OccupantRJ
Well-known member
I did some professional evaluation on that tool and found that it would only heat what was inside the tip gap. I also deemed it a rather useless tool for everyday solder operations.
most useless tool
- Thread starter Mr.Nutcase
- Start date
I did some professional evaluation on that tool and found that it would only heat what was inside the tip gap. I also deemed it a rather useless tool for everyday solder operations.
norry
Well-known member
The Dremel does certain jobs very well, all of which can be done by a small, high RPM, low torque tool. It isn't an air cutoff tool and it isn't a die grinder. I think much of the frustration revolves around Dremel making bits for it that imply it can be used in place of one of those tools.
Last job where I used a Dremel, I used it for final cleanup on some metal I'd initially rough cut with the air cutoff wheel and then done initial smoothing on with the die grinder. Worked beautifully - the die grinder's cutting action would have been too aggressive.
As for tools that don't work, +1 to whoever said Robogrip pliers. Cool idea that doesn't seem to work in practice. Mine went missing long ago which might be the first time I've been perfectly fine with a tool not coming home! Cheapie wire strippers that can't cut through insulation are a close second.
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
There was a Cummins tools tent sale that went around the US selling cheap import and brand name refurb tools. I think they had to change names due to a court order, from something I read.
Griff93
Well-known member
Same here. I tried to tap a hole and the teeth fell off the tap instead of threading the hole. This was in a piece of 1018.
I feel bad,my wife bought me one of those for Christmas about 3 years ago.Had to throw it away.
kooldino
Well-known member
I ended up buying this set of Harbor Freight Taps & Dies in a pinch (I needed a 22mm die RIGHT NOW and this was the only one I could find in town).
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41452
Obviously it's not some great set, but I've used it a couple of times since then and it did the trick on mild steel.
RLRRLRLL
Well-known member
Ive had good luck with mine, ive stood on them and bounced trying to break a bolt loose...and im not light.
My most useless tool....a great neck torx screwdriver, stipped it taking a ratchet apart, the fastner in the ratchet was fine though...i threw all the great neck drivers i had away after that.
an Ampro 2 jaw puller from Advance Auto parts, I needed a puller and was short on cash so I went ahead and picked it up, I tried to use it once and it bent and twisted without much presure applied, I did return it and it was exchanged, the new one is still sitting in the same package iit came in a few years ago. I find it amazing people will throw a product that does not work away without bringing it back, you may have bought a lemon. If the product was just a bad design then you can atleast bring it back so tool companies do not keep making money off of selling ****.
kooldino
Well-known member
Well said. An acquaintance of mine is a tool buyer for Harbor Freight. He told me that some of the stuff they buy is good quality, and some of it is junk. He also told me that he can sleep well at night buying junk so long as it sells well, makes a lot of money, an the return rate isn't too high.
So in other words, if you take a chance on a tool that ends up being ****, do the world a favor and return it so they stop selling it.
ourkid2000
Well-known member
That Cold-Heat soldering iron. Was given to me as a gift a few years ago and I thought it was going to be a great tool. As an Avionics technician I thought it would be the perfect tool for some of the light soldering jobs I find myself involved in, nice and portable and you don't have to worry too much about the hot tip.
Anyways, the thing *****. It's almost worth purchasing just to see the crappy job it does at even the smallest soldering jobs. Try tinning a wire with it! I wouldn't consider using it on any PCB's either as it seems to arc & spark while trying to make a solid connection to make it heat up. Any sensitive components could easily be fried by this lousy piece of junk.
I really wanted to like that tool too. I tried and I tried to make it work but it just doesn't. I tried different tips and using different techniques but it just does not do what it claims. I have to wonder how they possibly thought that they could see this thing successfully.
Instead I went and bough a Weller P2C Portasol butane soldering iron kit. This thing is just awesome and the attachments are superb.
Anyways, the thing *****. It's almost worth purchasing just to see the crappy job it does at even the smallest soldering jobs. Try tinning a wire with it! I wouldn't consider using it on any PCB's either as it seems to arc & spark while trying to make a solid connection to make it heat up. Any sensitive components could easily be fried by this lousy piece of junk.
I really wanted to like that tool too. I tried and I tried to make it work but it just doesn't. I tried different tips and using different techniques but it just does not do what it claims. I have to wonder how they possibly thought that they could see this thing successfully.
Instead I went and bough a Weller P2C Portasol butane soldering iron kit. This thing is just awesome and the attachments are superb.
Art From De Leon
Well-known member
Vise-Grips, except when used as a clamp.
Second place would go to adjustable wrenches.
Second place would go to adjustable wrenches.
thirdmouse
Well-known member
I once bought from my favorite hardware store a screwdriver with several bits and a flashlight bulb near where the shank goes in the handle, plus a telescoping magnetic pickup tool that came out the end of the shank (which meant that the shank was aluminum). It looked a little cheesy but it all sounded like a good idea and I thought it couldn't be too bad. I even asked the manager who knows my face in there well enough what he really thought of the thing. "I've never had anybody bring one back and complain about it." This thing was garbage even when it worked. The light didn't shine on the screw head at all. I still needed a separate flashlight for a dark corner. And then it didn't even last very long. I don't remember anymore what happened to it, bits rounded out the shank or shank cracked or something. Total waste of money. I learned something else too. That "never had anyone complain about it" line is very common from salespeople, and I walk away from whatever I'm looking at when I get fed that. Which also supports a couple comments above - return and complain about **** tools.
rjohnson
Well-known member
Nutdrivers--I rarely use them, and when I do I could have easily used something else.
probably a snap on speed wrench. i had just got a shop job when i was 17and the snap on truck came by. i bought the first shiny thing i saw lol.. i think ive used it once or twice in 14 years lol. its a bit rusty now from lack of use
RLRRLRLL
Well-known member
Only thing ive found those good for, are those plastic caps on GM lugnuts.
54FordPanel
Well-known member
- Pretty much anything I ever bought at Harbor Freight, which isn't much. I still have a nice set of short HF orange handle screwdrivers, where the handle rotates beautifully around the shaft when you turn it. I have no clue why I still have it.
- Some Chinese digital air gauges my mom got me for Christmas that won't ever be used.
- A air "cut-off" tool, origin...(wait for it...) China! It stops cold when you you put it to metal. Runs like a banshee when it isn't touching anything.
- Chinese auto body hammers. 2 of the 4 have broken heads.
- Some Chinese digital air gauges my mom got me for Christmas that won't ever be used.
- A air "cut-off" tool, origin...(wait for it...) China! It stops cold when you you put it to metal. Runs like a banshee when it isn't touching anything.
- Chinese auto body hammers. 2 of the 4 have broken heads.
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Amos Ives Root
Active member
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2009
- Messages
- 32
Nearly every oil filter wrench design that you find in automotive stores.
Another useless tool is big box hardware stores like Lowe's and Home Depot. The selection and organization of these stores is very poor. Why are the tapping kits not next to the drill bits? In every one of these stores I go to the taps are in a seperate kiosk. I'd much rather find my local Ace. I don't know how they manage to have more useful stuff in a much smaller space.
Another useless tool is big box hardware stores like Lowe's and Home Depot. The selection and organization of these stores is very poor. Why are the tapping kits not next to the drill bits? In every one of these stores I go to the taps are in a seperate kiosk. I'd much rather find my local Ace. I don't know how they manage to have more useful stuff in a much smaller space.
ihredo4
Well-known member
As said before the Ex-Wife is the most useless tool I have ever been around. She was over priced and under worked.
Seems like most other tools have a place and purpose that they work well except the whole Craftsman Robo-**** lineup. Tried them damn things one time and threw them in the weeds.
Seems like most other tools have a place and purpose that they work well except the whole Craftsman Robo-**** lineup. Tried them damn things one time and threw them in the weeds.
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bought a "nuline" right angle die grinder... couldn't keep the 90* part tight, it finally stripped about the tenth time I tightened it (in about as many minutes). absolute piece of $#@T !!
by the way, I like your avatar,duke... reminds me a another tool problem
by the way, I like your avatar,duke... reminds me a another tool problem
Atleast you returned her and complained. Even if you did not only not get a refund, but had to pay FOR the return. LOL
+1 on that. I dumped my at Goodwill yesterday!
olds88
Well-known member
I use them for anything with lots of bolts, particularly transmission pans, and as tight as i can make the pan bolts with the speed wrench, around 90 or 100 lbs in, is as tight as ****** pan bolts need to be.
I also use the speed wrench for Japanese style belt tensioning screws, setting head bolts before breaking out the torque wrench, etc.
THE most useless tool I own is for doing the timing belt on the old Audi V8. I never even used it, it was given to me to sell, no one wanted it and it just follows me around everywhere I go like an albatross or something. I avoid working on VWs/Audis as much as possible anyway. I don't even want to change the oil on one. Even changing a battery is a problem, the information in the Interstate catalog regarding the battery type for an 03 GTI VR6 was wrong. An H9 and then a 49 (or 47 or something) series battery later and a grumpy customer waiting over an hour, the (simple) job was out......
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logical
Well-known member
One of those craftsman auto waxer/polishers...underpowered POS. Yard saled it after one use and years of dust collecting.
Just to clear the record, Cummins Inc. (formerly Cummins Engine Company) is in no way affiliated with the cheapo Cummins Tool truck tools. I think the Cummins Tools folks even changed their name to toolsnow.com.
As for the most useless tools I've ever received as a gift, has to be the Craftsman "Reflex" ratcheting adjustable wrenches. These were one of the holiday gimmick tools they released several years ago and are good for nothing but rounding off fasteners.
One of those craftsman auto waxer/polishers...underpowered POS. Yard saled it after one use and years of dust collecting.
I Goodwilled something similar too
old salvage
Well-known member
1. Faucet puller from Home Despot. As I tightened it the arms bent and then the pin snapped. The faucet didnt move.
2 **** & Decker auto c-clamp.
Took millennia for the screw to move and wouldn't clamp tight anyway.
3 Dollar store, ultra no name ratcheting screw driver.
Broke on a not very tight screw.
4 Home Despot Columbian bench vise. Was hammering something (not hard at all) and missed. Hit the jaw and a 1" chunk broke off.
5 Drill Doctor. I had it for over a year and used it a lot but it never sharpened a bit correctly. The heel of one side of the bit was always higher than the other. This despite my following the instructions to the letter. With more use it got worse. At the end the motor started to die. It hit the basement wall at about mach 4.
2 **** & Decker auto c-clamp.
Took millennia for the screw to move and wouldn't clamp tight anyway.
3 Dollar store, ultra no name ratcheting screw driver.
Broke on a not very tight screw.
4 Home Despot Columbian bench vise. Was hammering something (not hard at all) and missed. Hit the jaw and a 1" chunk broke off.
5 Drill Doctor. I had it for over a year and used it a lot but it never sharpened a bit correctly. The heel of one side of the bit was always higher than the other. This despite my following the instructions to the letter. With more use it got worse. At the end the motor started to die. It hit the basement wall at about mach 4.
M900
Well-known member
1/4" drive Clutch head screwdriver socket.
Useless for me. Ive never seen or known anyone else who has seen a clutch head screw.
Useless for me. Ive never seen or known anyone else who has seen a clutch head screw.
16mm socket. Never seen a bolt or nut that size, ever.
ford oil drain plug
M900
Well-known member
My mustang uses a 15mm for the oil drain plug.
yup 15mm for drain plugs on my mustang as well as on my ranger??? the 440's is a 13/16" (insert tool man grunt here)
i only have a few bad purchases...
a drill/bit/polishing stone/driver set supposedly 19.2 volt from menards - needed a drill, never had one, just bought a cheapie thinking it would do...i thought "man, this is great!"....then i got a maintenance job and was given a Skill 18V (supposedly they're not very good???) and it really is great. i've used dewalt, milwaukee, and other brands, but i think my skill is just as good.
second item would be a waxer/polisher like shown above - i'd rather do my waxing by hand anyway.
third item would be one of those dumb 12V cigarette lighter air pumps - it might air up a tire if you left it on all day
fourth would be cheap wire strippers that come in the economy kits at hardware stores or walmart.
i only have a few bad purchases...
a drill/bit/polishing stone/driver set supposedly 19.2 volt from menards - needed a drill, never had one, just bought a cheapie thinking it would do...i thought "man, this is great!"....then i got a maintenance job and was given a Skill 18V (supposedly they're not very good???) and it really is great. i've used dewalt, milwaukee, and other brands, but i think my skill is just as good.
second item would be a waxer/polisher like shown above - i'd rather do my waxing by hand anyway.
third item would be one of those dumb 12V cigarette lighter air pumps - it might air up a tire if you left it on all day
fourth would be cheap wire strippers that come in the economy kits at hardware stores or walmart.
thirdmouse
Well-known member
Those 12V cigarette lighter tire inflators are great. It took me all afternoon once to inflate a kiddie swimming pool. This was at the in-laws and I didn't have the other options I would have had at home, but there was nothing else to do anyway so I sat in the yard and got droned to sleep by the thing.
olds88
Well-known member
That's nothin, my 81 Olds 307 was 7/8. My current 85 60 deg Chevy is 9/16 though...
Ford 4.6 all have 16mm head drain plugs, as do Jeep I6 (or is it 5/8?)
A29
Well-known member
I've got one of those cheap auto center punch. Only thing it's good for is marking the spot to use a real center punch if your in a tight spot and need precise mark. Had a good one years ago and wish it was still around.
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
My 10 year old cummins tool truck torque wrench calibrates every year.
Agreed, absolute junk.
Any old vehicle. My '57 chevy had lots of them.
I nominate the crescent wrench for my most useless tool.
Rusty Kustoms
Well-known member
Send it to me! I come across them quite often on older gm cars and trucks.
M900
Well-known member
wreckercologist
Well-known member
I second. They have their place but generally....I hate them too.Those crappy double ended plastic fuel line disconnect tools. Such a pain in the ***.
The crappy $20 LED flashlight I bought last week from Mac. Junk.
Most "C" clamps. Put some real pressure on them and most twist or bend the pressure screw. We've got a bunch of Bessey German made sliding clamps now at work.
The Craftsman tape measure I bought back in November. It lasted a week before the case broke. I should take that back tommorrow.
The little grease gun I bought off the Matco truck for greasing the front housing on my impacts. I have to keep the leaking, useless, pile of junk in a small trash bag.
webscrounger
Well-known member
A long time ago, when I was less informed, I bought a full set of of those hot new CMan speed wrenches, SAE and Metric. I quickly found them to be one of the most annoying (new mfr) hand tools I've ever used. I can't stand them. I'd give them away If I wasn't so cheap, but I paid a full price for the damn things!