PutnamEco

Usually if I shop around I can get multi tool sets at about $70 per tool sometime significantly less, buying individual tools they cost around$80-100, so buying a 6 tool set ends up saving me $50-$100. Not figuring in the original tool batteries and and charger extra cost for that first purchase, which here in the states will cost around $225, so that would make a savings of at least $175. Enough to purchase another tool and absorb the cost of the flashlight.

try Jim & Slim's Tool Supply Largo Branch (Main) 13065 South Belcher Road Largo, Fl. 33773 Phone: (800) 282-1024 (727) 535-5661 Sales Fax: (727) 532-4931 Business Fax: (727) 535-3841

I'm sure a call to Estwing would supply you with a suitable distributor.

I've been waiting for them to offer custom sets, or a progressive discount towards a buy one get the next one cheaper type scheme, with an appropriate size tool bag thrown in for an added incentive.

I would go for the Makita, I've read elsewhere that the Bosch has a rubber paper mounting clip that is not long lived.

If you were left in charge of your favorite tool company and wanted to put out a 5 piece cordless set which tools would you be putting in this ultimate 5 piece set?

Corded tools are different, you usually trip a breaker before you get to the smoke stage.

What about Makita? Hitachi probably is an option as well.

Via Zombie Plumbing

Most of the Asian tools I have are actually Japanese specialty tools I purchased to work on Japanese motorcycles. The few chiwanese tools I have were bought as expendables that didn't end up getting destroyed. the remaining are things like tape measures,chalk boxes and the like that are not available produced anywhere elsewhere. Most of my corded power tools are American or European. I keep my eyes out for good used tools and have been pretty successful at keeping myself in business. I wish I could say the same for cordless tools.

Got to quit posting before I have my morning coffee. I misread the question, I didn't register the your in what percentage of hand tools are American? I would have to say at least 75%. Most of my hand tools were purchased before the Chinese invasion. The next 15% are European with about 10% Asian.

I don't think any of the tools you mentioned are available here in the U.S., so I really can't comment. I use a larger size Bosch 11255VSR which is more suited to my needs. I also prefer a D handle. I'm wondering why you have not included Makita in your quest. I'm assuming the Hilti priced out of your range.

I'm not entirely sure I like these new dual density grips that seem to have become popular these days. If I had to say I had a favorite grip cover, I would say the regular covering that Knipex puts on their pliers is my favorite,. It has a little coarser texture than the plastisol the other tools that I am familiar with have. I have a set of the Klein Journeyman pliers and cutters with their cushioned covers, and they seem to be holding up pretty well. So, I was wondering what your take on pliers handle covers?

It is getting hard for me to even think of staying loyal to a brand, when none stay loyal to my way of life. I'm still mad at Milwaukee for selling out to the Chinese. Festool, Mafell and Hilti are what I look at first, at least they make most of their tools in places where they maintain a decent standard of living and pay their employees a decent wage. For hand tools I look towards Snap-on, SK, and Armstrong mainly but I do have a large selection of other brands as well. Right now in my tool bag I have Klein, Knipex, and Vice grip pliers, In my back up box I have a set of Channellocks and a few odds and ends like Irwins and Fuller pliers. I usually try to buy the best tools that I can, I need all the help I can get.

Wet stones, usually, Arkansas stones in particular, they are usually out on my bench for plane blades, chisels and such. although I do keep a plate of glass and some sand paper around, to use the "scary sharp" method . I do like my gadgets though, especially for serrated edges, and when I want to go insanely sharp, puts that mirrored finish on that edge, gets them so sharp it is like working with razor blades. I don't lend them to friends afterwards, they usually end up hurting themselves.

It would depend a lot on the quality of the tool. I'm not going to pay top dollar for something that is made cheaply. I would pay serious money for real quality. I have taken a different tack, if I can't find what I want made in the US now, I'll look for it used. It depends. Chinese probably, Swiss, German, English or French, maybe not. 15%

I'll believe it when I see a made in USA stamp on those locking pliers.... look under country of manufacture... http://www.grainger....lier-Set-10G653

I have always wondered why they have never made torque sticks in sizes that could be used with cordless impact drivers. I know how handy they are with real impact wrenches.

WD40 was made for use on rockets, I believe the Navy has been purchaseing it by the 55 gallon drum for shipboard use. Boeshield is made by Boeing for use on the aircraft, some of the same aircraft the Navy uses. CorrosionX has some similar claims.

Fact, Hole Hawg and mud mixer make good mashed potatoes

I live out in the sticks. So online is really my only option for a lot of things. I usually check with Harry Epstein first then Google through the Shopping tab. End up getting a lot of tools through Amazon. I do go factory direct for some things though, especially bigger items, like stationary tools.

I have to see what all fuss is about the Milwaukee M12 jigsaw is about so that's on my list. I need a new roofing nailer probably go with another Hitachi NV45AB2 although I have been contemplating their newer NV45AES. I might also pick up one of the Duo-Fast DF175-CN cap nailers as I really like the fact that it uses regular roofing nails. I really want to try a Sawhelper miter saw stand. Looks like a Vice Grip, sure it is worth the extra $$$? Check out http://www.toolup.com/vise-grip_73_3pc-tool-set-in-kit-bag.aspx Speaking of locking pliers, since they all seem to be made in China now, CH Hansons version are starting to look more interesting, I like the way they unlock.

I have a constant battle with rust here in Florida as well, due to our high humidity and frequent rain. Our summers here are 80% humidity and daily afternoon thundershowers and our daily temperature swing through the dew point doesn't help either. For most of my larger scale rust projects I use a product called Ospho. It chemically transforms the rust to ferric phosphate. I'm a really big fan of Boeshield T9 for things that have not rusted yet. It leaves a thin waxy coating that lasts until it is physically removed. It is the only thing keeping my stationary tools rust free. It is easier to apply than paste wax, which is what I would normally use if I didn't have to deal with this weather down here. Boeshield also make a product for rust removal Rust Free,

Odd Amazon has the Ryobi battery for $79 and the M18 for $99 last time I looked. You might have some kind of deal going on locally. Maybe they are blowing off old stock of the original M18s to make way for the new red Lith-Ions. FYI both Milwaukee and Ryobi have the same parent company TTI

Sitting around bored, thinking on past experiences decided to search for cooking with power tools and was left in shock at all the videos.