[TiA: Tool idea thread]

I didn't see this topic posted but the guys posted a youtube video about tools that don't exist but they should...and I think this is a great discussion topic. So what hand or power tools would you guys like to see?

 

 

 

My idea is a cordless soldering iron that feeds solder, like a mig welder but not necessarily feeding from inside the tip. All it needs to do is feed to the tip, so it could even be an add-on to an existing wireless soldering iron. One-handed soldering for tight spaces, wire splicing, etc.

 

Your turn guys, let's hear those ideas!

[Milwaukee M12 Jig clearance at HD]

Nice deal but I need(want) that m12 drill/speaker set to drop to $75! I'm hoping no one buys them, they've been on the clearance rack for a while

[75% off On select Makita and Hitachi tools!!!]

Go check Lowe's before you buy there. My Lowe's had a table set up with open box and clearance, there were a couple of Hitachi bare tools for about $20. I almost bit on the $20 drill but I don't need another drill and I'd have to invest in a battery/charger(at twice the cost of the tool) for a backup drill...when I have a backup drill. I could resell it for a small profit but that's not really my style.

[Wera Kraftform]

Has anyone used the Wera lasertip and the Bosch ribbed tip bits? Interesting to hear a comparison between the two. I haven't used the Wera and was fully expecting both of these to be marketing bs but damned if those Bosch bits aren't my favorite because of the ribbed for her pleasure tips.

["Genesis" drill power supply]

I would imagine it would be something like a 20v, 1 or less amp unregulated power supply, all you need is to locate the specs on the sticker(should be on the bottom of the charger). Almost all of them are the same center positive plug. If you can find the specs you'll be able to find one for like $6 on eBay or Amazon. If you cannot find it, he could hook up a universal laptop battery power supply to it...but it's going to be worth more than the drill if he doesn't already have it. Also look at old power supplies you have around, not cell phones but something that draws more current. Laptop power supplies are are normally 18-20v, 3.5amp so they'd work if the plug fits.

 

My best advice is that if money is an issue, go to a pawn shop/craigslist and buy a used drill. You can find some very good drills for cheap. If he doesn't have time to shop around, just get the Harbor Freight drill, it's not that bad for the price...Just keep in mind that recently Porter Cable reconditioned drills have been on sale for around $50(with two battries and a soft case) and that's a damn good non-professional drill. Think CPO has Dewalt impact driver/drill on sale this week for $120.

[Channellock tool set and warranty]

That is fantastic customer service, very few companies nowadays have this. Kershaw did something similar for me, replacing a piece that was lost 10+ years after I bought it. One of two companies that have EVER done something like that for me. The other was Eagle Hockey, who replaced a pair of palms for me for free...they have since been bought by a different company that I'm sure wouldn't back their products like that. It's nice to ask how to buy something and hear "What's your address?" or "Ship those here, we'll take care of you" ...great way to earn a life-long customer. Thanks for sharing, definitely improves my already good opinion of Channellock...btw, they make the best adjustable wrench on the market in my opinion.

[New Tekton USA made screwdrivers]

I don't know if they are USA made but I am planning on grabbing some Tekton impact sockets and a tap and die set.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

Probably not, like everyone else they post "Made in USA" proudly on the products they sell that are made in the USA...that being said, I've found their Asian-made tools to be pretty good. I really liked their 30-piece hex key set I recieved yesterday, at least on first impressions. I haven't used them yet but the build quality and the case definitely hits above their price point. I'm one of those guys that looks at phillips tips on bits and critiques the machining...sure it's a $4 bit but quality control is important, in my opinion. It says a lot about a company when the QC is high on even disposable wear-and-tear products like driver bits come out the same every time.

[New Tekton USA made screwdrivers]

Have any of you checked these out? Might be worth a look, I just recieved a set and I'm pretty happy with the quality of them for the price. Seems like a pretty good deal for a USA made product. I also have one of their Made in USA slip joint pliers and again, seems to be a pretty good value. Tekton wasn't really on my radar until a tool blog (that shall not be named here) recommended the pliers. Seems like they're dipping their toes in the bargain USA-made tools market.

 

Pics of the screwdrivers(Bought on eBay for $15):

 

Link to the listing I purchased from: http://www.ebay.com/itm/271986337184?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Tekton 26757 12-piece Screwdriver set on Amazon($35, out of stock): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014US26JU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=FG53APQ94OYX&coliid=I60O1C9BKBD9&psc=1

Tekton 37122 6.5" Slip Joint Pliers $10 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KLY1FAY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01

 

 

 

[Milwaukee shockwave 2nd gen bits]

Man, those 1st gen shockwave bits sucked. I was soo disappointed, I knew they were going to be bad when the all arrived slightly bent. I haven't tried the Dewalt bits but I love the Bosch ribbed phillips bits.

[Older Made in USA Kobalt ratchets]

Well, that isn't much room to work with. For perspective, my 6 year old's bottom of the barrel 1/4" Stanley rat was $12 at Wal-Mart. At that price anything that works will be a victory.

Let me throw some ideas out there.

1: Check out the 72 tooth Blackhawk ratchets. These will be model #'s BP1214QR (1/4"), BP1338QR (3/8"), and BP1412QR (1/2"). You can also save a couple bucks by not getting the quick release (remove the QR from the model #'s. These are pretty stout ratchets and very unique looking. I carry these on my race trailer because they're cheap and dependable so if I lose one in a field in the mud, I'm not out $50. They're a little stiff when new, but the loosen up with use to be very nice ratchets.

2: If you aren't set on a fine tooth ratchet, get yourself a set of classic Proto pearheads. J4749 (1/4"), J5249 (3/8"), and J5449 (1/2"). These ratchets have been in use in some variation since well before WWII. They're going to be out of your budget new, but you can find them on eBay really cheap and repair parts will be available until the end of time. They're 24 tooth, but they're stout as hell and smooth as butter, so you really don't notice the low tooth count. They haven't been around 80+ years because they suck. When you search for the on eBay, don't use the J in the model #. If you do, it will only return new ones. Search Proto 5249 or Proto 3/8 ratchet, etc.

Check those out and let me know what you think

 

Thanks! This is very helpful, I guess I should be a little more realistic on budget, it's just hard for me to swallow how expensive things like ratchets are getting. I haven't shopped for ratchets in 13 years. Thanks again for both being soo helpful and soo patient.

[Older Made in USA Kobalt ratchets]

I'm looking for something very basic, 7-8" for the 3/8" and a little shorter for the 1/4". I'm not looking to spend a lot, I'm thinking about $10-15 each. It's fairly light duty work but I hate "cheap feeling" tools(if that makes sense). For example of that "Cheap feeling" I HATED the Blue Hawk ratchets I saw today at Lowes. The (current) Kobalts were ok. I like the push button release and I want all steel(no rubber grip). At one point I was considering the Harbor Freight stuff(which is also 72 tooth instead of 36 tooth) and they feel ok to me but I'm worried those will break in and get "sloppy." I'm sorry, I know this is rather vague description of what I want but I can only get hands-on with soo many tools, many of these are only available online.

 

Based on the decline in the Danaher era, I assume you think I should avoid, is that correct? With the Williams and I guess Blue Point Taiwan stuff, better/worse/same as the USA stuff? If it is that much better I guess I can bump up my budget.

 

My Kobalt is the 1st generation 03030

 

Thanks for the replies thus far

[Older Made in USA Kobalt ratchets]

I bought a really nice Kobalt socket/ratchet set back in high school, upon research it was made by Williams. I've always LOVED this set. My single ratchet in that set is 3/8" which is great for what I need...but recently, I'm in need of a 1/4" ratchet and would like another 3/8" ratchet for the workshop. I cannot find the old Kobalt Williams ratchets for less than ridiculous money, but I can find Williams from Taiwan(same aesthetic style) or I can find the Kobalt made in USA by Danaher(I believe). (As you see, I did research before asking)... well, if you were in my position, NOT limited to the aforementioned ratchets but knowing I have a fondness for the Kobalt Williams ratchets; what would you recommend? I don't have a Snap-on budget and I'm not dead-set on USA made but it would be nice. I'm not opposed to searching for and buying used or NOS on eBay or Amazon.

 

This is the Kobalt by Wiilliams:

This is the Williams built in Taiwan:

This is the Kobalt that I believe is made by Danaher: