Show your new tool arrivals

[dscheidt]

Not sure that would be no dust but maybe good enough and certainly better than nothing. I was always using a vacuum too. The holes need to be brushed -- vacuum or not. I think there are commercial rotary brushes with high power vacuums attached that do this well. But man, cleaning the holes can be a pain. I was brushing till I saw no more dust and it takes a surprising amount of brushing to get there. Maybe that was due to low light with headlamps so you could really see any small amount of dust coming out into the vacuum stream. Hole drills were quick for me. The clean outs ... not so much.

Blowing hte holes out is much faster than vacuuming, because the air velocity and volume are much higher. Even sticking a straw down the hole and using your longs works, because all of the air containing dust is moving out of the hole. . You can vacuum the stuff that comes out when you blow, to keep the dust down.

 

[Steve_P]

Blowing hte holes out is much faster than vacuuming, because the air velocity and volume are much higher. Even sticking a straw down the hole and using your longs works, because all of the air containing dust is moving out of the hole. . You can vacuum the stuff that comes out when you blow, to keep the dust down.

This is true, but some companies won't let you use compressed air to do this because they've had too many people get **** in their eyes and they're tired of paying for trips to the doctor, eye patches, and time off.

 

[four.cycle]

It’s called a “Klemmschlitz-Schraubendreher” in German.

let me guess:

they couldn't come up with a longer word to describe it, so they had to hyphenate it?

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

they couldn't come up with a longer word

I see it means "clamping slot screwdriver".

They do hyphenate words that stick together, and omit spaces. There must be some complex logic on when to do which, as a water pump plier is "Wasserpumpenzange".

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Needed a metric nut the other day and it took me 15 minutes digging thru my nut and bolt bucket to find what I needed.

Decided to organize stuff with Milwaukee Pack-Out boxes.

Paid a visit to Rural King today for metric nuts. Really don’t need metric bolts or washers.

While there, picked up a pair of welding gloves. I have been having a hard time finding a pair that I like and fit. These Hobarts are the best fitting I have come across so far.

A set of 1/4” drive hex sockets from Tekton also showed up in the mail today. I already have one in the main box but they were cheap enough, I wanted another set in the cart.

 

[four.cycle]

Needed a metric nut the other day and it took me 15 minutes digging thru my nut and bolt bucket to find what I needed.

Decided to organize stuff with Milwaukee Pack-Out boxes.

^ When we were checking into the hotel in San Diego, the maintenance guy pulled up in front, and he had a whole stack of those "Milwaukee Pack-Out" trays, each loaded with the various types of hardware he used for building maintenance. Looked like a pretty slick system for keeping widgets organized.

In other news:

When I picked up my mail yesterday, this cute little new toy was waiting for me:


"Utoku" 1/4" square drive and 1/4" hex bit mini swivel-head reversible 72-tooth ratchet (manufactured in Taiwan)

Currently available on Amazon.com for as low as $9.00 in a variety of colors

 

[a6hux]

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

let me guess:

they couldn't come up with a longer word to describe it, so they had to hyphenate it?

I see it means "clamping slot screwdriver".

They do hyphenate words that stick together, and omit spaces. There must be some complex logic on when to do which, as a water pump plier is "Wasserpumpenzange".

I’m certainly the wrong guy to ask about stuff like this as I‘m most definitely no language expert.

What I’m going to say is, with a lot of hyphenated words, you tend to get a fairly accurate description of what a tool is or does. It’s a “Schraubendreher” (screwdriver) but a special kind featuring the “Klemmschlitz” (clamping slot).

”Wasserpumpenzange” on the other side is common name used for decades. Some claim the name goes back to how these pliers are typically used, in a motion that resembles using a manual water pump. Others claim it goes back to their use to tighten the stuffing box/ gland package on water pumps found in motor vehicles.

Back to the screwdriver in question, I posted a couple of links.

The Belzer listing I posted had this picture in the listing: ( Source: https://bw-schmitti.de/media/af/83/c9/1636360492/20170829_165900.jpg )

I added some markings. If you move the sleeve forward the tip size will decrease, if you move the sleeve back the tip size will increase. It’s kind of a shearing movement to allow for adjustment.



I don’t think I have ever seen one outside vintage or surplus military sales (except again, for that Polish listing). Surely have never used one.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[dscheidt]

I added some markings. If you move the sleeve forward the tip size will decrease, if you move the sleeve back the tip size will increase. It’s kind of a shearing movement to allow for adjustment.



I don’t think I have ever seen one outside vintage or surplus military sales (except again, for that Polish listing). Surely have never used one.

Kind regards,
Olli

Good ones (and I'm sure the Belzer one was good....) are very good at their intended use, starting slotted screws in awkward spots. They can't handle much torque, so you need to use a normal screwdriver to finish installing thme, or to remove them. The general decrease in slotted screw use has greatly reduced their usefulness.

I recently bought one, a used vintage one that is exactly the same as the one my dad used when I was a kid. I didn't expect to ever use it, but I found myself needing to reinstall some slotted screws in spot I could see, but not reach, and it performed perfectly.

 

[four.cycle]

@Olli -

^ I just find it hilarious that the Germans seem to have such a propensity for inventing ridiculously long words for objects, and here we are in the U.S. trying to abbreviate everything to the degree we've almost invented an entirely new language of nothing but acronyms.

 

[Beerhippie]

Good ones (and I'm sure the Belzer one was good....) are very good at their intended use, starting slotted screws in awkward spots. They can't handle much torque, so you need to use a normal screwdriver to finish installing thme, or to remove them. The general decrease in slotted screw use has greatly reduced their usefulness.

I recently bought one, a used vintage one that is exactly the same as the one my dad used when I was a kid. I didn't expect to ever use it, but I found myself needing to reinstall some slotted screws in spot I could see, but not reach, and it performed perfectly.

I probably use a slotted screw starter about three days out of five. I had to use one today to insert a slotted setscrew in a door handle.

It's much easier to get a short screw started straight with a starter locked on.

I really need to find a good one for Phillips screws. They don't seem to be as common as the flat-tip.

 

[51dueller]

Picked up an Astro nano socket wrench and Olsa socket clips for when I might need a different wrench.



Some Caterpillar Metric 1/2 impact swivels. Would have like some Wright to match my other sockets but they don't make a 1/2 drive set or even sell a complete set of the 3/8 ones without buying individually. These were also cheaper than I could get Proto ones. I prefer this style without the cover ring over the pin.



Some Duratech thin wrenches as I had been meaning to get a set.

 

[kinglukas38]

I'll contact corporate when my set truly fails (or the new set way out-competes), but I will suggest it to my coworkers. I did hear that the person supplying snapon(bluepoint) has passed away and that no new stock was coming, though the info was 3rd hand.

Looks like I would get credit if they are unable to replace the pliers for whatever reason. Per the snapon website under Warranty Professional Product Use:

Following up on this as I got to talk to my rep yesterday. The supplier (wilbur?) of the pliers for snapon has folded, so my rep is unable to provide warranty. However, when a replacement is found warranty will be reopened. As it stands this is ok for me, the stahlwille set currently beats out the bluepoint set in every metric.

 

[sleutelken]

Bought this this month. I wanted Facom or Stahlwille but really satisfied. Maybe later something else but this are great tools.

 

[sleutelken]

Bought this this month. I wanted Facom or Stahlwille but really satisfied. Maybe later something else but this are great tools.

 

[sleutelken]

And this and some other tools. I’m not going on holidays in 2026.

 

[pfbz]

...

 

[Ohio Andy]

They also make a 1/2" drive # 0 Phillips bit, for when you need that extra bit of leverage only a two foot breaker bar can apply.

Could not find it...

1/2 Inch Drive x #2 Phillips Bit Socket | TEKTON

#2 Phillips hand drive bit socket. Strong 2-piece bit socket combines S2 steel bit and chrome socket. S2 heat-treated steel bit. SHB21202.

www.tekton.com

Found the #2



I also found a 3/8 #1. I went looking for impacts and I don't see a single impact Phillips bit. That surprises me.

 

[LanceMc]

New Craftsman 1/4” ratchet
SBD warranty replacement.

 

[Ohio Andy]

New Craftsman 1/4” ratchet
SBD warranty replacement.

So the new one is slightly larger (just a smidge) than the original. How do you like it?

 

[Jtels85]

Picked up a few New Old Stock goodies from eBay last week. It’s a little too cold in the garage today, so I took this picture from our basement coffee table. All GearWrench, including the NAPA hex bit set which is also rebranded GearWrench. I miss the old GearWrench when the tools were red.

 

[david3921]

Needed a metric nut the other day and it took me 15 minutes digging thru my nut and bolt bucket to find what I needed.

Decided to organize stuff with Milwaukee Pack-Out boxes.

Paid a visit to Rural King today for metric nuts. Really don’t need metric bolts or washers.

While there, picked up a pair of welding gloves. I have been having a hard time finding a pair that I like and fit. These Hobarts are the best fitting I have come across so far.

A set of 1/4” drive hex sockets from Tekton also showed up in the mail today. I already have one in the main box but they were cheap enough, I wanted another set in the cart.

What grade nuts are those? I don't think I've seen that color before.

 

[Hakeem]

These came in from Matco and are SUPER useful for all the little Torx fasteners around dashboards, etc.



Also got these right angle crimper/stripper/cutters for limited access situations

 

[four.cycle]

Some Duratech thin wrenches as I had been meaning to get a set.

^ I gave that same set to my buddy months ago, but I don't think he's ever used it.
Do let us know how those work out for you please.

 

[Beerhippie]

These came in from Matco and are SUPER useful for all the little Torx fasteners around dashboards, etc.



Also got these right angle crimper/stripper/cutters for limited access situations

Those right-angle strippers will save some knuckle meat! I love 'em in constricted spaces, like under the dash.

Never had a pair that looked that nice....

 

[Steve_P]

These came in from Matco and are SUPER useful for all the little Torx fasteners around dashboards, etc.



Also got these right angle crimper/stripper/cutters for limited access situations

Next thing you are going to be telling us how useful those new semi-deep sockets are that you just bought

You've got me beat on those, and I actually work on cars and not giant trucks like you do.

 

[CoThG]

My orange Snap-On addiction grows...

 

[bugnut]

I have one in my box, like you it was my fathers. I do not use it with any regularity as slotted screw heads have bit the dust. It will stay there and I will enjoy pleasant memories when I see it.

Good ones (and I'm sure the Belzer one was good....) are very good at their intended use, starting slotted screws in awkward spots. They can't handle much torque, so you need to use a normal screwdriver to finish installing thme, or to remove them. The general decrease in slotted screw use has greatly reduced their usefulness.

I recently bought one, a used vintage one that is exactly the same as the one my dad used when I was a kid. I didn't expect to ever use it, but I found myself needing to reinstall some slotted screws in spot I could see, but not reach, and it performed perfectly.

 

[Hakeem]

Those right-angle strippers will save some knuckle meat! I love 'em in constricted spaces, like under the dash.

Never had a pair that looked that nice....

They are super nice, even just for regular wire stripping. Being able to pull straight back, in line with the wire instead of levering with your wrist and pushing with your thumb is much more ergonomic. And don’t worry - I’m sure they’ll get dinged up and dirty in no time

Next thing you are going to be telling us how useful those new semi-deep sockets are that you just bought

You've got me beat on those, and I actually work on cars and not giant trucks like you do.

Hahaha touché …. I do own semideeps but never use them , everyone else here seems to swear by them though so I guess it’s just a matter of time until they save the day for me, too

Those Torx bits though , man ….. there are a ton of t20s & t25s holding dashboard together on the trucks I work on and you usually can’t get a straight approach on them so zipping them off with an impact driver is out—until now. What a timesaver.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

What grade nuts are those? I don't think I've seen that color before.

Class 8, NOT grade 8. Basically equivalent to grade 5

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

@sleutelken Beta is a rock solid choice in my book! I think you scored well!

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

All yellow as it happens.

Tsunoda Duck Bill Pliers DBP-200
Usual high quality and smoothness. We had some discussion of options starting here on the Japan thread, and in the end it came between these and the Facom 188A.20G.


Olfa Retractable Saw Cutter HSW-1
I was recommended this a good while back here, and by now I saw it would have come in useful a couple of times. There's a rubber block on the back so it's chunky enough in the hand. Cuts smoothly with light pressure. The ability to vary the working length may come in useful. The blade (HSWB-1) is 0.5mm thick and I believe fits any knife handle of this type.


Felo Ergonic "Staple Lifter" (494 125 30)
Trim clip remover, should have bought one earlier. Stepped tip design perhaps designed to accommodate a wide range of sizes (tip mouth is 11.5mm wide, step mouth is 6.3mm). It's from the 494 series alongside a long/bent variant and the tack lifter.

 

[Dh3256]

I’m certainly the wrong guy to ask about stuff like this as I‘m most definitely no language expert.

What I’m going to say is, with a lot of hyphenated words, you tend to get a fairly accurate description of what a tool is or does. It’s a “Schraubendreher” (screwdriver) but a special kind featuring the “Klemmschlitz” (clamping slot).

”Wasserpumpenzange” on the other side is common name used for decades. Some claim the name goes back to how these pliers are typically used, in a motion that resembles using a manual water pump. Others claim it goes back to their use to tighten the stuffing box/ gland package on water pumps found in motor vehicles.

Back to the screwdriver in question, I posted a couple of links.

The Belzer listing I posted had this picture in the listing: ( Source: https://bw-schmitti.de/media/af/83/c9/1636360492/20170829_165900.jpg )

I added some markings. If you move the sleeve forward the tip size will decrease, if you move the sleeve back the tip size will increase. It’s kind of a shearing movement to allow for adjustment.



I don’t think I have ever seen one outside vintage or surplus military sales (except again, for that Polish listing). Surely have never used one.

Kind regards,
Olli

I have a Sears Craftsman version of that, bought new in the 1990's

 

[66HertzClone]

I have a Sears Craftsman version of that, bought new in the 1990's

So do I

 

[willf650]

Rhino USA grip tape kit (I chose it based on the reviews it receives), made in China. Carrying bag and stickers included.

I had one of the self contained retractable units fail and they replaced it very easily via the warranty process. They would get my business from that interacation.

I also have MAC tie downs but they are in a different price class and the quality reflects it.

 

[four.cycle]

Tsunoda Duck Bill Pliers DBP-200

now only $17.40 on Amazon. just added to cart. no idea what happened to my pair of Indestros.

 

[dscheidt]

They are super nice, even just for regular wire stripping. Being able to pull straight back, in line with the wire instead of levering with your wrist and pushing with your thumb is much more ergonomic.

Regular wire stripping shouldn’t use the wrist, it is shoulder movement. The muscles responsible for that are much bigger than the forearm muscles that move the wrist, and the fatigue is much lower. Obviously, in confined spaces you do whatever is actually possible, but most striping should be just squeezing the stripper and abducting or adducting the whole arm an inch.

 

[lund]

Blowing hte holes out is much faster than vacuuming, because the air velocity and volume are much higher. Even sticking a straw down the hole and using your longs works, because all of the air containing dust is moving out of the hole. . You can vacuum the stuff that comes out when you blow, to keep the dust down.

Good point on blowing out with air being more effective. But I think you still need to brush vigorously using compressed air or not: fragments are very lodged on the surface of the bore hole and do not come off easily. I would use very hard bristle brushes and in the low light with a headlamp it was stunning how much would come off for a long time (many brush strokes). Maybe at some point it does not matter and the epoxy will still bond and I was overdoing it. But I came to dread the hole clean-outs after drilling since it would take considerable time and was repetitively dull.

Even if using a vacuum at the top to catch what is blown out be sure to wear a good mask. It is shocking how much you can see get in the air when the lighting conditions are right. I doubt it is good to get a lot of fine silica and cement fragments in your lungs.

With smaller Tapcons to attach wood mounting strips on basement walls, I would just lightly clean holes since I figured the dust did not matter so much. But I noticed they were much less reliable IF I skipped cleaning. I think due to debris messing up the thread cutting. By the way, I was also shocked how easy Tapcons could be snapped with modest impact. Lightly cleaning the holes clearly helped.

 

[lund]

I had one of the self contained retractable units fail and they replaced it very easily via the warranty process. They would get my business from that interacation.

I also have MAC tie downs but they are in a different price class and the quality reflects it.

I hate it when products have "... USA" in the name and are made in places like China. I cease doing business with brands doing that as a matter of principle. I wish that was illegal. Lack of country of origin specifications are also very annoying though I think a high fraction of stuff has multi sources these days.

 

[willf650]

I hate it when products have "... USA" in the name and are made in places like China. I cease doing business with brands doing that as a matter of principle. I wish that was illegal. Lack of country of origin specifications are also very annoying though I think a high fraction of stuff has multi sources these days.

Hence I mentioned MAC. No where in the name mentioned country of origin but they are made in USA.

They are also noticably better but you have to pay to play. Most people now a days will sell out their neighbor to save a dollar.