Show your new tool arrivals

[four.cycle]

more Malco Eagle Grips, because.... why not? and more Vampliers on sale (lost the last pair) and a rack of old Taiwan-made GreatNeck bits. (I've actually had good luck with an old set my BIL gave me years ago... also Taiwan-made. Go figure.)

 

[Monte]

Dent puller bridge

 

[srs2000]

Picked these new Felo pliers up for $24 on Amazon. They arrived with rust in the pivot and the finish is coming off on one half when touched. These are my first Felo pliers but I can't imagine that being normal.

 

[Squankum]

more Malco Eagle Grips, because.... why not? and more Vampliers on sale (lost the last pair) and a rack of old Taiwan-made GreatNeck bits. (I've actually had good luck with an old set my BIL gave me years ago... also Taiwan-made. Go figure.)

Long ago, in the 90's, when there weren't many places to go buy tools, and the internet wasn't what it is yet, I actually stumbled into my local flea market on a weekend and bought a set of metric Allen T-handles that were made in China! (And back when not many tools were made in China!) Well, I stll have them and they still work well. I now have some Bondhus Torx and SAE, and those handles feel strong & better, but... the old Chinese stuff soldiers on.


Hmm.... thinking back, my only option for metric T handles at that time would have been a store known as "Sears", which would have been twice the drive and twice the price.

 

[Squankum]

Since ESCO jack stands have come up here recently, here's the latest on large jack stands by Mr. Project Farm:

 

[four.cycle]

@Squankum -

RE: Great Neck bits

^ only one I had any trouble with was a T-55, and that was in an attempt to remove the bed bolts on my Ranger. I cannot fault the tool, and certainly not Great Neck, as we broke six more (in various brands) removing the six bed bolts. (I have since acquired an assortment of various brands in that size for the next go-round.)
The Taiwan-made set my BIL gave me has to be at least 30 years old - from Taiwan - and it's held up nicely.

YMMV

 

[M635_Guy]

I think those 1/4 inch drive power torque’s are uniquely short. I haven’t found anyone else that makes them. My ability to search, has proven pathetic in the past though. You have everything!

Mainly, I'm an idiot who hates getting stuck and has impulse control issues...

I've accumulated a variety of ratchets because I tend to run several with the sockets sizes I'll need instead of changing sockets, which were Tekton. I joined the SK "Socket of the Month" club and put together 1/4" and 3/8" spare sets to go in my travel kit I put in my old BMW when I go on trips/to shows. HF had a great coupon on the Icon stuff so I grabbed it and put the SK set on a magnetic rail at the front of the garage. etc.

To say I have choices is an understatement. I'm now almost fully ready to do a comparison of how well-optimized sockets are for ratchets from the same company. Ko-ken makes a bit of a deal with this on their Z-series, and it made me realize I have nearly all of what it takes to compare Sunex, SK, Tekton, Icon, Koken and Snap On. (L-->R)

(the SO socket set arrives soon )

[EDIT - what's funny in this pic is it shows which ratchets get used the most - lol. More-->Less is SO-->Icon-->SK, which is exactly why my answer would have been if asked 1/2/3. I got the Sunex stuff as a kit a long time ago when I decided to move on from my old and crappy tools. I used it a fair bit before finally getting frustrated with the ratchets - great handle, utter-garbage mechanism - and sticking it in a drawer with the intention of using it as a beater/travel set. The sockets are OK, but I blame the kit for my ratchet habit...]

 

[Jure]

Maybe not a "tool" but anyway...

Renault 4 tl overflow tank,and a piece of hose,i got tired of using a funnel on my bike for carb synching,finally made this thing so i can hang it and run a bike with tank removed.

 

[Steve_P]

Powertorque 1/4" on the far right (obv.) They only go up to 13mm, so I pulled the 13mm Koken, Husky, Icon and Tekton equivalents.

So, here is a stupid question: why is the sizing stamped upside down on the Icon? I'm guessing it's because Snap On does this, so Icon must also? If so, what's the logic of Snap On doing this? It seems that almost everyone here is using some type of rail storage for sockets, so this makes no sense to me.

 

[1320]

So, here is a stupid question: why is the sizing stamped upside down on the Icon? I'm guessing it's because Snap On does this, so Icon must also? If so, what's the logic of Snap On doing this? It seems that almost everyone here is using some type of rail storage for sockets, so this makes no sense to me.

I would assume the Icon sockets are that way because the Snap-on ones are, so why are the Snap-on sockets that way?

I'm not sure. They werent always that way, I have some 1980s sockets that are right side up and earlier sockets that are upside down. I think they've been upside down for more years than right side up.

My friend thinks it's so you they're right side up when the sockets are upside down in the Hanson style socket trays, but I don't think that's why, because they've been making them upside down for 40 years before Hanson trays came along.

 

[ChefRex]

Well I use my SO stuff so much I don't even look honestly I never noticed.

 

[Snapped-off]

Picked up a Stihl BR800X today. Ran a tank and a half through it and got through the front and back yard in an hour.

 

[SteadyC]

 

[MWEric]

A couple of different tool orders. Carlyle set from eBay. Tekton torque wrench from eBay also. Other tools bought last week when I was on the road for work.

 

[Squankum]

A couple of different tool orders. Carlyle set from eBay. Tekton torque wrench from eBay also. Other tools bought last week when I was on the road for work.

Wait, is a Quinn ratchet above Pittsburgh Pro but below ICON? This warrants one jaded Ehrmantraut:

 

[Wamsutta]

Picked up a Stihl BR800X today. Ran a tank and a half through it and got through the front and back yard in an hour.

Is the X the one with the adjustable tube length? I've got the regular BR 800.

 

[Snapped-off]

Is the X the one with the adjustable tube length? I've got the regular BR 800.

Ya know, I couldn't tell you. I know the tube untwists and it also came with a much shorter tip you can twist on. The trigger moves fore and aft. I got home and immediately started blowing leaves before leaving for work.

 

[Wamsutta]

Ya know, I couldn't tell you. I know the tube untwists and it also came with a much shorter tip you can twist on. The trigger moves fore and aft. I got home and immediately started blowing leaves before leaving for work.

I think mine has the adjustable trigger position, but not the shorter tip. I have the tube extended all the way out anyway, so I don't really need the shorter tip. I like the blower. The engine runs clean and is easy to adjust.

 

[M635_Guy]

Wait, is a Quinn ratchet above Pittsburgh Pro but below ICON? This warrants one jaded Ehrmantraut:

Why is that hard to believe?

 

[Snapped-off]

I think mine has the adjustable trigger position, but not the shorter tip. I have the tube extended all the way out anyway, so I don't really need the shorter tip. I like the blower. The engine runs clean and is easy to adjust.

I'll let you know tomorrow on the tube. I was surprised how smooth it both runs and sounds.

 

[dhammond]

Picked up a Stihl BR800X today. Ran a tank and a half through it and got through the front and back yard in an hour.

I have the 800 Magnum C-E, basically same but yours is lighter. Trouble free for 4-5 years now. Great machine! I did the "use our fuel for the extended warranty with purchase" deal they offered but after that was used up, TruFuel 50:1 Mix when I catch it on sale at Lowes and HD. The round cans are so much easier to use with this blower and Motomix is (usually) only easily findable in the square cans near me.

 

[jonshonda]

I have the BR450 and if I had to do it all over again, I would do the BR 800 if only for the improved harness system. Mine slides off my shoulders like the straps of a girls dress after prom.

 

[dhammond]

I have the BR450 and if I had to do it all over again, I would do the BR 800 if only for the improved harness system. Mine slides off my shoulders like the straps of a girls dress after prom.

Still a problem with the "improved harness". My only complaint about mine and you stated it perfectly, lol

 

[Snapped-off]

I have the 800 Magnum C-E, basically same but yours is lighter. Trouble free for 4-5 years now. Great machine! I did the "use our fuel for the extended warranty with purchase" deal they offered but after that was used up, TruFuel 50:1 Mix when I catch it on sale at Lowes and HD. The round cans are so much easier to use with this blower and Motomix is (usually) only easily findable in the square cans near me.

They offered an extra year warranty if I bought 6 bottles of their ultra hp mix oil for $21. I mix my own anyway so I bought them. Trufuel comes out to like $20 a gallon or something crazy. Mixing with Amsoil is less than $10.

I have the BR450 and if I had to do it all over again, I would do the BR 800 if only for the improved harness system. Mine slides off my shoulders like the straps of a girls dress after prom.

Still a problem with the "improved harness". My only complaint about mine and you stated it perfectly, lol

I wonder if they updated it again? Mine didn't slide off once.

 

[dhammond]

They offered an extra year warranty if I bought 6 bottles of their ultra hp mix oil for $21. I mix my own anyway so I bought them. Trufuel comes out to like $20 a gallon or something crazy. Mixing with Amsoil is less than $10.


I wonder if they updated it again? Mine didn't slide off once.

If a new one is better I'm upgrading, I'll get a pic of mine shortly.

 

[Steve_P]

I have the BR450 and if I had to do it all over again, I would do the BR 800 if only for the improved harness system. Mine slides off my shoulders like the straps of a girls dress after prom.

My neighbor has a newer Sthil backpack blower, and he's always using it with it just hanging off of one shoulder. I always wondered why he was doing that, because it has to be very uncomfortable. I guess he has the same blower and has just given up trying to use both straps. He recently bought a hand-held Kobalt battery blower for minor cleanups, and when I was talking to him, he said "that Stihl will wear you out".

 

[Squankum]

I have the BR450 and if I had to do it all over again, I would do the BR 800 if only for the improved harness system. Mine slides off my shoulders like the straps of a girls dress after prom.

Sounds to me like these things need sternum straps, a common thing in the backpacking world. Much to my surprise, you can buy a separate one, which is just the ticket for this situation:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089RXFV5S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BlackBird]

Finally I received my devices. M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4 in. Right Angle Die Grinder and M18 FUEL SURGE 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver
Excellent tools for their purposes.
Especially SURGE impact driver - very soft and precise work.

 

[upgrading]

Picked up a Stihl BR800X today. Ran a tank and a half through it and got through the front and back yard in an hour.

That doesn't look like a see through fuel tank.
How can you tell when you are running low on fuel ?

 

[Snapped-off]

That doesn't look like a see through fuel tank.
How can you tell when you are running low on fuel ?

Pop the cap and check. Just like a chainsaw.

 

[mikeinri]

Pop the cap and check. Just like a chainsaw.

Bingo. The see through tank on mine (an Echo) is pointless, as it's behind your back when you're working. I guess it's convenient if you're just using it to blow for a short time. This time of year, I fill it, and run it until it stalls, then repeat.

As for the shoulder blade cross-strap, that's also not a unique problem for Stihl. I've used a simple velcro strap (the kind sold as an organizational aide) as a "sternum strap" on mine.

Mike

 

[Wamsutta]

A lot of you guys must be expert photographers because the clarity of your pictures are perfect.

 

[Snapped-off]

Is the X the one with the adjustable tube length? I've got the regular BR 800.

The X tube isn't adjustable short of swapping the tips. The CE has the adjustable tip you're probably thinking of.

 

[Outahere]

I bought this Koken 2725ZB-3/8 ratchet at Amazon-US for a grand total of $46.69, and it shipped from Amazon-Japan. It sells for $100 at Koken-USA. The ratchet has a 3/8 anvil in a 1/4 size body. Head width is 3/4" and the overall length is 4.5". The Amazon description made no mention of the tooth count, so I was expecting a 36T ratchet, but I was pleasantly surprised to receive a 72T ratchet. The current price at Amazon is $2 less than I paid a few weeks ago, and only 3 remain in stock.

Koken at Amazon

 

[Wamsutta]

That doesn't look like a see through fuel tank.
How can you tell when you are running low on fuel ?

The tanks are not super clear, but you can see the fuel level if you get it in the right light.

 

[TheWanderer]

and it made me realize I have nearly all of what it takes to compare Sunex, SK, Tekton, Icon, Koken and Snap On. (L-->R)

Posting a comparison on Garage Journal would be cool.

But I wonder if you have enough ratchets yet.

I see no mention of Wright, Proto, Armstrong, Indestro, Nepros, Williams, Blackhawk, Hazet, Facom, Stahwille, New Britain, Cornwell, or Easco. Just to name a few that come to mind.

P.S. David will laugh.

 

[M635_Guy]

Posting a comparison on Garage Journal would be cool.

But I wonder if you have enough ratchets yet.

I see no mention of Wright, Proto, Armstrong, Indestro, Nepros, Williams, Blackhawk, Hazet, Facom, Stahwille, New Britain, Cornwell, or Easco. Just to name a few that come to mind.

P.S. David will laugh.

David can kiss my *** - my wife won't be able to get her hands on him...

I've looked at some of those - it seems like Williams and others only have low-tooth-count offerings, and I'm not interested. I just don't hear much either way about a lot of the others. As a vintage BMW guy, I really should have a Hazet 8816HP, but the Hazet socket sets are even more than Snap On so completing a set seems like another big commitment. SImilar for Nepros. I might pick up a ratchet from Nepros and Hazet at some point and just not the sockets though. I find Wera really gimicky. I'm not really interested in Cornwell for some reason - I know they came out with their high-tooth count thing recently, but I think there's diminishing returns beyond 90 or so, and they're seriously proud of their ratchets. Even I have a limit.

As far as posting some of my opinions here, that will happen in some form or other. I will say that I'm mightily impressed already by the Koken Z-series combo.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Got some new tools on Thursday when the Snap-on man showed up. I haven’t gotten to go on any tool trucks the last 3 weeks cause my boss doesn’t let us go if we are busy. He will call and get us off the truck if we get busy while we are there. I told him I’m buying tools to do my job so I don’t see a problem he is like well we can’t get busy. Another guy backed me up too. The files will be handy. I can think of a lot of places I can use little files on. And I always break magnets so I buy them with a lifetime warranty plus this is a sweet color.

 

[Steve_P]

Mainly, I'm an idiot who hates getting stuck and has impulse control issues...

I've accumulated a variety of ratchets because I tend to run several with the sockets sizes I'll need instead of changing sockets, which were Tekton. I joined the SK "Socket of the Month" club and put together 1/4" and 3/8" spare sets to go in my travel kit I put in my old BMW when I go on trips/to shows. HF had a great coupon on the Icon stuff so I grabbed it and put the SK set on a magnetic rail at the front of the garage. etc.

To say I have choices is an understatement. I'm now almost fully ready to do a comparison of how well-optimized sockets are for ratchets from the same company. Ko-ken makes a bit of a deal with this on their Z-series, and it made me realize I have nearly all of what it takes to compare Sunex, SK, Tekton, Icon, Koken and Snap On. (L-->R)

(the SO socket set arrives soon )

yikes, I thought I had too many ratchets! Now I don't feel so bad. "They're not all the same, they're all different lengths"

 

[Steve_P]

Got some new tools on Thursday when the Snap-on man showed up. I haven’t gotten to go on any tool trucks the last 3 weeks cause my boss doesn’t let us go if we are busy. He will call and get us off the truck if we get busy while we are there. I told him I’m buying tools to do my job so I don’t see a problem he is like well we can’t get busy. Another guy backed me up too. The files will be handy. I can think of a lot of places I can use little files on. And I always break magnets so I buy them with a lifetime warranty plus this is a sweet color.

Phew, I was wondering if you were ok since I don't think I've seen any new tool pics from you in a while I have plenty of needle files, but I've been wanting one of those handles for a while now. Are the files made in Portugal?