Tier 1, 1.5, or even Tier 2 tools thread

[jc000]

KC Tool Co is awesome. Their Instagram "Tool Of The Day" is like a money vacuum.

Wera is the name you are looking for.

I am going to give you two links re quality tools. YOU have been warned.

https://www.kctoolco.com/?rfsn=2849868.56b328


https://www.harryepstein.com/

[RevolverRob]

The Wiha screwdriver set I ordered arrived today, it's lovely. I already used them to replace a GFCI receptacle in our bathroom.

The reset button on the old receptacle literally disintegrated and the springs inside it shot out of it on Monday. It was quite impressive I've never seen one fail like that. Only managed to electrocute myself twice; shut off the breakers to replace a receptacle? Why would I do that? (Don't do what I do, practice proper safety, I'm kind of an idiot).

___

Now, moving on. I need to replace two of these thin profile Craftsman ratchets (one 1/4" and one 3/8" drive)



Things I like(d) about these ratchets - the handle shape, the quick release, and the slim-line head. Things I do not likely about these ratchets...they're both fucking broken and self-reverse.

I'm between:

SK LP90 - https://www.harryepstein.com/80200-s...0-ratchet.html

Or

Wright Double Pawl - https://www.harryepstein.com/7-1-32-...t-ratchet.html

The LP90 has a 90-tooth gear, while the Wright has a 41-tooth gear, but because of the double pawl, the Wright is functionally the same as a 92-tooth single pawl ratchet (basically it and the LP90 has the same swing arc).

Anyone tried either of these? I have both SK and Wright ratchets in the box, but they are all older than me, so none of this newer high tooth count or double-pawl mechanisms.

[OlongJohnson]

I am going to give you two links re quality tools. YOU have been warned.

https://www.kctoolco.com/?rfsn=2849868.56b328

I was thinking I might have a new brand of files. Then I looked at the prices. I think I'll keep buying old stock Nicholsons that don't say MEXICO.

https://www.kctoolco.com/search.php?...ection=product

Now, moving on. I need to replace two of these thin profile Craftsman ratchets (one 1/4" and one 3/8" drive)

Things I like(d) about these ratchets - the handle shape, the quick release, and the slim-line head. Things I do not likely about these ratchets...they're both fucking broken and self-reverse.

Old Snap-On is cheaper than that on fleabay. Just sayin'.

Also, check chicago.craigslist.

I did, and found these: https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/t...213155333.html

Where are the best hand tools made? In that other country called the past.

[rayrevolver]

KC Tool Co is awesome. Their Instagram "Tool Of The Day" is like a money vacuum.

My first order from KC they sent a free German philips bit. I supposed I am impressed by free $1 parts! It wasn't a big order, like $21 for Wiha torx plus bits, long arm "allen keys", and something I had to own called a "wing handle."



But yeah most of this stuff is too expensive. I was happy with the USA made Husky stuff from the late 90s. I use a Wera torque screw driver for optics.

I did, and found these: https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/t...213155333.html

Where are the best hand tools made? In that other country called the past.

Dang, those are sweet vises. I couldn't find something local and bought a Ridgid, seems like it was worth it over newer Chinese. I have an old Wilton coming my way from a coworker, sight unseen.

[OlongJohnson]

Dang, those are sweet vises. I couldn't find something local and bought a Ridgid, seems like it was worth it over newer Chinese. I have an old Wilton coming my way from a coworker, sight unseen.

I picked up an 8-inch Wilton off Craigslist around 15 years ago. It was $300, which is a heck of a lot for a used tool, but they were going for $1k new at the time. Up a few hundred above that now. It's been worth every penny.

At the other end of the spectrum, I got an old Panavise of fleabay. It says "Long Beach" on it, so you know it's old. Way nicer than the 10-year-old ones we have in the lab at work.

I also picked up one of these a couple years ago: https://www.wiltontools.com/us/en/vi...-vises/SJRVise
Absolute China shit. DO NOT BUY.

I still want a Ridgid.

[LittleLebowski]

I don't want to talk about missing the cheap Wilton vises

[MistWolf]

I appreciate the advice, I'm looking at this Wera for price and convenience.

https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftfor...dp/B004VMWYCU/

I've used those Wera handles. Borrowed them occasionally from other mechanics. I much prefer the Snap On.

Convenient to use trumps convenient to buy.

Of course, that's subjective.

[LittleLebowski]

I've used those Wera handles. Borrowed them occasionally from other mechanics. I much prefer the Snap On.

Convenient to use trumps convenient to buy.

Of course, that's subjective.

I also plead poverty, but I'm still shopping

[vcdgrips]

My anticipated Tool of the Month for November:

a: A Rigid Brand Aluminum 18 inch Pipe Wrench ( I own no such tool) or

b: A set of Crescent Wrenches ( I own no such tools, but just bought sockets and have numerous sets of Knipex pliers to include their adjustable ones) or

c: An Estwing hammer in the 12-16 oz range (I have a 22 oz with a Milled Face I bought for a fence tear down job years ago but it seems a bit unwieldy.)

d: Open to suggestions

[rob_s]

For my uses, which are pretty much homeowner/hobbiest who prefers to pay other people to do dirty shit and who has pretty much been motivated in my career for the last 20 years to have the luxury To do the work I want to not the work I have to after an early life of mostly having to do everything ourselves, I’ve all but eliminated tools from my workshop that aren’t Tekton. At my level, they’ve been more than fine and I like standardizing on things.