Show your new tool arrivals

[D.F.B]

Milwaukee has also been on the binge list.....................

1/2" Ratchet -







A few choice items.....................





The M18 Heat Gun is brilliant, have been using it more than I thought.





The M12 Rotary Tool is great for sharpening blades.





I got this M18 vacuum for quick interior touch ups, very handy.







Latest purchase being the M18 SDS drill.



I was always a Makita boy, and still have an angle grinder, drill, impact wrench and radio. But for some reason, likely the colour red, I have gravitated toward Milwaukee instead.

 

[jonshonda]

I had been "borrowing" my friends floor jack (aka keeping it at my house cuz I use it all the time) and it took a dump on me this wknd.

It bothered me that I didn't have a large jack of my own for a while now and had to borrow his, so now I have a floor jack HE can borrow as needed (short term of course as he only really uses them to swap winter wheels/tires). Old jack on the right for reference.

 

[Squankum]

Are those Wera handles comfortable? With that bulge in the middle, they look like they wouldn't be comfortable.

Here are my opinions, based on one Wera nutdriver and one Wera Zyklop 3/8" ratchet:

The attempt at an ergonomic shape is pretty good. I wish it were bigger, though, as I have big hands. (I can't palm a basketball, but I'm not far from that zone.) When I use the nutdriver -- I bought one just to keep at the laundry sink for the output hose's mesh filter's hose clamp -- I think, not bad, now make it bigger. I'm not 12.

I recently noticed something about those handles, though -- for all of their efforts at ergonomics (and being freaky Tool Rebels) -- only the green spots are grippy! The black plastic part between the green is not. Harumph!

My baseline for normal greatness is Wiha screwdrivers with the black grippy surface with only small red slippery accents top and bottom. Those are my daily screwdrivers. Klein types with the rubber sleeve slipped over acetate grooves are my second favorite (only have four of those) -- fantastic grippy, just wish there was some contour.

I have not tried the Weras with the laser cuts, and I'm trying to ignore Vessel right now just like I try to ignore Ko-Ken! The tips on my Wihas seem good enough for me right now (past 25 years) and I'm not battling any salty stuff. The grips on the Ko-Ken ratchets look really small in diameter and I prefer some diameter to my ratchet handle grips, so I'm a happy clam in SO Dual 80 comfort handle land now.

I swear I'll be posting some tool pics this week!

 

[Madjik Man]

I had been "borrowing" my friends floor jack (aka keeping it at my house cuz I use it all the time) and it took a dump on me this wknd.

It bothered me that I didn't have a large jack of my own for a while now and had to borrow his, so now I have a floor jack HE can borrow as needed (short term of course as he only really uses them to swap winter wheels/tires). Old jack on the right for reference.

Is that the low profile? I need something to get under the front bumper valence of my 3rd gen Prius.

 

[jonshonda]

Is that the low profile? I need something to get under the front bumper valence of my 3rd gen Prius.

Yup

Jacked Up

 

[71goldss]

I had been "borrowing" my friends floor jack (aka keeping it at my house cuz I use it all the time) and it took a dump on me this wknd.

It bothered me that I didn't have a large jack of my own for a while now and had to borrow his, so now I have a floor jack HE can borrow as needed (short term of course as he only really uses them to swap winter wheels/tires). Old jack on the right for reference.

I think I’d also feel bad about his jack finally taking a dump while I’ve been using it all the time. Anytime I borrow something (which is rare) and it breaks, I replace it for them. Maybe that’s just me? To each their own.

 

[tarmy]

I think I’d also feel bad about his jack finally taking a dump while I’ve been using it all the time. Anytime I borrow something (which is rare) and it breaks, I replace it for them. Maybe that’s just me? To each their own.

Yep. Same here. I rarely borrow stuff. If it breaks on my watch then that is on me.

 

[bobg03]

Milwaukee has also been on the binge list.....................



I got this M18 vacuum for quick interior touch ups, very handy.

I'd love to see that vacuum in an M12 version...

 

[jonshonda]

I think I’d also feel bad about his jack finally taking a dump while I’ve been using it all the time. Anytime I borrow something (which is rare) and it breaks, I replace it for them. Maybe that’s just me? To each their own.

Yeah like I said I "perma-borrowed" his jack, as he really doesn't use it much. I texted him and ask if he had a color choice for the new jack, and he just said similar lifting height and capacity. This one is def a lot nicer then the old one.

 

[PelicanPines]

2023 Wera Advent Calendar Arrived... Didn't open it yet... waiting for Saturday...

 

[gleman]

2023 Wera Advent Calendar Arrived... Didn't open it yet... waiting for Saturday...

That looks nifty, the hexkey holder looks very nice.

 

[gleman]

One socket counts?

I'm closing up house for the summer and wanted to change out my anode in the water heater.



1 1/16" Craftsman socket, anode and a can of flat brown paint from Lowes.

 

[PelicanPines]

That looks nifty, the hexkey holder looks very nice.

It's really nice up close. Worth a valued spot on my desk. The classic Wera "black pouch" does NOT have a spot for the hexkeys

 

[Wrapitinbacon]

Got me a foam cannon today.

 

[Squankum]

2023 Wera Advent Calendar Arrived... Didn't open it yet... waiting for Saturday...

I must point out that on Santa's fat tire bicycle's wheels there, the black spots are rubbery inner tube and the green parts are slippery aluminum.

Better pic of that style of wheel:

 

[Chefjpd]

2023 Wera Advent Calendar Arrived... Didn't open it yet... waiting for Saturday...

Any collector value?
I sold a Pirelli calender a few years ago for $1000.
Won it on the Pirelli lottery. Was a bidding war on ebay.

 

[PelicanPines]

Any collector value?
I sold a Pirelli calender a few years ago for $1000.
Won it on the Pirelli lottery. Was a bidding war on ebay.

You have to keep them unopened... to gain value. They sell out... so... sets a few years old ... sell for more.

I open and play with my tools. I have a go bag with ALL my Wera kits ... going back 7 for 8 years.

 

[M635_Guy]

Anti-face-melt device


This to go along with something that's not a new arrival, but the one I decided to keep out of the two:


I also recently got the HF Hercules 13A corded for fifty bucks (normally lists for $100) and was waffling about keeping one vs. the other. I'm definitely keeping the Milwaukee. Might keep the Hercules, but seems silly to go from zero angle grinders to two.

 

[kudakev615]

I picked up the .401 Thor to go along with .498 Thor and Big nasty. I recently got my bi annual bonus from my employer so I was looking for things to upgrade in the tool box. I've been using a cornwell .401 that I picked up almost 20 yrs ago when I first started out. It's never missed a beat and couldn't have asked for a more reliable air hammer. My initial impression of the new one, she's got some heft to her but in a good way. Look forward to trying it out when the time comes

 

[mikeinri]

lol, same. Standing at the TV with the hand on the dial…

“Turn…turn…turn….”

Obviously, our families were just early adopters of voice-command technology! Who knew???

Thanks!

The foam "trap mat" is sold in a variety of locations. -

https://www.bunnings.com.au/gearwrench-4-piece-trap-mat-universal-tool-drawer-liners_p0440533

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YD5SRSY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQ5QDVLB/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I decided to use this stuff because it allows me to mix and match, cutting to shape as needed. I really want to do Mantis Tool Grid but I just can't find anyone to sell me the stuff in Australia without MASSIVE shipping costs. To buy what I need + shipping would be eaily into four figures, just too much for a collection of small plastic pieces.

Wow, that stuff is brilliant! Sure beats trying to cut foam around the outline of tools...


Mike

 

[Jarhead0408]

Anti-face-melt device


This to go along with something that's not a new arrival, but the one I decided to keep out of the two:


I also recently got the HF Hercules 13A corded for fifty bucks (normally lists for $100) and was waffling about keeping one vs. the other. I'm definitely keeping the Milwaukee. Might keep the Hercules, but seems silly to go from zero angle grinders to two.

I guess it depends on your usage.

I have 5 and will pickup a few more down the road.

3 corded, 2 cordless. Cup on one, cutting disc on another, flap disc, etc. etc.

 

[M635_Guy]

I guess it depends on your usage.

I have 5 and will pickup a few more down the road.

3 corded, 2 cordless. Cup on one, cutting disc on another, flap disc, etc. etc.

I kinda had that idea - multiple with different stuff loaded on it. The corded one has more grump, too. But after making it into my fifties without any grinders, I'm struggling to think I'll get full use from two...

I dunno...

 

[Jarhead0408]

I kinda had that idea - multiple with different stuff loaded on it. The corded one has more grump, too. But after making it into my fifties without any grinders, I'm struggling to think I'll get full use from two...

I dunno...

Ah. I can see that.

Well, return one and if you do find yourself in need of another one they’ll be there.

Handy tool to have around for sure.

 

[mikeinri]

I kinda had that idea - multiple with different stuff loaded on it. The corded one has more grump, too. But after making it into my fifties without any grinders, I'm struggling to think I'll get full use from two...

I dunno...

As a DIY guy in my 50s, with a cheap Craftsman corded unit from the 90s...

DITTO

Mike

 

[fletcher94]

Milwaukee 13 inch long nose pliers set. One straight, one 45 degree nose. Made in Vietnam. On sale at Home Depot a week ago. Nicely finished. I'm not sure if the handle design is that vast of an improvement unless, you're reaching for something in a long narrow tube Jaws are well cut and line up as they should, not too much spring in the handle. there is some but, it doesn't seem excessive. They have a different smell to them. Not Harbor Freight but, something else. I think I need to hose them down with brake clean. as I want to wash my hands after I fondle them. I'll see how they hold up.

Get a chance to use them yet?

I saw them a few months ago in a video a thought when they come out I want some. Price is reasonable from what I see. it’s been tempting to not order them.

 

[mikeinri]

Milwaukee 13 inch long nose pliers set...

...I'm not sure if the handle design is that vast of an improvement unless, you're reaching for something in a long narrow tube

Murphy's Law says that if I owned those, the lost item would be in a tube too narrow to use them; or, the item would be a half inch beyond the reach...

Mike

 

[rharman]

One socket counts?

I'm closing up house for the summer and wanted to change out my anode in the water heater.



1 1/16" Craftsman socket, anode and a can of flat brown paint from Lowes.

Good on ya' for changing it out. I've used the Blue Lightning segmented magnesium rods for years. Change out every 2 years. Water softener exacerbates the decay of the rod.

 

[Squankum]

Anti-face-melt device

A little late for Lenny...

 

[D.F.B]

Wow, that stuff is brilliant! Sure beats trying to cut foam around the outline of tools...

Mike

I've done the foam thing too, but yes, very time consuming.

 

[jgeoffr]

Picked up a few more odds and ends.

Knipex BiX Cutter for plastic pipe 90 22 10, and the TubiX Pipe Cutter for metal pipe 6mm-35mm 90 31 02.


Also picked up the CutiX universal knife 90 10 165, as well as a set of replacement parts for it.


Finally, my limited edition Christmas pliers wrenches came in (86 01 180 XMAS). Nice textured black handle. I was hoping it'd have a yellow bow on it. They need to make black protective tip covers for it...

 

[jonshonda]

I must point out that on Santa's fat tire bicycle's wheels there, the black spots are rubbery inner tube and the green parts are slippery aluminum.

Better pic of that style of wheel:

Actually if you want to get technical the black spots are the rim strip which protects the innertube from the spoke ******* on the inside of the rim, and the innertube "might be" behind that IF santa still uses innertubes. Almost all serious mountain bikers have done away with innertubes, and run tubeless.

Fat tire bikes run at the low pressures needed to get traction in snow really benefit from a tubeless setup. More useless information courtesy of a mountain biking GJ member!

 

[Squankum]

Actually if you want to get technical the black spots are the rim strip which protects the innertube from the spoke ******* on the inside of the rim, and the innertube "might be" behind that IF santa still uses innertubes. Almost all serious mountain bikers have done away with innertubes, and run tubeless.

Fat tire bikes run at the low pressures needed to get traction in snow really benefit from a tubeless setup. More useless information courtesy of a mountain biking GJ member!

Thank you! I am a caveman.

 

[JWC86]

Milwaukee has also been on the binge list.....................

1/2" Ratchet -







A few choice items.....................





The M18 Heat Gun is brilliant, have been using it more than I thought.





The M12 Rotary Tool is great for sharpening blades.





I got this M18 vacuum for quick interior touch ups, very handy.







Latest purchase being the M18 SDS drill.



I was always a Makita boy, and still have an angle grinder, drill, impact wrench and radio. But for some reason, likely the colour red, I have gravitated toward Milwaukee instead.

Do you have a part number for that reducer "nozzle" for the heat gun?

 

[JWC86]

1/4" Snap on, I don't like the soft grip much but I like QD so picked this up on Ebay with plans to swap the handle with the hard handle non-QD I picked up off Ebay a few months ago.



Picked up this Asto 1/4 and 3/8 set for my mobile bag I plan to put together over the winter.

 

[f121]

I've done the foam thing too, but yes, very time consuming.

Hammer, hacksaw and adjustable in one drawer?!

 

[Patrickm82]

Hammer, hacksaw and adjustable in one drawer?!

Seems like a waste of a drawer!

 

[Chefjpd]

Seems like a waste of a drawer!

You need to see the quality and excessive excellence that is @D.F.B.
Take a look at his tool setup in his other posts.
Makes all the rest of us look like slackers.

 

[AJHD]

Seems like a waste of a drawer!

That's because it is... organization should not come with diminishing results.

But to each their own.

 

[Dig Doug]

Anti-face-melt device


This to go along with something that's not a new arrival, but the one I decided to keep out of the two:


I also recently got the HF Hercules 13A corded for fifty bucks (normally lists for $100) and was waffling about keeping one vs. the other. I'm definitely keeping the Milwaukee. Might keep the Hercules, but seems silly to go from zero angle grinders to two.

Set up a sanding disc on one and a cut off wheel on the other so you don’t have to swap out discs all the time…

I have like 8 or 9 grinders - 3 of them are cordless and I use them more often

 

[gleman]

Good on ya' for changing it out. I've used the Blue Lightning segmented magnesium rods for years. Change out every 2 years. Water softener exacerbates the decay of the rod.

I'm glad I did.






It was quite a fight but easier than expected.