I can appreciate that. I want a set too. I want the original also. But my need for them might not justify the cost, unfortunately. Such a great tool when needed.
Viking Arm lifters. Been wanting a set of these since I first saw them. The DeWalt version is cheaper, but I wanted the original.
Show your new tool arrivals
- Thread starter sarel.wagner
- Start date
10+ years ago, at work we did some "redneck testing" of alloy steel class 12.9 SHCS. I can't remember all of the details, but we found that at least some, if not all, of the sizes we tested had the head's hex recess severely deform/strip out before the threaded portion failed. I'd imagine that this was the reason for the development of torx.
We also tested some 18-8 SST SHCS in smaller sizes, I think 5/16 and below, and IIRC these all failed at the threaded portion before the hex failed.
Don't overlook the Dewalts. The inverted handle design that allows you to push down rather than squeeze to lift (including using your foot) is a fantastic feature.
jrbpit1
Well-known member
I picked up some of the new Tekton long, flex head ratchet wrenches. Looking forward to putting them to work.
I've always lusted for the original Norwegian made Viking Jack/Clamp but just couldn't bring myself to spend the $$$. I broke down and picked up a pair of the Irwin version for about half the price of the Vikings. The Irwin's have the same lifting/spreading capacity (330lbs per clamp) as the Viking's and seem to be very robust and well made. I was really surprised at the weight of them. There's obviously a lot of steel in the components. There are a lot of really cheap knock-offs of the original Viking Jack. Based on the reviews I've read of the cheap knock-offs, most have stamped steel parts that easily deform, cheap plastic parts that break, poorly designed release mechanisms that do not work well, and much lower lifting capacity. As I mentioned, The Irwin has the same lifting capacity as the Viking's. Solid plate steel construction and dual (fine/fast) release mechanisms that have worked well under heavy loads. If I had money to burn, I'd have got the Viking's, but I definitely give the Irwin version 2 thumbs up. Don't confuse these with Irwin Quick-Grip clamps. The Irwin Quick Lift jack/clamps are a whole different level of quality and strength than the Quick Grip clamps.
What does a person use these for?
It's a small toe jack, basically. you can use them to hold a door while you install it, or when installing base cabinets, or for lifting a thing to adjust the screw feet. I've only ever used cheap copies, but if you do that sort of stuff (especially by yourself), they're very handy.
I think the typically cited use cases are things like installing cabinets, hanging doors, etc. I've included a pic of a recent "normal" use I had which was hanging siding on a shed for my compressor. It made it very easy to raise the siding up and level it so it could be nailed.
That said, I've found I use them as much for fabrication as anything. They're almost like machinist's jacks in that you can create a support of any height upon which to rest something while you're fitting something up.
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WWheeler
Well-known member
My latest newcomer. Got it in and took it for a spin Saturday.
Evolution R255SMS-DB - 10" dual bevel sliding miter saw and a pair of mounting brackets for my Ridgid miter saw stand (AC9946). Also got an additional 10" Steel (blue) cutting blade for it to use instead of the multi-material (orange) blade that it came with. I plan on only using this saw for cutting metal. I already have a Dewalt DWS779 slider for when working with combustibles.
Evolution R255SMS-DB - 10" dual bevel sliding miter saw and a pair of mounting brackets for my Ridgid miter saw stand (AC9946). Also got an additional 10" Steel (blue) cutting blade for it to use instead of the multi-material (orange) blade that it came with. I plan on only using this saw for cutting metal. I already have a Dewalt DWS779 slider for when working with combustibles.
Smokeshow69
Well-known member
I’m totally buying some of these. I’m constantly doing stuff like this.
BobsYourUncle69
Well-known member
Got a few more Gedore 12p sockets to plug some gaps.
Thought I'd show the difference between my South African forged 22mm and German forged 26mm.
My 22mm is much older so it shows the old Gedore logo and some dirt while the 26mm shows the new Gedore logo and no dirt.
Besides the dirt , old logo vs new logo you'll see there is zero difference besides the stamping of the writing. Ive been asked a couple of times how the SA vs German forged stuff compares when discussing the differences between the old Indian forged ones. I thought I'd show them side by side.
The SA sockets in SA are about half the price of the German forged sockets here. Ive been picking them up slowly when amazon has them on sale for under $10 each (26mm and 34mm so far )which isn't often. I'll fill the rest of the gaps when I go to SA.
Thought I'd show the difference between my South African forged 22mm and German forged 26mm.
My 22mm is much older so it shows the old Gedore logo and some dirt while the 26mm shows the new Gedore logo and no dirt.
Besides the dirt , old logo vs new logo you'll see there is zero difference besides the stamping of the writing. Ive been asked a couple of times how the SA vs German forged stuff compares when discussing the differences between the old Indian forged ones. I thought I'd show them side by side.
The SA sockets in SA are about half the price of the German forged sockets here. Ive been picking them up slowly when amazon has them on sale for under $10 each (26mm and 34mm so far )which isn't often. I'll fill the rest of the gaps when I go to SA.
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Thanks for the tip. Putting them on my to-buy list.
DEWALT® TOUGHSERIES™ Construction Jack
Work smart and let the DEWALT® TOUGHSERIES™ Construction Jack do the heavy lifting for you. Lift, level, and lighten the load with the DEWALT® TOUGHSERIES™ Construction Jack that is equipped with a handle for step-to-lift operation or squeeze-to-lift operation. Featuring a slim base that helps...
www.dewalt.com
Even if you've only ever installed one door after you removed it to paint it, you can understand the value. I have the DeWalt on my list for the reason Geobruin said.
Drank the kool-aid.
My first Snap On pliers. Seems okay. Not sure what I was expecting it to be. They're tightly made but they are still slip joint pliers with typical slip joint plier slop if you push it to the side.
I read a lot about them and had to know for myself how they are. They do seem really nice to keep in the pocket, but they're not magic...
Also, I seem to dislike the handles. They feel too sticky for me.
My first Snap On pliers. Seems okay. Not sure what I was expecting it to be. They're tightly made but they are still slip joint pliers with typical slip joint plier slop if you push it to the side.
I read a lot about them and had to know for myself how they are. They do seem really nice to keep in the pocket, but they're not magic...
Also, I seem to dislike the handles. They feel too sticky for me.
swsman
Well-known member
swsman
Well-known member
I have the 9" version, like it and use it a lot. They really grip well.Drank the kool-aid.
My first Snap On pliers. Seems okay. Not sure what I was expecting it to be. They're tightly made but they are still slip joint pliers with typical slip joint plier slop if you push it to the side.
I read a lot about them and had to know for myself how they are. They do seem really nice to keep in the pocket, but they're not magic...
Also, I seem to dislike the handles. They feel too sticky for me.
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Steven Seagull
Active member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2024
- Messages
- 29
Snap On trim removal kit
- ASG103BR
Kasal
Well-known member
Chainsaw fuel and oil can with spill-proof nozzles and saddlebag for files and tools. King Tony multi-purpose crimping tool.
Been thinking about one of these for a few years but never pulled the trigger. With $40 in HF cash to put towards the price and not knowing when they will increase in price, I figured now or never.
Some Snap On DB mallets. I bought these new, one at a time on Ebay over the last few months at 20-25% off list. I have some Trusty Cook but hate the small grip size. And I know that Icon and Milwaukee have also copied the SO, but they both have a crappy grip, IMO, in comparison to SO. So yeah, I spent a lot more $ to be happy with how they feel in my hand when I use them.
These are the 16, 24, 32 oz size; for whatever reason, SO sizes these by the total weight, including the handle, and not the head weight like they, and most, do with hammers.
These are the 16, 24, 32 oz size; for whatever reason, SO sizes these by the total weight, including the handle, and not the head weight like they, and most, do with hammers.
And my last hammer to add today. I bought this new a few months ago on Ebay at ~25% off list. It had some light rust on the head, so I just gave each side a separate soaking in about an inch of Metal Prep. This is the 24 oz, and a nice general-purpose weight for me.
Yeah, I know, three posts, but it's easier for me to do it this way.
Yeah, I know, three posts, but it's easier for me to do it this way.
Semi-hole mechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2017
- Messages
- 1,022
‘09 Ford Focus used E-Torx on the motor mounts. ‘14 Chevy Cruze with 1.4L Turbo, almost everything on the engine is E-Torx.
four.cycle
Well-known member
I got this 1/4" drive made-in-China "Chrome Vanadium" "ell" handle from an ebay seller. It came with the 10mm socket. Set me back a whole $9.78 (including tax and shipping.) There was a long drawn-out discussion about breakers and ell handles somewhere.
For the price I decided I had to try one.
No idea why, but the nice lady at Channellock sent me a mess of stickers. Go figure.
< edit - I just looked and there are a ton of them on there for a few cents less than what I paid >
WWheeler
Well-known member
And my last hammer to add today. I bought this new a few months ago on Ebay at ~25% off list. It had some light rust on the head, so I just gave each side a separate soaking in about an inch of Metal Prep. This is the 24 oz, and a nice general-purpose weight for me.
Yeah, I know, three posts, but it's easier for me to do it this way.
This would be me when I opened the box when those arrived ...
I wonder if you could make an adapter for a farm jack/hi-lift to do the same thing. Either have the adapter extend beyond the normal contact point, or maybe raise the contact point and hang the adapter a foot or two below it. It would be a cool way to get some extra use out of those.
Let us know how that toner/tracker setup works. I just moved into a house that has nothing on the panel labeled correctly.
Couldn’t agree more about the handles. I almost bought some Trusty Cook hammers during their sale, but the handles looked too small / slippery compared with the Snap On models.
I find it odd that brands are copying Snap On and omitting the only feature that really differentiates the product - the grip / handle.
A visit with the local Snap-on driver.
110% agree. I've been bitching here for years about the small grip size on TC; otherwise, especially for the $, they're great; but I just can't get past the GD small grip size. And I've also said that both Icon and Milwaukee dropped the ball when they didn't make a better grip like the SO- the superior grip is the key point, like you said, and what you need to copy! And I don't think you necessarily need the ribbed rubber that the SO has, although that's really nice, but at least do something to help at the grip.
To be fair, the TC handles aren't really slippery, they have texture on them all around, but IMO they're too small at the grip; and I don't have massive hands, I wear the large size HF nitrile gloves. Icon missed the boat cheaping out on the grip area; and they also removed the texture in a small portion, but on the areas where it's needed most. Milwaukee also cheaped out here.
Got a couple of things just before the weekend, that I forgot I ordered....
The small box is to be used to collect the small things that otherwise seam to spread all over the big (bigger atleast) box. As a good side effect I can now direkt my wife and kids to the small box whenever they need something they can handle, such as pencils, tape....
A https://www.astrotools.com/product/10-5-long-flex-head-nano-socket-ratchet-wrench/ is also on the way.
The small box is to be used to collect the small things that otherwise seam to spread all over the big (bigger atleast) box. As a good side effect I can now direkt my wife and kids to the small box whenever they need something they can handle, such as pencils, tape....
A https://www.astrotools.com/product/10-5-long-flex-head-nano-socket-ratchet-wrench/ is also on the way.
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That reminds me...
Many years ago, I got tired of my wife having to dig through my tools in the garage (and complain when she couldn't find one, which then gave me two tasks: finding the tool and doing the task she'd planned to do herself).
So, I bought a VERY cheap tool kit, small enough to fit under a kitchen sink, and complete enough to handle 98% of what you'd need to do in a house (hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, tape measure, utility knife, etc.).
That was one of my best investments, ever. Horrible quality tools, but good enough for light tasks. And, it's got a blow-molded case, so it's easy to see when something is missing before closing it up after a task is done.
The boys use it now too.
Mike
Many years ago, I got tired of my wife having to dig through my tools in the garage (and complain when she couldn't find one, which then gave me two tasks: finding the tool and doing the task she'd planned to do herself).
So, I bought a VERY cheap tool kit, small enough to fit under a kitchen sink, and complete enough to handle 98% of what you'd need to do in a house (hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, tape measure, utility knife, etc.).
That was one of my best investments, ever. Horrible quality tools, but good enough for light tasks. And, it's got a blow-molded case, so it's easy to see when something is missing before closing it up after a task is done.
The boys use it now too.
Mike
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Mr. Roboto
Well-known member
Facom 1/4 drive rotator ratchet. The proto/blackhawk version on the right has been an indispensable tool for me for the last 15+ years for me, but the mechanism is binding up. From what I read/what I can see, there is no way to disassemble it without damage.
It’s discontinued sadly. The facom is a good deal shorter, we’ll see how it works out.
It’s discontinued sadly. The facom is a good deal shorter, we’ll see how it works out.
swsman
Well-known member
Simple really, you plug the short plug into a wall outlet, step outside with the other bit and track down a correct breaker.
Helps to have someone on the inside, saves walking back and forth.
Non contact tester I bought as I lost the other one I had, kill power at the panel and it will also confirm a live outlet vs one powered off.
If any false readings I have heard of folks taking off the front panel cover and tracing around the wires at the panel.
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Beerhippie
Well-known member
This:
showed up today. I have three locksets involving several cross-bores through doors to install tomorrow. I find keeping the drill level and square by eye and feel to be increasingly difficult.
Feels reasonably well built for the $35 price tag. I do wish it had a keyless chuck, but the key fits nicely in one of the foot grommets so it's retained and handy until I set it down and forget it.
I could have paid many times more for the Rockler equivalent, but I'll use it tomorrow and then it'll probably just sit under the bench and accumulate dust most of the time.
showed up today. I have three locksets involving several cross-bores through doors to install tomorrow. I find keeping the drill level and square by eye and feel to be increasingly difficult.
Feels reasonably well built for the $35 price tag. I do wish it had a keyless chuck, but the key fits nicely in one of the foot grommets so it's retained and handy until I set it down and forget it.
I could have paid many times more for the Rockler equivalent, but I'll use it tomorrow and then it'll probably just sit under the bench and accumulate dust most of the time.
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I used a Tekton 35mm impact to take the axle nuts out of my 2nd gen. It will last longer than your truck.
Lowlevel2021
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2021
- Messages
- 185
Milwaukee attachment, surprised how well it worked clearing snow paired with a 12amp battery. 
Ha! I did rear brakes on an Outback a few years ago and I needed a 7mm hex bit socket.
I tried the 6mm bit. Too small. So of course, I tried the 8mm next. Too big. WTF? Yay, I finally get to use a 7mm hex bit! "No skips" FTW!