Show your new tool arrivals

[mikeinri]

Hah! Yep and thanks.

Actually, now that I think about it, the hard handled ratchets would be the Snap On ratchets with the plastic handles or something similar; but yeah, they would be regular chrome handles. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve bought one without a grip of some sort so hard handle is what came to mind. The grip isn’t as nice as a Cornwell ratchet, but still pretty good.

I only own hard-handled ratchets, mostly because I've owned them since before soft-handled were invented (or at least, until I heard about them here, LOL). I always wear gloves when working, and use cheater pipes occasionally, so I don't really see a need to go out and buy soft-handled ones.

Of course, I'm sure I'd change my tune if I actually owned some...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y9PT1S7/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks. I was struggling to wrap my head around what you were describing (a picture says 1,000 words as they say). Not that your description was wrong, BTW.


Mike

 

[jonesg]

I probably should have clarified: My biggest problem with ladders is the shaking, and feeling like they're never secure enough from tipping over (step ladders) or sliding out from under me (standard / straight ladders).

I didn't know I was afraid of edges until I visited the Cliffs of Moher on the western coast of Ireland (the highlight of a business trip around 20 years ago).

Mike

thats not fear, its prudence.
One is based in reality, the other is just F.alse E.vents A.ppearing R.eal

 

[Jarhead0408]

I only own hard-handled ratchets, mostly because I've owned them since before soft-handled were invented (or at least, until I heard about them here, LOL). I always wear gloves when working, and use cheater pipes occasionally, so I don't really see a need to go out and buy soft-handled ones.

Of course, I'm sure I'd change my tune if I actually owned some.

Mike


Yep. They’re not bad. Sometimes when all I can grip is with a few fingers, the soft grips are easier to hold without slipping versus a chrome handle that might have sweat or oil on it. Pretty handy in the cold too.

 

[Madjik Man]

I probably should have clarified: My biggest problem with ladders is the shaking, and feeling like they're never secure enough from tipping over (step ladders) or sliding out from under me (standard / straight ladders).

I didn't know I was afraid of edges until I visited the Cliffs of Moher on the western coast of Ireland (the highlight of a business trip around 20 years ago).

Mike

Courage begins where fear ends.

(Same can be said about stupidity though…)

 

[mikeinri]

The locals were telling me about the special rescue (recovery is more like it) crews that have to go in by boat a few times a year to pull people out that fall (or jump). 500-foot cliffs, no access from shore (other than repelling down, I suppose).

I think there are similar cliifs here in the USA, especially on the west coast.

Mike

 

[Squankum]

I probably should have clarified: My biggest problem with ladders is the shaking, and feeling like they're never secure enough from tipping over (step ladders) or sliding out from under me (standard / straight ladders).

Oh yes, concerns about the dangers of ladders are not an irrational phobia!

I've done some gutter work at the above-ground dwelling of the Squankum in the past year, and I am very careful with the placement of the ladder feet, and to not reach very far to the sides.

 

[LeeG]

You guys are not to blame for this purchase. That goes to Tom from the OxTools YouTube channel. A pair of Vessel impact screwdrivers and a thumb driver for 1/4” bits



I don’t need much encouragement in order to buy new tools.

Lee

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

You guys are not to blame for this purchase. That goes to Tom from the OxTools YouTube channel. A pair of Vessel impact screwdrivers and a thumb driver for 1/4” bits



I don’t need much encouragement in order to buy new tools.

Lee

If you work on anything Japanese, you’re going to appreciate those screwdrivers. I didn’t realize how much JIS is used until I started stripping everything. LOL

 

[1320]

Ko-ken 3/8" drive 6 point thin wall extra deep impact sockets.



13301M-13
13301M-12
13301M-10
13301A-5/16
13301A-1/4

 

[cabot]

My tool purchases this week include the smallest Wilde pry bar to match the ATD branded set of 5 I already had, 1/4" and 3/8" Koken hex bit holders, and a Snap-On FCF72 3/8" in a 1/4" flex head body.

Interesting that I can attach a photo here, but it repeatedly generates an error when I try to insert it into the body.

Edit: no photos for me here today any way I try. It's not even allowing me to link to them stored off site. Weird.

 

[cabot]

Can you explain what you mean by "too flexible"? All tool steels have nearly the same modulus (within a few %), so the flex should be nearly the same for any two hex keys with the same cross-section.

Go buy a long hex bit socket at Harbor Freight. Try to turn any fastener. You will feel the flex. Now, grab a Snap-On. You'll feel the difference.

 

[Steve_P]

Go buy a long hex bit socket at Harbor Freight. Try to turn any fastener. You will feel the flex. Now, grab a Snap-On. You'll feel the difference.

If the bits are the same size, over the length, and both are the same length, there is no difference in torsional deflection below the yield point. The modulus of rigidity is the same for steel no matter if it's from Snap On or Harbor Freight. I know the SO price makes you think it's superior, but Mechanics of Materials, and steel properties, don't agree with your bill from SO.

 

[cabot]

If the bits are the same size, over the length, and both are the same length, there is no difference in torsional deflection below the yield point. The modulus of rigidity is the same for steel no matter if it's from Snap On or Harbor Freight. I know the SO price makes you think it's superior, but Mechanics of Materials, and steel properties, don't agree with your bill from SO.

I give this example because I own exactly one long hex bit socket from Snap-On that I purchased on eBay because the 4mm Harbor Freight one was too flexible, a set of Husky ball end long, and a set of regular hex from Harbor Freight. They are definitely all made from different steels with different hardnesses. I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that different companies with different points of origin are using the same alloys and heat treat. That would be an insanely random coincidence.

Also, Zephyr, the bit OEM for Snap-On literally sells different hardnesses of hex bits.

 

[JWC86]

I was in the market for a set of angle wrenches. I had it narrowed down to the Tektons and the Snap-On, both made in USA. After reading a lot of reviews it seems some even preferred the Tektons to the Snap-On so that combined with the fact they will probably rarely get used I decided to go with the Tektons for about 1/3 of the cost.

 

[Steve_P]

I give this example because I own exactly one long hex bit socket from Snap-On that I purchased on eBay because the 4mm Harbor Freight one was too flexible, a set of Husky ball end long, and a set of regular hex from Harbor Freight. They are definitely all made from different steels with different hardnesses. I'm not sure where you're getting the idea that different companies with different points of origin are using the same alloys and heat treat. That would be an insanely random coincidence.

Also, Zephyr, the bit OEM for Snap-On literally sells different hardnesses of hex bits.

I know this is totally counterintuitive, but hardness and alloy do not matter. Look up the modulus of rigidity of various steel alloys, and hardness, on MatWeb; this is torsional deflection. Now look up the modulus of elasticity for the same alloys and compare; this is bending. For each constant, rigidity (G) or elasticity (E), each is the same over the range of hardness or alloys within a few percent. So, steel is steel below the yield point as far as deflection.

 

[ChefRex]

I was in the market for a set of angle wrenches. I had it narrowed down to the Tektons and the Snap-On, both made in USA. After reading a lot of reviews it seems some even preferred the Tektons to the Snap-On so that combined with the fact they will probably rarely get used I decided to go with the Tektons for about 1/3 of the cost.

I've had my SO for likely longer than you've been alive, given the choice I probably done the same, not a high use tool but when you need it it make life easier if you have it. They look nice.

 

[ChefRex]

I know this is totally counterintuitive, but hardness and alloy do not matter. Look up the modulus of rigidity of various steel alloys, and hardness, on MatWeb; this is torsional deflection. Now look up the modulus of elasticity for the same alloys and compare; this is bending. For each constant, rigidity (G) or elasticity (E), each is the same over the range of hardness or alloys within a few percent. So, steel is steel below the yield point as far as deflection.

So even if the deflection is similar the difference would be that the tool would round out or snap?

 

[Snip's]

My new bearing packer arrived today and I immediately put it to use...
Worked well...

 

[AJHD]

Ko-ken 3/8" drive 6 point thin wall extra deep impact sockets.



13301M-13
13301M-12
13301M-10
13301A-5/16
13301A-1/4

Nice. Where did you get those from?

I was in the market for a set of angle wrenches. I had it narrowed down to the Tektons and the Snap-On, both made in USA. After reading a lot of reviews it seems some even preferred the Tektons to the Snap-On so that combined with the fact they will probably rarely get used I decided to go with the Tektons for about 1/3 of the cost.

Try them on something and let us know how you like them... Finish, fit, feel in the handle when used, etc.

 

[1320]

Nice. Where did you get those from?

Zoro.

 

[visionguru]

Good things come in pairs. Just received the small one today.

However, there is a big burr. No biggy, a few seconds on dremel smoothed it out.

 

[ChefRex]

Good things come in pairs. Just received the small one today.

However, there is a big burr. No biggy, a few seconds on dremel smoothed it out.

The small pair rocks! I use it daily, some of my others may migrate to the big box.

 

[genog]

Lately, I figured that I had better add another set of metric wrenches to the truck tool kit.
I had a few extras and singletons here and there and started to cobble up a second set of combos
Still missing a couple, I wonder if it's even worth it to chase down a 13mm?
Or an 11?

Then..... while looking for a totally unrelated item on ePrey, I stumbled upon, what I consider a very good deal

I found these Blackhawk USA combo wrenches
Brand new set of 9, Made in the USA

So.... since some of those darn eBay Hyenas want as much for the three "missing" wrenches as this WHOLE set (well, I do have a 19mm to add),
I opted to buy this set for 60 bucks with free shipping

Not bad
Not a bad price at all

You may find a slightly better price, as there are more than one seller peddling these sets, but they are all closely priced.
I bought from this particular seller, spartanmounts because they got back to me right away and were good about answering my question, -Are the wrenches Made in the USA?
They even sent a pic.
The other sellers did not respond
And I chose the seller because I like spending my money with friendly people, people that I get a good vibe from, whom I like, trust, etc.
They're Not always the cheapest

So....
this is my new tool arrival

 

[rharman]

I probably should have clarified: My biggest problem with ladders is the shaking, and feeling like they're never secure enough from tipping over (step ladders) or sliding out from under me (standard / straight ladders).

I didn't know I was afraid of edges until I visited the Cliffs of Moher on the western coast of Ireland (the highlight of a business trip around 20 years ago).

Mike

Oh yes, concerns about the dangers of ladders are not an irrational phobia!

I've done some gutter work at the above-ground dwelling of the Squankum in the past year, and I am very careful with the placement of the ladder feet, and to not reach very far to the sides.

One side of our house is shear straight up to the 2nd floor roof. Some years ago, we had to tent for termites. It was quite a sight to see those guys zip up a ladder on that side with a big rolled up tarp slung over their shoulder.

 

[landrover bodger]

I probably should have clarified: My biggest problem with ladders is the shaking, and feeling like they're never secure enough from tipping over (step ladders) or sliding out from under me (standard / straight ladders).

I didn't know I was afraid of edges until I visited the Cliffs of Moher on the western coast of Ireland (the highlight of a business trip around 20 years ago).

Mike

thats a bit like me with ladders but i am not scared of heights. there is no way you will get me up a ladder but have been on plenty of high buildings and looked over the side without a problem.

 

[njride]

thats a bit like me with ladders but i am not scared of heights. there is no way you will get me up a ladder but have been on plenty of high buildings and looked over the side without a problem.

I'm not scared at all of ladders or articulating bouncy boom lifts, but man I hate pitched roofs, I just never got the legs for it, probably because I came up in commercial construction, but walking on pitched roofs gives me shaky legs.

 

[CHRIII]

I'm not scared at all of ladders or articulating bouncy boom lifts, but man I hate pitched roofs, I just never got the legs for it, probably because I came up in commercial construction, but walking on pitched roofs gives me shaky legs.

Pitched roofs don't normally cause me any issues until they get above 10/12. Our former house had a 10/12 roof and I would get on it every week to blow the leaves out of the gutters. The one before that was 8/12 so no problem there. Our current house has a 12/12 roof and there is no way I'm getting on that! As Dirty Harry said, " A man has to know his limitations!"

I'm in my mid 70s, and I know I heal slower that when I was younger so I try to be a little more careful than when I was 'ten feet tall and bullet proof'.

I've only had one case of edge phobia, I was hiking at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and while on top of The Tooth of Time I stepped up to one side and it had a slight undercut. Don't know if the undercut was what triggered it, but I had a moment of vertigo and had to step back. After a few minutes I was able to step back to the edge with no problems.

Y'all be careful and listen to that little voice that says "you probably shouldn't do this".

 

[ecotec]

Lately, I figured that I had better add another set of metric wrenches to the truck tool kit.
I had a few extras and singletons here and there and started to cobble up a second set of combos
Still missing a couple, I wonder if it's even worth it to chase down a 13mm?
Or an 11?

Then..... while looking for a totally unrelated item on ePrey, I stumbled upon, what I consider a very good deal

I found these Blackhawk USA combo wrenches
Brand new set of 9, Made in the USA

So.... since some of those darn eBay Hyenas want as much for the three "missing" wrenches as this WHOLE set (well, I do have a 19mm to add),
I opted to buy this set for 60 bucks with free shipping

Not bad
Not a bad price at all

You may find a slightly better price, as there are more than one seller peddling these sets, but they are all closely priced.
I bought from this particular seller, spartanmounts because they got back to me right away and were good about answering my question, -Are the wrenches Made in the USA?
They even sent a pic.
The other sellers did not respond
And I chose the seller because I like spending my money with friendly people, people that I get a good vibe from, whom I like, trust, etc.
They're Not always the cheapest

So....
this is my new tool arrival

That set is terrific. They are stamped with sizes on both sides.

I have been trying to buy less Proto/Blackhawk/Challenger without stamping on both sides.

 

[mikeinri]

I was in the market for a set of angle wrenches. I had it narrowed down to the Tektons and the Snap-On, both made in USA. After reading a lot of reviews it seems some even preferred the Tektons to the Snap-On so that combined with the fact they will probably rarely get used I decided to go with the Tektons for about 1/3 of the cost.

Where did you buy these?

Mike

 

[JWC86]

Where did you buy these?

Mike

Amazon

 

[jonesg]

Courage begins where fear ends.

(Same can be said about stupidity though…)

fear knocked , faith opened the door.
there was no-one there.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

thats a bit like me with ladders but i am not scared of heights. there is no way you will get me up a ladder but have been on plenty of high buildings and looked over the side without a problem.

I’m still the same way. I thought I’d get over it after I spent a year working on tall ships and cruisers on the Great Lakes. Working on a mainmast in even slightly rolling water or hanging off the top deck freaking ***** but I eventually got used to it. I can never get comfortable on a tall ladder.

 

[bubinga]

Impulse buy off the truck. Variable angle pry bar, looked useful:

ls that a Snap On? Those are said to be the cats for popping out CV axles!

 

[Steve_P]

So even if the deflection is similar the difference would be that the tool would round out or snap?

The key point to this discussion is below the yield point- where permanent deformation occurs. So, a 6mm 150mm long hex key will elastically deform (deflect or bend) the same under the same load, regardless of the alloy- like if you hang 5 lbs off the end. Elastically deform means below the yield point, by definition- since I said elastic, not plastic. Elastic means that it deflects and then returns to the original state, without damage- like a spring. So you're staying below the yield points of both keys and not permanently bending tools, but temporarily flexing them.

In the same example, a mild steel hex key will permanently deform, plastic deformation, and then fail / break, at a much lower force than an alloy steel key- since mild steel has a lower yield and ultimate strength than alloy steel. But up until the yield point of the lesser material, which again differ between alloys, when the materials are both elastic and return to their original state, the deflection is the same. So maybe the mild steel key takes 20 lbf to reach plastic deformation and permanently yield, and the alloy steel key takes 50 lbf and finally yields. But at 15 lbf they both deflect the same amount, and both return to their original state. This is what the material constants are that I mentioned.

So, someone saying that a X brand key, in the above example with 15 lbf applied, deflects less than a dimensionally identical Y brand key, and neither plastically deform under that same force is imagining it. But for sure the lesser alloy will permanently deform first. But that wasn't the original discussion, it was about elastic deflection. At least the way I understood it. Hopefully the second paragraph will make this clear.

 

[Steve_P]

Where did you buy these?

Mike

You should be able to get the best deal by going directly thru Tekton because they have a membership deal that gives you rewards points- basically $ off a future order. They ship fast and no charge for shipping.

 

[bubinga]

Picked this CDI torque wrench up.

Nice, same as Snap on I think!

 

[f121]

ls that a Snap On? Those are said to be the cats for popping out CV axles!

Yeah it’s a Snap On PBMP24A.

 

[Steve_P]

Yes, good tools. I already have the long KTC, but in all honesty it’s too long for a lot of jobs, so I got the regular and short.

I also have the Snap On. Also an excellent tool, perhaps even a bit stronger, but the tip is a bit thick for some applications.


I prefer the handle on the Snap On, but I’d prefer it in a bright colour like the KTC. Taking anything black into a car interior is a bad idea!

Overall, I think trim tools are a bit like screwdrivers - you can’t have too many.

The ratchet is superb. It’s made to very tight tolerances to keep the overall size down. You don’t really realise how nicely made it is till you handle one.

I hadn’t thought much about this till now, but on all these roto heads, I think the “fingers” of the shaft must be machined so as to be concave about both the longitudinal and lateral axes. Some job!

The design of that Snap On screams "eliminate warranty claims and make it twice as thick as it should be" LOL. I agree you can't have too many trim tools. For me, that also extends to hose clamp tools. And for common tools, pliers and ratchets...

 

[wandrur]

Picked up an endoscope from Amazon just because. For $50, I thought I would probably make use of it at some point.

 

[1320]

Snap-on LN47ACF & PBMB5.



Did I get these from the local Snap-on truck? No, of course not, they never have anything you'd want, stuff like this is on perpetual backorder and even if it shows in stock, it doesn't show up either. But there are folks on Facebook marketplace with piles of them...