Harry J Epstein Day 2026

[mikeinri]

I've had that happen here (in MA) as well. USPS is the worst, and when FedEx started contracting out final / local delivery, that made paying extra for FedEx pointless.

My favorite is when they pass right by here (something like NJ, to MA, to NH, back to MA before getting delivered), adding at least 2 more days. I've also had stuff stuck on Long Island for almost a week, no further update until it was "out for delivery" in town...

Mike

 

[Ohio Andy]

I've had that happen here (in MA) as well. USPS is the worst, and when FedEx started contracting out final / local delivery, that made paying extra for FedEx pointless.

My favorite is when they pass right by here (something like NJ, to MA, to NH, back to MA before getting delivered), adding at least 2 more days. I've also had stuff stuck on Long Island for almost a week, no further update until it was "out for delivery" in town...

Mike

My last snafu was with UPS, I think there are horror stories from all carriers. It is worse when the snafus are due to incompentence on the last leg near you because then you personally have lots of bad problems with carrier.

 

[shamrock12]

Typical Cleveland distribution......




Hasn't changed in 3 days....

It’s actually a nationwide issue, not just yours

 

[NUTTSGT]

It’s actually a nationwide issue, not just yours

Maybe but twice I've had to have orders replaced that disappeared at that hub. Even the local PO people know there's a problem there.

 

[Squankum]

I got notification they refunded me $3.50 today so they are working today processing orders or it was a cached message

Had to look for what they didn't have and it was some surplus file handles I ordered.

Did get notification a couple days ago that my second order of 3 shipped. Went and peaked at it as it was an order to fill up all my indexes and noticed I accidentally ordered one size left handed. I think I'll chuck it as it will drive me insane if it winds up in one of my indexes. I would be too mentally deficient to understand why it wasn't working if I pulled it out. Too much box clicking I guess.

'tis plain! You need to start a drawer/bin/container/mayonnaise jar just for left-handed drill bits!

 

[Squankum]

I've had that happen here (in MA) as well. USPS is the worst, and when FedEx started contracting out final / local delivery, that made paying extra for FedEx pointless.

My favorite is when they pass right by here (something like NJ, to MA, to NH, back to MA before getting delivered), adding at least 2 more days. I've also had stuff stuck on Long Island for almost a week, no further update until it was "out for delivery" in town...

Mike

When I see wacky tracking locations on an order, I think of two possibilities::

a) sheer Three Stooges mayhem inside a warehouse with people throwing boxes at each other

2) managers under pressure to make numbers! NUMBERS! and pencil-whipping things, but in a computery kind of way, making it look like they really moved their packages quickly that day when really they're just.. I don't know.... trading tracking numbers with a conspirator of a similar rank in another hub?

If they really are moving items around various states back and forth, or things are sitting in a warehouse for five days in the middle of the trip, that's pretty bad.

 

[mikeinri]

My last snafu was with UPS, I think there are horror stories from all carriers. It is worse when the snafus are due to incompentence on the last leg near you because then you personally have lots of bad problems with carrier.

I know. And I apologize. Too many threads get hijacked by these discussions. Probably because it's so infuriating...

I did have something work in my favor ONCE. An eBay item I purchased got lost in shipping. Of course, the seller told me to be patient. But, after waiting a few weeks, he submitted a claim and promptly sent me a replacement.

About a YEAR LATER (maybe longer), I find the incredibly mangled remnants of a package on my doorstep. Believe it or not, it was the original items I ordered! No clue where that had been sitting. The tracking stopped partway across the country and never updated.

Mike

 

[NightSky]

I know. And I apologize. Too many threads get hijacked by these discussions. Probably because it's so infuriating...

I did have something work in my favor ONCE. An eBay item I purchased got lost in shipping. Of course, the seller told me to be patient. But, after waiting a few weeks, he submitted a claim and promptly sent me a replacement.

About a YEAR LATER (maybe longer), I find the incredibly mangled remnants of a package on my doorstep. Believe it or not, it was the original items I ordered! No clue where that had been sitting. The tracking stopped partway across the country and never updated.

Mike

"When it absolutely, positively has to get there overnight."

 

[willf650]

Awesome! I have that same pliers on order too … can’t wait to see it in person

I ordered them as well. I was unaware they had metal flake. Now I'm looking forward to their arrival.

'tis plain! You need to start a drawer/bin/container/mayonnaise jar just for left-handed drill bits!

I already have a small set of left handed bits I've yet to use as only got them in last 6 months. Don't need one bit out there that will cause me more grief then it will solve. I'm getting too old to deal with the frustration.

 

[brglasp]

Congratulations Benedict

I'm the runner up, I think I may have won something? Ice Cream date, multiple 6-foot boxes, or a pipe vise? My small brain wasn't tracking the festivities at 100% efficiency.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Congrats to the finalists and winners and thanks to the entire crew at HJE with a special appreciation to the Smutz family.









FWIW, tracking shows my package now at local part time PO awaiting my pick up.

 

[kingcobb]

It was cool to be in the finals even if not selected!

 

[jsackin]

Congratulations Benedict

I'm the runner up, I think I may have won something? Ice Cream date, multiple 6-foot boxes, or a pipe vise? My small brain wasn't tracking the festivities at 100% efficiency.

You won one of the Channellock three piece pliers sets!

 

[everett464]

Actually a combined Epstein’s Day double order, but they both arrived today!

 

[Lumberjack_bw]

I know I am new here, but does anybody else's wish list keep growing and growing? Much to my wife’s unliking.

 

[Crabman]

@Lumberjack_bw

Welcome to GJ!

 

[RTM]

I know I am new here, but does anybody else's wish list keep growing and growing? Much to my wife’s unliking.

Of course not. I keep placing orders to keep the wish list under control.

 

[RTM]

But seriously now, anticipation today was horrible. Picked up my package from the Post Office on my way to work. Knew I didn’t dare open it in the parking lot, the tsunami of Kraft paper could have been a problem, so worked on it as soon as I got home. Folded all the paper up, we have a packing project ahead of us, so as always, appreciate the good work the packing crew does.

So, weird thing on the left is a rack for a weird clamp type, I originally thought it was to hang them up. Wanted to try, as they take a lot of space. Wrong, it converts it to a miter clamp. Have to add another one to my wish list (@Lumberjack_bw ) as only one clamp is odd, in so many ways. Of course, an Epstein file, technically a rasp, but close enough. Screwed up on the two loose punches, gotta put more on my wish list.

My mystery bag is the CeeTee pliers, far right.



As always, thanks to Jori and the HJE crew for all the entertainment and quality tools they provide, and to the GJ denizens who expose us to stuff we don’t know we need.

 

[Lumberjack_bw]

Of course not. I keep placing orders to keep the wish list under control.

That seems like the perfect solution for control!

 

[Squankum]

I know I am new here, but does anybody else's wish list keep growing and growing? Much to my wife’s unliking.

Mine just shrank a little! Removed an item or two that are on recent orders... and made order #4!

 

[Squankum]

But seriously now, anticipation today was horrible. Picked up my package from the Post Office on my way to work. Knew I didn’t dare open it in the parking lot, the tsunami of Kraft paper could have been a problem, so worked on it as soon as I got home. Folded all the paper up, we have a packing project ahead of us, so as always, appreciate the good work the packing crew does.

So, weird thing on the left is a rack for a weird clamp type, I originally thought it was to hang them up. Wanted to try, as they take a lot of space. Wrong, it converts it to a miter clamp. Have to add another one to my wish list (@Lumberjack_bw ) as only one clamp is odd, in so many ways. Of course, an Epstein file, technically a rasp, but close enough. Screwed up on the two loose punches, gotta put more on my wish list.

My mystery bag is the CeeTee pliers, far right.



As always, thanks to Jori and the HJE crew for all the entertainment and quality tools they provide, and to the GJ denizens who expose us to stuff we don’t know we need.

Like Wilde roll pin punches! I don't remember if I have roll pin punches...

 

[Lumberjack_bw]

It finally let me show my haul from both orders. I had to have the Estwing hammer, my grandfather used one while in the Carpenters Union.

 

[atomicrooster]

My mystery box is the Wilde 10" Groove Pliers and the box art is a Hammerhead Shark.

 

[willf650]

My second of three orders arrived today.


This order was a bunch of individual drill bits to fill all the missing slots in my indexes. They were nice enough to label all the tiny ones so I didn't have to figure out the sizes myself.

 

[manwithtools]

So, weird thing on the left is a rack for a weird clamp type, I originally thought it was to hang them up. Wanted to try, as they take a lot of space. Wrong, it converts it to a miter clamp.

So that's what that is...

I thought the same as you and ordered one to hang the clamps on, woops!

 

[RTM]

So that's what that is...

I thought the same as you and ordered one to hang the clamps on, woops!

Have to be honest, I knew it was gambling in unknown territory. I will figure out which style of clamp it fits before I go nuts on ordering the second one, and see if I need the other accessories shown to make it work...

 

[tym]

I think my favorite item from this year is the Koken 1/4" drive keychain ratchet. It is genuinely tiny! I've pictured mine next to a Snap-On from the 40s and one of my many Chapman CM-13s.

 

[LB-1911]

Runs a little over 2 minutes

 

[mooman]

I received my order and the packing and box art were top notch as usual.
Upon opening the box and unwrapping the 2 Wilde 250th. Anniversary pliers I was immediately reminded why I hate this style of pliers and mad at myself for buying 2 of them.
My plan was to give my son one of them, but instead it became a teaching moment of why this style of pliers **** and slip joint and Knipex styles were invented.

 

[willf650]

Well 3/4 of my initial order showed up today. I'm assuming the last few items are on back order at this point.


I got a mutant cat professional wrestler drawing on this one.


Here's my picks for this order and some free Channellock swag.


Here are some standout items to me. I didn't realize these were actually this small.


I didn't realize this knife was this big.


I've been wanting a set of these for a while but have only found the nail sets available locally.


This is my mystery item. A 1 1/8" x 1 1/16" Williams wrench.



And I have a thing for knives so picked up my first Tekto knife and only my second automatic knife. Automatics were flat out illegal here until recently even with a concealed carry permit.

Seems like a decent mid priced knife just taking out of the package.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Grabbed my package from the post office this morning.



10" crescent wrenches, 250th HJE Pliers, CL 6.5" level, 758 & 426 pliers and half dozen screwdriver bits which include some tamperproof bits.

CL swag above.

 

[colintrax]

Looks like Walmart wanted a slice. Surface finish doesnt look as nice as the HJE pair I got and Walmart is $1 more expensive. These things must be selling like hot cakes.

 

[LB-1911]

Runs two minutes

 

[mooman]

Looks like Walmart wanted a slice. Surface finish doesnt look as nice as the HJE pair I got and Walmart is $1 more expensive. These things must be selling like hot cakes.

Why, just Why?

 

[manwithtools]

Part of my first order arrived yesterday:

 

[psu8865]

Order 35219. As a Northwest Pennsylvania expat now stuck in the Metro Northeast Megalopolis I'm ready to gift the best Channellock tool- the Ironworkers- to my older son. And I can always use another Husky bit holder. LOL

​

Channellock #E318 XLT E-Series 8" High-Leverage Long Nose Plier (E318) × 1

$26.95​

​

Dexter Stitch Picker Knife (X1SP) × 1 GEORGE THE ANIMAL STEELE (-$1.00)

$4.00 $3.00​

​

Husky Handled Magnetic Bit Holder (HUSKY-MAD-SD) × 1

$2.50​

​

US Made Top Grain Leather 2 Pocket Leatherworker's Scissor Sheath w/ Snap (SX3) × 1

$9.75​

​

Craftsman T-25 Stubby Torx Screwdriver (41048) × 2

$5.00​

​

Dremel Wood Burning Tool Kit Ensemble (1502) × 1 GEORGE THE ANIMAL STEELE (-$2.66)

$10.65 $7.99​

​

9" Ironworkers Channellock Lineman's Pliers (350S) × 1

$36.95​

​

Crescent 6pc Screwdriver Set (LCCP1006) × 1 GEORGE THE ANIMAL STEELE (-$5.00)

$20.00 $15.00​

​

Crescent 3pc Screwdriver Set (LCC1003ST) × 1 GEORGE THE ANIMAL STEELE (-$2.16)

$8.65 $6.49​

My order is lost in the ether- looks like I missed out on the Channellock swag. I think the scissor sheath is the issue. Jonesing for those ironworkers- my kid may not get them now. I did note that they could wait to ship all together. LOL.

 

[Ohio Andy]

My order is lost in the ether- looks like I missed out on the Channellock swag. I think the scissor sheath is the issue. Jonesing for those ironworkers- my kid may not get them now. LOL.

Do you anticipate use for the ironworkers? I bought a set for use with an "upcoming project" that never came. I mean it still might and they are nice and usable for normal stuff, but my last project where they would have been useful was shortly before I bought these (and are why I bought them). Have not had to twist things enough where it mattered since (of course).

 

[btown63]

Still waiting on two of my orders as well I figured they haven't shipped out yet as UPS only show that a label was created.

 

[psu8865]

Do you anticipate use for the ironworkers? I bought a set for use with an "upcoming project" that never came. I mean it still might and they are nice and usable for normal stuff, but my last project where they would have been useful was shortly before I bought these (and are why I bought them). Have not had to twist things enough where it mattered since (of course).

Not specifically- but it's a sentimental thing. I grew up about 40 miles from Meadville in the tool belt (Erie Jamestown Buffalo Cleveland) - my grandfather was an old school WW2 vet who could do a little of everything in the trades- he swore by Channellock- and he said you only need one pair of pliers- the ironworkers. I'm a mediocre DIY guy- but recently retired and have rekindled my handy side- wanted to support HJE and my hometown (ish) company. These I am planning to gift to my son.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Not specifically- but it's a sentimental thing. I grew up about 40 miles from Meadville in the tool belt (Erie Jamestown Buffalo Cleveland) - my grandfather was an old school WW2 vet who could do a little of everything in the trades- he swore by Channellock- and he said you only need one pair of pliers- the ironworkers. I'm a mediocre DIY guy- but recently retired and have rekindled my handy side- wanted to support HJE and my hometown (ish) company. These I am planning to gift to my son.

I was curious. I've done twisting without them, but then the moment I get the pliers no more twisting... Then again I guess it's not like I do it that often.