Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks, super. I'm glad you mentioned the strange uni joint in that set. I didn't know if that was a rube goldberg repair or factory!
Tools from the old world
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Cynical huckster
Well-known member
Few Ko-ken 1/4" ratchets. Watch with 40 mm case to compare the size.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
Nice photos of some nice ratchets
It's helpful to see so many side by side. I noticed you have 2 with the knurled handles. Is that your favorite? I have the knurled 3/8 and have been thinking about trying some of the others.Cynical huckster
Well-known member
Nice photos of some nice ratchets
I'm not the end user, I'm the reseller
This was a trial order from Porsche service station. They wanted to replace Hazet ratchets with another brand, and ordered some Ko-ken to check the quality. After several tests, they were satisfied and ordered more. So more Ko-ken pics to come in few weeks
Cynical huckster
Well-known member
Did they give a reason for wanting to change out Hazet ratchets?
Porsche mechanics using Ko-ken just seams wrong.
They have two reasons to change out Hazet ratchets. Firstly, because of quality issues. Moreover, I don't know why, but local Hazet distributor doesn't supply the repair kits for ratchets. But I do
Dave455
Well-known member
They have two reasons to change out Hazet ratchets. Firstly, because of quality issues. Moreover, I don't know why, but local Hazet distributor doesn't supply the repair kits for ratchets. But I do
I have several Hazet ratchets, bought over some years, in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive. All of them are faultless, as are the sockets I also own. In fact, I would say that Hazet were probably up there with the very best when it comes to quality control.
I’ve had more issues with Snap On than Hazet, and the Snap On is pretty good!
I can see lack of repair kits being an issue for pro use. Sounds like they need to switch distributors!
I would need to check, but I’m pretty certain that some years ago, the Porsche main dealers in the U.K. all used Stahlwille!
Cynical huckster
Well-known member
Not heard much negative feedback about Hazet before. Do you know if it's just the 1/4" or all sizes they are having issues with?
Silver lining if it brings business your way.
As far as I know, they have most part of problems with 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets.
There are just two official Hazet distributors in Ukraine. Both of them have in stock air ratchets and impact wrenches, couple of torque wrenches, few combination wrenches sets, some impact sockets... and that's all. They supply the rest of Hazet products on demand. And I have no idea why they don't supply the repair kits. Well, so much the better for my business.
These guys also use Stahlwille, but torque wrenches only.
Does this kind of spanner fit the kit?If I could interrupt the modern tool reviews for just a moment to sneak in this quick vintage posting..., I picked up this Tona socket set at a flea market this morning.
It’s 1/2-inch square drive with eleven (11) metric sockets (32, 30, 23, 21, 20, 19, 18, 16, 15, 14, and 13), and what appears to be a spark plug socket with an imperial sizing (7/16”) also marked “BSW” (British Standard Whitworth). It had two HEYCO sockets and one Hazet socket in it, which I have removed.
From this photo of a more or less complete set I grabbed on-line...
...I believe I am missing the speeder, the short extension, a universal joint, and seven (7) sockets. I’m not much of a metric user, but apparently 31, 22, 17, 12, 11, 10 and 9. All the sockets are 6-point.
The tools are marked “TONA”, flanked by “CHROM” and “VANADIUM”, and “MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA”. I don't believe the finish is chrome-plating. It appears to be cadmium or some other form of economy finish.
I love the pebbled composite handles and I am having some fun inspecting the strange construction, including the deep broaches and some of the odd marks the process and machine has left behind on the inside, which you just don’t see in US products of similar vintage.
I am not normally a European tools collector, let alone Eastern Europe, and Eastern Bloc, no less. But there is a bit of a personal connection for me with this set. Tona was founded in 1892, originally as an iron foundry, in what then the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Czechoslovakia was formed in 1918, at the end of WWI, a few years after my maternal and paternal grandparents escaped to America. In 1948 it became part o the Warsaw Pact. I am guessing it’s late 1950’s or early 1960’s production. If anyone knows more specifically, or knows a lot more about Tona, please chime in.
I will be creating a WANTED ad for the missing pieces. If anyone has any, please let me know. I understand that it's not a rare or terribly important set, but I am impressed with the quality, which is very good, in my opinion, and I would like to complete it. I may even re-finish the box.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
That IS indeed the correct ratchet for the kit!
The ratchet in the complete kit I initially posted is either missing its deckled composite grip, or is not the correct ratchet at all, which I in my haste did not notice.
Attached is a different photo of a different kit in which you can clearly see that the ratchet has the same exact grip as the other handles.
If the ratchet you have is available, please let me know. I would dearly love to purchase it. And thanks for posting.
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Maybe. It has a little oil port or access port on the head. In your photo, that is facing down. In my photo, that is facing up. Kiraj's posting of a correct Tona Chrom-Vanadium ratchet has helped me confirm that the ratchet in the set I used as a model is definitely not a Tona Chrom-Vanadium ratchet. It is clearly a replacement and may be a Novosibrisk Tool Plant ratchet, just as you suggest.
I am still looking for a Tona Chrom-Vanadium ratchet (Kiraj's is not for sale), a speeder, and several of the missing sockets. See my WANTED ad in the Classified section, please.
It’s surely cheaper to buy repair kits that are available than to replace all models with something of perceived equal quality but of unknown longevity that you will have to buy spares for, if they are available for ko-ken.
I wonder if the issues they report with their Hazet ratchets will be resolved with the newly released HP ratchets in those sizes.
I’ve never had a problem with 1/4”, 3/8” or 1/2” Hazet ratchets.
3-4 years ago I purchased some Hazet tools from https://metalbox.com.ua/shop/brand/hazet and http://www.amtool.com.ua/ru/instrument
But in those cases when they need to order your item from Germany, you may need to wait for a very long time. So I switched to Amazon.de. It is faster and sometimes cheaper
Cynical huckster
Well-known member
Amtool and Automechanica. But keep in mind that they will deliver your order for about two months or even more.
Good Stahlville.German tools are always excellent quality.
I found an old device today, too. He himself was surprised when he discovered that he was also working. Although he is not one dozen years old. I had not seen such old ones before and did not know that then they could already measure the capacitance of capacitors. Look for yourself.
I found an old device today, too. He himself was surprised when he discovered that he was also working. Although he is not one dozen years old. I had not seen such old ones before and did not know that then they could already measure the capacitance of capacitors. Look for yourself.
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davethorik
Well-known member
I found this Picard cross pein hammer at an antique mall of all places. Not sure what is going on with the green paint, the hammer head is painted black under the green. It looks to have never been used, although the sticker is faded. Has very nice balance.
Edit: weight is 240 grams or 8.466 oz.
Edit: weight is 240 grams or 8.466 oz.
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I am convinced that is the ratchet in the set I used as a photo model of a complete set, Kandyman. But it is not a Tona ratchet. It must have been placed in the Tona set by a previous owner when the Tona ratchet went missing. Kiraj posted the correct Tona ratchet for the set upthread, but it is not for sale. So I am still looking.
A few recent pickups
Knipex precision pliers set with tweezers (old Knipex style - Schmitz?) and Wera KK62 set (89mm bits)
View media item 104942
Pliers are as expected (excellent), but the case is really, really great. I reached out to Knipex to see if they sell the case separately, because I would keep all my precision pliers in these cases. Alas, they do not.
I picked up KK62 because I wanted a comprehensive portable set with all the weird ones and thought would be more useful than Wiha System 6 - break a bit and you can just buy a temporary replacement at any box store. (System 6 is great to keep in a rental house, because parts won't walk away ) I also wanted replace the bit handle with the new Turbo. Alas, Turbo is way too big to fit in the case. I was able to augment it with 89mm SQ1 and SQ2 Wera bits, and added a smaller 90mm slotted Wiha (Wera didn't have one).
View media item 105526
Speaking of Turbo, I ended up getting one, and it’s…interesting. Jury’s still out. The awkward thing about using it is you have to hold the bottom third of the handle and spin the top section. However, it is quite a speed improvement if you don’t need high torque.
View media item 105523
Nepros adjustable wrench. If you’re going to pick up an obsolete tool you may as well get the shiniest and most expensive one, right?
View media item 105527
I had a low-torque application in mind that requires 19mm, 22mm, and 27mm, for which an adjustable would work fine and a PW is less than ideal because the parts are somewhat fragile if you squeeze them. However, Nepros adjustable is actually heavier than the two old DOE wrenches I currently use (old French Facom 19x22, Gedore 22x27). This one may end up in a for sale post…
NOS Wera Zyklop Speed 1/4" drive AF set
View media item 105528
View media item 105529
I like the metal case, and this is my second 1/4” drive Zyklop ratchet. Unlike some other tool makers, Wera manages to make (source?) a ratchet with excellent unit-to-unit consistency. I wish the head worked in positions in between the detents, but otherwise it’s up there with the best 1/4” drive ratchets IMO (outside of Koken with Wiha Softfinish handle, which is another on another plane). I like that the extensions are locking without being bulky at the drive end, and the speeder grip is a thoughtful touch.
Latest KC Tool order: Wiha Ultradriver stubby, Felo ratcheting screwdriver, cheapie Wera hex keys, various bits. [pic fixed]
View media item 106441
I’m super impressed with Felo’s ratcheting screwdriver, especially for the price. It’s probably my second favorite, after PB Swiss, but more versatile. The mechanism is so low in backdrag that a slight touch on the bit retainer sleeve is sufficient to engage the ratchet. Felo’s handle sculpting is tops. It’s probably underpriced, too. Downsides? There is play in the nose from three sources: tilt mechanism, directional ring, and nose. It certainly doesn’t feel as solid as PB Swiss. (Though you could buy four of these for the price of one of those.) That takes away from the premium impression but not the functionality. However, the bit retainer sleeve is a step backwards. Retention is physical, but you can’t just push the bit in. You have to lift the ring. They should have grafted their "All Star" bitholder onto the nose. My other minor niggle is that I would prefer it had Felo’s “Bit Boy” handle, with bit storage at the top.
View media item 101034
Two of the cheap Wera hex keys are for the kids, and the third will replace a short set from Gedore in my portable tool box. These are only $5 or so each. They should be added to any KC Tool order, because Hex Plus is such a good idea. When the patent runs out everyone will be doing hex keys and bits this way.
The new Wiha Ultradriver is for the kitchen drawer, to pair with the full sized one. I wish Wiha Ultradrivers were ratcheting, because they’re the most convenient way to carry a large bit selection. Otherwise they're very useful. The bits may be proprietary, but they seem hard wearing enough and replacements are cheap.
View media item 106442
It’s the same body as Wiha’s regular bit-holding stubby but with a taller cap and longer nose with the circle clip bit retention.
Unlike the best stubby bit handle with bit storage (PB Swiss) neither Wiha has a free-floating cap. So you can’t press down with your palm on them and turn the handle.
View media item 106443
Knipex precision pliers set with tweezers (old Knipex style - Schmitz?) and Wera KK62 set (89mm bits)
View media item 104942
Pliers are as expected (excellent), but the case is really, really great. I reached out to Knipex to see if they sell the case separately, because I would keep all my precision pliers in these cases. Alas, they do not.
I picked up KK62 because I wanted a comprehensive portable set with all the weird ones and thought would be more useful than Wiha System 6 - break a bit and you can just buy a temporary replacement at any box store. (System 6 is great to keep in a rental house, because parts won't walk away
) I also wanted replace the bit handle with the new Turbo. Alas, Turbo is way too big to fit in the case. I was able to augment it with 89mm SQ1 and SQ2 Wera bits, and added a smaller 90mm slotted Wiha (Wera didn't have one).View media item 105526
Speaking of Turbo, I ended up getting one, and it’s…interesting. Jury’s still out. The awkward thing about using it is you have to hold the bottom third of the handle and spin the top section. However, it is quite a speed improvement if you don’t need high torque.
View media item 105523
Nepros adjustable wrench. If you’re going to pick up an obsolete tool you may as well get the shiniest and most expensive one, right?
View media item 105527
I had a low-torque application in mind that requires 19mm, 22mm, and 27mm, for which an adjustable would work fine and a PW is less than ideal because the parts are somewhat fragile if you squeeze them. However, Nepros adjustable is actually heavier than the two old DOE wrenches I currently use (old French Facom 19x22, Gedore 22x27). This one may end up in a for sale post…
NOS Wera Zyklop Speed 1/4" drive AF set
View media item 105528
View media item 105529
I like the metal case, and this is my second 1/4” drive Zyklop ratchet. Unlike some other tool makers, Wera manages to make (source?) a ratchet with excellent unit-to-unit consistency. I wish the head worked in positions in between the detents, but otherwise it’s up there with the best 1/4” drive ratchets IMO (outside of Koken with Wiha Softfinish handle, which is another on another plane). I like that the extensions are locking without being bulky at the drive end, and the speeder grip is a thoughtful touch.
Latest KC Tool order: Wiha Ultradriver stubby, Felo ratcheting screwdriver, cheapie Wera hex keys, various bits. [pic fixed]
View media item 106441
I’m super impressed with Felo’s ratcheting screwdriver, especially for the price. It’s probably my second favorite, after PB Swiss, but more versatile. The mechanism is so low in backdrag that a slight touch on the bit retainer sleeve is sufficient to engage the ratchet. Felo’s handle sculpting is tops. It’s probably underpriced, too. Downsides? There is play in the nose from three sources: tilt mechanism, directional ring, and nose. It certainly doesn’t feel as solid as PB Swiss. (Though you could buy four of these for the price of one of those.) That takes away from the premium impression but not the functionality. However, the bit retainer sleeve is a step backwards. Retention is physical, but you can’t just push the bit in. You have to lift the ring. They should have grafted their "All Star" bitholder onto the nose. My other minor niggle is that I would prefer it had Felo’s “Bit Boy” handle, with bit storage at the top.
View media item 101034
Two of the cheap Wera hex keys are for the kids, and the third will replace a short set from Gedore in my portable tool box. These are only $5 or so each. They should be added to any KC Tool order, because Hex Plus is such a good idea. When the patent runs out everyone will be doing hex keys and bits this way.
The new Wiha Ultradriver is for the kitchen drawer, to pair with the full sized one. I wish Wiha Ultradrivers were ratcheting, because they’re the most convenient way to carry a large bit selection. Otherwise they're very useful. The bits may be proprietary, but they seem hard wearing enough and replacements are cheap.
View media item 106442
It’s the same body as Wiha’s regular bit-holding stubby but with a taller cap and longer nose with the circle clip bit retention.
Unlike the best stubby bit handle with bit storage (PB Swiss) neither Wiha has a free-floating cap. So you can’t press down with your palm on them and turn the handle.
View media item 106443
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Haven't seen these before. Snipe nose combination pliers from Bahco. Look similar to Knipex 08 22 145, but come in 160mm, 180mm, 200mm. I cannot find them for sale anywhere so maybe new? 'Spain' on the handle.
https://www.bahco.com/gb_en/ergotm-...t-handles-and-phosphate-finish-pb_2629g_.html
^ Nice stuff JBH.
https://www.bahco.com/gb_en/ergotm-...t-handles-and-phosphate-finish-pb_2629g_.html
^ Nice stuff JBH.
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Is the one with the three feeler gauge blades and the adjustment jaw on the other end branded?
Jack84
Well-known member
Gedore bearing puller. The 24/27 wrench is a Belzer.
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
Dave455
Well-known member
Purchased a Lidl impact. Not tried it yet.
My logic with power tools is to buy decent where you can. If you’re going to get Chinese, then you might as well get ‘em as cheap as possible, since they seem to be basically all the same!
There are some things (saws and grinders) I’d probably never go cheap on. But cheap drills work remarkably well, so I might give a cheap impact a whirl!
Tape the receipt to the box, work it as hard as you can, and if it fails you get your money back!
I’ve got a Lidl vacuum sealer that’s had a stupid amount of use and works just fine 5 years on!
dutchgray
Well-known member
We tried a couple angle grinders about 6 years ago, neither lasted very long, I do see a fair number of Parkside power tools in the dead tool barrel at my local scrap yard though.
The Jigsaw and Reciprocating saw blades are pretty good though and Swiss made.
I rarely use circlips pliers, but today I needed to open up a suction control valve so finally had a proper use to justify purchasing quality pliers. I upgraded my circlip pliers a while ago, carefully selecting all the sizes required to cover all circlips that I will encounter.
Nope. Had to use an old cheapo pair. Gutted
Nope. Had to use an old cheapo pair. Gutted
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Dave455
Well-known member
No, I’m not surprised.
I don’t think these cheapo tools don’t last long if used continuously. I think that’s why the drills and things work o.k. as they’re generally used in short bursts.
I used a cheapo (Einhell) angle grinder a while back and it was, without doubt, the worst power tool I’ve ever used. The switch was almost impossible to switch on (or off) with gloves and the noise was so bad my ears were ringing despite using ear defenders.
On the other hand, I have a Screwfix / Titan SDS drill (shown) that was little money (sub £50) and it’s been great. Had it some years, works surprisingly we’ll and I don’t worry about getting brick dust over it!
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I bought a parkside soldering iron in an emergency soldering situation
Terrible.. Takes 2mins to heat up and can't keep up the heat with even the smallest joints.
I imagine the tip will wear out very quickly too, but I haven't used it for more than 5 min..
Terrible.. Takes 2mins to heat up and can't keep up the heat with even the smallest joints.
I imagine the tip will wear out very quickly too, but I haven't used it for more than 5 min..
designer485
Well-known member
A pair of Hazet pry bars that I picked up recently. I did not realize one of them is a little "a" Tire Iron possibly from a 356.
A lone 1/4 drive Hazet extension. I am working on getting the matching set of 1/4 sockets that go with it.
A lone 1/4 drive Hazet extension. I am working on getting the matching set of 1/4 sockets that go with it.