wood prevents 'moisture' in a condensing environment like a non-heated garage in winter
I like my Gerstner chest - it stays indoors tho for measuring items and a few tools
Stepping up from basic tools
- Thread starter FuzzyTiger
- Start date
wood prevents 'moisture' in a condensing environment like a non-heated garage in winter
I like my Gerstner chest - it stays indoors tho for measuring items and a few tools
ekimneirbo
Well-known member
Here is my way of doing things. I gave up a long time ago on having nicely matched sets of tools as they always have mismatches or missing sizes, or don't have the larger sizes you need.
Instead of storing wrenches in different holders, I use a drawer for each wrench size. I put all my 9/16 wrenches in one drawer. When I open the drawer I can see them all at one time and pick the configuretion I need. I have every brand you can think of except Snap On. Doesn't matter to me or the nut what it says on the wrench as long as its a decent tool. I do have some cheap Companion wrenches I bought for those special situations where you need to heat and bend a wrench. When the drawers are shut it looks fine and neat, and when I open the drawer I see every type of wrench.
For sockets, I buy the generic socket organizers with no size designation, cause they never match the set of sockets correctly when they have sizes on them. Then I put my socket set on it and note what sizes I am missing or want to add. Then I get on Ebay and search for all the larger sizes and metric sizes that are omitted. You are never going to find the exact size and brand. I just look for a decent brand and buy it cheap until I have all the sizes I need.
By doing it this way I have all the sizes for a complete metric or standard range from 1/4 to 1 3/8 and ALL of the Metric sizes in between. Here is an old picture of another really handy tool organizer. I made this next to my 2 post lift so it is only like 2 steps away. It has every size wrench according to SIZE. Then when I have a standard wrench thats the wrong size because the bolt is metric.......I take two steps and grab the next larger/smaller metric wrench. No grabbing several wrenches to see what fits....and I can see just how much size difference there is. If I need a different size socket, I look at the wrenches and see what the next larger size is and grab that size socket. No more fumbling around and grabbing the wrong socket over and over. It still has the sized socket organizers but I'm going to change that. One drawer holds ratchets with a simple divider between a bunch of 1/2,3/8,1/4 sizes. The other drawer has extensions divided by size. Its super cheap, and super convenient. I braced the back of the pegboard to hold long studs (3-4"). Cut the heads off a bunch of bolts and drilled and tapped the bracing so I could screw them in. Not something you would do in a professional shop, but really works well in my home shop. The point is that you almost always have mismatches in tools and organizers and sizes. If you get over trying to have a "dinnerware" set up and just try to get decent wrenches used off Ebay, you CAN have all those missing sizes and something that always fits ......
Instead of storing wrenches in different holders, I use a drawer for each wrench size. I put all my 9/16 wrenches in one drawer. When I open the drawer I can see them all at one time and pick the configuretion I need. I have every brand you can think of except Snap On. Doesn't matter to me or the nut what it says on the wrench as long as its a decent tool. I do have some cheap Companion wrenches I bought for those special situations where you need to heat and bend a wrench. When the drawers are shut it looks fine and neat, and when I open the drawer I see every type of wrench.
For sockets, I buy the generic socket organizers with no size designation, cause they never match the set of sockets correctly when they have sizes on them. Then I put my socket set on it and note what sizes I am missing or want to add. Then I get on Ebay and search for all the larger sizes and metric sizes that are omitted. You are never going to find the exact size and brand. I just look for a decent brand and buy it cheap until I have all the sizes I need.
By doing it this way I have all the sizes for a complete metric or standard range from 1/4 to 1 3/8 and ALL of the Metric sizes in between. Here is an old picture of another really handy tool organizer. I made this next to my 2 post lift so it is only like 2 steps away. It has every size wrench according to SIZE. Then when I have a standard wrench thats the wrong size because the bolt is metric.......I take two steps and grab the next larger/smaller metric wrench. No grabbing several wrenches to see what fits....and I can see just how much size difference there is. If I need a different size socket, I look at the wrenches and see what the next larger size is and grab that size socket. No more fumbling around and grabbing the wrong socket over and over. It still has the sized socket organizers but I'm going to change that. One drawer holds ratchets with a simple divider between a bunch of 1/2,3/8,1/4 sizes. The other drawer has extensions divided by size. Its super cheap, and super convenient. I braced the back of the pegboard to hold long studs (3-4"). Cut the heads off a bunch of bolts and drilled and tapped the bracing so I could screw them in. Not something you would do in a professional shop, but really works well in my home shop. The point is that you almost always have mismatches in tools and organizers and sizes. If you get over trying to have a "dinnerware" set up and just try to get decent wrenches used off Ebay, you CAN have all those missing sizes and something that always fits ......
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FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
I love the way you've labeled your wrenches but how would you handle things like half moon and S wrenches or extra long wrenches? I feel like they'd mess up your organization system or make it take up a ton of space.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nice it would take way to many drawers to do all of my wrenches that way lol. And when you say you don’t grab multiple sizes I don’t either I am usually able to identify what size I need right off cause after awhile of wrenching it is something you get used to. Also nice 9/32 wrench I have never seen one of those though I have used 9/32 sockets before.
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
ekimneirbo
Well-known member
I have another workbench on the other side of my shop where I put several Craftsman top boxes. They have a lot of drawers. I had 4 identical boxes and had one each for Metric wrenches, Metric Sockets,Std wrenches,Std sockets.
I have a ton of wrenches and sockets I have picked up over the years, because I don't worry about trying to have identical sets (although I do have some). I simply put all the wrenches that I don't have on the pegboard into the drawers in the toolboxes. That where I put the "S" wrenches. I don't need them very often, so I do have to walk over there ocassionally.
Later I decided I didn't need the socket tool boxes and gave them to my son so he could do his wrenches like mine.
Its probably an idiosyncracy of mine, but I hate how wrench sets look when they are in organizers that don't match and are laying in a drawer. I'd much rather just open a drawer and see every kind of wrench of a specific size, and grab the one I want instead of fighting with an organizer. Thats just me and not meant as a knock on anyone else. It works for me.
As for the long wrenches on pegboard, its just a matter of how you space the mounting screws. I currenly have some longer ones on mine. I welded som little studs on the cabinet and stuck some cheater bars there and some flashlight holders, and a really long breaker bar lays on top cause it won't fit in a drawer. Its really handy............
ekimneirbo
Well-known member
You can find them on Ebay. This one is about $5 but you can find "Snap On" for about $24. Thats why I like not worrying about brand names.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Armstrong-...818727?hash=item5ae3bc33e7:g:PjwAAOSwwS1a2lkB
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Oh yeah I never worry about the brand if it works it works the Armstrong are always nice tools
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
OP
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
RIP my wallet. 
I decided to just say screw it and ordered a full set of Nepros sockets. Every standard depth 6pt socket from 5.5mm to 24mm in 3/8" (NTB320A). It is the most complete set I've seen in 3/8".
And to think, I could have gotten the Tekton set from 6mm to 24mm in standard and deep, and also every SAE size in standard and deep, and a breaker bar, a 90 tooth ratchet, extensions and a u-joint all for about $100 less. But how could I have lived with myself without that 5.5mm socket? (Which I had no idea even was a thing and will probably never use). Oh and they're shinier. Gotta have that shiny!
I also got the Nepros adjustable wrench (NWM-250). It looks like a piece of art in the pictures!
A couple quick spinners (NBE28, NBEC38) and a pair of needle nose pliers (NPSL-200).
Also got a pair of Knipex Cobra's in their **** rugged black steel. There's just something so utilitarian and nice about them. Exact opposite of the Nepros stuff but still absolute top notch quality.
I also decided to pick up a set of Matco RBRT Speed Star/Torx bits. Very unique design and they're a bit trippy to use and completely unlike how I'd normally use a torx bit. I used them a bit earlier today and I have to say I quite like them. They sort of 'pop' into place and can wobble around quite a bit while still maintaining a solid grip. It feels much more secure than any regular torx bit I've ever used. I think they're going to become my go to for torx stuff that isn't super tight. For those situations I think I'll probably get the RBRT regular torx bits as well. I originally wanted the Nepros ones but my local Matco dealer has me sold on their no questions asked 'if you break them, chip them, whatever, we'll replace them' warranty. A lot of manufacturers (including Nepros) exclude torx bits as consumables and they're the only bits I've ever broken/worn out.
As an aside - since I started upgrading my tools, I ended up getting to know my local Matco dealer. In addition to their 2-3 trucks, they also have a store a few minutes from my house. I think its mostly used as a common warehouse for the trucks but they always have someone there during business hours that'll sell you whatever you want which is super convenient for a hobbyist. They've been awesome - they give me 15-50% off on anything from the Matco catalog. They'll also order in pretty much any other tool I could want (the only brands I wanted that they couldn't get were Nepros, Koken and Tekton) at prices pretty competitive with Amazon except no waiting on shipping or if it does have to be ordered its usually next morning. I think they pretty much have my business from now on. I just wish I found them sooner.
I decided to just say screw it and ordered a full set of Nepros sockets. Every standard depth 6pt socket from 5.5mm to 24mm in 3/8" (NTB320A). It is the most complete set I've seen in 3/8".
And to think, I could have gotten the Tekton set from 6mm to 24mm in standard and deep, and also every SAE size in standard and deep, and a breaker bar, a 90 tooth ratchet, extensions and a u-joint all for about $100 less. But how could I have lived with myself without that 5.5mm socket? (Which I had no idea even was a thing and will probably never use). Oh and they're shinier. Gotta have that shiny!
I also got the Nepros adjustable wrench (NWM-250). It looks like a piece of art in the pictures!
A couple quick spinners (NBE28, NBEC38) and a pair of needle nose pliers (NPSL-200).
Also got a pair of Knipex Cobra's in their **** rugged black steel. There's just something so utilitarian and nice about them. Exact opposite of the Nepros stuff but still absolute top notch quality.
I also decided to pick up a set of Matco RBRT Speed Star/Torx bits. Very unique design and they're a bit trippy to use and completely unlike how I'd normally use a torx bit. I used them a bit earlier today and I have to say I quite like them. They sort of 'pop' into place and can wobble around quite a bit while still maintaining a solid grip. It feels much more secure than any regular torx bit I've ever used. I think they're going to become my go to for torx stuff that isn't super tight. For those situations I think I'll probably get the RBRT regular torx bits as well. I originally wanted the Nepros ones but my local Matco dealer has me sold on their no questions asked 'if you break them, chip them, whatever, we'll replace them' warranty. A lot of manufacturers (including Nepros) exclude torx bits as consumables and they're the only bits I've ever broken/worn out.
As an aside - since I started upgrading my tools, I ended up getting to know my local Matco dealer. In addition to their 2-3 trucks, they also have a store a few minutes from my house. I think its mostly used as a common warehouse for the trucks but they always have someone there during business hours that'll sell you whatever you want which is super convenient for a hobbyist. They've been awesome - they give me 15-50% off on anything from the Matco catalog. They'll also order in pretty much any other tool I could want (the only brands I wanted that they couldn't get were Nepros, Koken and Tekton) at prices pretty competitive with Amazon except no waiting on shipping or if it does have to be ordered its usually next morning. I think they pretty much have my business from now on. I just wish I found them sooner.
pizza
Well-known member
nice. good deal, man
lmk how you like that nepros adjustable wrench. how's the adjuster feel? how much slop is there? how rigid is it? etc
it looks **** but on the heavy side.
i got the SAE set recently
it's very nice, and i'm happy to have it, but i think i'll continue to round out my socketry stuff as needed with koken from here on out. i'm basically sold on koken for that stuff. i have these on my wish list for the short term:
https://palmac.net/koken-nut-gripper-10-piece-socket-set-rs3450m-10-3-8-square-drive-6-point/
https://palmac.net/koken-pk3763-6-offset-extension-bar-set-3-8-inch-sq-drive/
i've never heard of that before. interesting.
i wonder how the hex ones compare to, say, wera hex-plus.
lmk how you like that nepros adjustable wrench. how's the adjuster feel? how much slop is there? how rigid is it? etc
it looks **** but on the heavy side.
i got the SAE set recently
it's very nice, and i'm happy to have it, but i think i'll continue to round out my socketry stuff as needed with koken from here on out. i'm basically sold on koken for that stuff. i have these on my wish list for the short term:
https://palmac.net/koken-nut-gripper-10-piece-socket-set-rs3450m-10-3-8-square-drive-6-point/
https://palmac.net/koken-pk3763-6-offset-extension-bar-set-3-8-inch-sq-drive/
i've never heard of that before. interesting.
i wonder how the hex ones compare to, say, wera hex-plus.
OP
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
I haven't played with the Wera hex plus but I googled a picture of it and hex plus seems like a similar concept but RBRT seems to take it to a much greater extreme. I played around with their demonstrator for the RBRT and I have no idea how it gripped but it did. The bolt they had was what I would consider completely stripped. I don't mean a little stripped. I mean it looked like someone tool a drill bit to it and visually I couldn't see any ridges or anything but smooth sides... Standard hex bit just spun freely without any resistance. RBRT bit struggled a bit but it still managed to catch onto something and spin the bolt free. Very impressive!
It almost seems like the RBRT hex bits are halfway between a extractor and a regular bit. They say you're supposed to use them as standard bits and they won't damage fasteners and at least for the Torx its holding up. The designs are all quite unique - the hex bit looks almost like a torx.
I think I am pretty much sold on RBRT as my new bits of choice. What is really fascinating is they also have a 121 piece set with a ratcheting screw driver and T-handle. I played around with it and everything in the set felt fantastic. At $300 for the set its a little expensive but it has pretty much every screwdriver bit I'd want and with the RBRT design and all warrantied for life... It'll probably be what I blow my fun money on next month.
As for the Nepros adjustable wrench - it hasn't arrived yet. Just ordered it last night. I got an email from Nepros saying they are having delays (A couple of the items I ordered were showing as limited stock so thats probably it). I'll update the thread in a week or two once my stuff arrives.
Regarding Koken - yeah you're right. They definitely have some nice stuff. Right now I have a pretty complete set of sockets already but they're nothing fancy. I'll probably sell them and buy a complete set of Koken Z-EAL sockets. I'll keep Nepros as my go to for clean work, and Koken will be what I keep for those dirty jobs. Seems a bit wasteful to have two full sets of sockets but meh. As far as extensions go though - I'm a big fan of the Wera ones. They have a really nice locking mechanism so things don't come apart, knurling on the ends and a plastic sleeve that spins freely that you can hold to steady the extension while it spins.
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RIP my wallet.
I decided to just say screw it and ordered a full set of Nepros sockets. Every standard depth 6pt socket from 5.5mm to 24mm in 3/8" (NTB320A). It is the most complete set I've seen in 3/8".
And to think, I could have gotten the Tekton set from 6mm to 24mm in standard and deep, and also every SAE size in standard and deep, and a breaker bar, a 90 tooth ratchet, extensions and a u-joint all for about $100 less. But how could I have lived with myself without that 5.5mm socket? (Which I had no idea even was a thing and will probably never use). Oh and they're shinier. Gotta have that shiny!
I also got the Nepros adjustable wrench (NWM-250). It looks like a piece of art in the pictures!
A couple quick spinners (NBE28, NBEC38) and a pair of needle nose pliers (NPSL-200).
Also got a pair of Knipex Cobra's in their **** rugged black steel. There's just something so utilitarian and nice about them. Exact opposite of the Nepros stuff but still absolute top notch quality.
I also decided to pick up a set of Matco RBRT Speed Star/Torx bits. Very unique design and they're a bit trippy to use and completely unlike how I'd normally use a torx bit. I used them a bit earlier today and I have to say I quite like them. They sort of 'pop' into place and can wobble around quite a bit while still maintaining a solid grip. It feels much more secure than any regular torx bit I've ever used. I think they're going to become my go to for torx stuff that isn't super tight. For those situations I think I'll probably get the RBRT regular torx bits as well. I originally wanted the Nepros ones but my local Matco dealer has me sold on their no questions asked 'if you break them, chip them, whatever, we'll replace them' warranty. A lot of manufacturers (including Nepros) exclude torx bits as consumables and they're the only bits I've ever broken/worn out.
As an aside - since I started upgrading my tools, I ended up getting to know my local Matco dealer. In addition to their 2-3 trucks, they also have a store a few minutes from my house. I think its mostly used as a common warehouse for the trucks but they always have someone there during business hours that'll sell you whatever you want which is super convenient for a hobbyist. They've been awesome - they give me 15-50% off on anything from the Matco catalog. They'll also order in pretty much any other tool I could want (the only brands I wanted that they couldn't get were Nepros, Koken and Tekton) at prices pretty competitive with Amazon except no waiting on shipping or if it does have to be ordered its usually next morning. I think they pretty much have my business from now on. I just wish I found them sooner.
Man...you don't mess around when you say you are thinking of "gradually upgrading". Maybe GJ members having bad influence
. I highly recommend not to read the "Tools of Japan" post. It will really burn your wallet.Regarding other tool recommendation, I love the GearWrench double box long handle wrench #85988.
I read you sometime had hard time unbolting due to not being strong but weakling like me managed to unbolt most bolts off my 4 Japanese cars I maintain (except my Acura/Honda Mdx crank bolt which is in a whole different league). Cool thing about this double box design is that I can use the non ratcheting side to get into tight places where ratcheting side can't and the long handle provides lot of leverage. It's one of the most often tool I use and very comfortable to use it since the cost of this set is pretty close to 1 Nepros ratchet.
If I got any of the Nepros tools, I would put that in a protective glass case as a display piece....too pretty to use.
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OP
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
Man...you don't mess around when you say you are thinking of "gradually upgrading". Maybe GJ members having bad influence
Regarding other tool recommendation, I love the GearWrench double box long handle wrench #85988.
I read you sometime had hard time unbolting due to not being strong but weakling like me managed to unbolt most bolts off my 4 Japanese cars I maintain (except my Acura/Honda Mdx crank bolt which is in a whole different league). Cool thing about this double box design is that I can use the non ratcheting side to get into tight places where ratcheting side can't and the long handle provides lot of leverage. It's one of the most often tool I use and very comfortable to use it since the cost of this set is pretty close to 1 Nepros ratchet.
If I got any of the Nepros tools, I would put that in a protective glass case as a display piece....too pretty to use.
Haha. Going slow was the original plan and then I ordered a sampler of Nepros things to see if I like them... That was a mistake. Everything else just feels inadequate now. I think the only thing left in their catalog that I want and don't have is their screw drivers. But I just got a Vessel and Wera set so I think I can hold off for a bit there.
And yep. I have no shame in admitting I'm not the strongest person around. It's never stopped me though - that's what tools are for. As for the gearwrench stuff - I definitely need to buy some wenches so I'll have to look into those. Thanks for the tip. I think for the rest of my tool box I'll probably round it out with gearwrench and tekton. I have a shopping list of a few hundred dollars of tekton stuff which I'll probably order at some point.
OP
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
Ugh. My Nepros stuff is all back ordered. On the bright side I ordered a full 1/4" Koken set and wow! The back drag on this ratchet is phenomenal, plus the finger rest is brilliant. I don't know what you'd call it but its the black pad on the back of the ratchet. You can put your thumb there and hold the mechanism to provide enough resistance when even the slightest back drag would be a problem.
I never understood why you'd want a non-quick release ratchet. This design makes a very very compelling argument! Its a shame I haven't seen it on any other ratchets.
I never understood why you'd want a non-quick release ratchet. This design makes a very very compelling argument! Its a shame I haven't seen it on any other ratchets.
RBRT hex bits look similar to Facom OGV GRIP bits. RBRT are maybe more aggressive in the way they dig into fasteners. Anyone use them? Do they cut into fasteners and get stuck or cause damage?
Both look awesome if they work anything like as well as they do in demo videos.
Mac and Facom use the same prop for demos.
Both look awesome if they work anything like as well as they do in demo videos.
Mac and Facom use the same prop for demos.
OP
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
RBRT hex bits look similar to Facom OGV GRIP bits. RBRT are maybe more aggressive in the way they dig into fasteners. Anyone use them? Do they cut into fasteners and get stuck or cause damage?
Both look awesome if they work anything like as well as they do in demo videos.
Mac and Facom use the same prop for demos.
Interesting. They look identical in the design actually and yes. They are completely in a new class compared to regular bits. I've been using them and I haven't noticed them damaging fasteners any more than a regular bit. Maybe less even because they lock in better.
I suspect it's the same design for both companies, one is just licensing it from the other.
Edit: bit of googling reveals they're both branches of the same company so it makes sense.
pizza
Well-known member
ah, good find.
i wonder who sells them for cheaper / where's the cheapest place to buy? hm
i wonder who sells them for cheaper / where's the cheapest place to buy? hm
I think you are right about them being the same. I could only find pics of the Mac bits showing them from an angle which made them look a bit more 'pointy.'
Pic from Proto.
Wish they were available as single 1/4" insert bits, so I could give one a try.
Pic from Proto.
Wish they were available as single 1/4" insert bits, so I could give one a try.
OP
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
I think you are right about them being the same. I could only find pics of the Mac bits showing them from an angle which made them look a bit more 'pointy.'
Pic from Proto.
Wish they were available as single 1/4" insert bits, so I could give one a try.
They are. Just as a kit which includes every bit imaginable and a ratcheting screw driver and T handle. I don't think they're sold as singles but I think you can buy specific torx or hex sockets as singles. They're about $20 each if I recall? For hex I don't think I'll ever even try any other bit anymore. For torx I might still give other bits a chance in a pinch.