ssdave
Banned
Just some rambling comments about how much I enjoy using quality favorite tools. Not intended to be a commentary on a particular brand or tool, just general comments about enjoying tools I like and work well for me.
I worked on assembling and working on some non-automotive things this weekend that took a large assortment of mechanical tools, used in different ways and conditions. Doing non-vehicle work is always interesting in the difference in tools that are used and how they work. Automotive work is getting more and more to be about using the tool that will work, not the one you prefer.
The thing that I found striking is how much I enjoyed using certain tools that are exactly right and work well for the job. I’ve made a concerted effort over the past 5 years to get rid of tools I don’t like, and replace them with tools that feel exactly right and work well. In retrospect, that effort was well spent.
I observed again that I preferred the short dbe 11xx series Proto wrenches. These are my all-time favorites to use where longer leverage is not needed. I also really enjoyed the longer Snap-on XV series dbe, with their long leverage. I had to use metric combo’s also, and the Snap-on OEX were the choice there. They are a pleasure to use, the ergonomics are good and they just balance well and feel good. In SAE, I used both 6 point short proto combo’s, and the standard length 12xx series Proto. The 12 point are so much nicer to use. The 6 point is really limiting and annoying. I like the Proto Professional satin finish 12xx’s nearly as well as the OEX’s. Can’t think why I didn’t use the full polish Proto 500, just didn’t open that drawer of the box, I guess. Just in the habit of using the satin finish ones, unless I’m working on oily things, where I go for the full polish instead. Used my ratcheting wrenches a few times, really getting to like the JSCV USA made Proto’s. Work nice, feel good, fit into spaces well. But, I like using the solid combo’s better except where the ratcheting is needed for speed. The ratcheting wrenches really work well to drive the bolster on Snap-on screwdrivers, though. The offset angle is perfect for that use.
I surprised myself on ratchets. After using several, I fell back to using my 1980’s plastic handle F726. The old 20 tooth ratchet felt much better to me than my new F80’s. I tried several of the F80’s (straight, bent, flex, chrome and soft handle), and a bent flex Cornwell, but definitely preferred the old F726. I may put a 30 tooth rebuild kit in it, as it’s getting worn to the slightly sloppy point. I used ¼” drive a few times, it was the midget M70 Snap-on ratchet there. I also used the 3/8 in ¼” body 936 conversion. It worked, but wasn’t preferred.
Sockets, I predominately used my Proto 3/8” drive deep, although I got into the ¼” drive Snap-on a few times. I like using deep sockets to move my hands away from the work, without an added extension. The smooth chrome and profile just feel good and work well. Where I used an extension, I preferred my snap-on ones. I grabbed one of the wobble ones by mistake once, and immediately went and got a regular one.
I used my SO Talon needle nose a bunch. Along with Proto mini channel lock type ignition pliers. My favorite two pliers. Also used Klein rebar tying style linesman type pliers. The curved pinky holding end of the grips is great for making them easier to use in pulling and twisting things. Just right design there.
I had to use a Snap On angle wrench to turn a bolt in an awkward location without room for a box end. Life saver; couldn’t have done it without the angle wrench.
For a change, didn’t use a ratcheting screwdriver much. Used the fixed blade, square hard handle SO, mostly in smaller sizes. The quality blades and the fit made them a pleasure to use, along with perfect size/weight balance. Those are just a nice design, and well executed. I was mostly doing small electrical work with them, and the size is much better for this than the ratcheting one I use for heavier work.
Really enjoyed overall having quality, excellent performing tools that I like. Much better than the days when I used what I had, and just hoped I had something that worked and was "good enough".
I worked on assembling and working on some non-automotive things this weekend that took a large assortment of mechanical tools, used in different ways and conditions. Doing non-vehicle work is always interesting in the difference in tools that are used and how they work. Automotive work is getting more and more to be about using the tool that will work, not the one you prefer.
The thing that I found striking is how much I enjoyed using certain tools that are exactly right and work well for the job. I’ve made a concerted effort over the past 5 years to get rid of tools I don’t like, and replace them with tools that feel exactly right and work well. In retrospect, that effort was well spent.
I observed again that I preferred the short dbe 11xx series Proto wrenches. These are my all-time favorites to use where longer leverage is not needed. I also really enjoyed the longer Snap-on XV series dbe, with their long leverage. I had to use metric combo’s also, and the Snap-on OEX were the choice there. They are a pleasure to use, the ergonomics are good and they just balance well and feel good. In SAE, I used both 6 point short proto combo’s, and the standard length 12xx series Proto. The 12 point are so much nicer to use. The 6 point is really limiting and annoying. I like the Proto Professional satin finish 12xx’s nearly as well as the OEX’s. Can’t think why I didn’t use the full polish Proto 500, just didn’t open that drawer of the box, I guess. Just in the habit of using the satin finish ones, unless I’m working on oily things, where I go for the full polish instead. Used my ratcheting wrenches a few times, really getting to like the JSCV USA made Proto’s. Work nice, feel good, fit into spaces well. But, I like using the solid combo’s better except where the ratcheting is needed for speed. The ratcheting wrenches really work well to drive the bolster on Snap-on screwdrivers, though. The offset angle is perfect for that use.
I surprised myself on ratchets. After using several, I fell back to using my 1980’s plastic handle F726. The old 20 tooth ratchet felt much better to me than my new F80’s. I tried several of the F80’s (straight, bent, flex, chrome and soft handle), and a bent flex Cornwell, but definitely preferred the old F726. I may put a 30 tooth rebuild kit in it, as it’s getting worn to the slightly sloppy point. I used ¼” drive a few times, it was the midget M70 Snap-on ratchet there. I also used the 3/8 in ¼” body 936 conversion. It worked, but wasn’t preferred.
Sockets, I predominately used my Proto 3/8” drive deep, although I got into the ¼” drive Snap-on a few times. I like using deep sockets to move my hands away from the work, without an added extension. The smooth chrome and profile just feel good and work well. Where I used an extension, I preferred my snap-on ones. I grabbed one of the wobble ones by mistake once, and immediately went and got a regular one.
I used my SO Talon needle nose a bunch. Along with Proto mini channel lock type ignition pliers. My favorite two pliers. Also used Klein rebar tying style linesman type pliers. The curved pinky holding end of the grips is great for making them easier to use in pulling and twisting things. Just right design there.
I had to use a Snap On angle wrench to turn a bolt in an awkward location without room for a box end. Life saver; couldn’t have done it without the angle wrench.
For a change, didn’t use a ratcheting screwdriver much. Used the fixed blade, square hard handle SO, mostly in smaller sizes. The quality blades and the fit made them a pleasure to use, along with perfect size/weight balance. Those are just a nice design, and well executed. I was mostly doing small electrical work with them, and the size is much better for this than the ratcheting one I use for heavier work.
Really enjoyed overall having quality, excellent performing tools that I like. Much better than the days when I used what I had, and just hoped I had something that worked and was "good enough".
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