Tools from the old world

[Reed Prince]

Anyone knows a pocket multi meter like the one below that can read A? All pocket one read mA and μA.

I don't think any pocket meters have a 10A range, for a number of good reasons, with the most significant one being that they have fixed leads.

This one is maybe pocket-sized. Probably about as small as they come.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JMBLJS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xdGQEVdxmQQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[losvre]

I don't think any pocket meters have a 10A range, for a number of good reasons, with the most significant one being that they have fixed leads.

This one is maybe pocket-sized. Probably about as small as they come.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JMBLJS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xdGQEVdxmQQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

2 to 3 A will be sufficient for me, I understand 10A is too much to ask. Thanks!

 

[Ruxpin]

A small selection case for electrical work.


Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

What sort of electrical work?

I like to use VDE tools for all electrical wiring work to minimise any risk.

A recommendation for your kit is a non-contact voltage tester has helped a few times during house renovations when identifying wiring which has been "bodged" by previous owners or trades people working under less guidelines than today...

Something like this:

Also, I would highly recommend ESD tools if you are working with electronics, again for minimising risk and the time required for chasing any issues which electrostatic discharge can cause with micro components in particular.

Is the CK precision set an ESD handle?

The handle is the generally used colour combination for ESD tools, but I cannot see any markings on it, nor with a quick google Image search.

The Lindstrom pliers and cutters are ESD rated and quality.

 

[mr.lemons]

PB Swiss Heavy Duty slotted screwdrivers. 5.5mm 6.5mm 8mm



Made in Switzerland.



The 5.5mm has a stamped end cap. The other two have smooth caps with a contrasting symbol. I think the smooth caps are a new design as my older philips driver has a stamped cap.



Compared to Vessel



Both are 8mm



PB Swiss has info on the end of the handle which is useful if they are stored tip down.



Vessel has a traditional looking tip. PB Swiss tip has a rounded profile. I believe the PB Swiss is ground parallel rather than tapered towards the tip to prevent camming out.



The scales show a weight difference that is quite noticable in use.





8mm? (PB swiss measured behind the curved area of the tip)





The centre of gravity on the Vessel drivers is towards the handle. This is unfamiliar to me and one of the first things I noticed when picking them up.



Not sure if the transition from hex to shank is welded or machined out of the a single piece but both drivers are finished impeccably.



Both seem to be fine screwdrivers with Vessel appearing to be more heavy duty. These are first impressions only and are of course subjective. Images are a visual representation of my observations and are not intended to be scientific in any way.

 

[mr.lemons]

Wiha wooden handle screwdrivers. Handles and box are marked Made in Germany.

Disappointed with the quality these even though they are a relatively cheap set at £21.

'Special' tips on the two larger slotted drivers.

Maybe petty but the writing on the handles is not inline with the slotted tips. Not functionally important but I think you expect a certain attention detail from premium brands. Slotted have polished shanks.

Not an issue with pozi. Pozi have satin shanks.

The shank/tang that extends through the handle for 'light' hammering is not flush on all the drivers.

The two smaller slotted drivers without the thru tang have empty holes in the handles.

The PZ2 has a flat area on the handle and the coller between the wood and hex part is a little loose so rattles.

Nothing wrong with the design of these. They have ridges in the handles for grip that I thought wasn't clear in the stock images. They feel good in the hand but just don't meet expectations regarding fit and finish.

I would be interested to hear from anyone else who has Wiha wooden handle drivers to know if I have a bad set or if they are all like this.

 

[mr.lemons]

Facom PH0 screwdriver.

Made in France.

 

[upgrading]

Good stuff.

 

[mrspeed]

PB Swiss Heavy Duty slotted screwdrivers. 5.5mm 6.5mm 8mm
...
Both seem to be fine screwdrivers with Vessel appearing to be more heavy duty. These are first impressions only and are of course subjective. Images are a visual representation of my observations and are not intended to be scientific in any way.

Wiha wooden handle screwdrivers. Handles and box are marked Made in Germany.

Disappointed with the quality these even though they are a relatively cheap set at £21.
...
Nothing wrong with the design of these. They have ridges in the handles for grip that I thought wasn't clear in the stock images. They feel good in the hand but just don't meet expectations regarding fit and finish.

I would be interested to hear from anyone else who has Wiha wooden handle drivers to know if I have a bad set or if they are all like this.

These are my favorite kinds of posts. Thank you very much for these. I'll try to post a few in-depth thoughts myself, since I've built a bit of a collection of comparable tools across old-world brands to see how they compare first-hand.

 

[losvre]

What sort of electrical work?

I like to use VDE tools for all electrical wiring work to minimise any risk.

A recommendation for your kit is a non-contact voltage tester has helped a few times during house renovations when identifying wiring which has been "bodged" by previous owners or trades people working under less guidelines than today...

Something like this:

Also, I would highly recommend ESD tools if you are working with electronics, again for minimising risk and the time required for chasing any issues which electrostatic discharge can cause with micro components in particular.

Is the CK precision set an ESD handle?

The handle is the generally used colour combination for ESD tools, but I cannot see any markings on it, nor with a quick google Image search.

The Lindstrom pliers and cutters are ESD rated and quality.

I think the non touch voltage screwdriver does the same job as the one postee; am I right?

What makes a screwdriver ESD? I am not sure if these are but after 15 years and used them on countless laptops I never had an issue.

 

[losvre]

With regards to the runout it may be a little bit but it is difficult to say with naked eye. I have a dial gauge and once I get some time I can do Metabo vs Bosch measurements.

Hi Merphan,

Very difficult to be precise and I have got a dial gauge with magnetic base. It seems to be very little off centre and not worst than my Metabo or that's how it looks like

It is however feels very solid little drill that does everything you ask. You know when you are working with a tool if it is good or not and I am telling you is very good and I really don't like Bosch in general. These 12v though are another class.

Saying that if you don't need a small/ light driver I am sure you can do all jobs with a bigger one. If it wasn't for the vacuum cleaner and something else I have in mind for the future I may have not bought it.

If you only need a 12 volt drill/ impact/ Multitool then look at Fein though it is a bit heavier.

 

[losvre]

How's the runout on those chucks? I have a fairly recent purchase of the 'regular' 12v drill and so far I'm a little disappointed in the run out/wobble when I have a drill bit in it...

Hi Merphan,

Very difficult to be precise and I have got a dial gauge with magnetic base. It seems to be very little off centre and not worst than my Metabo or that's how it looks like

It is however feels very solid little drill that does everything you ask. You know when you are working with a tool if it is good or not and I am telling you is very good and I really don't like Bosch in general. These 12v though are another class.

Saying that if you don't need a small/ light driver I am sure you can do all jobs with a bigger one. If it wasn't for the vacuum cleaner and something else I have in mind for the future I may have not bought it.

If you only need a 12 volt drill/ impact/ Multitool then look at Fein though it is a bit heavier.

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

 

[haig]

PB Swiss Heavy Duty slotted screwdrivers. 5.5mm 6.5mm 8mm

Made in Sweden.

Not sure about this one

Great post, thanks anyway

 

[mr.lemons]

Not sure about this one

Great post, thanks anyway

Lol oops

 

[losvre]

Not sure about this one

Great post, thanks anyway

Made in Switzerland with steel from Sweden

 

[davethorik]

I wonder how well that laser etching holds up if you use the strike cap frequently. Amusing to me that some of the most expensive screwdrivers available use the cheapest and cheesiest method of marking.

 

[TjoFrasse]

Hello,

Padre is a company that has shut down almost all his own production. Today they only makes sockets and wrenches model 800, 810 and 811. They make them in a small remaining production part of their headquarters near Remscheid, but the rest of the factory that in the past also made the "TIREM" brand of chisels is now a logistic centre.

Today, their hex keys are Hafu, Screwdrivers are Athlet and ratchets/extensions were Elora, but now the ratchets are Frejoth (a big holding of Taiwan).

I like padre because their wrenches are solid enough, but i dont like the use of Germany of their lineup when some of their tools are made anywhere else but Germany.

The made in germany on the box is from the times that they made everything in Germany. Maybe old stock, Long time ago

Their electronic printing machine that makes the code assignation and barcodes is also from this past era, and changing the system is very expensive, so, here you have another response

I've talked with them in the Cologne fair this year, my personal opinion is that they are not going to be in the next one... Every individual here can imagine why. For me is a dying company, but hey, maybe they can change the future... Who knows... i will continue buying their wrenches because are very good

Thanks for the info! That explains the 802 then (it's not made in Germany), and my 811s are perhaps made in Germany but not marked as such. Interesting with them is also the variation on the stamping between each wrench. Seems like they are from widely different production batches:

Any Idea if Padre still make they're own pliers I bought a set and 2 out of three say made in Germany the odd one says Germany the other one has nothing, they're not hard-stamped Padre makes me wonder who and where they came from as I recently got some cheap Heyco pliers that are really good.

Just some cheap white paint saying Padre that will rub off in due time.

Found out who makes them which is 'NWS' which is a shame, I would of bought knipex knowing this now.

NWS is nothing to be unhappy about. Can you post pictures? NWS usually has "Made in Germany" stamped on all pliers.

I looked at your instagram page for tools and I must say that I am impressed. A huge amount of cool vintage tools.
Congrats!

Thank you! I read through you garage thread a while ago and I must say that you have done an impressive amount of work! Great build!

Well, speaking of Padre, here is an excerpt from the company presentation:

Here is what their manager wrote to me in response to my request:

I would really like to know how true this is

As much as they can want to be a major player, I unfortunately think that they will have a hard time, as Alava says. They have a weak brand, and nothing special in their lineup. The tools I got are good, but DIN pattern wrenches are not enough to build a brand on.

PB Swiss Heavy Duty slotted screwdrivers. 5.5mm 6.5mm 8mm

Wiha wooden handle screwdrivers. Handles and box are marked Made in Germany.

Intestesting posts! Thanks for writing and sharing!

 

[mr.lemons]

I wonder how well that laser etching holds up if you use the strike cap frequently. Amusing to me that some of the most expensive screwdrivers available use the cheapest and cheesiest method of marking.

I've wondered the same thing and was disappointed with the new design. Cost cutting? It does seem like a step down but not sure if laser etching would actually be cheaper than pressing the caps considering they already have the tooling available to press them. On a positive note the etching is clearer to read when the drivers are in my tool bag.

Another way to identify them is handle size and colour code. The slotted are all black and the philips have a yellow ring.

 

[submariner]

On the topic of screwdrivers, I'm wanting to buy a set of torx screwdrivers and want to try Witte. Thus I downloaded Witte's 2018 catalog and found they've redesigned their Maxxpro Plus line (now called Maxx Plus) albeit with the same part numbers.

Vid here:

Problem is nobody seems to be carrying them, not even in Germany. Anybody know where I can buy the new design?

 

[zerosanity]

How about this mighty/Heavy duty USAG...

 

[mr.lemons]

Disappointed with Wiha wooden handle screwdrivers I decided to return them and try another brand. Specifically looking for Pozi drivers. Many brands sell wooden handle screwdrivers but there seems to be a limited number of designs available. I don't know if this is because most of the brands are inspired from the same traditional design or if they are all rebranding from the same limited number of manufactures. If they are rebrands then some of the sets can be purchased cheaper if you don't mind lesser known brands like SKG or Sam written on the handle rather than Gedore or Facom. Just ordered the SKG set of six drivers for £11.83.

I'm just guessing here from a mix of photos and renderings so may be way off.

COO is unknown for most. Some are marked German, Czech, English.

Wiha, Forum, Promat definitely look to share the same manufacturer. Notice the 'special' tips on the two larger slotted drivers.

SKG, Gedore, Bahco, Sam, Padre, Facom may share the same manufacturer. All have a red (or black) ring next to the hex part.

Wera and Format may share the same manufacturer. Both have notches in the lower part of the handle.

Other brands that look mostly the same. Witte, Elore, Peddinghaus, Connex, SW-Stahl, Stubai.

Felo and Matador look to have proprietary handles.

Doing their own thing.

 

[Alava]

Disappointed with Wiha wooden handle screwdrivers I decided to return them and try another brand. Specifically looking for Pozi drivers. Many brands sell wooden handle screwdrivers but there seems to be a limited number of designs available. I don't know if this is because most of the brands are inspired from the same traditional design or if they are all rebranding from the same limited number of manufactures. If they are rebrands then some of the sets can be purchased cheaper if you don't mind lesser known brands like SKG or Sam written on the handle rather than Gedore or Facom. Just ordered the SKG set of six drivers for £11.83.

Hello,

All the handles look the same because they are the same. They are from a company in Germany called "Drechslerei Zimmer".

http://www.drechslerei-zimmer.de/03.htm

They make almost all wooden handles of almost all the wooden handled screwdrivers available in europe, for only one big reason: price. A screwdriver company has 2 main production procedures; making the "blade" (forging, tempering, finishing...) and making the handle. Having a plastic injection machine is easy, but making a wooden handle is not, so, keep it easy and buy one "ready to insert" handle in your perfect, tempered and finished blade... and all the problems are gone, plus, the screwdriver is a bit cheaper

This said, they only make handles, remember, the blade is made by every company itself, or is OEM from one third company, so, looking at a wooden handle does not mean that are all the same; the handles are, but the tip, HRC and finishing are different from one maker to another, so, good luck!

 

[mr.lemons]

^^^ Brilliant thanks. Exactly the info I wanted to know.

 

[Alava]

I love screwdrivers, so, I like to reply

 

[mr.lemons]

Looks like SKG also makes wood drivers with proper striking caps.

 

[Cynical huckster]

Thanks for the info! That explains the 802 then (it's not made in Germany), and my 811s are perhaps made in Germany but not marked as such. Interesting with them is also the variation on the stamping between each wrench. Seems like they are from widely different production batches:

As much as they can want to be a major player, I unfortunately think that they will have a hard time, as Alava says. They have a weak brand, and nothing special in their lineup. The tools I got are good, but DIN pattern wrenches are not enough to build a brand on.

Well, I'm not familiar at all with Padre products. Moreover, no one sells Padre in my country, but they have a couple of dozen dealers in Russia. All I know about Padre: they are cheaper than other German competitors, they offer good discounts to their dealers, and no one sells their products in Ukraine.

So I would really like to know if it's worth selling their tools.

 

[dede2897234]

Here are my Amazon purchases from the last 2 weeks:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45102494@N02/43538678911/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_193010607"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1807/43538678911_0bc77912e8.jpg" width="247" height="500" alt="IMG_20180718_193010607"></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@N02/43538678881/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_193057834"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1768/43538678881_59e508e91c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_20180718_193057834"></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@N02/43538678861/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_193122534"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1808/43538678861_5c4ebf1023.jpg" width="500" height="453" alt="IMG_20180718_193122534"></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@N02/43538678821/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_193308368"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1766/43538678821_800bf721bc.jpg" width="500" height="256" alt="IMG_20180718_193308368"></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@N02/43538678781/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_193321077"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1762/43538678781_bcdc1896b0.jpg" width="500" height="213" alt="IMG_20180718_193321077"></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@N02/43538678741/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_193439363"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1822/43538678741_0b65bcdf82.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="IMG_20180718_193439363"></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@N02/42821275414/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_193851734"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/833/42821275414_3b2525686c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_20180718_193851734"></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@N02/43538678691/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_193952687"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/936/43538678691_e65d77fee7.jpg" width="219" height="500" alt="IMG_20180718_193952687"></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@N02/42821275324/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_194102170"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/917/42821275324_2c7563e81a.jpg" width="480" height="383" alt="IMG_20180718_194102170"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

These Knipex pliers are for cutting soft plastic, aluminum, copper, and lead

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/45102494@N02/29667005218/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_201019079"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/853/29667005218_255cb434f9.jpg" width="465" height="289" alt="IMG_20180718_201019079"></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@N02/42821274524/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_200542010"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/856/42821274524_6377440a82.jpg" width="500" height="173" alt="IMG_20180718_200542010"></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@N02/42633645525/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_200614885"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/42633645525_bea46329ca.jpg" width="500" height="282" alt="IMG_20180718_200614885"></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@N02/42821274394/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_200643578"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/923/42821274394_a4af521ebc.jpg" width="500" height="315" alt="IMG_20180718_200643578"></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@N02/42821274304/in/album-72157693478584550/" title="IMG_20180718_200914870"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/850/42821274304_e246203511.jpg" width="339" height="500" alt="IMG_20180718_200914870"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Dave

 

[Bighead38]

Any benefit to wooden screwdrivers or is it just something people like?

 

[davethorik]

Just placed my 1st order with Kc tool co for something
that has been on my list for a while now. They had the best price without a coupon on an item I've had difficulty locating easily in USA, lots of good reviews for them as well. super stoked!

 

[dogfight]

Tohnichi 1 1/2 ratchet, 1.5m long, 30 kg.

THe guy sells this for 300 usd.

 

[mr.lemons]

Any benefit to wooden screwdrivers or is it just something people like?

Not that I know of. I'm sure a good quality plastic is more durable and easier to clean. Just like the look and feel of wood.

 

[plumber84]

Just arrived, TOP-Kogyo HM-38 hyper wrench. This adjustable wrench makes all others practically obsolete due to its superior build quality and innovative worm screw design, almost feels like using a fixed wrench

 

[Reed Prince]

Any benefit to wooden screwdrivers or is it just something people like?

Wood handles are better in oily situations.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sdPwJUdr7zY" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[tanukiboy]

Wood handles are better in oily situations

Hi, Reed Prince.

Vessel also makes a series of plastic-handled non-slip drivers. I wonder if you (or anyone else) has had a chance to compare them against the wooden ones?

View media item 85128
View media item 85129

 

[Krokodil]

Anyone know what happened to Monte? Have not seen any posts from him lately.

 

[Dave455]

Not that I know of. I'm sure a good quality plastic is more durable and easier to clean. Just like the look and feel of wood.

The best wooden handle drivers ever were the old Stanley’s, as in the first picture. I have about 6 or 7, among my Dad’s favourite tools, and I’m currently refurbing the bigger ones. The steel was like nothing else ever - despite having no plating they never seem to rust, and they take an edge like tool Steel!

The best modern ones are the Nepros. Made in Japan but absolutely superb quality! The handles are a very thoroughly lacquered hardwood. Sadly no Pozidriv!

 

[losvre]

Anyone know what happened to Monte? Have not seen any posts from him lately.

I was also wondering the other day. Maybe we quote him so he gets some notification.

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

 

[superautobacs]

Hi, Reed Prince.

Vessel also makes a series of plastic-handled non-slip drivers. I wonder if you (or anyone else) has had a chance to compare them against the wooden ones?

View media item 85128
View media item 85129

Actually those are wooden handle. That model has been in their lineup for at least 13 years. The surface dimpling is sort of similar to the Megadora series.

The best wooden handle drivers ever were the old Stanley’s, as in the first picture. I have about 6 or 7, among my Dad’s favourite tools, and I’m currently refurbing the bigger ones. The steel was like nothing else ever - despite having no plating they never seem to rust, and they take an edge like tool Steel!

The best modern ones are the Nepros. Made in Japan but absolutely superb quality! The handles are a very thoroughly lacquered hardwood. Sadly no Pozidriv!

Someone had to bring the Nepros out into the mix!















Monte! Please tell us you're alive, well, busy gardening, or finishing up your montecarlo!

 

[Negen]

Wood handles are better in oily situations.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sdPwJUdr7zY" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Isn't this vessel driver a wood composite ? I thought it was wood mixed with a special type of plastic.? Not really the same grip one would get from painted wood. I suspect.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Reed Prince]

2 to 3 A will be sufficient for me, I understand 10A is too much to ask. Thanks!

I was just watching a Big Clive video where he used a meter that seems to meet your size and feature requirements.

edit: just noticed it is DC current only

 

[Reed Prince]

Isn't this vessel driver a wood composite ? I thought it was wood mixed with a special type of plastic.? Not really the same grip one would get from painted wood. I suspect.

AvE concludes that nothing beats a wooden handle with the finish sanded off.