Tools from the old world

[zeug]

Decided to upgrade my screwdrivers as an early Christmas gift to myself I choose to give the Felo 550 series chisel drivers a try. I bought every one I could find and then augmented that group with the non chisel version 500 series. So far I really like them. The grip is soft but not squishy like the Ergonics. I don't like squishy. I also believe the Ergonics don't come in a chisel version.

I ordered from KC Tools and received my order in just a few days. There were two backordered parts and they sent those separately a few days later. Great service and the prices were great too. I ordered on the Black Friday sale. Those sale prices were on par with what I see in the retail stores in Germany. I travel to the EU every month for work and usually bring tools home with me. Screwdrivers would be considered a weapon so I can't bring them in my carry on and most trips I only bring a cary on. This seemed like a good alternative.

I couldn't bear to see the new German drivers interloping with my old Craftsman, so they inherited a lower drawer. I'm keeping them around for my son and brother-in-law

 

[paulsomlo]

I travel to the EU every month for work and usually bring tools home with me.

Are you able to recover the VAT? If so, what paperwork do you present at customs?

 

[zeug]

Are you able to recover the VAT? If so, what paperwork do you present at customs?

The VAT refund can be done in a couple of ways. However, I think for all options there is a minimum of €50 or so. The first few times I applied for VAT refund, the stores offered to use some service called "BLUE" something. Cant remember the exact name. They process the paperwork for you and then keep 30% of your VAT refund. That started to add up as I typically have a large shopping list from my wife and family. (Think Birkenstocks and Rimowa luggage)

Now I do it differently. I keep the receipts from all of my purchases and have them stamped at the point of exit from the EU. I have even done this in London for items bought in Germany, but am not sure if that will continue with the Brexit thing. You simply find the Tax office airside and they inspect your goods and stamp that you have exported them. Typically, they don't look much and just do the bureaucratic rubber stamp. I then mail the VAT refund form and a copy of the receipt to the vendor and they refund my VAT to the credit card I used. It's a pain to keep track of every month, but I realized it was adding up to hundreds of dollars.

 

[paulsomlo]

Now I do it differently. I keep the receipts from all of my purchases and have them stamped at the point of exit from the EU. I have even done this in London for items bought in Germany, but am not sure if that will continue with the Brexit thing. You simply find the Tax office airside and they inspect your goods and stamp that you have exported them. Typically, they don't look much and just do the bureaucratic rubber stamp. I then mail the VAT refund form and a copy of the receipt to the vendor and they refund my VAT to the credit card I used. It's a pain to keep track of every month, but I realized it was adding up to hundreds of dollars.

Thanks, Zeug - reason I ask, is I had an acquaintance bring back a tool from Germany this summer. I had ordered it from TBS Aachen and had it delivered to where she was staying. She brought the invoice that was included with the delivery (which didn't have a price on it) to customs at the airport, but they said she needed a form from the seller. I emailed back and forth with TBS Aachen and they said no form is needed. Finally, I gave up, essentially threw away a $10 bill. The VAT refund form - is that something you procure and fill out after you return to the states?

 

[zeug]

She brought the invoice that was included with the delivery (which didn't have a price on it)

Yep, without the original receipt. It's a no go. Sorry

 

[zeug]

I'm now on the hunt for a snap ring pliers set. I generally like the Knipex products for any sort of pliers but see that are two kinds of snap ring pliers. One has a forged lap joint and the other is secured with a screw. Anyone have experience with the two versions and advice on which might be the better tool?

 

[paulsomlo]

Yep, without the original receipt. It's a no go. Sorry

So, you don't need a form from the seller to show to customs, just the receipt?

 

[paulsomlo]

I'm now on the hunt for a snap ring pliers set. I generally like the Knipex products for any sort of pliers but see that are two kinds of snap ring pliers. One has a forged lap joint and the other is secured with a screw. Anyone have experience with the two versions and advice on which might be the better tool?

I don't have experience, but I've lusted after them. Two significant differences are that, I believe, the one secured by a screw can be tightened to eliminate play from wear in the joint.
The other difference, is that the one with the forged lap joint is one piece, tips and all. The one secured with a screw has inserted hardened tips. They're not considered replaceable, but I believe they are harder than the forged version.

The cheapest place to get these, that I know of, is TBS Aachen, especially if you can recover the VAT. Probably half the cost of purchasing them stateside, especially without paying shipping.

By the way, I see we're "neighbors".

 

[zeug]

So, you don't need a form from the seller to show to customs, just the receipt?

Correct. I get the actual receipt stamped and fill out the form at home.

I don't have experience, but I've lusted after them. Two significant differences are that, I believe, the one secured by a screw can be tightened to eliminate play from wear in the joint.
The other difference, is that the one with the forged lap joint is one piece, tips and all. The one secured with a screw has inserted hardened tips. They're not considered replaceable, but I believe they are harder than the forged version.

The cheapest place to get these, that I know of, is TBS Aachen, especially if you can recover the VAT. Probably half the cost of purchasing them stateside, especially without paying shipping.

By the way, I see we're "neighbors".

Ooh good info. Thanks! I didn't realize one had the insert tips from spring steel. Big difference. I guess that solves that dilemma.

TBS does indeed have this 8 piece set for a good price (€105), but Aachen is a bit out of my way and shipping to the US is €30. The last time I drove through Aachen was on my way from Frankfurt to Amsterdam to watch the Giro d'Italia in 2016 which started in AMS of all places.

Amazon.de has them €115 shipped to my door. Not sure how or if I can request a VAT refund from Amazon. Perhaps Ill send them an email and see what they say. I will probably order from Amazon if I can't wait until late January for my next trip to FRA.

And yes, it's good to meet a fellow Coloradan.

 

[paulsomlo]

Amazon.de has them €115 shipped to my door. Not sure how or if I can request a VAT refund from Amazon. Perhaps Ill send them an email and see what they say. I will probably order from Amazon if I can't wait until late January for my next trip to FRA.

Let us know how it works out with Amazon.de and the VAT.

 

[hautpot]

you can get Gedore bearing steel circlips, Wiha Magic tips, Knipex precision and regular.

I got the Knipex precision circlip and i love them.

 

[zeug]

Let us know how it works out with Amazon.de and the VAT.

Just made an order at Amazon.de. 19% VAT was removed from each item automatically once my US address was selected. Pretty slick. I've ordered from Amazon.de before, but never noticed this until now.

 

[jalfaro]

Just made an order at Amazon.de. 19% VAT was removed from each item automatically once my US address was selected. Pretty slick. I've ordered from Amazon.de before, but never noticed this until now.

OMG let me see, can I buy from amazon.de and sent with out many complications to my US address? I don't know if I understook well

sorry, I don't know if that is evident, but I never tried

 

[PiotrxV]

Huge thumbs up to Bosch for this one :

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Last one I used (GWS 13-125) was pretty powerful and it was going through steel like through a butter, but this one... lol, at some point you would like to place 180 disc on it. Im curious a bit how much abuse it can take, I mean how long it can go at full load.

 

[paulsomlo]

Just made an order at Amazon.de. 19% VAT was removed from each item automatically once my US address was selected. Pretty slick. I've ordered from Amazon.de before, but never noticed this until now.

So, final price was $115 EU?

 

[zeug]

So, final price was $115 EU?

I ordered a bunch of Wiha hammers and Knipex pliers and Wera Torque wrench.

The Kinipex 00 20 04 SB 8 piece set is listed for €127.47 and changes to €107.12 once I choose a US address.

Shipping for the whole order, including the Knipex 560 and 400mm XXL cobras and 6 Wiha hammers was €29. If I had to estimate, shipping on just that circlip set was €2-3. I consider that a pretty good deal. I am a Prime member.

 

[paulsomlo]

I ordered a bunch of Wiha hammers and Knipex pliers and Wera Torque wrench.

The Kinipex 00 20 04 SB 8 piece set is listed for €127.47 and changes to €107.12 once I choose a US address.

Shipping for the whole order, including the Knipex 560 and 400mm XXL cobras and 6 Wiha hammers was €29. If I had to estimate, shipping on just that circlip set was €2-3. I consider that a pretty good deal. I am a Prime member.

A bit more than TBS Aachen, comparing just the circlip pliers at 88 eu, with 34 eu for shipping.

 

[zeug]

A bit more than TBS Aachen, comparing just the circlip pliers at 88 eu, with 34 eu for shipping.

88+34=122. I paid 107 plus maybe €3 in shipping for that part. €29 was for the entire Amazon order. Seems Amazon is the better overall value in this case. Either way, I wouldn't sweat a few euros if you prefer TBS.

 

[zeug]

First tool from Amazon.de arrived early. Ordered it on Dec 19. Impressive!

Kinipex Cobra 560mm.

 

[paulsomlo]

First tool from Amazon.de arrived early. Ordered it on Dec 19. Impressive!

Two days? From Germany?

 

[48548]

Is that a German drink?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[zeug]

Two days? From Germany?

Order says sold and fulfilled by Amazon. Shipped on the 19th from London of all places. Arrived tonight. I chose the standard global shipping (slowest meathod).

There are another 8 items in my order that have not arrived yet and the website is saying Dec 28 - Jan 3.

Is that a German drink?

haha. Every German friend/family of mine hates Dr. Pepper. "Tastes like medicine"...

 

[PureLeaf]

Hazet610N.

They're extremely light weight, and seem nice, the one thing I'm disappointed in is how short they are. Would have been nice if they were at least a standard combo wrench length.

 

[zeug]

Another shipment from the Old World arrived today. Knipex Cobra 125mm and the Wera bit ratchet. Both small, both well made.

 

[dede2897234]

Another shipment from the Old World arrived today. Knipex Cobra 125mm and the Wera bit ratchet. Both small, both well made.

Hi Zeug,

Can you please post the total length and head width of the Wera bit ratchet?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[dede2897234]

Guys,

Like Zeug, I purchased a mini 1/4" drive bit ratchet. However, I bought the German made Felo. The model# is 61569. I purchased it from High Quality Tools (an industrial tool supplier) in Willowick, OH. If you have a local industrial tool supplier that sells Bondhus, it can order for you any Felo tool item(s) from its catalog. Here are some pictures of the bit ratchet:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45102494@N02/39224474722/in/album-72157663937853068/" title="IMG_20171222_173244"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4725/39224474722_3f423eebe0_z.jpg" width="260" height="640" alt="IMG_20171222_173244"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45102494@N02/39224473432/in/album-72157663937853068/" title="IMG_20171222_173704"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4685/39224473432_a5093eafe7_z.jpg" width="551" height="161" alt="IMG_20171222_173704"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45102494@N02/39224473512/in/album-72157663937853068/" title="IMG_20171222_173518"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4601/39224473512_af0074df63_z.jpg" width="591" height="258" alt="IMG_20171222_173518"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45102494@N02/39224474622/in/album-72157663937853068/" title="IMG_20171222_173632"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4734/39224474622_9147886f5c_z.jpg" width="640" height="301" alt="IMG_20171222_173632"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Felo ratchet with an Anex stubby 19mm long, Phillips #3 bit

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45102494@N02/38545159794/in/album-72157663937853068/" title="IMG_20171222_173911"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4594/38545159794_1fc26d1e00_z.jpg" width="563" height="192" alt="IMG_20171222_173911"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Felo ratchet with socket adapter (attached to a Nepros stubby shallow 1/4" drive, 8mm socket)

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45102494@N02/24390876697/in/album-72157663937853068/" title="IMG_20171222_174306"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4593/24390876697_cf0c2629ed_z.jpg" width="571" height="346" alt="IMG_20171222_174306"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Dave

 

[Metalio]

Got this wera tool-check set yesterday. The fit of the bits and sockets is excellent. The ratchet also feels really nice and has plenty of teeth. Haven't really used it though, so we'll see how everything holds up.

A few pics, including measurements on the ratchet.







I also ordered a set stahlwille 3/8 set which should be here somewhere next week.

 

[Monte]

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYBODY !!!

Monte that is an awesome looking axe ! Like the guard that comes down from the axe head , saves the handle . Also like how the head is secured to the handle !
scarrylarry

The reason why I bought it

It has Gedore written all over it.

You're right. New French made Stanley pliers are absolutely worth it! More to come, as I expected

Still not available over here …

They work with Zenten, and I can now buy a pair of Zenten cutters in my favorite red colour.

It has to be Zenten ? Virax products are red too (ok not from Spain, but from France)

You can send me pm if you don't want to upset Monte

Today i got these two for 50% off.
90 EUR instead of 180 EUR
and
50 EUR instead of 100 EUR

You ****

I have hard time to find anything either.
I mean French have Dassault Systems, part of Airbus, they build ships, motors, etc.
Nevertheles, I wonder what machines they use to manufacture all these equipment and structures.

Here you can spot some tools making Peugeots:

My word, I want a pair of those VBW, where did you get em at?

plated: here: http://www.samstagsales.com/vbw.htm

I'm also looking at this set from Stahlwille which does seem to be german made, but again I'm not sure. Maybe you guys have recommendations other than the well known brands though, I'm open to suggestions .

The Stahlwille set is entirely made in Germany.
ps:

Picture from cleaning up my portable table saw when done with it the other day. Thought some of you might like it.

the lining boards of my garage have a Metabo green and red trim strip to cover the join up the wall (yes I took a German made Metabo tool to the paint shop for a colour match on the green ..really!)

pics !

Here's what I got this summer as samples from Mundial Casartelli.

Any info about origin ?

Hey Monte,
Hope you are doing well.
You don't have to buy new tools to come by and say hi[emoji6]!
Just reviewing the ones you have will keep you busy for a few years[emoji16]

ahhh ok Didn´t know that
But anyway you´ll find a new tool below















Husqvarna LC 141VLi self-propelled cordless lawn mower:

 

[upgrading]

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYBODY !!!

Thanks, same.
Happy Boxing Day too.

Where is this pic taken, Tropical Germany ?

 

[scarrylarry]

Monte
That mower looks like a well built machine !
scarrylarry

 

[zeug]

Felco or Knipex? Trying to decide between the two for bike and motorcycle cable cutting. Felco is the standard "go to" at many bike shops I frequent, but does not have the ferule crimpers. This Knipex looks to be close to the same quality with the crimpers. Anyone have experience with either of these two?

Felco on Amazon

Knipex on Amazon

 

[Wamsutta]

I have the Shimano version and they do a very nice job.

 

[zeug]

I have the Shimano version and they do a very nice job.

Yep, a good pair. I have the Park Tool cutters and they get the job done as well. Just looking to up my game a bit. I will put the park in my traveling set and keep the replacements in the shop.




DHL just stopped by my door. Looks like the rest of the first Amazon.de order is here. I can't say I liked the way they packaged it however. A couple of bubble bags with hammers and heavy tools isn't too bright. I guess that's the way they do it in Poland- where this shipment originated.

Sad to see my Wera torque wrench was in there too. Wonder if the bouncing around would knock the calibration out of wack?

View media item 78649
Wera Torque Wrench 1/4" drive. 1-25 Nm. Hard to find that broad of a range in a small compact unit.

View media item 78653
Dead blow hammers are by Wiha. I really like wood for the feel and vibration isolation. Glad I could get dead blows with wood. Sizes are 30, 40, 50 mm. Weights are 16, 26, 44 oz.

View media item 78652
View media item 78651
Also got the split head mallets in 30. 40, 50 mm. Weights are 10.6 oz, 1.4, 2.4 lbs.

View media item 78648
View media item 78650
And finally got the 400mm Cobras to complete the set:

View media item 78647
View media item 78654

 

[zeug]

Also, I noticed that the Knipex Cobra 400 had a different button style than all of the other Cobra wrenches I have received. It has small ears on each side of the button and sits almost flush with the tool compared to all the others. What gives?

View media item 78655

 

[superautobacs]

That packaging is horrendous


COO for the torque wrench? I know some of their other torque wrenches are made by Norbar, but this one? I don't know if I can trust its accuracy with torquing things anywhere under 3nm though.

Also, are the Wiha db's pellet filled?

 

[jalfaro]

DHL just stopped by my door. Looks like the rest of the first Amazon.de order is here.

[emoji43] I was happy because I bouth a knipex pliers, but seeing your order...[emoji43][emoji43][emoji43] anyway nice tools [emoji106]

 

[zeug]

That packaging is horrendous


COO for the torque wrench? I know some of their other torque wrenches are made by Norbar, but this one? I don't know if I can trust its accuracy with torquing things anywhere under 3nm though.

Also, are the Wiha db's pellet filled?

Wera Torque Wrench is made in Taiwan. Not sure if it is OEM'd by another company. I had to balance torque range, size, COO, and price (€80). This one came out on top for me.

I just checked it against a fixed 3Nm flag driver. Dead on at 3Nm. I don't have anything lower at my house to test <3Nm.

Wiha dead blows are filled with steel shot.

 

[davethorik]

Seems to me Amazon always does kind of a poor job at packaging, I don't think that's new. They love those plastic bubbles.

I used to work at a machine shop and we had shop-provided Wiha dead blows like yours in larger sizes to assist in large part setups. Watch what you hit and how you hit it, because the plastic faces are just crimped into the metal, if you deform the metal they can fall out. The shop ended up switching to Lixie dead blow mallets, which are also pricy, but USA made and stand up to abuse better than the Wihas (screw-in replaceable faces, head made of malleable iron not stamped steel). Granted, these were shop tools so the guys using them didn't give a ****.

 

[dutchgray]

Amazon is usualy badly packaged, its the same if I buy something from the USA, the German or the UK site. Best of buying a single item at the time if its something you dont want to get beat up.

 

[Cynical huckster]

Still not available over here …

If you come to Ukraine for them, I will make you a discount

Any info about origin ?

Nope. China or Taiwan, I guess.

Diamond cutting blade for angle grinders. Specifically designed for fast cutting of wall ceramic tile, floor ceramic tile, porcelain gres, marble. Pay attention to the design of diamond layer. Made in Ukraine by Di-Star