Hyped Up Tools That Disappointed You

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

The only one I can think of is year ago when the composite housing impact guns where new. I fell prey to the sales pitch and bought an IR2131 (Pretty sure that was the model, but it was literally 20 years ago). It wore out too fast and got rebuilt to often over the first couple of years before the novelty wore off and I never messed with another IR tool.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

The only one I can think of is year ago when the composite housing impact guns where new. I fell prey to the sales pitch and bought an IR2131 (Pretty sure that was the model, but it was literally 20 years ago). It wore out too fast and got rebuilt to often over the first couple of years before the novelty wore off and I never messed with another IR tool.

My first gun was an IR 2135 qti, I loved it. It worked as good or better than the mg725 as I used both. The MG is too big for what it is, but I guess pretty colors are appealing to some. I have since started using their 20v tools and love them. Haven't touched an air tool since I bought my w7150. What do you use now?

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

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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Stronger maybe not, since we've haven't broken many hand tools. The finish though, is undeniably better on the SO... comparing my father's collection (mostly SO) to mine (mix of SK, SO, Wright, Proto, CMan, etc..). Definitely not a bang-for-your-buck tool brand.

SK, socket breaks... send it in and wait for a couple weeks. SO replacement on the spot. Though I don't buy tools for warranty, being a mechanic the tool truck is convenient and has its perks (warranty above and beyond, consumables, ratchet rebuild, checking torque wrench, etc...).

 

[M6erfan]

Stronger maybe not, since we've haven't broken many hand tools. The finish though, is undeniably better on the SO... comparing my father's collection (mostly SO) to mine (mix of SK, SO, Wright, Proto, CMan, etc..). Definitely not a bang-for-your-buck tool brand.

SK, socket breaks... send it in and wait for a couple weeks. SO replacement on the spot. Though I don't buy tools for warranty, being a mechanic the tool truck is convenient and has its perks (warranty above and beyond, consumables, ratchet rebuild, checking torque wrench, etc...).

Yep, one of the great reasons to own SO, if you're a mechanic that has easy access to a tool truck. That's one of the reasons SO is more expensive, you're paying up front for the service...

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

What do you use now?

That failed IR gun, along with some other lacking die grinders and such prompted me to start buying SO air tools.....many may not think they are worth it / good enough value over some other brand, but my experience has been good.

 

[Parrothead]

SK, socket breaks... send it in and wait for a couple weeks. SO replacement on the spot. Though I don't buy tools for warranty, being a mechanic the tool truck is convenient and has its perks (warranty above and beyond, consumables, ratchet rebuild, checking torque wrench, etc...).

I've often wondered this, from a financial perspective, wouldn't it make more sense to buy whatever brand you trusted and use the truck to purchase that 1 screwdriver or socket you needed while yours was sent out for warranty?

 

[bob15]

The only one I can think of is year ago when the composite housing impact guns where new. I fell prey to the sales pitch and bought an IR2131 (Pretty sure that was the model, but it was literally 20 years ago). It wore out too fast and got rebuilt to often over the first couple of years before the novelty wore off and I never messed with another IR tool.

Just curious if you oil it regularly?

I have the same gun and still works fine.....and it went through hell and back for the first 5-6 years I owned it.

 

[T45]

I've often wondered this, from a financial perspective, wouldn't it make more sense to buy whatever brand you trusted and use the truck to purchase that 1 screwdriver or socket you needed while yours was sent out for warranty?

You just end up buying tools twice, it makes no sense. The problem is that ****** tools tend to fail in a way that damages your faith in the brand/tool. So the best warranty is one not used. And if it is used, its on a fluke production variance not a predictably sub-par overally production baseline quality.

Sets tend to be useful beyond this because it keeps things in common and adds predictability. So having every tool be random **** plus some expensive stuff doesn't really always work. Sometimes its ok, but not ideal.

That doesn't mean your whole box needs to be one brand. But most kits benefit from consistent quality and ergonomics accross tools used together frequently. Also, there is tool control issues. And tools storage for the extra 20% tools you have to manage, etc.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Just curious if you oil it regularly?

I have the same gun and still works fine.....and it went through hell and back for the first 5-6 years I owned it.

My grandfather drove over his with a bus he had just replaced a transmission on. Someone had moved it out of their way and he didn't happen to see it. It still worked perfect, couldn't even tell. I used it before I bought my IR. It's still going strong too

 

[gdocktor3]

I've often wondered this, from a financial perspective, wouldn't it make more sense to buy whatever brand you trusted and use the truck to purchase that 1 screwdriver or socket you needed while yours was sent out for warranty?

That's the best advice for new mechanics/techs IMO. Buy affordable, quality stuff like Sunex impact sockets, then replace with a truck brand if one breaks.

 

[jeff64]

Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. They work ok, but I often find i need a socket or box end due to limited space.

 

[Greg85mcss]

Just curious if you oil it regularly?



I have the same gun and still works fine.....and it went through hell and back for the first 5-6 years I owned it.

Same here. Bought mine used for $75 on ebay & it's going strong after 5 years. I oil it every other day and have greased the front fitting once. The light weight is really helpful when you're using it all day. A newer tech in my shop showed up with a spanking new one & replaced it after about a month. Another I used to work with had one with no balls. Qc issues?


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[WVBrady]

The IR hammerhead pissed me off, I have since fixed it without their help and it has perfomed great ever since...

It would be nice if you wrote up a description of how you fixed it, so that when mine goes bad I can fix it.

Sorry, I didn't see the earlier request.

 

[The Original Fisho]

That's the best advice for new mechanics/techs IMO. Buy affordable, quality stuff like Sunex impact sockets, then replace with a truck brand if one breaks.

I used to work in a shop and the mechanic that I worked with most often told me this. He said if you decide to stick with mechanics, get a midline set of tools to get started and upgrade anytime something needs replacement.

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[Olafur]

I've often wondered this, from a financial perspective, wouldn't it make more sense to buy whatever brand you trusted and use the truck to purchase that 1 screwdriver or socket you needed while yours was sent out for warranty?

There are no tool trucks over here. And no tool warranty to speak of. Businesses supply ALL tools. Nobody cares and it's absolutely not a problem. If you break a tool you can probably live without it for days or even weeks using other tools you have. Or borrow from co-workers. Getting basic tools is not a problem either. Auto parts or hardware stores have quite a bit of them on stock and you can just jump out and buy one of you have to.

Shops around here are almost exclusively buying Taiwan made tools today: Toptul, Sonic, KsTools , Förch, Kraftwerk, ..etc. Yes I see some Euro brands in between but not much.

Snap On, Mac, Matco, Cornwell basically don't exists and I bet there are many countries out there that get by without the truck brands and their services.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Just curious if you oil it regularly?

I have the same gun and still works fine.....and it went through hell and back for the first 5-6 years I owned it.

Nope, not regularly. When I think about it - maybe once every few months...I generally just treat all air tools to a good coating of our fine high-humidity air supply - the kind where you can SEE it when you use a blow gun....I guess you could say the IR failures are may own fault then, but it sure doesn't make sense to me why another brand has no issues and I get good service out of them used that way....

 

[mbshop]

Thats interesting. I have two that I bought in the late 90s and never gave them a second thought due to the fact that they did their job well.


[9l9QUOTE=M6erfan;6212219]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...[/QUOTE]

 

[gdocktor3]

Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. They work ok, but I often find i need a socket or box end due to limited space.

If that's the case, you would have that problem with any brand of ratcheting wrenches, so that's not fair to say its Gearwrench that disappointed you.

 

[gdocktor3]

Nope, not regularly. When I think about it - maybe once every few months...I generally just treat all air tools to a good coating of our fine high-humidity air supply - the kind where you can SEE it when you use a blow gun....I guess you could say the IR failures are may own fault then, but it sure doesn't make sense to me why another brand has no issues and I get good service out of them used that way....

I use oil every time I grab an air tool out of my box, because why not? I call it preventative maintenance.

 

[prostreetamx]

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.

Robogrips work great at destroying perfectly good nuts and bolts but I did find one decent use for mine. They work pretty good on electrical compression fittings since you can switch sizes without having to reset your channel locks. Personally I've found that most of the tools that Bob Villa endorsed are not that great. I bought his recommended adjustable slide wrenches also and have never used them successfully.

 

[winlinmac]

Craftsman's and Kobalt's tools typically gifted during Father's Day and the Holiday shopping season, Combined plastic and metal components

 

[d.mcfarland]

Craftsman's and Kobalt's tools typically gifted during Father's Day and the Holiday shopping season, Combined plastic and metal components

You have to be kidding me. This is a very ironic post coming from you.

 

[Schurkey]

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.

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.

Item 9. God bless the older non-sealed SO ratchets. 6 and 10 are also pushbutton-converts. 7 and 4 will be...someday.

I don't think there's any hope for a pushbutton-release on 11.

I'll have to re-pose the photo. Thanks to GJ, there's a number of additions since this photo was taken.

 

[gdocktor3]

Craftsman's and Kobalt's tools typically gifted during Father's Day and the Holiday shopping season, Combined plastic and metal components

You have to be kidding me. This is a very ironic post coming from you.

HAHAHAHA!! This guy is truly something else....

BTW winlinmac I'm still waiting on those measurements off that Milwaukee hand truck you claim to have purchased...

 

[Ign]

Robogrips work great at destroying perfectly good nuts and bolts but I did find one decent use for mine. They work pretty good on electrical compression fittings since you can switch sizes without having to reset your channel locks. Personally I've found that most of the tools that Bob Villa endorsed are not that great. I bought his recommended adjustable slide wrenches also and have never used them successfully.

Yes! I actually kept my RoboGrips in my electrician's pouch belt when wiring my shop w surface mount EMT. Not bad for holding set screw connectors.

As for the IR2131 earlier in the thread, mine has been great for almost 14 years BUT I don't use it much and nothing like a pro tech. Now w cordless impacts it NEVER comes out; I should probably get rid of it. IF I pull out an air impact now it's for size so I use my AP stubby 1/2"

 

[bnem]

1. Felo screwdrivers
   - the Ergonics have fantastic grips and fit but the tips are far too soft for the price
2. NWS pliers/cutters
   - the steel is too soft. If you're looking for good cutters or long last pliers look to Knipex. I do however LOVE LOVE LOVE the 90 degree pliers regardless.

 

[jeff64]

If that's the case, you would have that problem with any brand of ratcheting wrenches, so that's not fair to say its Gearwrench that disappointed you.

Fair enough. I wasn't disappointed in the quality, just the thick area around the ratcheting end limits where I can use it, especially if the nut is on a dished or recessed surface. It's one of those tools that a lot of people said I needed but I rarely use. And you're right, it wasn't the brand, it's ratcheting wrenches in general.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

NWS pliers/cutters
- the steel is too soft. If you're looking for good cutters or long last pliers look to Knipex. I do however LOVE LOVE LOVE the 90 degree pliers regardless.

I felt this way tool, just didn't seem strong enough for a lot of cutting. And if you're talking about the ergonomic pliers those are one of my favorite tools in my electrical bag! I have the needlenose version and I wouldn't be caught without them.

 

[Parrothead]

Had I known then what I know now, I would have looked elsewhere for these items. I thought if we shared our experiences and reasons why, it may help others from making the same mistakes. Two I can think of off hand that are/were greatly hyped up were

4) Pittsburgh 1/4" Roto ratchet - it's nice because it has quick release, but other than that I don't care for it. The handle is oddly shaped and over not that smooth. I purchased it to compare to my Crescent/Gearwrench Roto ratchet and the Crescent wins hands down.

These are my personal experiences and opinions.

I pulled the original handle off before I even used it and put a Craftsman hard handle on it. Much better!

 

[WWheeler]

When I was young and dumb and full o'... I saw the commercial on TV and couldn't wait to have a set of these multi-wrenches. They were going to replace a whole set of metric and standard wrenches I kept in the car.

Turned out they are only good for removing the corners on a bolt or nut.

 

[Ign]

I still hate my Dual Saw.... but still have it.... some where.... POS.

I fell for that 12 years ago with the Craftsman version. Returned it. Total gimmick. It's one of those things that works out pretty well on paper and conceptually (engineers love stuff like this) but in reality it *****.

Whatta they say...........in theory, everything works in practice.

 

[Ign]

When I was young and dumb and full o'... I saw the commercial on TV and couldn't wait to have a set of these multi-wrenches. They were going to replace a whole set of wrenches I kept in the car.

Turned out they are only good for removing the corners on a bolt or nut.

Holy **** I had forgotten about those. Wasn't that another gimmick Craftsman adopted whole-heartedly?

 

[WWheeler]

Holy **** I had forgotten about those. Wasn't that another gimmick Craftsman adopted whole-heartedly?

I don't recall Craftsman had them but it honestly would surprise me if they hadn't.

 

[Ign]

Damnit yeah I searched for images of Craftsman wrench and didn't see that exact style, but it brought up some other gimmicks I'd forgotten about. Sorry Craftsman, this one time I appear to have falsely accused you of a gimmick.

 

[wvrailroader]

When I was young and dumb and full o'... I saw the commercial on TV and couldn't wait to have a set of these multi-wrenches. They were going to replace a whole set of metric and standard wrenches I kept in the car.

Turned out they are only good for removing the corners on a bolt or nut. [emoji38]_hitti

There is at least one of those damned things in every box of tools at every flea market, yard sale and auction I have ever been to. They had to sell millions of them for that many to still exist in the wild. I have thrown out probably a dozen or so over the years that were in boxes of stuff I bought.

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[johninct]

Holy **** I had forgotten about those. Wasn't that another gimmick Craftsman adopted whole-heartedly?

My aunt got me a set and I think I still have them. I used them once on something round and it actually worked ok and saved the day.

 

[btdobie]

Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. They work ok, but I often find i need a socket or box end due to limited space.

I have found them pretty useful for situations where there isn't enough clearance off the end of the bolt to fit a ratchet and socket. However, I also find that they are to big around to fit in a lot of other spots.

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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Yeah. When I worked as a mechanic, I can count the times I went on the tool truck on one hand, and I always paid cash. I usually used Craftsman(Still USA at that time) and Kobalt (Lowe's was really close to the shop so I could quickly swap the inevitable broken bits). Now that I have more money I am learning to like SK, Proto, Williams and other industrial brands.

 

[2mJps]

Something that i thought was a great ideal but didnt work was those nut spliters. The tool that you put over a rusty nut and turned a bolt pushing the rusty nut aginst a chisel that would split it open so it could be removed. I bought a CM one it was well made but the way it was built it never worked i thought about why it didnt work and found another that looked like it would work it didnt work. This tool would be great on rusty exhaust manifold stud nuts if they worked.

 

[The Original Fisho]

Something that i thought was a great ideal but didnt work was those nut spliters. The tool that you put over a rusty nut and turned a bolt pushing the rusty nut aginst a chisel that would split it open so it could be removed. I bought a CM one it was well made but the way it was built it never worked i thought about why it didnt work and found another that looked like it would work it didnt work. This tool would be great on rusty exhaust manifold stud nuts if they worked.

I've never used a nut splitter but I've always been skeptical if they do work. If there is a version out there that does I would gladly buy it

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[taumac]

Roto zip. LOL. It looked so good and easy on the commercial and if I didn't break bits the cut looked like a 3 year old did it. So now I use a multi tool. I found many uses for like flush cutting stuff when you can't get other tool in the space.

OH F@CK... I just bought one of those max access kits from Sears. Seems to be ok so far if the socket retainer held socket better. I bought it figuring I'll use it when I need deep socket but can only fit a low profile.