The Gimmick Tool addiction thread! :)

[HolyGrail]

Lol. Some of you own this tool....don't lie. Lets see them **** tools you won't get rid of.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I actually use the gator grip sockets to install eye hooks for hanging things. I had gotten a hammer/flashlight years ago, right about when I tossed my Robogrips

 

[ARFLY]

Lol. Some of you own this tool....don't lie. Lets see them **** tools you won't get rid of.

I am not sure that is really a gimmick tool. It looks like a copy of the Knipex plier wrench which is highly regarded on here. I have a lot of Craftsman gimmick tools as I collect Craftsman stuff. Some are interesting and some do actually come in handy at times. I can't get pictures right now, but here are a few I own.
Craftsman pocket socket
Craftsman extreme grip adjustable wrench
Craftsman Reflex adjustable wrench
Craftsman gripmaster pliers
Craftsman max axess locking wrench
Craftsman clench wrench
I also have the Robo grips and various other Craftsman laminated steel pliers.

 

[Oily Nails]

"TURBO"

The trademark of a gimmick tool! If turbo is in the title it's probably a terrible tool [emoji16]

My "turbo" pliers from Olympia tools. Basically the same as those pliers in the video of the first post. Made from pressed steel parts.

Bought 2nd hand for £1 because they were wierd and I was bored [emoji38]

Not actually bad...but do nothing normal pliers can't do better with attention... Certainly not TURBO

Sent from my G8341 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Chucktin]

I got suckered into buying a set of Kobalt vice-grip knockoffs (I don't be recall what they were called). Ab-so-lute krap! Never did work properly. The one tool I wouldn't mind loosing and, of course, I never do.

 

[ARFLY]

"TURBO"

The trademark of a gimmick tool! If turbo is in the title it's probably a terrible tool [emoji16]

My "turbo" pliers from Olympia tools. Basically the same as those pliers in the video of the first post. Made from pressed steel parts.

Bought 2nd hand for £1 because they were wierd and I was bored [emoji38]

Not actually bad...but do nothing normal pliers can't do better with attention... Certainly not TURBO

Sent from my G8341 using The Garage Journal mobile app

Those look like what is sold in the US as Robo grips.

 

[seber]

I have two of that type sold by MAC just because they were each a dollar at different estate sales. They are more solidly built than the ones referenced but still do not replace a good slip joint. MAC gets something like $70 for them. Ouch.

 

[may0naise]

I have a stanley demo wrench https://www.stanleytools.com/produc...es/fatmax-10-adjustable-demo-wrench/fmht75081 it is in my trunk tool set.

 

[El_Guapo]

I've had a set of Robogrips for 20+ years, and have found them indispensable for removing stubborn old flare/tube fittings. Filed the teeth extra sharp and they work great for that sole purpose.

 

[ezover]

sorry no pictures but I have a 90 degree 3/8 extension.

ah a link https://www.toolsid.com/cal-van-too...MI7PfT677F3wIVDY1pCh0EpAIFEAQYAiABEgJi9PD_BwE

 

[BroncoAZ]

In about 2001, as a joke, I welded the Gator Grip socket to one of those multi slotted two sided all 16th’s wrenches to create Ghetto Wrench. Unfortunately I don’t have pics, but Ghetto Wrench is still in my buddy’s tool box all these years later.

 

[danielbuck]

I have a small old (steel & brass) hammer that the bottom screws out to reveal a "russian doll" type set of 4 or 5 progressively smaller screwdrivers. There's probably 8 or 9 different set of threads on the entire piece to keep it together, would be a very interesting lathe project.

I've used it for hammering small tack nails in furniture (repairing), but I really don't use it for anything. I like keeping it around though, partly because it was my father's. But partly because it's just kinda interesting. Not really useful for much, although I guess if it's all you had, you could hammer and pry with it, and use the small screwdrivers.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I have a small old (steel & brass) hammer that the bottom screws out to reveal a "russian doll" type set of 4 or 5 progressively smaller screwdrivers. There's probably 8 or 9 different set of threads on the entire piece to keep it together, would be a very interesting lathe project.

I've used it for hammering small tack nails in furniture (repairing), but I really don't use it for anything. I like keeping it around though, partly because it was my father's. But partly because it's just kinda interesting. Not really useful for much, although I guess if it's all you had, you could hammer and pry with it, and use the small screwdrivers.

I always lusted after those at the hardware store when I was a kid. My dad never let me get one.

 

[ChrisLS8]

A quick search sees that Great Neck, Hyper Tough and even Rite Aid have those. Never heard of em till now

 

[mr.lemons]

Gimmick tools you say? How about balisong chisel and scraper. The chisel can be flipped open and closed one handed but the scraper cannot. Both very plasticy and don't get used but I like them anyway.

 

[danielbuck]

that small scraper actually looks pretty useful, if it's constructed well. My small scraper (about that same size) has no way to cover the blade. I've got another one that's retractable, but it's so old that it's very difficult to retract (I'm sure if I cleaned it out, it would probably work fine)

 

[Jay H 237]

Working industrial controls/maintance/repair and assembly the Robogrip pliers I use all the time for motor and resolver connections. They slip enough that you won't damage or crush the connections.

 

[Parrothead]

I've had a set of Robogrips for 20+ years, and have found them indispensable for removing stubborn old flare/tube fittings. Filed the teeth extra sharp and they work great for that sole purpose.

I actually really like my Robo Grips too. I use them for various things like removing aerators and such. Mine grip enough they’ll remove them without damage

 

[FigureItOut]

I have a small old (steel & brass) hammer that the bottom screws out to reveal a "russian doll" type set of 4 or 5 progressively smaller screwdrivers. There's probably 8 or 9 different set of threads on the entire piece to keep it together, would be a very interesting lathe project.

I've used it for hammering small tack nails in furniture (repairing), but I really don't use it for anything. I like keeping it around though, partly because it was my father's. But partly because it's just kinda interesting. Not really useful for much, although I guess if it's all you had, you could hammer and pry with it, and use the small screwdrivers.

I've always liked those things. In the 1'st grade, we had some sort of event in which you would earn points, maybe it was selling wrapping paper, and one of those hammers was an item you could buy with points. Getting that thing was my only goal, and I got it. I hadn't seen one in years, but my wife has one and I can't help but disassemble and reassemble it every time I come across it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using Tapatalk

 

[DFB]

Gimmick tools you say? How about balisong chisel and scraper. The chisel can be flipped open and closed one handed but the scraper cannot. Both very plasticy and don't get used but I like them anyway.

Having a good sharp chisel in my tool bag is often a must.
Not really a half bad idea and I actually like it.

Curious now if there was multiple sizes offered.

Protects both the tip and your gear from damages. Rubber caps get lost and the crummy vinyl pouch sleeves never hold up anyways. Ha...mine are all reinforced with duct tape!

Now provided it holds up when you hit it with a hammer

 

[vaultdweller]

My robogrips finally gave up the ghost last year. Took back to sears and they let me pick out what I wanted to replace them sinc they no longer exist.

I still have a couple equivalent by kobalt. They’re hit and miss with usability.

 

[Jack84]

The Gimmick Tool addiction thread!

The Black & Decker battery powered adjustable wrench comes to mind.



Never had the pleasure of owning one.

 

[flyt100]

I have a small old (steel & brass) hammer that the bottom screws out to reveal a "russian doll" type set of 4 or 5 progressively smaller screwdrivers. There's probably 8 or 9 different set of threads on the entire piece to keep it together, would be a very interesting lathe project.

I've used it for hammering small tack nails in furniture (repairing), but I really don't use it for anything. I like keeping it around though, partly because it was my father's. But partly because it's just kinda interesting. Not really useful for much, although I guess if it's all you had, you could hammer and pry with it, and use the small screwdrivers.

I have one of those laying around somewhere. I have no idea where it came from..

 

[Greg85mcss]

I've always liked those things. In the 1'st grade, we had some sort of event in which you would earn points, maybe it was selling wrapping paper, and one of those hammers was an item you could buy with points. Getting that thing was my only goal, and I got it. I hadn't seen one in years, but my wife has one and I can't help but disassemble and reassemble it every time I come across it.

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I don't remember exactly but I got those in some random way when I was a little kid and thought they were super cool.
My mother in law is always getting me gimmicky **** like that big leatherman with the hammer head at Walmart and the tiger wrench. I end up using them once in a while when I don't want to run out to the shed.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

 

[Millwrong]

Maybe it was just that guy's super-manly voice, but I'd give those pliers a go if they were priced right. For what I use slip-joints like that for, I don't see how they could perform any worse....

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a multiple wrench tool that I used to keep in my turn out gear. I have since moved it to the pack I carry with my gear rather than on me.

I need to get a picture of it.

 

[unslow1]

sorry no pictures but I have a 90 degree 3/8 extension.

ah a link https://www.toolsid.com/cal-van-too...MI7PfT677F3wIVDY1pCh0EpAIFEAQYAiABEgJi9PD_BwE

Advance Auto stocks those.

 

[DFB]

I been cleaning up my work tools, its that time of year to catch up on things in my downtime here. And so I just found this goofy T handle ratcheting socket wrench. Someone gave it me this summer or last summer at my tool tent. It was brand new. Push the orange button on the handle the jaws extend and open. It will turn a hex fastener sae or metric though it only opens up to 1/2" or 13mm. (5/16" lag screw in the photo) I threw it in a tool bag never to be used

Just for grins I was looking it over thinking maybe it could double as a ratcheting tap handle or something but bummer it doesn't actually tighten down to hold something

That stupid hook wrench been around for years it just stays on a workbench never to be utilized, EVER! And keep thinking you maybe can find a use for it but nope that never happens...

Just can't seem to throw it out though

 

[Tduby]

I have a small old (steel & brass) hammer that the bottom screws out to reveal a "russian doll" type set of 4 or 5 progressively smaller screwdrivers. There's probably 8 or 9 different set of threads on the entire piece to keep it together, would be a very interesting lathe project.

I've used it for hammering small tack nails in furniture (repairing), but I really don't use it for anything. I like keeping it around though, partly because it was my father's. But partly because it's just kinda interesting. Not really useful for much, although I guess if it's all you had, you could hammer and pry with it, and use the small screwdrivers.

I have the exact same thing it’s good for picture hanging duty and I love fidgeting with it.
Also why is everyone hating on robo-grips I love mine for a quick easy task pliers

 

[Shootinok]

The Gimmick Tool addiction thread!

...hook wrench been around for years ...

Looks like it would open beers
I’d use it for that [emoji14]



Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[speed bump]

Gimmick tools you say? How about balisong chisel and scraper. The chisel can be flipped open and closed one handed but the scraper cannot. Both very plasticy and don't get used but I like them anyway.

Those are actually pretty sweet. If they made a decent quality chisel I would buy it to keep in my tool belt for trim work.

The gimmick tool I wish was better built is the old Craftsman ratcheting adjustable. If it was more solidly built it would be a useful tool.

 

[eyeball]

Lol. Some of you own this tool....don't lie. Lets see them **** tools you won't get rid of.

Call it “Knipex Pliers Wrench Pro” and there would be rave reviews on Garage Journal.

 

[vaultdweller]

I have the exact same thing it’s good for picture hanging duty and I love fidgeting with it.
Also why is everyone hating on robo-grips I love mine for a quick easy task pliers

My local hardware store sells that hammer. I have a tendency to go shopping at the hardware store when I’m sick. Almost bought that last time I had the flu because of how near it was. Common sense beat the fever impulse after I realized I could get a ratcheting flex Channellock 14mm wrench for the same price.

 

[HolyGrail]

Hmmmmm, not sure how many need a ruler on a hammer.

 

[ARFLY]

That is quite impressive how the video didn't really show the crow bar or the hammer in real use, just lightly tapping a nail and pulling a nail that is barely in the wood. Who is going to fess up to owning this one?

I was at Ace today and saw the Stanley folding chisel, not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

 

[Brosieden]

The Stanley folding chisel is nice! I don't think it's a gimmick, it's just good for keeping in a tool apron. I think I remember owning a FastCap one as well that cracked when I hammered on it in cold weather. Never had that problem with the Stanley.

 

[Alpine4x4]

sorry no pictures but I have a 90 degree 3/8 extension.

ah a link https://www.toolsid.com/cal-van-too...MI7PfT677F3wIVDY1pCh0EpAIFEAQYAiABEgJi9PD_BwE

Does it actually work?

 

[shanny19]

Does it actually work?

If you approach the job knowing that it’s not a precision zero-runout device, and it’s not an impact grade device, yeah, they work fine.

They’re also a fun toy. Funner to handle than your average fidget spinner. Not as much fun as your average brunette spinner.

 

[unknownroad]

Saw this today one one of the sites I frequent and had to pull up this thread to add it.
https://sport.woot.com/offers/off-grid-tools-survival-axe?ref=w_cnt_cdet_sprt_dly_img

I'm not sure I've ever encountered a bolt installed in such a way that I'd be able to turn it with that monstrosity.

 

[GaryM909]

I have had this for about 10 years, used it once.
Jaws is the brand name.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=848301&stc=1&d=1546716952