Protoolreviews just a wee bit biased

[Milwookie]

Is it just me or is protoolsreview.com just a little too friendly with manufacturers? Every single review I've seen is close to five stars and talks about how fantastic every manufacturer is. Listen to these excerpts from their latest Klein review:
"Any time Klein tells me they have something new, they have my attention in a hurry. Tools like the new Klein Heavy-Duty Nut Drivers are the case in point. They’re intelligently designed, tough tools that know how to get the job done." (WTF does that even mean?)
"Having just wrapped up with a screwdriver, I took a moment to appreciate Klein’s comfort grip handles. They really do make a difference over the course of long days."
"These are classic Klein hands tools – the fact that the Klein name is on them is about all you need to know to have confidence in the quality and function."

Someone's getting handy-j's from marketing.

 

[Gmonkee]

Every Ughtoob reviewer that gets free swag does the same.
Why kill the golden goose?

If I could write eloquently and get free swag from these guys I'd be biased a bit myself.
The trophy goes to the Fixitstick guys for glowing reviews of a decent but not earthshattering tool that serves Joe Handyman well but just hasn't overtaken the market yet.

You get numb to the hype pretty quick.

 

[Thumper68]

Every Ughtoob reviewer that gets free swag does the same.
Why kill the golden goose?

If I could write eloquently and get free swag from these guys I'd be biased a bit myself.
The trophy goes to the Fixitstick guys for glowing reviews of a decent but not earthshattering tool that serves Joe Handyman well but just hasn't overtaken the market yet.

You get numb to the hype pretty quick.

Yup I agree 100%

When I review something on my channel you know I paid for it and will give you my thoughts.

If I ever get to the point where companies are sending me stuff it will be the same, I refuse to give something a good review just because of a sponsor.

 

[FigureItOut]

I've seen a couple of my favorite YouTube guys go downhill and are now unwatchable due to this. One wasn't even a reviewer, he had an instructional channel and occasionally mentioned stuff he liked, now it's just a long commercial.

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[rice rocket]

Yeah, rarely do you hear them say anything bad about a tool, but they do have a pretty good breadth of experience with similar tools with the tools they're reviewing.

I also appreciate the reviews of some of the lesser known tool brands in the US, from the likes of Metabo, where often, you're lucky to find any reviews that isn't in German (or Russian, the Russians love Metabo for some reason). Metabo really ***** balls at marketing.

 

[ngk22r]

When a reviewer uses eloquent writing to describe tools like a critic describes food the average person cannot pronounce, it makes thy reviewer look like a pompous idiot. Sure, you have the ability to sound sophisticated as if you were in a white glove party but really, I do note care how your caviar tasts when your eating it off of a wrench. We get it, you wasted your money going to a university to get a degree in which there is no job for and the best you can do is recite Shakespeare, "delightful wrench, delightful wrench, where art thou delightful wrench?"

Take your head out of your *** you idjit, the only person your foolin is your damn self.

Also the thing I hate the most from video reviewers is when they have the cut of an angled view showing them talking at the other camera...

 

[dnschmidt]

The worst part is they simply don't show the bad stuff. Maybe the stuff you get to see is great, but there has to be stuff they reviewed that sucked. What happens then is that that review goes in the **** can. Why piss off somebody sending you free stuff. Money in politics has destroyed our democracy why wouldn't it influence tool reviews. Everybody ***** up to the free tool ***.

 

[Know Wosad]

The "oldest profession" didn't necessarily refer to *** or money.
Tool Whorez is Tool Whorez.T00B i$ littered with them.
The funny thing is people also get brainwashed(damaged) by a name as obvious in these "addiction" threads around here.

 

[Eric DC5]

This Canadian guy is probably my favorite reviewer.

 

[larry_g]

Take your head out of your *** you idjit, the only person your foolin is your damn self.

.

I disagree. Think of all those wonderful people who buy us those 'wrenches of the season' and so proudly give them at fathers day and Christmas.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[woody 73]

That is one job I would love too do, but alas if the tool companies gave me enough free tools even I would cave into saying nice things...

Human nature at work!

 

[jeffmoss26]

This Canadian guy is probably my favorite reviewer.

YES! he is the best. Keep your stick on the ice!

 

[Schurkey]

The worst part is they simply don't know the bad stuff.

FIFY





I took some **** on here a few months ago for complaining about a youtube tool review that took twenty minutes to explain four or five minutes worth of ideas. In the end, I just can't watch youtube tool reviews.

 

[tarbellb]

I liken those tool reviewers to the TV show Motorweek, every boring, terrible, vehicle they tested was praised.

They literally praised the cars that bankrupted GM, ruined Chrysler.

 

[ovrrdrive]

I feel the same way about every Klein tool I've ever owned... Do you have any other examples?

 

[TomB19]

Someone's getting handy-j's from marketing.

It's definitely a concern which I share.

The crowd sourced tool reviews do show products in a more useful way than manufacturer's stylized marketing videos.

How many people know what Milwaukee One Key is about? I literally can't think of a way for Milwaukee to do a worse job of showing their new products.

The best thing they do is hand some off to the YouTube guys who at least show product capabilities. Most also show the tool operating and give a feel for how it works.

As far as negative reviews go, I think the quality and design of contemporary tools is so good that even the worst tool in almost any category is well capable of doing it's job. To that end, almost every tool can be purchased and used to accomplish real work. How negative should the reviews be when the tools are good?

 

[Gmonkee]

First, be honest. Do not tell us the device is great for home, auto and industry and use carefully staged demonstrations of it only in the ideal conditions.

The B&D electric adjustable hates gritty jobs. I own one and use it. Indoors out of the bike kit toolbox. It absolutely shines in a clean gritless environment. In the sand working off the ground there are few things worse.

I do not own a Bionic wrenck yet but want one. Note it was always demonstrated with yards of open space around it. Try that on your late model car. You won't get the battery out.
It could be good for many things the Muscle Wrenck could do well. Too bulky in the smallest adjustment and too short in its biggest but for the guy who builds swingsets it could be the greatest ever.
Until he has to fix his car.

Gunsmiths to mech to millwright or oilfield worker our needs differ widely.

Joe Handyman doesn't need 4"drive sockets and BP isn't buying ''as seen on TV'' stuff. The stressed dealer tech needs SO somewhat to make his job easier and Joe Shadetree can use lessor cost stuff to get paid.

Millwrights and farmers love adjustables while machinists hate them. Sniper or grunt lobbing grenades the job will get done, it has to be done.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

I like the Bored Of Lame Tool Reviews guy. Best reviewer ever!


...Oh, someone beat me to it.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

This one is a real skookum chooch'r!

 

[sonic.apex]

Another vote for AvE. He has to be the only guy out there actually saying if something is **** or not.

 

[rlitman]

YES! he is the best. Keep your stick on the ice!

He's ok, though you can only understand half of what he's talking aboot.
I mean it never sounds like he's saying keep your stick on the ice.

Anyway, no offence, but I'd rather watch EEVblog.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

This Old House, U-Tube, HF adds, Mad Magazine, Friday Night Live.. No reason to not be well rounded and well informed..

 

[Know Wosad]

This Canadian guy is probably my favorite reviewer.

He calls it like it is. Garbage. 90+ percent of the ****.I have drawer after drawer of it that seem to draw drools .Pathetic. It's mostly shiite but it earns me money.........sometimes.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Anyway, no offence, but I'd rather watch EEVblog.

I like Dave too!

 

[firworks]

I like Dave too!

I still remember the first time I played an EEVBlog video for my GF. She said "What the hell is wrong with his voice?!". If I had any complaint about Dave's teardowns is they've gotten a bit formulaic. He looks for the same design decisions and component choices, so much so that now you can watch OTHER youtubers do electronics teardowns and go "Well they watch EEVBlog because this just sounds like Dave Jones." "One hung low, jelly bean parts" Or when you see people go "This has MOVs so... good" because they just know to look for that particular shaped "thingy" on a PCB to say it's good quality.

I know how hard that is though... It's kinda... a strange thing but since I started running my own YouTube channel I've been careful of how much AvE or Real Tool Reviews I watch because I don't want to just parrot those guys. There's a particular tool that was basically the reason I started my channel in the first place. When I started researching it RTR was the ONLY one with a video on it and I really wanted some more opinions. At that moment I decided I would buy it, use it some and then make my own video. Well when I finally recorded my own attempt at the video I realized during editing that it was like word for word the RTR review. Thus I shelved it. I would like to go back to it again but I want to make sure that I really get my own experience out and not anyone elses.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

I still remember the first time I played an EEVBlog video for my GF. She said "What the hell is wrong with his voice?!". If I had any complaint about Dave's teardowns is they've gotten a bit formulaic. He looks for the same design decisions and component choices, so much so that now you can watch OTHER youtubers do electronics teardowns and go "Well they watch EEVBlog because this just sounds like Dave Jones." "One hung low, jelly bean parts" Or when you see people go "This has MOVs so... good" because they just know to look for that particular shaped "thingy" on a PCB to say it's good quality.

I know how hard that is though... It's kinda... a strange thing but since I started running my own YouTube channel I've been careful of how much AvE or Real Tool Reviews I watch because I don't want to just parrot those guys. There's a particular tool that was basically the reason I started my channel in the first place. When I started researching it RTR was the ONLY one with a video on it and I really wanted some more opinions. At that moment I decided I would buy it, use it some and then make my own video. Well when I finally recorded my own attempt at the video I realized during editing that it was like word for word the RTR review. Thus I shelved it. I would like to go back to it again but I want to make sure that I really get my own experience out and not anyone elses.

What tool is it?

 

[firworks]

What tool is it?

It was the Steelman Pro Cobra ratchets.

 

[Milwookie]

I've thought a few times about doing some tool reviews based solely on how durable a tool is, using force meters and such to determine how much abuse something will take before it fails. Everyone else does a good job of discussing features, but only AvE discusses durability (although he simply points out things that could fail, not things that do--he shat all over Festool to the point where if you'd never heard of them you'd think it was garbage, but they seem to perform much better than his review would have indicated).

Are Klein's screwdriver tips durable? What about HF Pittsburgh sockets? A guy in England tested some sockets to see how they'd stand up and had some very surprising results. I also saw a couple YouTube videos with a guy who tested an HF wrench using a torque wrench to measure failure. That kind of thing is actually useful real-world info, but no one does it on a regular basis.

 

[dnschmidt]

I believe what most tool reviewers say. The problem is that what they don't say. If any of these guys reviews a tool and it blows that review never sees the light of day. That is my biggest complaint with these guys. They only show the good and not the bad and all tool companies make bad tools but you never see a review of any of them.

It's dishonesty by omission.

 

[firworks]

I believe what most tool reviewers say. The problem is that what they don't say. If any of these guys reviews a tool and it blows that review never sees the light of day. That is my biggest complaint with these guys. They only show the good and not the bad and all tool companies make bad tools but you never see a review of any of them.

It's dishonesty by omission.

Watch my Dremel Vacuum Powered Rotary Tool video.

Though, I did make a follow up because I fixed a big problem with it and made it better... It still ***** though and not in a good way.

 

[kctyphoon]

The absolute biggest sellouts on YouTube are the "Tools INACTION" duo. They actually use to do tests and give real demos, and now all the do is set up in front of their garage that is overflowing with free **** they will never use - AND THEY READ THE BOX.. the worst part is they still leave features out. They have even gone so far as to say "oh we don't do reviews, we just kinda show you the tool".. great - nothing I can't do myself looking at 400 other websites.. with a name like "tools in action" why even bother with the channel anymore.. their just a couple of hoarders that have no interest in anything but free stuff now..

 

[TomB19]

The absolute biggest sellouts on YouTube are the "Tools INACTION" duo. They actually use to do tests and give real demos, and now all the do is set up in front of their garage that is overflowing with free **** they will never use - AND THEY READ THE BOX.. the worst part is they still leave features out. They have even gone so far as to say "oh we don't do reviews, we just kinda show you the tool".. great - nothing I can't do myself looking at 400 other websites.. with a name like "tools in action" why even bother with the channel anymore.. their just a couple of hoarders that have no interest in anything but free stuff now..

I like those guys. I know what you're saying, and somewhat agree, but the channel is still useful. They tend to show stuff before other YouTubers do.

I was in their forum and they banned me for suggesting they were unobjective on one of their vacuum reviews. They were reviewing the Milwaukee M18 vacuum about a year ago and Dan said it was clear the unreleased DeWalt vacuum would be better, even though he hadn't seen it, yet. lol!

They don't get everything for free. Eric mentioned that he purchased the M18 Sawzall. Perhaps he got a deal from Milwaukee but he was clear that he bought it.

Your point is well taken, though.

 

[jeffmoss26]

He's ok, though you can only understand half of what he's talking aboot.
I mean it never sounds like he's saying keep your stick on the ice.

Anyway, no offence, but I'd rather watch EEVblog.

You just need a Canuckistan translator!

 

[firworks]

I've thought a few times about doing some tool reviews based solely on how durable a tool is, using force meters and such to determine how much abuse something will take before it fails. Everyone else does a good job of discussing features, but only AvE discusses durability (although he simply points out things that could fail, not things that do--he shat all over Festool to the point where if you'd never heard of them you'd think it was garbage, but they seem to perform much better than his review would have indicated).

Are Klein's screwdriver tips durable? What about HF Pittsburgh sockets? A guy in England tested some sockets to see how they'd stand up and had some very surprising results. I also saw a couple YouTube videos with a guy who tested an HF wrench using a torque wrench to measure failure. That kind of thing is actually useful real-world info, but no one does it on a regular basis.

I think I may have talked about this with you in another thread but I'm still trying to decide where the happy medium is on that. I'm an electronics guy first due to my day job and have been wanting to setup some automated test fixtures for tools but stuff like ultimate stress testing isn't exactly that useful to anyone I fear. People focus on things like ergonomics and I think ultimately that's probably the most important aspect of a tool. Sure this breaker bar can do 1800 lb-ft and this one fails at 1430 lb-ft but does that really make the higher one better? What if it's horrible to use? Has bad socket retention? What if the maximum torque I'm ever going to use it for is a few hundred lb-ft? I do have an idea for a really cool test I think a lot of people would be interested in that could be done pretty scientifically but I want to keep that close to my chest for a bit lest someone like AvE beats me to it as he has been doing a lot lately...

The absolute biggest sellouts on YouTube are the "Tools INACTION" duo. They actually use to do tests and give real demos, and now all the do is set up in front of their garage that is overflowing with free **** they will never use - AND THEY READ THE BOX.. the worst part is they still leave features out. They have even gone so far as to say "oh we don't do reviews, we just kinda show you the tool".. great - nothing I can't do myself looking at 400 other websites.. with a name like "tools in action" why even bother with the channel anymore.. their just a couple of hoarders that have no interest in anything but free stuff now..

Yeah... I can't take much of their videos. I still have to watch them sometimes when they are the only ones with a video on a particular tool but I just skip around to see what it looks like and then get outta dodge!


Also I thought of one other noteworthy thing regarding getting free tools and the companies response to negative reviews. I wasn't sent a tool by Fastcap but they did have a promotion where you paid shipping for thier Bowtie clamps and got a set for free. I did that and then posted a kinda negative review saying that they seemed kinda clunky to use and were a gadget that I didn't think had a ton of real world uses. I was pretty surprised when they not only tweeted a link of my video to their followers, but also put it up on their website! If you go to Fast Cap's Bowtie clamps page you can see my video up there telling people I wouldn't buy it and that it seemed like a gadget. That seems pretty respectable to me. They did call it an "Interesting review..." but still it really surprised me. It wasn't an outright negative review but it was basically a blind open and use and I found them to be kinda challenging to get tightened down properly and also found that they are horrible to use with gloves on.

 

[Thumper68]

You just need a Canuckistan translator!

I don't but then again I am from northern MN

 

[Milwookie]

I think I may have talked about this with you in another thread but I'm still trying to decide where the happy medium is on that. I'm an electronics guy first due to my day job and have been wanting to setup some automated test fixtures for tools but stuff like ultimate stress testing isn't exactly that useful to anyone I fear. People focus on things like ergonomics and I think ultimately that's probably the most important aspect of a tool. Sure this breaker bar can do 1800 lb-ft and this one fails at 1430 lb-ft but does that really make the higher one better? What if it's horrible to use? Has bad socket retention? What if the maximum torque I'm ever going to use it for is a few hundred lb-ft? I do have an idea for a really cool test I think a lot of people would be interested in that could be done pretty scientifically but I want to keep that close to my chest for a bit lest someone like AvE beats me to it as he has been doing a lot lately...



Yeah... I can't take much of their videos. I still have to watch them sometimes when they are the only ones with a video on a particular tool but I just skip around to see what it looks like and then get outta dodge!


Also I thought of one other noteworthy thing regarding getting free tools and the companies response to negative reviews. I wasn't sent a tool by Fastcap but they did have a promotion where you paid shipping for thier Bowtie clamps and got a set for free. I did that and then posted a kinda negative review saying that they seemed kinda clunky to use and were a gadget that I didn't think had a ton of real world uses. I was pretty surprised when they not only tweeted a link of my video to their followers, but also put it up on their website! If you go to Fast Cap's Bowtie clamps page you can see my video up there telling people I wouldn't buy it and that it seemed like a gadget. That seems pretty respectable to me. They did call it an "Interesting review..." but still it really surprised me. It wasn't an outright negative review but it was basically a blind open and use and I found them to be kinda challenging to get tightened down properly and also found that they are horrible to use with gloves on.

I see what you're saying, but if you look through the threads on here about tools here's how everyone seems to rank a tool:
* How often they use it ("I use this thing every day...")
* How durable it is ("Total POS broke after three uses...")
* Cost ("Snap-on makes a nice one, but HF is plenty usable and way cheaper...")
* Warranty ("No lifetime warranty? No thanks.")
* COO ("Chinese garbage...")

Durability is one of those ones I see most often but is rarely covered by a tool blog because they'd have to follow up after using it for quite a while.

 

[TomB19]

Durability is one of those ones I see most often but is rarely covered by a tool blog because they'd have to follow up after using it for quite a while.

Long term follow-ups would be awesome, if done by people regularly working with the tools in industry.

 

[Hornman]

One of the automotive magazines (I think it was Gow Job) had a monthly section on reviews of parts and tools. They told the reader up front that they would see no negative reviews in their magazine, but that was not because everything passed their tests. Their experience had shown that sometimes you get a bad whatzit (they purchased everything they tested) and it would be unfair to publish a bad review because of a fluke failure. Also, they said they did not want to bear any responsibility for the failure of any company even partly caused by their review. Plus, well heeled companies tend to sue over bad reviews. By strange cooincidence, products that received glowing reviews tended to have full page ads for those products on the page opposite the review.

 

[BikerDad]

He calls it like it is. Garbage. 90+ percent of the ****.I have drawer after drawer of it that seem to draw drools .Pathetic. It's mostly shiite but it earns me money.........sometimes.

Noooo, he doesn't "call it like it is." He calls it the way he sees it through a snark shaded glasses while being clueless. When he demonstrates quite clearly that he doesn't have a CLUE why a feature exists, and then attacks the maker because of HOW they implemented the feature, then it's damn hard to NOT conclude that he can be a f'ing retard.

 

[FigureItOut]

RTR has some interesting things to say about tool reviewers getting free tools. In this podcast, it starts at 43:00, with the meat of it about professional tool reviewers starting at 50:10.

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