Show your new tool arrivals

[Meursault74]

Well, Harbor Freight enticed me to come into the store with a 25% off anything in the store coupon they emailed me.

I went in. Got those Icon 3 position slip joint pliers. Don't really know why I bought them, I have a few slip-joint pliers, but not like that one. Maybe the 20% off coupon had something to do with it. They feel pretty solid though. Also got some Quinn 45 degree pliers. No coupon for that one.

I used that 25% off on a US General 26 inch rolling cabinet. I've been looking for a vintage red/ gray Craftsman to go along with what I have. Mine has been full with tools piled on top of each other for a while now. The vintage ones come up on Craigslist around here, but what they ask for in price for a 50 year-old box isn't what I want to pay. Jeez, I got the brand new one for about 60% of what people are asking for vintage Craftsman. Part of me wants to paint the outside (not drawers) that hammered gray to match the old one. But I'm not going to paint a brand-new box. Maybe years down the road I'll see.

 

[vwpieces]

New to me...
Was at Carlisle Import and scored this heater for $20. 60-120k BTU
Buddy was selling these 4 skates, asking $100 for the set and no interest. I ended up trading him for an item I bought there, at the swap, for $30.

So skates and heater were $50. Skates are pretty strong and older production.

 

[tamaraw]

Got a 1/4" drive 4-15mm Caterpillar branded socket set recently:



This is my first modern Snap-On tool (I have a couple pre-50's pieces) and figured I would dip my toe in the water so to speak to see what the hype is about. Price was an affordable $60 vs SO's $230 list price. My local dealer was super nice to work with and I was able to pick them up 2 days after I called in the order, so that was great.

They appear functional but I'm scratching my head at how inconsistent stamping quality is. Decent Taiwanese sets are above this, let alone a "high end" USA brand with such a crazy reputation. Maybe SO dumps their factory seconds on CAT and Williams? Date stamps on these look to be mostly 2020 with a few 2018 and a 2016 but the differences don't correspond with that.

I was also surprised to see that the female square drive is just square and does not have off-corner engagement unlike pretty much any other modern tool. I don't know that it will make much of a difference in practice but it's still a pretty silly cost-cutting measure from the company that spams "flank drive" branding on everything.


10mm compared to Nepros and Bahco


12mm compared to Ko-ken and Bahco


Stamping quality has a wide variety between different sockets; see knurling above


Upper ring stamped differently than lower ring on the same socket


Another socket stamped differently on different faces

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Got a 1/4" drive 4-15mm Caterpillar branded socket set recently:



This is my first modern Snap-On tool (I have a couple pre-50's pieces) and figured I would dip my toe in the water so to speak to see what the hype is about. Price was an affordable $60 vs SO's $230 list price. My local dealer was super nice to work with and I was able to pick them up 2 days after I called in the order, so that was great.

They appear functional but I'm scratching my head at how inconsistent stamping quality is. Decent Taiwanese sets are above this, let alone a "high end" USA brand with such a crazy reputation. Maybe SO dumps their factory seconds on CAT and Williams? Date stamps on these look to be mostly 2020 with a few 2018 and a 2016 but the differences don't correspond with that.

I was also surprised to see that the female square drive is just square and does not have off-corner engagement unlike pretty much any other modern tool. I don't know that it will make much of a difference in practice but it's still a pretty silly cost-cutting measure from the company that spams "flank drive" branding on everything.


10mm compared to Nepros and Bahco


12mm compared to Ko-ken and Bahco


Stamping quality has a wide variety between different sockets; see knurling above


Upper ring stamped differently than lower ring on the same socket


Another socket stamped differently on different faces

Don’t quote me on this but I believe a Williams distributor posted on these boards that Williams (and I am assuming others) differs from Snap-on solely by not having any extra attention paid to the finish. So there will be marks and dings under the chrome or the chrome may be splotchy or even the stamping will be off or light or whatever. I believe that is how those sockets are able to stay so affordable versus the Snappys.

 

[tamaraw]

Don’t quote me on this but I believe a Williams distributor posted on these boards that Williams (and I am assuming others) differs from Snap-on solely by not having any extra attention paid to the finish.

The Williams 1/4" sockets looks like they might be a different forging in pictures? I'm not sure since I don't own any.

So there will be marks and dings under the chrome or the chrome may be splotchy or even the stamping will be off or light or whatever.

No dings, marks, or chrome issues on these, just sloppy stampings on a few. Others are A+ perfect.

I believe that is how those sockets are able to stay so affordable versus the Snappys.

I suppose it is possible that SO has lower standards on the CAT production runs, but it's not like they would save big $$$ by having a mis-calibrated stamping machine. SO pricing is mostly just extra profit margin; It certainly doesn't take an extra $170 of manufacturing costs to get the stampings straight. EDIT: Actually looking at pictures online, the SO branded 1/4" sockets seem to have a similar stamping variance

I do not regret the purchase and wouldn't try to return these, just sharing some unexpectedly funky manufacturing. I'll probably buy CAT again.

 

[jgeoffr]

Picked up the 3 metric sets of Proto Advanced Hex bit sockets with the RBRT texhnology. There's overlap in 4-7mm between the 1/4" and 3/8" drive.

 

[AJHD]

Got a 1/4" drive 4-15mm Caterpillar branded socket set recently:



This is my first modern Snap-On tool (I have a couple pre-50's pieces) and figured I would dip my toe in the water so to speak to see what the hype is about. Price was an affordable $60 vs SO's $230 list price. My local dealer was super nice to work with and I was able to pick them up 2 days after I called in the order, so that was great.

They appear functional but I'm scratching my head at how inconsistent stamping quality is. Decent Taiwanese sets are above this, let alone a "high end" USA brand with such a crazy reputation. Maybe SO dumps their factory seconds on CAT and Williams? Date stamps on these look to be mostly 2020 with a few 2018 and a 2016 but the differences don't correspond with that.

I was also surprised to see that the female square drive is just square and does not have off-corner engagement unlike pretty much any other modern tool. I don't know that it will make much of a difference in practice but it's still a pretty silly cost-cutting measure from the company that spams "flank drive" branding on everything.


10mm compared to Nepros and Bahco


12mm compared to Ko-ken and Bahco


Stamping quality has a wide variety between different sockets; see knurling above


Upper ring stamped differently than lower ring on the same socket


Another socket stamped differently on different faces

Interesting observations. I don't own the 1/4" CAT set yet. I've not noticed this on my 3/8" CAT set. I will have to look at them more closely tomorrow at work.

I will also have to inspect and report back when I buy any more CAT sockets (coming soon). All of my Snap On sockets are impact minus a few individuals.

From everything I've been told, seen/own and been able to research is CAT sources their CAT branded tools from both Snap On and Williams in terms of OEM. I have no idea how or why those decisions are made, or what tools are made by who or if that differs outside buying CAT. I also have no idea if quality changes between buying directly from Snap On/Williams or buying from CAT.

I think anyone who talks about selling defects, blemishes, factory seconds or poor quality/quality control under the CAT brand is spewing ********... unless they have a verified source of information from someone who actually knows, it's just speculation.

Keep in mind Snap On also makes mistakes and doesn't always have absolutely perfect quality control. I've seen plenty of instances of tools leaving the factory that should never have done so.

 

[ecotec]

Picked up the 3 metric sets of Proto Advanced Hex bit sockets with the RBRT texhnology. There's overlap in 4-7mm between the 1/4" and 3/8" drive.

I want these so bad…

 

[jgeoffr]

I want these so bad…

I think that the 3/8" set seems the most practical. The 1/2" set are absolutely massive. And I certainly like the socket rail better than other Proto ones.

 

[ecotec]

I think that the 3/8" set seems the most practical. The 1/2" set are absolutely massive. And I certainly like the socket rail better than other Proto ones.

Good info. Zoro?

 

[jgeoffr]

Good info. Zoro?

Yep. $106.74 out the door after 15% off.

 

[ecotec]

Yep. $106.74 out the door after 15% off.

Thank you.

 

[MLRtime]

A couple pick ups this week
Snap On Trim Panel tools. I had red ones but my OCD kicked in with most of my Snap On tools being orange. So got rid of them and replaced them with orange ones.

Updated my Milwaukee zip to the Gen 3. This thing has some torque. Wayyyyy more power than the Gen 1 I had.

And last a cover for my Milwaukee Mid Mini Torque zip zip. Cover fits like a glove.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Bought the Craftsman V Series metric ratcheting wrenches. I moved my Wright wrenches out of the garage and moved all my Craftsman V Series wrenches in. I figure if they rust a bit it’s all good since they are way cheaper than my Wrights. I doubt they will rust though as the chrome is really thick. Not bad wrenches either - a little short but they have a great offset. I’m a fan even though I thought I’d hate them. With the holders they don’t take up much room in my cart at all. And the skipped sizes are no big deal for me right now as I mainly work on my Toyota and gardening/lawn stuff.

Got the Wera 3/8 Zyklop Speed set from KC Tool in the mail. I barely use sockets at work anymore so I’ve been moving all my sets out of my work box and replacing them with these Zyklop sets. My Zyklop ratchets have almost as little backdrag as my Ko-ken ratchets which helps a lot when I’m mostly dealing with SHCS. I personally love the locking swivel head ratchets and the way the kits fits extensions, bits, and the sockets and ratchet in such a small footprint is really awesome. I’m able to have all my sockets and wrenches in one 22”x16” Kennedy drawer. My one complaint is that Wera must have done something to their bits because they fit like garbage in the bit adaptor. Way too much slop back and forth. My 1/2” set is nothing like it. All my Witte and Felo bits fit snuggly in the Wera bit adaptor so it has got to be the bits. I’m ok with it though as I’m mostly using hex bit sockets over bits in the adaptor. The bits are for backup.

Lastly, I got a Mitutoyo gauge block set for work. Expensive but I needed it. I hate calibrating and checking my mics with the standards they come with because the anvil and spindle are round and the standard is round and when I’m in a hurry it’s hard to line them up. These rectangular blocks allow me to check the reading way quicker and easier. I went steel for now but I may grab some ceramic blocks in the future.

 

[Squankum]

Got a 1/4" drive 4-15mm Caterpillar branded socket set recently:



This is my first modern Snap-On tool (I have a couple pre-50's pieces) and figured I would dip my toe in the water so to speak to see what the hype is about. Price was an affordable $60 vs SO's $230 list price. My local dealer was super nice to work with and I was able to pick them up 2 days after I called in the order, so that was great.

They appear functional but I'm scratching my head at how inconsistent stamping quality is. Decent Taiwanese sets are above this, let alone a "high end" USA brand with such a crazy reputation. Maybe SO dumps their factory seconds on CAT and Williams? Date stamps on these look to be mostly 2020 with a few 2018 and a 2016 but the differences don't correspond with that.

I was also surprised to see that the female square drive is just square and does not have off-corner engagement unlike pretty much any other modern tool. I don't know that it will make much of a difference in practice but it's still a pretty silly cost-cutting measure from the company that spams "flank drive" branding on everything.


10mm compared to Nepros and Bahco


12mm compared to Ko-ken and Bahco


Stamping quality has a wide variety between different sockets; see knurling above


Upper ring stamped differently than lower ring on the same socket


Another socket stamped differently on different faces

Here's a question:

Is that really knurling for friction/grip purposes? I'd say on the Bahco, that was defintely their intent.

But I also know that on my now vintage (how did that happen?!) Craftsman sockets, that ring of tic marks is just a visual shortcut meaning "metric, not SAE."

 

[will335i]

Latest Snap On order. Just waiting for the two pocket pry bars to come in. Can't go wrong with the classic red but I wish they would release more in the hi-viz yellow.

 

[p90puma]

New jewelery, and my first Ko-ken ratchet, and bought from the Mac truck. He asked me a few weeks ago if I was interested in Ko-ken. I said sure, I've read a lot from here, and I could use a stubby flex head 3/8". But no one here in northern Virginia seems to carry anything if you want to handle it before buying. lt's in a 1/4" drive head. I have to admit it feels nice, but he shows up at 4pm on Fridays, so no testing out. All the Honda guys on his route bought them through the week.

What's the model number for this ratchet?

 

[tamaraw]

Here's a question:

Is that really knurling for friction/grip purposes? I'd say on the Bahco, that was defintely their intent.

But I also know that on my now vintage (how did that happen?!) Craftsman sockets, that ring of tic marks is just a visual shortcut meaning "metric, not SAE."

Correct, it's decorative on American tools (vs functional on Euro). I just called it knurling because I figured it would be easier to understand.

 

[tamaraw]

What's the model number for this ratchet?

Looks like 2726Z-3/8:



There is also a 72 tooth version as well as a quick release that were launched earlier this year:

 

[The Critic]

Surprisingly, Bezos had the best price:



They are replacing these pitiful things:

 

[JWC86]

I’ve been wanting a 1/4 high speed extended reach for a long time. I have a original 3/8 version that I use with a 1/4 adaptor on it most of the time. I impulse bought it (maybe it’s not a impulse if it’s been in your mind for months?) along with one of the new 2.5 HO battery’s.



I haven’t used it yet so I can’t make a actual opinion on it but after first impressions I’m not sure what to think to be honest. It’s heavier than I expected and the balance isn’t as good as the original. Seems the extended head is really beefy.

Only time will tell.

 

[jgeoffr]

Small addition. The Lisle Double-Ended Clip Lifter 35460.

 

[ThePostman]

What's the model number for this ratchet?

2726z is correct. It's a very nice little ratchet and has performed the tasks I've put before it flawlessly. It makes me curious about the bigger sizes.

 

[ecotec]

I’ve been wanting a 1/4 high speed extended reach for a long time. I have a original 3/8 version that I use with a 1/4 adaptor on it most of the time. I impulse bought it (maybe it’s not a impulse if it’s been in your mind for months?) along with one of the new 2.5 HO battery’s.



I haven’t used it yet so I can’t make a actual opinion on it but after first impressions I’m not sure what to think to be honest. It’s heavier than I expected and the balance isn’t as good as the original. Seems the extended head is really beefy.

Only time will tell.

There are a lot of places that you will love the extended length. On low torque stuff, with not much in the way, like car doors and interiors, the standard length is better. You will use the extended length more than you think, though.

 

[demarpaint]

I just got an email from Tekton for this. $20 shipped is pretty good. I had points which made it less.

 

[Madjik Man]

I just got an email from Tekton for this. $20 shipped is pretty good. I had points which made it less.

I hate their marketing. Every time I get their email my instant thought is, “I need this. Now.”

I like that it’s MiUSA. I’ll eventually buy it, I know it.

 

[ecotec]

Parrot jaw style Channellocks are one tool that I have never owned.

I remember older guys called them battery Channellocks or something like that.

Are they worth it? Do they actually get used?

 

[JBradley500]

 

[isb cornbinder]

My friend's Mother gave this too me. The tool is not new and I did not get it this year.
The disc at the end is driven by the crank and gear in the housing. The disc can be offset to change the intensity of the vibration.
My fiend's mother liked to embarrass his friends with gifting this device. I was the first person to take the offer seriously.

 

[The Critic]

FHX80B
THLF72

And they were cheaper than Koken’s.

 

[tamaraw]

And they were cheaper than Koken’s.

Somebody didn't pay list price, lol

 

[The Critic]

Somebody didn't pay list price, lol

Not even close.

 

[SRSemenza]

Picked up the 3 metric sets of Proto Advanced Hex bit sockets with the RBRT texhnology. There's overlap in 4-7mm between the 1/4" and 3/8" drive.

Yep. $106.74 out the door after 15% off.

Is that for all three? Or just one set. I am seeing them at about $140 for each set .


Seth

 

[midorix]

Surprisingly, Bezos had the best price:



They are replacing these pitiful things:

What’s wrong with Pittsburgh hose pliers? I’ve been using them quite frequently and have had no issues. Gearwrench that much better?

 

[The Critic]

What’s wrong with Pittsburgh hose pliers? I’ve been using them quite frequently and have had no issues. Gearwrench that much better?

The grips are lousy and the teeth are not the greatest. But the main advantage to the GW’s are their double-jointed design.

 

[jgeoffr]

Is that for all three? Or just one set. I am seeing them at about $140 for each set .


Seth

Apologies, no. Was speaking about the 3/8" drive set as that's the one that I saw as most practical.

 

[demarpaint]

FHX80B
THLF72

And they were cheaper than Koken’s.

Cheaper than Ko-Ken, that's a no-brainer for me. I have the longer version of the locking 3/8" drive w/o the grip. I might be seeing my SO guy either Friday or early next week, for the FX80B.

 

[CGarage]

I was half right...

Timeless and behind the times.

Kennedy still makes tool boxes with friction slides.

They recommend white lithium grease applied with an acid brush, not in a spray can.

For nostalgia buffs, it is time to join the 21st century.

 

[DAustin]

The grips are lousy and the teeth are not the greatest. But the main advantage to the GW’s are their double-jointed design.

I knew a girl that sounded like that.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Realized that it was going to be hard to cut a longer length of steel with the band saw, so I bought a roller stand..