Hyped Up Tools That Disappointed You

[Snap_cap]

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

I have a 1990s era Craftsman one that I damn almost every time I've used it!

 

[engineer2]

The Franklin stud finder is OK, but it is extremely SLOW. Be patient, especially if you have 5/8" drywall. The battery compartment is a joke.

 

[WittHay]

I have used the Snap-on nut splitter NC52 on studs with 17mm nuts. It worked very well. Cheaper nut splitters get dull very quickly.

The flex-head ratcheting wrench is useful for smaller carriage bolts and for rethreading taps and dies

 

[WWheeler]

lol, I have used a half dozen stud finders of different sorts - all relatively cheap ones - in umpteen different properties and never had a lick of trouble with any of them. My favorite is a B&D Firestorm that came as an extra with a cordless kit that had laser level. They all have found the stud every time in short order.

Luv my Dewalt rotary tool (a yellow and black rotozip). Used it in several home remodels to install hundreds of old work boxes in drywall and panel. Took as long or longer to mark it than to cut it. Nothing's better for the job than that. Well worth the investment but I admit I haven't found much else use for it though.

And I've used my pass-thru sockets a lot. They've saved my *** more than a few times. I bought another set not long ago so I could have one in the truck and one for home.

Nut splitters, not much luck with them. That's usually when I'm reaching for a die or angle grinder with a cut-off or sometimes it's easier to get to with a reciprocating saw.

 

[Den69rs96]

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

I believe this was craftsmans version. My dad gives me some gimmick tools as stocking stuffers at Christmas. I can't bring myself to throw them out because one day they will remind me of him when he is no longer with us.

 

[gdocktor3]

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.

Yea I have a Craftsman nut splitter also and never worked once. I actually flattened the tip of the splitter the second time I used it. My new nut splitter works much better. It's called a torch.

 

[Den69rs96]

Luv my Dewalt rotary tool (a yellow and black rotozip). Used it in several home remodels to install hundreds of old work boxes in drywall and panel. Took as long or longer to mark it than to cut it. Nothing's better for the job than that. Well worth the investment but I admit I haven't found much else use for it though.
.

I like my rotozip as well. I have an old version called the rebel with a 90 degree attachment and cut off wheel. I used it many times to cut off rusted nuts etc. I also used it finishing off my basement as well. It definitely makes cutting out the outlet boxes easier and much less time consuming. A multi tool ils great too and doesn't create the drywall dust cloud, but measuring for the box takes too long. I also have the flush cut attachment that came in useful a couple times. My rebel only has two speeds so it's a bit hard to control until you get used to it.

 

[Bruce57]

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...

x2 on this. Many others love theirs but it just didn't do anything for me. I sold it about a week after buying it.

 

[Ign]

I like my rotozip as well. I have an old version called the rebel with a 90 degree attachment and cut off wheel. I used it many times to cut off rusted nuts etc. I also used it finishing off my basement as well. It definitely makes cutting out the outlet boxes easier and much less time consuming. A multi tool ils great too and doesn't create the drywall dust cloud, but measuring for the box takes too long. I also have the flush cut attachment that came in useful a couple times. My rebel only has two speeds so it's a bit hard to control until you get used to it.

Don't they have the box cutters for OMT's now? I'm not sure how you'd get away with no measuring though, even w a Rotozip.

 

[Den69rs96]

Don't they have the box cutters for OMT's now? I'm not sure how you'd get away with no measuring though, even w a Rotozip.

That's a pretty cool attachment. When I did my basement I marked on the floor where the boxes were. Then I put up my drywall and attached it loosely with about 6 or so screws on the edges. The box makes the drywall bulge out a bit where the box is. I did take out my tape measure out and mark approximately the center of the box from the mark on the floor. Then I ran my rotozip counter clockwise around the box. What I meant earlier was I didnt have to measure and mark the outline the box on the drywall before I installed the panel.

 

[2mJps]

Yea I have a Craftsman nut splitter also and never worked once. I actually flattened the tip of the splitter the second time I used it. My new nut splitter works much better. It's called a torch.

I got the CM one years ago when i was starting out before i got over my fear of burning a vehical up with a torch. I would like to try the Snapon one. This is one tool that would be a good prodject for a inventer to inprove.

 

[davethorik]

I believe this was craftsmans version. My dad gives me some gimmick tools as stocking stuffers at Christmas. I can't bring myself to throw them out because one day they will remind me of him when he is no longer with us.

I have one of those, Craftsman label but the wrench end folds into the handle like a pocket knife. Found it in a box o tools i bought at a yard sale, never used it once but someone else did.

OMT are very useful but you have to kind of think outside the box to find ways to use them. I've found if you are doing a lot of spray foam, and need to trim excess, nothing is better than an OMT with a dull wood blade. I have an M18 and it is super handy.

I love the Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver, but the rattling bits in the handle does get annoying. I hate manually unthreading small, high tpi machine screws, or anytime a longer fastener than needed is used. Tough, smooth, low back drag.

 

[Brownsfan]

You know how I stopped the bits rattling around in the handle of my snap on screwdrivers? I removed them and put them in a bit holder I got with some cheap bits that I just threw away. Problem solved.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I don't mind the snap on bit driver storage but I like the way craftsman did it. The top of the handle rotates with little slots in the handle to store the bits individually.

 

[davethorik]

You know how I stopped the bits rattling around in the handle of my snap on screwdrivers? I removed them and put them in a bit holder I got with some cheap bits that I just threw away. Problem solved.

That is the obvious choice but it seems I'm always using it somewhere in the field and never know what bits to bring. Of course if I'm using my Williams t-handle, it has no bit storage provision at all, so I'd have to bring a bit holder anyway.

I just shove a bit of a rag in there to quiet it down.

 

[rice rocket]

Gator Grip.

 

[fastbike02]

Stanley stud finders ****, I bought one and after many "false" studs I went and got an old Hard Drive magnet. It never fails to find the studs for me!

 

[KM223]

Gator Grip.

Never hyped always disappointing!

 

[gdocktor3]

You know how I stopped the bits rattling around in the handle of my snap on screwdrivers? I removed them and put them in a bit holder I got with some cheap bits that I just threw away. Problem solved.

I put cotton in mine like bottles of aspirin come....

 

[Finky198]

Gator grip

Never hyped always disappointing!

I've found one use installing and removing small eye screws.
Other than that there junk

 

[pstemari]

... What I meant earlier was I didnt have to measure and mark the outline the box on the drywall before I installed the panel.

When I built my house in Ohio the drywallers really POed the electrician doing that. About 10% of the time they'd snag the wires with the roto zip and rip them out of the wall.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[navycryppie]

ShamWow. Never quite lived up to Vince's guarantee.

 

[bnem]

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.

Yes sir. I have what are called the ergocombi pliers I think. Next to my Knipex pliers wrench they're my favourite pliers in my toolbox.

 

[unslow1]

Yes sir. I have what are called the ergocombi pliers I think. Next to my Knipex pliers wrench they're my favourite pliers in my toolbox.

I always just called them pistol-grip pliers.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Any ratcheting boxed end i've ever tried. The boxed end is always too bulky. Work for removing bicycle rims I guess


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[dede2897234]

I own a stubby and regular length Gearwrench ratcheting screwdrivers. They are nice because of their fine tooth, ratcheting mechanisms. The two minuses with the Gearwrench screwdrivers are that the direction selector switch (left, right, and locked positions) is very easy to trip during use and the end cap pops off during use. I find it frustrating to use for automotive work.

Secondly, I have owned the Gearwrench 3/8" drive, 75 piece, pass thru locking flex socket wrench set (still manufactured); and a Kobalt 1/4" drive, 20 piece, pass thru locking flex socket wrench set (discontinued) for a number of years. The locking flex handle in both sets is a great feature. The only thing that is not great are the extensions. When inserting a socket into an extension, no reassuring "click" sound is heard. The socket is held in with a snap ring. The sockets and 60 tooth ratchets have withstood an idler pulley replacement, 2 serpentine belt replacements, a valve cover replacement, and spark plug gasket replacements on my former vehicle. These sets are not bad but the Bostitch pass-thru socket sets available at Menards is a better buy.

The Bosititch pass-thru set has a lower ratchet and socket profile (by 3/16") than the Gearwrench model. Also, the socket secures tighter to the ratchet as compared to Gearwrench models. Lastly, the Bostitch ratchet is a 72 tooth design versus 60 tooth for the Gearwrench design.


Dave

 

[jerseykat1]

Not necessarily hyped up. But the plastic retaining ring on The OEMTOOLS ratcheting flare wrench set is a major disappointment.. I broke one already and replaced it with a metal snap ring that is far more durable,and working great now. Review coming soon.

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[gungatim]

took me a while to think of one to post, but was in the woodshop last night and saw my Jet (tormek clone) sharpening station sitting there and realized I used it once in the last 10 years....

I watched the Tormek videos when they came out, seen them hyped in all the woodworking magazines and tv shows but couldn't justify the price. then Jet came out with a less expensive clone version and I HAD to have it. bought all the attachments for planes, scissors, turning tools, etc. used it a couple times then moved on...

I pretty much just started the "scary sharp" method of sharpening with sandpaper and a piece of granite. since then I haven't turned the thing on once. I really thought I would be sharpening tools all day long, and using the strop wheel to do my pocket knives....never happened. just easier to use the buffer in the shop and a piece of sandpaper when needed...nothing against the tool, it works, just disappointed that it wasn't as awesome as it looked....

 

[Mcbuckets13]

The Knipex pipe wrench with the flat jaws are pretty much useless on anything that requires a fair amount of torque as your hands holding the handles together are the only thing stopping the jaw from spreading. Still haven’t been able to adjust them with one hand to this day


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[JBH]

Snap-on 96ACF "Talon Grip" needle-nose pliers. Indifferently made, horrid ergonomics (handles way too wide), generally don't do anything as well as or better than much less expensive pliers from Klein, Knipex, NWS, Stahlwille/VBW, Wiha, etc.

Snap-on TRX72 1/4" drive QR locking flex. The locking mechanism is quite good, but the ratcheting mechanism is both high drag and sloppy. Toptul is better. Facom/Proto is better. Not worthy of appearing in the same sentence as as Koken, Nepros, or Stahlwille. (Don't have 1/4" drive Gedore or Hazet to compare.)

 

[Jason280]

Ratcheting screwdrivers.

 

[Roundhouse]

When I built my house in Ohio the drywallers really POed the electrician doing that. About 10% of the time they'd snag the wires with the roto zip and rip them out of the wall.

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Drywallers in my friends house just covered up about half the outlets and left em

Friend noticed it the day the painters arrived
Hmm , I thought there were two outlets on every wall ?

Building contractors will cut every corner they can if you let them

 

[Roundhouse]

Gator grip



I've found one use installing and removing small eye screws.
Other than that there junk

They work good for removing locking lug nuts of they are not recessed too far in the wheel

And as mentioned
Running down the eye bolts in Christmas tree stands with the electric drill

 

[Rickster]

Adjustable wrenches. Sorry, but I hate them. To bulky, too loose, too short, just a waste of time and space. Please don't tell me I just need a good set, l've had a bunch of them. The Proto Click-stop I believe is the name of the best one I've used but even that just sits and collects dust. I'd rather carry 6 wrenches than one adjustable wrench.

 

[davethorik]

Adjustable wrenches. Sorry, but I hate them. To bulky, too loose, too short, just a waste of time and space. Please don't tell me I just need a good set, l've had a bunch of them. The Proto Click-stop I believe is the name of the best one I've used but even that just sits and collects dust. I'd rather carry 6 wrenches than one adjustable wrench.

Except nobody really hypes them up...i think most on here would agree with you.

 

[shanny19]

I have been very happy with the majority of tools i’ve bought on GJ hype.

Snap On ratcheting screwdriver....hate it. Tried it, really did.

Wrightgrips are a giant pile of MEH......The box end offset on my set looks like it was done by eye by an 8 year old with a cheaterpipe, they’re so inconsistent.......Supercombos are miles better for a USA industrial wrench

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I was just thinking about this thread the other day......

Grip On Pliers, expensive and just as crappy as a new vise grip.

Anything I ever bought from Aircat was absolute garbage. 1/2 Impact, 3/8 Drill and Angle Die Grinder. Sold the impact in 2 months, gave away they others.

The SO MG725. It works, but it feels like its a lead mallet. Luckily didn't pay much.

Most any Miller mig welder I've ever touched was a finicky hog with poor user interface.

Any center punch that doesn't have Starrett printed on it.

I'm sure there are more, but those all still burn.

 

[finn]

Robot Grip and Multiwrench. Enough said.

Roto Zip- it’s easier to use a dood jab saw.

Snap on combination wrenches. I find that I never go out of my way to reach foe these if the Wright or Craftsman wrenches are in the same tool box. They get no special love from me.

Snap on pin drive 1/2” impact wrench.

No more powerful than my 198x vintage Black and Decker. This one, I find that I actually reach for the B&D first.

Flex head ratchets, any brand.

Unless there is a known access issue, I prefer a fixed head over any of my flex heads, including the Snapon variants.

Miller Welder. I prefer my HTP over my Miller. In fairness, the Miller was purchased used, and lived in a body shop.

Orange HF 4” grinder. I bought it for a one time job and should have thrown it out when the job was complete. Of course, that goes for most of my HF purchases.

 

[McFarmer]

Pliers wrench.

Crappy wrench, poor pliers.

 

[Sine Swept]

^ I love mine, I guess it's what you do with it.

Also love my SO ratcheting screwdriver, also it's what you do with it.