LeeG
Well-known member
Auction score from a trip last spring. I was able to get it home last week. New, mostly USA made HSS drill bits. I’ll package them up and sell the extras on eBay.
Show your new tool arrivals
- Thread starter sarel.wagner
- Start date
Auction score from a trip last spring. I was able to get it home last week. New, mostly USA made HSS drill bits. I’ll package them up and sell the extras on eBay.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Especially for home use. You buy something like this, they're not horrible. They're not the best, and the one that you use the most. When it breaks, you buy something expensive that will hopefully hold up better... If it's used where time is money or if it's critical well maybe that's different then
Beerhippie
Well-known member
I recall watching a YT video about this. Cutting the leads open to reveal... nothing.
Sure. I know all this. I have better brand taps. I never said Irwin was the best. I said they were fine for home use. I haven't broken one. Most people here aren't going to buy commercial duty taps to use at home.
YesIHaveAHammer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2025
- Messages
- 848
Saltus 3=1 swivel socket combination wrenches 8-19mm
I like variety when I want multiples of anything, it comes in handy sometimes plus interesting. The combination of the design, original brand, discontinued, and ok price convinced me on these. New old stock, including an older version 12mm as it turns out that's all they had left (to my surprise upon delivery). They were all out of 10mm (at least they were upfront about it) so that's a slightly older version still which I found barely used on Germany classifieds. The older ones are I'd say normal length (or short if you ignore the socket), whereas the newer ones are on the long side for a standard length combi wrench (even more so with the socket). The tension on the swivels is good, not floppy. The holes are for tommy bars. They're not quite as good a fit on fasteners as Facom 440s. I'll see how I like using them inline to spin things on/off.
I like variety when I want multiples of anything, it comes in handy sometimes plus interesting. The combination of the design, original brand, discontinued, and ok price convinced me on these. New old stock, including an older version 12mm as it turns out that's all they had left (to my surprise upon delivery). They were all out of 10mm (at least they were upfront about it) so that's a slightly older version still which I found barely used on Germany classifieds. The older ones are I'd say normal length (or short if you ignore the socket), whereas the newer ones are on the long side for a standard length combi wrench (even more so with the socket). The tension on the swivels is good, not floppy. The holes are for tommy bars. They're not quite as good a fit on fasteners as Facom 440s. I'll see how I like using them inline to spin things on/off.
BobsYourUncle69
Well-known member
2 years or so ago I bought a 4 inch Amazon generic chain saw for $12 at a store that sells Amazon returns not expecting much from it but it turned out to be the 1st saw I grab to cut any wood , be it extending the height of my closet door but cutting one of the studs above it away etc etc it's done well.
I picked up a 6 inch one yesterday off Amazon and hope this gives me the same service
And it works with Makita batteries
I picked up a 6 inch one yesterday off Amazon and hope this gives me the same service
And it works with Makita batteries
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shoggoth80
Well-known member
Budget grabs. Had a coupon for 30% off items under $10. So nabbed a pretty consistently finished set of offset long reach pliers, a seal puller (been using flat tips and picks forever... Why not?), and a color coded 1/4 set for my granddaughter. Building her a little box for birthday/Christmas... And she likes bright colors, and looooves tools
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Bluetooth wires?
No disagreement. It all depends on what one does. Frankly, I am happy if anything below commercial grade is still made in the USA by Irwin or anyone else. I am somewhat skeptical if that is really the case. I sometimes shop in hardware stores and recall looking at Irwin individually packaged taps once on the shelf to get a missing size that I needed and I recall them as all being Chinese origin.
Garage Journal also tends to have a lot of picky and upper end users. I suspect a lot of them do use better grades. Even in car work, I think that is typically advisable for reasons mentioned.
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Buckgnarly
Well-known member
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I bought a 3D printer... there are "Things" you need when you have one. In the years since I started 3D printing... they came out with one of these... it's basically a Filament Poker to clear clogs. It arrived today... it seriously needs some kind of "Protection" for storage. This could easily do Lobotomies. I will add... it's flarking SHARP.
Looks like a decent lift but hard to tell from a pic, $3,000?
I never understood for 99% of the work I do the drop tables, in 30+ years of being a motorcycle tech I think I used it once and there was so much oil and grime I regretted it, lift the bike, tires and wheels are heavy.
Looks like the stop is removable, I but a clamp is much more user friendly.
Let's see the other bikes.
Don't take offense but are you a bot? I thought you needed X amount of post till you could post a picture?
Marketplace find.
An old but never been used HF sandblaster.
Cheap - Cheap
Siblings emptying out their Dad’s garage.
Plan to strip it down, switch it to all 1/2” fittings and put an Ameriblast kit on it.
Haha! I have one of those that I bought in the 1990s and have used it a lot. For the $, it's great. No issues with mine after many hours of use.
The original hose clamps are junk- replace them immediately if they still look like cheap **** LOL.
You will wear thru the end of the blasting hose after a while and need to shorten it. Rinse and repeat.
Dry air is essential. I know you have a good compressor, but you need a good water separator system far from the compressor. Expect to use 15+ CFM even with the small nozzle. Your compressor will get a workout- waaay more than a suction blasting cabinet.
Use blasting sand. If you use the typical playground ****, you will need to screen it. You don't need to do that with legit blasting sand- I've never had an issue with it and just dump it right in.
Proper respirator is essential. Silicosis is a real thing. I use a forced air respirator.
Sure. But the mantra here is to not buy a set of Irwin ****, wait until you actually NEED a tap and then stop work and order a top quality one from McMaster or MSC. And then wait for two days. Which just isn't realistic in the real world, which is why most actually buy tap and die sets for that emergency use. And yet every time this comes up, it has to be critiqued.
I have a few taps and dies. >90% are not Irwin LOL
I gotta ask is it ok to unwrap someone else’s Christmas gift if it’s a tool? 
I ordered some stuff for the guys and even my office girl wanted something. Two of my guys wanted die grinders and yesterday I came across this kit so I bought two. I was pretty floored when it listed what came with it. The ratchet was very much unexpected and after opening up the present now know why…..there ain’t one.
And for my CSR, she’ll have plenty of batteries for back up
I ordered some stuff for the guys and even my office girl wanted something. Two of my guys wanted die grinders and yesterday I came across this kit so I bought two. I was pretty floored when it listed what came with it. The ratchet was very much unexpected and after opening up the present now know why…..there ain’t one.
And for my CSR, she’ll have plenty of batteries for back up
100% agreeSure. But the mantra here is to not buy a set of Irwin ****, wait until you actually NEED a tap and then stop work and order a top quality one from McMaster or MSC. And then wait for two days. Which just isn't realistic in the real world, which is why most actually buy tap and die sets for that emergency use. And yet every time this comes up, it has to be critiqued.
I have a few taps and dies. >90% are not Irwin LOL
one must have every socket and wrench in every size to fill up every rack, totally acceptable.
buy a tap and die set that covers most sizes for occasional use and you are fool because you didn't buy a high end tap or die with a high end tool to drive it but only after you need it and have to wait for it to arrive.
i won't argue that there are better grades of taps and dies but there have been millions of threads cut with irwin and other mid grade sets.
just as not every job requires the high-end wrench, ratchet or socket, not every job requires a premium tap or die. the tool you have beats the one you don't every day. with care and proper use a mid grade tap is more than adequate for most jobs.
Fly Fishing Rick
Well-known member
Fresh off the delivery truck! haha. finally, no more guessing when I need to turn off a circuit to work on something somewhere. I love how the transmitter stores with the receiver. I put a lithium battery in it since I won't be using it daily and don't want to risk forgetting an alkaline battery in it for a long period and ruining it...
I bought a pair of these after seeing this. I used them for the first time today. I have some radiator bushing I wanted to clean up. These were perfect to grab them either by the hex or the threads and hit them with the wire wheel.Bought these made-in-France Facom 501A locking pliers at Amazon Global Store 10 days ago for $58 (currently at $74). Overall length measures at about 9 7/8". Jaws open up to at least 3 1/8" (80mm). Build quality and chrome appear to be excellent. Facom also manufactured these pliers for Proto Tools. Ultimate Garage in NJ has the Proto version J501A for $73.50.
long-nose-lock-grip-pliers-250-mm
Fresh off the delivery truck! haha. finally, no more guessing when I need to turn off a circuit to work on something somewhere. I love how the transmitter stores with the receiver. I put a lithium battery in it since I won't be using it daily and don't want to risk forgetting an alkaline battery in it for a long period and ruining it...
I just bought that same tracer a couple of weeks ago. Except, I splurged and bought the kit with all the adapters. Good reminder on the lithium battery. I hadn't even noticed it uses a 9v but I have a couple on hand.
I have a cheapie that I bought YEARS ago but wanted something decent. When I retired at the end of 2021, tracing and labeling all my breakers was going to be one of my first projects. Perhaps now I'll actually do it. My whole panel is tandem breakers so I hope this will discriminate between them better than the cheapie. They were reasonably labeled when we remodeled but 32 years later it's all faded away.
Fly Fishing Rick
Well-known member
I almost went that route but the basic was on sale so I bought it and ordered an adapter kit from another brand and saved a little cash. I've actually bought off-brand accessories for some of my other Klein stuff that I prefer to the originals. Like my multimeter leads. The ones that came with my Klein meter are fine, but the cheap silicone set I paid $8 for are much nicer in my opinion.I just bought that same tracer a couple of weeks ago. Except, I splurged and bought the kit with all the adapters. Good reminder on the lithium battery. I hadn't even noticed it uses a 9v but I have a couple on hand.
I have a cheapie that I bought YEARS ago but wanted something decent. When I retired at the end of 2021, tracing and labeling all my breakers was going to be one of my first projects. Perhaps now I'll actually do it. My whole panel is tandem breakers so I hope this will discriminate between them better than the cheapie. They were reasonably labeled when we remodeled but 32 years later it's all faded away.
dante2
Well-known member
I bought the Hyper Tough 36" and 15" pry bars last night. Replacement time for the Pittsburgh bars I've had for ages.
Madjik Man
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2015
- Messages
- 1,531
Fresh off the delivery truck! haha. finally, no more guessing when I need to turn off a circuit to work on something somewhere. I love how the transmitter stores with the receiver. I put a lithium battery in it since I won't be using it daily and don't want to risk forgetting an alkaline battery in it for a long period and ruining it...
Never knew these existed. I had a new panel put in and it’s been bugging me not having it labeled.
Question: how would I determine light switches being on a circuit. I’m looking at the image of the bigger kit above to see how. Putting the leads on the transmitter and clipping them to the wires connected to the switch?
Fly Fishing Rick
Well-known member
That, or use a light socket plug adapter and plug into that.
Madjik Man
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- Dec 3, 2015
- Messages
- 1,531
I have all new flush LEDs in my ceiling. I believe they are the retrofitted ones using the light socket to low voltage adapters.
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Fly Fishing Rick
Well-known member
In that case I'd get some sort of circuit breaker tracer kit, or purchase the tester that comes with one and clip the alligator leads to the wires at the switch for testing.
Madjik Man
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- Joined
- Dec 3, 2015
- Messages
- 1,531
In that case I'd get some sort of circuit breaker tracer kit, or purchase the tester that comes with one and clip the alligator leads to the wires at the switch for testing.
Thank you. And that was autocorrect above. I believe my retro fits are… I’m not grieving them, lol
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have that kit... Best thing since bologna on white bread.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
That is a little fancier than my technique: Jam a fork in the outlet and see which breaker pops.
Dude... You need to step up your game. I kind of recall you posting this once?
Or, you could use the combination voltage & breaker tester...
Skyman
Well-known member
In the way-distant past, I rode in a service truck with an electrician who carried a shorting box he'd whipped up with a switch and a length of SJ with a cord cap on it.
Give me a scenario where using these will be advantageous...Saltus 3=1 swivel socket combination wrenches 8-19mm
I like variety when I want multiples of anything, it comes in handy sometimes plus interesting. The combination of the design, original brand, discontinued, and ok price convinced me on these. New old stock, including an older version 12mm as it turns out that's all they had left (to my surprise upon delivery). They were all out of 10mm (at least they were upfront about it) so that's a slightly older version still which I found barely used on Germany classifieds. The older ones are I'd say normal length (or short if you ignore the socket), whereas the newer ones are on the long side for a standard length combi wrench (even more so with the socket). The tension on the swivels is good, not floppy. The holes are for tommy bars. They're not quite as good a fit on fasteners as Facom 440s. I'll see how I like using them inline to spin things on/off.
Anyplace you might otherwise use say a long handle 1/4" flex head ratchet and a socket? And perhaps need an open end of the same size?
I have a few of those style wrenches in standard/SAE sizing, wouldn't mind having a metric set as well.
Alternatives in my toolbox? For sure! Just like there are alternatives for my dedicated nut drivers, dedicated hex drivers, dedicated Torx drivers, and 100 different ratchets. But sometimes having the *perfect* dedicated tool for a job is nice.
wandrur
ALLIANCE MEMBER
For a future project.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
There are exceptions to every rule but, other than the kitchen, bath, and dining room, the lights are usually on the same circuit as the receptacles in that room. Plug the transmitter into a bedroom outlet, find that breaker and shut it off and usually the lights will be out as well, it might even be two or three bedrooms. Connecting it to the wires on a switch will do no good, fiddling around with the socket adapter will work, but why bother unless you have a ton of time on your hands. An even faster way to label the panel is with two people on cell phones or walkie talkies, one running through the house and the other at the panel turning breakers off.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Nope. Not me. Not a bad idea, though. A momentary-contact button would be more appropriate.Dude... You need to step up your game. I kind of recall you posting this once?
Beerhippie
Well-known member
I'm with Rover on this. Looks like hard physical labor to me.For a future project.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Similar to thisIn that case I'd get some sort of circuit breaker tracer kit, or purchase the tester that comes with one and clip the alligator leads to the wires at the switch for testing.
Dreyoo Circuit Breaker Finder Adapter Accessory Kit, Circuit Breaker Leads Tester with Clips, Light Socket, 3-2 Prong Grounding Outlet Adapter and Carrying Case Compatible with ET300 ET310 (Upgrade) - Amazon.com
Dreyoo Circuit Breaker Finder Adapter Accessory Kit, Circuit Breaker Leads Tester with Clips, Light Socket, 3-2 Prong Grounding Outlet Adapter and Carrying Case Compatible with ET300 ET310 (Upgrade) - Amazon.com
a.co
I have SO 7/16" of this style that I found 30+ years ago, I use it weekly, I don't use it for any other job but I love it for this use, would I like a full set, YES!
I have bought tools that I wasn't sure of the use, some are a God send, some sit unloved. YMMV