Gimmicky Tools

[dxdexter]

There was once a time when the tool set consisted of conventional looking screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. Over the last while there have been many ridiculous tools offered, mainly by the box stores and I think directed at the home owner.

Post some pictures or express you views or experiences with any of these types of tools such as the "Bionic Wrench". If you listen to the BS, you would think you need only one wrench in your box, but to anyone with any sense, you would see they would only work in wide open areas and even then I feel they would perform poorly.

 

[wrenchr]

Biononic Junk!!!

 

[lbgradwell]

I too share your suspicions about this tool...

And yet it has won numerous design awards!!!!!

http://loggerheadtools.com/?main_page=news

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/home_improvement/1594932.html?page=6

http://www.chi-athenaeum.org/gdesign/winners05.htm#hardware

http://en.red-dot.org/1839.html

http://www.chicagoinnovationawards.com/ (See 2006)

So, what's going on here?!

 

[wilbilt]

I too share your suspicions about this tool...

And yet it has won numerous design awards!!!!!



So, what's going on here?!

The organizations giving out awards don't have a fusking clue about how anything actually works.

 

[eschoendorff]

The organizations giving out awards don't have a fusking clue about how anything actually works.

Ding Ding! We have a winner!!!!!!

Those organizations are often "scientific" in this sense:

Skip the junk, buy the time-tested classics.. and take a chance on the truly cool new tools, like Gearwrenches.

 

[billymade]

I think its possible to have something that has a "innovative design" but in "real world usage" may not be that great. In my mind, if you try to make something that does "everything" it typically doesn't do "anything" particularly well. There is definitely a reason why tool companies sell hundreds, if not thousands of socket and wrench types/sizes.
Another example is the "gator grip socket":
http://www.endeavortool.com/Gator_Grip/page/Gator_Grip.html

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Skip the junk, buy the time-tested classics.. and take a chance on the truly cool new tools, like Gearwrenches.

GearWrenches FTW.

 

[wrenchr]

I think its possible to have something that has a "innovative design" but in "real world usage" may not be that great. In my mind, if you try to make something that does "everything" it typically doesn't do "anything" particularly well. There is definitely a reason why tool companies sell hundreds, if not thousands of socket and wrench types/sizes.
Another example is the "gator grip socket":
http://www.endeavortool.com/Gator_Grip/page/Gator_Grip.html

Wow if I had that I could sell all of my good tools!!!! HMMMMMMMMMM.

 

[l_bilyk]

Those gator grip sockets are probably the worst offenders

 

[Phatsub]

Gotta love Billy Maze

https://www.mightyputty.com/spark/index.php

 

[Stuey]

What about those new Irwin adjustable crescent-type wrenches which adjust to SAE or metric sizes...

I'd offer a link, but the network I'm on blocks Irwin's site for some reason.

Edit: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YHLGXE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Jononon]

What about those new Irwin adjustable crescent-type wrenches which adjust to SAE or metric sizes...

Huh ? Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't all crescent wrenches adjust to both imperial and metric sizes ?

 

[l_bilyk]

No.. these have little teeth that lock the teeth to specific sizes in metric or SAE

 

[T56 Impala]

I have a strange gimmicky ratchet. It has a rod that runs through the handle with a T on the end. You turn the T and the drive turns. I guess it was designed for tight places but the head is HUGE so I don't know where one might use it.

I am no good at posting pictures so my poor description is all you can get!

Hold on.... http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/post-pmrotatingratchet.jpg

Yep, thats it! That is the exact one I have.

 

[Ducroix]

Dont forget your metrinch tools!!

http://www.mitools.com/info/

dont know how many of those my dad broke back in the day!

 

[ImportTuner]

I have a strange gimmicky ratchet. It has a rod that runs through the handle with a T on the end. You turn the T and the drive turns. I guess it was designed for tight places but the head is HUGE so I don't know where one might use it.

I am no good at posting pictures so my poor description is all you can get!

Hold on.... http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/post-pmrotatingratchet.jpg

Yep, thats it! That is the exact one I have.

I bought the same one at Pep Boy's over 5 years ago ... maybe used it once and you aren't kidding about the size of the head ...

 

[bchee]

I just won this multiwrench for cheap. I also got a gator grip socket for like $2.00.
I have the Robogrip pliers. I don't mind getting that gimmick stuff for cheap and I can put in the road box. Usually they won't fit where you want them to. If it's cheap I'm sure there will be a time when it pays for itself.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I just won this multiwrench for cheap. I also got a gator grip socket for like $2.00.
I have the Robogrip pliers. I don't mind getting that gimmick stuff for cheap and I can put in the road box.

I caught a distinct whiff of BJ Catfish bait! Was it just me?

 

[wilbilt]

I just won this multiwrench for cheap.

I had one of those when I was like 12, for my bike. It sucked then....etc...

 

[wrenchr]

I had one of those when I was like 12, for my bike. It sucked then....etc...

The only multi feature I have found with these is there are multiple ways to bust your knuckles!!!!!!!!!

 

[Uncle Buck]

The only multi feature I have found with these is there are multiple ways to bust your knuckles!!!!!!!!!

Or muliple trash cans or **** piles it fits nicely in!

 

[wilbilt]

I seem to remember pounding tent stakes with it at some point. It worked like a mini-deadblow hammer, because the head swiveled.

By that time, I had given up any hope of using it as a wrench.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I seem to remember pounding tent stakes with it at some point. It worked like a mini-deadblow hammer, because the head swiveled.

By that time, I had given up any hope of using it as a wrench.

Man that really made me laugh envisioning that!

 

[boiler7904]

Black & Decker AutoTape anyone?

How about the AutoWrench?

 

[bchee]

I won it for $1.50. Total with shipping was $5.00. Not a bad deal, eh?

I have this other Proto indexible ratchet (5257FL) which some might consider gimmicky.

Here's a youtube video about the Crescent RapidRench:

 

[Phatsub]

Guilty of the autowrench here. Got it for Christmas. It's in my
"remote-job tool bucket."

 

[Phatsub]

Here's a good way to tear up your drill.

 

[bchee]

I don't know how long these self-adjusting pipe wrenches have been around, but are these considered gimmicky? Looks like they would work pretty good

 

[64merc]

I don't know how long these self-adjusting pipe wrenches have been around, but are these considered gimmicky? Looks like they would work pretty good

I've been really interested in these too. I wonder if anyone has any experience with the self-adjusting style of pipe wrenches.

 

[Danglerb]

Most of these things don't do a job better, they are cheap tools for those with no tools. Even better tools for those who don't use tools, but like to have something around just in case.

Gimmicks I like include;
headlights
gearwrenches
flex heads
ribbed screwdriver tips
cresent wrenches that have the slider thing.

 

[eschoendorff]

Here are some strange gimmicky ratchets that i found on ebay...

It is a gearless ratchet with a swivel built right into it. I am convinced taht someday it will save my ****.

On this ratchet, you twist the handle to select the direction:

Both of these ratchets are gimmicky, but kinda cool. Good thing I didn't pay much for them!!!!

 

[Stuey]

Here's a good way to tear up your drill.

"Shown with optional drill" haha!

 

[Jononon]

Here are some strange gimmicky ratchets that i found on ebay...

It's specially designed for cold weather use - full of hot air

These seem like a gimmick, but one that's got me out of a tight corner a few times:

 

[wrenchr]

I've been really interested in these too. I wonder if anyone has any experience with the self-adjusting style of pipe wrenches.

I have the rigid model and I prefer it over the traditional design.

 

[Kevin54]

I just won this multiwrench for cheap. I also got a gator grip socket for like $2.00.
I have the Robogrip pliers.

I also have one of the Multi-wrenches. Used it once I think. Robo-grips....I have a set of three. The first time I pinched the palm of my hand was the first and last time they were used.

 

[hamburglar]

...............

 

[grillmasterp]

Scanned this from the back side of an old craftsman tools set item list

I am guilty of owning and never using the clench wrench - I think I picked it up on clearance from a Sears hardware store for 2-3 bucks.
-Grillmasterp

 

[Kevin54]

The wrench showed on the bottom right....I have a set of those and could not for the life of me remember the name. You talk about a knuckle buster. The only good thing about those is the box end. The open end only works on a nut or bolt that is half beat up and you need an "in between" to get you out of a bind. Worthless any other way. But I imagine they made quite a few bucks off of the design.

 

[84TurboBuick]

The wrench showed on the bottom right....I have a set of those and could not for the life of me remember the name. You talk about a knuckle buster. The only good thing about those is the box end. The open end only works on a nut or bolt that is half beat up and you need an "in between" to get you out of a bind. Worthless any other way. But I imagine they made quite a few bucks off of the design.

I have the same set of wrenches the wife bought me years ago. Never have used them for the "Ratchet" feature. I like you, use the box end. They are a little longer than a standard wrench and it comes in handy once in a while.

 

[IanF]

My g/f's parent's went through a couple of years of giving my gimmick-tools for Christmas... once it was metric and SAE sets of those "ratcheting" open end wrenches... but not the combination versions but the 2-size versions... I have yet to find a use for them although I have tried a few times. They also gave me an Autowrench.... have not used it at all...

I have/had one of those swivel-box-wrench things... Forgot all about it...

Another one I had (tossed long ago; no pics): The Skil 3/8" dr cordless ratchet. Wasn't really a bad tool, but underpowered and a bit bulky, but I did use mine running off/on loose nuts & bolts until the battery stopped taking a charge.