Tools from the old world

[driven04]

Im quite certain most of the Wera ratchets, sockets, and wrenches are made in Taiwan and finished in the Czech factory. They primarily do molding and screwdrivers there. Top quality regardless but they definitely play games with COO.

I know all the ratchets are for sure, but I thought sockets were Czech, but I guess that makes sense in this case as the sockets are very similar from Toptul/USAG/Facom etc.

 

[Reed Prince]

Some other wins in the "made in europe" category.

I know these have been talked about a lot, but for 11euro, they are top notch.

I've been looking for something built a bit better than the Taiwanese Capri strippers I use for >20 gauge wire and almost bought these on Amazon today. Then I read an Amazon review from someone who bought both the 20050 and 20100 and wrote "The 20100 works much better for stranded and solid conductors compared to the 20050 and I ended up returning the 20050."

USA Amazon price for the 20100 was so high I wasn't going to get them...

but the amazon.de price was reasonable so I ordered some.

 

[JBH]

I was surprised because looking at them online I could have guaranteed they were made out of the same factory, but in person, you see a different plastic was used, while the design/construction is still very similar, that was a bit surprising.

I highly doubt they're from different sources. OK, the knurled ring is a touch different, with USAG/Facom having a hex opening for their passthrough extension.

View media item 92801
But the mechanism has the same square retention clip holding everything together:
View media item 92802
And the same little metal bit retention leaf springs on 2 opposing.
View media item 92803

You can find an identical tool in TopTul's catalog (to Facom version) and USAG has another very similar but non flex head version of the bit ratchet...

USAG does the same locking flex head bit ratchet. See part number in picture above. I don't know if they offer it separately, or only in this kit:

View media item 92800
Toptul has a slightly different handle shape, but close enough. Würth also offers a set with a similar bit ratchet:

Combined, they are super useful for all applications I've come across recently, but I think each by itself is missing some utility.

When would you prefer Wera over USAG/Facom/Toptul/Würth?

I can't think of a case where Wera works better than the others. If one wants a small fixed head bit ratchet, Felo makes one that's considerably nicer to use than the Reverse Gear models. At a much higher price point, there's also a bit ratchet version of the Stahlwille 80T with a small metal handle.

 

[driven04]

I highly doubt they're from different sources. OK, the knurled ring is a touch different, with USAG/Facom having a hex opening for their passthrough extension.

I definitely agree the design is identical, but it could be produced at two different manufacturers. The plastic appears to be a different material, not just finished differently, and I wouldn't expect that coming from the same factory, unless the material choice is linked to the pass through design feature. Thanks for the showing the flex head USAG, I had only seen these two:
USAG U02370061 - 237 1/4 FK

USAG U06060012 - 606 1/4 SK

Toptul has a slightly different handle shape, but close enough. Würth also offers a set with a similar bit ratchet:


When would you prefer Wera over USAG/Facom/Toptul/Würth?

I can't think of a case where Wera works better than the others. If one wants a small fixed head bit ratchet, Felo makes one that's considerably nicer to use than the Reverse Gear models. At a much higher price point, there's also a bit ratchet version of the Stahlwille 80T with a small metal handle.

There are two main benefits of the Wera, the first is the size. I was particularly looking for the smallest bit ratchet and this one seems to be it. You're right, the Felo and Stahlwille ones are also options there alongside the the Wiha and Hazet (all but stahlwille reviewed here where they say "these are all basically the same" but the Wera scored the lowest. They particularly complained about "wobbly bits" in the wera, which I don't find at all, in fact it seems to have a very tight and positive engagement)

Also, I will have some pictures of the mini 1/4 inch stahlwille ratchet tonight.

The second is linked to the pass through extension of the facom. While the benefit to the facom is that you can locate the extension in a way that it can't pass through as well, I had multiple occasions where I tried to apply pressure only to have the extension just push through the head. I can easily pop the facom off and through the wera on and not have that issue.

That said, the facoms features, including that pass through and the ability to make it essentially a t-handle with the bit holder at the end of the handle is really nice as well, and part of the reason I picked up that set as well.


My main complaint with both of them is the relatively high backdrag which I'm hoping will "wear in" a bit. I'll see if the Stahlwille fine tooth is significantly better here and post feedback.

 

[Samuel D]

I was particularly looking for the smallest bit ratchet and this one seems to be it.

Topeak (a bicycle tools and accessories specialist) and Victorinox also make tiny bit ratchets. I wonder how those compare.

 

[driven04]

So I quickly google'd the victorinox one because the amazon image doesn't really show it, and the first image was a picture of the wera, topeak, and victorinox bit ratchets. Clearly the goog knows what it's doing.

Video review here, but I haven't watched it.

 

[JBH]

There are two main benefits of the Wera, the first is the size.

They particularly complained about "wobbly bits" in the wera, which I don't find at all, in fact it seems to have a very tight and positive engagement)

I agree with the reviewer. After some use those little retaining pieces loosen up considerably on the Reverse Gear models. Not enough to make the bit actually loose (yet) but they don't engage it as firmly as Stahlwille's six springs or Felo's magnet.

Also, I will have some pictures of the mini 1/4 inch stahlwille ratchet tonight.

I hope you're not expecting it to be as small as Wera, because it's quite a bit bigger: longer and bigger head.

View media item 92808
(Old model, but it looks like the handle is the same. I wonder if the 80T gearing fits this housing.)

The second is linked to the pass through extension of the facom. While the benefit to the facom is that you can locate the extension in a way that it can't pass through as well, I had multiple occasions where I tried to apply pressure only to have the extension just push through the head. I can easily pop the facom off and through the wera on and not have that issue.

That's fair enough. Does the Wera extension pop through the Facom's head as well?

My main complaint with both of them is the relatively high backdrag which I'm hoping will "wear in" a bit. I'll see if the Stahlwille fine tooth is significantly better here and post feedback.

Alas, I haven't found their backdrag to improve. Assuming the Wille bit ratchet's feel is consistent with my 80T 1/4" drive locking flex - and it should be: we're talking Stahlwille here, not a company with indifferent QC like Snap-on! - it will be much better in feel than the Reverse Gear stuff. However, the older - 22T? - Wille is a little too notchy for my taste. Better than Reverse Gear, but more like Williams than Koken.

 

[driven04]

I agree with the reviewer. After some use those little retaining pieces loosen up considerably on the Reverse Gear models. Not enough to make the bit actually loose (yet) but they don't engage it as firmly as Stahlwille's six springs or Felo's magnet.

It definitely is "single point of contact" and I could imagine the play increasing over time.

I hope you're not expecting it to be as small as Wera, because it's quite a bit bigger: longer and bigger head.


(Old model, but it looks like the handle is the same. I wonder if the 80T gearing fits this housing.)

They have the mini ones now. This came in a tiny little set with a couple sockets and some bits and I'm kind of a sucker for stahlwille.

That's fair enough. Does the Wera extension pop through the Facom's head as well?

No it doesn't, which I've also used to solve the "apply pressure" thing.

Alas, I haven't found their backdrag to improve. Assuming the Wille bit ratchet's feel is consistent with my 80T 1/4" drive locking flex - and it should be: we're talking Stahlwille here, not a company with indifferent QC like Snap-on! - it will be much better in feel than the Reverse Gear stuff. However, the older - 22T? - Wille is a little too notchy for my taste. Better than Reverse Gear, but more like Williams than Koken.

Disappointing to hear regarding the lack of "loosening" over time.

It's definitely much better than the Wera regarding back drag. I also picked up the 3/8ths which is incredibly smooth, but I think 80t in a tiny ratchet like this requires a bit more spring pressure.

What I'm a little confused with is why there is one bit that is stamped "EW" instead of Stahlwille like the rest of them.

 

[mr.lemons]

News from Beta.

It looks like Beta are redesigning their pliers or offering a new range.

Current combination pliers 1150BM

New 'Heavy Duty' combination pliers. 1150HPC

Unsure exactly what makes them 'Heavy Duty.' They look to have their figures a bit wrong, unless they really can cut 290mm diameter cable.

https://www.beta-tools.com/en/produ...me-plated-bi-material-handles-open-joint.html

 

[JBH]

They have the mini ones now. This came in a tiny little set with a couple sockets and some bits and I'm kind of a sucker for stahlwille.

Interesting, didn't notice. Looks like a bit of a "wasserkopf"

I wonder why they don't make a bit ratchet in that size.

Unfortunately that set doesn't look widely available. TBS-Aachen carries it, but shipping is pretty expensive to the USA. KC Tool doesn't list it and amazon.de's listing is a third-party offer at a huge premium from TBS-Aachen.

What I'm a little confused with is why there is one bit that is stamped "EW" instead of Stahlwille like the rest of them.

Maybe you got a rare "error" bit with an E in lieu of an S that'll be worth...tens of cents someday.

 

[Samuel D]

That blurry photo does not convince me that the letter is an E rather than an S. Perhaps driven04 is as far-sighted as his camera?

 

[mrspeed]

Unsure exactly what makes them 'Heavy Duty.'

I have the older style, and I still think Beta is one of the best producers of polished chrome finish on pliers.

If I had to guess, based on the differences I can see between the old style and new, I'd say it's probably the off center placement of the joint which gives higher leverage, and maybe the satin finish to reduce chipping. The 60-63 hrc hardness is pretty normal for pliers and cutters that I've seen, so I doubt the material is any different.

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[mr.lemons]

^ Are Beta pliers made in Taiwan do you know?

 

[mrspeed]

^ Are Beta pliers made in Taiwan do you know?

Beta doesn't put COO on anything, so I've always figured it out looking it up on various sites. For Beta, the best place I've found for this info is Chad's Toolbox. While some of Beta's stuff is made in Taiwan, the pliers I have, which include the ones in your post, are supposedly made in Italy.

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[mrspeed]

I liked the Bahco dual 80 ratchets so much in the 1/2" and 1/4" drive sizes that I decided to complete the set with the 3/8" drive. With the same internals as the revered Snap On ratchets but at a third to half the price and more comfortable handles, I don't know how these aren't more popular over here. Maybe the lack of distribution on this side of the ocean. Are they popular in Europe?

View attachment 896274

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[65k10]

I liked the Bahco dual 80 ratchets so much in the 1/2" and 1/4" drive sizes that I decided to complete the set with the 3/8" drive. With the same internals as the revered Snap On ratchets but at a third to half the price and more comfortable handles, I don't know how these aren't more popular over here. Maybe the lack of distribution on this side of the ocean. Are they popular in Europe?View attachment 896274

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I'm not sure if Snap-On Industrial brings them in anymore. When I ordered two Bahco 6950 ratchets from toolsdelivered in February 2018 I noticed they were missing from the site not long after I ordered. When I emailed toolsdelivered asking why they were gone, I was told they had been discontinued. Luckily I received the two I ordered (in separate shipments for some reason). Too bad since I really like the 6950.

 

[Samuel D]

I liked the Bahco dual 80 ratchets so much in the 1/2" and 1/4" drive sizes that I decided to complete the set with the 3/8" drive. With the same internals as the revered Snap On ratchets […]

What’s the Bahco model numbers for these three?

Does Bahco by any chance make a long, 3/8"-drive, flexible-head model with the Dual 80 tech?

 

[Fedwrench]

Does Bahco by any chance make a long, 3/8"-drive, flexible-head model with the Dual 80 tech?

No. the ones linked are the only Bahco models I've ever seen with dual 80 internals. Made in Spain.

 

[driven04]

Interesting, didn't notice. Looks like a bit of a "wasserkopf"

I wonder why they don't make a bit ratchet in that size.

They do, it‘s under the same part number of but with a b at the end : 418B

Unfortunately that set doesn't look widely available. TBS-Aachen carries it, but shipping is pretty expensive to the USA. KC Tool doesn't list it and amazon.de's listing is a third-party offer at a huge premium from TBS-Aachen.

Yeah, the TSB Aachen price was low enough I couldn‘t resist as I was also picking up a couple other things.

Maybe you got a rare "error" bit with an E in lieu of an S that'll be worth...tens of cents someday.

That blurry photo does not convince me that the letter is an E rather than an S. Perhaps driven04 is as far-sighted as his camera?

So „SW“ in German is generally shorthand for denoting hex sizing, so SW five, means 5mm flat to flat hex.

It is a crappy picture, but most of the rest of the bits have „Stahlwille Germany“ stamped on the opposite side as the partnumber/size. This one just has EW in an oval...
Of note, there are a couple with the stahlwille logo lasermarked on with the part number stamped.

Seems a little strange you have 3 different marking types on bits in the same set, but I‘m assuming they‘re just throwing off the shelf bits and have some „old stock“... The EW makes me think it‘s from another manufacturer though.

 

[mrspeed]

I'm not sure if Snap-On Industrial brings them in anymore. When I ordered two Bahco 6950 ratchets from toolsdelivered in February 2018 I noticed they were missing from the site not long after I ordered. When I emailed toolsdelivered asking why they were gone, I was told they had been discontinued. Luckily I received the two I ordered (in separate shipments for some reason). Too bad since I really like the 6950.

That's a shame! I thought I remembered reading something like that on a thread here, but couldn't remember. I got these three from Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk which both still carry them and deliver to the US.

As far as being discontinued, they're all still included in the Bahco catalogue you can download from bahco.com, but I just noticed it says it's for 2015/2016. If they're actually discontinued, I wonder why given how popular the dual 80 design is. I wonder if Snap On decided to stop making the Bahco version because it was cannibalizing sales of the Snap On versions in some regions.

What’s the Bahco model numbers for these three?

Does Bahco by any chance make a long, 3/8"-drive, flexible-head model with the Dual 80 tech?

Avert your eyes if you have OCD. The model numbers are 6950 for the 1/4", 7750 for the 3/8" and 8150-1/2 for the 1/2". No idea why they included the drive size in the 1/2" model number but not the others. Here's a picture with the model numbers stamped on the reverse side of the handles.

The only 3/8" drive flex ratchet I see in their catalogue is the 7710, which has 60 teeth. They have a couple 1/2" drive flex head ratchets, but they are the 8110-1/2 with 60 teeth and the 8110H-1/2 with 32 teeth. No 1/4" flex head ratchets.

They have a few other non flex head ratchets as well, but I think these are the only ones with the dual 80 internals.

No. the ones linked are the only Bahco models I've ever seen with dual 80 internals. Made in Spain.[emoji481]

Funny, none of them have COO anywhere on the ratchets, but they all said "made in Spain" on the box. One of the reviews on Amazon calls them "made in China junk," but these are neither made in China, nor junk. Even if you didn't see the COO on the box, I don't know how anyone could think they're junk just holding and using them. Far from it.



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[ticci]

I have 1/4 version of the Bahco ratchet and I'm not that impressed. I haven't had time to tear down the ratchet but it feels like there's some lateral play in gears, most when you apply some torque through the ratchet.

Though I must say I've had my doubts that the set is not genuine. It's similiar to this https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00OHP507W/ but it was a bit cheaper, bought through Amazon.de. The ratchet doesn't say Bahco in cast anywhere. The box said made in argentine iirc. Sockets seem to be fine and well finished.

 

[mrspeed]

I have 1/4 version of the Bahco ratchet and I'm not that impressed. I haven't had time to tear down the ratchet but it feels like there's some lateral play in gears, most when you apply some torque through the ratchet.

Though I must say I've had my doubts that the set is not genuine. It's similiar to this https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00OHP507W/ but it was a bit cheaper, bought through Amazon.de. The ratchet doesn't say Bahco in cast anywhere. The box said made in argentine iirc. Sockets seem to be fine and well finished.

Have you tried opening it up? I'm curious if it has the dual 80 internals with the dual spring loaded pawls and 72 tooth gear. Seems like those would be expensive to reproduce, so it seems like something that wasn't genuine would be more likely to have standard ratchet internals with a single pawl.

Bahco also has lower tier ratchets as well that are more entry level. I also saw elsewhere they had a similar set to what you linked that comes from Argentina and used to be Belzer but is now branded as Bahco. For example read the comments on this set with the old Belzer version pictured but apparently now coming with Bahco pieces which you can see by looking up the model number in the Bahco catalogue. Supposedly both versions made in Argentina.

Neuer Bahco Belzer Steckschlüssel Satz 0,6 cm (0,25 Zoll) 6715MGS https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0007WGIWK/

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[mrspeed]

Just realized the first picture in my other post didn't come through.



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[Samuel D]

One of the reviews on Amazon calls them "made in China junk," but these are neither made in China, nor junk. Even if you didn't see the COO on the box, I don't know how anyone could think they're junk just holding and using them. Far from it.

I guess plenty of people think what their prejudices, in this case against China, tell them to think.

Thanks for the low-down on these. I’m tempted by the 7750 just to have a Dual 80 ratchet, but it would be an extravagance. What I need (well, more than a 7750 anyway) is a long flexible-head model. Can’t quite stomach Snap-on prices. Maybe a used one from eBay (wrong thread!).

 

[JBH]

I have 1/4 version of the Bahco ratchet and I'm not that impressed. I haven't had time to tear down the ratchet but it feels like there's some lateral play in gears, most when you apply some torque through the ratchet.

Ditto. Mine doesn't have play and it's a little smoother than an actual Snapper 1/4-drive Dual 80, but neither one is impressive. I just don't get the fuss over these things. My hunch is people think they're good just because they're expensive.

If you want high tooth count and thin head, Nepros and Stahlwille are just better tools and generally cheaper as well. If thin head isn't a big deal the USAG-made Proto (or Facom/USAG) is a better option as well.

 

[Samuel D]

And if you want great strength with low back-drag? That’s what the Dual 80 design achieves.

“Smooth” is a confusing term applied to ratchets. They should click sharply, not indistinctly as they do if you lubricate them with the wrong stuff.

 

[Kasal]

I think I remember that the 1/4 is 72 teeth and not 80.

 

[mrspeed]

I think I remember that the 1/4 is 72 teeth and not 80.

That is correct, but they still call it a "dual 80 technology" for some reason.

https://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-17...tandard-Handle-Flex-Head-Ratchet-P647031.aspx

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[JBH]

And if you want great strength with low back-drag? That’s what the Dual 80 design achieves.

I assume they’re all strong enough. In any modern ratchet the square is the weak point anyway. But low back drag compared to what? In 1/4” drive:

Koken? Nobody’s dumb enough to assert that.
Nepros 90T, Stahlwille 80T? Don’t think so
FUP 72T? again, no (and those aren’t particularly low drag themselves)
Gearwrench 60Tx2P? Ok, I guess one can call that a win for Snapper.

Proto 90T, Wera 72T, new Taiwanese 90T (Tekton etc.)? No idea, haven’t used.

 

[losvre]

I assume they’re all strong enough. In any modern ratchet the square is the weak point anyway. But low back drag compared to what? In 1/4” drive:

Koken? Nobody’s dumb enough to assert that.
Nepros 90T, Stahlwille 80T? Don’t think so
FUP 72T? again, no (and those aren’t particularly low drag themselves)
Gearwrench 60Tx2P? Ok, I guess one can call that a win for Snapper.

Proto 90T, Wera 72T, new Taiwanese 90T (Tekton etc.)? No idea, haven’t used.

You may also look at Gedore 2093 U20 for really very low back drag.

Not as nice looking as others but really feels toothless


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[JBH]

You may also look at Gedore 2093 U20 for really very low back drag.

Not as nice looking as others but really feels toothless

I actually like the look of Gedore ratchets, warts and all. At current US prices 2093 U20 one is ~$20 more than a fixed head Zeal.

If Gedore came out with a "2093 GU-3" (dial-lock flex head version of 2093 U3) I'd buy one. Likely not in the cards, given that 1993 GU-3 and 3093 GU-3 are basically the same ratchet except for the drive square.

 

[Vicks]

Hi everyone, new to GJ here....

Recently cleaned up my tool collection of all cheap chinesium (threw/gave them away) and kept only the good stuff - some old and some new. I love German made tools but they're too expensive to buy & get shipped to where i live so i'm gonna build up a full tool set using Japanese made items now. I posted some Japanese tools pics over on the other thread but wanted to share a few of the old world tool pics here...

Here's my favourite pair of Fit No.14 pliers. Can shear a piece of paper cleanly, the jaws are so finely machined. Apologies for not keeping it in good nick.

and these nice pair of Irwin metal snips, not sure of the COO

Square shank screw driver made by Landmark, USA

 

[Jack84]

Nice tools. [emoji106]


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[mr.lemons]

Knipex are currently promoting their new(ish) electrician's folding knife. Looks like it could be a good non threatening general purpose pocket knife.

Made in Solingen. I Googled Solingen as I thought it odd to note the city of manufacture. Solingen looks to be known for knives and cutlery production.

https://www.knipex.com/index.php?id...detail&parentID=1363&groupID=2605&artID=35333

 

[rsk4today]

I liked the Bahco dual 80 ratchets so much in the 1/2" and 1/4" drive sizes that I decided to complete the set with the 3/8" drive. With the same internals as the revered Snap On ratchets but at a third to half the price and more comfortable handles, I don't know how these aren't more popular over here. Maybe the lack of distribution on this side of the ocean. Are they popular in Europe?

View attachment 896274

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Where did you get the 3/8" 7750 ratchet? I'd like to buy all three ratchet sizes but I'm unable to find a place to purchase the 3/8" ratchet in the U.S.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dave455]

Hi everyone, new to GJ here....

Recently cleaned up my tool collection of all cheap chinesium (threw/gave them away) and kept only the good stuff - some old and some new. I love German made tools but they're too expensive to buy & get shipped to where i live so i'm gonna build up a full tool set using Japanese made items now. I posted some Japanese tools pics over on the other thread but wanted to share a few of the old world tool pics here...

and these nice pair of Irwin metal snips, not sure of the COO

Sorry to hear the German stuff is so expensive where you are. A big part of the attraction normally is that it’s so reasonably priced for the quality!

Don’t be too disappointed about the Japanese tools though. The quality has improved tremendously over the last few decades and most Japanese tools are now as good as anything anywhere. In some cases, better...! The Japanese seem to be particularly good at special purpose tools!

Gilbow were originally a British company, and all their ships were made in the U.K. They were too quality tools. Gilbow got taken over by Record, who in turn were bought out by the American company Irwin.

Irwin shut all the British factories and as far as I can tell now simply supplies “copies” of the original tools that are made in the Far East. The quality of most of these is abysmal, and I’ve encountered chisels that don’t cut as well as vices that don’t clamp. This seems to be standard procedure for Irwin, as the Irwin branded drill bit that I once foolishly bought remains the only one I own that won’t drill holes!

If you have an Irwin tool from before production was transferred, you may fare better!

 

[mrspeed]

Knipex are currently promoting their new(ish) electrician's folding knife. Looks like it could be a good non threatening general purpose pocket knife.

Made in Solingen. I Googled Solingen as I thought it odd to note the city of manufacture. Solingen looks to be known for knives and cutlery production.

Solingen and Remscheid are two cities I've seen pretty often stamped on German made tools. NWS puts Solingen on almost all of their tools, which is where their head office and finishing production is.

They also put it on their electronics pliers which are relabeled from Schmitz, which apparently makes their pliers entirely in Solingen.

I've seen Remscheid listed on some Elora tools like this picture on Amazon.de. I also have an older pair of W&F electronics pliers with Remscheid on them.

Where did you get the 3/8" 7750 ratchet? I'd like to buy all three ratchet sizes but I'm unable to find a place to purchase the 3/8" ratchet in the U.S.

Thanks in advance.

I got it from here on Amazon.de. The picture on the page is wrong, but I took the chance since the model number was what I wanted, and I received the ratchet pictured in my other post.





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[Dave455]

Knipex are currently promoting their new(ish) electrician's folding knife. Looks like it could be a good non threatening general purpose pocket knife.

Made in Solingen. I Googled Solingen as I thought it odd to note the city of manufacture. Solingen looks to be known for knives and cutlery production.
]

Solingen is THE place for knife production in Germany, so if a knife is made there you would certainly want to say so.

I quite like my knives, and I’ve never had a bad one from Solingen! This is definitely going to be among the less expensive knives to come from there though.

Suspect it would be a good ‘general purpose’ knife, but you could say the same about the less bulky Victorinox knives, or even the traditional British jack knife. Probably one of the better ‘electricians’ knives though!

 

[mr.lemons]

^ I'm never without a small sak but like sheepsfoot blades for utility. Victorinox have only limited offerings with sheepsfoot. Keep thinking about modding an Electrician by swapping the larger blade for scissors but it would be a costly experiment.

 

[Vicks]

Sorry to hear the German stuff is so expensive where you are. A big part of the attraction normally is that it’s so reasonably priced for the quality!

Don’t be too disappointed about the Japanese tools though. The quality has improved tremendously over the last few decades and most Japanese tools are now as good as anything anywhere. In some cases, better...! The Japanese seem to be particularly good at special purpose tools!

Gilbow were originally a British company, and all their ships were made in the U.K. They were too quality tools. Gilbow got taken over by Record, who in turn were bought out by the American company Irwin.

Irwin shut all the British factories and as far as I can tell now simply supplies “copies” of the original tools that are made in the Far East. The quality of most of these is abysmal, and I’ve encountered chisels that don’t cut as well as vices that don’t clamp. This seems to be standard procedure for Irwin, as the Irwin branded drill bit that I once foolishly bought remains the only one I own that won’t drill holes!

If you have an Irwin tool from before production was transferred, you may fare better!

I'm now slowly building up my tools collection using Japanese made stuff.

Pity about your drill bits... LoL ... The snips were bought in 2012 so i doubt it was before the production moved and as a result i guess its probably made of chinesium :-( but, thanks for that story about Gilbow.