Tools from the old world

[maico]

Gentleman latest incoming: Heuer 120mm vice. All body parts drop forged steel according to the catalogue. Made in Germany.

4 3/4" jaws. Shown with the optional mounting bracket. A rotating mounting bracket or rotating base also available.

The price seems reasonable @ £104 GBP + Vat from Conrad Electronics (circa $148 usd)
A more expensive variant with replaceable jaws screwed in from the back is available but I decided it would make more sense to buy magnetic jaw covers as required. 7 different material types are available, the ones shown being compressed felt.

Forged not cast these are strong vices. On Youtube pre-1945 Brockhaus Heuers are shown still working fine. This front opening design dates from the late 1920s.

Fit and finish is good although there is a bit to much weld splatter at the front that should of been removed before painting. Then again, it's a bench vice not a high price machinists tool.

I'll probably get the larger 180mm (7") version too with turntable, in due course, to bolt onto a bench.

 

[maico]

Anyone know where Unior Engineer vices are made ?

Looks like a modern update of the classic Leinen design

 

[losvre]

Anyone know where Unior Engineer vices are made ?

Looks like a modern update of the classic Leinen design

On their site refer to Gray Cast Iron, not the best if you gonna apply high forces.

http://www.uniortools.com/cgi-bin/cms.cgi?doc=10780&prod=128663

 

[maico]

On their site refer to Gray Cast Iron, not the best if you gonna apply high forces.

http://www.uniortools.com/cgi-bin/cms.cgi?doc=10780&prod=128663

Yes, it's curious they didn't keep quiet about that. Quality vice makers use spheroidal graphite cast iron which is ductile or drop forged or cast steel. It may be a mistranslation though...

 

[PureLeaf]

As said before it would be good if you can see the tools before buying for many reasons.

In a tool fair I was attending I checked a few Metabo LTX cordless and there was a lot of play on the battery attachment and much of wobble on the quick chuck. I t did not affect the functioning of the tool though.

Pureleaf, I remember you saying that the Metabo service in US is not good. Contrary to your experience I sent a question to Metabo UK about the actual dimensions of the drill I wanted to buy and they replied with a detailed drawing. Haven't had the need to use their repair service though.

After going on facebook and posting photos they have claimed they will offer some solutions for a drill defect they had previously had me mail in the product, returned to me with no resolution, and then ignored my emails. So far its all been marketing people replying though, so I'm not particularly impressed.

Now that I have their attention though, I've also mentioned a separate instance when I was trying to acquire some replacement carbon brushes for a different drill, and couldn't find an online dealer so I'd contacted them to ask for help finding a dealer. Initially I was told that my drill was not even available in the USA! I showed them a receipt, and was like it definitely is a a USA sold product set up for USA voltages, and received a 2nd reply from I assume a different person who was actually helpful and provided me with the info I needed.

I have also been posting pictures of my Metabo tools and stating their country of origin. Hopefully to point attention towards them not producing more tools in China, and updating their ancient reciprocating saw (the really old ridgid rebrand).

Seems like there are a few people who don't have familiarity with the tools, or need more training. As I said before, I continue to be unimpressed. In contrast Fein USA has been very helpful when I was trying to ask questions and acquire parts for my die grinder and drywall screwdriver

 

[losvre]

Difficult to initiate changes to corporations, Metabo bought by Hitachi and Hitachi I think is owned by hedge funds.

Unless lots of "big clients" like construction firms that pay high bills starts complaining then I am not sure they "listen". Anyhow, it seems that they trend with the social media has an effect which did not exist before.

Could be and I really hope for that they keep two full lines of tools: China- DIY and Germany-Pro.

Saying all that the economies have changed to a recycling world where you will buy more and more things to throw them away a few months or years later. See phone contracts, car leasing, etc.

You can buy everything you wish/ per month fee, almost[emoji849].

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

 

[losvre]

Yes, it's curious they didn't keep quiet about that. Quality vice makers use spheroidal graphite cast iron which is ductile or drop forged or cast steel. It may be a mistranslation though...

Yeah, could be the translation. If you don't see it from close you will never know.

Maybe give it a smack with the hammer when you are at it as well[emoji38].

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

 

[mr.lemons]

Nutmaster 300
Nobody else bid so got them for £10.50 inc post. Utilitarian finish, only a little rust and no flaking chrome.

West Germany.

 

[Nigelhirst]

I bought a set of 'Nutmasters' in 1970 to service my BMW Isetta ��
Unfortunately they haven't survived in such good condition. I think the set was 10/6d at Asda....

 

[hautpot]

A few assortment of tips arrived from my dealer. Interesting is that the shank are non-magnetic stainless and the tips are magnetic. I only wanted the tips because I want to customize it with Snap-on handles. The tips are well machined and feel very strong.

Who is the OEM of all the terminal tools?

Stahlwille

Hazet:

Tyco Electronics Connectivity:

 

[maico]

Cheers, I've ordered the Metabo W22-230MVT for £115 delivered (tomorrow allegedly), so a reasonable price, though no case. Apparently made in Germany:

Did you get your grinder, what do you think of it ?

 

[Schweizerwolf]

Did you get your grinder, what do you think of it ?

Have used one of these for about 3 years since I burnt out my Bosch (professional series). Has stood up to a lot of abuse and no problems to report. Can confirm made in Germany.

 

[Monte]

(UK branch Monte Information service)

Hello all,
Could you recommend a good quality/ brand of valve cores for the car tyres with link if possible.

http://www.alligator-valve-factory.com/

Who is the OEM of all the terminal tools?

TKR
www.tkrgroup.com

Never heard of Stier tools but they offer some nice looking rebranded NWS pliers and Oplast drivers:

Some news from Stahlwille:

Stahlwille promo: http://stahlwille.nl/promotie/promotie.html

 

[hautpot]

ooo monte i found your old post about NWS yesterday: (I updated it for you)

i´ll ask first

If they´re so bad why dozens of companies sell their products....?

Gross Russia

Ronix tools China

E-Top

Klauke

Engelbert Strauss

Lux

Kraftwerk

SW-Stahl

Toom

Houben

Würth

Intercable

Felo

Phoenix Contact

Matador

Benman

Sonic

Berner

Technolit

Förch

Projahn

Circum

Padre

BTI

Hansewerkzeug

Fakkt

Klein

Irwin

Exploit Imports China

and now the Chinese are coping NWS 3K grips too.

 

[upgrading]

^^^^^
That torques me off.

Good stuff from Stahlwille with that 125mm.

 

[davethorik]

Looks like those last ones should be labeled Exploit Imports lmao

Also, I'd seen those Kleins before, reviews on Home Depot's website said they were Knipex but didn't look like Knipex to me, good to know! Might have to try a pair.

 

[mr.lemons]

I use precision drivers a lot at work. Phillips PH0 getting the most use. My previous favourite Wiha (non pico) has now been retired after trying PB Swiss for a week. The PB Swiss has a grippier and more comfortable handle. The fit of the tip is the best I have used and also drives larger PH1 and PH2 screws much better than the Wiha PH0 which comes in very useful when larger screwdrivers are out of reach. Only negative is that the lettering on the handle started to wear off on the first day.

Notes on the other brands.

Wera - imho are not good. Very bendy, too long, unergonomic handle, tips don't grip screws as well as other brands. Don't understand why they are rated highly by other users.

Wiha Pico - Great for fast spinning but difficult to apply much torque. Feel a bit cheap and bendy.

CK - The rotating top of the handle does not rotate well.

Wiha non pico - Tough as nails. Used as a hand drill, scraper, pry bar etc.

My observations are of course subjective.

 

[maico]

since maico posted all this propaganda about how much better german jack stands are compared to the chinese pot metal stands.... I got me a pair of 3 ton Weber Hydraulik stands:

The fact that Monte is still alive 2 years later proves me right

There was story in the paper this week in England of a guy getting fatally pinned under a BMW when the stands collapsed during an engine change.

 

[drivesitfar]

Maico: i'm not sure you posted this vice over here that you posted on the big vise thread, but I'm pretty sure it's not a Leinen. OR IS IT?

ALL: anybody own one of these or know the brand name of this big vice?

 

[maico]

Maico: i'm not sure you posted this vice over here that you posted on the big vise thread, but I'm pretty sure it's not a Leinen. OR IS IT?

ALL: anybody own one of these or know the brand name of this big vice?

This small one is easy to ID.

 

[drivesitfar]

Maico: I also thought it might be a Boley, but the screws in the slides I don't see on your Boley or any others i've seen. if you maybe had another picture of the other side of the green vise with a maker's name on it that would maybe solve our mystery?

 

[maico]

I don't think there are any makers names on it apart from the letters HS. Comes from a German shipyard so could be a specialist bit of industrial equipment made to order.

 

[maico]

I think the Unior vices are probably still made in Slovenia. Quite a high price item so ductile cast Iron or forged steel

 

[TjoFrasse]

Welcome back
nice pics on your instagram page !

Thank you! As always, it's your fault!

Yeah, there's something about your name. Can't quite figure it out though...

Nice to hear that you are up and running.

Love your pics both here and over at Instagram. Gonna keep an eye out over there.

In honor of your cool pics I'm gonna do the unthinkable and root for Sweden in the World Cup. (Except if you play against Brazil of course.) But don't tell anyone. The shame...

Ah, that Norwegian humor
Thank you! I hope our team in the sport you're referring to feels the support. I suspect football.

Really nice collection Your instagram page is cool

Thank you!

I'm not only here to be nice. Time to post something also.
Like some axes out and enjoying the spring weather:

Or an assortment of German pliers:

And perhaps a collection of nice Knipex:

I also have some questions. Anyone know anything about these manufacturers?

PRONTO from Germany

MAGIER West Germany

MULLER France (Doesn't sound French )

MINERVE France (Seems to be a town in France, but is it also a manufacturer?)

JUNGK Germany (Seems to be a common last name)

Also, does anyone have more info about tools from Germany being marked "Import"? I have found this on loads of tools, but here is an example of a German made Knipex one. It seems to be mostly pliers and screwdrivers that has this, or it's just that those are the most common tools.

One side:

Other side:

 

[Butze]

maico: i'm not sure you posted this vice over here that you posted on the big vise thread, but i'm pretty sure it's not a leinen. Or is it?

all: anybody own one of these or know the brand name of this big vice?

Good day
I can help.
I have the same vise. And in a smaller version 80 mm
He is from the manufacturer Meier & Weichelt from Germany.
Later, this was expropriated and renamed LES.
LES = Leipziger Eisen und Stahlwerke (Leipzig Iron and Steel Works)

Best regards Steve

 

[maico]

Thanks Butze, I did a search for Meier & Weichelt and came up with

http://translate.google.com/transla...hraubstock_hersteller_gesucht-14339873-t.html

 

[losvre]

Thanks Butze, I did a search for Meier & Weichelt and came up with

http://translate.google.com/transla...hraubstock_hersteller_gesucht-14339873-t.html

https://www.sachsenmetall.org/firmenportraits/georg-fischer-gmbh.html

 

[drivesitfar]

Steve: AWESOME!! now where can I buy a vintage one in the USA? well I probably don't need another vice, but i do like that style. how do you like yours??

Thank you!!

 

[Butze]

Steve: AWESOME!! now where can I buy a vintage one in the USA? well I probably don't need another vice, but i do like that style. how do you like yours??

Thank you!!

It's a powerful vise, like a dinosaur.
We have already gotten with 2 people on the handle . I especially like the screwed guides.

Here again both together.

 

[Mr. Tool]

I really like this particular Boley vise. This would fit and work perfect for me.
Where did you find that particular style Boley vise?....Craigslist?....Ebay?...etc.
It's hart to tell if it's "brand new" (which it looks to be?) or reconditioned?
Still an excellent vise to have.

Thanks for posting and sharing.

This small one is easy to ID.

 

[maico]

I really like this particular Boley vise. This would fit and work perfect for me.
Where did you find that particular style Boley vise?....Craigslist?....Ebay?...etc.
It's hart to tell if it's "brand new" (which it looks to be?) or reconditioned?
Still an excellent vise to have.

Thanks for posting and sharing.

German made Boley,Leinen and Schlegel are relatively common on German ebay. Most sellers wont ship internationally though.

NOS Schlegel could be bought on Ebay up to about 2011. Leinen are still made. See FZA link here https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7128025&postcount=28723

So are Bison rear jaw made in Poland

 

[mr.lemons]

Bought a job lot of unused Facom tools from Ebay.

The mini circlip pliers stand out as being particularly nice.

Was surprised to see that some new Facom tools still belong on this thread.

 

[PureLeaf]

Nice to see some Facom tools actually made in France!

 

[Monte]

ooo monte i found your old post about NWS yesterday: (I updated it for you)

Thanks for the repost ! I already forgot about most of these brands BTI looks nice.....

and now the Chinese are coping NWS 3K grips too.

noo It seems NWS (and Knipex...) have to invent new handles more often

The fact that Monte is still alive 2 years later proves me right

There was story in the paper this week in England of a guy getting fatally pinned under a BMW when the stands collapsed during an engine change.

I think there are 2 things were you shouldn´t try to save money. Jack stands and a trolley jack....

Thank you! As always, it's your fault!

I also have some questions. Anyone know anything about these manufacturers?

PRONTO from Germany
MAGIER West Germany
MULLER France (Doesn't sound French )
JUNGK Germany

Also, does anyone have more info about tools from Germany being marked "Import"? I have found this on loads of tools, but here is an example of a German made Knipex one. It seems to be mostly pliers and screwdrivers that has this, or it's just that those are the most common tools.

Pronto: belongs to Würth. DIY tools nowadays sold under the Meister/Conmetall brands it seems. www.meister-werkzeuge.de www.conmetall.de

Muller: http://www.gouvy-muller.fr/fr/3/batiment.html
Muller Outillage

Magier: a brand started in 1966 by a company named Klaus Friedrich.
Brand name was deleted in 1986 or 1999. www.klaus-friedrich.com

Jungk: Willy Jungk Werkzeugfabrik Hagen
no more info....

Import: afaik certain countries required that german products were labelled with "import" or "import d´allemagne". Many older Bosch tools carry the "import d´ allemagne" on their label. I don´t know why. Might have something to do with the 2nd World War.

 

[maico]

Good day
I can help.
I have the same vise. And in a smaller version 80 mm
He is from the manufacturer Meier & Weichelt from Germany.
Later, this was expropriated and renamed LES.
LES = Leipziger Eisen und Stahlwerke (Leipzig Iron and Steel Works)

Best regards Steve

There is a renovation of the later LES version here:

 

[ttpete]

Nice to see some Facom tools actually made in France!

I have a hard time believing that they put a hand guard on a center punch. Doesn't anyone in France know better than to hit their hand?

 

[mr.lemons]

I have a hard time believing that they put a hand guard on a center punch. Doesn't anyone in France know better than to hit their hand?

Probably more about branding and trying to differentiate their product from the crowd rather than function.

 

[Monte]

News from Hitachi

 

[ttpete]

Probably more about branding and trying to differentiate their product from the crowd rather than function.

Looks like it's contagious. I never had anything like that because I never needed it.

 

[maico]

Felco pruning shears Swiss made. Got these for my elderly mum because they are nice and light. There is also a more expensive carbon fibre handled model for garden tool obsessives like Monte...

Not cheap @ £66 on Amazon business but they are fully rebuildable. Very much a Rolls Royce product.

Careful cleaning them, the blade is incredibly sharp as my cut finger testifies..