Hyped Up Tools That Disappointed You

[maintenancemike]

For me it was a Fluke meter. I tried a couple 233's with no luck. One was DOA and the other wasn't far behind. Plus the warranty period seemed a little short. I know they get a lot of love and I had a 87 for years but I lost faith in them after the 233 issues.


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Thats strange. My favorite, zero issues.

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[TheGrooveking]

For the few that were disappointed about Snap On's MG725, remember that this was out before most of the IR 2135's were and it has the braking feature. Interesting enough is how in the comparison video on Real Tool reviews it was shown to hit harder, yet does not have the overall best torque.

TheGrooveking

 

[gdocktor3]

. I got off that merry-go-round with the purchase of a Snappy long-handle 3/8 that I had the Snap-On man put a pushbutton-release "guts kit" into. My favorite ratchet for twenty years.

.

How is that possible? He would have had to drill a hole in the back of the ratchet for the button to protrude through.

 

[nbpt100]

Gearwrench Pass Thru Socket Sets.

I'm not a pro in any way, but frequently use sockets for work and other applications away from home way more than actually being here, so I thought these would be a great alternative to needing shallow and deep sockets, plus the kits both had locking flex ratchets. Turns out the sockets have super thin walls (haven't broken one, but torqued two out of round) and worse- the extensions attach around the socket, making tight fits impossible.

Heads's up if you're looking to buy one- the 3/8 pass thru ratchet is enormous. More like a beefy 1/2 in size. Great leverage if you have the clearance, but feels more like pumping a floor jack than using a ratchet.

Every Gearwrench ratchet I've owned except the roto ratchets- I've had the regular 60 tooth and Pass Thru mentioned above. ALL of them (except the roto's) would auto reverse on me no matter how I adjusted them. I sold every set I have except one, only because it was a gift and I find the occasional use for it.

Overall, this is a damn shame. I have their ratcheting flex wrenches and gimbal ratchets which I consider invaluable. Maybe someday I'll try the 120's everyone here raves about.

I always felt that way about the pass through socket sets regardless of who made them. Although I have read a few posts on an auto repair board where people swear by them to make an alternator R&R on a 3.0 Ford Duratec much easier. They do fit in some places conventional deep sockets can't.. I am not running out to buy one but if I some how acquired one I would hold on to it for that reason. Some odd circumstance may arise where it makes your life easier.

 

[Ign]

I have to agree the GW pass-thru is mostly gimmick, fully evidenced by the fact Sears adopted it whole-heartedly.

Funny that thin wall sockets were mentioned, my local Sears actually told me the individual sockets often clearance at ~$1 ea or less. He told me when this happens he calls a guy who "has a shop" (whatever that means). He said the guy uses Max Access a lot and regularly breaks sockets, but since he gets them so cheap on clearance he doesn't care and doesn't bother w warranty.

Just found it interesting that the story was told to me unsolicited (I never even once glanced at these things in the store but the salesman is one of those talkers) and then someone else here also mentions the thin walls.

 

[wood02]

ROTO-ZIP Tool...

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

ROTO-ZIP Tool...

Makes cutting drywall around windows, doors and outlet/switches a breeze... that's about all I've used it for, which is good enough for me.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

How is that possible? He would have had to drill a hole in the back of the ratchet for the button to protrude through.

Swapped heads... did the same to make a standard length dual 80 3/8 QR flex.

 

[byoungblood]

I'm going to have to say it is my Portasol 125.

I've had it 2-3 years and it will not get hot anymore. I suspect that it isn't getting enough air or is clogging a port somewhere, because I can tap it up against something and it will briefly get hotter. I've tried some of the methods for bleeding it that I've found on YouTube, but nothing works. I tried contacting their US support while it was still under warranty but never heard anything back. I've read that it can be very temperamental about the butane you use, but if it can't run any name brand butane, that's a fail in my book.

About the only thing it is good for right now is heat shrink, and that's if I'm using the torch tip. I can solder really light stuff with it still, but that kind of defeats the purpose of what I have it for.

 

[nh_yota]

After watching endless ads for oscillating cutters. I finally bit and bought a Rockwell. I tried it. It worked fine and then found that I almost never use it. Maybe one day it will be the perfect tool for some job but I haven't found it yet.

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I agree that I rarely use my Bosch oscillating tool, but when I do it's very handy and has helped me out of a jam more than once, such as when I'm installing a cabinet or appliance and need to trim a little bit of something in a tight space. Being able to plunge cut a piece of wood without making a mess is definitely worth owning the tool.

 

[byoungblood]

How is that possible? He would have had to drill a hole in the back of the ratchet for the button to protrude through.

Older SO ratchets the back of the gear protruded through the back of the ratchet head. There was a thin metal plate that covered it, I'd presume to keep dust and dirt out. You could convert one of those ratchets to QR easily.

 

[nh_yota]

I forgot the Rotozip Zip Saw, which is essentially a less useful version of a handheld grinder. My father gave me one of those for Christmas a while back and I used it only a few times before the cutting disc snapped off the arbor. The safety shield limits the saw from making all but very shallow cuts. I believe the Zip Saw is now sold under the Dremel name because both brands are owned by Bosch.

 

[gdocktor3]

Older SO ratchets the back of the gear protruded through the back of the ratchet head. There was a thin metal plate that covered it, I'd presume to keep dust and dirt out. You could convert one of those ratchets to QR easily.

Oh yea that's right.

 

[Finky198]

Will do thanks for the tip

I will gather up all my previous post and info on the topic and make it a thread. I've fixed 2-3 on here so far so it can't hurt...

My hammerhead is working great thanks to the help from Finky198!!

I'm surprised to hear negative reviews about the knipex snap rings pliers, in my experience they have been the best money can buy.

Glad to hear... I will get on making a thread... I might have pics but I don't remember.

 

[archirelic]

Grip-On locking pliers. They are decent, but not the replacement for Petersen's some made them out to be. That said I do like the larger jaws on the 10" Grip-On vs a Petersen 10" locking plier. However, I still stay on the lookout for good condition Petersen vise-grips at pawn shops and I'm eyeing the Bollmangrip pliers at Epstein's.

I'd have to agree with this 100%

Years back I picked up some Grip-On locking pliers and absolutely loved their release mechanism...no more pinched hands / fingers!! However, the teeth are like butter!! Not to mention the springs in the handle that keep the whole locking mechanism in check have lost their tension I guess you could say and the handle flops apart.

Up until I had purchased the Grip-On, I had only had experience w/very cheap, gimmicky locking pliers that were always breaking. Saw that Snap-On rebadged them and same with Proto and so picked up a couple pair.

Again, most disappointing aspect of them is their soft jaws. I have several Husky and Kobalt locking pliers whose operation isn't as smooth, nor release as well as the Grip-On, yet the teeth are so much more durable than the Grip-On.

I find myself constantly using a file to clean up the teeth on the jaws and have all but given up with the warranty issues related to the spring giving out in the handle.

I now have a bunch of Grip-On and Snap-On rebadged locking pliers that require so much maintenance to keep any semblance of teeth on the jaws that I'm just about done with them altogether.

 

[Dirtydan69]

I agree that I rarely use my Bosch oscillating tool, but when I do it's very handy and has helped me out of a jam more than once, such as when I'm installing a cabinet or appliance and need to trim a little bit of something in a tight space. Being able to plunge cut a piece of wood without making a mess is definitely worth owning the tool.

I burned through 2 Dremel versions when they first came out, after Fein's patent ran out I'm assuming. Went to the Bosch cordless versions which seemed to fair better, even though they are made by the same company. Bosch's warranty is practly worthless. Saw the Milwaukee version and bought it. AWESOME tool. I did burn one out but Milwaukee has a 5 year warranty. I went to their website and set up a warranty repair. They paid for shipping, both ways, and sent me a new one within two weeks. Best experience I've had. I use the oscillating tools like crazy.

 

[Greg85mcss]

Some guy posted " Never buy anything at HF that plugs in". I guess he was right.

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My rule of thumb is nothing that has to be precise or that can be catastrophic when it breaks.


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[Greg85mcss]

After joining GJ a couple of years ago I kept reading posts about how awesome the Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver was so I picked one up.

Hated it.

Bulky handle and the bits rolling around inside during use drove me nuts. Sold it...

I was thinking the same thing when I was new here. Thankfully I got a cheap Stanley to see if I would use it before getting the snappy. I just wasn't into the concept & could never find something it could do that I couldn't use a screwgun for. I guess it's an in between I don't need.


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[Finky198]

To each their own... I have about 10 of them ^^^^
It's probably my most used tool. I find a lot of times I just stick one in my pocket all the bits are there and I leave the drill drivers for the repetitious work. Granted I don't have any super compact cordless tools I'm using 18v hilti compact drill and a combo hammer drill so maybe thats why my views a little off.

It might be time for some 12 or 14 volt stuff....

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I personally own both the snap on one and a craftsman one. Guess which one I use and prefer more? It doesn't begin with the word snap or end with the word on.

 

[M6erfan]

To each their own... I have about 10 of them ^^^^
It's probably my most used tool. I find a lot of times I just stick one in my pocket all the bits are there and I leave the drill drivers for the repetitious work. Granted I don't have any super compact cordless tools I'm using 18v hilti compact drill and a combo hammer drill so maybe thats why my views a little off.

It might be time for some 12 or 14 volt stuff....

What is it about the SO that you love (over other brands)? Just curious...

 

[Greg85mcss]

Didn't mean to knock anyone that uses them. I have mine in the car & it's convenient for that. Working I always have my service cart right there so I can grab what I need.


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[Tynee]

Jay Cutler

Now that's funny right there, I don't care you are...

After watching endless ads for oscillating cutters. I finally bit and bought a Rockwell. I tried it. It worked fine and then found that I almost never use it. Maybe one day it will be the perfect tool for some job but I haven't found it yet.

When I laid the hardwood flooring in my house, it worked GREAT for cutting the bottom off the door jams. There may be a tool specifically for that job, but I didn't need it with the oscillating tool. It also worked great for cutting mis-fired nails from the nail gun out. I could slide it under the board and cut it loose, then precision cut the top off down in the "tongue."

 

[Tynee]

SK anything, looks and feels cheap, oddly shaped wrenches, low quality chrome (ratchets, sockets, wrenches). Would never buy anything SK again.

Composite ratchet from HF. Seemed to be good quality tool, just want comfortable for me.

I'm surprised by this. I've only ever handled the SK Line wrenches I was gifted, but I LOVE the chrome on them. I think the finish on them is superior to my Craftsman and my snap-on stuff. Very nice...

 

[Finky198]

I've just always liked there hard handles. I've bought some Wiha which I feel are similar in shape to the ratcheting driver the micro finish handles are awesome as well as their insulated ones. But The snap ons are what I grew up using and they fit my hand like a glove... As well i'm not big fan of comfort grips on my tools. I much prefer chrome or hard plastic and dipped handles my stuff gets dirty and as much as I clean somethings just hold up better to the grease, grime and rust.

I should say I've worn out one and broke one both of which were taken care of at a previous job in which I had truck service.

 

[engineer2]

I have yet to find an electronic stud finder that works worth a damn.

 

[booger]

I have yet to find an electronic stud finder that works worth a damn.

I thought it was just me. I even have an expensive one with lasers and a marker, but it still doesn't work very well.

 

[archirelic]

I have yet to find an electronic stud finder that works worth a damn.

I thought it was just me. I even have an expensive one with lasers and a marker, but it still doesn't work very well.

I have this one and it has never missed a stud. Works like a champ every time.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I have this one and it has never missed a stud. Works like a champ every time.

Which one is that?

I hear good things about this Franklin unit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064EICKG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[byoungblood]

Which one is that?

I hear good things about this Franklin unit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064EICKG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the rebranded one that Costco sells/sold and it does work quite well. Simple display but it works.

 

[KnurledNut]

I understand the inital dislike of the Snap-on ratcheting screwdrivers.
I was in the same boat.
There seems to be a love/hate relationship with them.
I forced myself to use mine, and it quickly grew on me.
I use it regularly now.
For me, the strength of the mechanism, high tooth count, low back drag, stainless shank that doesnt rust, and quality bits, far outweigh the negative quirks of the tool.
(I typically dont use the handle bit storage, unless im away from my bits.)

I also like the availability of a rebuild kit IF the time comes i need it.

 

[66HertzClone]

Which one is that?

I hear good things about this Franklin unit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064EICKG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the Franklin unit and I am very pleased with it. I let my contractor borrow it to test while our addition was going up. He to was impressed and said he had never seen one work worth a damn until he tried the Franklin.

 

[T45]

I understand the inital dislike of the Snap-on ratcheting screwdrivers.
I was in the same boat.
There seems to be a love/hate relationship with them.
I forced myself to use mine, and it quickly grew on me.
I use it regularly now.

For me, the strength of the mechanism, high tooth count, low back drag, stainless shank that doesnt rust, and quality bits, far outweigh the negative quirks of the tool.

Agree. Also, the stubby version helps (if not completely solves) the bulk issue.

Still wish there was an even lower-profile, lighter mass version with interchanble shanks, tho.

 

[Finky198]

I've converted most of mine to interchangeable shanks with a gm ac seal the part number is on here some where. Their available at Napa. I can now mix and match handles and shanks depending on the situation.

 

[unslow1]

My grandfather just gifted me this, I think it's called cold heat. I then gifted it to my brother. Neat concept but not something I could use with the type of work I do. I have a butane portasol soldering iron kit I use

I've only used mine a couple of times but it did well replacing resistors on circuit boards. It's not really strong enough to do anything larger.

 

[unslow1]

Uh....never thought of the RoboGrips as must-have. It was always clearly a gimmick. But like everything else there's a thread dedicated to them here where a small minority claim to very much enjoy them to this day.

I've found a couple of uses that they work well for but for the most part they seem pretty useless.

 

[unslow1]

Now that's funny right there, I don't care you are...


When I laid the hardwood flooring in my house, it worked GREAT for cutting the bottom off the door jams. There may be a tool specifically for that job, but I didn't need it with the oscillating tool. It also worked great for cutting mis-fired nails from the nail gun out. I could slide it under the board and cut it loose, then precision cut the top off down in the "tongue."

That's one of the few things I've ever used mine for. It paid for itself in that one use as far as I'm concerned. Definitely the right tool for trimming door jams and trim work.

 

[unslow1]

I have yet to find an electronic stud finder that works worth a damn.

Same here. I think I have 4 and knocking on a wall seems about as accurate. I have never tried a Franklin.

 

[btdobie]

Did you see the head to head video test, with lab grade equipment, of the HF vs the Snapon. The $129 (always on sale price) HF met or beat the SnapOn impact on every spec. The only question is how durable it is. But you can buy three for the cost of one Snap On.

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I have seen that one, among others. What you are really buying with so power tools is the front door service. The hand tools on the other hand are among the best that money can buy.

 

[6PTsocket]

I have seen that one, among others. What you are really buying with so power tools is the front door service. The hand tools on the other hand are among the best that money can buy.

Agreed on the hand tools, though I doubt that They are any stronger or better finished than anybody else's top brand, like Wright, Armstrong or SK. Front door service is pretty expensive at $550 vs $129. The fact that they let mechanics get deeply in hock to them may be one reason they keep coming back. As that old song lyric goes "l owe my soul to the company store"

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