Tools from the old world

[Dave455]

The screwdriver looks like Felo which is made in Germany, so just as well some of the rest might be too

I have tools from all three - Hazet, Stahlwille and Wurth. I think you will be perfectly fine with the Wurth set, I bought the same one and that's how I got into this brand. Now I have their tool cart and some tools in foam inserts. I think Wurth hits the sweet spot, the price to quality ratio is really good. Stahlwille is very expensive, too expensive for most of the time. The socket sets' prices are crazy. Same goes for Hazet.

For DIY, or even professional use I believe you would be fine with Wurth. I have seen many shops use worse tools (Teng for example, which I agree is utter garbage) and go by perfectly fine. Also it's about focus - if you have limited budget, you could buy way more decent tools for the price of Stahlwille's socket set.

I say go for the Wurth set given the choice. Spend the rest of the money where it matters - Stahlwille torque wrenches are perhaps some of the best on the market. I have set and like them a lot.

I have that set. They are good tools, and if you can find them on a deal (which they often are) they are excellent value.

The socket driver does not appear to be by Felo. Although it is “similar” to the Ergonic, it is not the same. I actually prefer the handle to the Felo, which I find too soft, but the Felo blades are better.

The whole set is made in Taiwan. With some experience you get to recognise the various manufacturers. I quite like the ratchet, as the handle is a harder material than some, and I particularly like the relatively hard foam inlay.

Here is the COO marking on the packing, as required by British rules. I believe that the Wurth packing in some countries omits this.


Overall, it’s a decent set for the money, and adequate for many tasks, but it’s not German quality.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Being in west coast USA I don’t have much opportunity to participate in this thread but yesterday I found this set of Facom 75 series cle-a-pipe wrenches half off at a local tool store. I had seen these online but never in person. Excited to try. A longtime employee said she sourced them because they work great replacing struts which I need to do on my car soon.

 

[gsanvi]

With some experience you get to recognise the various manufacturers.

Great info in your post. Would you care to elaborate what manufacturers do you recognise? I was always curious who makes what for Wurth, but there's limited information online.

 

[Monte]

Interior cleaning brushes

 

[Reed Prince]

Being in west coast USA I don’t have much opportunity to participate in this thread but yesterday I found this set of Facom 75 series cle-a-pipe wrenches half off at a local tool store. I had seen these online but never in person. Excited to try. A longtime employee said she sourced them because they work great replacing struts which I need to do on my car soon.

The Facom pipe wrenches are really nice. I got a good deal on a set of them a few years ago.

 

[Dave455]

Great info in your post. Would you care to elaborate what manufacturers do you recognise? I was always curious who makes what for Wurth, but there's limited information online.

Well, to give some examples, one of the prominent Taiwanese manufacturers is Rotar. They make tools under their own “Toptul” brand name, as well as for others.

Here’s their own bit ratchet set

And here is essentially the same tool, but Facom branded.


I say “essentially” the same tool as the Taiwanese tool companies are more than happy to offer differences in markings, finish, or even styling, provided you can pay for them.

The wrench manufacturer Kabo produce distinctive ratcheting wrenches with a brass screw.


These turn up quite often. I have some Saltus branded ones.


Another prominent manufacturer is Hi Five. The founder of the company, Bobby Hu, developed the fine tooth ratcheting wrench, so that’s their biggest line. They also produce a lot of bit drivers under their Reverse Gear brand. Here is an example from their website.

And here looks to be another, made for Wurth.

As I said before, being made in Taiwan is not such bad news as it once was. I own the Facom bit ratchet above, and it’s obvious that the designer really understood how the tools are used. The innovation, and the attention to detail, are not really matched by any product from the west, where at best you get a generic 1/4’ ratchet converted to a bit driver.

There once was a time you would be let down by the steel, but not really now, although I think German, American or Japanese tools still have the edge here.

With regard to the Wurth set, I doubt that the plating, while it looks good now, will prove to be as durable as the German tools long term, and the fit of the various parts is nowhere near as good as say Hazet.

Am I satisfied for the price paid? Absolutely. This set will work just fine being left on a vehicle. In the case of the Reverse Gear bit ratchet, I would seek the Wurth branded one in preference to others. They opted for a decent finish, and I like the Wurth handle the best. The reasonable price and easy availability are further factors!

Always remember that it’s difficult to generalise where Taiwanese tools are concerned. Although they can produce very decent tools, they will ultimately produce what the customer wants. If the customer wants something really cheap, they will get it!

 

[Samuel D]

As I said before, being made in Taiwan is not such bad news as it once was. I own the Facom bit ratchet above, and it’s obvious that the designer really understood how the tools are used. The innovation, and the attention to detail, are not really matched by any product from the west, where at best you get a generic 1/4’ ratchet converted to a bit driver.

I agree. I have the same Facom R.180 ratchet, keyed extension, etc., in a different set (R1PICO) with five 1/4″-drive sockets and a coupler to drive them, and the whole package is extremely clever. What’s more, the cleverness is practically functional, which isn’t always the case with tool innovations (in fact, I’d argue it’s rare). Even the rubbery plastic case has subtly clever features.

 

[Dave455]

I agree. I have the same Facom R.180 ratchet, keyed extension, etc., in a different set (R1PICO) with five 1/4″-drive sockets and a coupler to drive them, and the whole package is extremely clever. What’s more, the cleverness is practically functional, which isn’t always the case with tool innovations (in fact, I’d argue it’s rare). Even the rubbery plastic case has subtly clever features.

Totally agreed! These sets have a certain attraction, I have to admit!

 

[Qualitytools]

Being in west coast USA I don’t have much opportunity to participate in this thread but yesterday I found this set of Facom 75 series cle-a-pipe wrenches half off at a local tool store. I had seen these online but never in person. Excited to try. A longtime employee said she sourced them because they work great replacing struts which I need to do on my car soon.

I am on the West coast, and would like to get my hand on a set. Care to share where and how much please? You can DM me if you prefer. Thanks

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I am on the West coast, and would like to get my hand on a set. Care to share where and how much please? You can DM me if you prefer. Thanks

K-119 tools in San Francisco. This was $45 after discount. They had 50% off all Facom products. Unfortunately this was the last set of these wrenches they had, there were some other cool things though like these types of locking pliers:

 

[gsanvi]

Well, to give some examples, one of the prominent Taiwanese manufacturers is Rotar. They make tools under their own “Toptul” brand name, as well as for others.

Here’s their own bit ratchet set

And here is essentially the same tool, but Facom branded.


I say “essentially” the same tool as the Taiwanese tool companies are more than happy to offer differences in markings, finish, or even styling, provided you can pay for them.

The wrench manufacturer Kabo produce distinctive ratcheting wrenches with a brass screw.


These turn up quite often. I have some Saltus branded ones.


Another prominent manufacturer is Hi Five. The founder of the company, Bobby Hu, developed the fine tooth ratcheting wrench, so that’s their biggest line. They also produce a lot of bit drivers under their Reverse Gear brand. Here is an example from their website.

And here looks to be another, made for Wurth.

As I said before, being made in Taiwan is not such bad news as it once was. I own the Facom bit ratchet above, and it’s obvious that the designer really understood how the tools are used. The innovation, and the attention to detail, are not really matched by any product from the west, where at best you get a generic 1/4’ ratchet converted to a bit driver.

There once was a time you would be let down by the steel, but not really now, although I think German, American or Japanese tools still have the edge here.

With regard to the Wurth set, I doubt that the plating, while it looks good now, will prove to be as durable as the German tools long term, and the fit of the various parts is nowhere near as good as say Hazet.

Am I satisfied for the price paid? Absolutely. This set will work just fine being left on a vehicle. In the case of the Reverse Gear bit ratchet, I would seek the Wurth branded one in preference to others. They opted for a decent finish, and I like the Wurth handle the best. The reasonable price and easy availability are further factors!

Always remember that it’s difficult to generalise where Taiwanese tools are concerned. Although they can produce very decent tools, they will ultimately produce what the customer wants. If the customer wants something really cheap, they will get it!

I agree with your take on Taiwanese tools. I think sometimes people are too hung up on USA or European made, Taiwanese tools can be on par. What the tool world could really use is some blind testing, because brand loyalty plays a huge role in our perception. As a European I just can't comprehend the hype for Snap On, and the copious amounts of money their tools cost, yet in America they have cult status.

 

[Dave455]

I agree with your take on Taiwanese tools. I think sometimes people are too hung up on USA or European made, Taiwanese tools can be on par. What the tool world could really use is some blind testing, because brand loyalty plays a huge role in our perception. As a European I just can't comprehend the hype for Snap On, and the copious amounts of money their tools cost, yet in America they have cult status.

Some Taiwanese tools are very good. In areas such as innovation, and attention to detail, they generally excel. In areas such as quality of steel, finishing, and even fit, they can be variable. Some good, some not. Ultimately, you can’t generalise.

When you buy a Taiwanese tool (and I have many) you are essentially making a compromise. In a lot of cases you are getting a very good tool for a very reasonable price, and I’m often happy to do that, but understand it is a compromise, and value plays a part.

Snap On remain the best tools available, anywhere. If you use them extensively you will realise why. The fit, the finish, the durability etc etc can not be bettered.

If you doubt this, you only have to look at the demanding specifications for aerospace tools. Many manufacturers offer tools to aerospace specs, but in most cases they are specific ranges of tools, and they can be more expensive than Snap On. Snap On remain the only company who’s regular tools all meet aerospace specs. That is what you pay for.

Would I want to use those expensive tools to bolt up a garden fence or unbolt a TV from a wall? Probably not, hence there is room in my life for different grades of tool!

 

[gsanvi]

Some Taiwanese tools are very good. In areas such as innovation, and attention to detail, they generally excel. In areas such as quality of steel, finishing, and even fit, they can be variable. Some good, some not. Ultimately, you can’t generalise.

When you buy a Taiwanese tool (and I have many) you are essentially making a compromise. In a lot of cases you are getting a very good tool for a very reasonable price, and I’m often happy to do that, but understand it is a compromise, and value plays a part.

Snap On remain the best tools available, anywhere. If you use them extensively you will realise why. The fit, the finish, the durability etc etc can not be bettered.

If you doubt this, you only have to look at the demanding specifications for aerospace tools. Many manufacturers offer tools to aerospace specs, but in most cases they are specific ranges of tools, and they can be more expensive than Snap On. Snap On remain the only company who’s regular tools all meet aerospace specs. That is what you pay for.

Would I want to use those expensive tools to bolt up a garden fence or unbolt a TV from a wall? Probably not, hence there is room in my life for different grades of tool!

I agree. I'm all about the compromise myself too. I always aim for the optimal price to quality ratio, hence the Wurth tools I own. The hand tool market is really large these days - if you do your homework you can find a lot of value buys.

Regarding Snap On - I don't doubt that. I have had very little exposure to their tools, but being in Europe I don't feel like I need to increase it. For pliers for example 95% of the time I choose Knipex. To me the quality is so good, I don't need to look for anything better or more expensive. Same goes for other types of tools, when I need something premium I stick with European brands.

 

[CGarage]

I wanted to buy that Wurth Zebra set.
Phoned up Wurth USA and was told they have no interest in offering the Wurth tools in the U.S.
Apparently, not enough profit margin!

 

[Dave455]

I wanted to buy that Wurth Zebra set.
Phoned up Wurth USA and was told they have no interest in offering the Wurth tools in the U.S.
Apparently, not enough profit margin!

That’s a shame, but I can sort of see why.

The market for Wurth Zebra tools in the U.K. seems split between those who don’t know much about tools, but find that whatever Wurth sends is acceptable, and those who find that the quality / price ratio just hits the sweet spot. For the task I had in mind (something to leave in a vehicle) that was me.

Very few pay the “list” price for Wurth. If you are any sort of business the Wurth reps tend to offer substantial trade discounts. If not, just wait, and the product will probably appear on a special offer. I paid the equivalent of $43 for that set, and you get a decent metal box for that, and a good quality inlay.

If you want one, you will generally find these sets on ebay, especially if they are on a deal. I suspect that folks with good discounts bulk buy and resell. Alternatively, ping me a PM.

 

[CGarage]

Some Taiwanese tools are very good. In areas such as innovation, and attention to detail, they generally excel. In areas such as quality of steel, finishing, and even fit, they can be variable. Some good, some not. Ultimately, you can’t generalise.

When you buy a Taiwanese tool (and I have many) you are essentially making a compromise. In a lot of cases you are getting a very good tool for a very reasonable price, and I’m often happy to do that, but understand it is a compromise, and value plays a part.

Snap On remain the best tools available, anywhere. If you use them extensively you will realise why. The fit, the finish, the durability etc etc can not be bettered.

If you doubt this, you only have to look at the demanding specifications for aerospace tools. Many manufacturers offer tools to aerospace specs, but in most cases they are specific ranges of tools, and they can be more expensive than Snap On. Snap On remain the only company who’s regular tools all meet aerospace specs. That is what you pay for.

Would I want to use those expensive tools to bolt up a garden fence or unbolt a TV from a wall? Probably not, hence there is room in my life for different grades of tool!

A lot of information that I did not know. Another excellent post.

One of our most valuable members, by far.




I have Snap-On and some items are truly tops.

That said, not sure what I would do without Facom and Nepros / Koken / KTC.

There are innovations being pushed from
European manufacturers and Asian manufacturers that Snap-On can’t touch.

 

[MarcSeattle]

The Facom pipe wrenches are really nice. I got a good deal on a set of them a few years ago.

I've always been confused by those. What I see appears like a ratchet/socket, but non-ratcheting, short-leverage, and no-extensions. Plus it has the benefits of being more expensive and taking up a lot of room in the box. I don't want to rain on your choices. I must be missing something because they seem to be popular with the European tool makers.

 

[dukefx]

I agree with your take on Taiwanese tools. I think sometimes people are too hung up on USA or European made, Taiwanese tools can be on par. What the tool world could really use is some blind testing, because brand loyalty plays a huge role in our perception. As a European I just can't comprehend the hype for Snap On, and the copious amounts of money their tools cost, yet in America they have cult status.

I have absolutely no brand loyalty. I tend to buy best in class (within reason of course) if I can and if I actually want the heavy duty stuff.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I've always been confused by those. What I see appears like a ratchet/socket, but non-ratcheting, short-leverage, and no-extensions. Plus it has the benefits of being more expensive and taking up a lot of room in the box. I don't want to rain on your choices. I must be missing something because they seem to be popular with the European tool makers.

Can’t speak from experience yet but what got me interested is it’s very strong for an offset pass through tool and is designed to work well with a cheater either around, in, or through the unused end.

 

[dutchgray]

Can’t speak from experience yet but what got me interested is it’s very strong for an offset pass through tool and is designed to work well with a cheater either around, in, or through the unused end.

Or beating on them with a hammer, or putting a long pipe over them.

 

[Ratchet.]

Been a while since i posted in this thread.. not new tools, but some oddball ones, were among some tools i got left by my Grandfather when he pased away a number of years ago.



ITMA branded spanners... two are marked 'finished in the uk' which i origianly assumed meant far eastern products.. but one has germany stamped on it, and have since found pictuers of more that are stamped with germant so maybe the forging was done in germany and then some were chromed in the UK for some reason ?

Cant find any info on the brand..

there was a period, up until the 70s at least as far as i can tell where german made tools sold in the uk (and other countries maybe?) were stamped as 'foriegn' i guess because ww2 was still in recent memory and all that so maybe marked this way for similar reasons.. though i have a feeling these are 1980s or 90s


The interestign wave pattern on them reminds me of some early truecraft wrenches



Anyone know anything about them?

 

[Dave455]

A lot of information that I did not know. Another excellent post.

One of our most valuable members, by far.




I have Snap-On and some items are truly tops.

That said, not sure what I would do without Facom and Nepros / Koken / KTC.

There are innovations being pushed from
European manufacturers and Asian manufacturers that Snap-On can’t touch.

You are too kind!

I have tools from quite a selection of makers.

I grew up with Britool and Blackhawk, two surprisingly similar lines, so started with Britool. Snap On came later, as funds permitted. I’d have stuck with Britool if they hadn’t started producing tools with dog rough chrome...!

Facom came along at a similar time for me, as a local hardware shop started stocking them. Unlike Snap On, I didn’t know much about Facom, but the quality was obvious and many of the tools, like French cars, were unique patterns.

Over time, I came to realise that Facom were the experts at making specialist tools for difficult situations. I’ve lost count of the number of tools I believe Facom bought to market first, and still use a lot day to day - things like my oil filter wrench (still the best) and my adjustable pin spanner, to my locking adjustable wrench and ratcheting line wrenches!

Snap On were / are the quality, Facom the innovators, but the Japanese are closing fast. In the 1960’s, nobody in Britain believed the Japanese bike industry could overtake the U.K., but it did, in less than a decade!

They’re going for tools now. Much like bikes, if they keep trying to make better products, and the existing makers keep trying to cut costs, both will eventually succeed.

KoKen have largely become my “go to” now. The quality is good, price is excellent, but most importantly, consistency is unbeatable. Nepros, unknown 20 years ago, still not quite mainstream, are producing tools as good as Snap On. In some cases better….!

I’ll bet Snap On never thought anybody would compete with them on quality, but then BSA never thought the Japanese would build a better bike than them…

 

[Dave455]

I've always been confused by those. What I see appears like a ratchet/socket, but non-ratcheting, short-leverage, and no-extensions. Plus it has the benefits of being more expensive and taking up a lot of room in the box. I don't want to rain on your choices. I must be missing something because they seem to be popular with the European tool makers.

I think that to appreciate the use for these you need to see how they are used.

They tend to be used by people who are not primarily mechanics - handymen, gardeners etc etc, and tend to be used where they are the only option for turning a fastener.

They work well as an alternative to a short wrench, but also allow you to access a fastener from above. If you think of them as combining the functions of a short wrench and a box wrench, you would be right. They are relatively kind to the fastener too - more so than a wrench.

In my own circle, A friend has a couple that he keeps with his chainsaw. With those and a 1/4” screwdriver he can do anything on the saw. Another has a couple he keeps next to a machine, same reason, and they work fine in this role. But if you tried to undo an averagely torqued wheel bolt with one, it’s not going to work.

This seems to be borne out if you look in the Facom catalogue (at least the ones I have). These wrenches are supplied with the kits intended for maintenance men, plumbers, and suchlike.

 

[Lesserstore]

Been a while since i posted in this thread.. not new tools, but some oddball ones, were among some tools i got left by my Grandfather when he pased away a number of years ago.



ITMA branded spanners... two are marked 'finished in the uk' which i origianly assumed meant far eastern products.. but one has germany stamped on it, and have since found pictuers of more that are stamped with germant so maybe the forging was done in germany and then some were chromed in the UK for some reason ?

Cant find any info on the brand..

there was a period, up until the 70s at least as far as i can tell where german made tools sold in the uk (and other countries maybe?) were stamped as 'foriegn' i guess because ww2 was still in recent memory and all that so maybe marked this way for similar reasons.. though i have a feeling these are 1980s or 90s


The interestign wave pattern on them reminds me of some early truecraft wrenches



Anyone know anything about them?

Itma appears to have been a value line for Belzer, I have a wrench made for a US retailer (kmart?) under the "Vandamonium" or something like that brand. Here's a 1957 Belzer catalog page for Itma:

 

[Samuel D]

I think that to appreciate the use for these you need to see how they are used.

They tend to be used by people who are not primarily mechanics - handymen, gardeners etc etc, and tend to be used where they are the only option for turning a fastener.

Agreed on the typical uses.

For example, when I was in Paris a few weeks ago I saw a worker using a clé à pipe to tighten the clamp of a new traffic sign on its post. He had just erected the post, and I watched him slide the sign up the post to the right height and orientation and then tighten the clip. This sort of thing. Those nuts and bolts might be the only ones he sees all day, and again and again in the same one or two sizes.

I still find it interesting that this wrench type became so popular in France, considering its high manufacturing cost.

 

[Qualitytools]

K-119 tools in San Francisco. This was $45 after discount. They had 50% off all Facom products. Unfortunately this was the last set of these wrenches they had, there were some other cool things though like these types of locking pliers:

Thank You

 

[Reed Prince]

Can’t speak from experience yet but what got me interested is it’s very strong for an offset pass through tool and is designed to work well with a cheater either around, in, or through the unused end.

One Facom style has special holes for rods like the ones that came with my Gedore set.

 

[neophyte]

Agreed on the typical uses.

For example, when I was in Paris a few weeks ago I saw a worker using a clé à pipe to tighten the clamp of a new traffic sign on its post. He had just erected the post, and I watched him slide the sign up the post to the right height and orientation and then tighten the clip. This sort of thing. Those nuts and bolts might be the only ones he sees all day, and again and again in the same one or two sizes.

I still find it interesting that this wrench type became so popular in France, considering its high manufacturing cost.

The French Cle a pipe wrenches are just a French version of a box wrench.
The round shape makes the wrenches fairly ergonomic, especially compared to the knife edge wrenches that some manufacturers make.
Rhe design is also more ergonomic than the square edged forged wrenches that were common from Facom a couple decades ago.
The design of the wrench allows it to be used similarly to a hex key, but for an external hex head fastener rather than the female internal hex.
For deep fasteners you use the long end, and put a screwdriver or bar thru the short end for leverage.
Otherwise you use the wrenches like a regular wrench.
The round shape is good for using a cheater pipe.
I wouldn't hit the wrenches with a hammer unless absolutely necessary, they will dent.
The only major downside is the weight, since the wrench style is heavier than a regular box wrench.

As for cost to manufacture, I really wonder if the wrench style is that much more expensive.
The wrenches are made like sockets are.
A die or mandrel is used to form the internal fastener shape, unless a normal box or combination wrench, which needs a cutting broaching file.
Once the internal shape is gormed, the wrench body is straight, with a socket on each end, and usually seems to get turned down to a smooth round outside shape.
Then that straight shape has either a notch cut thru the side, and is then bent to almost a 90 degree angle (like the Facom wrench design), or the wrench is bent, then a hole drilled thru the offset socket end to allow threaded rod, or a screwdriver, or whatever thru.
It looks like the type of design a socket manufacturer die forming sockets might come up with as an extension of the forming technique used for sockets. (supposedly Allen, of the Allen Hex wrench, pioneered the use of die forming sockets, rather than using a cutting broach to cut the hex shape in)
The wrench style hoes back before WWII though, so at this point it’s just sort of a standard style.

 

[Jack_K]

Just picked up an AC Hydraulic T3 cross beam adaptor that I ordered months ago.

 

[Dave455]

One Facom style has special holes for rods like the ones that came with my Gedore set.

It’s a shame that Facom have changed the design of thrir “Nervus” 90 degree box wrench.

These were traditionally formed from hexagonal tube, but under SBD ownership have now been changed to a cheaper pattern.


Here is the original.


I believe that the original pattern are still made by SAM.

Edit - yes, they are.


Facom continue to produce forged box wrenches though, when a lot of companies, such as Hazet and Stahlwille have discontinued them.

 

[acer66]

Knipex plastic cutter

These type of cutters are almost a must if you deal with a lot of zip ties.

 

[Ratchet.]

These type of cutters are almost a must if you deal with a lot of zip ties.

this for sure.. just dont feel tempted to try and cut anything else with them because they are in your hand at the time

broke the tip off on my 'Snap-on' (actually spanish manufactured Bahco ones but Snap-on branded) flush cuts.. luckily i have a somewhat friendly snap on dealer and got them warrentied.. even if they shouldnt have been

 

[Ratchet.]

These type of cutters are almost a must if you deal with a lot of zip ties.

thanks for that.. my searching didnt come up with anything useful, and now its been mentioned, the finish is very much like that on the few belzer liliput wrenches i have, a sort of textured forged finish, as apposed to the normal Belzer wrenches, which have arguebly the nicest chrome plating of any wrench manufacturer

 

[CGarage]

I use the Hakko cutters which can often be had for ~ $5 for zip ties and they work perfectly.

 

[acer66]

this for sure.. just dont feel tempted to try and cut anything else with them because they are in your hand at the time

broke the tip off on my 'Snap-on' (actually spanish manufactured Bahco ones but Snap-on branded) flush cuts.. luckily i have a somewhat friendly snap on dealer and got them warrentied.. even if they shouldnt have been

You are absolutely right.

I had luck so far with doing all the zip ties of a project at once and then cut em all at in one go.
Then put the pliers back into its sleeve like they are on fire.

Keeping them in the sleeve is also another level of defense in case of not enough coffee or too many cold ones.

 

[dukefx]

I use the Hakko cutters which can often be had for ~ $5 for zip ties and they work perfectly.

Same, except I buy the original Piergiacomi.

 

[Jack_K]

New to me Eurotec EBTD 912 battery load tester. I have looked for quite a while for a good battery load tester and this is the first good one that came up. Everything else was the old type which basically shorted the battery or Chinese carbon pile ones.

https://web.archive.org/web/2003021...rotec-electronic.de/belastungstestgeraete.htm

 

[dallastide]

I have the Tsunoda KBN-150 flush cutters for zip ties. They work great. Fit and finish is impressive for $20 (as always with Tsunoda).

 

[Qualitytools]

I have the Tsunoda KBN-150 flush cutters for zip ties. They work great. Fit and finish is impressive for $20 (as always with Tsunoda).

+ 1, I have one also and I concur.

 

[Ratchet.]

Picked up this (old stock?) Germany marked Wurth Zebra offset wrench,



Also some old style Facom 67s short ratchet spanners, i'm not entirely sure what the the coo of these is, if it was still france at this point or not. only got a 9,12+14mm so far, on the lookout for the rest so if anyone has sources for new or even used ones let me know.


Got these as i was after some short ratchet wrenches, I looked at the new offset head 467BS.. and found them clunky looking, particularly the 10mm and smaller ones as they have huge "lobster claw" open ends, not great on something thats going to be used in tight areas (this is a mac tools version but they are virtually identical bar the finish and lettering).

The normal 467S that they also make however seems a bit better in this respect but.. i want the old ones because im a contrarian, and already bought these three.