Tools from the old world

[Reto]

Hello, these say Santul (the last letter looks like k on the pic, but the grip says clearly Santul). Any ideas where they are from? Thanks!

 

[Reto]

For those who live in the US: Just bought this Knipex Control Cabinet Key a few hours ago at the local Lowes for USD 2.55 plus tax. It was marked previous price USD 25, new price 2.55. I found these on the Internet (amazon etc.) costing between USD 15 and 25. Not sure why they are so cheap. Lowes online says USD 6.37. At 2.55, I bought 10, but my wife told me I might have a mental problem....

 

[Blöckw@rt]

Here and in other forums is very often blasphemed about tools from Asia.

If I look at the processing of my Facom 40L (Made in France) and of the 440 (Made in Taiwan), then I wonder whether this generalized statements are always right. ......

Sent from the Stahlwille Headquarter Wuppertal,Germany

 

[dutch79]

Here and in other forums is very often blasphemed about tools from Asia.

If I look at the processing of my Facom 40L (Made in France) and of the 440 (Made in Taiwan), then I wonder whether this generalized statements are always right.

They might look good regarding finishing, but that says nothing about things like strength and fitment.
Nevertheless, not all from Asia/Taiwan is ****. When they use the right material, machines and high standards they can produce good products offcourse.
I'm also quite pleased with my tools from Kraftwerk and Amprotools from (probably) Taiwan.
But hey, I'm not an expert on this

 

[Blöckw@rt]

They might look good regarding finishing, but that says nothing about things like strength and fitment.

The Facom 40L is a strong wrench, of course….but imho the surface must be in a premium condition too ! for example Hazet 600N

 

[Roverbo]

They might look good regarding finishing, but that says nothing about things like strength and fitment.
Nevertheless, not all from Asia/Taiwan is ****. When they use the right material, machines and high standards they can produce good products offcourse.
I'm also quite pleased with my tools from Kraftwerk and Amprotools from (probably) Taiwan.
But hey, I'm not an expert on this

My view on this, is that the quality from Taiwan is constantly improving...
What happens is, that when many of the larger brands like Facom, SNA, Stanley etc. wants to produce something new, and they invest in new machinery, they dont think US or Europe, but Taiwan or China (or - speaking on european brands like Wera: Eastern Europe).
Same thing happened in the bicycle industry in the 80´s. My guess is that 90 % of all Aluminium or Carbon frames for bicycles are made in taiwan, regardless of their label says Gary Fisher, Cannondale, Marin, Raleigh or Focus.
But the quality is still top notch. The tig-welding robots are doing their jobs flawless. Regarding "Kraftwerk" - you know, that´s the name of a german band. And one of their best songs fits right in here: We are the robots:
"We are the robots
Ja tvoi sluga,
(I'm your slave)
Ja tvoi Rabotnik
(I'm your worker.)
We are programmed just to do
Anything you want us to
We are the robots"

 

[Alfajuj]

Here and in other forums is very often blasphemed about tools from Asia.

If I look at the processing of my Facom 40L (Made in France) and of the 440 (Made in Taiwan), then I wonder whether this generalized statements are always right. ......

I also have a few examples of both of those Facom wrench series and my inescapable conclusion is the same.

It's a stark contrast. The made in France 40Ls are very crudely finished

The made in Taiwan 440s are absolutely flawless in every nook and cranny. The finish is perfectly even.

But… There’s more to a wrench than just finishing.

I’m quite sure that Facom tested the wrenches quite stringently before agreeing put them on the market.
That is one reason for buying by brand. They tend to demand high standards when they do outsource.

But working for a manufacturer in Asia we constantly face a problem from our European customers. They expect rock bottom prices, while at the same time demanding quality and finishing better than made Europe. They then take a huge profit and don’t print any COO on the tools.
Facom is one of the most shameless of these opportunists, but they are all getting away with it.
I think the German brands like Hazet and Stahlwille are a lot better about genuinely producing in Europe and accurately labeling when they are not.

 

[Roverbo]

(...) I think the German brands like Hazet and Stahlwille are a lot better about genuinely producing in Europe and accurately labeling when they are not.

+1 to this, Alfajuj! Since you work in Taiwan, i would like to ask you a question: Do you think that the behaviour of the taiwanese companys/workers have changed? This may sound prejudiced, but when you visit a european factory, yes, "it´s just a job", but still, many of the employees are really skilled, and wants to do a good job. There´s also a long industrial tradition of quality among the employees, and the owners puts money and time in learning the skills to the workers. What maybe was the reason for the former poor quality from Asia, wasn´t just poor materials and machinery, but also a "robot" culture of just "doing as we are told (and nothing more)." This in contrast to european culture where it takes 4 years to become a graduate toolmaker or blacksmith. And with the educations comes pride, knowledge and self awareness.

 

[dutch79]

Last weekend I worked on a ceiling and I used a special bitholder from a budgetbrand (DIY-market). It a sort of countersink bit holder (PH2) to prevent screws for turning too deep in ceilingplates. Anyway, the quality was rubbish. After several screws, the bit was damaged.
I was wondering is a similar bit holder (see picture) also is sold by a better (German) brand.

 

[Alfajuj]

+1 to this, Alfajuj! Since you work in Taiwan, i would like to ask you a question: Do you think that the behaviour of the taiwanese companys/workers have changed? This may sound prejudiced, but when you visit a european factory, yes, "it´s just a job", but still, many of the employees are really skilled, and wants to do a good job. There´s also a long industrial tradition of quality among the employees, and the owners puts money and time in learning the skills to the workers. What maybe was the reason for the former poor quality from Asia, wasn´t just poor materials and machinery, but also a "robot" culture of just "doing as we are told (and nothing more)." This in contrast to european culture where it takes 4 years to become a graduate toolmaker or blacksmith. And with the educations comes pride, knowledge and self awareness.

For fear of being not so politically correct, I must say that yes, I do think that the level of craftsmanship of Asian factory workers is not equal to European. So I always prefer to buy European or American made tools. The Asian workers do a good job, but there is less emphasis on pride of workmanship and more emphasis on getting the job done faster. (They really are efficient, you would be amazed) I think a worker who tried to really do a nice job might be scolded for moving too slow.
Employers here are a bit spoiled. The workers work very long hours, often without overtime pay. Wages here have been stagnant for over 20 years. I mean literally stagnant. And imagine all the inflation which has happened in the past 20 years. It’s very difficult here. The average Taiwanese factory worker earns about 600 euros per month.
Thanks to globalization, now everyone is getting poor. The Europeans and Americans are losing their jobs to Asians who are working for slave wages.

It used to be that the American workers were well paid and their consumption drove the whole economy. With globalization, that model simply cannot work anymore. Now it’s a game of whoever has the cheapest labor wins. It really is a poorer and poorer world we live in.

 

[north]

NOS Unior 3/8" 24t
*snip*

Did you find it in a store? Any idea of the age?

 

[Roverbo]

Last weekend I worked on a ceiling and I used a special bitholder from a budgetbrand (DIY-market). It a sort of countersink bit holder (PH2) to prevent screws for turning too deep in ceilingplates. Anyway, the quality was rubbish. After several screws, the bit was damaged.
I was wondering is a similar bit holder (see picture) also is sold by a better (German) brand.

Isn´t it the principle in itself, there is rubbish? I mean, when the screws are turned down so deep, that the bit can not hold the groove anymore, it will eventually slip out in a "destructive" way. Off course, better steel for the bit part would last longer, but wouldn´t torque limit be a more safe way? I´m aware though, that it may not work, since there will be variations in the underlaying lath construction.

 

[cosmik binturong]

Hello, these say Santul (the last letter looks like k on the pic, but the grip says clearly Santul). Any ideas where they are from? Thanks!

edit: ze pic es muy clicky!

 

[Jure]

Did you find it in a store? Any idea of the age?

yep in a tractor parts store on my village,made in late 50's one more left,so ill take that one as well lol,got 50% off on them so its only 12 euro

 

[admirer of a good tool]

Please, help me to find Toptul's seller with international shipping. I want to buy set of AAEW wrenches (and some AAEN to fill the gaps of maxline set). Vintagetools is too expensive.

 

[Miskin]

Please, help me to find Toptul's seller with international shipping. I want to buy set of AAEW wrenches (and some AAEN to fill the gaps of maxline set). Vintagetools is too expensive.

http://www.dhgate.com/wholesale/search.do?act=search&sus=&searchkey=toptul&catalog=#search

If you order from them give us a feedback! I also want to order some Salomon shoes for my wife...

 

[BigRussian_from_NYC]

My view on this, is that the quality from Taiwan is constantly improving...
What happens is, that when many of the larger brands like Facom, SNA, Stanley etc. wants to produce something new, and they invest in new machinery, they dont think US or Europe, but Taiwan or China (or - speaking on european brands like Wera: Eastern Europe).
Same thing happened in the bicycle industry in the 80´s. My guess is that 90 % of all Aluminium or Carbon frames for bicycles are made in taiwan, regardless of their label says Gary Fisher, Cannondale, Marin, Raleigh or Focus.
But the quality is still top notch. The tig-welding robots are doing their jobs flawless. Regarding "Kraftwerk" - you know, that´s the name of a german band. And one of their best songs fits right in here: We are the robots:
"We are the robots
Ja tvoi sluga,
(I'm your slave)
Ja tvoi Rabotnik
(I'm your worker.)
We are programmed just to do
Anything you want us to
We are the robots"

That's not in German! It's in Russian!!! (The Robot Song)

 

[Blöckw@rt]

That's not in German! It's in Russian!!! (The Robot Song)

Sent from the Stahlwille Headquarter Wuppertal,Germany

 

[admirer of a good tool]

http://www.dhgate.com/wholesale/search.do?act=search&sus=&searchkey=toptul&catalog=#search

If you order from them give us a feedback! I also want to order some Salomon shoes for my wife...

There are no items AAEN and AAEW.

Miskin, why didn't you presented test results of gedore N7 wrench in final table?

 

[Miskin]

Miskin, why didn't you presented test results of gedore N7 wrench in final table?

I fix it, thanks!

 

[mkstuls]

Please, help me to find Toptul's seller with international shipping. I want to buy set of AAEW wrenches (and some AAEN to fill the gaps of maxline set). Vintagetools is too expensive.

http://www.getatool.gr/ergaleia-xeiros/kleidia/germanopolygona.html?limit=32
I don't know if they offer international shipping but they have competitive prices for Toptul tools

 

[nanofrog]

Got these in yesterday (Exceltas = Italy , Lindstroms <made by Ideal-Tek> = Switzerland).

 

[Lasu]

Here and in other forums is very often blasphemed about tools from Asia.

If I look at the processing of my Facom 40L (Made in France) and of the 440 (Made in Taiwan), then I wonder whether this generalized statements are always right. ......

440 series and Toptul Super-Torque Combination wrenches are very good.Finish and shape,steel quality

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Got these in yesterday (Exceltas = Italy , Lindstroms <made by Ideal-Tek> = Switzerland).

Those look awesome Nano!

I missed quite of bit of pages... need to go back and look at all the goodies.

If anyone has a Sears nearby... the Empire branded tweezers are made in Germany. They are only 5 dollars. I guess it's one of those hidden items... They seem to work well.

 

[BigRussian_from_NYC]

Last weekend I worked on a ceiling and I used a special bitholder from a budgetbrand (DIY-market). It a sort of countersink bit holder (PH2) to prevent screws for turning too deep in ceilingplates. Anyway, the quality was rubbish. After several screws, the bit was damaged.
I was wondering is a similar bit holder (see picture) also is sold by a better (German) brand.

Here is one made by Bosch:
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Accessories/Pages/BoschAccessoryDetail.aspx?pid=1172

Or, look for Bosch D60498, this is a much better tool, bits can be replaced, and it sets the screws to the right depth (just below the surface). This thing has a built-in depth clutch and a very strong magnet. I have one and I have used it quite a bit.

There is also another option, look for DeWALT DW2043. This is very similar to Bosch D60498, except it is non-magnetic and adjustable. That's right, the screw depth can be adjusted to some extent.

 

[Monte]

Vigor is the cheaper sub-brand of Hazet, in case you didn't knew

they try to hide it but their boss has the same name than the Hazet boss

Last weekend I worked on a ceiling and I used a special bitholder from a budgetbrand (DIY-market). It a sort of countersink bit holder (PH2) to prevent screws for turning too deep in ceilingplates. Anyway, the quality was rubbish. After several screws, the bit was damaged.
I was wondering is a similar bit holder (see picture) also is sold by a better (German) brand.

there are adjustable depth bit holders available from many brands like Wekador, USH, Wolfcraft etc.

The Dewalt version posted above is also available from "Silverline" for slightly above €3.-





advent calendar day 17:









News from Bosch:
new concrete grinders:

and mixers:

 

[superautobacs]

Hello all,

First post , please be patient and don't pick on me...

I inherited these pliers from my father (so I can't ask him...). Monte, when messaged him, was so nice to respond and had an idea, but he was not completely sure and suggested to upload pictures. Anyone knows the company behind HPW Germany? Any comments on quality?

BWT, incredibly nice thread with lots of friendly people

Thanks!

Reto

Hello Reto,

Because of those three letters HPW, my initial thought was Hapewe. I'm not certain though.

Hello, these say Santul (the last letter looks like k on the pic, but the grip says clearly Santul). Any ideas where they are from? Thanks!

Cosmik already answered it for you.

Santul herramientas:
https://www.google.ca/search?q=santul+tools&client=firefox-a&hs=OTP&rls=org.mozilla:en-GBfficial&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=E9GwUqblDcrFoAT8jYCYDw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1173&bih=628#q=santul+herramienta&rls=org.mozilla:en-GBfficial&tbm=isch

 

[nanofrog]

Those look awesome Nano!

Thanks.

Got a heck of a deal on them I think (was a pair of US made cutters & 2x Pakistani made pliers in the lot). Paid $65 for a bit over $290 worth of stuff.

Barely looks like it was even touched, let alone used.

 

[dutch79]

Here is one made by Bosch:
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Accessories/Pages/BoschAccessoryDetail.aspx?pid=1172

Or, look for Bosch D60498, this is a much better tool, bits can be replaced, and it sets the screws to the right depth (just below the surface). This thing has a built-in depth clutch and a very strong magnet. I have one and I have used it quite a bit.

There is also another option, look for DeWALT DW2043. This is very similar to Bosch D60498, except it is non-magnetic and adjustable. That's right, the screw depth can be adjusted to some extent.

Thanks for the suggestions. The Bosch D60498 looks like a winner, but I think the articlenumber in Europe is different, because I only can find ones sold in the USA (when using Ebay for example).

By the way, I realized that Wera also has a bit holder in their bit sets that looks similar, BUT has a spring in the (retaining) ring so that it's not limiting the distance that the screw goes into the material. So that's not the same:
http://www-us.wera.de/catalog_us.ht..._adaptors_connectors_impaktor_bit_holder.html
I'll have to look in the Wera catalogue if they sell the right similar bitholder.

 

[knightmasks]

New safety boots MADE IN PORTUGAL

Innovation in response to new challenges, the continuous investment on quality and certification processes and sticking cutting edge equipment and materials reflect the restless spirit that allows LAVORO to be among the 10 largest European producers of professional footwear, from Guimarães.

That's what enables us to always have both feet in the future! Since our foundation in 1986, we know well that successful industries only have one choice: make their own products obsolete before others do.

More Information: http://www.lavoroeurope.com/news/

Clients: Mercedes Benz United Kingdom, Ryanair, Tap Portugal, IKEA, Coca Cola, British Airways etc...

One of the main markets is Switzerland.Love the quality of these safety boots.

 

[Monte]

day 18:





2014 Stahlwille calendar

 

[BK13]

and a stubby Britool wrench !

Great, now I have to figure out how to get a couple of sets of pristine out of production British wrench sets to Oregon...

Grrr.... Dang you Monte!

 

[Beenman]

King **** !

Saw one of these in a swop shop for the first time last week. Never heard of it before then!

 

[ash95608]

Hello everyone, it has been a while since I have been on here. I have been working on a really big job and haven’t had much extra time. I ended up purchasing some new tool and thought to share. Part one is below.

 

[neophyte]

Crikey that's a nice bunch of tools!

 

[Burgerkong]

Just 'some'. Holy ****.

 

[superautobacs]

HOLY SMOKES. Is that for personal use or are you sampling them?



Cool, that's a nice Ko-ken set. I take it that the case, handles, and bit driver are the only things made by Wiha?

 

[ash95608]

HOLY SMOKES. Is that for personal use or are you sampling them?

They are for personal use

 

[upgrading]

Those look real cool.
What do they retail for ?

 

[mac_intosh]

...and here is the calendar from HAZET :