Tools from the old world

[Monte]

Shell jerry can

 

[Jeff]

I've been wanting this set for years, however I couldn't justify the price. Amazingly I found this set on amazon.jp at a very decent price.
Tool tip: when your wife orders kitchen stuff from amazon.jp always piggy-back on the order!

 

[Dave455]

I've been wanting this set for years, however I couldn't justify the price. Amazingly I found this set on amazon.jp at a very decent price.
Tool tip: when your wife orders kitchen stuff from amazon.jp always piggy-back on the order!

They’re quite nice tools.

I’ve had a set for some years. They’re about 2/3 the price of the Snap On here in the U.K. (and you get an extra tool) but I have to admit that the Snap On are my all time favourites.

The blades are superb steel, and the size and shape of the handles seems just perfect. Probably depends how big your hands are.

 

[silvertina]

My first set of Hazet anything.
And a pic with their German brothers

 

[HeelSpur]

Got this for 4 bux on ebay.

DSCF4184 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF4185 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr

 

[silkman]

My first set of Hazet anything.
And a pic with their German brothers

Superb and full set. Enjoy!

I got the Stahlwille OB 14 set and really like them, miles apart from my previous chinesium box end set

 

[F-22]

Got this for 4 bux on ebay.

DSCF4184 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF4185 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr

This seems like it is a merge between those modern adjustable wera wrenches and a classic swedish wrench. Probably grips very well by using both principles (wera needs a longer 'stroke' to have a wide range, so I assume this one might give you a greater grip due to a shorter stroke).

 

[Garcky]

Got this for 4 bux on ebay.

Homage to Whitworth sizes, to boot! Cute wrench. Now I want one.

 

[Monte]

"Lux" funnel

 

[silkman]

LUX is a inhouse brand to one of the DIY tool chain stores here called Praktiker. I haven't found any of their tools particularly good, most are chinesium stuff.

 

[dukefx]

Lux is Obi's in-house brand, not Praktiker's.

 

[dukefx]

A little story. I wanted to buy a small needle nose plier. I've looked through a lot brands, but none of them were suitable. This includes Knipex and Schmitz for example that didn't have serrated jaws, that's right, they are totally flat and slippery. A lot of them simply don't make "electronics sized" needle nose pliers. So I ended up with these Turkish Ceta Form pliers. From what I read they make good quality tools. This couldn't be further from the truth.

All of the handles have a different shade of yellow.


Bad focus, but this one has some melted handles.


This one has a crack


And this one is missing quite a bit of metal near the joint


Absolutely terrible. Do not buy! A typical no name Chinese plier won't have this many defects. Even the metal is questionable. It's stainless steel, but who knows how sturdy it is.

 

[Dave455]

A little story. I wanted to buy a small needle nose plier. I've looked through a lot brands, but none of them were suitable. This includes Knipex and Schmitz for example that didn't have serrated jaws, that's right, they are totally flat and slippery. A lot of them simply don't make "electronics sized" needle nose pliers. So I ended up with these Turkish Ceta Form pliers. From what I read they make good quality tools. This couldn't be further from the truth.

All of the handles have a different shade of yellow.


Bad focus, but this one has some melted handles.


This one has a crack


And this one is missing quite a bit of metal near the joint


Absolutely terrible. Do not buy! A typical no name Chinese plier won't have this many defects. Even the metal is questionable. It's stainless steel, but who knows how sturdy it is.

Are you sure that the pliers you are looking for are not available from Schmitz? In my experience almost every variety is available with either smooth or serrated jaws.

Bear in mind that the terminology may be different. Pliers that would be called “needle nose” in the U.S. would be called “snipe nose” or even just “long nose” in Europe and the U.K.

Note the subtle difference in the model number to specify serrated.

 

[four.cycle]

or "chain nose".
ProAmerica makes some pretty nice electronics pliers, although they are not cheap. I gave a set of the cushioned-handle models to a friend as a gift. I think the set had six pairs in a zip-up case.
Usually less expensive to buy from ebay or Bowers Tool instead of buying direct from the factory.
model numbers:
4028SD
4030SD
4024SD
4006SD
4012SD
4018SD
4022SD
4034SD
4036SD
4038SD

 

[Dave455]

or "chain nose".
ProAmerica makes some pretty nice electronics pliers, although they are not cheap. I gave a set of the cushioned-handle models to a friend as a gift. I think the set had six pairs in a zip-up case.
Usually less expensive to buy from ebay or Bowers Tool instead of buying direct from the factory.
model numbers:
4028SD
4030SD
4024SD
4006SD
4012SD
4018SD
4022SD
4034SD
4036SD
4038SD

This side of the pond, “chain nose” pliers are different again.

These are basically jewellers pliers (originally for working with small chains. They are only available in very small sizes, and the jaws would be smooth.

Again, U.S. terminology might be different

 

[dukefx]

Are you sure that the pliers you are looking for are not available from Schmitz? In my experience almost every variety is available with either smooth or serrated jaws.

Bear in mind that the terminology may be different. Pliers that would be called “needle nose” in the U.S. would be called “snipe nose” or even just “long nose” in Europe and the U.K.

Note the subtle difference in the model number to specify serrated.

Sorry, I've gone through so many manufacturers that I mixed them up. Schmitz was in the too expensive category. On their own they aren't any more expensive than lets say C.K, IdealTek, and such but add 13€ shipping and you are at nearly 60€ for a single pair of pliers. In comparison that's as much as a large 300 mm Knipex pliers wrench for something so small. There isn't much competition. You can either get them from Schmitz, Schmitz on Amazon, profishop.de (doesn't ship here I believe and more expensive anyway) and some other I can't remember, but far more expensive. I may end up investing in 2-3 pliers of theirs eventually. They are currently my #1 choice. Their non-cutting pliers all have really good reviews. The cutting pliers have mixed reviews, even the carbide ones for some reason.

As for the terms I searched for, believe me, I've gone through every possible variation in 3 different languages.

or "chain nose".
ProAmerica makes some pretty nice electronics pliers, although they are not cheap. I gave a set of the cushioned-handle models to a friend as a gift. I think the set had six pairs in a zip-up case.
Usually less expensive to buy from ebay or Bowers Tool instead of buying direct from the factory.
model numbers:
4028SD
4030SD
4024SD
4006SD
4012SD
4018SD
4022SD
4034SD
4036SD
4038SD

They look nice but ordering stuff from the US is quite expensive: shipping + VAT + handling without exceptions (even if it costs 1 cent) since July 1st 2021. That's a +50% on average so I only buy from outside the EU if I really really need something that I can't find here.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I saw this York egg beater drill at a swap meet this summer and thought it was unusual enough to pick up. The cast aluminum housing is quite attractive and the whole drill is well constructed. An MT2 bit fits directly up the spindle but the attached chuck works ok as well. Two speed by moving the handle. A neat little drill not commonly seen in the US. Ed.

 

[Monte]

LUX is a inhouse brand to one of the DIY tool chain stores here called Praktiker. I haven't found any of their tools particularly good, most are chinesium stuff.

Some of the "Lux" tools are not that bad

 

[101% Loko]

Belzer Short Flat Screwdriver


Belzer 2mm Hex Screwdriver


Belzer 7mm Hex Screwdriver


Belzeryl for "Clutch Screws"


Wiha 5/64" Hex Screwdriver

 

[upgrading]

The black and yellow Wiha looks nice

 

[Monte]

dustpan and broom

 

[castrol86]

Some of the "Lux" tools are not that bad

is this NWS or Orbis?

 

[mdrawde]

is this NWS or Orbis?

Looks like NWS.

 

[dukefx]

100% NWS

 

[Snakevz]

Some early christmas goodies

 

[Monte]

NWS











Wilpu hole saw

 

[Monte]

Bosch countersink

 

[four.cycle]

@Snakevz

Is that screwdriver marked "Made in Poland" a Wiha?

 

[tamaraw]

@Snakevz

Is that screwdriver marked "Made in Poland" a Wiha?

Looks like a Wiha 32902, you can see it in the photo just previous to that.

 

[four.cycle]

Monte, Dave, farmerj, humber2, and others: I would appreciate it if you would take a minute to take a look at this list and if you know of any names I've missed, please let me know.

I am curious about the "Elofort" brand. I have to wonder if perhaps that may have been a price-point line manufactured by Elora?

Dave, can you shed any light on the "Gordon" "Cro-Van" line?

 

[Snakevz]

@Snakevz

Is that screwdriver marked "Made in Poland" a Wiha?

Yes, both screwdriwers are Wiha, Wire strippers are Knipex, and voltage tester is Beha Amprobe

 

[tamaraw]

I am curious about the "Elofort" brand. I have to wonder if perhaps that may have been a price-point line manufactured by Elora?

They still are apparently, here's the selection carried by draper tools:

Elofort Hand Tools made according to DIN and ISO Standards

Elofort hand tools are manufactured according to DIN and ISO standards. Please enter here to visit our onlines store.

www.elofort-hand-tools.com

 

[Dave455]

Monte, Dave, farmerj, humber2, and others: I would appreciate it if you would take a minute to take a look at this list and if you know of any names I've missed, please let me know.

I am curious about the "Elofort" brand. I have to wonder if perhaps that may have been a price-point line manufactured by Elora?

Dave, can you shed any light on the "Gordon" "Cro-Van" line?

I don’t think “Cro Van” was a separate line as such. It was simply short for “Chromium - Vanadium”, which was a selling point at one time.

I’ve seen Gordon tools marked both “Chrome Vanadium” and “Cro - Van”.

When you asked, I wondered if the “Cro - Van” print was used on the short series wrenches (I’ve certainly seen it on these wrenches), but I have new sets of both length’s in my stores, and both have “Chrome Vanadium”.

 

[four.cycle]

Thank you all!

Gordon / Gordon Tools Ltd., Assam Works, Rockingham St., Sheffield / "CRO.VAN" and "CRO-VAN" / https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Gordon_Tools / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/gordon-tools-sheffield-england.385513/ /

I have to assume that both the "CRO.VAN" and "CRO-VAN" monikers were trade names used by Gordon. I wonder if they would have applied for or were issued the equivalent of a trademark on the name(s).

Gordon tools were marked with both "CRO-VAN" and "CRO.VAN" (as well as "CHROME VANADIUM).
It does not appear that space limitations were a factor in their use of the abbreviated format:


Gordon "CRO.VAN" ring spanners (photo: ebay)


Gordon "CRO.VAN" 1/2" square female drive ratchet

There's NO "E" in Chrom Vanadium, Chrom-Van, or Cro-Van thread is now updated

List of Manufacturers and Brands of Mechanics Hand Tools updated Tue Nov 15 09:25:58 2022 Pacific Time (GMT - 8hrs)

 

[Dave455]

I have to assume that both the "CRO.VAN" and "CRO-VAN" monikers were trade names used by Gordon. I wonder if they would have applied for or were issued the equivalent of a trademark on the name(s).

No, I don’t think that was the situation.

These would just have been sold as “Gordon” wrenches. The “Cro-Van” just indicated they were made from Chrome Vanadium steel, as opposed to earlier wrenches, which were not.

Many manufacturers (both at the time and subsequently) used “Chrome Vanadium”, or some abbreviation, to indicate the steel used.

It wouldn’t have been a trade mark of Gordon’s as the term was already in use, and under British law you cannot register a name as a trade mark if it is in common usage.

 

[snowblindb]

No, I don’t think that was the situation.

These would just have been sold as “Gordon” wrenches. The “Cro-Van” just indicated they were made from Chrome Vanadium steel, as opposed to earlier wrenches, which were not.

Many manufacturers (both at the time and subsequently) used “Chrome Vanadium”, or some abbreviation, to indicate the steel used.

It wouldn’t have been a trade mark of Gordon’s as the term was already in use, and under British law you cannot register a name as a trade mark if it is in common usage.

I don’t know if this a common joke around the globe, but here we have an old joke/saying when some new guy ask: what is the best tool brand you can buy?
Some old guy yells answer: Chrome Vanadium and Drop&ForgeT

 

[dukefx]

Monte, Dave, farmerj, humber2, and others: I would appreciate it if you would take a minute to take a look at this list and if you know of any names I've missed, please let me know.

I am curious about the "Elofort" brand. I have to wonder if perhaps that may have been a price-point line manufactured by Elora?

Dave, can you shed any light on the "Gordon" "Cro-Van" line?

I imagine it's their made in Taiwan line. Even Elora is a mystery. You barely see any retailers selling their tools and I know quite a lot of their tools to be rebrands. Quite frankly I don't even know if they manufacture anything these days.

 

[Dave455]

I imagine it's their made in Taiwan line. Even Elora is a mystery. You barely see any retailers selling their tools and I know quite a lot of their tools to be rebrands. Quite frankly I don't even know if they manufacture anything these days.

I see a fair bit of Elora in the U.K.

Their distribution seems to be different to a lot of other makers. In recent years their tools were sold through agricultural suppliers. Quite a good choice I reckon, as the tools are decent, but not flashy. I see them in a lot of farm workshops as a result.

For the last few years they have been distributed by Draper tools, one of the biggest tool distributors in the U.K. Draper offer tools under their own name (made in Taiwan) or you can opt for Elora for a little more.

I’m sure there are some Elora items that they don’t make themselves. I’ve long suspected screwdrivers to be one such item, but I probably wouldn’t call them ”rebrands” as the patterns are unique to Elora, and they are German made. Some, such as these Stainless drivers, are really very nice.

All the wrenches, socket wrenches and accessories are, I believe, made ”in house” by Elora. The designs are unique to Elora, and their is a huge variety on offer. I would say they were one of the major German manufacturers.



The only thing I would say, is that the majority of the tools are not aimed at the U.S. market. The styles are European, as is the finish, which tends to be a mostly matte chrome - very durable, but not to American tastes. Maybe for this reason, they are not exported to the U.S. in large numbers.

Personally, I’ve always found them to be excellent tools, and often better value than other German makes, if a little unexciting.

I’ve never seen “Elofort” here. I’m sure these will be made in Taiwan. At least if you buy Elora you know what you are getting.

 

[four.cycle]

Elofort appears to be manufactured in Germany

 

[Monte]

I think "back in the days" Elofort was made in Germany. But since several years it seems they sell imported goods under the Elofort name. Just like: Hazet --> Vigor.....Heyco --> Heytec.....Gedore (Blue) --> Carolus (Gedore Red) ....
You can look up the COO of Elora products if you go to the product page of each product. For example products from Germany:

870-1UN Reversible Ratchet 3/8" | ELORA – Werkzeugfabrik GmbH |

Reversible Ratchet 3/8" - with small, round head forged, fine teethed wheel with grippy metal switching disk smallest possible swivel angle 5° nonslip QUATROLIT®-2C-handle with suspension hole matt ch

products.elora.de

490-BI... Heavy Duty Side Cutter | ELORA – Werkzeugfabrik GmbH |

Heavy Duty Side Cutter - high cutting performance with minimal effort maximum stability under load by additional inductive hardening cutting edge hardness: 63-65 HRC for hardened steel wire, piano wir

products.elora.de

539/1-IS... Screwdriver | ELORA – Werkzeugfabrik GmbH |

Screwdriver - for plain slotted screws matt chrome plated hexagon blade with forged hexagon section through hardened blade edge gunmetal finished nonslip QUATROLIT®-2C-handle with suspension hole blad

products.elora.de

or from Europe:

1665-... Engineers | ELORA – Werkzeugfabrik GmbH |

Engineers - drop forged hammer head with safety collar inductive hardened and coated face and peen polished ash handle with shaft protection bush made of nylon mechanically fixed with a steel ring wed

products.elora.de

179-16 Pipe Cutter | ELORA – Werkzeugfabrik GmbH |

Pipe Cutter - for thin-walled metal tubes with a cutting wheel and two guide rollers with steel bearing spindle and ICS-wheel quick-change system yellow powder coating made of zinc die-cast

products.elora.de

189-P Hacksaw Frame | ELORA – Werkzeugfabrik GmbH |

Hacksaw Frame - for hacksaw blades with 300 mm (12'') length including metal saw blade blade position lockable in 6 different positions blade tension by turning the knob in the handle handle made of p

products.elora.de

or from.....??:

790-... Impact Sockets 1/2", metric | ELORA – Werkzeugfabrik GmbH |

Impact Sockets 1/2", metric - for power tools special steel, phosphated female square drive according to DIN 3121-G 12,5, ISO 1174 according to DIN 3129, ISO 2725-2

products.elora.de

It seems many (most ?) products are still made in Germany. I don´t know what they produce on their own though. Most likely socketry and wrenches. IIRC what i was told and what i think: Hammers are (partly) from"OSCA", pliers "Ilofors/Tracht Odenthal", screwdrivers "Walther Schröder", pullers "Nexus", locking pliers "Bollmann" + "Grip-On", saws "Haunstätter" and that italian company..I.m.e.t. ?....
Time to buy something from Elora....