The Facom Tools Thread.

[KnurledNut]

Not to derail the Facom thread, but Klein does great leather goods:

 

[Dave455]

Not to derail the Facom thread, but Klein does great leather goods:

I like that a lot.

It looks like the shape is trapezoidal. Actually an incredibly practical shape, that gives you most space at the bottom.

Also a very historical shape. Many of the earliest American tool chests were that shape, since a lot of ships boxes were made that way, which is how many of the early settlers transported their tools.

 

[neophyte]

Really, what practical modern day use do these bags have?

The inconvenience of those buckles, for starters.

Also, dimensions for anyone's interest - BV.100 is 35x10x10cm, and the 703232 is 40.5x14.5x12.5cm.

It’s a style of tool bag that likely goes back at least a century or more.
Klein in the USA makes several bags that are similar, although not identical.
Modern tool bags made out of nylon or something similar may be preferred by some, but they’re not necessarily always better.
Zippers can get jammed and break, especially in a tool bag, whereas the buckles and straps are more likely to just stretch a bit.
Leather is naturally flame and spark resistant, and these bags are routinely sold as “plumbers bags”, where sparks or flames might be a concern.
The leather is likely more wear resistant than most cloth bags.
The substances for conditioning the leather will also likely increase the flame resistance, and help waterproof the bag.
Leather can dry out, but can also be reconditioned back into shape, unlike my experience with the waterproof coatings on nylon.
Unlike a number of plastic tool cases, the leather is unlikely to get brittle and shatter.
If a strap breaks, a basic show repair place can likely fix the issue.

The leather tool bags are also a traditional tool bag style people like, and think of as stylish, and Facom actually tries to design a lot of their tools to be “stylish”.
I don’t know if Sassi manufactures the bags for Facom, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
In addition to this stule leather tool bag, Sassi makes a number of other styles, as well as leather tool belts, and pouches, and tool rolls, and even “fashion” leather bags, including similar “tool bags” made in bright colors, that were very specifically made as fashion items.

Archives des Sacs à outils - SASSI France

www.sassi-france.fr

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Anyone with the combination pliers able to help me out with some jaw measurements please?

185mm (187A.18G or 187A.18CPE), jaw length (spec) 36mm.
205mm (187A.20G or 187A.20CPE), jaw length (spec) 42mm.

I'm interested in the length of the frontal gripping area and the cutting blade.

For comparison, the Knipex 02 02 180 I've received has a 32mm jaw, of which the gripping area is 7mm (too short in my opinion) and the cutter 16mm. I'll be returning it for a differently sized/proportioned combination plier, or a linesman.

For future reference, approximately measured from image via proportional scaling:

• 185mm - gripping area 11mm, blade 14mm
• 205mm - 15mm, 15mm

The 205mm has a relatively long and thin (11.5mm) head for a combination plier of this length.

 

[Dave455]

Anyone with the combination pliers able to help me out with some jaw measurements please?

185mm (187A.18G or 187A.18CPE), jaw length (spec) 36mm.
205mm (187A.20G or 187A.20CPE), jaw length (spec) 42mm.

I'm interested in the length of the frontal gripping area and the cutting blade.

For comparison, the Knipex 02 02 180 I've received has a 32mm jaw, of which the gripping area is 7mm (too short in my opinion) and the cutter 16mm. I'll be returning it for a differently sized/proportioned combination plier, or a linesman.

I make the length of the flat gripping area 11mm, and the cutting edge 13mm.


The length of the gripping area on the Knipex pliers is short (yes 7mm) but only on the “high leverage” 02 pattern.

The “standard” 03 pattern (which is more of an equivalent to the Facom) has different proportions, and a gripping area of 10mm.

On the “high leverage” pliers the pivot is closer to the jaw tip, so for a comparable length tool, something has to give. Knipex decided it was the gripping surface.

The plated pliers you see below live in my “property maintenance” box, and I find them perfect for the job. There’s enough grip to pull out a small nail or cable clip, the rounded gripping area does all I ask, and the cutters will handle any wire, or domestic electrical cable.


I have to say though, that although the Knipex are good quality and value, I’m coming round to the view that I slightly prefer the Facom.

For the unplated tools, The Facom are better finished (the Knipex has blacked edges, wheras the Facom are polished all over) and I prefer the Facom grips, which are more durable.


I think I slightly prefer these plated Facom too. In fact, I opted for a set of these for my road box.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I make the length of the flat gripping area 11mm, and the cutting edge 13mm.

Those proportions seem well balanced.

The length of the gripping area on the Knipex pliers is short (yes 7mm) but only on the “high leverage” 02 pattern.

And even on the 200, it's only 9mm.

The “standard” 03 pattern (which is more of an equivalent to the Facom) has different proportions, and a gripping area of 10mm.

I can also see the 03 has a thinner head (narrower jaw), at least in the 200 length. The thickness of the 02 200 is 13mm which I feel is about right. Why do you consider 03 more of an equivalent, given the Facom is high leverage?

On the “high leverage” pliers the pivot is closer to the jaw tip, so for a comparable length tool, something has to give. Knipex decided it was the gripping surface.

This isn't to my liking, as I have no need for such a long cutter in a multi purpose plier especially a shorter one. Both the 180 and 200 have 16mm-ish blades within 32mm and 37mm jaw lengths respectively (Facom are 36mm and 42mm). But I appreciate they are just balancing various trade-offs with their design.

The plated pliers you see below live in my “property maintenance” box, and I have to say I find them perfect for the job. There’s enough grip to pull out a small nail or cable clip, the rounded gripping area does all I ask, and the cutters will handle any wire, or domestic electrical cable.

My needs also have a bit more outdoor oriented aspect. I bought them and returned them immediately - I hadn't realised how small and narrow (10mm) the head was, and that the flat gripping area was so short. Now I'm weighing up what to get instead.

I have to say though, that although the Knipex are good quality and value, I’m coming round to the view that I slightly prefer the Facom.

I shortlisted the 187A.20G but thought it looked a bit oddly long (42mm jaw) and thin (11.5mm thick). I'm not sure what to think of their modern comfort handles (even after removing the spring), and I'd prefer not to have the chrome that comes with them. It also comes in a Stanley flavour 0-89-868. Looking at Gedore 8250-200 next.

 

[Dave455]

Those proportions seem well balanced.


And even on the 200, it's only 9mm.


I can also see the 03 has a thinner head (narrower jaw), at least in the 200 length. The thickness of the 02 200 is 13mm which I feel is about right. Why do you consider 03 more of an equivalent, given the Facom is high leverage?


This isn't to my liking, as I have no need for such a long cutter in a multi purpose plier especially a shorter one. Both the 180 and 200 have 16mm-ish blades within 32mm and 37mm jaw lengths respectively (Facom are 36mm and 42mm). But I appreciate they are just balancing various trade-offs with their design.


My needs also have a bit more outdoor oriented aspect. I bought them and returned them immediately - I hadn't realised how small and narrow (10mm) the head was, and that the flat gripping area was so short. Now I'm weighing up what to get instead.


I shortlisted the 187A.20G but thought it looked a bit oddly long (42mm jaw) and thin (11.5mm thick). I'm not sure what to think of their modern comfort handles (even after removing the spring), and I'd prefer not to have the chrome that comes with them. It also comes in a Stanley flavour 0-89-868. Looking at Gedore 8250-200 next.

Yes, they do.

With regard to the Knipex equivalent of the Facom, the Facom look standardish to me, rather than high leverage, and Facom don’t market them as anything other than that. In fact, they only offer one style!

Comparing 180mm pliers, the regular Knipex measure 49mm from pivot to tip. The “high leverage” just 38mm, and the Facom between the two at 44mm. So, they in practice they are a compromise design.

As regards alternatives -

VBW have dreadful grips, especially the rough textured ones. Absolutely awful to use.

NWS have to be an option, but I prefer Knipex generally.

Hazet - not sure who makes their pliers but they are decent, although the grips are a little bulky.


Tsunoda - have to be considered. They offer combination pliers in their King TTC range, although the linemans style seem to be more common.


They also offer stainless steel pliers, which seem harder to obtain outside Japan, but are probably ideal for outdoor work.


Merry - some nice combination pliers. Especially the longer ones. Very suited to outdoor work I feel, but again, you might find the gripping surface on some too small.

Victor - predominantly lineman's style.

Keiba / Fujiya - to be considered.

Channellock - make lovely combination pliers. Not common in the U.S. but they are made

Same applies to Klein - linemans are more common but combination are available.

 

[KnurledNut]

I find the Knipex 03-180 to be too soft, both jaws and cutter. I damaged mine rather easily.
My favorite combination pliers are my Williams, which were rebranded Bahcos but with dipped grips. I don’t think they make this particular model anymore. IIRC they were made in France. I have not used the current Bahcos.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

With regard to the Knipex equivalent of the Facom, the Facom look standardish to me, rather than high leverage, and Facom don’t market them as anything other than that. In fact, they only offer one style!

Comparing 180mm pliers, the regular Knipex measure 49mm from pivot to tip. The “high leverage” just 38mm, and the Facom between the two at 44mm. So, they in practice they are a compromise design.

Interesting. They do use the words "High Mechanical advantage due to off-set rivet and cutting edge geometry reducing effort", but by your numbers that's more marketing speak. Relative to everything else, it's not that important to me.

Tsunoda - have to be considered. They offer combination pliers in their King TTC range, although the linemans style seem to be more common.

I did have a look at them and ordered a PW-103DG (190mm) high-leverage linesman-esque. Good head, but I think I'll be sending it back too as I'm not keen on the comfort grips. They're very rounded so don't spread the pressure near as well as the much flatter Knipex, and the flick at the end (presumably to aid pulling) leaves 2cm of unusable grip, putting my hand too far forward on the arch. A longer version would solve the latter, but dipped handles won't improve on the former, and I do want comfort grips on a cutting plier.

I'd had a look at all those brands except VBW, Victor, and Merry. My existing 20 year old linesman plier looks likely to be a Victor rebrand, it's just satisfactory. But it's a bit of an unusual size and weight, and a linesman, so everything now seems odd in one way or another.

I'm sure many would do the job; they do for loads of people afterall, and I'd get used to it. It comes down to tradeoffs, for me on the current shortlist:

• Facom 187A.20CPE - long thin head, comfort grips are chrome-only.
• Knipex 02 02 200 - short gripping area.
• Gedore 8250-200 JC - tiny bit longer gripping area, comfort grips are chrome-only, not quite a match for Knipex.
• Knipex 03 02 200 - slightly longer gripping area, but thinner head than 02, and softer cutting edges.
• Klein J20017NE linesman - twice the price of the others (although that's not a stopper). But it's most like what I currently have.

Thanks, and apologies to any Facom fans who might have been hoping to see a new arrival!

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I find the Knipex 03-180 to be too soft, both jaws and cutter. I damaged mine rather easily.

The 02 is a bit harder at 63 HRC vs. 60 - according to the calculator, that's 16%.

 

[KnurledNut]

The 02 is a bit harder at 63 HRC vs. 60 - according to the calculator, that's 16%.

Yep. Have both. Definitely prefer the harder. I researched all those specs after being disappointed. Probably should have done so beforehand.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

It was suggested to me by @Squankum in the arrivals thread that I cross post here.

Since that, there have been a few more. And I'm pretty much done with my tool refresh project for now.

---

Facom R.209S 1/4″ Drive Wobble Extension Bar 55mm
The Stahlwille equivalent (405W) trades off strength in favour of a wider wobble angle (15deg each way), which was not to my preference.

Facom R.240A 1/4″ Drive Universal Joint
Just because it was a fair bit cheaper than the Stahlwille equivalent (407).


Facom 65 Metric Angled Head Ratchet Ring Wrenches
I had not seen these in offset type before, I expect I'll reach for them more often. Just my most commonly used sizes, as I do have other options (I'd have got an 8x10 if they did one like Beta do with their 195P).


Facom 66A.10X13 Hinged Socket Wrench
Saw this type of wrench used by Swedish YouTuber M. Bjoernstroem, they seemed handy, and reminded me of the same type my dad had in his toolbox in the 90s when I was a kid (I actually remember how loose they were). The special 10x13 size is commonly used enough that I had to try one for myself, despite mostly negative sentiment in threads here about these "Saltus" type wrenches which are still popular in the Nordics. The spring tightness is just right, and the sizes are marked around the sockets three times.


Facom 76.J5PB Angled Socket Wrench bi-hex set
French style "Cles a pipe". Unnecessary, obsolete... maybe, but interesting, and I stumbled upon them relatively cheaply while looking for something else. Think I'll put them on the wall to encourage me to grab them.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Just wondering if anyone here bought the 192T.18UPE. Now discontinued.

And just generally how something like this came to market. Launched in 2018, a good few years after Knipex TwinForce came out - which isn't weird, doesn't need an elastic band to keep it shut, and has a larger jaw opening. I can't even figure out the intention of the lever physics - the ends of the handles are jointed, so the hand force is applied at only half way of the length of the handles. Or maybe it has some characteristic I can't see that makes it really good at some application.

But I'm all for out of the box things like this engineers come up with, getting through corporate and actually produced.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

And just generally how something like this came to market. Launched in 2018

To answer my own question, possibly something to do with celebrating 100 years - https://web.archive.org/web/2019090...nce-coupante-192t-18upe-une-innovation-facom/

And it's good for working on fighter jets!

 

[neophyte]

Just wondering if anyone here bought the 192T.18UPE. Now discontinued.

And just generally how something like this came to market. Launched in 2018, a good few years after Knipex TwinForce came out - which isn't weird, doesn't need an elastic band to keep it shut, and has a larger jaw opening. I can't even figure out the intention of the lever physics - the ends of the handles are jointed, so the hand force is applied at only half way of the length of the handles. Or maybe it has some characteristic I can't see that makes it really good at some application.

But I'm all for out of the box things like this engineers come up with, getting through corporate and actually produced.

Compact size, (or at least length).
Two simply pivot points.
Still has the basic geometry of a sturdy diagonal cutter.

 

[Dave455]

Just wondering if anyone here bought the 192T.18UPE. Now discontinued.

And just generally how something like this came to market. Launched in 2018, a good few years after Knipex TwinForce came out - which isn't weird, doesn't need an elastic band to keep it shut, and has a larger jaw opening. I can't even figure out the intention of the lever physics - the ends of the handles are jointed, so the hand force is applied at only half way of the length of the handles. Or maybe it has some characteristic I can't see that makes it really good at some application.

But I'm all for out of the box things like this engineers come up with, getting through corporate and actually produced.

I don’t know what the original role was for this tool. I suspect there was a specific use in mind.

But this is just so typical of Facom, and one of the reasons I like their tools. Original ideas, nicely executed - as you put it “out of the box” - and generally available at a reasonable price.

Sometimes Facom are ahead of the game. I’ve got several tools in thst category. Sometimes things don’t quite work out, and new designs fade away, as seems to be the case here

All too often though, I think they are too far ahead, and innovative things are discontinued before most prospective buyers are even aware of their existence.

So long as they keep trying I’m happy!

 

[Phang]

I don’t know what the original role was for this tool. I suspect there was a specific use in mind.

But this is just so typical of Facom, and one of the reasons I like their tools. Original ideas, nicely executed - as you put it “out of the box” - and generally available at a reasonable price.

Sometimes Facom are ahead of the game. I’ve got several tools in thst category. Sometimes things don’t quite work out, and new designs fade away, as seems to be the case here

All too often though, I think they are too far ahead, and innovative things are discontinued before most prospective buyers are even aware of their existence.

So long as they keep trying I’m happy!

does 40R fits your description of "FACOM ways"?

anyone else make an open wrench with a similar broken jaw?

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

anyone else make an open wrench with a similar broken jaw?

Pretty sure I remember someone posting that type by Snap-on, in the new tool arrivals thread a few weeks back.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

I suspect there was a specific use in mind.

Perhaps it was something like - make a high leverage cutter, go a bit wild on the innovation theme for the 100th anniversary, and don't infringe upon Knipex's patents.

The only redeeming feature I can imagine is that there might be an ergonomic benefit for repetitive use, as your strongest fingers operate directly on the movement range, without needing to shift your hand back to the end of the handles like on a normal plier.

 

[Phang]

Pretty sure I remember someone posting that type by Snap-on, in the new tool arrivals thread a few weeks back.

thanks, I just googled, they call it "speed wrench"

 

[Dave455]

does 40R fits your description of "FACOM ways"?

anyone else make an open wrench with a similar broken jaw?

Yes, that’s exactly what I mean!

I have a few of these, and they work exceptionally well, once you understand how they work.

Unfortunately, the number of times these are useful are relatively few, and if you don’t have these wrenches in your main box it’s sometimes quicker to do the job by other means.

Pretty sure I remember someone posting that type by Snap-on, in the new tool arrivals thread a few weeks back.

Yes, Snap On make, or made, these too.

 

[neophyte]

does 40R fits your description of "FACOM ways"?

anyone else make an open wrench with a similar broken jaw?

That’s called an “Open End Ratcheting Wrench”, although there may be other names.
I think it was claimed a while ago that the double open end ratcheting wrenches Armstrong used to make used the same open ratcheting geometry. (Some sort of Facom/Armstrong sharing agreement).
Open End ratcheting designs probably go back at least a 100 years though.
Every once in a while someone patents a new slight tweak to the geometry.
Snap-On has made a number of different versions over the years, although most seem to remain in regular production for only a few years.
Supposedly one of the Snap-On designs was made as a torque wrench head, and used for quickly tightening something to correct torque on one of the Detroit Auto Production lines.
Those were probably specially ordered by the manufacturer.
The Armstrong version are sometimes available on eBay.
The Snap-On version have been made in numerous types, some with box ends, some with open ends, and maybe flare wrench ends as well.
These also turn up on eBay, but I don’t know the item numbers.
Gearwrench makes a version with an extra mechanical piece in the ratcheting open end jaw.
Personally I would avoid this, but I think the wrenches have been available for a while so maybe they work.
Facom probably kept their version available and in production as long as any other manufacturer, except the SAE sizes.

 

[Phang]

That’s called an “Open End Ratcheting Wrench”, although there may be other names.
I think it was claimed a while ago that the double open end ratcheting wrenches Armstrong used to make used the same open ratcheting geometry. (Some sort of Facom/Armstrong sharing agreement).
Open End ratcheting designs probably go back at least a 100 years though.
Every once in a while someone patents a new slight tweak to the geometry.
Snap-On has made a number of different versions over the years, although most seem to remain in regular production for only a few years.
Supposedly one of the Snap-On designs was made as a torque wrench head, and used for quickly tightening something to correct torque on one of the Detroit Auto Production lines.
Those were probably specially ordered by the manufacturer.
The Armstrong version are sometimes available on eBay.
The Snap-On version have been made in numerous types, some with box ends, some with open ends, and maybe flare wrench ends as well.
These also turn up on eBay, but I don’t know the item numbers.
Gearwrench makes a version with an extra mechanical piece in the ratcheting open end jaw.
Personally I would avoid this, but I think the wrenches have been available for a while so maybe they work.
Facom probably kept their version available and in production as long as any other manufacturer, except the SAE sizes.

thanks for sharing

that open ratcheting geometry is uncommon here, and I am not a snap-on fans (because of the shiny chrome), hence know nothing about snap-on lineup

the closest one is made by King Tony with a movable piece in the jaw

 

[neophyte]

thanks for sharing

that open ratcheting geometry is uncommon here, and I am not a snap-on fans (because of the shiny chrome), hence know nothing about snap-on lineup

the closest one is made by King Tony with a movable piece in the jaw

I have no clue if the King Tony version would work better better than the single piece versions or not.
The King Tony version looks to use the same or a similar system to the Gearwrench version.
Solid designs have been around long enough that a number of the designs would no longer be under patent protection.
“Jonard” makes a solid version that still seems to be available for sale.
It may be based on one of the older Snap-On designs, but I’m not completely sure.

 

[F-22]

Just wondering if anyone here bought the 192T.18UPE. Now discontinued.

And just generally how something like this came to market. Launched in 2018, a good few years after Knipex TwinForce came out - which isn't weird, doesn't need an elastic band to keep it shut, and has a larger jaw opening. I can't even figure out the intention of the lever physics - the ends of the handles are jointed, so the hand force is applied at only half way of the length of the handles. Or maybe it has some characteristic I can't see that makes it really good at some application.

But I'm all for out of the box things like this engineers come up with, getting through corporate and actually produced.

For snipping light duty wire, it is probably nice if your finders are close to the pivot. You can't do that with regular pliers. I think these are probably very comfy to use.

 

[NightSky]

The ratcheting open end wrench discussed above is reminiscent of the Wera Joker wrench lineup as shown on the KC tools product page: https://www.kctool.com/wera-020103-joker-6004-self-setting-wrench-medium/.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

The only redeeming feature I can imagine is that there might be an ergonomic benefit for repetitive use, as your strongest fingers operate directly on the movement range, without needing to shift your hand back to the end of the handles like on a normal plier.

For snipping light duty wire, it is probably nice if your finders are close to the pivot. You can't do that with regular pliers. I think these are probably very comfy to use.

This video showing the hand action seems to support this

 

[F-22]

This video showing the hand action seems to support this

I can see how it could be nifty to snip things with it. But I must say it looks extremely odd and I can believe they sold poorly.

 

[autobon7]

I have several of the Facom Hinged Socket Wrenches (above post # 572) and use them frequently. Agree that the spring tightness is outstanding.

 

[Squankum]

"Scars, natural marks, and variations in color are inherent to leather and underline its beauty. They attest to the purity of the hide."

Although I'm a bit surprised to see a couple of misspellings in there.

Nobody expects la dictée francaise! Our chief weapon is surprise...surprise and spelling… surprise and spelling… our two weapons are surprise and spelling… and ruthless grading… Our three weapons are surprise, spelling, and ruthless grading… and an almost fanatical devotion to l’Academie francaise. Our four...no... amongst our weapons.... amongst our weaponry... are such elements as surprise, spelling. I'll come in again.

 

[Squankum]

To answer my own question, possibly something to do with celebrating 100 years - https://web.archive.org/web/2019090...nce-coupante-192t-18upe-une-innovation-facom/

And it's good for working on fighter jets!

What in the wild world of sports are you cuttin' all of those wires at once for, son? We didn't get a work order about that!
That video could be an avionics technician at work or it could be a saboteur. Cuts up a wiring harness when nobody else is in and walks away..

 

[Squankum]

does 40R fits your description of "FACOM ways"?

anyone else make an open wrench with a similar broken jaw?

Back in the days of Sears & Roebuck, Craftsman had them for a little while, too.

 

[Squankum]

I can't even figure out the intention of the lever physics - the ends of the handles are jointed, so the hand force is applied at only half way of the length of the handles. Or maybe it has some characteristic I can't see that makes it really good at some application.

I'm not fully comfortable with my analysis of the situtation, but I have a guess.

FACOM still has a page up for it:

https://facom.com.pl/en/13133-192t18upepb-side-cutter-ergonomic-ultra-strong-180-mm.html

They call it "Patented 3-Arm cam-curve design multiplies the cutting force whilst maintaining a compact span that fits the hand."

(Just like your linesman pliers discussion above, going bigger easily solves a lot of problems but then creates a bulk issue. I love my Knipex 10" linesman pliers but they live in a drawer.)

My guess is that every bit of squeezing force your hand makes goes through that rear pivot, making for an effectively longer lever arm. Also, it's one lever acting upon another lever and I'm not sure how much multiplication a class 2 lever (web of thumb, strong part of grip) and class 3 lever (rest of hand) acting upon the usual class 1 lever counts for. And that class 1 lever is shorter than usual. Maybe it adds up to more lever arm than the distance between usual pivot point and rearward pivot point, but darned if I know. If it's just the distance between pivot points, that alone isn't bad.

Unless it looks weird and scares the timid and doesn't sell. Dangit.

 

[Squankum]

I should add that I don’t think you can go far wrong with these sets. My own “Nano” set is probably my most used 1/4”drive.

The quality, even Taiwan made, is very high. Very close to Snap On (not quite as good I admit) but might even score slightly higher on consistency. (I’ve never received a “Friday afternoon” Facom)!

The content of the sets, with the included 1/4” bits, is exactly what you need on modern vehicles, and the fitted plastic boxes are just so well thought out that nothing else comes close.

Agreed! I've come back months later to say, yes, I took this Nano (and a big toolbag) on a trip recently and it seemed like every day something came up where I was into the Nano box. Changing the blower fan on an old Ford Econoline? Just the tools for that job! Removing the Econoline headlights for some wiring diagnosis? Yep. Disassembling a leaky outdoor sink with rubbery sleeve joints and a lot of hose clamps? Again. (My philosophy is, I will never go after a screw-type hose clamp with a screwdriver as long as a nut driver is available.) Remove the blocking plate to lower the spare tire on the Econoline? Somebody broke off the plastic tab-head and lost the trunk tool for that tab-head, too? But it's got a Torx T30 center bolt? Nano to the rescue!




(Okay, I also won't use a "bit" screwdriver when a real screwdriver is available, too. French-made sub-FACOM screwdriver shown.)

 

[Squankum]

Facom offer those sets with several different ratchets.

The round head ratchet’s are made in Italy.


As are the “dustproof” ratchet’s.


Not sure about the Rotator ratchets. There was recently a slight design change so I’m suspecting Taiwan now.


The original “palm control” ratchet’s are Italian.


The ratchet you have


And it’s quick release cousin

are both made in Taiwan.

Your set is therefore predominantly made in Taiwan, except for the screwdriver style spinner handle, which will be made in France, as all Facom screwdrivers continue to be.

I think the general consensus around here is that Facom are one of the few companies who managed to outsource to Taiwan without any major deterioration in quality.

There are some tools that I notice are not quite as good, and some that are simply slightly different, but Facom took the trouble to have their own patterns of tool made in Taiwan, and to the same standards, rather than taking the lazy option of simply rebadging generic products.

Screwdrivers, pliers and hex keys, together with some more specialised tools, continue to be made in France.

Although generally, I do slightly prefer the French made tools, with regard to 1/4“ drive ratchets I’d opt for the style I preferred, irrespective of country of origin. It’s seldom I say that.

The “nano” sets are available with all the ratchet’s shown, and the boxes remain the best out there!

Thanks for the ratchet knowledge. I got to use my Nano box recently on a working "vacation" and I'm tickled. And that's a good little ratchet they gave me, made in Taiwan.



I'm a fan of Taiwanese tools already. For my shop box, I have no urge to shop for any 1/4" dr. ratchets -- some Pittsburgh Pro ratchets I got at HF before ICON was even a sub-brand, well, the teeth are fine and plentiful, the backdrag light, the ball retention doesn't fight you. I love 'em to death!

 

[lu787a]

Why do some of these Facom ratchet sets have holes in the boxes? Is it just for design's sake?

 

[Phang]

I think it has to do with the anatomy of human palm

our grip is the stronger between the base of the palm and fingers nearer to the thumb, weakest at the pinky

on a conventional shape pliers, those stronger gripping force is wasted by gripping nearer to the fulcrum of the pliers

I happened to have a spring grip on my desk

it felt lighter when you reverse it

 

[Squankum]

I think it has to do with the anatomy of human palm

our grip is the stronger between the base of the palm and fingers nearer to the thumb, weakest at the pinky

on a conventional shape pliers, those stronger gripping force is wasted by gripping nearer to the fulcrum of the pliers

I happened to have a spring grip on my desk

it felt lighter when you reverse it

That's what I was thinking! And I remember that effect. Lots more more strength in the webby zone.

 

[Squankum]

Why do some of these Facom ratchet sets have holes in the boxes? Is it just for design's sake?

It's so you can inspect to make sure no sockets are missing. If it weren't for those holes you'd have to... uh, open the lid, I guess. Kind of a FOD issue (foreigh object, debris), I guess, so expensive/critical machinery isn't brought down by the socket you left behind.

 

[Phang]

It's so you can inspect to make sure no sockets are missing. If it weren't for those holes you'd have to... uh, open the lid, I guess. Kind of a FOD issue (foreigh object, debris), I guess, so expensive/critical machinery isn't brought down by the socket you left behind.

FOD proof