Odd or Novelty tools

[kckndrgn]

After my father passed some years ago I inherited most of his tools and garage items. Going through one of the tool boxes, trying to get thing somewhat organized, I came across the tools in the attached image.

I remember him purchasing these at a local flea market, then never really using them. I think the purchases were more like "Hey this will be neat and save me some time" only to realize the tools were not that well made (80's China ****).

I really have no use for these, in the 8 years I've had them I don't think they've been used at all, nor will they be used. Being the pack rat I am, I'll probably hold on to them, if for nothing else a reminder to 'buy once, cry once'.

 

[CoogarXR]

LOL I have the exact same tools from my dad. All except the third one in from the left, I have all of 'em. They currently reside in my "sacrificial tools" box (tools that I can beat on, cut up, or modify without caring).

 

[Gmonkee]

I have a bag with probably twenty odd miracle tools of different styles.

Each one designed to replace hundreds of other tools and eliminate the need for knowing the bolt size.

And as much as I love innovation and invention these are not the miracles that changes wrenching forever.

Why do those three basic ideas get recycled and put back in the market every 15 year's or so? Do we forget that easily?

 

[kckndrgn]

Why do those three basic ideas get recycled and put back in the market every 15 year's or so? Do we forget that easily?

Yes, because it's a new generation of tool monkey's and they didn't pay attention to the mistakes of the previous generation so they are doomed to repeat the mistakes.

 

[woody 73]

I miss those parking lot tool tent sales days...

 

[Toothaker]

I have that middle tool of the left three tools. I laugh every time I pick it up. It is infinitely adjustable. One side has stamped metric size ranges, on the other side it is stamped with SAE size ranges. I wonder how many times someone is in the middle of using that model, and flips it over when they are using it 'wrong'?

 

[L.Cheapo]

My dad has the two on the left. I have had the Craftsman version of those "ratcheting wrenches" for over 20 years. I think I used them twice. Awful to the point of comedy.

 

[Gmonkee]

Has anyone tried the hydraulic actuated adjustable double box end Husky put out there?

I want to but none have been found in the bargain bin yet. I have the screw type "muscle wrench" and found it sadly lacking to even using worn out ancient wrenches.

 

[Al Borland]

I have the third one from the left.
Works "okay" for turning on small water valves where the knob/handle is missing.

 

[joe_padavano]

I miss those parking lot tool tent sales days...

Yup. I guess HF put them out of business (well, that and trying to sell a really crappy set of products...)

 

[cowboy73]

The third one from the left can be used a punch holder. I used the first two a lot as a kid working on my bicycle.

 

[Finky198]

We have all of those except the punch holder hanging on the peg board. Every once in a while you need that odd ball tool... not sure of the brand but they have worked the few times we've needed them.

 

[rharman]

I have the Craftsman metric version of the ratcheting box wrenches. Probably 40 years old. So useless.....

 

[Gmonkee]

I took the B-D electric adjustable to work for fun.

Put it to good use stripping a bug for repaint.

Even stuff like that has a place it shines.

 

[Provincial]

I keep one of the stamped ratcheting box wrenches on the nut that clamps the tailstock of my old Atlas lathe. It is instantly reversible and much faster to use than the Atlas open end wrench that came with the machine.

But then, this is a specialty application.