My biggest gripes have to do with tool sets, whether you buy them as sets or put them together as sets. Number one is skipping sizes. Yeah, you may not use the 16mm socket much, but it's good to have it when you need it. Number two is if I buy a set of tools, I want to know that if I damage, lose or wear out a tool, I can can replace the tool with the same exact tool. Case in point are my husky USA wrenches. If I ever have to replace one, it would be replaced by a sticky chromed, shortened, lobster claw POS made in PRC. What are your pet peeves?
What are your pet peeves with hand tools?
- Thread starter monster1
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jallyn
Well-known member
I also like tool sets that come in cases. Cases keep everything orderly and make tools easier to transport. And once a tool is broken or lost there is an orphaned spot in your case. You can try to fill it, but it will never be the same since you can't buy that tool individually.
Grips on pliers make them much more comfortable than their bare ancestors. However, the grips are by design softer than the steel underneath so they get nicked, scratched, and otherwise show age quickly and easily.
Grips on pliers make them much more comfortable than their bare ancestors. However, the grips are by design softer than the steel underneath so they get nicked, scratched, and otherwise show age quickly and easily.
four.cycle
Well-known member
the OP said:
1. The fact that they are allowed to manufacture them in China.
2. The fact that the Chinese aren't required to stamp "CHINA" on the garbage that we import to this country.
Other than "CHINA", I don't generally have any issues with hand tools.
The fact that you can't find any of the quality US brands in US B&M stores.
All the B&M stores have gravitated to the lowest end **** from China. They won't even carry a quality brand as an alternative alongside the low end brands.
If I ever wanted to see and handle a quality tool in person before making a purchase I'd be SOL.
(ex: SK, Proto, Wright, Armstrong, Williams, CM Industrial do not exist except for online)
All the B&M stores have gravitated to the lowest end **** from China. They won't even carry a quality brand as an alternative alongside the low end brands.
If I ever wanted to see and handle a quality tool in person before making a purchase I'd be SOL.
(ex: SK, Proto, Wright, Armstrong, Williams, CM Industrial do not exist except for online)
Around here there are two industrial suppliers you can go into to see those tools in person. One carries Proto / Blackhawk, and the other carries Wright. However, there's no point in even going into those places for the most part because of the pricing. It's one thing to pay more for a B&M store over an online seller. It's another thing to pay 4x price.
Contractors and trades people can still benefit from the instant availability but for an average user you probably should just buy them online.
Exactly right. It's frustrating.
smittyjones
Well-known member
When I have a set of blue handled pliers, and one of them breaks, then it's replaced by brand new blue handled pliers... but they're bright blue instead of dark blue. Or red handled replaced by a black handled.
I agree with the skipping sizes thing. I have a craftsman 20mm wrench sticking out like a sore thumb.
I agree with the skipping sizes thing. I have a craftsman 20mm wrench sticking out like a sore thumb.
^^^^^ this +2
The last local tool distributor near me closed a few years ago. I only found out they were closing when I went to get some saw blades and went in to find the store nearly empty of stock and signs all around showing "final sales". I used to go there once or twice a year to buy better tools. I really liked that I could actually see them and judge the quality. It was more expensive but I didn't mind it.
White Cap is only a few miles from me and this is the same problem I have with them. They are the only local place that sells American tools, but they don't have prices listed on ANYTHING so you get to the counter only to discover the item is marked up 50% compared to any online retailer.
I ordered a set of metric ignition wrenches (Wright 788) and it took them over 90 days and cost $40. On December 18th I took in two Wright screwdriver bit sockets for warranty and still haven't heard anything back from them.
Oh and in response to the OP. I hate tools with sharp corners that dig into your hands like the Craftsman RP ratchets and wrenches. I have tool OCD so it bothers me when sets skip sizes. I may never need a 20mm wrench, but I don't want to be left high and dry on the day I do.
Yep... This place has no prices on anything as well. Back when I was buying my Wrightgrips I went in there to ask what their price was. I can't remember the exact prices now but they were like 220$ on Amazon and 450$ from them. I said thanks and walked out.
It's a really cool place to look around but not to buy from. Where else would you be able to walk in and grab a 12" core drill or any of the other huge and crazy stuff around there:
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popparoach
Banned
that there called hand tools,when you don't use them to work on your hands...
I shop locally within reason. Unfortunately, White Cap lies beyond that border. Thanks to Amazon I just received a barely used Wright 752 set for $90.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Factory defects is my pet peeve. I'm a perfectionist when it come to tools.
JonDick13926
Well-known member
This is exactly what I was going to say. The very few stores that I've been in where I found quality USA brands weren't just higher than online suppliers (a little higher I could do, especially for the instant in-your-hands factor). No, they were, as said above, many TIMES the online prices.
Askme42
Well-known member
Yep I checked out berlands (sp?) tools outside of new Lenox when we were in the Chicago area. They had a decent amount of SK which is my go to brand. They might of got some business of mine if the prices hadn't been through the roof.
No wonder most of the stock looked like it had been there 20+ years.
bwringer
Well-known member
I would love to see tools and tool sets that come with:
- Decent durable cases. Plastic, even blow-molded plastic is fine if it's decently designed.
- That have space for some common extras (for example, a drill should come in a case with a secure spot for extra drill bits, screws, drivers, etc.)
- The case should have a firm grip on the tool and extras, but not a death grip. By the same token, the spaces for bits, etc. should not require 25,000 pounds of pressure to use.
- Actual space for the cord. Many cases are nearly impossible to use again, since you can't stuff everything back in after using it.
- Space for the tool with the bit or blade mounted. One of my pet hatreds is a case for a tool that requires you to remove the bit or disassemble to tool to get it back in.
- I'd also like to see tool sets stop bothering with the useless cheap "filler" items. This can be a tough call -- one man's trash is another man's treasure, but stuff like ****** wall anchor kits, crappy useless cheddar cheese screwdriver bits, useless soft saw blades, etc. does no one any good.
- Similarly, I like seeing a tool or set that comes with decent quality consumables. Would it kill them to throw in a few sheets of decent sandpaper with that sander, or a few decent staples with the stapler? Instead of crappy carbon-zinc batteries, just leave 'em out or include name brand alkaline batteries.
- If a tool needs consumables, these should be clearly specified on the box. What freaking batteries does this thing need? What size nails? What diameter saw blade?
- Some external indication of what the hell is in the case would be nice. Soft cases are particularly bad at this. Okay, I've got a blue zippered rectangular-ish soft case here. Wonder what it is?
- Decent durable cases. Plastic, even blow-molded plastic is fine if it's decently designed.
- That have space for some common extras (for example, a drill should come in a case with a secure spot for extra drill bits, screws, drivers, etc.)
- The case should have a firm grip on the tool and extras, but not a death grip. By the same token, the spaces for bits, etc. should not require 25,000 pounds of pressure to use.
- Actual space for the cord. Many cases are nearly impossible to use again, since you can't stuff everything back in after using it.
- Space for the tool with the bit or blade mounted. One of my pet hatreds is a case for a tool that requires you to remove the bit or disassemble to tool to get it back in.
- I'd also like to see tool sets stop bothering with the useless cheap "filler" items. This can be a tough call -- one man's trash is another man's treasure, but stuff like ****** wall anchor kits, crappy useless cheddar cheese screwdriver bits, useless soft saw blades, etc. does no one any good.
- Similarly, I like seeing a tool or set that comes with decent quality consumables. Would it kill them to throw in a few sheets of decent sandpaper with that sander, or a few decent staples with the stapler? Instead of crappy carbon-zinc batteries, just leave 'em out or include name brand alkaline batteries.
- If a tool needs consumables, these should be clearly specified on the box. What freaking batteries does this thing need? What size nails? What diameter saw blade?
- Some external indication of what the hell is in the case would be nice. Soft cases are particularly bad at this. Okay, I've got a blue zippered rectangular-ish soft case here. Wonder what it is?
bwringer
Well-known member
Gawd, I hate that too.
My pet hatred is metric wrench sets that only include sizes with a close SAE analogue. In other words, it's obvious they're chiseling a few yuan by only using SAE blanks, or making them a little sloppy so they can go either way (like 13mm - 1/2", or 14mm - 9/16")
This leads to stupid **** like a metric set that includes the following:
8mm (5/16" blank, teensy-tiny)
9mm (3/8" blank,and a nearly useless size anyway)
10mm (using the exact same 3/8" blank so it's indistinguishable from the 9mm)
11mm (7/16" blank; hardly ever used)
12mm skip -- it's ONLY one of the most common metric sizes... bastards
13mm made with a 1/2" blank
14mm made with a 9/16" blank
15mm skip -- aargggghh.
16mm made with a 5/8" blank. So I get 16 but not 15?
17mm skip -- again, ONLY one of the most common sizes...
18mm skip, or maybe made with an 11/16" blank
19mm made with a 3/4" blank
Warrenator
Well-known member
If you want to handle the tool in an actual brick and mortar store, then buy it at a fair price, you're out of luck unless you happen to be in Kansas City where the incomparable Harry Epstein is located. When I first went there i couldn't figure out the prices on stuff, but there is a sign at the front counter that explains the system, they use a funny code. Why I have no idea unless their prices are so low the manufacturers don't want them posted.
My biggest pet peeve is with hand tools is the guy who uses them makes a tool set for a particular chore, then he never puts them away, so the next guy is screwed and can't find anything. (That guy would be me. I think past me hates future me. That would explain a lot, anyway.)
My biggest pet peeve is with hand tools is the guy who uses them makes a tool set for a particular chore, then he never puts them away, so the next guy is screwed and can't find anything. (That guy would be me. I think past me hates future me. That would explain a lot, anyway.)
jerseykat1
Well-known member
skipping a size especially a size like 15mm. i mean really how could you skip 15mm every American car uses 15mm fasteners.
DONT SKIP SIZES!
DONT SKIP SIZES!
jerseykat1
Well-known member
Gawd, I hate that too.
My pet hatred is metric wrench sets that only include sizes with a close SAE analogue. In other words, it's obvious they're chiseling a few yuan by only using SAE blanks, or making them a little sloppy so they can go either way (like 13mm - 1/2", or 14mm - 9/16")
This leads to stupid **** like a metric set that includes the following:
8mm (5/16" blank, teensy-tiny)
9mm (3/8" blank,and a nearly useless size anyway)
10mm (using the exact same 3/8" blank so it's indistinguishable from the 9mm)
11mm (7/16" blank; hardly ever used)
12mm skip -- it's ONLY one of the most common metric sizes... bastards
13mm made with a 1/2" blank
14mm made with a 9/16" blank
15mm skip -- aargggghh.
16mm made with a 5/8" blank. So I get 16 but not 15?
17mm skip -- again, ONLY one of the most common sizes...
18mm skip, or maybe made with an 11/16" blank
19mm made with a 3/4" blank
Thats terrible. i have never had a set that bad. i would throw it on the ground and stump on it..
.. lol no seriously.
popparoach
Banned
I know of a brick and mortar where they will handle your tool and you get a massage.
davethorik
Well-known member
Laser etched tools. Hey I get it, cheapening the manufacturing process. But give me tools that are engraved or stamped any day. This goes for sockets (Armstrong, Craftsman, some others) as well as micrometers (Mitutoyo).
panknuckshovel
Well-known member
Coach James
Well-known member
What tears me up is that before I can take the tools home and use them, the store people actually want me to pay for them! What's that all about?
Coach
Coach
four.cycle
Well-known member
bwringer said:
rodsnratfinks
Well-known member
I don't like it when pliers or tweezers aren't precise. For pliers to be sold, it should be a law that the jaws line up properly. I also don't like slop in the pivot. Likewise, all screwdrivers should fit the screw head they are intended for.
Sent via homing pigeon on methamphetamines
Sent via homing pigeon on methamphetamines
Gidge
Well-known member
Dead batteries.
Keyless chucks on drills.
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Now I only own corded drills with keyed chucks.
Keyless chucks on drills.
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Now I only own corded drills with keyed chucks.
AndrewDouglasBird
Well-known member
You must not have ever used a GOOD keyless chuck. So much nicer than using a chuck key, plus you can never lose it!
I personally hate the fact that most tools are polished chrome plated. Make them slippery and frankly, I don't like the look of them either. A slightly rough black oxide finish or "satin" chrome is much nicer IMO, but can be hard to find.
Ratchets whose mechanisms don't have enough spring in them to work properly at higher speeds. I can turn a ratchet back and forth at a fairly high rate of speed and a lot of ratchets "float" when going faster. I don't care if it only takes 5º to click if it doesn't click at all at faster wrenching speeds.
Plastic being used when metal most definitely should have. This does come down to tool companies and quality, but for example, my Craftsman clicker torque wrench that is all metal except the grip and PLASTIC LOCKING RING that broke after almost no use. Now the wrench can't be locked on a setting so careful use must be used. Or on the ratcheting black and decker screwdriver I have. Love this thing, but the plastic cap that holds everything inside the mechanism stripped it's itty bit threads and constantly pops off while being used.
I personally hate the fact that most tools are polished chrome plated. Make them slippery and frankly, I don't like the look of them either. A slightly rough black oxide finish or "satin" chrome is much nicer IMO, but can be hard to find.
Ratchets whose mechanisms don't have enough spring in them to work properly at higher speeds. I can turn a ratchet back and forth at a fairly high rate of speed and a lot of ratchets "float" when going faster. I don't care if it only takes 5º to click if it doesn't click at all at faster wrenching speeds.
Plastic being used when metal most definitely should have. This does come down to tool companies and quality, but for example, my Craftsman clicker torque wrench that is all metal except the grip and PLASTIC LOCKING RING that broke after almost no use. Now the wrench can't be locked on a setting so careful use must be used. Or on the ratcheting black and decker screwdriver I have. Love this thing, but the plastic cap that holds everything inside the mechanism stripped it's itty bit threads and constantly pops off while being used.
Gidge
Well-known member
I agree with the premise of a keyless chuck - my only experience was with DeWalt drills had two of them with keyless chucks and both crapped out in short order.
What do you suggest for a GOOD keyless chuck ? A particular brand of drill/screwdriver or an aftermarket add-on ?
carcajou
Well-known member
It would be nice to see decent size numbering on all brands of sockets. ARE YOU READING THIS PROTO? My eyes are not what they used to be so now most have labels on them.
Fender1325
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2014
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Tools that are meant to be beat on and they break immediately. Pickel fork, easy out drill bit, tap. Things like that that are cheap its literally about only good for hanging on a wall and looking at. Like its an immitation tool not meant for use.
Gidge
Well-known member
Those totally count as hand tools.
Isn't a drill held in the hand ?
If you mean ratchets, and vise-grips and monkey wrenches --I hate when vise grips snap back on release and whack you in the hand --there
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
Truest statement ever. All brands are guilty. Seems like a really low way of avoiding any warranty risk. To me it just screams epic lack of pride. I love finding an ancient pair of pliers made of good quality steel, coated with rust, ten seconds with the wire wheel and a little wed-40 and they work and look like new other then the long gone finish... oh well, at least not many normal people get excited about old tools.