Tools from the old world

[mrspeed]

I mentioned in another post that the biggest issue with long reach pliers for me is when the handles are so close together they touch when you squeeze, preventing you from applying much pressure to the jaws. Here are some pictures of me squeezing each pair of pliers.

Some I had to squeeze harder than others to make the handles touch. The Elora required the least force. The Stahwille and Proto both required plenty of force to touch the handles, but the Knipex are the only ones I could not get the handles to touch no matter how hard I squeezed. In the Knipex picture, I'm squeezing as hard as I can with one hand.




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[Dakkyz]

Just checked the length of the 3/8" is 200mm which is close enough to what I'm used too. Don't seem to be able to find one in the UK so I'll probably not get a chance to try one anyway.

Last time I checked they were really pushing the UK market, if you really want to try Matador there is a distributor in the UK you just have to faf about emailing.

If it was a all metal design then it would be fine but the actual grip doesn't fit the hand right and just so uncomfortable to use compared to other brand that have a over sized grip.

Just me nit picking I guess but I cant get used to it.

I was also told the ratchets are made in germany (came in a box saying made in germany) no back drag even after use and the actual quality is great just the silly grip, but £30 I cant really complain it's a 90 tooth ratchet made in germany with nice machining.

 

[mr.lemons]

^ I get you now. Thanks. I assumed they were made in Taiwan/China. German made, 90 tooth, low back and not a crazy price has me even more intrigued now despite your warning of poor handle ergonomics.

+ nice pliers mrspeed.

 

[jimmyin3D]

Facom/Proto 500 Series Locking Pliers. Super adjustable so you get a huge range with these. Made in France. Bought from ultimate garage









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[jimmyin3D]

Facom Oil Filter wrenches Small and Large. Automatic gripping. If these fit they will get any filter off. Never fails!





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[Reed Prince]

Facom/Proto 500 Series Locking Pliers. Super adjustable so you get a huge range with these. Made in France. Bought from ultimate garage

I've always wanted one of those 506A pliers. Right now, amazon.fr sells them for $73.73 including shipping to USA, while Ultimate Garage charges $98.

 

[jimmyin3D]

I've always wanted one of those 506A pliers. Right now, amazon.fr sells them for $73.73 including shipping to USA, while Ultimate Garage charges $98.

I think I saw them cheaper on amazon.DE for like $60. If I were only to get one I would probably do the 506a. The swivel is very useful

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I picked up a small lot of vintage U.S.S.R. tools this morning at a flea market.

Regarding Pics 1, 2, 3 & 4...

I am very impressed with the quality of the 11mm and 14mm SOE wrenches from Tona, which as I understand it, were made in Czechoslovakia.

My question on these is, what is that little symbol to the left of the number "0625" on the shank? And what is that number? A model or line series number? It can't be the stock or model number for each wrench, which seems to be the \1/ and \2/ on the flip side.

Regarding Pics 5, 6 & 7

The 8mm x 10mm DOE wrench in this next pair is also very well made. The 14mm x 17mm wrench with the reinforced jaws seems to be made of lesser steel. Not pot metal, but not a rich alloy, either.

My question on these is, what are the symbols on the shank between the forged-in size markings? Manufacturer's logos? If so, does anyone recognize them? Secondly, can someone translate the forged-in Cyrillic marking on the flip side of the black oxide wrench? Is it C_OKOP? I am not familiar with the second letter/figure.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

This stub rasp (also called a bull's foot rasp here) also has a Cyrillic marking on it. See Pic 5 for a close-up. Would someone who can make out the letters please translate it?

 

[OMMP]

Metallist
G.Kimry

 

[ukruser]

My question on these is, what are the symbols on the shank between the forged-in size markings? Manufacturer's logos? If so, does anyone recognize them? Secondly, can someone translate the forged-in Cyrillic marking on the flip side of the black oxide wrench? Is it C_OKOP? I am not familiar with the second letter/figure.

Ц40коп = price 40 kopeck (0.4 roubles)
14X17 I think it is Sitomo (Belarus)
10X8 I don’t know, because there are too many similar logos forum . woodtools . ru /index.php?topic=47343.0

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Metallist
G.Kimry

Ц40коп = price 40 kopeck (0.4 roubles)
14X17 I think it is Sitomo (Belarus)
10X8 I don’t know, because there are too many similar logos forum . woodtools . ru /index.php?topic=47343.0

Djakujem!

 

[SAA44-40]

German tool experts,
I need a set of SAE and metric double ended wrenches. Is Gedore a solid option in this category?

 

[jimmyin3D]

German tool experts,
I need a set of SAE and metric double ended wrenches. Is Gedore a solid option in this category?

Skip Gedore.
Are you looking for double open ended or double box?
If you want double open end that are thin the Facoms and Hazet are about the same thickness. THe stahlwilles are a bit thicker.
For double box though go Stahlwille ppl love them for their nice offset and great finish.

What are you using them for/needing them for?

 

[SAA44-40]

Thank you Jimmy-
I’m actually open to both wrench types. I am foremost a hobbyist, but do a lot of auto, tractor and small engine work w my sons. I’m after premium quality, fit and finish and stuff I can heirloom to my boys. Thank you

 

[jimmyin3D]

Thank you Jimmy-
I’m actually open to both wrench types. I am foremost a hobbyist, but do a lot of auto, tractor and small engine work w my sons. I’m after premium quality, fit and finish and stuff I can heirloom to my boys. Thank you

I wouldn’t hesitate to go stahlwille for the double box end offset(that’s what I currently have and love them).

For double open end I have Hazet and if I were doing it over I would of got the stahlwilles instead or the Snap On 30/60 angle head wrenches.

 

[mrspeed]

Decided this USAG electrical tool set looked too good to pass up. As you can see, I still haven't opened and home through everything yet. What really sold it for me was the USAG/Facom nut drivers and screwdriver sets with VDE and stubby drivers I didn't have yet. The cable cutter is much bigger than I realized. I also really like the grips on the cable cutters and VDE pliers. I have the Facom versions of the VDE pliers, which I think are a little more comfortable, but not by much. The other thing I really liked was the zip tie pullers. And yes, all the cable ties and electrical tape were part of the set.



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[JBH]

Decided this USAG electrical tool set looked too good to pass up.

Looks like a pretty nice set! So USAG pliers have slightly different soft bits, and no springs, compared to Facom?

Is the USAG wire stripper spring loaded?

 

[SAA44-40]

Thank you Jimmy- My small amount of research confirms your thoughts as Stahlwille appears to be leader in German made wrenches. The Heycos look interesting as well

 

[mrspeed]

Looks like a pretty nice set! So USAG pliers have slightly different soft bits, and no springs, compared to Facom?

Is the USAG wire stripper spring loaded?

Yes and they're also chrome plated. Out if all my Facom pliers, I don't think I've ever gotten any that were chrome plated I don't know if Facom offers it and I also don't know if USAG offers spring loaded versions of these pliers.

Yes, the USAG wire strippers and cable cutters are both spring loaded.

The cable cutters are a similar style to some Beta cable cutters I have as well, though quite a bit bigger.

View attachment 901699View attachment 901700View attachment 901701

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[HRNTK]

Yes and they're also chrome plated. Out if all my Facom pliers, I don't think I've ever gotten any that were chrome plated I don't know if Facom offers it and I also don't know if USAG offers spring loaded versions of these pliers.

Yes, the USAG wire strippers and cable cutters are both spring loaded.

The cable cutters are a similar style to some Beta cable cutters I have as well, though quite a bit bigger.

View attachment 901699View attachment 901700
View attachment 901701

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Here is the spring of the USAG 148N, or the Beta 1132 is similar to the red red Facom 412B.10 which has a similar spring of the usag and the both(Beta/Facom). are measuring 170mm and Beta propose one like the USAG 148N (230mm).

For the stripping wire pliers Only Facom has a return spring (as the other pliers of the brand) with a black elastic ring to close them and this new pliers are oversized for their pocket nylon troll roll.

Nice USAG set mrspeed by the way.

 

[mr.lemons]

Confused about which bits to use? I wasn't until I watched this new vid from Wiha. Had no idea that different screw head shapes required different bits.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NlcBPwR61KE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

More info here.
https://www.wiha.com/shopware.php?sViewport=cat&sCategory=9622

 

[Brunel]

I watched the video and looked at the web site. There's no explanation of how the bits differ or how it is even possible to design a bit to suit different screw head styles.

The only thing I can think of is that perhaps the shape of the bit is designed to cam-out at particular torque values, but these bits are available in Torx, a screw head which was specifically designed not to cam-out, so that doesn't ring true.

The concept seems very dubious to me.

 

[jimmyin3D]

Confused about which bits to use? I wasn't until I watched this new vid from Wiha. Had no idea that different screw head shapes required different bits.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NlcBPwR61KE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

More info here.
https://www.wiha.com/shopware.php?sViewport=cat&sCategory=9622

Im not sure either. I read that these bits have a torsion zone (kind of like torque sticks for lugnuts) that I guess help in the certain screw it’s supposed to be driving. Also they glow in the dark. Seems kind of unnecessary:/

 

[Dakkyz]

Basically, one bit is straight T-Bit and the Y bit has cut outs on the end.

The cap type go straight down normally a lot deeper while the tapered head type don't they sort of have cut out's, If I had the screws I could show you.

The torsion zone stop it from snapping clean off, and The UV is good I mean have you ever gone looking for a bit in your bag of bits and drill bits it's impossible to find them, with the UV they will stand out, they are really aimed at the tradesman.

The 'TY Design' is pretty much every good quality torx socket it helps with cap types you come across tapered head ones.

 

[mr.lemons]

^ I assumed that the torx cutout in every screw head would be the same. Never noticed they were different. Thanks for the explanation.

 

[mr.lemons]

Gedore ITX 30 PM 3/8" torx sockets.

(and a 21mm 1/2" socket that a previously purchased set omitted)

Cheap, brittle feeling plastic box.

Foam tray is removable.

T20-50. The tips are brown/bronze coloured.

Happy to report that there are no issues with locking onto my Facom ratchet or extensions. The 21mm 1/2" socket also does not have any fitment issues.

Sockets are marked 'Made in Germany.' Not sure if Gedore make the Torx part or just the socket.

Compared to Halfords Torx sockets the Gedore are noticeably heavier as the socket part is quite a bit larger.

 

[Dakkyz]

^ I assumed that the torx cutout in every screw head would be the same. Never noticed they were different. Thanks for the explanation.

Almost all bits and socket bits are this so called 'TY' design, They did a video like this 5-7 years ago, weird that they have updated it.

 

[Dakkyz]

^^

I ended up buying that set as well the ITX 30 PM, It doesn't like my quick release ratchet's or my normal ones seems to bottom out with the quick release.

Are yours solid at the bottom?

 

[mr.lemons]

I don't have much stuff to try them on. Only have two 3/8" ratchets and they are both Facom pear heads. Koken and Facom extensions. The square hole in the Gedore is cut about 2mm deeper than the Halfords. A couple of the Gedore sockets were a tight fit the first time I put them on a ratchet as the paint inside is quite thick.

 

[Dakkyz]

I dunno if it's just my ratchets, but it didn't really want to go on my halfords one or my elora or my EGA master just a taiwan special it did go on the matador fine though and worked best on that.

AS for the bits, they look exactly the same as my Heyco/Elora 1/2 ones, same gun metal finish same lathing marks or w.e machine they use, just in a 3/8 drive.

My Elora ones have been through hell and held up as for the heyco ones they were cheap just a back upset as I didn't have any other socket bits, It's just if one breaks won't be able to punch it out and press a new bit in.

 

[mr.lemons]

Yes I noticed that the bits cannot be punched out.

Not sure if you have seen my previous posts but I have had issues with Gedore sockets not even fitting on Gedore ratchets properly. Had to dremel the ball retention cut outs a bit. Didn't mind so much as the set was cheap.

Maybe send them back to Amazon. Just say not fit for purpose and they should accept it.

 

[Dakkyz]

Yes I noticed that the bits cannot be punched out.

Not sure if you have seen my previous posts but I have had issues with Gedore sockets not even fitting on Gedore ratchets properly. Had to dremel the ball retention cut outs a bit. Didn't mind so much as the set was cheap.

Maybe send them back to Amazon. Just say not fit for purpose and they should accept it.

It's just odd, work's fine on every extension I have, will go onto the ratchet but won't lock or fully seat sometimes, I always though Elora were a little ruff, but this been my first gedore set Im a little disappointed to say the least plus it's not worth the hassle to return, I've always had issues returning thing's to amazon due to not owning a printer or been able to print a label out.

I always saw gedore as the top german brand for hand tools, but I guess I was wrong.

After fiddling with them they all work on every ratchet but the T-30 and T-40 which is odd because they work on the matador ratchet lol.

Cant find anywhere that they are built to DIN / ISO Standards jokes on us lol.

 

[rhys99]

been given this hazet torque wrench from a family member

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[zkling]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7939652&postcount=10975

Garant tool trolley

 

[JBH]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7939652&postcount=10975

Garant tool trolley

That’s really cool!

 

[davethorik]

Just got these with some other tools. They look very nice with little use, head has mirror finish. However other than Heyco forged in on each grip, and a small F and G forged in to one side of handles, there are no markings. Measures 170mm long. Side of head ground out like linemans pliers.

Edit: should add they're narrow. 8mm tip width.

 

[mrspeed]

Picked up some of the USAG/Bost/Facom round handle screwdrivers to add to the fray and join the Blackhawk bit driver of the same style, all made in France.

Also picked up some USAG spark plug pliers with plastic coated jaws. I have some Eloras of similar style but without the plastic jaws and thought these might come in handy for situations that require being extra delicate.

Picked up a RotaCutter set as well, sold by Alfa Tools. I'm pretty sure these sets are almost all supplied by the same manufacturer and just put into different packaging for each brand that sells it. What I thought was interesting here was that this is the first thing I've bought that says "Made in Europe." The curiosity is killing me, wondering which country in Europe!

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[mr.lemons]

Anyone know why PB Swiss hex and torx sockets are not in their catalogue or website? Are they for the Japanese market only? Discontinued?

https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/bike-man/item/10412872/

Spotted an immaculate looking Britool metric 1/2" socket set for sale on UK ebay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Britool-...986047&hash=item3d8de98627:g:XX0AAOSw9aJdD3R3

 

[Cynical huckster]

Some pics of Stahlwille tools and trolleys from the exhibition.


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