Whats the tool situation in the Germany?
- Thread starter billymade
- Start date
superautobacs
Well-known member
Alfajuj, tell us more of what you know about oursourcing European/North American/Japanese companies......perhaps in a new thread?
Alfajuj, tell us more of what you know about oursourcing European/North American/Japanese companies......perhaps in a new thread?
Sorry,
The only brand of hand tools of which I have any inside knowledge is Facom.
I am in the power tools manufacturing business, so my knowledge is in that industry.
Found that on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.de/Hazet-162N-Werkstattwagen-Werkzeugwagen-Viel-Werkzeug_W0QQitemZ280309136498QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDE_Haus_Garten_Heimwerker_Werkstattausr%C3%BCstung?hash=item280309136498&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1232|66%3A4|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
mostly you get those tool cart and a set of tools like here...compare it wih the us standard!
And consider you work on every car, every brand and all systems!
Have you noticed that there are no impact sockets, no gearwrenches and so on?
Could you work with it?
http://cgi.ebay.de/Hazet-162N-Werkstattwagen-Werkzeugwagen-Viel-Werkzeug_W0QQitemZ280309136498QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDE_Haus_Garten_Heimwerker_Werkstattausr%C3%BCstung?hash=item280309136498&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1232|66%3A4|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
mostly you get those tool cart and a set of tools like here...compare it wih the us standard!
And consider you work on every car, every brand and all systems!
Have you noticed that there are no impact sockets, no gearwrenches and so on?
Could you work with it?
jerk_chicken
Banned
I moved to Germany last year from the US, and I was hoping to find Wiha ratchets, sockets, and wrenches around, but I don't. I mistakenly bought a Proxxen AussenTorx bit set when I touched down because I needed to fix something on my car right away. The tool supplier in Hamm said they were (and we saw that fact) clearing Facom out and replacing it with Proxxon.
What I find interesting is that the cheaper manufacturers put everything in a lovely steel box and then attach "Industrial" to the name and people think it's pro-level.
So where are the stores where I can go in and look at high end tools? Hornbach has assorted Wiha Screwdrivers and pliers, along with Knipex (which I bought for myself in the US). I brought my collection of tools from the US with me, but every so often, i want to treat myself to some tools or put in the present request with family.
Speaking of that Proxxon ****, Conrad sells the exact same sets, except in a blue box under their name for a few € less. Then on the other side of the aisle, they are selling the Micromot stuff.
What I find interesting is that the cheaper manufacturers put everything in a lovely steel box and then attach "Industrial" to the name and people think it's pro-level.
So where are the stores where I can go in and look at high end tools? Hornbach has assorted Wiha Screwdrivers and pliers, along with Knipex (which I bought for myself in the US). I brought my collection of tools from the US with me, but every so often, i want to treat myself to some tools or put in the present request with family.
Speaking of that Proxxon ****, Conrad sells the exact same sets, except in a blue box under their name for a few € less. Then on the other side of the aisle, they are selling the Micromot stuff.
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Right...often you can just buy the pro stuff, when you have your own buisness or ..Ebay.
Try to find 3/8" stuff or ask the shop for snap-on....they know nothing.
If you want to work with your tools in a shop...they will hinder you...it's not a good "behavior" to have own tools...
In german diy markets you will normally not find makita or dewalt...only the cheap ****.
Try to find 3/8" stuff or ask the shop for snap-on....they know nothing.
If you want to work with your tools in a shop...they will hinder you...it's not a good "behavior" to have own tools...
In german diy markets you will normally not find makita or dewalt...only the cheap ****.
jerk_chicken
Banned
...and the cheap **** costs an arm and a leg. I was warned on the mountain bike forums to budget a lot for tools in Germany, so I brought mine over. It was a very good decision. I even brought my Craftsman 19.2v drill over. Drills are very expensive here and I tend to not trust Bosch because at least in the US, they license their name to the highest bidder. I have some Bosch bits I bought here. The good ones are made in the US, and the other stuff is made in China. The US ones are marked identically to the Craftsman ones I got with my #41796 ratcheting screwdriver. The flat bits shatter identically as well.
While it saves me money if I was a worker in this field, I can't imagine using some of this garbage on the German market. No way would I use Proxxon wrenches. I checked them out and those thin profiles are not good on the hands when really wrenching on something. The ratchet mechs have tons of play and feel like they're on the edge of breaking. Nothing like my Armstrongs.
...and someone has got to tell me why Wiha wrenches, ratchets, and sockets are practically non-existent on the German market. Not even on the website. What the hell?
While it saves me money if I was a worker in this field, I can't imagine using some of this garbage on the German market. No way would I use Proxxon wrenches. I checked them out and those thin profiles are not good on the hands when really wrenching on something. The ratchet mechs have tons of play and feel like they're on the edge of breaking. Nothing like my Armstrongs.
...and someone has got to tell me why Wiha wrenches, ratchets, and sockets are practically non-existent on the German market. Not even on the website. What the hell?
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What you see on the german Wiha site are the original Wiha products. The sockets/ratchets wihatools.com sells are from "Heyco".
PS: whats your "postleitzahl" (zip code) ? Maybe i can find a shop for you with professional tools....
PS: whats your "postleitzahl" (zip code) ? Maybe i can find a shop for you with professional tools....
jerk_chicken
Banned
So on Wihatools.com, those Wiha branded articles are Heyco? Not a bad value, I supposed, and that might explain the pricing...
PLZ: 01309
Ich verstehe Deutsch! Danke Schoen!
PLZ: 01309
Ich verstehe Deutsch! Danke Schoen!
I would make a trip to Bautzen thats only a couple of miles away from dresden there you`ll find http://www.werkzeug-pruever.de/ , they seem to have everything you need. The Wera zyklop, knipex,wiha, hazet, Gedore, Facom etc.
jerk_chicken
Banned
Thanks a bunch! I pass through or near there on my way to the Saechsiche Schweiz to mountain bike.
So these types of shops allow people to walk in and buy, or muss man ein Konto haben?
So these types of shops allow people to walk in and buy, or muss man ein Konto haben?
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auf Deutsch oder Englisch ? I dont know this shop personally but they also sell a lot through ebay , and their website prices are with tax, so i think you can go there and pay cash without account. Most stores (except Würth) will sell to you , if they ask you if you have an account then just say "Barzahler" . Maybe they can make a "export price" or if you and they dont need a invoice (ask) maybe you could save the 19% tax..........
I dont know this shop personally but they also sell a lot through ebay , and their website prices are with tax, so i think you can go there and pay cash without account. Most stores (except Würth) will sell to you , if they ask you if you have an account then just say "Barzahler" . Maybe they can make a "export price" or if you and they dont need a invoice (ask) maybe you could save the 19% tax..........jerk_chicken
Banned
Auf Englisch oder auf Deutsch...Die beide sind gleich. I can understand more than I can speak and write, though.
That's a great tip! My gf used to do that when she was in the US, and she even saved $200 in tax on a bike once, and with a receipt by showing her passport and plane tickets for a vacation.
Maybe the 1/2 complete Zyklop might come in a bit sooner...
Come to think of it, that supplier in Hamm asked us, and we didn't have one, but they offered that if we go back from time to time, we could open an account and save, even though I'm not a business.
That's a great tip! My gf used to do that when she was in the US, and she even saved $200 in tax on a bike once, and with a receipt by showing her passport and plane tickets for a vacation.
Maybe the 1/2 complete Zyklop might come in a bit sooner...
Come to think of it, that supplier in Hamm asked us, and we didn't have one, but they offered that if we go back from time to time, we could open an account and save, even though I'm not a business.
These ??
They were made by "SKG Werkzeuge" www.skg-werkzeuge.de but it seems they dont manufacture the clear plastic screwdrivers anymore since they changed their handle design. They now look like this:
The old 2-component handle seems still available (but it dont show up in their catalog), there are sold here under the "Berner" brand.
Heres a pic of the original driver
I bought some Hazet tools; a 900 series 1/2" socket set and a set of 600 series combination wrenches from Werkzeuge-Pruever over the internet and had them shipped to me in Taiwan. They gave excellent service and really excellent prices. I got the tools for literally HALF the price I would pay in Taiwan. You are soooo lucky that you're in the neighborhood. I envy you. I would love to be able to visit and just browse around.
All the German made tools are much lower priced in Europe than what you can get over in the US or here in Asia.
There are so much great German made tools you can buy if you know where to look. Google around for Hazet (the world's best tools in my book and they cost signifigantly less than Snap-On when you buy them in Germany), Stahlwille (also awesome and less expensive than Hazet), Elora, Gedore, Wiha, Heyco, PB Baumann (Swiss), etc.
I find tons of excellent stuff online but most internet retailers are unwilling to ship outside the EU. Go to www.preisroboter.de and type in the product that you want and you can find the best price.
For power tools, I'm afraid the prices will all be much higher than you are used to in the US. US power tool prices are unnaturally low and in Europe there are very high taxes on power tools. Don't look for Japanese or US made tools over there, they will have a price premium from being imported. Look for good, solid European brands like Metabo, AEG, Hilti, Fein, etc. But always look carefully on the nameplate to make sure it's really made in Europe. A lot of European branded power tools are made in Asia, especially the cordless stuff.
All the German made tools are much lower priced in Europe than what you can get over in the US or here in Asia.
There are so much great German made tools you can buy if you know where to look. Google around for Hazet (the world's best tools in my book and they cost signifigantly less than Snap-On when you buy them in Germany), Stahlwille (also awesome and less expensive than Hazet), Elora, Gedore, Wiha, Heyco, PB Baumann (Swiss), etc.
I find tons of excellent stuff online but most internet retailers are unwilling to ship outside the EU. Go to www.preisroboter.de and type in the product that you want and you can find the best price.
For power tools, I'm afraid the prices will all be much higher than you are used to in the US. US power tool prices are unnaturally low and in Europe there are very high taxes on power tools. Don't look for Japanese or US made tools over there, they will have a price premium from being imported. Look for good, solid European brands like Metabo, AEG, Hilti, Fein, etc. But always look carefully on the nameplate to make sure it's really made in Europe. A lot of European branded power tools are made in Asia, especially the cordless stuff.
I bought this ELORA combination wrench set in SAE sizes 1/4" -> 7/8"
On two wrenches there stand "W.Germany"...seems that these two are from 80's??? All the others have Made in Germany stamped.
Paid only 65 Euro, it's ok.
They are made in Austria...not Germany but that doesn't matter. Gedore build a lot of really great stuff specially the european made tools.
A nice background information is, that one of the Dowidat brothers (geDOre) is part of Snap-On.
Here a standard 10" waterpump plier from GEDORE, same quality like Knipex and I personally prefer them more than Knipex and it's made in germany.
Then my next toy, - GEDORE too-
A full set of snap-ring pliers...very durable and not so thin like the ones from SO.
On two wrenches there stand "W.Germany"...seems that these two are from 80's??? All the others have Made in Germany stamped.
Paid only 65 Euro, it's ok.
They are made in Austria...not Germany but that doesn't matter. Gedore build a lot of really great stuff specially the european made tools.
A nice background information is, that one of the Dowidat brothers (geDOre) is part of Snap-On.
Here a standard 10" waterpump plier from GEDORE, same quality like Knipex and I personally prefer them more than Knipex and it's made in germany.
Then my next toy, - GEDORE too-
A full set of snap-ring pliers...very durable and not so thin like the ones from SO.
jerk_chicken
Banned
Thanks for the tips! I've admired German tools since I used to find them all the time while repairing or rebuilding and restoring old Audi Quattros. Many of those wrenches are still in my collection. People can't imagine what kinds of ugly, precision tolerance, HEAVY wrenches one finds inside a car. Hazets, Heycos, some unknown, but high quality ones, something from Kowa (but I don't think they're German), and so on.
Thanks for the advice. I'll be returning to the US some years from now and I hope it's with a nice collection of tools. I brought about 60 pounds worth in one suitcase.
Thanks for the advice. I'll be returning to the US some years from now and I hope it's with a nice collection of tools. I brought about 60 pounds worth in one suitcase.
jerk_chicken
Banned
Hawk,
While it might upset Germans for me to agree on such a thing, I really have to agree and thank you for posting such a story. The reason is it took me coming to Germany to not only appreciate the personal freedom (look at how many signs are everywhere in Germany, sometimes contradicting one another while being piled up on one another) in the US, but the equality of people in the US. I've split my time between NRW and my home in Dresden. There are significant differences in the cultures between the two parts. While there is no longer a partition, there is still a partition between the people of both sides (I often hear from different people in the west speaking about how Saechsich people are known to be stupid). Then comes such issues as the massive racism that still exists, with Dresden being my bigger experience. Myself, I'm Indian, so that makes me a lightning rod immediately, and going down the street, there is no hesitation from young people and older people alike to call me an "N", especially when I'm with gf of many years, who is German. In just a couple weeks will be Europe's largest Nazi march in the Dresden Zentrum, very near to where I live. I see a duality and some in betweens on that issue, in that some people are really blind to race or find it fascinating, then the other side that wants nothing to do with other races. In fact, around Dresden, opinions seem to be more against the Gegennazis, as people see them as troublemakers. There's also the side that doesn't acknowledge the problems exists, or don't care because it doesn't affect them, thusly creating a situation where these groups can gain more power (they are getting significant votes in the Saxon government).
The fascinating thing that's actually wearing me out here is the amount of problems, scamming, and lack of customer service. Our internet has been a problem since installation, and no one knows anything about it or how to fix it and they all lie. Calling the helplines can cost 50€ (in the case of an associate) due to massive tolls and wait times. In the case of Eastern Germany, this year is when incomes are supposed to be 100% that of western salaries. However, many companies put clauses in contracts to get out of it, also taking advantage of the fact that Germans tend to defeat themselves with the "I can't do anything about it" before they even try because lawyers are incredibly expensive. In the case we're dealing with now, the salaries are not what the legal standard is for the particular profession and time, based on a contract loophole, but a supplemental from Saxony was supposed to fill the gap. They pay it, but reserve the right to take it back, and they do, constantly. Other associates have had now 5 adjustments in the last year, with getting this gap pay, then having the pay check garnished the next month. No one on staff has protested until now, and on top of that, they're finding out the 100% wiedervereinigungs brutto will not cover them, so as far as pay goes, they are still considered east Germans, and not "Germans". I'm finding many have been scammed in such a way and Human Resources departments are pretending they don't know when this is effective. In fact, no one knows anything. It's quite sad. Hell, our Doppelparker has been out of service for months, and parking has been difficult, and they've been lying to us for months now about it.
Hell, the Autobahn doesn't even work like it should in the uncontrolled zones. I'm doing 230, then someone in a Twingo pulls into the left lane, clear highway behind me, doing 80 because they had to do it that moment. The Autobahn is in massive need of education and reform.
And I'm still not getting into the dirt sidewalks, broken roads that aren't being fixed, and the bridge being built over the Elbe that's using money Dresden supposedly doesn't have. I really don't understand this. And no one questions things.
And again, I'm sorry if this is unintentionally insulting to the Germans here. I know not all people are like what I'm stating, but I was thrust directly into German life and it's proving to be quite difficult on a daily basis.
Oh yeah, before signing off...traveling around the world, and now in Germany, I'm seeing many countries have had (sometimes massive) social and economic problems that predated the US crisis. What I'm seeing in Germany and other countries is a golden opportunity the politicians AND THE PEOPLE have taken to remove the focus from their problems and place it on the US. I see a massive problem here where problems have not been fixed for years, and it carries into my personal, daily life. I try to get stuff fixed, and sometimes it happens, but Germans seem completely taken off guard when I actually show some motivation to fix the mistakes of others hampering the flow of my daily life. So keep that in mind. While there is a crisis in the US that's spreading, other countries are taking advantage of it and hyping it to remove focus off their own problems and avoid fixing them. On top of that, where were the economic scientists in these governments that analyze investments? No one put a gun to their heads to invest so heavily and so recklessly into a country they pretend to hate, but love the money from. All it would have taken was diversification and research to avoid a spread, but these countries just kept dumping money into one country, through a variety of levels of complicated investments.
Sorry for the rant!
zuspiel
Well-known member
I'm not offended. I agree with most of the stuff.
As for the Twingo, though, I wouldn't make such a general statement. Yes, it happens but overall the drivers are significantly more aware than over here. If they unlimited any of the freeways here in Texas, the population would drop by 20% in the first month... If I'm going 250 kph and see a Twingo half a mile away, coming up on a truck (which can't go faster than 80 kph), I take my foot of the gas to give him a bit of time. 95% of Twingo drivers will move back into the right lane immediately after they passed the truck. If you're aware of what they are doing, you only need to slow down slightly... Still freaks out my wife whenever we visit my parents, though
jerk_chicken
Banned
I should have specified that the "Twingo" pulls in front of me, only a few short carlengths at that speed. Very dangerous, to say the least.
I also spent some years in the US with my gf complaining about the US. Now that we're here, the complaints are about Germany, and they are unresolvable. They were solved in the US with 1-2 free or local phone calls. The worst part was how she defended Germany, even with its problems, but now she's seeing how much freer life is over in the US. There are nice things here, and some amazing, but if it's like this, this is simply not the life for me. My education also had some stops along the way for other ventures or personal enrichment, and I'm now finding that I will not be treated equally in the professional arena in Germany due to my age. Again, even in your old age, you're still equal. In Germany, after a point, you won't get a job. And what I find another massive problem with their medical system is that they are willing to pick and choose doctors whom they won't hire, yet there is a problem where fewer and fewer physicians are coming out of medical school and practicing in Germany. If one goes to Zurich, many of their physicians are German due to the lack of pay here and the working conditions. But they'll still pick and choose based on age, and not merit and ability and the latest training.
...and for clarification, I am also originally from Europe.
The amazing things are incredible and I needed to come here because I was burnt at home. I also wanted to see the culture and history of the people and travel to these places I read about. For a vacation, things like this are great and can easily make a person fall in love with it. Daily life as a resident is difficult.
Oh yeah, I love how Americans get made fun of due to airline and border security checks. I've never had worse experiences than at the airports here, and at the Swiss borders. Completely disgusting behavior based on skin color, yet they hype airline profiling in the US (which I have not yet experienced and even experienced professionalism).
...and I'm a heavy metal fan, and imagine my shock, coming to Germany, one of the centers of metal in the world, and then finding out that if I go to a concert, I'm taking my life into my own hands due to right wing extremists, especially in Leipzig (who may have no affiliation at all). The racism in the US might get one some stares and then people go about their business. Here, it gets outright verbal confrontation, verbal attacks, intimidation, and could even get me stabbed. The day I moved to Dresden, I was stuck in traffic during the Euromeistershaft conclusion where the fans were running through the streets. I had to proactively yell "Deutschland, Nummer EINS!" to avoid being mistaken for Turkish (Germans just defeated Turkey) to celebrate with the people. It was the right thing to do, as two traffic lights away, the Neo Nazis were attacking Turks and Doner shops. Of course, no police to be found.
I will give praise to several amazing Germans I befriended. When I asked them about such things before I made it out here, they said they don't know about the racism and all that. They also concluded with an amazingly open-minded conclusion "I'm not Indian, so I can't pretend to experience what you are".
I also spent some years in the US with my gf complaining about the US. Now that we're here, the complaints are about Germany, and they are unresolvable. They were solved in the US with 1-2 free or local phone calls. The worst part was how she defended Germany, even with its problems, but now she's seeing how much freer life is over in the US. There are nice things here, and some amazing, but if it's like this, this is simply not the life for me. My education also had some stops along the way for other ventures or personal enrichment, and I'm now finding that I will not be treated equally in the professional arena in Germany due to my age. Again, even in your old age, you're still equal. In Germany, after a point, you won't get a job. And what I find another massive problem with their medical system is that they are willing to pick and choose doctors whom they won't hire, yet there is a problem where fewer and fewer physicians are coming out of medical school and practicing in Germany. If one goes to Zurich, many of their physicians are German due to the lack of pay here and the working conditions. But they'll still pick and choose based on age, and not merit and ability and the latest training.
...and for clarification, I am also originally from Europe.
The amazing things are incredible and I needed to come here because I was burnt at home. I also wanted to see the culture and history of the people and travel to these places I read about. For a vacation, things like this are great and can easily make a person fall in love with it. Daily life as a resident is difficult.
Oh yeah, I love how Americans get made fun of due to airline and border security checks. I've never had worse experiences than at the airports here, and at the Swiss borders. Completely disgusting behavior based on skin color, yet they hype airline profiling in the US (which I have not yet experienced and even experienced professionalism).
...and I'm a heavy metal fan, and imagine my shock, coming to Germany, one of the centers of metal in the world, and then finding out that if I go to a concert, I'm taking my life into my own hands due to right wing extremists, especially in Leipzig (who may have no affiliation at all). The racism in the US might get one some stares and then people go about their business. Here, it gets outright verbal confrontation, verbal attacks, intimidation, and could even get me stabbed. The day I moved to Dresden, I was stuck in traffic during the Euromeistershaft conclusion where the fans were running through the streets. I had to proactively yell "Deutschland, Nummer EINS!" to avoid being mistaken for Turkish (Germans just defeated Turkey) to celebrate with the people. It was the right thing to do, as two traffic lights away, the Neo Nazis were attacking Turks and Doner shops. Of course, no police to be found.
I will give praise to several amazing Germans I befriended. When I asked them about such things before I made it out here, they said they don't know about the racism and all that. They also concluded with an amazingly open-minded conclusion "I'm not Indian, so I can't pretend to experience what you are".
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zuspiel
Well-known member
Oh, I fully agree with the customer service issue. I always get (rudely) reminded when coming back. In a lot of stores, you always get the impression that the sales people are doing you a favour by just talking to you...
About the Twingo: There is an unlimited supply of idiots everywhere...
About the Twingo: There is an unlimited supply of idiots everywhere...
goodfellow
Well-known member
Many people in the US who constantly complain about America and American culture have no idea what it's like to actually live and work in another country. I've worked on several continents, and have always been very thankful for the privilege of being able to live in the US.
Politics aside, American culture is unique with regard to personal freedom and choice. Sadly, many Americans don't really understand these values until they are actually required to spend significant time abroad.
It's a life changing experience for many individuals.
Politics aside, American culture is unique with regard to personal freedom and choice. Sadly, many Americans don't really understand these values until they are actually required to spend significant time abroad.
It's a life changing experience for many individuals.
jerk_chicken
Banned
You're right. Like I said, I was burnt, and needed to move back overseas. Maybe I moved to the wrong place, the right place, wrong situation, or whatever.
Regardless, I'm hoping this will only be temporary, but whichever way it goes, I needed this move to take a look at what I had from the outside. If the nazism and racism issue doesn't get suppressed by society and the German media, sadly, it will only grow and I will simply leave. I have several Swiss friends who also tried moving to Germany (as they are Germans) and had to move back. I am in an incredibly international city, yet it's not open-minded enough to handle the internationality. Or maybe I'm just in the delicate crossover due to the DDR's short time to integrate with non-whites and non-Germans.
Regardless, I'm hoping this will only be temporary, but whichever way it goes, I needed this move to take a look at what I had from the outside. If the nazism and racism issue doesn't get suppressed by society and the German media, sadly, it will only grow and I will simply leave. I have several Swiss friends who also tried moving to Germany (as they are Germans) and had to move back. I am in an incredibly international city, yet it's not open-minded enough to handle the internationality. Or maybe I'm just in the delicate crossover due to the DDR's short time to integrate with non-whites and non-Germans.
goodfellow
Well-known member
You're learning a valuable lesson. Germany is no different than many other countries I've worked in. The model is almost always the same. When I first arrive, native co-workers are mostly casual and amicable, but over time they will show their prejudices with regard to America and Americans. Whether it be perceptions about "Imperialism", "Politics", "Values", "Race" etc. they manifest themselves over time and become more overt as time passes.
The irony in all this is the following, (and this high-lites the hypocrisy); once my projects are completed, many the same critics who so fervently bashed America and Americans, will take me aside over lunch, dinner, or at a social gathering, and try to co-opt my help in getting them, or members of their families, entry into the United States.
When I "call" them on their hypocrisy, they simply state that it is a cultural issue in their country (i.e. it's politically correct to bash anything associated with America when they are among their peers) and that they themselves don't "really" harbor the same feelings.
At times like this, only two words come to mind: "F -- YOU"
The irony in all this is the following, (and this high-lites the hypocrisy); once my projects are completed, many the same critics who so fervently bashed America and Americans, will take me aside over lunch, dinner, or at a social gathering, and try to co-opt my help in getting them, or members of their families, entry into the United States.
When I "call" them on their hypocrisy, they simply state that it is a cultural issue in their country (i.e. it's politically correct to bash anything associated with America when they are among their peers) and that they themselves don't "really" harbor the same feelings.
At times like this, only two words come to mind: "F -- YOU"
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Frank Elson
Well-known member
I too have travelled all over the world for the past 40 years - at one time in the 1970s I had two passports because some countries didn't like to see I had been to another one.
There is, everywhere, even in the UK, a lot of rampant anti-Americanism which, when investigated fully (I was a journalist after all) I found to be based mostly on envy.
But, and I'm not just saying this because of this site, with the possible exception of the Irish, I have always found Americans, in your own country, to be the friendliest of any people.
There is, everywhere, even in the UK, a lot of rampant anti-Americanism which, when investigated fully (I was a journalist after all) I found to be based mostly on envy.
But, and I'm not just saying this because of this site, with the possible exception of the Irish, I have always found Americans, in your own country, to be the friendliest of any people.
There always will be dumbheads eveywhere in the world. Some (especially) older germans have problems with foreigners and they teach it to their children with the same boring statements like "they take our jobs" and stupid stuff like that but if you`re not dumb you can make up your own mind. I dont want to justify anything but If you look closer you will find problems in almost every country too. For example in france and i dont know if i`d like to live in the UK as a pakistani or indian ("Indo-Brit"). In eastern europe there a a lot of nazis too. Like i said before it dont justify anything what happens here but i had to write something
Some things what many europeans dont understand or what they wonder about america are strange weapon laws, education, schools where creationism is taught, Mr. Bush, Irak war , vietnam war, racism (KKK, Arian nation, *********** etc.), prude and christian on the one hand biggest **** industry, death penalty etc. on the other hand , just to mention some examples what you`ll find in magazines/TV reports here about the USA.
I personally dont have any problems with the USA, most people have prejudices because they wasnt in the USA or dont know nobody from there. So i wish Mr. Obama good luck and that he can archieve everything he has planned and that the american-german friendship bloom again like back in the days
Some things what many europeans dont understand or what they wonder about america are strange weapon laws, education, schools where creationism is taught, Mr. Bush, Irak war , vietnam war, racism (KKK, Arian nation, *********** etc.), prude and christian on the one hand biggest **** industry, death penalty etc. on the other hand , just to mention some examples what you`ll find in magazines/TV reports here about the USA.
I personally dont have any problems with the USA, most people have prejudices because they wasnt in the USA or dont know nobody from there. So i wish Mr. Obama good luck and that he can archieve everything he has planned and that the american-german friendship bloom again like back in the days
jerk_chicken
Banned
Yeah, sorry Monte. I kept it in mind while posting and didn't want to insult you, as you've been very helpful to me.
The weapons rights in America come up and in recent years, I softened my anti-gun stance due to the fact of educating myself (and incidentally reading a book) on the intent of a violent criminal and the availability of weapons. If the person has intent, they will do what they want. In Germany, the words of "stabbings" come up. Criminals will use whatever creativity they have to use the weapons they have available.
As far as Christian groups in the US, there is still a significant separation, though not enough. Now here's the correllary with Germany: my gf and I are trying to get out of the Kirche Steuer (Church tax). For outsiders, the church tax is mandatory and the default and amounts to really a high amount (800€ per year). Now we've been trying to get out of it, but been advised by financial counselors that we would face certain types of discrimination, such as healthcare jobs in religious institutions, if we have kids, they will be excluded from those sorts of things, etc. This is despite the fact that I'm not Christian, and she is nearly as atheist as I am. So once that's done, it becomes a nightmare to get out of it, because we have to get out of it for such things as savings accounts and go through miles of paperwork over and over.
War *****. We're all universal about that, and I could even get into that with family history, but that's outside this thread, as most of my posts here are.
Shitheads are definitely everywhere. The problem is when it becomes a factor that there are enough shitheads to make it more than unpleasant. It's a beautiful country with incredible art and culture and history, but I'm afraid it's being lost or buried and the foreigners are the ones coming here to pay respects to it.
Sorry to everyone!
The weapons rights in America come up and in recent years, I softened my anti-gun stance due to the fact of educating myself (and incidentally reading a book) on the intent of a violent criminal and the availability of weapons. If the person has intent, they will do what they want. In Germany, the words of "stabbings" come up. Criminals will use whatever creativity they have to use the weapons they have available.
As far as Christian groups in the US, there is still a significant separation, though not enough. Now here's the correllary with Germany: my gf and I are trying to get out of the Kirche Steuer (Church tax). For outsiders, the church tax is mandatory and the default and amounts to really a high amount (800€ per year). Now we've been trying to get out of it, but been advised by financial counselors that we would face certain types of discrimination, such as healthcare jobs in religious institutions, if we have kids, they will be excluded from those sorts of things, etc. This is despite the fact that I'm not Christian, and she is nearly as atheist as I am. So once that's done, it becomes a nightmare to get out of it, because we have to get out of it for such things as savings accounts and go through miles of paperwork over and over.
War *****. We're all universal about that, and I could even get into that with family history, but that's outside this thread, as most of my posts here are.
Shitheads are definitely everywhere. The problem is when it becomes a factor that there are enough shitheads to make it more than unpleasant. It's a beautiful country with incredible art and culture and history, but I'm afraid it's being lost or buried and the foreigners are the ones coming here to pay respects to it.
Sorry to everyone!
We have not only racism against forein people...we have facism.
Example, if you work temporaly then you are a 2nd class worker and human!
If you an indepentend mind...nobody will respect you.
Oh you are a Metalhead...you're not welcome.
You have a good education, a apprenticeship and you are willed to learn something new? Not here!
You want to start your own buisness??? A small garage??? Make a "Meister" (like college) then you can...but iot cost about 20.000 Euro and more
You will never afford it!
We have more unemployment people than in the whole USA!
You swim against the current? Then you will surrender
As I was in SC, I've seen a placard at sears. They hired normal salesman for 17,50$/h just to sell Landsend stuff...in Germany you can be glad to earn 7$/h...
Well, I'm german and naturally from NRW...know I live in bavaria...and I suffer under their racism...they don't like people from the north...(and otherwise
)...sad but true.
The people always trying to fool you, specially the employers here. You have to wait month to get an answer of your application and then you must be willed to get less money as somebody without any education....
Off topic...
back to topic
Germany has brilliant tools! But it's mostly not allowed to use them at work
That means: You buy your pro stuff for your home and the non pro stuff is bought by your employer or if he has pro tools, then mostly incompletely and/or worn.
The baddest situation was one times in a independent garage...NO Torqwrench! Multimeter without probes, defective ratchets, no special tools, no working powertools! But he still exist.
Example, if you work temporaly then you are a 2nd class worker and human!
If you an indepentend mind...nobody will respect you.
Oh you are a Metalhead...you're not welcome.
You have a good education, a apprenticeship and you are willed to learn something new? Not here!
You want to start your own buisness??? A small garage??? Make a "Meister" (like college) then you can...but iot cost about 20.000 Euro and more
You will never afford it!
We have more unemployment people than in the whole USA!
You swim against the current? Then you will surrender
As I was in SC, I've seen a placard at sears. They hired normal salesman for 17,50$/h just to sell Landsend stuff...in Germany you can be glad to earn 7$/h...
Well, I'm german and naturally from NRW...know I live in bavaria...and I suffer under their racism...they don't like people from the north...(and otherwise
)...sad but true.The people always trying to fool you, specially the employers here. You have to wait month to get an answer of your application and then you must be willed to get less money as somebody without any education....
Off topic...
back to topic
Germany has brilliant tools! But it's mostly not allowed to use them at work
That means: You buy your pro stuff for your home and the non pro stuff is bought by your employer or if he has pro tools, then mostly incompletely and/or worn.
The baddest situation was one times in a independent garage...NO Torqwrench! Multimeter without probes, defective ratchets, no special tools, no working powertools! But he still exist.
sounds you have major problems....
My brother works for Fiat (KFZ Mechaniker) and makes his master degree (not full-time) , so when he will be finished he spent about 5500 Euro incl. examination fee.
How many mechanics do you think would open a business if you dont need a master degree and dont have a clue how to run a business or have no clue about laws, how to work with customers etc. everything that you need to run a sucessfull business (what you learn in master-school).
Lets say 1000 more car repair shops a year, 500 will already decline after a year because the owner has no clue about running a business and the paper work, the other 300-400 will close because there are already too much shops, you get ill and cant work, somebody sues you etc etc etc.... And only because you are a car mechanic means not that you can repair a car. My brother has to deal with this everyday when customers bring their cars which were "repaired" in other shops (A.T.U. , pitstop...), or where they dismantle the engine or cylinder heads and then they dont know how to put it back together and then they will send the customer to Fiat so they can put things back together because they know how and they have the special tools and the skilled personnel (Servicemechatroniker, KFZ-Meister, trained at every vehicle at the Fiat headquater)
So if you are good in what you are doing , if I were you i would spend the 5500 bucks, get self employed so you can buy the tools you want, you can run the business how you want and make more money etc.
Maybe here up in the north its different but i see ppl with strange hairdos or with tattoos everywhere or rings through the lips etc. which work as salesman and it seems nobody has a problem ? Heavy metal, rap, grunge, reggea no problems here in the north
ps: the minimum wages in the US is 6,55$ as far as i know so here you get (Zeitarbeit) 6,38 or 7,51 Euro, still not enough i know but you have medicare etc. Hartz-4 etc. and in the US ? If you have no work you can get your food with food-stamps ?
so I `m not such a doomsayer ...- "Man forges his own destiny" - You always have to look forward...
So if you dont like it here, maybe you should move to denmark or norway or so ...they always seek for german craftsman.
My brother works for Fiat (KFZ Mechaniker) and makes his master degree (not full-time) , so when he will be finished he spent about 5500 Euro incl. examination fee.
How many mechanics do you think would open a business if you dont need a master degree and dont have a clue how to run a business or have no clue about laws, how to work with customers etc. everything that you need to run a sucessfull business (what you learn in master-school).
Lets say 1000 more car repair shops a year, 500 will already decline after a year because the owner has no clue about running a business and the paper work, the other 300-400 will close because there are already too much shops, you get ill and cant work, somebody sues you etc etc etc.... And only because you are a car mechanic means not that you can repair a car. My brother has to deal with this everyday when customers bring their cars which were "repaired" in other shops (A.T.U. , pitstop...), or where they dismantle the engine or cylinder heads and then they dont know how to put it back together and then they will send the customer to Fiat so they can put things back together because they know how and they have the special tools and the skilled personnel (Servicemechatroniker, KFZ-Meister, trained at every vehicle at the Fiat headquater)
So if you are good in what you are doing , if I were you i would spend the 5500 bucks, get self employed so you can buy the tools you want, you can run the business how you want and make more money etc.
Maybe here up in the north its different but i see ppl with strange hairdos or with tattoos everywhere or rings through the lips etc. which work as salesman and it seems nobody has a problem ? Heavy metal, rap, grunge, reggea no problems here in the north
ps: the minimum wages in the US is 6,55$ as far as i know so here you get (Zeitarbeit) 6,38 or 7,51 Euro, still not enough i know but you have medicare etc. Hartz-4 etc. and in the US ? If you have no work you can get your food with food-stamps ?
so I `m not such a doomsayer ...- "Man forges his own destiny" - You always have to look forward...
So if you dont like it here, maybe you should move to denmark or norway or so ...they always seek for german craftsman.
Matt Matthews
Member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2007
- Messages
- 20
Where is the steel for german tools produced?
@monte
Youy have fees for approximately 10.000 Euro and you need to pay all you other daily things like appartment, gas, insurance etc. For a full time Meister...complete 20.000 or up to 30.000 Euro!
Consider you don't have income in this time!
When your brother has a normal job and at the evening he can study...that's fine.
But what will happen, if he get fired? What is with all the people who must drive 200 km just to reach the school???
My next school for automotive seminars is 230km away ONE DRIVE!
The next problem is, -for many-, if you earn only a low wage/hour, you can't affort it.
Sure, you can work with your tax refunds...there are a lot ways...but you need first the money and a permanent job!
Now try to imagine that sb. has his title...then??? Unemployment...you loose your practise...if you get a job than mostly for 12 or 13 Euro as a Master technician (consider too....automotive master technician is BA degree!!!) when is the point of re-investment ?
You can start your own buisness right (and I appreciate the master)...you need 100.000 Euro and more! Have you ever checked the prices for special equipment from KLANN or SAUER TOOLS??? An BOSCH KTS costs thousands and more...each mechanic needs his toolbox that YOU must pay ...then the building must have fullfill all ecological requirments.
As I was in my "lehre" my boss had to invest 1/2 million to his building, just to hold his contract with our loved cologne car manufactor...-who is it?-
The next big problem is for normal mechanics the seminars from the manufactors. I know a lot of shops which never invest in their people.
My experience is,
work in a garage or shop...the employer gets all subventions from the labour department for some months...after it...you get fired.
Or you just MUST work 2-4 weeks for free! And then you get fired....like MTV's NEXT!
Oh...and when there is a garage where you can work,...they supply not! No special tools and no enough normal equipment (trust me, your metec box is better equippet than the most shops here!)
Another really bad situation is, that I get often no technical data like timingbelt or wiring diagrams.
I remember a nice conversation that I had last month
"Hey you know what, from 30 pupils in our class, only 2 are still working as mechanics! What is with you, you had the best grad in our year"
"Yes I know(me)...sometimes here sometime there...everytime same ********...low payment, no tools and when I bring in my application I know my termination is written....they just want cheap employes."
Everybody that I know in person...has the same experience.
My solution is not to make a master or something like that...no I just do what a lot germans do. I leave!
But that's all off topic...
Youy have fees for approximately 10.000 Euro and you need to pay all you other daily things like appartment, gas, insurance etc. For a full time Meister...complete 20.000 or up to 30.000 Euro!
Consider you don't have income in this time!
When your brother has a normal job and at the evening he can study...that's fine.
But what will happen, if he get fired? What is with all the people who must drive 200 km just to reach the school???
My next school for automotive seminars is 230km away ONE DRIVE!
The next problem is, -for many-, if you earn only a low wage/hour, you can't affort it.
Sure, you can work with your tax refunds...there are a lot ways...but you need first the money and a permanent job!
Now try to imagine that sb. has his title...then??? Unemployment...you loose your practise...if you get a job than mostly for 12 or 13 Euro as a Master technician (consider too....automotive master technician is BA degree!!!) when is the point of re-investment ?
You can start your own buisness right (and I appreciate the master)...you need 100.000 Euro and more! Have you ever checked the prices for special equipment from KLANN or SAUER TOOLS??? An BOSCH KTS costs thousands and more...each mechanic needs his toolbox that YOU must pay ...then the building must have fullfill all ecological requirments.
As I was in my "lehre" my boss had to invest 1/2 million to his building, just to hold his contract with our loved cologne car manufactor...-who is it?
-The next big problem is for normal mechanics the seminars from the manufactors. I know a lot of shops which never invest in their people.
My experience is,
work in a garage or shop...the employer gets all subventions from the labour department for some months...after it...you get fired.
Or you just MUST work 2-4 weeks for free! And then you get fired....like MTV's NEXT!
Oh...and when there is a garage where you can work,...they supply not! No special tools and no enough normal equipment (trust me, your metec box is better equippet than the most shops here!)
Another really bad situation is, that I get often no technical data like timingbelt or wiring diagrams.
I remember a nice conversation that I had last month
"Hey you know what, from 30 pupils in our class, only 2 are still working as mechanics! What is with you, you had the best grad in our year"
"Yes I know(me)...sometimes here sometime there...everytime same ********...low payment, no tools and when I bring in my application I know my termination is written....they just want cheap employes."
Everybody that I know in person...has the same experience.
My solution is not to make a master or something like that...no I just do what a lot germans do. I leave!
But that's all off topic...
jerk_chicken
Banned
This is reminding me of the situation I had with a repair at the mercedes dealer here. Then ended up damaging the car several times, including the wiring, just for a leaking steering rack/Zahngabel replacement. They were negligent several times over, and would not check other problems that existed, such as a door module that was draining the battery. We had to bring it back several times to get them to finally believe us about it. Then came when they promised the car was ready, but they damaged the wiring from the battery and the alternator in the process. Then they delivered the car to our family home in NRW while we were on vacation. Of course, the car didn#t start because they didn#t check the computer that was draining the battery. So the car didnät start, of course. Next, we think we#re done with them after they fixed it, but then we got a Blitz on the A7 from when they were delivering the car.
Anyhow, I saw the tools they were using, along with the fact that a master wasn#t even working on the car. It was a kid that obviously looked like he had no confidence and was training. He cost the dealer thousands of Euros, including a rental we got for free for a ML class because they couldnät deliver the car as promised the day of our vacation.
Anyhow, I saw the tools they were using, along with the fact that a master wasn#t even working on the car. It was a kid that obviously looked like he had no confidence and was training. He cost the dealer thousands of Euros, including a rental we got for free for a ML class because they couldnät deliver the car as promised the day of our vacation.
@Jerk Chicken
yep...that's the situation. Young people who make an apprenticeship here get ~400$ per month...the shops hire every year up to 90.000 of them(in a small country like germany).
Because they are cheap and they give a **** if isn't working.
Ask a dealer if he is willed to invest in you...they will say NO!
I know (because I'm an specialist for BMW electrical issues) that you can't handle new high end cars if you aren't get all the special seminars and training...NOT POSSIBLE!
Know people at the us BMW plant, who spending years just in diagnosting Z4,X5 & X6. And even they don't know everything.
If you make an apprenticeship here, than it's just the basic! What will you expect from a boy?
But anyway, you have to pay the master...not the young trainee! Understood what I mean? $$$
yep...that's the situation. Young people who make an apprenticeship here get ~400$ per month...the shops hire every year up to 90.000 of them(in a small country like germany).
Because they are cheap and they give a **** if isn't working.
Ask a dealer if he is willed to invest in you...they will say NO!
I know (because I'm an specialist for BMW electrical issues) that you can't handle new high end cars if you aren't get all the special seminars and training...NOT POSSIBLE!
Know people at the us BMW plant, who spending years just in diagnosting Z4,X5 & X6. And even they don't know everything.
If you make an apprenticeship here, than it's just the basic! What will you expect from a boy?
But anyway, you have to pay the master...not the young trainee! Understood what I mean? $$$
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jerk_chicken
Banned
The master at this particular (HUGE) dealership was young himself and looks like he hasn't touched a car. He just sits at his desk in the customer center and speaks to us and tells his young "students" what to do. In the end, they lost thousands of Euros, in addition to getting a Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung Strafe, and it looks like they still make money because they barely pay salaries.
To be honest, it's unique to hear the honest German side, rather than the side that immediately goes into US criticism when the German problems are right in their face. I deal with this daily. Hell, I even had a serious medical injury some months ago, and the specialist ended up heckling me about America and the financial problems. In Dresden, when you want someone to shut up, all you do is talk about the Feb 13th Nazi march being the biggest in Europe and how they pretend it doesn't exist because it doesn't affect them because they're white. When you remind them the Nazis are coming back and gaining votes, which people deny happening, they don't ever dare say anything back.
On the positive side, a lesson should be learned for the US by using such things as extensive Oeffentliche Verkehrsmittel (Public Transit). Where I lived, we had nearly non-existent public transit. One needed a car and it was outright dangerous to ride a bike due to drivers that think it's funny to try and hit us and run us off the road. A comprehensive education program should be put into place to stress bicyclist safety and the right to share the road. On top of that, why do idiot American drivers get taught (like my mom) to flash the high beams at bicyclists so we can see them? We can see them! We don't need to be blinded. Anyhow, if we, as Americans, want to reduce dependence on the middle east, then we need to actually put our money where our mouths are. Public transit, using it, and development of bike lanes and education will seal it.
Bread here rocks. I love these heavy, nutty breads.
The theory of recycling and separating is good, but the execution *****. Much easier in the US.
The Autobahn drives me nuts. I could drive hundreds of miles in the US with barely changing my speed. The Autobahn is a constant shuffle that drives me nuts.
*Hela Delikat Curry Ketchup is amazing. How we don't have this in the US is beyond me.
In the US, police are everywhere, to the point I thought we simply had too many. In Germany, I go for weeks without seeing a cop, and I even live near a station. I've been told if I call for the police due to a violence issue, then I have to tell them my radio is being stolen. They tend to not like such types of conflict and leave the streets here to solve their own problems.
Tool topic:
So what is the reason 3/8" ratchets and sockets aren't so big compared to 1/4" and 1/2"? I noted that many combined sets have the 1/4 and 1/2, but then 3/8 is buried somewhere. It does look like 1/2" sets go generally to smaller socket sizes than they do in the US, but there is a zone where one might need more torque than a 1/4 ratchet will provide without constituting abuse, but more gentle or in smaller spaces than 1/2".
To be honest, it's unique to hear the honest German side, rather than the side that immediately goes into US criticism when the German problems are right in their face. I deal with this daily. Hell, I even had a serious medical injury some months ago, and the specialist ended up heckling me about America and the financial problems. In Dresden, when you want someone to shut up, all you do is talk about the Feb 13th Nazi march being the biggest in Europe and how they pretend it doesn't exist because it doesn't affect them because they're white. When you remind them the Nazis are coming back and gaining votes, which people deny happening, they don't ever dare say anything back.
On the positive side, a lesson should be learned for the US by using such things as extensive Oeffentliche Verkehrsmittel (Public Transit). Where I lived, we had nearly non-existent public transit. One needed a car and it was outright dangerous to ride a bike due to drivers that think it's funny to try and hit us and run us off the road. A comprehensive education program should be put into place to stress bicyclist safety and the right to share the road. On top of that, why do idiot American drivers get taught (like my mom) to flash the high beams at bicyclists so we can see them? We can see them! We don't need to be blinded. Anyhow, if we, as Americans, want to reduce dependence on the middle east, then we need to actually put our money where our mouths are. Public transit, using it, and development of bike lanes and education will seal it.
Bread here rocks. I love these heavy, nutty breads.
The theory of recycling and separating is good, but the execution *****. Much easier in the US.
The Autobahn drives me nuts. I could drive hundreds of miles in the US with barely changing my speed. The Autobahn is a constant shuffle that drives me nuts.
*Hela Delikat Curry Ketchup is amazing. How we don't have this in the US is beyond me.
In the US, police are everywhere, to the point I thought we simply had too many. In Germany, I go for weeks without seeing a cop, and I even live near a station. I've been told if I call for the police due to a violence issue, then I have to tell them my radio is being stolen. They tend to not like such types of conflict and leave the streets here to solve their own problems.
Tool topic:
So what is the reason 3/8" ratchets and sockets aren't so big compared to 1/4" and 1/2"? I noted that many combined sets have the 1/4 and 1/2, but then 3/8 is buried somewhere. It does look like 1/2" sets go generally to smaller socket sizes than they do in the US, but there is a zone where one might need more torque than a 1/4 ratchet will provide without constituting abuse, but more gentle or in smaller spaces than 1/2".
Last edited:
zuspiel
Well-known member
I use 3/8" more than 80% of the time. Unless it's tiny, huge, or really really stuck... If DAT wasn't able to break a T72 when he was trying to break it, I don't think my long 3/8" will break any time soon...
3/8 is not very popular here...don't know why.
But I love it, my long Snap-On 3/8 ratchet is longer than a normal 1/2' one and much thinner and a light weight...use 1/2" only at my impact stuff or heavy torque purposes like cylinderhead or suspension.
But I love it, my long Snap-On 3/8 ratchet is longer than a normal 1/2' one and much thinner and a light weight...use 1/2" only at my impact stuff or heavy torque purposes like cylinderhead or suspension.
zuspiel
Well-known member
Apparently, it was a lot of 1/4 and 1/2 over here too, in the past. Maybe somebody with a better clue can chime in...
Exactly the same here. My ratchets are SO and my sockets are Cman, if either breaks, replacement is no problem. Not that I think they'll break... I can't quite imagine trying to use a 1/2 for a lot of the stuff. The ratchet heads are huge, the whole thing is bulky, and weighs a ton compared to the 3/8 stuff. 1/4 only goes up to 5/8 or 14 and even my new TX72 is too short for most stuff.
Exactly the same here. My ratchets are SO and my sockets are Cman, if either breaks, replacement is no problem. Not that I think they'll break... I can't quite imagine trying to use a 1/2 for a lot of the stuff. The ratchet heads are huge, the whole thing is bulky, and weighs a ton compared to the 3/8 stuff. 1/4 only goes up to 5/8 or 14 and even my new TX72 is too short for most stuff.
jerk_chicken
Banned
Glad I brought my stuff over!
I definitely want to get at least a 1/2" Zyklops set with those nice sockets and the bit attachment from Wera, and perhaps some Gedore-Carolus or Hazet equipment before I leave. I hear about Stahlwille (I think I'm spelling the name wrong), but I haven't had a chance to look into them. I'm looking to go on the 6 year plan and be back by 2015.
I definitely want to get at least a 1/2" Zyklops set with those nice sockets and the bit attachment from Wera, and perhaps some Gedore-Carolus or Hazet equipment before I leave. I hear about Stahlwille (I think I'm spelling the name wrong), but I haven't had a chance to look into them. I'm looking to go on the 6 year plan and be back by 2015.
beelsr
Well-known member
My brother lives in Berlin, married a German a few years ago. A couple years after 9/11, we were having a dinner and Rebekka expressed her surprise at how many US flags were flying. She said that would never fly (ha, a pun) in .de because "extreme patriotism" is considered nazi-like. She's still young so I had to explain the difference to her.
Until the Controls surpise you!
Only in .de could a public transportation system work on the honor system...
Something I happily put up with for the freedom and utter joy of passing police cars at over 100mph and they don't even glance at you when you do!
[/quote] *Hela Delikat Curry Ketchup is amazing. How we don't have this in the US is beyond me.
In the US, police are everywhere, to the point I thought we simply had too many.
So what is the reason 3/8" ratchets and sockets aren't so big compared to 1/4" and 1/2"?[/quote]
No idea. 3/8" is my "go-to" ratchet for most things....
jerk_chicken
Banned
Well, I won't be leaving the house this weekend. The Nazi march is going on right now, outside. Cops are useless here and protecting the Nazis while they're marching and intimidating people. Now people think it's normal to stay in their homes like prisoners on these three days. Some pics below.
http://www.recherche-ost.com/
As far as pay goes (on the topic), I'm getting more word from associates of my gf who are being exploited also, such as her department leader. Even she is not being paid her full legal salary, East Germany or West, and it in fact seems to be a "cool" thing at this point to be exploited in such a way. I'm not kidding. It just seems to be something they are laughing at, as a combination of massively low salaries (in this case, imagine physicians getting paid $10/hr or less based on the hours they put in), Germans not complaining and accepting it as "the way it is", and various exploitations and loopholes in the convoluted legal framework that also makes it impossible for someone with a legit case to bring it forth, whether to actually present a case, or to even get a proper resolution, rather than one where the judge penalizes both sides in a way because they want things to go away. In this sense also, everyone is equal in the US.
http://www.recherche-ost.com/
As far as pay goes (on the topic), I'm getting more word from associates of my gf who are being exploited also, such as her department leader. Even she is not being paid her full legal salary, East Germany or West, and it in fact seems to be a "cool" thing at this point to be exploited in such a way. I'm not kidding. It just seems to be something they are laughing at, as a combination of massively low salaries (in this case, imagine physicians getting paid $10/hr or less based on the hours they put in), Germans not complaining and accepting it as "the way it is", and various exploitations and loopholes in the convoluted legal framework that also makes it impossible for someone with a legit case to bring it forth, whether to actually present a case, or to even get a proper resolution, rather than one where the judge penalizes both sides in a way because they want things to go away. In this sense also, everyone is equal in the US.