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Meursault74

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 1, 2019
Messages
21,940
Location
Southern California
I used a dremel.

I've just given in and gone straight to oxy-fuel these days. Ever try to open the packaging on an adhesive bandage while trying to hold a cut finger together?
I guess Larry David isn't much of a tool guy, although he did seem to have some lying around, but they weren't up to the task

 

LeeG

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 29, 2012
Messages
1,525
Location
Phoenix, AZ
A few weeks ago I was watching a shop organization video and the guy had another video and he talked about the Picquic brand of screwdrivers. They looked interesting, and seeing how I didn't have that specific set, it was really all the justification I needed to order a set.

IMG_2986.JPEG
I have had them a few weeks, and they are nice, they fit well in my hand and seem well made. That being said, the hex and torx versions are less practical, at least so far. It is difficult to see the size of a bit while it is stored, and it takes longer than I want to spend finding the correct size. For in-the-shop use, that's not going to work for me, but they'll be great in a go-bag - I'm putting them in my truck bag.

The original Sixpac Plus doesn't have that issue, as all the bits are easily discerned by a quick glance, so if you just stick with that, it will be fine anywhere. I am ordering a 2nd one to have in the kitchen drawer. Made in Canada/Taiwan. I got mine on eBay.

Lee
 

merkyworks

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 11, 2016
Messages
587
Location
Texas
I've been on a bit of a pliers kick here lately.

Icon 9" PLS19

And a bunch of electrical disconnect pliers:
Merry Tools HS120C
Merry Tools HS175C
(Clip pliers.) Merry Tools JR60
KTC AD101
Lisle 37990

I've got the other 2 or 3 new Lisle offerings, but I'm pretty sure I've posted them previously.

Also picked up two sets of chrome Icon adapters in trays and a similar set for the impacts.20251004_143607.jpg

Have the Lisle's and the Merry HS175C and its not even close, the Merry's are leaps and bounds better than the Lisle's.
 

Jarhead0408

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
5,734
Location
Who knows?
I picked up 4 of the DeWalt Construction Jacks courtesy of the Hot Deals section, a Jam-Bar from Amazon to capture spinning toilet bowl bolts, a Lisle Blend Door Actuator tool, two more extra long Carlyle Flank Drive style wrenches, and a Dayco Belt Wear gauge from eBay that measures three different ways and which I've already used twice. 👍
1000018098.jpg1000018100.jpg1000018101.jpg1000018102.jpg
 

lund

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 2, 2019
Messages
766
Location
Michigan
I am very curious about the electrical disconnect pliers in the real world. I have been looking at them for a year or 2, wondering if they would get any use. I feel like the scenarios where a connector is a pain in my *** and I wish I had a tool for it, there isnt room for a set of pliers. I also worry about breaking/cracking the connectors putting too much pressure in a focused spot (but of course that would be the users fault for using too much force). But I am open to giving them a shot if anyone has tried them and says "yes they are genuinely useful in practice."
I find they work well IF you have access for the particular plier. Electrical connectors can be exasperating. Old brittle plastic gets locked on and can easily crack. Your hand slips off wiggling them when pulling and then you get gouged/scraped in tight confines. The pliers really help if they fit. But like anything, you have to use with some touch and not just squeeze as hard as you can on a stuck one or it may not end well. It adds an extra trick to solve problems without taking all surrounding components off.

A related comment: I recommend strongly studying the connector and similar connectors you can find in more open areas before jumping in and using pliers with a lot of force. That can save a lot of grief. I use a mirror and headlamp and if I am desperate I use a borescope to carefully study the layout. When I do that I often find I was approaching it wrong and doomed to fail. A good pair of gloves is also essential in case you slip and to provide a little padding while wiggling and pulling.

But it is best to take your time with connectors and be patient. Small jobs can be become painful and big time sinks when you have to find new connectors and cut apart wiring harnesses.
 
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terrific

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 22, 2021
Messages
329
One comment though: I recommend strongly studying the connector and similar connectors you can find in more open areas before jumping in and using pliers with a lot of force. That can save a lot of grief.
I think it would be cool if someone made a clear plastic version of those connectors, similar to the acrylic practice locks for lock picking, so that you could see where the clips are and know better where you need to press. There are probably way too many unique connectors for it to work, though.
Molex actually makes tools for each specific connector, which I've heard make it a walk in the park, but they're expensive and there are dozens of them.
 

Beerhippie

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 13, 2023
Messages
9,719
Location
Far NE Oregon
I can throw out all the sockets in my "road kit" now:

54830686385_e67786bd6f_o.jpg

Covers 1/4-3/4" AND 7-19mm, no skips!

The old guys at the yard sale where I got this in a box-lot were waxing poetic about how amazing these were--not noticing, I guess, that it's unused--for a reason.

I'll stick it on a ratchet just to see how bad it is--then give it away as a "white elephant".
Update on this tool: It claims to fit 1/4" - 3/4" and 7mm - 19mm. It doesn't fit either 3/4" or 19mm.

LIARS!
 

Squankum

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,684
Location
Southeast
Hope you have another pair to cut the package open!

In the future, consumers will take these products home to have them cut open with a CNC-controlled water jet. The plastics by that point will have titanium strands in them to deter shoplifters. Drug-addict professional shoplfiters, will, of course, use battery-powered angle grinders to open packages in the store. Angle grinders their uncle used to use to steal catalytic converters back in the days of internal combustion, before he had to go to jail again.
 

Squankum

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,684
Location
Southeast
A related comment: I recommend strongly studying the connector and similar connectors you can find in more open areas before jumping in and using pliers with a lot of force. That can save a lot of grief. I use a mirror and headlamp and if I am desperate I use a borescope to carefully study the layout. When I do that I often find I was approaching it wrong and doomed to fail. A good pair of gloves is also essential in case you slip and to provide a little padding while wiggling and pulling.

Thanks for the tips. I mostly just compose an angry letter to the manufacturer in my head, along the lines of "How many different types of electrical connectors do you really need?!"
 

natas2000

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
250
I guess Larry David isn't much of a tool guy, although he did seem to have some lying around, but they weren't up to the task

I had, I think it was a Harbor Freight LED light. The Braun small rectangle ones with the yellow rubber ring around it. I had the hardest time cutting them open on one I stepped on the plastic, I was seconds away from using a hacksaw.
Whatever means necessary.
 

NitroExpress

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 13, 2024
Messages
69
Location
Texas
I find this and the low profile bits really handy as well. If you want additional stubby bits check out the Linus Tech Tips bit sets at lttstore.com
FWIW - That’s an 11mm ratchet for low profile sockets, not a 1/4” bit driver. Not sure if that’s where you were going with that?
 
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ararat

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 27, 2018
Messages
591
Location
Ararat NC
A few weeks ago I was watching a shop organization video and the guy had another video and he talked about the Picquic brand of screwdrivers. They looked interesting, and seeing how I didn't have that specific set, it was really all the justification I needed to order a set.

IMG_2986.JPEG
I have had them a few weeks, and they are nice, they fit well in my hand and seem well made. That being said, the hex and torx versions are less practical, at least so far. It is difficult to see the size of a bit while it is stored, and it takes longer than I want to spend finding the correct size. For in-the-shop use, that's not going to work for me, but they'll be great in a go-bag - I'm putting them in my truck bag.

The original Sixpac Plus doesn't have that issue, as all the bits are easily discerned by a quick glance, so if you just stick with that, it will be fine anywhere. I am ordering a 2nd one to have in the kitchen drawer. Made in Canada/Taiwan. I got mine on eBay.

Lee
Don't forget the Teeny Turner from Picquic 71e93+l0Y3L.jpg
 

lund

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 2, 2019
Messages
766
Location
Michigan
Thanks for the tips. I mostly just compose an angry letter to the manufacturer in my head, along the lines of "How many different types of electrical connectors do you really need?!"
Ha! Mostly agree. A little more standardization would help. But i find it really helps to be resigned to a few min of careful study and approach contemplation before moving to disconnect. Stubborn electrical connectors can be truly exasperating.
 
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Ohio Andy

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 31, 2024
Messages
2,267
Location
Columbus, Ohio

Ohio Andy

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 31, 2024
Messages
2,267
Location
Columbus, Ohio
Now I’m with you!! Thanks!! Is the bit adapter Snap On? Seems like I didn’t find a low profile adapter when I got my ratchet, but it’s been a while.

edit - I see the Snap On link. Now I have to figure out why I don’t have one (bought the set).
Did you buy the set of bits or did you buy the ratchet set? Cuz the ratchet set should come with the adapter.

I'm curious how much the short bits stick out of that little ratchet while sitting in the adapter... Or actually the total height
 

moemc

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 12, 2025
Messages
356
No cheaper than that 11mm Snap-On version, but maybe easier for those of us who dont have a Snap-On truck that comes by:

Put it in any 10mm ratchet wrench. I almost got it, but I have all the Klein pass-through sets and the Astro Nano stuff so its feel redundant.
 

moemc

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 12, 2025
Messages
356
Gedore Red R22150019 Hammer/Chisel Set. I already picked up 4 Gedore square hammers this season. The one in this set is not as nice, but whatever. I got it for the price: $23 for the whole kit, why not.

Gedore Red screwdriver set, what they accidently sent me when I ordered the hammer/chisel kit. Almost kept it, but last second decided to send it back.. dont need more flats and Philips.

3 more Tekton flare nut sockets. I like these much better than a crows foot. While ordering, I thought I would check out one of the new Witte OEM Tekton drivers, a T20. This is the Witte MAXX handle profile, which is larger diameter. Personally I like the Witte Pro handle a little better, but there is no doubt the MAXX is better for control and torque.. I will get more of these eventually.

Koken 3715SLK spinner T-Handle. I think pfbz posted this maybe on YouTube. Its just so nice, I had to get one to never use.

Wiha 30704; I am all over these flat/philips or flat/square combo tips lately. I didnt know Wiha had one (called the "Xeno"). I saw it, $9.18. SOLD. I use these combo tips all the time lately. Klein, Milwaukee, Felo, collect them all.

Stahlwille 5.5mm flat with wrench flats, and a T20, amazon was giving them away. $5.90 + $9.08. And a couple more locking extensions. Using these a lot lately.
 

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moemc

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 12, 2025
Messages
356
They are gorgeous though, aren't they?? $40 of toolbox jewelry if nothing else... (though I am actually a fan of using T handles). Video link below is queued up right to the Koken spinner part...

When I first opened it, I was holding the 2 halves, staring at the oval hole for the handle.. thinking "aww man, this one got smashed on the end :cry:". There was probably a solid 10-15 seconds of deep sadness before I realized the handle was an oval.

I really I hope I am not the only person 😅
 

Ohio Andy

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 31, 2024
Messages
2,267
Location
Columbus, Ohio
Thanks, I appreciate it...

And you appear to be a philatelist... Based on your ruler... Then again, if you made those decisions based on some of the rulers I have, you might assume that I am really, really old, a know-how to wind electrical motors... Or that I was a tool and die maker... Depending upon which grandfather's ruler I was using.
 

ChefRex

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 1, 2020
Messages
3,711
Location
NJ
Thanks, I appreciate it...

And you appear to be a philatelist... Based on your ruler... Then again, if you made those decisions based on some of the rulers I have, you might assume that I am really, really old, a know-how to wind electrical motors... Or that I was a tool and die maker... Depending upon which grandfather's ruler I was using.
That ruler has all the presidents on the back, ends with Clinton.

I used it many time when marking out painted surfaces, non scratch and flexible, I could use a replacement.
 
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