Tools from the old world

[PureLeaf]

Love those Ochsenkopf Rotband axes. Are there any other manufacturers that use a Rotband metal collar below the axe head? I've seen some Bison axes and Stihl axes that look very similar.

I have the Halder Simplex Splitting Maul which features the metal collar below but its integrated into the whole head system which uses modular replaceable blades and different hardness for the mallet portion.

 

[Tooling Around]

I have the Halder Simplex Splitting Maul which features the metal collar below but its integrated into the whole head system which uses modular replaceable blades and different hardness for the mallet portion.

I've seen the Halder splitting maul. Very cool! I was hoping to find a smaller axe or hatchet with a metal collar though the smallest I've seen is another Ochsenkopf axe with a 500mm handle.

 

[PureLeaf]

I've seen the Halder splitting maul. Very cool! I was hoping to find a smaller axe or hatchet with a metal collar though the smallest I've seen is another Ochsenkopf axe with a 500mm handle.

This is halders smaller axe. Personally Id go for the ochsenkopf

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0055O3PCQ/

 

[mr.lemons]

You're right that it's not a new design. It's a design concept that was developed by Deen in Japan a couple years ago for their sliding T-handle. It has evolved into a second version (no change in the drive adapter part from my understanding):

I never played around with it, but I'd also assume that a bit won't have that strong of a hold on it.

Interesting video thanks. Regardless of a possible compromise in bit holding I think it's a cool idea/design.

Knipex 28 21 200 'long reach needle nose pliers.'





I think the jaw profile is a bit longer/thinner in reality compared to how they look on the Knipex image.



Pic shows jaw alignment with no pressure applied to the handles. Squeezing the handles (which flex quite a bit) brings the jaws together and closes the gap. Tips close together enough to pull the hairs out of my arms.



Size comparison. Snap on 8 inch 96ACF and VBW 160mm 569210.





Compared to Snap on



Compared to VBW



I'm impressed with these pliers and pretty much an immediate convert to this design of needle nose when fine tips are required. Jaws are nearly as fine as electrical pliers but they have the comfort and handle grip of full sized pliers. You can really clamp down on them (within reason) with minimal flex (even rotational) in the jaws.



Similar designs = Channellock 738 and Stahlwille 6538/VBW 579015

 

[JBH]

Interesting video thanks. Regardless of a possible compromise in bit holding I think it's a cool idea/design.

Knipex 28 21 200 'long reach needle nose pliers.'

I think the jaw profile is a bit longer/thinner in reality compared to how they look on the Knipex image.

...

Similar designs = Channellock 738 and Stahlwille 6538/VBW 579015

Thanks for the usage tips. I bought the VBW versions for my to-someday-be-completed 8" needlenose comparison , but I've been kind of struggling to see the point of the design since I picked them up. Now I want to give them a second look.

On another note, the Matador discussion a little while ago led me to pick up this flexible bitholder, pictured next to the equivalent from Witte below:

View media item 95545
For COO people, the box has "Made in Italy" molded in, but the part has no markings. The Witte is German. Vessel offers something similar. The Matador one cost me about half as much as the Witte one did, I think.

I replaced the Witte in my portable setup with the Matadore. I like it better for three reasons. First, it's shorter. Second, the knurling on the freewheeling sleeve makes it a little more comfortable to hold. Third, the satin finish on the sleeve looks better than the shiny Witte.

 

[mr.lemons]

Wera new products and Autumn / Winter Campaign 2019/20

https://www-de.wera.de/fileadmin/user_upload/elkat/prospekte/autumn-2019/EN_UK_Herbstaktion.pdf

 

[Ruxpin]

I am in need of a Jigsaw...

My preference (as per usual) is for a) UK Manufactured or failing that b) European manufactured or failing that c) Japanese manufactured..

I would have gone for a Makita 4350FCT as these used to be manufactured at the Makita Telford factory (UK), however these are now being produced in Romania apparently.

Does anyone have any recommendation for an "Old World" (AKA Europe) manufactured jigsaw? Cordless / Corded doesn't matter as this is for home use.
(I appreciate Romania is technically Europe...)

Thanks!

 

[Ruxpin]

Öhlins coilover suspension install.

 

[JBH]

Wera new products and Autumn / Winter Campaign 2019/20



https://www-de.wera.de/fileadmin/user_upload/elkat/prospekte/autumn-2019/EN_UK_Herbstaktion.pdf

Darn, no standalone 4mm bitholder.

 

[mrspeed]

Interesting video thanks. Regardless of a possible compromise in bit holding I think it's a cool idea/design.

Knipex 28 21 200 'long reach needle nose pliers.'

I think the jaw profile is a bit longer/thinner in reality compared to how they look on the Knipex image.

Pic shows jaw alignment with no pressure applied to the handles. Squeezing the handles (which flex quite a bit) brings the jaws together and closes the gap. Tips close together enough to pull the hairs out of my arms.

Size comparison. Snap on 8 inch 96ACF and VBW 160mm 569210.

Compared to Snap on

Compared to VBW

I'm impressed with these pliers and pretty much an immediate convert to this design of needle nose when fine tips are required. Jaws are nearly as fine as electrical pliers but they have the comfort and handle grip of full sized pliers. You can really clamp down on them (within reason) with minimal flex (even rotational) in the jaws.

Similar designs = Channellock 738 and Stahlwille 6538/VBW 579015

Mine aren't quite that far apart with no pressure on the handles, as the teeth in the last couple millimeters touch at least.

Here are mine next to the other similar style pliers from Stahlwille, Channelock, and Proto, as well as other styles of Knipex long nose pliers.




Sent from my Pixel 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[mr.lemons]

Here are mine next to the other similar style pliers from Stahlwille, Channelock, and Proto, as well as other styles of Knipex long nose pliers.

Any one stand out as being superior to the others or are they mostly the same? The Proto look nice. Never seen a Proto tool in the UK.

 

[losvre]

I am in need of a Jigsaw...



My preference (as per usual) is for a) UK Manufactured or failing that b) European manufactured or failing that c) Japanese manufactured..



I would have gone for a Makita 4350FCT as these used to be manufactured at the Makita Telford factory (UK), however these are now being produced in Romania apparently.



Does anyone have any recommendation for an "Old World" (AKA Europe) manufactured jigsaw? Cordless / Corded doesn't matter as this is for home use.

(I appreciate Romania is technically Europe...)



Thanks!

Check Metabo,

I have got the cordless STA LTX18 140 made in Germany since I had the batteries and it is. a Monster whilst very accurate.
Easy to change blades with variable speed, stroke blah blah. Very good!!!!

But eats my old batteries of 2.5ah in 20 min max. I believe a new battery 5ah would last you over an hour.

They also have the 100 version which is new and possibly more refine but the adjustment of the plate angle requires an Allen key unlike the 140 which is done via a knob. you also need to check the coo.

Actually check the coo before buying because all brands now make some tools in different countries, including Bosch, Metabo and even Fein.

Fein has the best in corded but quite pricey.

No need to look at Mafell, which uses Metabo batteries, because it is too expensive.

 

[Blöckw@rt]

NWS Maxi MX rebranded by 'Engelbert Strauss'

reminds me....a little bit.............

Brennenstuhl cable reel

 

[mr.lemons]

Halfords six point 3/8" deep sockets.

Bought from ebay from someone who looks to be splitting the large sets that come in blow molded cases. Have not seen deep six point available from Halfords before. Maybe they are from the newer all metric sets.

Compared to the twelve point (which are still sold as sets on a rail) they are longer, have deeper broaching and a different font/logo.

Not used yet but tried them on the 3/8" stuff I have to see what the fit is like. Fit on the square end is a little loose and rattly which I have found to be normal for Halfords sockets but the fit is consistent and there are no obvious faults or flaws. Pretty much what you would expect from Halfords Advanced tools, shiney, no special features but should get the job done.

Edit.. No Coo. I don't think Halfords tools ever have COO on the packaging or tools. I think they are Taiwan but maybe China.

 

[rhys99]

Edit.. No Coo. I don't think Halfords tools ever have COO on the packaging or tools. I think they are Taiwan but maybe China.

The six points have been available for a few years afaik, i think they're made in taiwan and owned by the same company who makes gearwrench ( Danaher ).

 

[mr.lemons]

The six points have been available for a few years afaik, i think they're made in taiwan and owned by the same company who makes gearwrench ( Danaher ).

1/4" and 1/2" deep sold on a rail are six point but the 3/8" are twelve. May be different in the large sets though.

 

[mrspeed]

Any one stand out as being superior to the others or are they mostly the same? The Proto look nice. Never seen a Proto tool in the UK.

That's a really good question. The funny thing is when you have five or so of each, you don't end up using any of them that often. I would say most of the time I probably reach for the Knipex, but that's because my Knipex drawer has almost every type of plier I could need, so it's the most convenient drawer to open when I need a set of pliers.

I went back to the garage to get them all back out again and compare them, at least some cursory impressions anyway. I forgot that I also have a pair of the old USA Western Forge made duckbill pliers from Craftsman.

For the most part, they're all more or less the same, and they all seem well made. The Stahlwille feel the most nibble in my hand, while the Craftsman feel the most sturdy. The Proto, Craftsman, and Stahlwille look the best machined in terms of tolerances and how well the teeth come together. The Channelock are the only ones that have cross hatched serrations, while the rest all have straight, transverse serrations.

For handle stiffness, none feel loose at all, but the Stahlwille are the easiest to open and close, but they also have the thinnest and probably weakest handles out of the bunch. Then Knipex, then Craftsman, then Channelock. The Proto are the stiffest. It's pretty easy to work in pliers though, and stiffness often varies from pair to pair even from the same brand, so this doesn't concern me much.

One interesting thing is how much of the jaws are serrated. Knipex is the only brand with the entire jaws serrated, then Stahlwille with just over half. The rest only serrated the tips.

Another difference is how far they open before the positive stop in the handle design. Knipex and Channelock handles open about 150°, Stahlwille opens about 120°, Proto opens about 90°, and Craftsman opens about 70°.

What does all this mean? For heavy work, I'd probably go for the Western Forge Craftsman, but they're discontinued. For precision work, I'd probably use the Stahlwille I didn't instead use actual precision pliers. For all around use, probably the Knipex. If price were a concern, the Channelocks are going to be there cheapest, and the cross hatched serrations are a nice bonus. The Protos are nice, but they kind of get lost in the middle.




Sent from my Pixel 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[mr.lemons]

^

The pivot is stiff and not very smooth on mine. Unusual for Knipex but as you say they should loosen up in time. Thanks for your insights.

 

[Jack84]

Knipex nipper pliers with a hammerhead.

 

[target]

After you are on Knipex wave...

Knipex plier wrench 250mm

 

[Dakkyz]

Any one stand out as being superior to the others or are they mostly the same? The Proto look nice. Never seen a Proto tool in the UK.

Proto you have to buy from industrial suppliers in the UK and pay whatever they want you to pay, it's worth buying from amazon US, or some of the smaller stores online that offer little selection.

Also a lot of mac tools are just proto with laser etched mac on them..

 

[Blöckw@rt]

Tower pincer 'NWS' rebranded by LUX.

 

[jimmyin3D]

Tower pincer 'NWS' rebranded by LUX.

I have that by NWS in red handles. I love the size and reach it has.

 

[TjoFrasse]

Noticed that there are a few more Wiha tools on Aliexpress, Bangood etc.

Interesting... Wonder if they are copies or just some grey market sales.

Some pics from after the test. I realise these are pretty meaningless without knowing how much torque was applied but at least they show that I had a good go at them.

Thank you for you effort and sacrifice of spanners!

I contacted a distributor who said 'As far as we know, all tools and accessories forged by MATADOR are made in Germany.' Wonder why they are not as popular as the other German manufactures.

I call false... They have removed the "Germany" stamping from their wrenches and such. And the labels/packing doesn't say anything anymore. Don't think they would do that without reason. They have a very "decent quality Taiwan" look and feel to them nowadays.

If someone could help me with any info about these old defunct Swedish brands it would be great:

Orenco
Ray
Strange swirly logo, but J G perhaps?
BIMA
Borgis (Here I have some info, it's a company called Bertil Borgenstierna & Co AB in Stockholm, started in 1909)

Some identification help? Anyone knows the brand/company?

A tool I haven't seen in this thread yet. I got this review-pack of the new Bahco water pump pliers (Alligator style). Made in Spain.

And I now have all three generations of the Knipex pliers wrench:

I was given the third generation ones by Knipex. The other ones I have bought myself.

And lastly, a bit of a philosophical question. If a Bahco adjustable wrench and a Knipex Cobra had a kid, would it be a Knipex pliers wrench, or a Bahco water pump pliers with a wormscrew adjustment?

 

[davethorik]

Did this to my old Craftsman USA convertible snap ring pliers w/ .038 tips. (Lang rebrand, I think)
So I took the only logical next step and just ordered Knipex 00 20 03 SB precision 4 piece 'circlip pliers set' to replace it.

 

[TjoFrasse]

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

Thank you!

I bought a vice a while ago with only this logo on it and some model numbers. I was unable to google anything from those numbers, so I had no idea of the maker. But now I know, just from casually browsing this thread and finding your post. Mine is a simpler model though, just a standard vice design.

 

[zerosanity]

My first knipex cobra...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PHp9i8eV6rEyqQGi7

Find it strange to knly come in buble wrap..
Ordered from amazon Apain.

 

[mr.lemons]

My first knipex cobra..

Find it strange to knly come in buble wrap..

Very nice. Don't worry it's normal for Knipex tools to come loose or in generic wrapping. If the tool is listed with 'SB' at the end of the part number (eg Cobra Knipex 87 01 180 SB) then it will come on retail packing.

 

[zerosanity]

Very nice. Don't worry it's normal for Knipex tools to come loose or in generic wrapping. If the tool is listed with 'SB' at the end of the part number (eg Cobra Knipex 87 01 180 SB) then it will come on retail packing.

AH OK, thanks...

This really is a great tool.

One thing, is it normal to have a little side-play? i can move the jaws less than half a mm

 

[target]

AH OK, thanks...

This really is a great tool.

One thing, is it normal to have a little side-play? i can move the jaws less than half a mm

Yes, Normal

Today swiss tools purchase, i realized that... I did not have a Swiss Army Knife until try alox REAL swiss army knife model, feel and touch is very, very different from civil plastic versions.

 

[wout]

Drivesitfar suggested I would post some of my Hazet collection over here so here we go:

Here's my small Hazet tool cabinet model 110. Made around 1966 cause it has the new HAzet label (capital A) and the same inside layout as the pre 1965. Took me severall years to fill the cabinet with somewhat the right tools. It's not filled 100% right but pretty close.

 

[mr.lemons]

^ Awesome.

Electrician and Plumbers trade show in Coventry England.

Ricoh arena. Home of the 'Wasps' (Rugby team).

Same organiser as a Manchester tool fair I posted about a while ago so mostly the same stands. Will try not to post too much of what was posted before. Dark room with bright lights so pics are a bit rough.

Some of the companies at the show = Bosch, CK Tools, Dewalt, Draper, Estwing, Festool, Hikoki, Irwin, Knipex, Lenox, Makita, Milwaukee, Stanley, Wera.

Wera. I'm not really a fan but have to admire their brand marketing and presentation. I get a bit giddy looking at them like a boy in a toy shop.

Most sets were open so you could play around with the tools.

Stack of Wera calendars.

They cheekily had a couple of Facom ratchet spanners out to compare to the Jokers. The Joker was quite a bit smoother. They had the offset reversibles as well which were also smoother/quieter than the Facom. Not saying they are better, just a nicer feeling mechanism.

NWS and Felo.

Really liked this driver set from Felo. Large cork(?) handle has a hole in the other side to use as a T-handle.

Wiha.

Lot of buzz around the 'Speede' with a few being sold while I was checking them out. Watched a quick demo but didn't get to hold it. Still think it looks like a cheap electric toothbrush but would like to try one. Sorry very bad pic.

CK Tools. Doesn't seem to be much/any enthusiasm for CK on Garage Journal. We have some of their screwdrivers at work which I find to be a bit poor but also have a pair of their pliers for home use and find them to be pretty indistinguishable to Orbis. All the CK hand tools I looked at where marked 'made in Germany' but I know some of their tools are not.

Festool. First time I've taken the time to look at Festool properly. Wow their drills are smooth. The tools to me don't look like anything special and I thought they felt a bit cheap in the hand but as soon as you pull the trigger they feel and sound completely different to anything else I've tried. Little to no twitch or jolt can be felt when you stop and start the drill like the motor is dampened in some way. Really a joy to use. Well worth trying if you get the chance. Everything I looked at was marked 'Made in Germany.'

Boddingtons Electrical 'UK Manufacturer'

Could not find a COO on anything. Maybe they make something in the UK but I don't think that they manufacture the tools.

Milwaukee. As posted before their insulated pliers are rebranded NWS. The standard pliers are made in China.

Insulated screwdriver set looks to be Witte.

Knipex. Really want to find a use for a small pliers wrench. The 180mm felt like a good size to me.

Hadn't noticed the small bolt cutters before 160mm(?). Hand for scale.

Been looking for a deal on these needle nose combination pliers (but with standard handles) for a while. Wish the handles were a bit longer though.

I could not resist the Wera marketing so bought myself a little toy.

 

[mr.lemons]

Wera Zyklop 1/4" bit adapter. 8784 A1 Zyklop. Packaging marked 'Made in Czech Rep.'

Looked great when I played with it at the show but unfortunately I'm not so sure now I've got it home. The locking collar used to release the bits rotates so when I try to turn a fastener I just end up spinning the collar.



While using it on a roto ratchet as it's designed to be used I reach for the collar first to give it a couple of turns with my left hand to get the fastener started before twisting the handle with my right but end up just turning the collar. When using the roto ratchet like a screwdriver you need to stop the backdrag of the ratchet from turning the fastener the wrong way while you are ratcheting. The rotating collar prevents this so you need to get your fingers onto the small area between the collar and the ratchet.



Bits fit snug but the fit on the square end is loose and rattles on the tools I have to try it on. Fit on Koken extensions is very loose. To be fair it may fit perfectly on other Wera 1/4" tools. Just noting it for anyone thinking about mating the two brands together.





Will give it a proper try to see if I adjust and learn to appreciate the design or may just super glue the stupid collar.

 

[mrspeed]

They cheekily had a couple of Facom ratchet spanners out to compare to the Jokers. The Joker was quite a bit smoother. They had the offset reversibles as well which were also smoother/quieter than the Facom. Not saying they are better, just a nicer feeling mechanism.

From reading GJ, it seems like ratcheting smoothness is often pretty variable from tool to tool even when they're the same thing. It's also heavily influenced by lubrication, which can also affect the tendency to skip.

I have to wonder if they prepared their ratchets for the demonstration, or if they just went around the warehouse selecting the best of the best that they could showcase against the worst of the worst they could find from Facom.

Really liked this driver set from Felo. Large cork(?) handle has a hole in the other side to use as a T-handle.

Do you know the model number or name of that one? It looks nice, and my favorite screwdrivers at the moment are the cork-insert-handled Wittes.

CK Tools. Doesn't seem to be much/any enthusiasm for CK on Garage Journal. We have some of their screwdrivers at work which I find to be a bit poor but also have a pair of their pliers for home use and find them to be pretty indistinguishable to Orbis. All the CK hand tools I looked at where marked 'made in Germany' but I know some of their tools are not.

I've been wanting to try them out, but almost everything I've seen from them is difficult to get in the US, or is rebranded from someone else and available cheaper through other brands.

Milwaukee. As posted before their insulated pliers are rebranded NWS. The standard pliers are made in China.

I had no idea about their VDE pliers, then come to think of it, I've never seen VDE pliers from Milwaukee. After doing a bit more looking around, it looks like they've never been sold in the US, so I guess it makes sense now why I'd never seen them.

Knipex. Really want to find a use for a small pliers wrench. The 180mm felt like a good size to me.

My two most used sizes are the smallest and the largest. One of the most frequent uses I've found is using them to bend steel or sheet metal. They have a nice flat surface that allows me to squeeze and get a lot of leverage without marring any surfaces, which makes them perfect for it. I can easily bend small lips and flanges with the small size, and I can get more leverage and do larger, straight lines with the large size.

Been looking for a deal on these needle nose combination pliers (but with standard handles) for a while. Wish the handles were a bit longer though.

I have those with the standard handles, and they're really nice. Noticeably nicer than some of their other needle nose pliers. In addition to the shape being more stout, they seem like they put in more care toward finishing them than some of the other Knipex pliers I have.

 

[TjoFrasse]

Drivesitfar suggested I would post some of my Hazet collection over here so here we go:

That is amazing!

Wera. I'm not really a fan but have to admire their brand marketing and presentation. I get a bit giddy looking at them like a boy in a toy shop.

I agree, their "rebel" marketing feels a bit corny at times. But they are nice tools!

Really liked this driver set from Felo. Large cork(?) handle has a hole in the other side to use as a T-handle.

I so want to try one of those, both the cork grip and the straight/T-handle design.

Lot of buzz around the 'Speede' with a few being sold while I was checking them out. Watched a quick demo but didn't get to hold it. Still think it looks like a cheap electric toothbrush but would like to try one. Sorry very bad pic.

It probably is nice if you're an electrician working mostly on new installations. But I can't understand the price! Should be less than half it's current price to be an option I think.

CK Tools. Doesn't seem to be much/any enthusiasm for CK on Garage Journal. We have some of their screwdrivers at work which I find to be a bit poor but also have a pair of their pliers for home use and find them to be pretty indistinguishable to Orbis. All the CK hand tools I looked at where marked 'made in Germany' but I know some of their tools are not.

I am probably wrong, but my understanding of CK is that they're just a brand, and doesn't have anything you can't get cheaper from the OEM. Like Connex, Roebuck, Würth and more. I might be wrong though, but that's the reason I am not that enthusiastic for them.

Knipex. Really want to find a use for a small pliers wrench. The 180mm felt like a good size to me.

180mm is the best size I'd say. 250 has an amazing capacity, but is heavier and often bigger than needed.

Been looking for a deal on these needle nose combination pliers (but with standard handles) for a while. Wish the handles were a bit longer though.

I'm torn about mine. It works as a "precision" combination pliers, but due too the size it will never replace my 02 200. I don't have really large hands (glove size 9), and the handles are barely large enough for me to use them comfortably. I do wish they took the special jaws to a larger size. The tri-point grip of the needle nose really works.

I have to wonder if they prepared their ratchets for the demonstration, or if they just went around the warehouse selecting the best of the best that they could showcase against the worst of the worst they could find from Facom.

I would guess so. At least on ratchets I find the Facoms just as smooth as the Weras, if not better.

My two most used sizes are the smallest and the largest. One of the most frequent uses I've found is using them to bend steel or sheet metal. They have a nice flat surface that allows me to squeeze and get a lot of leverage without marring any surfaces, which makes them perfect for it. I can easily bend small lips and flanges with the small size, and I can get more leverage and do larger, straight lines with the large size.

Yes, I have used the 250mm ones a lot for that. Great for fixing old toolboxes.

I have those with the standard handles, and they're really nice. Noticeably nicer than some of their other needle nose pliers. In addition to the shape being more stout, they seem like they put in more care toward finishing them than some of the other Knipex pliers I have.

They're nice, but for me they're the same level of finish as I expect from Knipex. My 02s or 03s are no worse. But the stout needle nose design is great, and with the try-point grip thing and extra jaw features I don't understand why they haven't made it in more sizes.

 

[modifier73]

Happy Blue Santa!

 

[Blöckw@rt]

 

[mr.lemons]

From reading GJ, it seems like ratcheting smoothness is often pretty variable from tool to tool even when they're the same thing. It's also heavily influenced by lubrication, which can also affect the tendency to skip.

I have to wonder if they prepared their ratchets for the demonstration, or if they just went around the warehouse selecting the best of the best that they could showcase against the worst of the worst they could find from Facom.

They had rows of loose Joker spanners for sale hanging on pegs next to the demo table. No way they cherry picked them all. The Facom spanners could have been stooges though.

Do you know the model number or name of that one? It looks nice, and my favorite screwdrivers at the moment are the cork-insert-handled Wittes.

No sorry. It says 140 Jahre später (140 years later) on the box so it may limited set. The stand was run by a tool importer rather than by Felo so it could be clearance stock. The handle certainly felt very grippy. Edit.. Felo 06090706


Found a vid.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pp0SshDtcAA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I am probably wrong, but my understanding of CK is that they're just a brand, and doesn't have anything you can't get cheaper from the OEM. Like Connex, Roebuck, Würth and more. I might be wrong though, but that's the reason I am not that enthusiastic for them.

I had it in my head that they were a manufacturer or at least used to be but you may be right. It would explain the lack of interest outside of the UK. Do you know who makes their 'red line' pliers? The forged 'Germany' is quite distinctive.

 

[measuredtwice]

Nice photos (as usual), Mr.Lemons! Thank you for sharing them. I don't get a chance to go to shows like that around here so it was fun to see.

It looks like the serration peaks on the upper jaw fit precisely into the serration valleys on the lower jaw of the needle nose whereas the other combination pliers are peak to peak. Is that right? Looks like it might be ideal for thin wire.

How do you like them? I've only seen them in photos and never had a chance to try Gedore screwdrivers.

 

[wout]

Beside the 110 cabinet I also have the 100 version. A bit bigger and with 2 drawers. Made in the early 80ties. When I got it, it was missing the support for the 450 wrenches (DOE). I let one made by a local school but something went wrong in the communication and it came with 1 slot to much, so there's 1 450 wrench more in the cabinet then intended by the factory. Took me also quite some time to fill it. Like the 110 cabinet it's not filled 100% correctly but think it's good enough to show. There are also a lot of extra hazet tools in it mostly vw related.

Wout