upgrading
Well-known member
Nice pics of Toom
Tools from the old world
- Thread starter Monte
- Start date
ultgar
Well-known member
Foam trays for Facom/Mac/USAG/Proto mini and high performance impacts.
CGarage
Well-known member
I have had plastic trays and foam trays from Facom. The durability and survivability of the foam far exceeds that of the blow molded plastic. My experience is that if you look at a Facom plastic tray wrong, it will crack. Those are nice foam trays!
^ Nice pics from the Toom store.
Felo 373 bit driver. Bit storage pops out on a spring when the cap is unscrewed. Cap 'Klicks' shut so feels like it will stay closed in use though I've seen some comments saying that it opens sometimes. Handle has a relatively large diameter.
The magnetic bit holder is removable so can be swapped out for different lengths and styles.
Hazet 3/8" socket set slowly growing.
Felo 373 bit driver. Bit storage pops out on a spring when the cap is unscrewed. Cap 'Klicks' shut so feels like it will stay closed in use though I've seen some comments saying that it opens sometimes. Handle has a relatively large diameter.
The magnetic bit holder is removable so can be swapped out for different lengths and styles.
Hazet 3/8" socket set slowly growing.
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Jack84
Well-known member
The google translate is strong in this one.
Knipex also has some nice plated pliers
Long Johns for the cold days in the garage...
measuredtwice
Well-known member
Felo 373 bit driver. Bit storage pops out on a spring when the cap is unscrewed. Cap 'Klicks' shut so feels like it will stay closed in use though I've seen some comments saying that it opens sometimes. Handle has a relatively large diameter.
I've been looking at that for months but haven't pulled the trigger on it. Not sure if I'll like or dislike the pop up.
Not sure how much I like it either. The clear part definitely has a cheap plastic feel to it and the internal mechanism rattles. You can both hear and feel it knocking around inside when you use the driver. Removing and replacing bits in the holder is a little fiddly.
It's cheap though.
I purchased from here if anyone in the UK is looking for one.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FELO-BIT...036162&hash=item1a11b916d2:g:PXQAAOSwJQdXC9PT
It's cheap though.
I purchased from here if anyone in the UK is looking for one.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FELO-BIT...036162&hash=item1a11b916d2:g:PXQAAOSwJQdXC9PT
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Dakkyz
Well-known member
Is it real? I've only seen them in Red.
The ones in Red also have a Red plastic top.
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It's not as nice as the PB Swiss ratcheting screwdriver's bitholder, but mine has never popped up unintentionally in use. It could be much worse, such as Snapon's curiously under-designed ratcheting screwdriver's bitholder.
Yes I think so. The bits are definitely Felo.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
Nice deal for those in the UK
Thanks. I've been looking at the one from PB Swiss too.
superautobacs
Well-known member
Black Friday pickups. First, Wera and Wiha from amazon.de
View media item 99227
The first Wera soft case is their Wera KK Zyklop Speed ratchet/socket/power bit. Given the BF discount I assume this is a discontinued set, replaced by one with a couple more parts (28pc vs 26pc) and the sockets on the spine.
View media item 99229Overall I’m extremely impressed with the ratchet. I’m surprised it has taken me this long to get one! This ratchet is actually my first experience with a full-sized Wera screwdriver handle…and I like it! Backdrag is quite low, markedly lower than my other toto-ratchets (Würth 1/4” drive, VIM 3/8” drive). I wish the bracket had a little more tolerance, because then you could easily use it with the head between detents. As designed now the back ring rubs on the bracket if you try to do that.
The second Wera soft case is their new (or discontinued? KC Tool doesn't stock it) Bit Safe.
View media item 99228Very smart design! Going in the portable kit. A Reverse Gear locking flex bit ratchet and extension (here, KS Tools brand) fits in the landing between the rows, and does not impede closure even with the Rapidator bit holder in place. I’m going to glue a small couple neo magnets to that area to secure the ratchet and extension. Here’s a size comparison to the 31-bit Felo box; while not quite fair (Felo also has power bits) Wera is only a little larger for significantly more bit options.
View media item 99233
The metal Wiha box is their “all the bits” precision bit set with ratchet.
View media item 99232Foam cutouts are a little rough compared to Felo or Würth, but work OK. Nothing fell out in trans-Atlantic transit. It seems the Wiha bit ratchet has improved in feel, though I still don’t trust it. (I’ve broken one.) Engineer's collet 4mm bit handle - nicely shaped grip, and the spinner cap has a metal bearing so it is very smooth - and Wiha’s Picofinish 4mm bit handle both fit in the cutout for the standard Wiha handle.
View media item 99227
The first Wera soft case is their Wera KK Zyklop Speed ratchet/socket/power bit. Given the BF discount I assume this is a discontinued set, replaced by one with a couple more parts (28pc vs 26pc) and the sockets on the spine.
View media item 99229Overall I’m extremely impressed with the ratchet. I’m surprised it has taken me this long to get one! This ratchet is actually my first experience with a full-sized Wera screwdriver handle…and I like it! Backdrag is quite low, markedly lower than my other toto-ratchets (Würth 1/4” drive, VIM 3/8” drive). I wish the bracket had a little more tolerance, because then you could easily use it with the head between detents. As designed now the back ring rubs on the bracket if you try to do that.
The second Wera soft case is their new (or discontinued? KC Tool doesn't stock it) Bit Safe.
View media item 99228Very smart design! Going in the portable kit. A Reverse Gear locking flex bit ratchet and extension (here, KS Tools brand) fits in the landing between the rows, and does not impede closure even with the Rapidator bit holder in place. I’m going to glue a small couple neo magnets to that area to secure the ratchet and extension. Here’s a size comparison to the 31-bit Felo box; while not quite fair (Felo also has power bits) Wera is only a little larger for significantly more bit options.
View media item 99233
The metal Wiha box is their “all the bits” precision bit set with ratchet.
View media item 99232Foam cutouts are a little rough compared to Felo or Würth, but work OK. Nothing fell out in trans-Atlantic transit. It seems the Wiha bit ratchet has improved in feel, though I still don’t trust it. (I’ve broken one.) Engineer's collet 4mm bit handle - nicely shaped grip, and the spinner cap has a metal bearing so it is very smooth - and Wiha’s Picofinish 4mm bit handle both fit in the cutout for the standard Wiha handle.
I recently picked up a set of Wolfcraft wire brushes I believe are made by Lessman, hadn't even had a chance to open them yet.
They're nice enough for the money, but I think I like these other wire brushes I have better. These were purchased from Alfa Tools in the US, but I believe they're actually made by JAZ out of Spain. I have other wire brush wheels from JAZ prominently marked Made in Spain, but these hand brushes don't have a COO anywhere.
Wherever they're made, they feel a bit nicer to me than the Lessman hand brushes. The brush wires aren't as splayed right out of the package, they're about 30g heavier, at 130g vs 100g for the Lessman, and the handles have more rounded edges which make them more comfortable to grip. Haven't had much chance to compare them in actual use or longevity yet since both sets are pretty new to me.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app
More Black Friday: PB Swiss, from Toollady; Duratool from Newark
PB Swiss 515 precision screwdriver set, TX20 security socket, long-nose ratchet screwdriver with bit compartment.
View media item 99224
The 515 is an extremely compact set. Here it is rolled up, compared to a Wiha 4mm interchangeable blade pouch:
View media item 99318
The handle is also tiny; here compare to 4mm Felo, Engineer, Wiha standard, Wiha Picofinish:
View media item 99234I will say the collet, while impeccably machined and finished like jewelry, does not grip the 3.5mm shaft as well as 4mm Felo or Engineer handles grip 4mm shafts. Don’t push down too hard on it! A ball detent system (e.g. Wiha System 4) is better design.
PB Swiss shafts are 3.5mm, so handle and shafts are incompatible with standard 4mm micro shafts. However, they can also fit places where 4mm ones can’t, for example to engage the set screws in a Neutrik double banana plug:
View media item 99226(4mm shaft shown in Felo but Wiha and Engineer don’t fit either).
The TX20 security socket is so beautifully machined it makes Stahlwille and Hazet bit sockets look crude. However, this one actually useless for me in the intended application: I didn’t catch that it’s a 3/8” drive rather than the expected 1/4” drive. I won't be adding a 3/8" drive ratchet for one bit socket...
I thought the short nose ratchet screwdriver would just be an extra tube on the end of the short nose, but actually they’re fairly different.
View media item 99225
Duratool (Orbis?)
I saw Newark stocked these pliers in the US now, so I added one along with a Raspberry Pi 4 I bought for a project.
View media item 99108
I thought they would be the same as a set of little Orbis combis I use quite a bit, except with better handles. They are not. The jaws are quite a bit thicker, more like the Tsunoda mini-combis.
View media item 99109View media item 99110
I also picked up Duratool "Assorter," but returned it because it was a POS and totally unacceptable at $50 (minus discount). No pics because it wasn't worth my time. It's a very crudely made and ill-fitting knockoff of Raaco Assorter/Handybox. I don't like disparaging items for their COO...but this product is the kind of thing that gives Chinese production its reputation. Spend the small bit extra for the real thing.
PB Swiss 515 precision screwdriver set, TX20 security socket, long-nose ratchet screwdriver with bit compartment.
View media item 99224
The 515 is an extremely compact set. Here it is rolled up, compared to a Wiha 4mm interchangeable blade pouch:
View media item 99318
The handle is also tiny; here compare to 4mm Felo, Engineer, Wiha standard, Wiha Picofinish:
View media item 99234I will say the collet, while impeccably machined and finished like jewelry, does not grip the 3.5mm shaft as well as 4mm Felo or Engineer handles grip 4mm shafts. Don’t push down too hard on it! A ball detent system (e.g. Wiha System 4) is better design.
PB Swiss shafts are 3.5mm, so handle and shafts are incompatible with standard 4mm micro shafts. However, they can also fit places where 4mm ones can’t, for example to engage the set screws in a Neutrik double banana plug:
View media item 99226(4mm shaft shown in Felo but Wiha and Engineer don’t fit either).
The TX20 security socket is so beautifully machined it makes Stahlwille and Hazet bit sockets look crude. However, this one actually useless for me in the intended application: I didn’t catch that it’s a 3/8” drive rather than the expected 1/4” drive. I won't be adding a 3/8" drive ratchet for one bit socket...
I thought the short nose ratchet screwdriver would just be an extra tube on the end of the short nose, but actually they’re fairly different.
View media item 99225
Duratool (Orbis?)
I saw Newark stocked these pliers in the US now, so I added one along with a Raspberry Pi 4 I bought for a project.
View media item 99108
I thought they would be the same as a set of little Orbis combis I use quite a bit, except with better handles. They are not. The jaws are quite a bit thicker, more like the Tsunoda mini-combis.
View media item 99109View media item 99110
I also picked up Duratool "Assorter," but returned it because it was a POS and totally unacceptable at $50 (minus discount). No pics because it wasn't worth my time. It's a very crudely made and ill-fitting knockoff of Raaco Assorter/Handybox. I don't like disparaging items for their COO...but this product is the kind of thing that gives Chinese production its reputation. Spend the small bit extra for the real thing.
tomalophicon
Well-known member
Nice posts/tools JBH.
Will definitely be picking up a Wera bit case some time. I see on an Amazon.de review that it can also hold power bits.
Interesting! I may try to see if it can fit power bits on the outer ends of the folding flap and still fit the bit ratchet and extension in the middle
Made a vid on the Felo 373 bit driver. Not brave enough to talk so you get me breathing for 2 mins. 
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WHyp0QgX_Zw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WHyp0QgX_Zw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
measuredtwice
Well-known member
Made a vid on the Felo 373 bit driver. Not brave enough to talk so you get me breathing for 2 mins.
Very helpful demo.
Made a vid on the Felo 373 bit driver. Not brave enough to talk so you get me breathing for 2 mins.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WHyp0QgX_Zw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
You figured out that the bitholder comes out right away!?!
It took me a few weeks at least to get there.
They do look a bit nicer.....maybe next time
https://www.rationalstock.de/katalog/artikeln/werkzeuge/feil----schleifwerkzeuge/drahtbursten/100505
.[/QUOTE]:thumbup::pimpflash
[img]https://up.picr.de/37462454mo.jpg
The bits are visible thru' the cap and the green ring has "CLOSE" with an arrow on it................................................
Dave455
Well-known member
Made a vid on the Felo 373 bit driver. Not brave enough to talk so you get me breathing for 2 mins.
Thanks!
You’ve convinced me to get one of these! The fact that they are available for £8 probably swung it!
Might add that to my work bag. Lots of capability for little weight or cost.
I like the modular nature of the Felo stuff, the way you can remove the shank and insert a longer shank or1/4 inch power bit is neat, and they seem to be rigid.
I have a couple of other a Felo sets. An interchangeable blade driver set, which I keep in my electrical box so I know I have ‘one of everything’ on a job, and a little 1/4 drive set I keep in one vehicle! Always good quality and very good value!
Attachments
CGarage
Well-known member
Monte: What do you think of Wolfcraft as a brand?
measuredtwice
Well-known member
I didn't realize they weren't the same size. Good to know.
That's surprising. I wonder why.
Those Orbis pliers look interesting. I see they were made in W Germany. Are they long gone or still available as old stock?
How do you like the one from Tsunoda? I have some saved in my Amazon cart but haven't previously used anything from the brand.
I bought them on eBay several years ago as NOS. I haven't seen another pair. Obviously they're a couple decades old and I haven't seen them anywhere else. (I was recently reminded that 2019 is as far away from 1990 as 1990 was from 1961 - put another way now reunified Germany has now existed for about as long as the Berliner Mauer did!) They are not pretty but I use them quite a bit.
I thought Duratool would be the same, but with comfort grips. Nope. It's more like the Tsunoda but with comfort grips.
There's a company called Donau Electronik who may sell the Orbis with nicer grips:
Next time I'm in Vienna I may have a pair sent to my hotel.
They're fine tools, and workmanship is much nicer than (old) Orbis. They're still a little redundant for me. I used them when I first bought them but noticed after a few weeks that when I needed something smaller I still reach for the crude little Orbises. The proportions just seem more sensible. If the little Knipex needle-combi had spring assist, that would be the best ersatz.
Given the price differential, I would pick Tsunoda over this Duratool every time.
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measuredtwice
Well-known member
Thanks!
tomalophicon
Well-known member
Got this set for $46 Aussi dollars. Playing with them individually they seem nicely made. Guessing made by Facom?
.
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Qualitytools
Well-known member
Nice, your guess is correct, I looked for those here in the US but most of the FM Stanley seems to be Taiwan
tomalophicon
Well-known member
It's funny you can't find them because the packaging is definitely US origin and has US phone numbers on the warranty information.
Tom.
tomalophicon
Well-known member
Thanks for the info.
