Tools from the old world
- Thread starter Monte
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neophyte
Well-known member
It might be a Metrinch “clone”, or it might be a modified version of the Peugeot Freres “Surpans” wrenches, which were also made in the USA by New Britain as the “Nut Master” style wrench.
Both styles, and the Metrinch design, grip against the flats of a nut/bolt, to prevent rounding, as well as to grip already rounded fasteners.
At this point, the patents for both have likely expired.
Design wise, most of this type of wrench are closer to the Koken “Surface Drive” style sockets, than to the Metrinch design.
the Metrinch design diesn’t have any sharp corners.
the Surface Drive similar designs have sharp corners next to the rounded drive splines.
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Dave455
Well-known member
Thanks for the “heads up” on those Mr Lemons - that’s a stupidly cheap price.Picked up from an Amazon locker on the way to work.
Set of seven Stabil 20s currently £35 on UK Amazon.
I don’t really need a set of those, as I have a fairly full set of the No. 23 ”Corona”s, but I’d rather have those than £35!
I think there was a factory promo on that set a while back, but I think it’s finished, and they weren’t that cheap!
upgrading
Well-known member
Nice to see the autojumbles are back.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
How is that assembly aid suppose to work, aid in what capacity?
Beru spark plug assembly aid
andyvh1959
Well-known member
I have some of the hand tools my dad brought over from Holland when we emigrated to the US in 1959. Dad was a motorcycle mechanic in Holland, so his hand tools were his career. We landed in Hoboken NJ, in fact, just over 60 years ago to the day, and just four days after landing dad started his 1st job as a Vokswagon mechanic. Two kids, $90 in cash, 37 years old and a new life in a new country, so his tools were invaluable to his new life.
In the mix are strong German made box end wrenches with wonderful slender profiles to fit in tight spaces. I got some Whitworth "spanners" in case I ever really get serious about reviving a classic Brit bike, the 5/8" Whitworth is huge. Now that I think of it, I may make a special area in my new detached cycle shop to store/display those tools rather than just store them in the tool cart with my Craftsman, Husky, Klein, Mater Mechanic and other current common brand names.
In the mix are strong German made box end wrenches with wonderful slender profiles to fit in tight spaces. I got some Whitworth "spanners" in case I ever really get serious about reviving a classic Brit bike, the 5/8" Whitworth is huge. Now that I think of it, I may make a special area in my new detached cycle shop to store/display those tools rather than just store them in the tool cart with my Craftsman, Husky, Klein, Mater Mechanic and other current common brand names.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
I probably would have bought those hammers too.
Added a few Knipexes to my collection, I like the crimping pliers for use in end ferrules, very nice positive action
The outside circlip remover is very useful during front axle servicing on my Y61 Nissan Patrol
Also bought this NWS bent needle nose pliers since I wanted to see how different (and if any better) these pliers are from the Knipexes that I own. I must say that while the NWS “feels” better in my hands, the functioning, joint smoothness etc are better on the Knipex. I also felt (I didn’t weigh them) that the NWS is noticeably lighter in weight compared to an equivalent Knipex plier.
The outside circlip remover is very useful during front axle servicing on my Y61 Nissan Patrol
Also bought this NWS bent needle nose pliers since I wanted to see how different (and if any better) these pliers are from the Knipexes that I own. I must say that while the NWS “feels” better in my hands, the functioning, joint smoothness etc are better on the Knipex. I also felt (I didn’t weigh them) that the NWS is noticeably lighter in weight compared to an equivalent Knipex plier.
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Cynical huckster
Well-known member
Gregthegadgetguy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2021
- Messages
- 67
Hey @Vicks why did you go with the non-comfort grip on the crimping pliers? As I buy more knipex pliers, I find I like the comfort grips in the 180mm and under sizes. The 200mm and larger sizes are very bulky.
well, they (non-comfort grip crimping pliers) were the only version available at my local brick and mortar hardware store but yeah, I would have liked to have the comfort grip ones.
nice collection !!
Pomona leads to replace the Fluke leads.
I have Pomona leads at work. They are very nice and flexible. I know Fluke make silicone leads as well, but I'm not sure if they are worth the premium.
Exaggerated (but not by much) comparison between PVC leads and silicone leads, showing how PVC leads stay all bunched up after they have been wrapped up in storage. These Fluke are particularly bad as they are quite thick. It's not so much of an issue with thinner leads.
I did not know that Pomona leads are 'New World.' They are however common in the UK and available from the well known electrical suppliers here.
I have Pomona leads at work. They are very nice and flexible. I know Fluke make silicone leads as well, but I'm not sure if they are worth the premium.
Exaggerated (but not by much) comparison between PVC leads and silicone leads, showing how PVC leads stay all bunched up after they have been wrapped up in storage. These Fluke are particularly bad as they are quite thick. It's not so much of an issue with thinner leads.
I did not know that Pomona leads are 'New World.' They are however common in the UK and available from the well known electrical suppliers here.
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Closer look at a Unior ratchet from the autojumble.
Picked it up at the autojumble just out of curiosity, thinking I wouldn't like it, but was pleasantly surprised. Unsure of COO. Guessing Taiwan, but maybe Slovenia. '75' tooth, which I think is unusual. Backdrag feels light to me, but I've not used many ratchets. A little less drag than 72t Facom and 80t Stahlwille. The quick release button, direction switch and part of the mechanism are made of plastic.
Took apart for cleaning. Two 'surprise' ball bearings fall out when the cover is removed if you don't keep the ratchet level.
Plastic switch and switch/spring holder.
I tried Super lube in the mechanism, but it gummed up. If even a tiny amount of Super lube is used on the teeth, the pawl sticks to the gear and locks up the ratchet. Works great with 3-in-one.
Despite the plastic bits, I really like this ratchet.
Picked it up at the autojumble just out of curiosity, thinking I wouldn't like it, but was pleasantly surprised. Unsure of COO. Guessing Taiwan, but maybe Slovenia. '75' tooth, which I think is unusual. Backdrag feels light to me, but I've not used many ratchets. A little less drag than 72t Facom and 80t Stahlwille. The quick release button, direction switch and part of the mechanism are made of plastic.
Took apart for cleaning. Two 'surprise' ball bearings fall out when the cover is removed if you don't keep the ratchet level.
Plastic switch and switch/spring holder.
I tried Super lube in the mechanism, but it gummed up. If even a tiny amount of Super lube is used on the teeth, the pawl sticks to the gear and locks up the ratchet. Works great with 3-in-one.
Despite the plastic bits, I really like this ratchet.
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Knipex bent nose long reach pliers.
A bit of play in the hinge on these and pretty flexible jaws and handles. I guess long, thin pliers are always going to flex. At least with Knipex they should spring back to shape. Minor quibbles, nice pliers overall.
Textured grips similar to Cobra grips. I wonder if there is any reasoning behind some Knipex pliers have smooth grips and others having textured grips.
A bit of play in the hinge on these and pretty flexible jaws and handles. I guess long, thin pliers are always going to flex. At least with Knipex they should spring back to shape. Minor quibbles, nice pliers overall.
Textured grips similar to Cobra grips. I wonder if there is any reasoning behind some Knipex pliers have smooth grips and others having textured grips.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
Found these Wiha set of 5 on clearance sale at the local Ace hardware store and immediately grabbed two !! What if I lose one set, Right ?
Haven't seen those available in the USA. Interesting that the tips are black instead of blasted and chromed. Looks like the blade from the discontinued 3K series with a handle from the Softfinish series.
I found a photo of the box with a web search.
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Ebay purchase. 'New without box' Martindale multimeter.
Compact size, similar to the Fluke 101. Feels cheaper than the Fluke as the case creaks when you handle it. Nice clear screen, high contrast and not so reflective. Slightly softer leads than the Fluke.
I really like the way my most used settings, V and Continuity are accessible on the dial rather than having to use a menu button.
Not the most versatile stand.
Compact size, similar to the Fluke 101. Feels cheaper than the Fluke as the case creaks when you handle it. Nice clear screen, high contrast and not so reflective. Slightly softer leads than the Fluke.
I really like the way my most used settings, V and Continuity are accessible on the dial rather than having to use a menu button.
Not the most versatile stand.
pedrodagr8
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- Aug 25, 2013
- Messages
- 613
Fluke owns Pomona. The Pomona 5519A test leads are virtually identical to the Fluke TL71 test leads (just some slightly different stamping around the manufacturer name).Pomona leads to replace the Fluke leads.
I have Pomona leads at work. They are very nice and flexible. I know Fluke make silicone leads as well, but I'm not sure if they are worth the premium.
Exaggerated (but not by much) comparison between PVC leads and silicone leads, showing how PVC leads stay all bunched up after they have been wrapped up in storage. These Fluke are particularly bad as they are quite thick. It's not so much of an issue with thinner leads.
I did not know that Pomona leads are 'New World.' They are however common in the UK and available from the well known electrical suppliers here.
I noticed that the protective caps were interchangeable from the Pomona and 101 leads (TL75?), but didn't think anything of it. Thanks for the info.
MR lemons - in the UK nobody really mentions UNIOR tools so you are able to find them at good prices, i really like them, my go to 13mm spanner is always a unior, i also snagged a full set of E torx 1/2 in a metal case for £10 on ebay. i often look out for there tools as they are cheap and feel decent.
I think Unior are maybe known in the UK for bike (push-bike) tools. If you google 'Unior tools' and limit results to only websites in the UK, most of the results are bike websites. Not sure if they are actually well know to cyclists though.
I'm tempted to a Unior 3/8" flexible head ratchet.
I'm tempted to a Unior 3/8" flexible head ratchet.
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Dakkyz
Well-known member
Unior are OEM for some major car dealerships in the UK as well, have a few unior tools very well made.
Snakevz
Well-known member
AFAIK all UNIOR ratchets, sockets and spanners excl. ratcheting ones are made in SLO.
Thanks for the info.
From their website.
'Thanks to our history, tradition, and vision, we are today the largest manufacturer in the world of forgings for personal vehicle steering mechanisms. In other words, four out of five European cars include at least one part that was made by us.'
They also make Chain sprockets, pulleys, connecting rods etc.
From their website.
'Thanks to our history, tradition, and vision, we are today the largest manufacturer in the world of forgings for personal vehicle steering mechanisms. In other words, four out of five European cars include at least one part that was made by us.'
They also make Chain sprockets, pulleys, connecting rods etc.
Dave455
Well-known member
I’ve never used any myself, but I see a bit of Unior around. It seems to be sold by places that sell things like screws and fixings, and the customers want a tool that works. Doesn’t have to be a big name, but needs to be half decent.I think Unior are maybe known in the UK for bike (push-bike) tools. If you google 'Unior tools' and limit results to only websites in the UK, most of the results are bike websites. Not sure if they are actually well know to cyclists though.
I'm tempted to a Unior 3/8" flexible head ratchet.
Quality is almost certainly a big notch up on Chinese tat, probably up there with the very best Taiwanese, but European in design. Everything I’ve seen is made in Slovenia. I don’t consider that a negative. Oplast are able to make very decent screwdrivers there (Hazet Trinamic for example). If you do get some, please give us a review.
dutchgray
Well-known member
The Unior stuff I have is decent, spanners mostly, they are very cheap used on Ebay, you can get large sizes for not much.
That's the exact packaging i bought mine in. The softfinish is good by not being excessively soft (and spongy) and all over the handle. I think the hard black tip blades lasted better than the full chrome ones, No ?
Reed Prince
Well-known member
Recently received these PB Swiss dead blow hammers.
Reed Prince
Well-known member
measuredtwice
Well-known member
I'm sure they're nice screwdrivers. Wiha makes nice fixed drivers. The black tips is more common on quality drivers since it does not change the dimensions as much as plating. Of course, manufacturers can also compensate for this in their design. As far as which lasts better, the black usually wears off fast but that's not really that important... at least to me. It looks like the shaft is bright chrome instead of matte. It looks like they just swapped the blades from the 3K series with the handles from the Softfinish series. I haven't seen them in the USA.
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measuredtwice
Well-known member
"The tips are covered with special caps and remain uncoated during the plating process. This increases dimensional accuracy and helps the blade grip the screw slot. The parts are then nickel-plated and chromium-plated in an automatic unit… …after which they are heated up to approximately 200 °C in an oven, to counteract the effects of so-called “hydrogen brittleness”. A laser system is then used to apply the screwdriver size and serial number. This means that even after they are sold, we can still identify exactly which raw materials were used to make PB tools. The uncoated tips are burnished in an automatic unit, the resulting dark colour giving the so-called “Black Point”."
KnurledNut
Well-known member
@pedrodagr8
Beat me to it.
Was gonna mention that they are a subsidiary of Fluke.
They acquired them in 1999 from ITT Industries.
I have some of their accessories. The mini-probe leads are great.
Beat me to it.
Was gonna mention that they are a subsidiary of Fluke.
They acquired them in 1999 from ITT Industries.
I have some of their accessories. The mini-probe leads are great.
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sweet victory
Well-known member
I have mine on preorder with KC Tool. They are estimating/hoping for a mid July ship date.
Very nice. Do you know if 130s are discontinued? I cannot find them on the Unior website or catalogue. Cannot really find anything about them anywhere.
Thank you @mr.lemons
These are not in the current local catalogue, I am afraid.
This is probably NOS I believe.
I can find them in a 2011-2012 catalogue. The code for the set in this catalogue is 130/1CB and 610204. My box is marked as 130/11. The set has 13 pieces, 6mm to 22mm. In the set I found the 9mm was missing.
Edit: you can see the set here (Page 12)
These are not in the current local catalogue, I am afraid.
This is probably NOS I believe.
I can find them in a 2011-2012 catalogue. The code for the set in this catalogue is 130/1CB and 610204. My box is marked as 130/11. The set has 13 pieces, 6mm to 22mm. In the set I found the 9mm was missing.
Edit: you can see the set here (Page 12)
