Tools you thought you'd really like - but don't.

[BirdMobile]

Greets!
First off - to the mods: this isn't a brand bashing thread, just a place to discuss disappointment with specific tool purchases.

What tools have you bought thinking you'd really love them, but ended up being rarely used, in your junk drawer, or gifted/sold?

For me, probably top of the list is my Mac gearless ratchet. Found it in a pawnshop, haggled it down to $25+tax. Loved the silky smooth action and instant "grab" when reversing direction.

It sits in my drawer, almost never used. My problems with it are that it has a huge, bulky head, and feels unbalanced and won't fit in a lot of areas. Also, the lack of ratchet "clicking" means that I don't know if the mechanism is slipping (like it should) or if the fastener is slipping on back drag. Combine those 2 factors, and I just don't care to use the poor thing.

Close 2nd for me would probably be my optical centering scope for milling machine - I thought it would speed up setups, but quite the opposite, it takes longer than just about any other method I've ever tried. Sits in a drawer unused, awaiting sale or giveaway.

How about you all? Any tools you were crazy about when you bought them, only to find out later that you were crazy FOR buying them?

 

[firebox40dash5]

Air ratchets. I bought a "good" IR 1/4 and 3/8 not long after I started wrenching. The 3/8 is still kicking, but the 1/4 broke twice doing intake manifold bolts on a Subaru. I haven't touched either in about 2 years.

I usually use an impact, swivels, and extensions, after breaking loose by hand if needed. I find it gets me into most spots, and is much faster. Every now and then I run into one fastener I wish I had a power ratchet for, but it's not enough to make me go for it again. I just don't 'get' them.

 

[espyking83]

-SK stubbies. Sold my Williams Taiwan to fund their purchase, regretted it the first time I used them. Love SK tools, but not a fan of their wrenches at all.
-Snap On screw gun. The limp-wristed choir boy of screw guns, completely worthless. Bought it off the truck and took it back before he even left. Ended up using the credit for a 1/4" wobble head set that is probably one of the best buys off the truck I have ever made.
-Wera ratcheting screwdriver. It's a sturdy and well built driver, but SO/Williams/Bahco drivers take a **** on it. Worth the money, but you can get a better driver for less.
-Snap On SLF80. By far the best long 1/2" ratchet I have ever used, but being an aircraft mechanic on King Air 200's... it didnt see much action. Would recommend it to anyone, except an aircraft mechanic. I was a dumbshit for buying it.


There will be more.

 

[steveo3002]

really wanted a snap on palm ratchet ...hardly ever used it in 20 years

 

[Fedwrench]

Cornwell 72 tooth ratchets. Found the head too thick, the curvy handle too slick when covered in ATF , and it takes a bit of effort to ratchet.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Delta Shopmaster drill press. JUNK.
I put a real chuck, motor, light, custom pulleys and link belt, and bought a good vice for it. Tolerable.
Looking for something from the '50s to put a 1 1/2 horse vfd and good chuck on.

 

[Art From De Leon]

really wanted a snap on palm ratchet ...hardly ever used it in 20 years

I use mine with a tap socket and tap for chasing threads.

 

[KinzeMech]

Craftsman max axess universal socket set.

The spline socket concept had promise, but just didn't deliver in reality. It didn't help matters that the ratchet handles were uncomfortable, and too short for real torque. The spline sockets were supposed to work on all sorts of fasteners, and were supposed to get a better grip, even in the case of partially rounded fasteners. In reality, that just was not the case.

 

[Zeke]

Where do I start?

 

[KinzeMech]

Where do I start?

At the beginning?


I would go first to the tool that was the biggest disappointment, whether it was a disappointment because expectations were so high, or actual performance turned out to be so low.

 

[85camaro]

+1 on the stubby wrenches. I bought a set of the Mac stubby wrenches, but they typically don't have enough leverage to bust anything loose.

 

[xbeatles4x]

I would say the tools that were some of the biggest disappointments for me were the tools that someone bought for me.

The first one was the dog bone wrench from home depot. It has a pretty ok concept but in reality it does not live up to the task that it should. It also takes up way too much space.
The second one would be one of those universal gator sockets. It seemed like a good idea to keep in the car toolbox, but it will not grab anything except maybe a eye hook.

 

[Super Mech]

Dual cut saw. What a waste.

 

[plinker]

The point of stubby wrenches is access not leverage. I use them all the time to "spin" already loosened things which are too tight to remove by hand.
Air line fittings are another use.

Now stubby ratcheting wrenches are another story, maybe the flex ones are different. I dont find ratcheting wrenches in general all that useful. They have there uses, but are not the best thing since sliced bread to me

 

[Ign]

Dual cut saw. What a waste.

True story!

Also the old Florida Pneumatic air ratchets that were supposed to be one-handed reverse by sliding one of two buttons w your thumb. They worked, but were bulky and not really as useful as you'd think. Sat in my box forever, finally sold it.

 

[Zeke]

At the beginning?


I would go first to the tool that was the biggest disappointment, whether it was a disappointment because expectations were so high, or actual performance turned out to be so low.

HF right angle corded drill. Sounds like a threshing machine.
On the other end of the scale is a Milwaukee variable speed 7" grinder that I thought I could slow down and use as a polisher. Stupid me, there is no torque.

Well, it's not bad as a grinder so I guess I'll disqualify that one.

 

[Ign]

HF right angle corded drill. Sounds like a threshing machine.
On the other end of the scale is a Milwaukee variable speed 7" grinder that I thought I could slow down and use as a polisher. Stupid me, there is no torque.

Well, it's not bad as a grinder so I guess I'll disqualify that one.

I agree the HF right angle drill sounds horrible, but the few times I've needed it worked, and the torque was more than I expected (low expectations I suppose). Still, I don't regret the purchase.

 

[Snap_cap]

Craftsman 52" 14 drawer tool chest (#59631) and the matching top 9 drawer chest (#59629)

They were on sale for a very tempting price as a set when I bought them, and I needed the storage space, but the drawer layout/configuration really doesn't work well for automotive tools, which was my intended use.



It would be significantly better if a full length, 1 drawer middle chest were made to compliment the top/bottom combination.

Because the drawer configuration (particularly depth) ***** so bad, I have to keep rearranging everything as I acquire more tools.

Eventually I'll upgrade to something better.

 

[coljar]

I start with the same tool each time we have a thread like this. My Snap-On air gasket scraper. What a stink bomb. The reason it looks new after 30+ years is because it is.

 

[Sea_Chicken1]

Any stubby wrenches, HF power tools, Snap On screw drivers, Lincon welders. I could list terrible tools that I have used all day long, all brands make good and bad tools as well.I think it would be better to have a thread on toold that work good for our different needs. Trial and error is the most important part of tool buying for me, knowing what to splurge on and where to save a buck.

 

[MagnumForce]

Knipex Plier Wrench, not the second coming as I had been lead to believe. I prefer an adjustable wrench.

 

[toolfreak]

I start with the same tool each time we have a thread like this. My Snap-On air gasket scraper. What a stink bomb. The reason it looks new after 30+ years is because it is.

I used mine a lot when I worked on heavy equipment, it worked great on hydraulic tanks that are two halves bolted together. Other than that, it has only been used once since the career change.

I would have to say the 7.2 snap on 3/8" impact. I bought one a few years ago thinking it would be perfect for the aluminum filter housings so I wouldn't have to worry about stripping them out. It didn't have half the rated torque and was useless.

 

[quattroJoe]

Bought these thinking it would save time doing bench work, knowing full well that they would be too cumbersome to use in most areas inside a car. Tried to like them for a few days, but they're really not any faster or more convenient than my Klein manual strippers. Still look brand new in the back of my tool box.

Craftsman max axess universal socket set.

So, as much as it pains me to buy Chinese Craftsman, I've got the Max Axess non-universal pass throughs as well as their universal (spline) sockets in 1/4 and 3/8 square drives. I don't dislike them, but rarely use them. I dig out the pass throughs a few times a year, and when I do need them they have really saved my ***! FYI they are interchangeable with Gearwrench pass throughs, and I really like the GW pass through torx and hex sockets, they can get into some tighter places than normal bit sockets. The Cman universal spline sockets I only use on e-torx and the occasional severely rounded/rusted fastener, but I love the look and finish of them! They have a brushed look instead of chrome, and I suspect some sort of coating as none of mine have a speck of rust. The insides are black, as are the recessed stampings on the outside, makes for an easy to read contrast with a sort of industrial look. Maybe they're junk and mine are just in good shape from infrequent use, I dunno.

 

[Gmonkee]

Spline type sockets, the floppy fit offset the 'metrinch' effect totally.

Every specialty style of a common wrench, stubby, obstruction and extra long they all went unused as another tool could always meet the need.
Line wrenches and flex ratcheting wrenches proved to be useful and are retained. Otherwise DBE/DOE dominate with a few regular combo wrenches tucked away also.

specialty hammers, a regular ball peen seems to do it all. Minor bodywork to hanging a picture.

The OBD II code reader, bought new in 2008, it never made me one red cent. Software updates were never offered and the model was discontinued in 2009. Others have borrowed it and made/saved money but I can't seem to. Now it is obsolete and without internal code definitions almost unsellable.

 

[Angry welder]

I have to say that the torx bit screwdrivers from craftsman has to be the worst thing ever labeled as a tool. All they are good for is twisting the end off of the screwdriver and stripping out the screw it self. Worst thing ever.

 

[logixjock]

I'm with Zeke on this one, where the heck to start. Been buying tools since I was 13 in '79, bought some turds along the way. Most recent was a Wiss cable tie tool I found at Lowes on clearance. Only paid a couple of bux but I can do a better job of cinching down a tie with my teeth. I'd give it away, but I'd be ashamed to foist it off on someone that never did me any harm.

 

[ATC]

Bought these thinking it would save time doing bench work, knowing full well that they would be too cumbersome to use in most areas inside a car. Tried to like them for a few days, but they're really not any faster or more convenient than my Klein manual strippers. Still look brand new in the back of my tool box.

Man...I use the hell out of mine! You're right, they are a little big for using under the dash or near the fuel pump and such. I'm the opposite...my Klein manual strippers look new laying in my electrical box


My tool that I don't like....Craftsman bolt-out damaged bolt extractor. Any brand. Doesn't work worth a ****. It just rounds off the bolt even more.
Nothing beats a good pair of vise-grips, or a welder/torch/grinder/burr/nuke

 

[unslow1]

Snapon utility knife.

 

[Jeepster425]

Mac tools twist sockets. What a waste. I got it cause the bolts for the egr tubes on a MF13 like to round off sometimes, used the 10mm once, and rounded the inside of the socket! Tried to use it on a 13mm bolt and it stripped the insides also. Been sitting in my box untouched since.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Stubby ratchets (any) I find useless. That's just me. I'm quirky with a lot of stuff most people usually consider "tool staples". Don't use wrenches a whole lot either (that's probably the strangest one); I'll use wrenches to rethread then finish with a ratchet but generally not to break a bolt.

 

[skeletonizer]

Thought these were the cat's ***...



Until I got these. The Snap-ons are flat out inferior.

[/URL]

 

[oldtools]

I am really disappointed with my Milwaukee inspection camera. For the price, the screen resolution is quite low and the flexible extension is so thick and stiff, it make it difficult to use. Only use it twice and both times it is disappointing. Should have bought the HF which is much less expensive.

 

[MagnumForce]

Craftsman max axess universal socket set.

The spline socket concept had promise, but just didn't deliver in reality. It didn't help matters that the ratchet handles were uncomfortable, and too short for real torque. The spline sockets were supposed to work on all sorts of fasteners, and were supposed to get a better grip, even in the case of partially rounded fasteners. In reality, that just was not the case.

Wow, that's one thing I love. I rarely use it but when I do it has gotten me out of problems I wouldn't have had a solution for otherwise and at 25 bucks for the set it is nice to have.

 

[Ruger_556]

A 3/8 cordless impact, heavy, awkward, and gutless compared to a 3/8 air gun with a nice swivel air fitting. Sold it after using it at work for about a month...

 

[Ricky112]

Man...I use the hell out of mine! You're right, they are a little big for using under the dash or near the fuel pump and such. I'm the opposite...my Klein manual strippers look new laying in my electrical box


My tool that I don't like....Craftsman bolt-out damaged bolt extractor. Any brand. Doesn't work worth a ****. It just rounds off the bolt even more.
Nothing beats a good pair of vise-grips, or a welder/torch/grinder/burr/nuke

Weird! I have really good luck using them on broken wheel lock nuts. Gotta hammer them on real good and use the 1/2" impact verrrry slow lol

 

[Jarhead0408]

Same here, I've never had a problem with my bolt-outs. They've saved my **** quite a few times AAMOF.

 

[cgv69]

Man...I use the hell out of mine! You're right, they are a little big for using under the dash or near the fuel pump and such. I'm the opposite...my Klein manual strippers look new laying in my electrical box

I'm more with ATC on this one. I have the GB version and when I was an installer, I used the **** out of them! They are still one of my most used tools. I used them in and under dash and door panels all the time. My manual strippers almost never get used.

I've had a lot of tools disappoint me but the one that stands out the most in my mind is my Knipex Pliers Wrench. Don't get me wrong, its a well made tool that works as advertized but I just don't find my self using it. Sometimes I try to force myself to use it but I usually find it too big or awkward for the task at hand. I got the 10" model and think I would have been better off with the 7" model

 

[RonRock]

Dual cut saw. What a waste.

I've been wanting one of these since I first saw them. What's wrong with them?


Good thread.

 

[SMKS]

The Williams pear head ratchets that use the old SO 936 internals.

They have too much backdrag.

I've owned 3 of them. Two normal 3/8" ratchets and one XL 1/2" ratchet. The only one I've kept is the long 1/2", but I don't use it very much. The others were sold.

Maybe they would loosen up after using for a long while, but they never loosened up for me. I'd prefer to use other ratchets that work well out of the box rather than using a ratchet I don't really like under the hopes it will loosen up.

But, the updated version of the Williams round head ratchets are great. I like them.

 

[Snap_cap]

Stubby ratchets (any) I find useless. That's just me. I'm quirky with a lot of stuff most people usually consider "tool staples". Don't use wrenches a whole lot either (that's probably the strangest one); I'll use wrenches to rethread then finish with a ratchet but generally not to break a bolt.

I'm the exact opposite, my favorite ratchet is a USA made Craftsman 3/8" flex stubby (44834) followed closely by the Snap-On FKF80 flex stubby.