Malco tools

[bonneyman]

Several members have shown interest in a Malco tool thread. I decided to post what I've got in the way of sheet metal fabrication and installation tools. Please feel free to post pics of Malco tools you have and ask questions. With one restriction: avoid any Malco Eagle grip tool stuff. There seems to be enough threads for those tools already going.
I'm dedicating this thread to my dad. He been gone over 20 years now, but the things he taught me concerning metal fabrication still resonates. Most all of his tools were Malco - that's where I got the bug from.

For reference, here's a link to the Malco company site:

Products - Malco Tools

www.malcotools.com

First up are my Malco tinners hammers.
Left to right: My first store bought hammer, a used one I found a week ago, and an Estwing geologist hammer I got about 6 months ago thinking it was a Malco. (Underneath the rust was the Estwing logo.)

 

[bonneyman]

Here's my Malco neon orange drivers and scratch awls.

The polycarbonate handles were advertised as indestructible, and they certainly seem so through my experience. They are such a distinctive color that - like Bonney chrome or SK green - they instantly stand out in a bin of used screwdrivers.

Alternatives:
Older Channelock blue hard handle drivers (I don't know what the handle is made of but they are nice and the steel in the shanks is certainly strong enough).
Old Bonney drivers

 

[bonneyman]

Malco tin snips.

Called "Zip Snips", they are an old stand-by for me when cutting sheet metal.

Alternatives:
Wiss (good) - https://www.crescenttool.com/featured-tools/crescent-wiss-aviation-snips#SHOP-NOW
Midwest (good) - https://midwestsnips.com/product-category/aviation-snips/
Lenox (better) - https://www.cutwithlenox.com/products/hand-tools/pliers-snips/snips

 

[bonneyman]

Malco aluminum bodied metal shears. I can't remember if dad had any of these - all I remember is when I switched to these aluminum handles they were just so much lighter and easier to use all day. Steel replaceable cutting blades of course.

Alternative:
Old Bluebird
Wiss
Pexto

 

[bonneyman]

Hand seamers.
These allowed you to bend a flap onto a sheet for connection purposes. The first model was a straight bladed type, but the later angled seamers for far more useful. Both of mine a 4 inch wide but they do make 6 inch for bigger jobs.
The right tool is one I bought new ($36 at the time which was big money), the left one I found in pieces in a bin at a pawn shop years later and got if for a few bucks. Two new bolts and it was as good as new.

 

[bonneyman]

Duct stretcher. For holding two ducts together with one hand so you can push on the drive cleat with the other.
Since I worked alone alot things like this really came in handy. Before I bought this stretcher at an estate sale I used a pair of farriers (horse shoeing) pliers to do the same job.

Alternatives:
Knipex - https://www.knipex-tools.com/produc...-pincer/carpenters-end-cutting-pliers/5500300

 

[bonneyman]

Hole drilling attachment allowing for faster installation of take-offs from metal duct. One could use a power drill to cut precise circles that previously you had to do by hand with snips.

Crescent - https://www.crescenttool.com/all-to...ols/hvac/ctholecut-h-17-38-circle-hole-cutter
Klien - https://www.kleintools.com/videos/hole-cutter-duct-and-sheet-metal-2-12-inch-89552

 

[bonneyman]

Compass for marking for holes and checking distances for curved duct fittings.

Before I had this I'd use a permanent marker attached to a piece of thick cotton twine to mark circles, arcs, and check for curvature of elbow fittings. Not as precise or scientific as the compass but it'd work well enough.

 

[bonneyman]

5-fingered crimping tool for installing round metal ducts together, like exhaust flue ducts.

If you had several lengths of flue pipe to connect having this tool was indispensible. The pipe came in 3 or 4 foot lengths, and had male and female ends already crimped it. But if you needed a short piece and no premade ones left you could put your own female crimp on and end to get the job done. I once had a lady customer come into Ace Hardware while I was employed there, and she had several pieces of pipe to join. I told her to come back the next day, as I had a tool to do that for her, and I'd bring it and get her fixed up. She was thrilled!

 

[bonneyman]

Some tools I used since I didn't have the appropriate Malco offering that I made work for the job.

Crain (carpet installation tools) had a razor knife that used a rectangular blade rather than a triangular one like most knives. (Malco had a insulation cutting knife, but I figured the Crain tools could cut jute carpet backing - fiberglass should be no problem.) The blade had 2 cutting edges instead of one (meaning I could cut twice as long per blade) and the handle had a hinge opening (making changing blades a bit safer as most other knives came apart into separate pieces). Similarly the carpet cutting pliers could do the same thing. Unfortunately I never got to use them in actual practice, as I got them too late in my career and didn't have install jobs after that.

Carpet - Crain Tools

craintools.com

The old time stapler was going to be put to use attaching wrapped insulation around ducts, but sadly, that too never got used. It's getting hard to fine classic staples anymore!
https://www.arrowtoolgroup.com/arrow-t50-heavy-duty-staple-gun/

Lastly is a homemade scribe I made out of a piece of stainless to quickly mark flat sheet for bending ears or buffers. I could mark 1/4", 1/2", and 1" with it. Malco came out with a similar tool but I made do with my homemade concoction.

 

[bonneyman]

A Malco-branded panduit strap tool.
In the old days mechanics installed flew duct on to collars with duct tape. I don't know when zip-tie (or panduit straps )were introduced, but they made better and faster connections on flex duct jobs. This one has a built-in cutter - once you get the strap tight enough you just push the other lever a an internal knife cuts it off. No need to fumble getting a pair of cutter pliers.

 

[bonneyman]

Malco Zip-In hex screws. They had a hardened point that was precisely machined, and it had two lead threads molded into that tip for faster and more secure gripping power. Made a world of difference - even with DIY use.

Zip-in® Self Piercing Sheet Metal Screws - Malco Tools

Malco Zip-in® Sheet Metal screws are made with quality in mind. The screws provide faster driving and a greater capacity for fastening heavier gauges of sheet metal than any other self-piercing type. These #1 rated screws work best when used with a Malco C-RHEX™ Cleanable, Reversible Dual Sided...

www.malcotools.com

 

[ecotec]

I only have two Malco tools in my work toolbox, but they have been terrific.

I have the Max2000 tin snips. They are much better than the Wiss and Midwest that I had used previously.

I, also, have the impact rated 1/4”/5/16” nut setter that you can pull the end off and clean off the magnet with your pant leg. Other brands have copied this design recently.

I would rebuy both of these tools if they disappeared tomorrow. Their form factors are better than the other products like them.

At some point, I would like to buy the longer version of the 1/4” / 5/16” nutsetter, so that when I screw down cable tray cover I don’t have to bend over as much.

 

[cgrutt]

Nice believe I have a few of those. The crimper and hand seamer for sure. Also believe I have a Malco nipper/end cutter for vinyl siding (J-channel?). Possibly a siding "ripper" tool (not sure what it's actually called). Good tools.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Somewhere I have a few Malco long nut drivers from the pawn shop. I’ll have to find them and post some pictures. I was actually unaware they made anything besides HVAC tools and vise grips.

 

[ecotec]

Somewhere I have a few Malco long nut drivers from the pawn shop. I’ll have to find them and post some pictures. I was actually unaware they made anything besides HVAC tools and vise grips.

For self tapping screws, the cleanable nut setters are wonderful. You can just pull off the end and clean the magnet off on your pants or whatever.

I just googled them. I had no idea that you could get them at Lowe’s. They changed the design since I got mine about 10 years ago.

 

[willf650]

Thanks to bonneyman and this thread I found my favorite flashlight. Unfortunately it's after I already bought a replacement. I went to my sheet metal layout drawer to grab a couple Malco tools and found it.



I was actually looking for my "chrismas tree" I thought was made by Malco but turns out it was Duro Dyne.


I worked in a sheetmetal shop in a previous life and also have some home made stainless scribes.

This tool is about 30 years old at this point and is an adjustable scribe that relies on the Malco zip screw.




I have most of the Malco tools already posted and here is a slight smaller set of "dividers".



Here is a previously mentioned magnetic Malco nut driver. This is a spare but I have a 1/4" and 5/16" in my main tool bag. All 30 years old. I hope they are still made and made in America for the current generation.


What is nice about these is they don't have a chamfer on the end so they will grip a rusty worn screw head where a chamfered but driver will slip.


I have a bunch of Malco stuff floating around but one of the most violent tools is the duct knife and sheath. Its use is benign but if you ever needed a weapon to defend yourself out of your tool box it would rank in the top 3 for sure.

 

[bonneyman]

Somewhere I have a few Malco long nut drivers from the pawn shop. I’ll have to find them and post some pictures. I was actually unaware they made anything besides HVAC tools and vise grips.

I believe the non-sheet metal tools are newer.
Back in 2013 (I can't remember the exact year), I went into the local dealer to buy a replacement 8" Malco screwdriver. Several weeks later the counter guy puts this like 16" standard driver on the table. I told him it was too big - just needed a smaller one like I had. Been kicking myself ever since, because soon after, I heard that Malco was discontinuing their orange screwdrivers. Couldn't compete with the Chinese on price. So, they dropped their line - and got the Chinese to make them for them! That was around the time the new clear acetate handle nutdrivers and flippable drive sockets came out. (If anyone can confirm whether they stink or not I'd appreciate it).
I began doing what I always do: Start scouring the estate sales and thrift stores. Which yielded the above collection I have aside from the old war-beaten original.

 

[bonneyman]

Thanks to bonneyman and this thread I found my favorite flashlight. Unfortunately it's after I already bought a replacement. I went to my sheet metal layout drawer to grab a couple Malco tools and found it.



I was actually looking for my "chrismas tree" I thought was made by Malco but turns out it was Duro Dyne.

Cool! Looks like you've made a few scribes yourself.
And that straight line compass your flashlight is resting on is the pull-out design by Malco. I was thinking of making a facsimile with a drive cleat and some S stock with a few hardened bolts.

I'll have to check the Duro Dyne site. I now recall they made a line of sheet metal products as well.

Oh, and you can send me a finders fee through the site...

 

[bonneyman]

I went searching for this product after remembering my dad used it. It's a attachment system for insulation onto the inside of ductwork.
I was thinking it was Malco, only to discover it's a separate company. But it's so germane I figured I'd include it here for any interested parties.

Gripnail - Insulation Fasteners

A Gripnail is a unique mechanical fastener used to attach insulation to sheet metal. It was specifically designed to fasten acoustical duct liner to the inside of heating, ventilating and air conditioning ductwork. This operation generally takes place when the ductwork is being manufactured.

www.gripnail.com

 

[willf650]

I went searching for this product after remembering my dad used it. It's a attachment system for insulation onto the inside of ductwork.
I was thinking it was Malco, only to discover it's a separate company. But it's so germane I figured I'd include it here for any interested parties.

Gripnail - Insulation Fasteners

A Gripnail is a unique mechanical fastener used to attach insulation to sheet metal. It was specifically designed to fasten acoustical duct liner to the inside of heating, ventilating and air conditioning ductwork. This operation generally takes place when the ductwork is being manufactured.

www.gripnail.com

If you were in the shop and got to install those pins it was a bad day.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Malco has drivers survival for power drive bits.... I really like them. This one is a ratcheting screwdriver



They call them connect. They have different lengths this is the only ratcheting version I think

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NO2JDO?tag=atomicindus08-20

This bundles different sizes and types

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094DKW8H6?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bonneyman]

Malco has drivers survival for power drive bits.... I really like them. This one is a ratcheting screwdriver



They call them connect. They have different lengths this is the only ratcheting version I think

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NO2JDO?tag=atomicindus08-20

This bundles different sizes and types

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094DKW8H6?tag=atomicindus08-20

That must be strong plastic, as the handle slims down to almost nothing where the drive assembly is internally.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I used Malco tools doing siding for decades. The aluminum handles Andy snips, the 5 finger crimps for downspouts, and the hand seamers like you pictured, used for aluminum capping/cladding. I didn't find the angled ones until later in my career. The pictured seamer is a 9" model that I used for aluminum fascia bending around corners. I'm not sure how they broke but since I don't do that work anymore I'm not going to spend a c-note replacing them.

 

[KnurledNut]

Been around the trades for 25 years. I've used some variety of Malco tools that entire time.
I still do sheetmetal work occasionally.
If I find time, I'll show some of the tools in more detail, but for now here's an overview of my current setup.
Several other tools are stored elsewhere like longer folding tools, TurboshearHD's, longer Andy snips, etc.

 

[bonneyman]

Awesome set-up!

I have that same Whitney punch in a green metal box.

 

[tarbellb]

I've got some Malco from my architectural sheet metal days, plus some new stuff after installing standing seam roof

Always top quality stuff

I'll grab some pics when back in town

 

[Jgaz]

Thanks @bonneyman and @willf650 for the sheet metal tool examples.

Edit: I just ordered a Malco Christmas Tree scribe I didn’t know I needed.

 

[SteadyC]

New version of the old pocket socket. (thanks @Squankum for directing me to this thread)

 

[Ohio Andy]

New version of the old pocket socket. (thanks @Squankum for directing me to this thread)

What are the four sizes? I dont really understand... Is it more than just four different hex socket sizes?

 

[bonneyman]

What are the four sizes? I dont really understand... Is it more than just four different hex socket sizes?

1/4", 5/16", 3/8", and 7/16".

4IN1 Multi-Socket Nut Driver - Malco Tools

Telescoping driver shafts provide 2 hex sockets at each end of compact handle. 4 hex sizes: 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, and 7/16”

www.malcotools.com

 

[four.cycle]

Original "Pocket Socket" Tool with patent illustration

 

[KnurledNut]

@SteadyC
Thats cool man. Always wanted to try the Malco one but never pulled the trigger because I have the old Klenk version.

 

[KnurledNut]

Years ago, Malco introduced 7" mini aviation snips. I keep a pair in my main bag for limited access. I liked them so much, I bought a second pair that's still new in case they discontinued them. Now don't go buying them thinking they will replace your main snips, because they wont as the short jaws are limiting. But for odd jobs they can be handy and they also carry well in a toolbelt.

 

[four.cycle]

Thats cool man. Always wanted to try the Malco one but never pulled the trigger because I have the old Klenk version.

Your "Klenk" appears to be MUCH stouter than that Olson "Pocket Socket"

 

[SteadyC]

I have the original pocket socket my dad gave me. It's currently in my pneumatics bag/kit. I'll post a pic of it at some point.

 

[bonneyman]

Original "Pocket Socket" Tool with patent illustration

That's the one I remember seeing advertised! It was a funky maroon color handle which seemed to serve as a quick ID in a box of tools.

I didn't pull the trigger, though.

 

[ecotec]

Been around the trades for 25 years. I've used some variety of Malco tools that entire time.
I still do sheetmetal work occasionally.
If I find time, I'll show some of the tools in more detail, but for now here's an overview of my current setup.
Several other tools are stored elsewhere like longer folding tools, TurboshearHD's, longer Andy snips, etc.

Ironic that you show all those Malco tools in a Veto bag. Malco and Veto are both owned by Aspen Pumps Group.