Show your new tool arrivals

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Received today:

- Shelly 1 Gen4 in-wall smart switch
- Witte MaxxPro Nature flat/ slotted screwdriver 1.0x5.5x100 with cork patches for grip.



Was intrigued by the cork patches when I saw them a while back, finally had to order (because of the Shelly) from a supplier that stocks these and so was able to throw one in on the order.

Obviously I have no idea how this will fare over longtime use, dirt, cleaning … But as is, the cork feels really amazing in hand. I’ll report back when I used it some.

Also they don’t appear to sell that well with this supplier, box was covered in fine, smeary, black “attic”-dust. The screwdriver moved a bunch inside that cardboard box and was covered in cardboard box residue before I cleaned it for the pic. Hence why I think they don’t sell that well. Some rubbing marks, from the divider inside that box, still visible after cleaning.

But, I really, really, like it! Did I say the cork feels amazing in hand?



I don’t think putting the makers mark here was that good of an idea. Comes only out well in correct lighting and at correct angle, as you can see - it’s just a blurry mess otherwise.



Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Beerhippie]

Can you build yourself a cabinet up there? Worst-case, would storage under a booth (seat, like inside an RV) help?

Mike

There's an unused attic space behind one of the knee walls up there. I think I'll take it over. Ideally, I'd only need to lug camera, computer and tripod up the steps.

 

[PelicanPines]

There's an unused attic space behind one of the knee walls up there. I think I'll take it over. Ideally, I'd only need to lug camera, computer and tripod up the steps.

Sounds like a perfect "red room" *wink *wink

 

[Skyman]

I have one of these too. It works great for breaking RTV poured seals on flanges like oil pans: The right combination of smaller size, control, and lateral striking surfaces to work well without damaging soft aluminum flanges underneath. I found it much easier and safer than tapping a putty knife around the perimeter of the seal and prying up. So it is a worthwhile "overkill" tool in my experience.

All this being said, I really dislike when auto manufacturers use RTV rather than gaskets in their engines. Flanges become difficult to get apart in repairs, and the RTV seals just do not seem to age as well. I guess the manufacturers mostly care about the car getting past their warranty interval and do not care what happens past that in terms of longevity if they save a small amount. But if you are going to keep the vehicle for long, RTV seals seem to be poor relative to decent quality gaskets. I have a Subaru, and the engine and transmission uses RTV on a lot of key seals essentially dooming you to a lot of late life-cycle seal repairs or a lot of leakage. A lot of the areas that they use RTV seals are also not easy to get to. So they doom you to an extensive rebuild and engine pull as you get up to 200k or more miles -- whether or not the engine pistons are worn.

I would estimate that it's been roughly four decades since most (perhaps all) manufacturers gave a rat's *** about designing anything with serviceability in mind. Inaccessibility, hidden fasteners that have no valid reason to be hidden, etc, bedevil those who service and repair. Cost to manufacture drives most engineering decisions, and whatever aesthetics some fru-fru designer morons insist upon drives the rest of it.

 

[lund]

I would estimate that it's been roughly four decades since most (perhaps all) manufacturers gave a rat's *** about designing anything with serviceability in mind. Inaccessibility, hidden fasteners that have no valid reason to be hidden, etc, bedevil those who service and repair. Cost to manufacture drives most engineering decisions, and whatever aesthetics some fru-fru designer morons insist upon drives the rest of it.

Agree. You need a LOT of wrenches/sockets/tools and patience to work on modern cars. Boroscopes and mirrors can help. Readily available YouTube videos and shop manual pages also can help plan things out better giving ideas on optimal workflows, issues, tools needed, etc.

However, I would add that modern Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs are so good and procedures so refined that getting access to stuff is often better than one might naively expect at first glance in spite of how packed engines compartments etc are. I have an old 2000 Toyota truck that was probably a dated and old design for the time (late 80s style design) and although it is not so crowded ... omg the degree of obstructed and dumb obstructed layout stuff is mind boggling. My other experience with a bit newer Honda and Subaru cars in the family is very different: in spite of being more packed layouts, they have mostly been more conducive to allow work. More readily available info and videos online also helps a LOT so you do not end up taking more apart than is necessary.

I strongly recommend when you work on something buy gaskets rather than use RTV again since it was there before. RTV on older stuff with dirty surfaces, nicks, and distortions get worse and worse relative to new manufacturing conditions. Usually you can buy aftermarket gasket sets. I once paid a dealer for a transmission fix that I could not buy the needed part, and they RTV'd the pan on after access. It was leaking within a year (much to my annoyance with their ridiculous cost). I removed the pan and switched to a gasket and had no more issues. I suspect the tech screwed up. But it is easy to mess up with narrow width seals rapidly squeezing a bead on and setting uniformly in whatever atmosphere and temp conditions that you have ... assuming you can even clean it well enough. It is much harder to mess up with a gasket!

 

[jgeoffr]

Picked up a few things. Some limited edition 200mm Twingrips and a pair of 180mm Cobras.

 

[PelicanPines]

Picked up a few things. Some limited edition 200mm Twingrips and a pair of 180mm Cobras.

You'd think for the holidays they would be green & red instead of black.

 

[jgeoffr]

You'd think for the holidays they would be green & red instead of black.

They've got plenty of red for sure. Green is more of an Orbis or Rennsteig color. Fully agree, thought the black and chrome was a bit strange. But it is "happy holidays" so maybe they're celebrating something else...

 

[rword]

Me again

 

[Beerhippie]

Sounds like a perfect "red room" *wink *wink

Nah. Too low for my swing....

 

[PelicanPines]

I bought one of those fuel line clippidy things... Not for fuel lines ... But for other things with clippidies

 

[Squankum]

The computer is for shooting tethered--what I used to do for food and product work. The one I'm currently using is actually fine--as long as it's hooked up to a monitor and keyboard. I'd forgotten what a 16" laptop was like, and the OLED screen does look amazing!

Now I need a slav.

There ya go.

 

[Madjik Man]

Is this a tool? Years in the making. Replaces my 25 year old POS 22" Kobalt top/bottom.

The Masterforce is a great toolbox, with one horrifically moronic design flaw on the plug. Anywho. I'm excited. Now I just need to buy an insane amount of tool organization.

 

[tiredoldironworker]

I really like the almost full width drawers!

 

[Madjik Man]

I really like the almost full width drawers!

Those three drawers are the reason why I bought this over a US General Series 3.

 

[rabakoe]

Those three drawers are the reason why I bought this over a US General Series 3.

And the drawer latches. So much nicer (to me at least)

 

[Madjik Man]

And the drawer latches. So much nicer (to me at least)

Yeah, should mention that. I despised the USG3 slide latches and the Icon detents where less than impressive (at least on the store model, which probably takes a lot of abuse)

These lift and pull latches are awesome.

 

[willf650]

Where and who makes these wrenches? How do they compare with the Craftsman Overdrive if you have experience with them?
Thanks

As you can see from the pack it’s made by Milwaukee.

I have no experience with Craftsman Overdrive wrenches but looked at them online. These wrenches would not be comparable as they are 12 point and from what I saw the overdrive wrenches are some type of head gripping 6 point.

 

[Squankum]

Sounds like a perfect "red room" *wink *wink

 

[Squankum]

one horrifically moronic design flaw on the plug.

The power cord plug? What's your problem? I may have a solution.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Received today:

- Shelly 1 Gen4 in-wall smart switch
- Witte MaxxPro Nature flat/ slotted screwdriver 1.0x5.5x100 with cork patches for grip.



Was intrigued by the cork patches when I saw them a while back, finally had to order (because of the Shelly) from a supplier that stocks these and so was able to throw one in on the order.

Obviously I have no idea how this will fare over longtime use, dirt, cleaning … But as is, the cork feels really amazing in hand. I’ll report back when I used it some.

Also they don’t appear to sell that well with this supplier, box was covered in fine, smeary, black “attic”-dust. The screwdriver moved a bunch inside that cardboard box and was covered in cardboard box residue before I cleaned it for the pic. Hence why I think they don’t sell that well. Some rubbing marks, from the divider inside that box, still visible after cleaning.

But, I really, really, like it! Did I say the cork feels amazing in hand?



I don’t think putting the makers mark here was that good of an idea. Comes only out well in correct lighting and at correct angle, as you can see - it’s just a blurry mess otherwise.



Kind regards,
Olli

Witte needs to expand their Nature/cork line. I think those handles fee better than all of their other options. It ***** that you are only able to get a few slotted and Phillips screwdrivers.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Some Snappy stuff. The 1/4” and 3/16” screwdrivers are for SHCS on fixtures at work. Probably not a popular item because my driver originally said he didn’t have them and then found these buried and hidden at the back of the truck. They were covered in dust and grime. Added a blue pocket pry bar because why not. The air swivel was intended for work but I may put it on my own garage airline to test it first. Lastly the BluePoint short hex bit sockets are to replace my Matco ones since the driver quit and warranty has been an absolute pain through corporate or the driver one route over.

 

[LanceMc]

As you can see from the pack it’s made by Milwaukee.

I have no experience with Craftsman Overdrive wrenches but looked at them online. These wrenches would not be comparable as they are 12 point and from what I saw the overdrive wrenches are some type of head gripping 6 point.

Thanks
Yes, I see the it is branded Milwaukee. I believe they contract the manufacturer of their hand tools to a big hand tool maker. I read elsewhere that Milwaukee contracted Apex Tool Group to make their wrenches.

 

[Madjik Man]

The power cord plug? What's your problem? I may have a solution.

The cord on the side is fine. The issue I have is the plug for the power drawer is on the back of the box. Why didn’t they just tie this into the same power supply as the power strip on the side or, at the very least, have the port on the side of the box?

The plug on the back prohibits the box from sitting flush along the wall now.

I’m thinking I need to purchase a 90* adapter (which still won’t allow it to sit flush). But for a $1500 toolbox I find this a mind numblingly painful design flaw and laughable that I need to spend another $20+ to fix it.

 

[Jure]

Too bad they had only 7" but i dont care if i can use small pocket knipex cutters than i should get used to these. 8" was same price but they had rotating hangle and i hate that,so went with 7" fixed handle,$60

 

[ecotec]

Too bad they had only 7" but i dont care if i can use small pocket knipex cutters than i should get used to these. 8" was same price but they had rotating hangle and i hate that,so went with 7" fixed handle,$60

They look like a nice copy of one of the Felco models.

 

[Jure]

They look like a nice copy of one of the Felco models.

You mean that felco looks like a nice copy of ARS? felco is junk compared to ars. I could get two.pairs of felco for the ars price.

 

[will335i]

Yeah, should mention that. I despised the USG3 slide latches and the Icon detents where less than impressive (at least on the store model, which probably takes a lot of abuse)

These lift and pull latches are awesome.

As an owner of an Icon box, I can confirm the feel of the store model was due to abuse. There is a mechanism on the slides that allow you to adjust how much force it takes for the initial pull.

 

[Madjik Man]

As an owner of an Icon box, I can confirm the feel of the store model was due to abuse. There is a mechanism on the slides that allow you to adjust how much force it takes for the initial pull.

I really do like those Icon boxes. But I’m just a DIY home gamer and the price difference between it and the Masterforce didn’t make sense for me.

Plus this Masterforce randomly went on sale for 3 days, for the gunmetal color only (not my first color choice but it doesn’t matter to me), to pre-tariff pricing. So the value was there more.

 

[Squankum]

The cord on the side is fine. The issue I have is the plug for the power drawer is on the back of the box. Why didn’t they just tie this into the same power supply as the power strip on the side or, at the very least, have the port on the side of the box?

The plug on the back prohibits the box from sitting flush along the wall now.

I’m thinking I need to purchase a 90* adapter (which still won’t allow it to sit flush). But for a $1500 toolbox I find this a mind numblingly painful design flaw and laughable that I need to spend another $20+ to fix it.

Ooh, that's silly. I was thinking of the outlet end of the power cord:



I didn't know they made 90 degree bits like that for the other end.

I'm seeing a piece of wood in your future, covering all of that gap in the back.

 

[Squankum]

Too bad they had only 7" but i dont care if i can use small pocket knipex cutters than i should get used to these. 8" was same price but they had rotating hangle and i hate that,so went with 7" fixed handle,$60

I've fondled those at the store. (A supply store for the Christmas tree farm industry.) Very, very slick. I assume those rotating handles pay off when you're working in a commercial nursery or Christmas tree farm walking around snipping many things for a good part of a day.

IIRC, some ball bearing smoothness in these.

 

[Madjik Man]

Ooh, that's silly. I was thinking of the outlet end of the power cord:



I didn't know they made 90 degree bits like that for the other end.

I'm seeing a piece of wood in your future, covering all of that gap in the back.

I think I’m going to try one of those C14 to C13 90* adapters. So far though, the only ones orientated in the proper alignment are rated to 10A. The plug has 15A stamped on it.

So my search continues.

 

[mikeinri]

The cord on the side is fine. The issue I have is the plug for the power drawer is on the back of the box. Why didn’t they just tie this into the same power supply as the power strip on the side or, at the very least, have the port on the side of the box?

The plug on the back prohibits the box from sitting flush along the wall now.

I’m thinking I need to purchase a 90* adapter (which still won’t allow it to sit flush). But for a $1500 toolbox I find this a mind numblingly painful design flaw and laughable that I need to spend another $20+ to fix it.

Why don't you just rewire it as you wish it came, instead on playing with an adapter that won't fully solve the problem?

Mike

 

[Madjik Man]

Why don't you just rewire it as you wish it came, instead on playing with an adapter that won't fully solve the problem?

Mike

Because I’m not comfortable doing that or cutting into a brand new $1500 tool box.

A $20 adapter seems like a much more viable solution for my comfort level.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

These came around the same time as the big punches I recently posted.

Rennsteig Masonry Chisel 23x250mm (351 250 1)
The "masonry" range has an octagonal shaft which widens at the tip tip, in contrast to the "flat cold" range which has a flat oval-rectangle shaft. I don't know why the distinction or pros/cons. The grip on these is rectangular, presumably as a shared part.

Rennsteig Electrician’s Chisel 12x250mm (361 253 1)
Useful to have a narrow chisel that's unusually long.


Rennsteig Jointing/bolster Chisel 50mm (386 050 1)
Rennsteig Jointing/bolster Chisel 70mm (386 070 1)
The range also includes a 60mm and tops out with 80mm, so no full width brick bolster.


Rennsteig Slitting Chisel offset 26x7mm (380 241 1)
This is bent and single-bevel ground, for getting right up to a surface.

Rennsteig Slitting Chisel straight 26x7mm (380 240 1)
Straight variant of the above, or thicker variant of the below.

Gedore Slitting Chisel extra flat 26x4mm (2104)
Should be ideal for separating things or making space to insert a pry bar. The Gedore chisel range seems to be mostly a subset of Rennsteig, but with some exclusive dimensions or models like this one.


Gedore Protective hand guard (108 UNI)
This works for octagonal or flat shafts. It has perpendicular slots for thin or thick chisels. By using the thick slot for thin chisels, they can be easily removed, allowing sharing of the guard. The material is quite flexible and would not snap if hit badly with a hammer, which I could envisage happening with the more rigid Rennsteigs.

 

[rabakoe]

I think I’m going to try one of those C14 to C13 90* adapters. So far though, the only ones orientated in the proper alignment are rated to 10A. The plug has 15A stamped on it.

So my search continues.

I would get a new right angle cord rather than an adapter. One less hidden connection to fall apart and cheaper too. Something like this, comes in 14 AWG too: https://a.co/d/9Sf0BYA

 

[Madjik Man]

I would get a new right angle cord rather than an adapter. One less hidden connection to fall apart and cheaper too. Something like this, comes in 14 AWG too: https://a.co/d/9Sf0BYA

Edit: just kidding. I need a left angle version, ideally.

 

[rabakoe]

Edit: just kidding. I need a left angle version, ideally.

Done!

 

[KnurledNut]

Ok, some SOB posted a deal on this board for $50 so I picked up a set. This makes my 6th set of metric wrench I have so I really didn’t need them but it is nice having two sets of wrenches in each box in different locations.

Where that deal from?

I was the SOB that originally posted that deal.
You must have seen my thread before it got moved from GTD.
The only place I could originally find it was FleetPride. Since then, I found that Milwaukee has clearance priced more of their socket and wrench sets. FP must have been one of the early birds to adjust the price.
That deal can be found among others including the matching SAE set, some ratcheting wrenches, and some socket sets at several locations now including but not limited to, Northern Tool, Toolup, Acme Tools, Grainger, Zoro, Home Depot, etc.

For anyone interested in these wrenches, the part numbers are:
Metric: 48-22-9511
SAE: 48-22-9411
They can also be found together such as this HD special.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I went to O’Reilly today during lunch to get a couple things to keep in the new RAV4. You never know when you might get a flat or whatever. Yeah it has tools for a flat tire but I prefer a breaker bar and socket. I’m going to load up the bag with some extra tools I have laying around and put it in there just in case. The socket is for the lug nuts.