"Obsession" Tools - An Affinity for Unique or Special Tools

[dr_clyde]

There are certain tools that stand in a class by themselves. Either they were a unique or novel invention, have a special design or are aesthetically pleasing in a way that is exclusive to the tool. Maybe a certain brand is head and shoulders ahead of the competition in quality. Some of these tools have acquired an obsessive, almost fetish like quality about them.

I'll post a few that I can think of, please post ones you can think of. I want this thread to be a place where guys can post their very favorite tools, ones that others may not know about or would like to see the best examples of.

Every once in a while, I'll see a tool and go "Ohhhh, I NEED one of those." This is the thread to post those tools.

The first one that comes to mind is the Hazet Assistent. Unique in it's appearance, it is something that is coveted, desired and lusted after by many hand tool enthusiasts.



Second in my mind is the Snap-on KR-65c, the little toolbox that started a whole "tiny box" movement on this board.



The first time I saw a rivet fan, I wanted one. I'm not sure entirely why, I don't work with rivets very often, but I saw it and KNEW I needed to add one to my tool collection. Perfect for spacing holes, welds, marks or any sort of little layouts that need to be roughly even.



Starrett Tools makes some of my very favorite precision tools, and some of the best in the world. Their Combination Square is the standard by which all others are measured, and few can rival it in quality. One of my "desert island" tools for sure. I bought one when I first started in the trades, and I wouldn't trade it for any other. Starrett is top of the heap in combo squares. So well made they last many lifetimes if you take care of them.



Starrett (among others) also make a neat tool that is not very common anymore. The humble Planer Gage is one of those tools that I wouldn't be without in the machine shop. Despite planers and shapers having been out of use for decades, this simple little tool has a myriad of uses in the shop, from setting heights for cutters, transferring sizes, being an adjustable spacer, all kinds of uses. Simple, but wildly effective.



What tools do you guys think should be added to the list?

 

[sweet victory]

The Miniware TS80P





This soldering iron is unlike any soldering iron I've owned before it. It's novel design came about from electronics enthusiast and engineers in seek of the perfect soldering gun. Some quick features that made me smash "buy now."

• USB C powered - the unit comes with a wall wart, but you also have the ability to power this from a quick charge compatible power bank. Now, you've got a portable, high end soldering iron. This has probably found its way into every RC car/drone tool bag I know of.
• I love the quick change tip design. I also like how they utilized a commercially available connector (3.5mm audio jack) to help in keeping costs to a minimum. You can buy a wide variety of tips.
• Overall performance, this thing will out perform a Weller bench top soldering station. It's very good at maintaining temp when in use, and heats up to 600F nearly instantly. It's incredible what this little thing can do.
• High quality build. The build quality of the tool itself is superb. Not much else to say about this other than it is awesome. The power cord that comes with it is a very flexible silicone cord.
• Affordable. I believe I paid about $70 for mine from an RC store.

 

[Kent_B]

The Miniware TS80P



I

This soldering iron is unlike any soldering iron I've owned before it. It's novel design came about from electronics enthusiast and engineers in seek of the perfect soldering gun. Some quick features that made me smash "buy now."

• USB C powered - the unit comes with a wall wart, but you also have the ability to power this from a quick charge compatible power bank. Now, you've got a portable, high end soldering iron. This has probably found its way into every RC car/drone tool bag I know of.
• I love the quick change tip design. I also like how they utilized a commercially available connector (3.5mm audio jack) to help in keeping costs to a minimum. You can buy a wide variety of tips.
• Overall performance, this thing will out perform a Weller bench top soldering station. It's very good at maintaining temp when in use, and heats up to 600F nearly instantly. It's incredible what this little thing can do.
• High quality build. The build quality of the tool itself is superb. Not much else to say about this other than it is awesome. The power cord that comes with it is a very flexible silicone cord.
• Affordable. I believe I paid about $70 for mine from an RC store.

I want one! If it could be powered from a USB portapack, imagine the portability I'm thinking wire antenna work out in the yard.

 

[Shiftless]

When the Fein multimaster came out, it filled a gap and enabled cuts that nothing else could do.

 

[sweet victory]

I want one! If it could be powered from a USB portapack, imagine the portability I'm thinking wire antenna work out in the yard.

It can be with a quick charge compatible power bank. That's why it's so popular within the drone community for field repairs.

 

[LXCam]

Oh great, now there’s two tools I gotta get. The rivet fan and that soldering iron. You guys kill me

 

[Zewnten]

I've been hunting for the complete set of case/Snap On extended 12 point crowfoot. I missed the complete set earlier this year, thanks eBay. But they are the best for JIC fittings on older equipment.

 

[ste6168]

I don't have an obsession with any old or especially unique tools, at least to my knowledge, but I have a lot of tools that I couldn't live without, and a few brands I love to spend money on. In my line of work, ratchets/sockets aren't that necessary... Fluke inspection tools, Veto bags, screwdrivers in general (Witte is my favorite), Knipex pliers, Fein tool (own 2 + a Rockwell) and wire strippers of all sorts... Realistically, I just love tools of all types, nothing especially unique about any of them, but I am certainly a brand who.......

 

[matthew]

Darn it, now I want a rivet fan. Although I definitely can make one, too…

…and I need some clecos now too.

 

[Max]

Seeing all of the Flukes above reminded me of a great tool - the Fluke Microscanner. It does the normal continuity tests you’d expect on coax or ethernet cabling. But it also has a TDR (Time Domain Reflection) that will identify the cable distance to a short or open. When we moved into our current house the main cable into the house was shorted, and when I used the meter to open up the right place in the drywall I was only 6” off from where the install idiots had driven a staple through the coax. Sadly they are 3x the cost of what I paid for mine 15 years ago…

 

[racinfarmer]

I apparently like 3/8" ratchets, I discovered after re-organizing my toolboxes.

 

[rmack898]

A small shaper is an obsession kind of tool. You can make just about anything on one except money. I certainly didn't need it but it will always have a space in my shop.

One of the slowest ways to remove metal but fascinating to watch as well as a relaxing sound (if you're sick shop puppy like me)

https://youtu.be/ftTGDsn25Go

 

[Half-fast eddie]

. Perfect for spacing holes, welds, marks or any sort of little layouts that need to be roughly even.

Wouldn’t the spacing be “exactly” even?

 

[dr_clyde]

Wouldn’t the spacing be “exactly” even?

By a mechanics standard, yeah. By a machinist standard, naw.

Tolerance is everything.

 

[oldmachinenut]

Darn it, now I want a rivet fan. Although I definitely can make one, too…

…and I need some clecos now too.

Me too

 

[speed bump]

Sheet Metal shaping tools. My drawer doesn't even come close to some people's here but they are definitely one of my favorite tools to collect em all.

 

[richfinn]

Any tool that has multiple uses and saves time for me is a winner, if I can replace a lot of "one trick ponys" with something that's nice quality that will last forever and do multiple tasks I'm interested!!!

I used to dream of giant toolboxes full of tools, but nowadays I want absolute minimalism and multitasking.

I would love one of those Hazets to be my only toolbox one day!!!!

 

[bctexas]

Old engine testing gear. Sun Electric Corp stuff is really classy looking, and very expensive when new. There are units from the late 1940's to the late 1970's in this pic, along with some consumer grade stuff.

 

[ste6168]

Any tool that has multiple uses and saves time for me is a winner, if I can replace a lot of "one trick ponys" with something that's nice quality that will last forever and do multiple tasks I'm interested!!!

I used to dream of giant toolboxes full of tools, but nowadays I want absolute minimalism and multitasking.

I would love one of those Hazets to be my only toolbox one day!!!!

Just curious, what made you change your mindset? I am totally opposite, Inwant to have every, and the best tool to do the job properly, if that means having a building worth of tools, so be it.

 

[John McA]

Heathkit BE 1

 

[John McA]

Years ago I had a kid go to a far away university:
At some early point we visited so I, thought, I could help.
I went to a nearby hardware store. Purchased a bunch of tools and a bag or two, for all of it. Maybe 500$ or so.

While shopping, I remembered when I was young and, going to a far away school, and what I wished I had, while I attended.

Really Large Bolt cutters, a winch, etc. and so on. Garage Journal type useful tools.

Years later, we don't talk of this at all. At some point it might be a good idea I guess. There were some incidents that I would like to know more about.

 

[kyrbz]

Festool was kind of game changer for woodworkers/fabricators in terms of function, portability, and quality. I think because of that, they've developed an almost cult like following. Although I love all my Festool tools, the track saw is the most used and favorite.

 

[kyrbz]

The first one that comes to mind is the Hazet Assistent. Unique in it's appearance, it is something that is coveted, desired and lusted after by many hand tool enthusiasts.

Hopefully I'll own a Hazet Assistent (or two) before I die. In the mean time, I've had to settle for a Hazet 190

 

[silkman]

I still kick myself in the foot for not getting that Hazet assistent for 200eur on FB marketplace...

 

[richfinn]

Just curious, what made you change your mindset? I am totally opposite, Inwant to have every, and the best tool to do the job properly, if that means having a building worth of tools, so be it.

I started working out of a van 17 years ago after 25 years in the workshop, the work was a little different (more diag/temporary fixes and less heavy duty repairs). It was a challenge at first to be honest, but with experience I found doing more with less made me happier (and more careful/efficient at zeroing in on faults)

Don't get me wrong I still love tools, but I find nowadays I never buy stuff on impulse I do my research and I'm rarely disappointed with my purchases.

I can go months without Dipping into my main toolbox (which is in storage at a friend's garage).

I can manage most of what I need just with whats in my van, it's not pretty, but it's well organised with no duplicates and everything serves a purpose, including quite a bit of stuff I've made myself and specialist equipment supplied by the company (Roadside Rescue Organisation)

I watch the YouTube videos with guys with enormous expensive toolboxes filled with blow moulded cases who then go on to say I can do 90% of my work out of a cart.

It's the same for me really, only I just tow the 10% into the workshop and let it be somebody else's problem

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Bright Portable Lights, Heavy Duty Extension Cords, Sturdy Ladders, A Clean Workbench, A Good Quality Broom, Dustpan, And Well Used Waste Basket. Some of My most Valued stuff doesn't go in the toolboxes; but that is another book on obsessions.

 

[RTM]

Wouldn’t the spacing be “exactly” even?

Not to the standards for making attractive hand cut dovetails either.

 

[tarbellb]

Bright Portable Lights, Heavy Duty Extension Cords, Sturdy Ladders, A Clean Workbench, A Good Quality Broom, Dustpan, And Well Used Waste Basket. Some of My most Valued stuff doesn't go in the toolboxes; but that is another book on obsessions.

So you are "obsessed" with your "unique" and "special".... dustpan and extension cord?

I think the OP was aiming a bit higher for content

 

[BDT/NWMN]

So you are "obsessed" with your "unique" and "special".... dustpan and extension cord?

I think the OP was aiming a bit higher for content

I would be totally lost without them. Considering the thousands of dollars spent on the equipment that gets plugged into those cords; I actually am obsessed with using properly sized, well maintained cords. I made all My 240 Volt cords, along with many for 120 Volt, for My specific needs. I will save the piston ring re-grooving lathe, piston skirt knurler, diesel engine timing fixture, transmission tools, and numerous "featured unique devices" for another chapter. A detailed picture content will be needed to do justice for a posting of these contraptions

 

[tarbellb]

To each their own, I'd love to see the piston repair tools (not so much the cords)

 

[WhoWhatNow]

OP, you have listed some very obsession worthy tools. I will add these two that I believe complement you first two perfectly:



Stahlwille Rollmaster



Snap On KRA149 (mine is missing the lift out shelf)





I will also add the Delta 14” Wood/Metal Bandsaw on Art Deco base(not mine):

 

[richfinn]

So you are "obsessed" with your "unique" and "special".... dustpan and extension cord?

I think the OP was aiming a bit higher for content

I totally get it, I make my own test leads for vehicle diagnostics,, I buy good quality connections and vehicle specific plugs and high end silicone insulated cable. Makes the the jobs much more pleasant in fact actually enjoyable!!!

I think the aim of the thread is what specific tools make you happy in life (and what have you learned from your OCD tendencies)

 

[Komet]

I really like the vintage I beam style Snap-on wrenches. They stopped making them before I was born, so I'm really going out of my way to get them now. The shape feels great in my hand, very comfortable to press hard on. When I'm using them, I know I'm using the highest quality wrench that gives me the best chance of loosening without damaging my rusty garbage. They have exceeded my expectations every time.

I'm sure the modern Snap-on stuff is just as good, but they don't have the same appeal to me.

 

[Southern83]

Starrett 91 tap handles. I just look for excuses to use them. I have the A,B and C sizes and will eventually get the D just to satisfy my OCD.

 

[Odd-job]

Would add a Starrett 18C Automatic Center Punch. Metal punching pleasure increased exponentially with that tool purchase.

 

[kyrbz]

There are certain tools that stand in a class by themselves. Either they were a unique or novel invention, have a special design or are aesthetically pleasing in a way that is exclusive to the tool. Maybe a certain brand is head and shoulders ahead of the competition in quality. Some of these tools have acquired an obsessive, almost fetish like quality about them.

I think the Knipex Plier Wrench would meet some of the criteria you mentioned. It's a relatively new plier design (1994) that has really caught on for good reason. It's definitely one of my favorite and most used pliers.

 

[Ton ton]

Bright Portable Lights, Heavy Duty Extension Cords, Sturdy Ladders, A Clean Workbench, A Good Quality Broom, Dustpan, And Well Used Waste Basket. Some of My most Valued stuff doesn't go in the toolboxes; but that is another book on obsessions.

Do you care to share some pictures of these items?

 

[silkman]

I think the Knipex Plier Wrench would meet some of the criteria you mentioned. It's a relatively new plier design (1994) that has really caught on for good reason. It's definitely one of my favorite and most used pliers.

Found that its also great for bending or straightening stuff.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Do you care to share some pictures of these items?

That task was planned for completion with the rainy-day listings, as there are so many projects to catch up on right now. But ironically, I finished checking over the cameras that will be used about ten minutes before reading Your reply. Just might rain any minute around here

 

[Orangina]

I love many of my new tools to work with and a few tools that have been with me for decades and lots of projects without complaint.
But a lot of current tools come and go over time... spent, lost, inappropriate... that's ok, but no "obsession".

So my heart beats faster for tools that are 50 to 100 years old - not just as my HAZETs, others too
(but I can't collect all of them, said my wife but some of them still find their way to me... as Stahlwille and others)





have a good obsession weekend
regards,