex sourced and have the double detent feature on the drive end.
 
B

BlakeTheCarGuy

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
9,298
Location
Roanoke Virginia
Jtels85 said:
Glad to see a brick and mortar store offering 1/2” drive chrome 6 point. That also looks like a really nice rail compared to the cheap peg style Duralast uses.

Who makes Diehards sockets? I was curious if they’re Apex sourced and have the double detent feature on the drive end.
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I believe it is Apex. Once I open them I’ll look at the drive end and see if they are double detent or not.
 
B

BlakeTheCarGuy

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
9,298
Location
Roanoke Virginia
Jtels85 said:
Glad to see a brick and mortar store offering 1/2” drive chrome 6 point. That also looks like a really nice rail compared to the cheap peg style Duralast uses.

Who makes Diehards sockets? I was curious if they’re Apex sourced and have the double detent feature on the drive end.
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No double detent. IMG_5056.jpeg
 
M

M635_Guy

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 5, 2019
Messages
4,333
Location
NC
My recent day on the ground sweating in my mom's driveway while working on her car drove two acquisitions. One is still on the way, but the first one is this:
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The thing puts out a very-good amount of air, and I like the ability to plug it in too. Stepless speed adjustment too.
[EDIT - for $26 list, it's a pretty awesome deal. I've added a couple Hercules things (Sander, jigsaw) where I wanted cordless but didn't want to spend Milwaukee money and so I have a Hercules 5Ah battery that will apparently last for 8+ hours with the fan at the upper speeds]

In another acquisition driven/justified by my pebbly driveway and other house-factors, I got a monster shopvac.
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This thing is seriously powerful, and I really like the big wheels and handle.
 
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M

mikeinri

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 29, 2019
Messages
8,206
Location
MA
16again said:
Adjustable wrench just delivered. Matches the smaller one, minus the red handle. I have to say, the Lobster is a lot smoother adjuster than the Klein and Kobalt.
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I wish those were dual-marked (metric and SAE). I do a lot of work around the house that needs SAE, but of course most of my vehicles have metric fasteners.

I use adjustable wrenches more commonly as a rough caliper to find a socket size than as an actual wrench. Having it be a wrench also has advantages over just using a caliper.

Mike
 
S

Skyman

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 9, 2021
Messages
1,137
Location
Central Maryland
mikeinri said:
I wish those were dual-marked (metric and SAE). I do a lot of work around the house that needs SAE, but of course most of my vehicles have metric fasteners.

I use adjustable wrenches more commonly as a rough caliper to find a socket size than as an actual wrench. Having it be a wrench also has advantages over just using a caliper.

Mike
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^^^This exactly ^^^

The right-angle configuration of a caliper is often unfriendly in confined areas. An adjustable with scales is handy for quick sizing of hex fasteners, especially when visibility of the fastener is limited. Dual scales is great when working on various things that might have SAE, metric, or a mixture of fasteners. Thin, sharply angled jaws fit better into tight spaces.

I just this week bought a couple of cheap-****, thin-jawed, chinese adjustables for this purpose, because I couldn't find decent quality, thin jaw, adjustables that were dual-marked (Bahco, are you listening?). These fairly **** as wrenches, but I don't intend to task them with that duty very often. The little guy will reside on my work cart. The bigger guy will only be used when the little guy's jaws won't open wide enough.

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B

BlakeTheCarGuy

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Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
9,298
Location
Roanoke Virginia
captain14 said:
@BlakeTheCarGuy

Do you have to exchange the entire socket set back or can you just exchange the one socket under their Diehard warranty?
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So with these since they don’t come individually I’d imagine you need to bring the whole set back most likely. Same with the 1/4 sets since they don’t sell 1/4 drive sockets individually which I find strange.
 
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GeoBruin

Well-known member
Joined
May 5, 2018
Messages
3,732
Like others above, I received my Klein ratcheting driver. The Japanese made non-ratcheting driver has become one of my favorite tools, so I knew I would be picking this one up as soon as it came out.

Initial impressions are very positive. I'm confident the "sheen" on the rubber grip will wear off with time (which is a good thing!), the ratcheting mechanism has very low back drag, and the ergonomics of holding the ball in the palm of your hand and spinning the shaft is really nice.

The only drawback initially is that is it much heavier than its fixed counterpart, but that is to be expected.
 

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captain14

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 19, 2012
Messages
7,013
Location
Near College Park Maryland 20740
BlakeTheCarGuy said:
So with these since they don’t come individually I’d imagine you need to bring the whole set back most likely. Same with the 1/4 sets since they don’t sell 1/4 drive sockets individually which I find strange.
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That’s what I figured. Lowes is the same way about exchanging a screwdriver or a socket. Gotta bring the whole set back.
 
E

ecotec

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 5, 2010
Messages
5,405
Skyman said:
^^^This exactly ^^^

The right-angle configuration of a caliper is often unfriendly in confined areas. An adjustable with scales is handy for quick sizing of hex fasteners, especially when visibility of the fastener is limited. Dual scales is great when working on various things that might have SAE, metric, or a mixture of fasteners. Thin, sharply angled jaws fit better into tight spaces.

I just this week bought a couple of cheap-****, thin-jawed, chinese adjustables for this purpose, because I couldn't find decent quality, thin jaw, adjustables that were dual-marked (Bahco, are you listening?). These fairly **** as wrenches, but I don't intend to task them with that duty very often. The little guy will reside on my work cart. The bigger guy will only be used when the little guy's jaws won't open wide enough.

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Bahco, absolutely, makes a very good version…IMG_5877.jpeg
 
B

BlakeTheCarGuy

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
9,298
Location
Roanoke Virginia
captain14 said:
That’s what I figured. Lowes is the same way about exchanging a screwdriver or a socket. Gotta bring the whole set back.
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Wow that *****. Even though they have individuals. There’s so many different things I’ve heard about Lowe’s I guess it varies by location. Mine won’t even do anything for Craftsman or at least the people I’ve tried to ask wouldn’t. They tell you call Craftsman.
 
B

BlakeTheCarGuy

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Joined
Oct 10, 2018
Messages
9,298
Location
Roanoke Virginia
Got a couple odds and ins today. Duralast 10mm deep 1/4 drive socket. My Craftsman Taiwan one is under the hood of some RAV4 out there lol. I had a Snap-on one but I don’t like to use it because the chrome started peeling off a lot more so I’m going to get it warrantied but I forgot today. A 22mm wrench to have so I don’t have to unroll my set of Snap-on that goes from 20-24 I can just grab this one and go. I actually will say I liked the fit of this one it seems a bit tighter than Snap-on to be honest. Power Torque short ball allen sockets. I have a long set of Carlyle at work already but I know a place where the 10mm one will be very useful on some Toyota stuff. Also got a Power Torque 10mm deep 1/4 drive socket too which I put in the car tool bag. I also picked up three Snap-on chrome 6 point 1/2 drive sockets a 17mm deep, 21mm deep and 30mm shallow. The guy at O’Reilly was like if any of these break just bring it back and we will replace it no questions asked. Glad to see they acknowledge the tool has a warranty. It was the O’Reilly in my work town and AutoZone I work less than a mile from both and Advance Auto is right next door so I love going to these places on my lunch break. Napa is about a 5 minute drive but they don’t have any tools hardly at all. This O’Reilly still had some of the old brand GM Performance tools there I was so tempted to get them but I sure don’t need them lol. The Snap-on are all for the house. Didn’t need the 30 it just looked cool and mine are all 12 point so had to get the 6 point lol. IMG_5067.jpeg
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N

Nobody-named-Olli

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 9, 2025
Messages
1,550
Location
North Rhine-Westphalia; Germany
Skyman said:
Dual scales? All I could find were not.
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The old? Snap-On branded definitely are. (Scroll down, see edit 3!)

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Edit: And per Snap-On ( https://shop.snapon.com/product/Wide-Mouth-Adjustable-Cushion-Handle/8"-Wide-Mouth-Adjustable-Wrench/ADHW8A ) still are dual scale.

Edit 2: Sorry, they are obviously not “thin jaw”. …

Edit 3: But Snap-On brands the “thin jaw” version as well, and it has dual scales! https://shop.snapon.com/product/Wide-Mouth-Adjustable-Cushion-Handle/8"-Slim-Jaw-Wide-Mouth-Adjustable-Wrench-(Red)/ADHWS8

But also Made in Spain, not USA - if that is a deal breaker.

Kind regards,
Olli
 
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