Tools from the old world

[y20dth]

You are probably right, but all it takes is one bad job to make you wish you had done it right.

Here is my latest tool. A very useful little thing.

That one is on my list

 

[Monte]

@garfunkle24:

wow !!! what a nice Knipex collection !!!! I`m jealous !!!


that Hazet ratchet is also on my wish list...



"Connex Centrix" drill bit set:

 

[Bhae]

Does anyone know the brand Kraftwerk? Can you tell me that this is the quality?, Is Switzerland, I received your catalog and wrenches for example makes gearwrench(i think), pliers are "made in germany," so I'm told, France are the second mark sell more tools, Facom from behind.

 

[CrustyD3mon]

I never heard about it here in Portugal....

 

[Monte]

www.kraftwerk.eu
swiss brand , tools from Taiwan . Many tools look like they are from Danaher/Gearwrench (Ratcheting wrenches, ratches etc.). "High Tech" series pliers are from "NWS" Germany.

 

[Bhae]

www.kraftwerk.eu
swiss brand , tools from Taiwan . Many tools look like they are from Danaher/Gearwrench (Ratcheting wrenches, ratches etc.). "High Tech" series pliers are from "NWS" Germany.

Thanks Monte . Better than KS-TOOLS? What is your opinion about quality Monte?

 

[epiphany]

Hi! I watched almost every site of this topic and fell in love...with your tools

I want to contribute something too, but my collection is small and cheap. :/

Matador 1/4" swing ratchet / not sure if that was made in germany, because there is no stamp.

 

[Monte]

Hello epiphany,
welcome to the forum. Where are you from ?
ps: I guess the ratchet is imported...


@Bhae:
I don`t own any tools from them , so I personally also would like to know where the difference in quality (if there is any..) is between Kraftwerk, KS-Tools, Proxxon, Hans Tools, Toptul, King Tony etc. etc. etc. (and the 100`s of other brands....)....
I think their "High Tech" pliers are good



Kraftwerk ratchet:

Danaher/Lea Way ratchets: ("Gearwrench" brand - produced in Taiwan and China) click

http://cens.com/cens/supplier/17779/product/64736/BIG.jpg?***=1271863744664


Most people here seem to like Gearwrench - so Kraftwerk can`t be that bad...
The design is a bit more flashy/pimped compared to other tools (Proxxon, regular KS-Tools) but maybe the DIY customer likes that. KS also has some flashy shiny stuff. The quality of the finish seem to be good like the other Taiwan tools from KS etc. . For me it looks cheap and i don`t buy it. I need rough dull chrome
So i really can`t tell you anything new, maybe KS and Kraftwerk is on the same level - i don`t think that there will be much difference.

 

[Bhae]

@Monte:

Thank you again for your opinions and information.

I think kraftwerk and ks-tools are at a very similar but I think this TopTul to a higher level.

Pliers made by NWS, look good, but are more expensive than themselves NWS pliers then that is the point of purchase pliers Kraftwerk?

 

[Bhae]

Draper tools:

Danaher:

http://cens.com/cens/supplier/17779/product/64736/BIG.jpg?***=1271863744664

 

[Zorro13]

I think Monte is right. All these shiny Taiwan tools are about the same quality and may even come from the same manufacturer. Not bad (I own some myself) but by far not the refined quality and details European tools show. Some things are just somewhat bulky or simple made. They clearly target the US / Asian market.

Exception are a few KS Tools from their professional line and Proxxon who are represented in Europe for decades already and adopted the style over here (at least for some of their tools).

 

[Monte]

Pliers made by NWS, look good, but are more expensive than themselves NWS pliers then that is the point of purchase pliers Kraftwerk?

I don`t think most customers will notice it that they are the same. They also sell imported pliers at a german price so the german pliers must be more expensive. In many cases Kraftwerk is very expensive. If you look at the imported "Ergokraft" pliers here (click) (17,35€ for 180mm) and then look here (click) (11,10€ for 180mm) So it`s a no-brainer to buy taiwanese (?) Kraftwerk pliers if you can almost buy 2 german made (or 1 Facom, Bahco, Palmera etc.) pliers for the same price.
Their pin punches (etc.) are 2 times the price of german "Rennsteig" punches, locking pliers about 1 to 1,5 times the german ones, hammers are about the same what i pay here for italian "Osca" or french "MOB/Peddinghaus" hammers, a 5 piece Kraftwerk screwdriver set is 15,60 € while i can buy a 5 pc. insulated Wiha or "Lux" (=Felo) set for 9,95 at the local Home improvement store.....
The only prices which are hard to beat are the socket sets and wrench sets. Individual tools are often expensive too. If you only buy 1 socket etc.. in a set the prices are very good...

 

[Bhae]

@Monte:

In the catalog of Kraftwerk is a model made by OSCA hammer, the rest not their origin but I guess taiwan.

I completely agree as to what price.
I was talking with the representative of the brand and said the quality of Kraftwerk is at the level FACOM, STAHLWILLE, USAG, GEDORE, SAM ...

However, they have promotions with good prices, but nothing really special.
Ks cheaper tools seems to be more or less the same, has a much larger catalog, and I believe is best known to kraftwerk.

Among all the Taiwanese brands, I still prefer Toptul actually going to bring toptul tools for online store.


Toptul quality:

PD: Monte, if you had a hardware store with manufacturers that would work?

 

[Monte]

Felo "M-Tec" magnetic screwdriver

 

[Monte]

@Bhae:
yeahhhhhh i know everything is the same....Kraftwerk, Hazet, Ks-Tools, Gedore, Facom....... there is no difference i always hear that too.....and everything is from Taiwan anyway .... etc. bla bla ..... If they buy steel from Germany from Krupp or Saarstahl or from europe somewhere and make tools from that steel in Taiwan then maybe. As long as they buy steel from the only taiwanese steel plant "China Steel Corporation" www.csc.com.tw or from mainland China i dont know if the quality is the same......


If i had a hardware store which brands i would offer ??(?)
Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore, Elora, Heyco, Matador, Gedore, Knipex, VBW, NWS, Padre, Nexus, Kukko, AMF, Schmitz, Matra, Buco, Wezag, Bollmann, Will, Witte, Wiha, Wera, Baudat, USH, Hafu, Wekador, Schröder, Klauke, Rennsteig, Erdi, Picard, Athlet, Heuer, Sora, Turnus, Winkelgreif, Bessey, Ideal, Wuro, Weidmüller..... That`s about it
And maybe some import products from Peddinghaus and Grip-On....



ps: found another source for NWS pliers...."Fakkt" brand..:

 

[Monte]

Flea market finds:

Ulmia screwdriver

"FOP" screwdriver from france. With strange blade which looks like a cross.

Maxipouce or Automatique do you know something about "FOP" ? Also saw a "FOP Cosmos" wrench.

Facom screwdriver. With identical blade like the FOP screwdriver.

"Wilkinsons" pliers from England

 

[epiphany]

Hello epiphany,
welcome to the forum. Where are you from ?
ps: I guess the ratchet is imported...

Hi, i'm from germany. Don't like the german boards about tools, no pictures there.

 

[AutomatiquE]

@Monte, i really never heard about FOP brand, but i can remember those Facom's drivers with this strange blade. My father used to have some of them 20-30 years ago, they were somewhat exotic but not so strong.
A.

 

[maxipouce]

Those blades can be machined to a phillips or flat shape, I have a few of them and they have been quite strong so far, most of them are reground but they have a good excuse for that.

 

[Monte]

Hi, i'm from germany. Don't like the german boards about tools, no pictures there.

Willkommen ! post some pics


@maxipouce + Automatique:
thanks for the info. Also never heard of FOP, maybe rebadged and OEM is Facom ?
The screwdriver only says "FOP" "Modele depose" (patented ?) "8000 volts" "CR-MN-Vanadium" and the part nr. "FRP41-10x200"



Black + Decker jigsaw. Black + Decker ????

Look:
(sometimes you also find old Black and Decker tools "Made in France, "Made in England" or "Made in Italy".

Bosch cordless Drill from Bosch/Scintilla Switzerland.

A space for the wrench. Hitachi had something similar.

 

[epiphany]

Two different versions of a knipex 88 01 250 plier:


1/4" matador ratchet + wera shorty:

 

[maxipouce]

A quick search on "tournevis fop" gave this

photo1; it says "french professionnal tool"

some new fop screwdrivers have appeared recntly and they have the same manufacturer as another brand ( peugeot or muller, I don't remember)


F.O.P. stands for "France Outillage¨Professionnels", they are still located in France in the departement of Haute Loire (42) which is the territory of SAM tools, they now describe themselves as an import export company.

 

[Monte]

@epiphany:
nice collection !!
why 2 250mm Alligators ?? Because of the larger opening of the new ones ?


Thanks for the info maxipouce !!!
Just found the recent version of the FOP screwdriver:

The same is also available as "Rothenberger": (iirc also "made in france")

 

[JayL]

Some discontinued NOS Japanese made TOP Kogyo Co. Locking pliers.

 

[Monte]

hey nice clamps !! Looks like the ones Bessey has
The adjustable jaw and the *********** comes in handy ! One of the most used pliers for welding i have.



PS: here is a nice video on the new GEDORE USA website about Gedore and the production of their tools ! Very nice ! click

 

[JayL]

I almost thought there were fakes since I can't find them in the Top website. I paid $15 for both. Dealer told me they were from the 80s. None the less I emailed Top and here is their reply.

Thank you for your e-mail.

Model MCA-265, MCD-285 are our products.
However, it has been discontinued.
That's the reason of not showing at our home page.
However, we believe that there are still some stocks in the market.

We hope that would solve your questions.

Best regards,

TOP KOGYO CO., LTD.
ATSUSHI YOKOYAMA
INTERNATIONAL DEPT. CHIEF
[email protected]

 

[Monte]

15.- is a good price, even if they would be fakes But the original is always better

here are some more TOP locking pliers in the Philippines: click and click

 

[Chreese]

Servus,

Monte, what a nice collection ! You are an artist

I'd rather call Monte a seriously addicted tooljunkie but "artist" sounds a lot nicer.

@Chreese:
yes 1000.- would cover the next order

I didn't want to spend that much so I didn't order more Stahlwille wrenches and decided to get along without the Stahlwille 45/49/32/5TX socket set.

Thanks for your input on the clamps. Actually, I don't need any additional small steel clamps (I could use some Bessey K-bodies, though) but since I don't own any Turnus clamps, yet, I will have to give them a chance one day.
Do you know where the Holex steel clamps are made?

The small Rotex would work good in conjunction with the 150mm model i think. And a Multimaster of course

I tend to agree but would opt for a Fein Supercut instead of a Multimaster.

Which type/brand of prybars ("Montierhebel" and "Hebeleisen") do you like best?
I saw some long 1/4" sockets in your toolbox. Would you please share their manufacturer with me?

Thanks for the link to the Gedore video. I enjoyed it.

My rolling workbench also contains some tools but i need to buy the plastic trays (and more tools) to finally complete it:

Really, you need more tools?

@Hazet:
Congrats on the Stahlwille torque wrenches. Very, very nice! I like them a lot!


In order to use the sockets I posted photos of a number of days ago these are the appropriate ...

extensions ...

... and ratchets.

Have a nice day,

Chreese

 

[Hazet]

@Chreese

Those are the coolest photos. I love the 3/4" stahlwille next to the 1/4" Hazet. You must have an awesome camera.

 

[Monte]

Servus,
I'd rather call Monte a seriously addicted tooljunkie but "artist" sounds a lot nicer.

yeah i prefer "artist"

I didn't want to spend that much so I didn't order more Stahlwille wrenches and decided to get along without the Stahlwille 45/49/32/5TX socket set.

pics !!!

Thanks for your input on the clamps. Actually, I don't need any additional small steel clamps (I could use some Bessey K-bodies, though) but since I don't own any Turnus clamps, yet, I will have to give them a chance one day.
Do you know where the Holex steel clamps are made?

yeah you should give them a chance
I dunno, most of the Holex stuff seems to be imported except the screwdrivers. So i don`t know. They look like the older Bessey though...
"Format" clamps are from Bessey.

I tend to agree but would opt for a Fein Supercut instead of a Multimaster.

sorry yes i meant Supercut, forgot that we dont talk about hobby/DIY tools here

Which type/brand of prybars ("Montierhebel" and "Hebeleisen") do you like best?

I have a set from Habero/Gedore and the german made Peddinghaus set.
The Habero set comes in 3 length (300,390, 600mm) and 3 different diameters (10,12,14mm) while the Peddy bars come in 4 sizes (400,500,600,800mm) and all are made of 16 or 17mm hex material IIRC. I cant tell you which is best thats why i have both If i had to choose one set then probably the Gedore set because of the price and 3 pc. is enough in most cases.

i also have these "Biegeeisen" and "Rollkopf-Hebeleisen" prybars from Format (= Gedore) + Picard: (the Rollkopf-prybar comes in handy where the others don`t fit)

I saw some long 1/4" sockets in your toolbox. Would you please share their manufacturer with me?

ko-ken

Thanks for the link to the Gedore video. I enjoyed it.

me too Socket production looks interesting and the wrench belt-sander is what i need (and a robot )

Really, you need more tools?

of course
no only 1/4" to 1/2" socket sets and a couple of missing Stahlwille wrenches then I´m done. (ok + 300mm Cobras, Stahlwille locking extensions and the new Knipex wire rope cutters and..... )

@Hazet:
Congrats on the Stahlwille torque wrenches. Very, very nice! I like them a lot!

i love them....wanne buy my Gedore + Format wrenches ??

In order to use the sockets I posted photos of a number of days ago these are the appropriate ...

wow nice pics again !! Greetings to your brother !
The Zyklops are new ? Also the coarse tooth Gedore ratchet ? Which one is your favorite ratchet and why ?

ps: what do your brother think of your addiction ?

 

[dlfiene]

PS: here is a nice video on the new GEDORE USA website about Gedore and the production of their tools ! Very nice ! click

Monte that is a very interesting video, now I want to replace all my tools with Gedore tools.

 

[Cantause]

Hi,
Here are some tools that I've received this morning, it's the first time that I buy second hand tools, I'm quite satisfied

Facom external/internal puller U.306-180 with G2 and G20 legs sets:

<a href="http://s739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/?action=view&current=IMG_0384.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/IMG_0384.jpg" border="0" alt="Facom U.306 puller"></a>

And a Facom dynapact 1" (ref:NM.300), it's a 2000Nm (around 1420 lbft) manual impact wrench.
Well, I didn't really need it but I got it cheap... I guess it's the kind of tool that might be useful with difficult bolt, a kind of "mass destruction tool" in a Its make-or-brake time
By the way I'd like to know why impact tools use a dowel pin and an o'ring to lock the socket on the square drive, is it for safety or something?
Thanks!

<a href="http://s739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/?action=view&current=IMG_0375.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/IMG_0375.jpg" border="0" alt="Facom dynapact 1&quot;"></a>

<a href="http://s739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/?action=view&current=IMG_0378.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/IMG_0378.jpg" border="0" alt="Facom dynapact 1&quot;"></a>

<a href="http://s739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/?action=view&current=IMG_0376.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/IMG_0376.jpg" border="0" alt="Facom dynapact 1&quot;"></a>

<a href="http://s739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/?action=view&current=IMG_0380.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/IMG_0380.jpg" border="0" alt="Facom dynapact 1&quot;"></a>

 

[Hazet]

<a href="http://s739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/?action=view&current=IMG_0380.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/IMG_0380.jpg" border="0" alt="Facom dynapact 1&quot;"></a>[/QUOTE]


That looks like a serious tool. Very impressive.

 

[Cantause]

That looks like a serious tool. Very impressive.

That's what I thought too when I saw it on ebay, then I browsed Facom's website to see what it was exactly, and finally I told myself... I want one!

It's quite heavy, a bit more than 10 kg, just for the wrench, it really feels like you don't worry about the tool to break when you use it!
A guy told me that he had this kind of tool when working as a mining truck mechanics, he said it was very useful when you change a 3 meters high wheel

Now I'll buy an 1" impact sockets set, then look for some seized bolts...

 

[AutomatiquE]

@Monte, do you think that the Peddinghaus pry bar set are nowadays still made in Germany or rather in France by MOB ?

 

[Chreese]

Servus, folks,

Thanks for your kind words.

@Chreese

Those are the coolest photos. I love the 3/4" stahlwille next to the 1/4" Hazet. You must have an awesome camera.

My brother took these pics with his Nikon D700 (and lots of other fancy and expensive equipment). And he obviously knows how to use it.

pics !!!

Pics of tools I didn't buy?!
This morning I got the order confirmation. Pics will follow as soon as possible but I need to ask for patience.

yeah you should give them a chance

I will do but I don't know if I will buy the Atorn/Turnus clamps. I haven't yet figured out if I need enough stuff from Hahn+Kolb in order to justify a purchase. The Bessey hold-down jig (on sale) looks nice. Could be handy on the drill press. What do you think?

sorry yes i meant Supercut, forgot that we dont talk about hobby/DIY tools here

Thanks for your input on the prybars. What's your take on "Montierhebel" such as the Gedore No. 38 and 39? Any preferences?

ko-ken

Do you like them? I don't want to spend $$$ on long 1/4" sockets thus Gedore, Hazet and Stahlwille are out of reach.

of course
no only 1/4" to 1/2" socket sets and a couple of missing Stahlwille wrenches then I´m done. (ok + 300mm Cobras, Stahlwille locking extensions and the new Knipex wire rope cutters and..... )

I didn't know that you are that modest.
Which socket sets are you contemplating?

i love them....wanne buy my Gedore + Format wrenches ??

Buy - no, thank you but if you really have to get rid of them I take them as gift. BTW, Hoffmann has some Stahlwille torque wrenches on sale till the end of the month. One day, I will get a Stahlwille torque wrench but right now, the Gedore torque wrench I bought lately serves me well.
Do you know where the Garant torque wrenches are made?

wow nice pics again !! Greetings to your brother !
The Zyklops are new ? Also the coarse tooth Gedore ratchet ? Which one is your favorite ratchet and why ?

I bought the Zyklops when Hoffmann had them on sale and the Gedore U-10 ratchet is also a few months old.
It's hard to choose a favorite among these ratchets. The Stahlwille 3/4" ratchet is in its own class. While I like the design, handle-style and also the ratcheting mechanism of the Gedore U-3T, the 1/4'" square drive provides a rather sloppy connection with sockets. I haven't put any of these ratchets to hard use. As a consequence, my conclusion is primarily based on the "feel" of the ratchets. All in all, I really like the Gedore U-10. It's definitely the smoothest ratchet I have ever used. But the Gedore U-20 is probably the best compromise for an all-around (1/2") ratchet: 60 teeth, smooth mechanism and push-button release.
I still have to try a Facom J.171 ratchet.

ps: what do your brother think of your addiction ?

As he is addicted to photo equipment and BMX stuff, I don't care for his opinion.

@Cantause:
Impressive stuff!

Regards,

Chreese

 

[Hazet]

Servus, folks,


I bought the Zyklops when Hoffmann had them on sale and the Gedore U-10 ratchet is also a few months old.
It's hard to choose a favorite among these ratchets. The Stahlwille 3/4" ratchet is in its own class. While I like the design, handle-style and also the ratcheting mechanism of the Gedore U-3T, the 1/4'" square drive provides a rather sloppy connection with sockets. I haven't put any of these ratchets to hard use. As a consequence, my conclusion is primarily based on the "feel" of the ratchets. All in all, I really like the Gedore U-10. It's definitely the smoothest ratchet I have ever used. But the Gedore U-20 is probably the best compromise for an all-around (1/2") ratchet: 60 teeth, smooth mechanism and push-button release.
I still have to try a Facom J.171 ratchet.


Chreese

You are right, the Gedore U-10 is one of the smoothest ratchets made. It is one of my favorite ratchets (only slightly below the Hazet 916F). I have yet to try the Facom, but I think the Hazet 916F is a copy of the Facom mechanism.

 

[Monte]

Monte that is a very interesting video, now I want to replace all my tools with Gedore tools.

yeah me too. Already dumped all my Hazet tools in the river


@Cantause
i like that Facom Dynapact wrench !!!!!!!! Pretty cool !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@Monte, do you think that the Peddinghaus pry bar set are nowadays still made in Germany or rather in France by MOB ?

i talked to a Peddinghaus sales rep and he said they are made in germany (see also pic) Also the hammers with the polished striking surfaces (Tinsmith hammers i think) are made in Germany by a forge called "Hartkopf" (there are 2 Hartkopf forges here tough: "Gebr. Hartkopf" and "H + H Hartkopf" both from Solingen/Germany). The other pry bar set is imported (Taiwan) Other imported goods: 4-in-1 clamp, magnets, recoilless hammer with plastic body. I`m sure there is also a USA/Taiwan connection of the "Gorilla Bar" tools distributed by Peddinghaus (made by Thorsen/Roughneck ?). The Peddinghaus/MOB brand "Cados" is also import.

Pics of tools I didn't buy?!
This morning I got the order confirmation. Pics will follow as soon as possible but I need to ask for patience.

ok

I will do but I don't know if I will buy the Atorn/Turnus clamps. I haven't yet figured out if I need enough stuff from Hahn+Kolb in order to justify a purchase. The Bessey hold-down jig (on sale) looks nice. Could be handy on the drill press. What do you think?

yes the Bessey BS or BSG should work well. Sometimes you need regular clamps though or locking pliers etc. (even welding... reminds me to buy clamps for pipes...) Depends on what you do.....:

Thanks for your input on the prybars. What's your take on "Montierhebel" such as the Gedore No. 38 and 39? Any preferences?

I have this 300mm Hazet tire lever similar to the Gedore 38 series. The "garage buddies" have them in 400 or 500mm length and use them all the time for automotive work (checking "play" in the suspension parts etc., pry something loose, lift something) So i would recommend a 400 or 500 mm size for automotive work. They`re flat and fit also into spaces where the others don`t fit.

Do you like them? I don't want to spend $$$ on long 1/4" sockets thus Gedore, Hazet and Stahlwille are out of reach.

Thats the reason i got the Ko-kens.... the 11 pc. set was 24,86€ +vat ...(Koken part# RS2300M/11)
Hazet 1 piece 12.-€...
The fit on the square side is perfect, i think the hex side has more play than Hazet for example (different "flank drive" profile i think) I didn`t really used them yet, regular shallow sockets work just fine in my cases... But i would not hesitate to buy them again, they`re a bargain. And if cheap + imported then from Japan

I didn't know that you are that modest.
Which socket sets are you contemplating?

i think Stahlwille 12 point sets. Already have a couple of metric 1/2" 12 points from Wille and need to complete the set i think. On the other hand the Gedore 12 point sockets have a nice fit and better price....we`ll see....

Buy - no, thank you but if you really have to get rid of them I take them as gift. BTW, Hoffmann has some Stahlwille torque wrenches on sale till the end of the month. One day, I will get a Stahlwille torque wrench but right now, the Gedore torque wrench I bought lately serves me well.
Do you know where the Garant torque wrenches are made?

not that important to get the Stahlwille wrenches....they`re just my favorites....so i have to get them one day....otherwise i would be unhappy...

The Garant wrenches look for me like they`re from Hazet. The beam + ratchet head looks like Hazet. In the print catalog you can see a "made in Germany" on the wrench. Gedore + Stahlwille + ISI look different so its a Hazet... Here´s a larger pic click

I bought the Zyklops when Hoffmann had them on sale and the Gedore U-10 ratchet is also a few months old.
It's hard to choose a favorite among these ratchets. The Stahlwille 3/4" ratchet is in its own class. While I like the design, handle-style and also the ratcheting mechanism of the Gedore U-3T, the 1/4'" square drive provides a rather sloppy connection with sockets. I haven't put any of these ratchets to hard use. As a consequence, my conclusion is primarily based on the "feel" of the ratchets. All in all, I really like the Gedore U-10. It's definitely the smoothest ratchet I have ever used. But the Gedore U-20 is probably the best compromise for an all-around (1/2") ratchet: 60 teeth, smooth mechanism and push-button release.
I still have to try a Facom J.171 ratchet.

yeah i think the U-10 is the smoothest... even smoother than a Dual80....
The Facom ratchet has a similar feel like the Hazet fine tooth ratchets (similar gear design / 3/8" Hazet feels smoother though) The Gedore gear design (1993 U-3, 2093 U-3 etc.) is similar too but much coarser feel. ( i dunno about the T-handle ratchet though, same design too)

As he is addicted to photo equipment and BMX stuff, I don't care for his opinion.

ah ok at least one addiction is good People without addiction don`t understand......

 

[Cantause]

Thats the reason i got the Ko-kens.... the 11 pc. set was 24,86€ +vat ...(Koken part# RS2300M/11)
Hazet 1 piece 12.-€...
The fit on the square side is perfect, i think the hex side has more play than Hazet for example (different "flank drive" profile i think) I didn`t really used them yet, regular shallow sockets work just fine in my cases... But i would not hesitate to buy them again, they`re a bargain. And if cheap + imported then from Japan

I don't know if Britool can be compared to Koken in term of quality, I don't own any Koken tools... Monte, a fine tool connoisseur as you can probably tell me!

As an alternative to Facom I bought some Britool (bought by Facom in 1991) deep sockets, I'm satisfied of them. They're satin finished, smooth as Facom's wrenches, engravings are ok (the worst thing about these sockets).
Hex profile looks very similar to Facom OGV... Prices are quite differents I got the 1/4 + 3/8 + 1/2 sets (39 sockets) for less than 100 € incl. vat.
I've not used them a lot but they seem to fit the bolts as tight as my Facom's, until now I can't complain about quality problems.
However I don't know where they're made, anybody knows?

Here are some pics:

1/2 12-->32

<a href="http://s739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/?action=view&current=IMG_0392.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/IMG_0392.jpg" border="0" alt="Britool 1/2"></a>

1/4 5--->13
3/8 6--->22

<a href="http://s739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/?action=view&current=IMG_0390.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/IMG_0390.jpg" border="0" alt="Britool 1/4 + 3/8"></a>

Family picture

<a href="http://s739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/?action=view&current=IMG_0389.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx39/cantause/IMG_0389.jpg" border="0" alt="Britool 1/4 + 3/8 + 1/2"></a>

 

[Monte]

Some pics from a trade fair for manufacturing technology which i visited last year:

Kasto bandsaw

Klaeger bandsaw

"Suhner" electric tools

Merkle welder

Merkle tank welding device

Demmeler welding table

Maxion drill press

CMA tapping machine

DMG (Deckel/Maho/Gildemeister) milling machine

Röma plasma cutter

spotted some Wera tools

Fein industrial "high frequenzy" tools

Fein pipe grinder

new Fein magnetic core drill

new Fein "BOP" drills

first electric hand tool of the world from 1895 made by Fein: The electric drill.

Gelber Bieger uníversal bending machine