Tools from the old world

[Monte]

@billymade:
I never saw a SAM tool over here, but i also never emailed them and asked if they have a dealer here.... They also didn`t participate at the fair. But i think you won`t find them here, germany is a "white spot" for exotic tools, so no "Irega" or "Irazola", USAG, Pastorino, Vessel, KTC, Britool etc over here... around germany yes, in France, England etc. yes ....
Some SAM tools do look interesting, some are definately imported like this ratchet set. (i guess ). So I can`t tell you much about SAM. I think we have at least 3 members from france in this forum - maybe one will chime in.


RE: Hose clamp pliers

I think the OEM is "Gillet Outillage". New website: www.gillet-tools.eu old website: www.gio-tools.com If you look at the old website and click on "Video" and go to 00:57 it looks like the pliers. Before 00:57 i think you see how the handles are punched out and then later twisted. Later in the video you see the laser engraving for a second or so.

Here the patent i found: click
If the link dont work, the "Application number is PCT/FR1997/002311 which can be typed in at: http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/
Patent filed 12/16/1997

Patent drawing:

@chreese:
too far away for me.... maybe I`ll go to the "Schweissen + Schneiden" welding fair... The "Essen Motorshow" also has tool booths, I found my very first Ko-Ken catalog there...

RE: Koloss: i dunno Some will like it some not ... they also sold 100.000 of the Zyklop in 2 years , so who knows

RE: Bit ratchet: I`m too lazy to look up the patent again now but if you search for "Bobby Hu" you will find the mechanism and exact head design of your "Berner" ratchet and "Gedore", "KS-Tools", "Bahco" "Gearwrench" "SEK" etc. etc. and Wera.
They all have the thumbwheel, a strange looking circlip ring underneath the ratchet to hold the mechanism which also holds the bit etc. so I`m 100% sure the complete Bit ratchet of every brand is made by Hifive. The Wera ratchet is wider because of the "Kraftform" design. I would just keep the Berner (ps: does the thumbwheel look like a "bowl" or is it flat ?)
ps: here are some good pics from the Bahco version . A dealer sells them here for 18.** € a set so i would buy one of these, cut the box end off so you have the smallest bit ratchet. Or buy the KS tools version with handle bar. The Wera is already on Ebay for 26.-€ clickhttp://cgi.ebay.de/Wera-Bit-Ratsche-Knarre-Umschaltknarre-1-4-8001-A_W0QQitemZ360242292549QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDE_Haus_Garten_Heimwerker_Handwerkzeug?hash=item53e01d2745

RE: Bolt cutter:
Found this in a Orbis-Will catalog. Seldom you see a manufacturer who not claims first place but only 3rd

I wonder why they didn`t choose "A" , "B", "C" etc for the brands but "D", "I", "Jp" etc. ...could be countries and not brands.... Wonder who made the 1st and 2nd place (Knipex and VBW or Alarm i guess).

But can`t be that bad when they sell to the military.

RE: Saw:
Lamello, Fein, Festool..... and then 400.-€ is too expensive compared to 300.-€ ??? What`s up ??????


Thanks for the Stahlwille pics !!! I need some more wille i think

RE: Heyco
next Heyco dealer is 290KM away .... So i cant say anything, only about their sockets. They look nice and glossy but a bit wobbly.

Heyco 1/4" dr. Torx sockets

 

[billymade]

Monte, your right I got SAM and Gillet Outillage mixed up! I had looked up them before but the SAM stuff looks pretty good, thanks for the correction!

 

[Sick Puppy]

Well, it took me a month, but 1686 posts later, I'm finally up to date! Wow!

My tool budget is now to be doubled lol

 

[JayL]

Unior 430 - 11.8 inches long.

Which application do you think this jaw type will be most useful? tks

VG 10R length comparison

 

[mik641]

Bought this bahco aluminuim level today. Has magnets on one side and a vee on the other. Pretty solid too.

 

[Chreese]

Servus, folks,

Thanks for your helpful responses.
My Berner ratchet isn't accessible to me at the moment, as a consequence it can't measure it or take additional pics.

Oh, btw, if you weren't aware, your Bahco ratcheting screwdriver also comes from the same factory.

I was aware of the fact that the Bahco ratcheting screwdriver isn't manufactured "in my neck of the woods" but I didn't know where exactly it came from.

RE: Koloss: i dunno Some will like it some not ... they also sold 100.000 of the Zyklop in 2 years , so who knows

How many of those 100000 Zyklops did you buy?

They all have the thumbwheel, a strange looking circlip ring underneath the ratchet to hold the mechanism which also holds the bit etc. so I`m 100% sure the complete Bit ratchet of every brand is made by Hifive. The Wera ratchet is wider because of the "Kraftform" design. I would just keep the Berner

I'll definitely keep the Berner ratchet. I had planned to purchase a second bit-ratchet and decided for the Bahco you mentioned yesterday. I ordered it from Schuebo. Schuebo doesn't offer it at the lowest price but in conjunction with the shipping costs it's still the best source since I needed other stuff from them as well.

(ps: does the thumbwheel look like a "bowl" or is it flat ?)

As I don't have the ratchet at hand, I'm not absolutely sure but if I recall correctly, the thumbwheel at the 1/4" end looks like a bowl while the thumbwheel at the 10 mm end is flat.

RE: Bolt cutter:
Found this in a Orbis-Will catalog. Seldom you see a manufacturer who not claims first place but only 3rd

Now that is strange!

RE: Saw:
Lamello, Fein, Festool..... and then 400.-€ is too expensive compared to 300.-€ ??? What`s up ??????

I never stated that I wouldn't buy a jigsaw for EUR 400. I guess if I really wanted the new Festool or Mafell saw I should sell my Festool Trion but as the jigsaw is not the powertool I use most I will save my money and keep the Trion.
My point was/is: In my opinion, most applications jigsaws are used at don't require (close-to-) 100 % accuracy. Due to this, I think a quality job can be delivered with a jigsaw that costs less than EUR 400. But of course, this does not mean that a EUR 400 jigsaw isn't better/more comfortable to use etc. than a less expensive mid-level jigsaw.

Thanks for the Stahlwille pics !!! I need some more wille i think

Me too! (I think that you need more Stahlwille stuff and I need more Stahlwille tools myself, too.)

RE: Heyco
next Heyco dealer is 290KM away .... So i cant say anything, only about their sockets. They look nice and glossy but a bit wobbly.

No Heyco at the hardwarefair?
"Wobbly" - you are referring to the connection with the ratchet?

Well, it took me a month, but 1686 posts later, I'm finally up to date! Wow!

My tool budget is now to be doubled lol

I'm glad we could help.

(old) Hilti TE 12 S rotary hammer drill (made in Liechtenstein):

Chreese

 

[Hazet]

Here is the tool kit from my BMW 3 series. It is a far cry from the kits that were included in the late 1980's. Even the new 7 series comes with a bare bones kit. I guess they have to save money somewhere . All tools are by HEYCO.

 

[maxipouce]

Hello folks!!! I' have been busy last week (I saw a 20m long sam tools display...but no camera with me.) and therefore silent, that fair in Cologne is a bummer for me since cologne is not that far from France , the only kind of equivalent here is "equip auto " which is held every two years and in 2009 Facom wasn't even there .
I think I would have bored to death the kukko guys so I could score an "innenlager abzieher satz"

 

[superautobacs]

Here's a BMW Heyco wrench from my collection. I don't know the era though (it's a point-drive).

 

[Monte]

@JayL:
looks good to clamp flat material. 12" is huge, so for large flat material . But I personally use the 10" pliers most often

How many of those 100000 Zyklops did you buy?

only 2

I'll definitely keep the Berner ratchet. I had planned to purchase a second bit-ratchet and decided for the Bahco you mentioned yesterday. I ordered it from Schuebo. Schuebo doesn't offer it at the lowest price but in conjunction with the shipping costs it's still the best source since I needed other stuff from them as well.

why 2 ratchets ? and what did you order ?

As I don't have the ratchet at hand, I'm not absolutely sure but if I recall correctly, the thumbwheel at the 1/4" end looks like a bowl while the thumbwheel at the 10 mm end is flat.

The Wera ratchet also has the "bowl" shape, then it`s the same...

I never stated that I wouldn't buy a jigsaw for EUR 400. I guess if I really wanted the new Festool or Mafell saw I should sell my Festool Trion but as the jigsaw is not the powertool I use most I will save my money and keep the Trion.
My point was/is: In my opinion, most applications jigsaws are used at don't require (close-to-) 100 % accuracy. Due to this, I think a quality job can be delivered with a jigsaw that costs less than EUR 400. But of course, this does not mean that a EUR 400 jigsaw isn't better/more comfortable to use etc. than a less expensive mid-level jigsaw.

I`m happy with my cheap "AEG Step 90" jigsaw Only 66.-€ from ebay, instead of 125.-€ In the future i might check out the Festool saws... but a sander first... ETS 150 or Rotex or a Rotex clone (Kress maybe)

Me too! (I think that you need more Stahlwille stuff and I need more Stahlwille tools myself, too.)

ok your word is my order I`ll get some Stahlwilly stuff next week

No Heyco at the hardwarefair?
"Wobbly" - you are referring to the connection with the ratchet?

no Heyco at the fair...
yes the socket/ratchet connection is wobbly.

ps: nice Hilti hammer drill !!

ps: the new Festool Carvex saws: click

They also have a extra "Winkeltisch" now like Mafell as well as several special "tische" click

@Hazet:
I think most 7 series BMW owners don`t wrench and just call the AAA....

Hello folks!!! I' have been busy last week (I saw a 20m long sam tools display...but no camera with me.)

go back and take a pic pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee...

I think I would have bored to death the kukko guys so I could score an "innenlager abzieher satz"

@superautobacs:
"W.Germany" so at least 20 years old

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Before "Grip-On" was "Grip-on" the company name was "Arpes" when they started around 30 years ago. Then they were looking for a more powerful stronger and better name hence "Grip-On" was invented around 23 to 24 years ago. Both pictured pliers as well as a earlier version of the "grip holder" are original products and patents from "Arpes".

"Arpes" hose clamp pliers:

"USAG" branded Grip-On pinch off tool

 

[Monte]

some air tools from "Rupes". www.rupes.com


Rupes "TA 551A" (6" sander)

Rupes "RA 75" (3" sander)

Rupes "RE 21ALH"

 

[Garage_Mahal]

Reminds me of an Indian Crocodile

 

[superautobacs]

Reminds me of an

Monte,

That must've made the Grip-on reps happy, when you showed those to them at the Fair.

 

[Monte]

@garage mahal:
haha lol !!!!

But maybe it`s not too far away from reality ?? At least these pliers have their name from an animal and maybe also the design:

More "animal tools"

















@superautobacs:
yes they were quite surprised because they`re so old and asked where i found those. I guess thats why i got the "micro grip" plier for free My "spanglish" is not that good


PS:
The new Wiha videos are available on youtube

Wiha L-keys

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Wiha Slim Technology

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Wiha pliers 2010

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[Chreese]

Servus, Monte,

only 2

You disappoint me.

why 2 ratchets ? and what did you order ?

The Berner bit ratchet will stay in the shop (in the Berner toolbox, to be more precise), the Bahco set will be kept in the wooden toolbox I carry around when I have to do on-site work.
Gloves, Bahco saw, NWS pliers and a few more items.

In the future i might check out the Festool saws... but a sander first... ETS 150 or Rotex or a Rotex clone (Kress maybe)

The RO 150 FEQ is a great tool, I had the opportunity to test it a few years ago. But I don't plan to get it any time soon. I'm very satisfied with my ES 150/3 for fine sanding and very seldom reach for my Makita belt sander when serious stock removal is required.
BTW, a small Rotex (90 mm dia sanding pad) should be coming soon.

ok your word is my order I`ll get some Stahlwilly stuff next week

What are you going to order? Stahlwille screwdrivers?
If you are looking for good prices, the Focus 2009 promo is still valid here.

BTW, do you know if the Beta 1057 locking pliers (on sale till the end of the month and tempting ...) are made by LockJaw?

Greetings from Europe,

Chreese

 

[superautobacs]

BTW, do you know if the Beta 1057 locking pliers (on sale till the end of the month and tempting ...) are made by LockJaw?

I can bet you that they are. There are other tool brands that carry some items from the LockJaw lineup, too.

I've played with them at my local stores, and I ended up buying one just because they are a breeze to operate. Long-term durability is still a question, but I'd give it a for its practicality and ease of use.

[Edit] These are all made in China, and the fit and finish on the forged jaws are not absolutely perfect. Ideally, you want to hand pick them so that you can get the ones that have the best jaw alignments. Not really a concern for the larger sizes, but I thought I'd mention that if you're getting the needle-nose type, where a precise jaw-alignment may be more important.

 

[Chreese]

Thanks for your input, superautobacs. Excellent pics of the Heyco wrench, by the way. I wish I were able to take such impressive photos. If you have more Heyco tools, I would appreciate pics of them.

Another woodworking tool: Metabo LF 724 S:

Chreese

 

[superautobacs]

I edited my response with some more details, and you're welcome.

Thanks. When I take photos of tools, I try to make them interesting.
Here's this one back in page 42--a Heyco water pump plier

 

[Monte]

You disappoint me.

I need some other things too.... maybe a Stahlwille flex-head ratchet...

The Berner bit ratchet will stay in the shop (in the Berner toolbox, to be more precise), the Bahco set will be kept in the wooden toolbox I carry around when I have to do on-site work.
Gloves, Bahco saw, NWS pliers and a few more items.

I might get another Bahco ratchet for at home. Or maybe as a keyring ? After seeing the Gearwrench keyring i thought that would be a good idea.

The RO 150 FEQ is a great tool, I had the opportunity to test it a few years ago. But I don't plan to get it any time soon. I'm very satisfied with my ES 150/3 for fine sanding and very seldom reach for my Makita belt sander when serious stock removal is required.
BTW, a small Rotex (90 mm dia sanding pad) should be coming soon..

I want something to remove automobile paint, i think a Rotex or similar tool will be good

What are you going to order? Stahlwille screwdrivers?
If you are looking for good prices, the Focus 2009 promo is still valid here....

I will call Stahlwille on monday and see if they have a "Focus Promo" here in .de because i never saw one only on the websites from Austria, Italy, Poland and Belgium/Holland. So I`ll see if they can send me a print version as well as the VBW promo (cheap pliers). I`d like to get some open end wrenches, the fine tooth ratchets and some screwdrivers

BTW, do you know if the Beta 1057 locking pliers (on sale till the end of the month and tempting ...) are made by LockJaw?

If they look like Lockjaw then they are Lockjaw i think. So yes, same as Facom , Hazet etc.

I have 2 of these Hazet ones.

 

[Chreese]

Servus, folks,

@Monte & superautobacs: Thanks for sharing your knowledge with me.
I might get one of those Beta pliers if I have the chance to check them out at a store.

I need some other things too.... maybe a Stahlwille flex-head ratchet...

The Stahlwille flex-head ratchets look strange to me. If I had the opportunity to play with them I might realize that they are fine tools. Unfortunately, I don't know a single dealer that has these ratchets in stock.
I will probably end up with a Facom flex-head ratchet.

I might get another Bahco ratchet for at home. Or maybe as a keyring ? After seeing the Gearwrench keyring i thought that would be a good idea.

My trousers' pockets are already stuffed ... so no keyring ratchet/ratchet keyring for me.

I want something to remove automobile paint, i think a Rotex or similar tool will be good

I don't know which kind of tool is perfect for this job but a belt sander is not likely to be among the top-five-choices.
Are you exclusively looking for an electric power tool? Or are you also contemplating air tools?

I will call Stahlwille on monday and see if they have a "Focus Promo" here in .de because i never saw one only on the websites from Austria, Italy, Poland and Belgium/Holland. So I`ll see if they can send me a print version as well as the VBW promo (cheap pliers). I`d like to get some open end wrenches, the fine tooth ratchets and some screwdrivers

Sounds like you will be spending $$$.
Don't forget to buy all kinds of QuickRelease extensions if you don't already own them.
According to Stahlwille Austria, the Focus 2009 is valid until the end of June.
Is there a VBW sale separate from the VBW promo in the Focus prospectus?
The Drall+ screwdrivers with striking caps look nice, in my opinion. The handle design reminds me of the Witte Protop II.

Chreese

 

[Monte]

The Stahlwille flex-head ratchets look strange to me. If I had the opportunity to play with them I might realize that they are fine tools. Unfortunately, I don't know a single dealer that has these ratchets in stock.
I will probably end up with a Facom flex-head ratchet.

Yes they look strange, thats why i like them They look very strong and sturdy. The flex head locks into position though, like the Zyklop. The beam and also the "joint" seem to be much more beefy compared with other ratchets like Snap-on or Facom. After seeing a SO ratchet broke here in a thread I need something stronger.

My trousers' pockets are already stuffed ... so no keyring ratchet/ratchet keyring for me.

a jacket also has pockets

I don't know which kind of tool is perfect for this job but a belt sander is not likely to be among the top-five-choices.
Are you exclusively looking for an electric power tool? Or are you also contemplating air tools?

no not really...except you want to warp the sheet metal and make it even thinner than 0,7 mm or so.... "lightweight construction"
My dealer has this Rupes Roto-sander air tool on sale right now for €244.35 + v.a.t. - I`ll see how much the price drops and eventually buy it.

Sounds like you will be spending $$$.
Don't forget to buy all kinds of QuickRelease extensions if you don't already own them.
According to Stahlwille Austria, the Focus 2009 is valid until the end of June.
Is there a VBW sale separate from the VBW promo in the Focus prospectus?
The Drall+ screwdrivers with striking caps look nice, in my opinion. The handle design reminds me of the Witte Protop II.

Chreese

The sale will be valid 1 year so enough time to pick them up step by step.
I only have one quick release extension right now, the plan say to buy all sizes. Yes the wille drivers are from Witte. They also supply "Cimco". VBW always has its own sale every year on their website. Here is the PDF . There is another but 2009: click.
Pretty good prices. 180mm combi pliers, chrome plated only 9,90 + VAT....

Cimco = Witte

 

[Monte]

The latest addition to the wrench collection:
13mm "Proxxon" wrenches, old style and new laser etched style

 

[superautobacs]

Hrmm, is it common to see laser-etched markings on a matte-finished wrench? Something tells me it isn't. Without the lettering, that looks like the quintessential made-in-China wrench.


Monte, get that Wille' flex head! I've eyed that one as well, for it's unique look.

 

[Vinko]

Here is the tool kit from my BMW 3 series. It is a far cry from the kits that were included in the late 1980's. Even the new 7 series comes with a bare bones kit. I guess they have to save money somewhere . All tools are by HEYCO.

My '91 E34 kit (5 series) has about 10-12 tools in it. Fairly complete really. Also made by Heyco or Walter I think...All made in W. Germany.

I think bare bones kits reflect that there's fewer people doing some work on their own cars, or even doing a few things to get themselves back on the road.

It's all AAA in the US for BMW owners, perhaps?

 

[Vinko]

The requested pictures of the Stahlwille sockets:

Those are ****** beautiful. Luckily, sockets is what I have least of, some SO and remaining in the old Proto Challenger series. So, I can justify getting some Stahlwille sockets.



EDIT: who is known for best made impact sockets in larger sizes? Any company in particular? I had to get a 36mm of the SO truck and have been very impressed, so far. With quality. But wouldn't mind going German

 

[Vinko]

Another woodworking tool: Metabo LF 724 S:

Chreese

Fantastic. I bought the Hilti for work and the Bosch for home. Almost got the Metabo for work though. Super happy with the Hilti. Not so much with the Bosch. Both great, I'm sure. But Hilti has the edge for me.

 

[Vinko]

Just bought a lot of Prevost stuff, but this CEJN is ridiculously well-made:


CEJN 310 series couplers, high-flow, regular and safety. Made in Sweden.

CEJN 430 v. 310 ******, both industrial interchange:

 

[Sick Puppy]

Here is the tool kit from my BMW 3 series. It is a far cry from the kits that were included in the late 1980's. Even the new 7 series comes with a bare bones kit. I guess they have to save money somewhere . All tools are by HEYCO.

[pics here...]

My '91 E34 kit (5 series) has about 10-12 tools in it. Fairly complete really. Also made by Heyco or Walter I think...All made in W. Germany.

When I got the project car it was missing most of it- when I was in the UK I picked one up for 20 GBP, less than half what I'd have to pay for it in NZ... nice kit, better than what I've seen in most cars... I prefer the E34 tow hook to the one in the pic, looks more functional somehow, less likely to break? Ironically that is the one tool the kit was (is still!) missing... now all I need are an M5 lights kit and a shell with no rust and I'll be sorted lol

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I can probaby help source one if you want it.

 

[Monte]

Hrmm, is it common to see laser-etched markings on a matte-finished wrench? Something tells me it isn't. Without the lettering, that looks like the quintessential made-in-China wrench.

Monte, get that Wille' flex head! I've eyed that one as well, for it's unique look.

Actually the only etched wrenches/sockets which you can get here are from Proxxon IIRC. The ratcheting wrenches have a sleek finish with etching though. Maybe they think it looks modern, german design
I think made in Taiwan but could also be china in the meantime.... They are nicely finished though, better than some german wrenches

Yeah i think Stahlwille will be the best choice. They only have 60 tooth but 6 degree vs. 5 degree swing arc shouldn`t matter that much i think.


@chreese:
just called Stahlwille and they dont have a "Focus sale" here ...so I have to try it with a printed out Focus flyer from Austria............

ps: found these pics of the mechanism of the "Lockjaw" pliers.
The pressure has to be set with the small screw you see. Once set you can grab any object with the same pressure. ps: I`d like to know how many cycles they last.
If you don`t use locking pliers often, a regular 10" curved jaw for example from Bollmann (Hoffmann-group) will do the job for less $$.

Here a older german version once made by "Wezag"

@Vinko:
nice CEJN couplers !!! The safety couplers have to be pushed back and forth or just in one direction to release ???

Some impact socket manufacturers to check out: www.momento.se www.ozat.co.il www.koken-tool.co.jp www.gedore.de

At the Momento booth on the fair i visited they had a chart to show how many cycles the sockets last, I cant remember exactly how they tested (24mm socket with 2000 NM or so ?!?), the Momento socket scored about 149.000 cycles while sockets from Ozat, Ko-Ken and Gedore around 40.000 to 45.000, "Action"(Taiwan) around 25.000, a US brand which i cant remember around 15 to 16.000 and Apex about 9.000. The Momento catalog states that they are made out of "swedish spring steel".




ps:
picked up some locking pliers. All together for just €60.-

Grip-on "122-10", "112-10" and "121-05"

Grip-on "224-14" C-clamp . 365mm long

"Premier" branded aluminium c-clamp from "Sealey"
(Grip-on "144-16", 400mm long)

"Premier" alu c-clamp (Grip-on "144-32" , 785 mm)

5" vs. 32"

 

[superautobacs]

... Maybe they think it looks modern, german design
I think made in Taiwan but could also be china in the meantime.... They are nicely finished though, better than some german wrenches

Yeah i think Stahlwille will be the best choice. They only have 60 tooth but 6 degree vs. 5 degree swing arc shouldn`t matter that much i think.

I hope it's just Proxxon that think that way; I'd hate to see the rest of the German brands going that direction.
Yeah, I'll agree with you that the majority of wrenches coming from PROC/ROC have perfect/near perfect surface finishing. I don't think we can say the same thing with European and American made wrenches though.

6* VS 5* isn't much of a concern until you start extending the length of the handle. The longer the handle, the more the difference becomes apparent.

Your collection of locking pliers/welding pliers is getting huge!

 

[Monte]

I hope it's just Proxxon that think that way; I'd hate to see the rest of the German brands going that direction.
Yeah, I'll agree with you that the majority of wrenches coming from PROC/ROC have perfect/near perfect surface finishing. I don't think we can say the same thing with European and American made wrenches though.:

I think they changed to laser etching because the sockets are like this for a while now, and probably to offer the customers something different modern, fashionable. Since the tools are dedicated to the DIY user they have to look good and appealing to the eye since the end-user has to pay for the tool. Somewhere i read that 90% of the german tool production is sold to the professional end-user so you don´t need to design the tools or upgrade the finish since the employer pays for the tools and not the end-user, the employee. Since laser etching is an extra production step i don`t think that somebody from the domestic manufacturers will jump on the bandwagon soon due to the higher costs. But who knows maybe our tools will look like this in the future too...:

6* VS 5* isn't much of a concern until you start extending the length of the handle. The longer the handle, the more the difference becomes apparent.:

That`s my concern since the 1/2" flex head Stahlwille ratchet is already 415mm long..... Hazet is 270mm long........ but only 32 tooth.... Facom 72 tooth and 405mm , Koken 330 mm or 450mm (24 tooth).... Stahlwille list price 72.50€, Hazet 63.50€ Facom 44.- (sale price), Ko-Ken 42.30€/54.60€....

Your collection of locking pliers/welding pliers is getting huge!

but still not huge enough there is still space in the drawer

I also once had these 10" and 12" too, but sold them in favour to buy more german pliers and only kept a 10" Grip-on. (still have the yellow CAT plier)

12"

 

[maxipouce]

Do not forget that changing the program of the laser etching device is way simpler that making new forging dies, the forged proxxon look like the CASTORAMA (french diy stores) or BERNER (an equivalent of würth dedicated to professionnals) ones.

photo 1 aeg orbital sander that says made in germany on the case (29.99€ at a pawn shop)
photo2 wilmonda system for big sockets (pre ww2)
photo3 hartridge tool kit for cleaning diesel injectors

 

[y20dth]

Do not forget that changing the program of the laser etching device is way simpler that making new forging dies,

and cheaper....for the mfg atleast...

About 10 year ago, I bought a set of wrenches from Kraftwerk. They had the brandname and size marking laser etched. Because the wrench itself was finished in high gloss chrome, the etching was barely readible. When the wrench got a bit dirty, you could forget about finding for instance the 13mm, absolutely unreadible....
(apart from that, pretty good quality).

http://www.kraftwerk.eu/index.php

 

[Vinko]

When I got the project car it was missing most of it- when I was in the UK I picked one up for 20 GBP, less than half what I'd have to pay for it in NZ... nice kit, better than what I've seen in most cars... I prefer the E34 tow hook to the one in the pic, looks more functional somehow, less likely to break? Ironically that is the one tool the kit was (is still!) missing... now all I need are an M5 lights kit and a shell with no rust and I'll be sorted lol

I'm missing the tow-hook too. I've often wanted to check the tool kit after I've taken my car in for service to make sure someone at the shop didn't jack it.

 

[Vinko]

@Vinko:
nice CEJN couplers !!! The safety couplers have to be pushed back and forth or just in one direction to release ???

Dual-direction but it "snaps" back automatically. But you've got to make the "effort" to disengage it, hence the notion of "safety" coupler.

They take a beating though -- which is good when they are used in a shop by guys who don't care to treat the equipment with the respect it deserves

They make some in stainless as well as nickle-plated brass or steel.

I'm going to see about some of their hydraulic stuff for attaching to parts washer drains as well.

At the Momento booth on the fair i visited they had a chart to show how many cycles the sockets last, I cant remember exactly how they tested (24mm socket with 2000 NM or so ?!?), the Momento socket scored about 149.000 cycles while sockets from Ozat, Ko-Ken and Gedore around 40.000 to 45.000, "Action"(Taiwan) around 25.000, a US brand which i cant remember around 15 to 16.000 and Apex about 9.000. The Momento catalog states that they are made out of "swedish spring steel".

Surprised that Apex did so poorly. I was actually just going to get a few like the 22 and the 17mm in 1/2 drive from Stahlwille to work on my BMW. Didn't know of Stahlwille is rebranded or not....?

 

[Vinko]

I know a few of you have pictured the blue enamel handled Grip-Ons.

I've noticed Blue Point (Snap-On) is selling the Grip-On brand with a blue handle (at least that's what I'm getting off the truck branded as Blue Point). In the catalogs and in the past, they've always been Snap-On red.

Which German companies are marketing their Grip-On rebranded locking pliers with the blue color now?

 

[superautobacs]

Monte, I can't tolerate those examples. Harbor Freight and Princess Auto both have wrenches with the anodized, colour-coded scheme. Here's my contribution for the funky-look-tools:
SMOOS tools

I actually don't mind this look.

That`s my concern since the 1/2" flex head Stahlwille ratchet is already 415mm long..... Hazet is 270mm long........ but only 32 tooth.... Facom 72 tooth and 405mm , Koken 330 mm or 450mm (24 tooth).... Stahlwille list price 72.50€, Hazet 63.50€ Facom 44.- (sale price), Ko-Ken 42.30€/54.60€....

Hrmm, the Facom seems like a nice buy. How about something american? Snap-on? I'm thinking of getting a 1/2" drive, 18" long (457mm) locking flex head from Armstrong and converting the guts with the Matco 88-tooth.


Sure, you still have loads of room in that drawer!



Like Vinko, I'm surprised that Apex--a brand well trusted(?) industrial brand in the US--did that poorly.

Vinko, you mentioned blue-handled Grip-ons....They're not German branded, but the Channellock branded Grip-on locking pliers that I have come with the Channellock code-blue handles (release lever is blue; body is black). NAPA branded Grip-on come with, IIRC, blue body and black release levers.

 

[Monte]

@maxipouce:
The Wilmonda wrenches look cool !!!!

@Vinko:
thanks for the explanation !
I don`t know about the Stahlwille impact sockets, but they say "Germany" so that can`t be that bad
Blue-point pliers in blue also makes more sense I wonder about the grey (?) snap-on version. Looks nice though but red/black matches the other tools better.
The blue Grip-on pliers i posted are from NAPA. In germany you`ll only find the nickel plated pliers rebadged as "Elora" or "Hazet" (axial grip, pipe cutter) for example. Only "Würth" has coated black Grip-on pliers.

Monte, I can't tolerate those examples. Harbor Freight and Princess Auto both have wrenches with the anodized, colour-coded scheme. Here's my contribution for the funky-look-tools:
SMOOS tools

I actually don't mind this look.

yes that looks nice, if it don`t wear off.....
or like this:

thats how the formerly funky looking anodized sockets are looking after a while of serious DIY use:
The size marking is already almost worn off from one socket and the other 2 will follow...

Hrmm, the Facom seems like a nice buy. How about something american? Snap-on? I'm thinking of getting a 1/2" drive, 18" long (457mm) locking flex head from Armstrong and converting the guts with the Matco 88-tooth.

hm snap-on ..... i dunno..... too weak ......
And Armstrong, Matco, MAC etc. is not available over here.

Sure, you still have loads of room in that drawer! .

yeah for one or two pliers

Like Vinko, I'm surprised that Apex--a brand well trusted(?) industrial brand in the US--did that poorly.

me too. I emailed Lars from Momento if he can mail me the chart...

Vinko, you mentioned blue-handled Grip-ons....They're not German branded, but the Channellock branded Grip-on locking pliers that I have come with the Channellock code-blue handles (release lever is blue; body is black). NAPA branded Grip-on come with, IIRC, blue body and black release levers.

yes NAPA

 

[superautobacs]

You can bet the SMOOS colour scheme would wear off, just like mine and your sleeved sockets (I have the same type in 19mm).

The "Pard" brand stuff...looks familiar...as I paint the number stampings on some hex keys with yellow paint for easier identification.

Is that your Snap-on ratchet that broke? If you don't have easy access to a truck, I can see that could be a problem.