Fave Non-Standard Hand Tools?

[Stuey]

Over at ToolGuyd, I was working around an automotive and industrial hand tool theme this week, and took the opportunity to review a couple of tools I've owned and enjoyed using for years, as well as some I recently checked out.

Here are a couple of my reviews from this week:

Facom angled socket wrench

Wera sliding T-handle

Proto locking extension

Wera swivel-sleeve extensions

SK thumbwheel ratchet

A couple more are scheduled for tomorrow, including Facom wrenches and PB Swiss bit sockets.

Anyhow, what are your faves? Bonus points if it's something non-standard or unusual, like the ones here.

 

[Ruger_556]

I've been meaning to buy those locking extensions maybe in the impact version though...

 

[Askme42]

I had some el cheapo thumb wheel ratchets and just got my first sk one. Wow what an upgrade.

 

[matthew]

Duckbill pliers. Not overly common in homeowner toolboxes, but I really feel they're must-have. Just so useful. I have three different sets - Channellock 718, Knipex 29-11-160, and a mini pair of Craftsman.

 

[Ruger_556]

Long reach 45 degree Snap On pliers, absolute life savers in a tight spot.

 

[T45]

Proxxon thin combos. Come in handy when you need a thin open end. The ring ends are robust and the 13mm tested to 240NM, just as strong as a snappy. They also are very compact as a set. Nice mix of features that.

 

[jeffmoss26]

http://absupply.net/keedex-k-6-master-follower.aspx

 

[theoldwizard1]

http://absupply.net/keedex-k-6-master-follower.aspx

Okay ... what is a "master follower" ?

 

[vandezand]

Looks like a locksmithing tool

 

[Stuey]

Duckbill pliers. Not overly common in homeowner toolboxes, but I really feel they're must-have. Just so useful. I have three different sets - Channellock 718, Knipex 29-11-160, and a mini pair of Craftsman.

I forgot about those!

I used mini Proto duckbills to fracture ceramic samples for microstructure analysis. Worked really well, but tougher samples required more than a scribe and had to be cut with a diamond wheel.

I've been meaning to buy one for home use, for tightening and flattening stranded wire but haven't had a chance.

 

[JBradley500]

Snap-on A177a

This thing is great for removing clips, linkages, hoses, etc. I use it all of the time, and never for its original purpose.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Looks like a locksmithing tool

You got it! Locks are my hobby.

 

[Rock knocker]

Spud ratchet and spud crescent

 

[unslow1]

Duckbill pliers. Not overly common in homeowner toolboxes, but I really feel they're must-have. Just so useful. I have three different sets - Channellock 718, Knipex 29-11-160, and a mini pair of Craftsman.

That is one of the few new Snapon tools I have. I'm kind of disappointed that I don't use them much and they rusted immediately. Oil took care of the rust but I still don't seem to use them.

 

[BFHtime]

Metric tools of course.

 

[unslow1]

You got it! Locks are my hobby.

Do you play around with old padlocks? I have a couple I inherited that I haven't found the keys for. I still have a few rooms to go through. Maybe they will turn up.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Do you play around with old padlocks? I have a couple I inherited that I haven't found the keys for. I still have a few rooms to go through. Maybe they will turn up.

Oh yeah, still collecting/picking etc, let me know what you have!

 

[TapperMan]

A punch holder - no more smashed thumbs.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I've thought about buying one of those to use with my letter/number stamps.

 

[Stuey]

I've thought about buying one of those to use with my letter/number stamps.

They're great for that, but can look a little weird with smaller punches. I have a Craftsman (reviewed here - http://toolguyd.com/craftsman-punch-chisel-holder-review/), and it's decent. Harry Epstein's sent over a Wilde one, and I like that it has a closed loop like the Williams one Tapperman linked to.

 

[woodstockva]

Snap-on A177a

This thing is great for removing clips, linkages, hoses, etc. I use it all of the time, and never for its original purpose.

I found one of those under the rear seat cushion of a 1990 Honda Accord I parted out!

 

[dailydR1ver]

Matco exhaust hangar pliers.

http://www.matcotools.com/ProductImages/ehr383.jpg

 

[jeffmoss26]

Okay ... what is a "master follower" ?

A plug follower is used when rekeying a lock. It holds the top pins and springs in place while you have the plug out to replace the keypins.
The Keedex master follower has a radiused section that you can turn so master pins will fall out of the top.

 

[nahuebsch82]