The Rodding Roundtable

Motorhead Message Central => Rodder's Roundtable => Topic started by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 18, 2016, 10:06:20 PM

Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 18, 2016, 10:06:20 PM
Thought I would post up some tool reviews.  Budget tools is this one.

Bought the can of spray Graphite.  I knew this was likely messy liquid.  it is very messy.  Product will be on your hands, floor, most places if you are not careful.  Comes with common red spray tube.  LIGHT spray this stuff, it is runny

Works well, but plan ahead when you spray it.  The cleaner : 409 spray,  works well to clean the  Graphite  over spray up. in most cases.

Harbor Freight LED flashlite.  Works as advertised.  I've owned this about 3 months.  A bit bulky, but it works well. Magnetic base is more handy than I thought of till I used it.  Holds the lite in place well.

Can not plug charger in and still use the lite while plugged in.  I guess this is common on many LED battery operated lites for under hood use, etc
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on February 19, 2016, 08:59:25 AM
I like this LED work light http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-902011 It has a hook on each end for hanging it, plus a magnetic mount in the middle that can be adjusted and locked in place. It takes about an hour to charge, and lasts about 6 hours.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: UGLY OLDS on February 19, 2016, 10:28:53 AM
These little devils come up from time to time with a "free" coupon from Harbor Fright ...
Handy little things for under dash work etc .. Hook & magnet to hold in place ...VERY bright & priced right .... :lol:

Bob... :wink:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on February 19, 2016, 12:03:09 PM
I bought some glasses with little headlights..thought they were a joke.. :lol: I literally saw them at the grocery store checkout..the clerk said they were great..$5 or something and if I didn't like them bring them back.
Come in different strengths. Pretty impressive.
I also bought a fairly bright headlamp/strap thingy..another great tool.
Also on the list was a 1000 lumen Home Depot 3 d cell..it has such a bright focused white light that that is what I use almost all the time..trying to balance it/aim it..drop it..it is so bright I cannot even imagine using a 120 trouble lite again. Quickly becoming a dirty beat up flashlight

 About that graphite..Ford used to have some penetrating oil that had naptha and I dunno what else..stunk..worked pretty good..got on everything and I do mean everything and was hard to get off..awful greasy slimy stuff :lol:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on February 19, 2016, 05:23:58 PM
Those led lights are a bit safer too . I once was helping a friend fix a car . He was working underneath with an old trouble light with the cage missing . All of a sudden I see his legs thrashing and I hear a sizzle . the light fell on his forehead and he had his arms stretched out under the car . By the time the light rolled off he had a big round burn in the middle of his forehead . Being the friend that I am , I tried not to laugh , and I didn't call him Cyclops until the next day.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: UGLY OLDS on February 19, 2016, 07:24:23 PM
The LED lights are LOTS safer ...My best friend lost his garage & 65% of his home due to gasoline dripping on an incandescent  bulb in a drop light  .... :shock:
I remember the 65% part well .. If the fire had traveled another 15' , they would not of let him rebuild ... :cry:

Bob... :wink:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 19, 2016, 07:36:58 PM
The Graphite spray can  says

Dry on it... it aint dry as you spray it.


OK ... This Kobalt brand air drill, from Lowes.  I bought this about 2 yrs ago as a back up drill for work.  My Sears Professional air drill broke for the last time.  I had no more extra part drills to repair it.  So I put the Kobalt drill to work full time.

This drill is weak.  The trigger is basically an On - Off button at 90 psi or higher. No speed control till you turn the PSI down to about 70 psi input.  Then the drill has Zero power to drill.

Most of the guys at work have gone to battery power hand tools. cept for us 2 old guys.  I look at the price of replacement Lith-Ion batterys and pass on the tool purchase.

May need to give the battery stuff another look.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on February 19, 2016, 08:18:17 PM
Tony, I have a Dewalt lithium battery drill that is small unlike the high voltage units. It has an led light for dark areas and blind old guys. I don't use it for anything larger than 1/4" unless it's sheet metal. Mine is old enough that it is 12 volt. The newer ones are more powerful. I use it 98% of the time. I have no regrets on purchase.
I don't use cordless lights often. I've about had it with cords in the way, though. My trouble light has a cfl in it instead of an incandescent bulb in it. It doesn't get hot and doesn't shatter if a little bit of fluid gets on it. If I get to where I know I'll be in the shop everyday, the rechargeables will make a lot more sense. I'm always looking to the future for better tools not just new tools. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 19, 2016, 08:46:34 PM
Quote from: "kb426"Tony, I have a Dewalt lithium battery drill that is small unlike the high voltage units. It has an led light for dark areas and blind old guys. I don't use it for anything larger than 1/4" unless it's sheet metal. Mine is old enough that it is 12 volt. The newer ones are more powerful. I use it 98% of the time. I have no regrets on purchase.
I don't use cordless lights often. I've about had it with cords in the way, though. My trouble light has a cfl in it instead of an incandescent bulb in it. It doesn't get hot and doesn't shatter if a little bit of fluid gets on it. If I get to where I know I'll be in the shop everyday, the rechargeables will make a lot more sense. I'm always looking to the future for better tools not just new tools. :)


I hear what you are saying.  For S & G's I talked to the Snap On dealer on some battery drills, couple weeks ago.  they offer some smaller ones. 7 volt or maybe 9 volt?  The price I heard,  I nearly crapped my pants.


Yes, agree.  Cords drive me nutz.  I use CFL bulbs in most of my trouble  lights
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: idrivejunk on February 19, 2016, 09:12:04 PM
My toolbox looks more like a scissor drawer but I want to play.

Here is an item I purchased not so recently from HF, that I am amazed by:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YEr681EPL.01_SL500_.jpg)

That is the most ferocious air ratchet I have ever used and I have done so for several years.


Also- bought one of these six years ago for a twenty at HF and they still sell them...

(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_12025.jpg)

It just won't die. I had to unscrew the oddball self-tapping inlet fitting and overnight JB Weld a cheater valve with quick connect nipple into the body, and I just yanked the vac assist hose. And its LOUD! But man it has seen 5-6 times the usage of any other DA I've used and continues to serve as my only DA today.

Another remarkably long-lasting item from HF... tool trucks are off limits for me-

(http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/69087_3_piece_step_drill_bits_7.jpg)

The set I bought was four piece with a larger one as well, but man these things have also performed admirably for many years. But their nitrided 1/8" bits will only cause you pain. So I do buy those from Snap-On, in a ten pack of double enders for around $30.

To wrap up my dated crap post... these are all a guy ever needs for cutting most spot welds. An oldie but a goody-

(http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/476238/fullsize/blair-.jpg)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on February 19, 2016, 11:21:40 PM
Tony, here is what I use  Dewalt 18V Cordless 1/4 in. Impact Driver DC825BR
I use a 1/4 or 3/8 socket adapter for sockets. and hex shank drill bits to drill holes

Some where I came up with a carbide blade for my spot weld cutter. It works like magic.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on February 20, 2016, 10:13:26 AM
Quote from: "chimp koose"Those led lights are a bit safer too . I once was helping a friend fix a car . He was working underneath with an old trouble light with the cage missing . All of a sudden I see his legs thrashing and I hear a sizzle . the light fell on his forehead and he had his arms stretched out under the car . By the time the light rolled off he had a big round burn in the middle of his forehead . Being the friend that I am , I tried not to laugh , and I didn't call him Cyclops until the next day.

  Buy the cheap 120 v trouble lites..stuff a too high watt bulb into them..
use them JUST UNTIL :lol: the rubber insulating just under the cage gets so hot it starts to melt..and you feel a little tingle of current..
  Do not let it melt too much or it can be real hard to get the bulbs out :lol:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 20, 2016, 12:56:09 PM
Here is clamp lite I bought at local Lowes. This thing hangs on tight where I clamp it.

Cost 12 buck$ .  Actually, I have 2 of these now.  Great for basic task light in the area you are working on

I have a CFL bulb in it. 830 lumens , 5000k bulb.  5000k lite is a whiter lite output than the more yellow bulbs.  My old eyes like the whiter lite.

it appears that "lumens" is the modern rating  used  for light bulbs output..

I use the CFL bulbs inside the house too in several rooms.  LED bulbs for house lighting stuff is still too high priced for my thrifty ***
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: river1 on February 20, 2016, 01:19:46 PM
Quote from: "enjenjo"Tony, here is what I use  Dewalt 18V Cordless 1/4 in. Impact Driver DC825BR
I use a 1/4 or 3/8 socket adapter for sockets. and hex shank drill bits to drill holes.

i also have that dewalt impact, picked it up a couple of months ago as a "bare" tool.i use it similarly to frank and i have been very impressed with it's performace.

i started my trip down cordless lane with the makita 9.6 drill years ago. loved that tool and used it often. even tho i loved it i started lusting after the 4 piece dewalt setup that costco had, just couldn't justify it because the makita was still working good. fast forward a few years and i go looking for the makita and couldn't find it  :(D) i pulled out my corded drill and completed the task. i did the samething every time i need the drill for the next 6-8 months. one day as i was crossing the street from my neighbors house something caught my eye on the roof, yup my makita :oops:  i pulled it down and the chuck was rusted shut   :cry:  with a bit in it. the next day i went to costco and picked up the dewalt 4 piece set :D  i have used and abused it since and they haven't failed me yet.

the original batteries HAVE died. tho awhile back i had picked up a couple of extras for cheap from a deal of the day site. a couple of weeks later the same site had a chargers for 10 bucks so i picked up 2. i also picked up another drill driver on a black friday deal a couple of years ago. it came with two batteries and a charger.

so now i have 4 batteries, four chargers, the 1/4 impact, 2 drill/drivers, a circular saw and a saws-all. all get fairly often used and abused. i keep three batteries on chargers all the time with one on the tool i last used. each battery "belongs" it's own charger and i rotate battery usage

later jim
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 50 F1 on February 21, 2016, 09:15:51 AM
"something caught my eye on roof"
Jim are we getting old and forgetful! LOL
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 50 F1 on February 21, 2016, 09:25:19 AM
Bought the 30" 5 drawer tool cart from Harbor Freight a couple months ago. Moved a lot of my tools over to it from my big box and I love it. Now I can move the cart to where I am working. Saves a lot of steps. I could roll my big box around but it was a pain.  Tool cart is surprisingly well built.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 50 F1 on February 21, 2016, 09:30:06 AM
I also recently bought this grease gun attachment kit from Lincoln. Was having problems getting to u-joint zerks. Not anymore
Part No. 58000   $79.00 from Zoro
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on February 23, 2016, 02:33:11 PM
I've added another mfr. to my list of 'don't buys'. I added Black and Decker last year when the pos electric pressure washer wand died. Known problem at b&d that it blew out the seals, and they wouldn't stand behind it.  No more b&d for me.

Fast forward to this year. My Remington electric pole saw has a plastic locking collar to lock the extension. Made of cheap plastic. Broke. Not replaceable. Replace the whole saw. Uh uh...No more remington for me.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on February 23, 2016, 03:01:18 PM
I had occasion to use my Metabo last night. The difference between that, and any other grind that size is enough to justify it's purchase.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on February 26, 2016, 12:44:36 PM
I just bought the Mastercool 71475 flaring tool. Several years ago, Frank recommended this tool. I waited until I was done flaring on the 51 to buy one. Sign me for the bright one class. :) When I redid the clutch slave on the 32 last month, I flared and reflared one end and never got it perfect. That was enough for me. I read up as much as I could find and found more reasons to buy than not. Now, I'm looking forward to using it. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on February 26, 2016, 05:43:20 PM
^^^^^
I just did a 1/4" double flare. I wish I would have bought this back in 2007 before I started the 32 and all the rest of the projects I've done. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 26, 2016, 09:03:54 PM
Quote from: "enjenjo"I had occasion to use my Metabo last night. The difference between that, and any other grind that size is enough to justify it's purchase.


I have a Metabo Grinder I bought about 40 yrs ago. 4.5 inch model , which was a new deal back then... I still use that grinder and it works great.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: idrivejunk on July 25, 2016, 09:38:58 PM
The DA I mentioned on the first page of this thread... is kaput. Bought it in 2010 and used it oh-so-very mercilessly during that time, until the hub finally began to wobble and bounce last week. That was an incredible amount of sanding for a $20 DA. Thats a cradle-to-grave review. I never used the vacuum attachment much and the loud whooshing air noise that bugs everybody will not be missed.

Onward ho- I had to buy another. Picked up the composite body version currently sold for under $40, last weekend. Tried it out today, ran it for 4 hours. It is not as buttery smooth as the $275 Matco I had borrowed, and maybe not as quiet. Its an obvious knock-off of that type, appearance / construction is similar. But it is very light (plastic body knocks off about a pound), works as expected, and the throttle control works fine. The pad is low profile foam, and is decent. It is a delight, for the price. The weight reduction made it easier on my bad hand. Do use a backup wrench to install your fitting if you get one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/sanders/6-inch-orbital-composite-sander-65173.html

(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_7631.jpg)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Beck on July 26, 2016, 09:10:12 AM
The most useful tool that I have bought lately is an electric impact gun. I buy the tools for the mechanics at work. When I bought the first one they laughed. Now they never take the old air powered guns. I even started taking one to the recycle yard when I go.
I have been buying the Milwaukee 2663. We have about 10 of them in service. There have been a couple of failures, but the guys are brutal with their treatment of them. Have had some battery failures also. These things have some power.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Beck on July 26, 2016, 09:18:38 AM
What are you guys using for air chucks? I have been buying the Milton S-506 chucks with the air gauge built into them. They have the little on/off lever on them. They don't last a month at work. The chuck brakes off of the brass tube. Replacement chuck/hoses for them are costing me a bit over $15. The air flow seems to be low out of them also.

Again understand the guys at work are brutal! It seems all the contractors truck tires leak, and the plant golf carts have constant flats. There is a constant stream of trucks/carts getting air.

Maybe if I counted how many times it was used the lifespan would appear longer.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on July 26, 2016, 07:05:54 PM
You might try this one  https://shop.myerstiresupply.com/ERP2Web49/e2wItemMain.aspx?parentId=00006984&parentLink=2100001027:3100007973:3100008321:3100008333

We used them on trucks and they lasted for years.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 20, 2016, 11:37:29 AM
Yard tool review:

Lowes home brand Kobalt, 40v L-Ion battery power. 24 inch blades.. Works well for our use.  

My wife trims most of the smaller bushes, plants, yada yada.  I figure it gives her exercise, she enjoys the planting thing.  She wanted a battery powered trimmer, I did not. Yet it made good sense for battery.

Our old electric corded trimmer was slap worn out.  This battery powered unit will save my 100 foot extension cords from getting shorter (If you know what I mean?) than their current 70 foot lengths. LOL
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 11, 2016, 12:56:29 PM
I bought this B&D drill.  70 dollars plus tax.

Single variable speed. 0 - 650 rpm.  Lith-ion battery.  Battery has a plugin for UBS power.

This will also "pair up" with my smart phone via an app.  Why the H I would need that? The battery has a charge indicator on it.


I needed a drill  with good low speed control.  An air drill was couple hundred dollars for a good one.  My budget air drill is mostly an "on & off" trigger.  Little speed control.

I use drill bits down to .050 diameter, so slooow speed control is needed.

So far so good on this drill.  I know B&D quality has taken a hit over the yrs, like most items
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on September 11, 2016, 06:03:57 PM
You need your phone to 'pair up' with your drill because...well, just because. Everything else in this world is connecting to cell phones, might as well be your drill too.  Want to flush one of your toilets while you're not home? I think there's an app for that.

I quit buying b&d a couple years ago; just haven't had any luck with them. Maybe you will.

Phone home...to your drill. :lol:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 11, 2016, 07:15:45 PM
Quote from: "58 Yeoman"You need your phone to 'pair up' with your drill because...well, just because. Everything else in this world is connecting to cell phones, might as well be your drill too.  Want to flush one of your toilets while you're not home? I think there's an app for that.

I quit buying b&d a couple years ago; just haven't had any luck with them. Maybe you will.

Phone home...to your drill. :lol:


I hear ya Phil. I am hoping the light duty use, the B&D drill will b fine.  It comes with a 2 yr warranty (cough) ..  I was offered a "free replacement" plan for 12 buck$ , I declined that

I have used a couple of B&D small battery screw drivers.  Little larger than a hotdog bun.  Good service life from them.  I use them on Dork Flight valve bodys that have a crap load of screws on them
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: idrivejunk on September 18, 2016, 01:17:27 PM
Update on the composite DA sander...

Retaining ring holding hub to body backed off and the hub fell out. Walked into the store with it and they gave me another. I do like the sander but only time will tell if it was a fluke or is a tendency. It did rattle warnings at me, and this time I'll know to remove the pad and tighten the retainer if I hear that again. Worthy of mention is that I had it hooked up to more like 150 psi rather than the recommended 90 max. Will use a regulator this time. Seems like if the metal ring blows out it hurts the plastic threads.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on September 20, 2016, 11:57:59 AM
Quote from: "Beck"What are you guys using for air chucks? I have been buying the Milton S-506 chucks with the air gauge built into them. They have the little on/off lever on them. They don't last a month at work. The chuck brakes off of the brass tube. Replacement chuck/hoses for them are costing me a bit over $15. The air flow seems to be low out of them also.

Again understand the guys at work are brutal! It seems all the contractors truck tires leak, and the plant golf carts have constant flats. There is a constant stream of trucks/carts getting air.

Maybe if I counted how many times it was used the lifespan would appear longer.

 Interesting. My better half has a barn..all of sudden..the little on/off levers on her water hose shutoffs just break off..doesn't seem to matter which ones she buys..now me :lol:..they just don't last very long anymore..
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on November 03, 2016, 11:15:08 PM
Update;  The Black N Decker drill was returned in 1 week.  Weak, slow , useless.

Last week I bought a drill kit from Sears.  Craftsman 1/2 inch 2 speed drill, 2 lithium batterys, charger, Carry bag, All  on sale at 99.00 dollars.  With sales tax, it was near 108.00 dollars delivered.  Phree Shipping.  Ordered via Sears.com web site.

Watch the lower priced drills. they are single speed and slooooow. About 450 RPM max

Very happy with this drill so far.  Likely this Craftsman drill is a copy of some other brand.  I dont know which.

It is smaller than my old drill.  Lighter. Works well.   Chuck will hold a .055 drill.  A .052 drill is loose.  With some wear, I wonder if the chuck will hold the .055 drill?  The .055 drill is the smallest I use on a regular basis.  I may need to use an aux drill chuck, that holds the .055 drill bit and install that into this 1/2 inch drill.  That is known in th e mechanics world as a P I T A
Title: Air Saw
Post by: UGLY OLDS on November 04, 2016, 11:33:20 AM
Has anyone had good luck with these HF air saws  :?:

Bob... :wink:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on November 04, 2016, 11:40:03 AM
QuoteHas anyone had good luck with these HF air saws  Question

I have one, and so far it has worked very well. That said I have seem several bad reviews on line. So I don't know if I got one of the few good ones, or others have expectations that are too high.
Title: Re: Air Saw
Post by: Mikej on November 04, 2016, 05:04:43 PM
Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"Has anyone had good luck with these HF air saws  :?:

Bob... :wink:



I have that only worked for one cut. Sell it cheaper than HF
Title: Re: Air Saw
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on November 04, 2016, 10:10:48 PM
Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"Has anyone had good luck with these HF air saws  :?:

Bob... :wink:

mine has worked well for simple stuff I have cut.  I have ground down various blades to fit the holder and it cuts nice.

What I had to do was:  reduce the air pressure to it.   I run about 115 - 125 psi in my shop air lines.  I reduce the pressure to about 75 - 80 and the saw does not sound like it is strung out & hyper when I hit the button
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on November 04, 2016, 10:14:36 PM
we have princess auto in Canada and I bought the cheapest air saw they had , likely a cousin to the one you have . One cut wonder . I took it back and got credit towards the next better air saw and have had and used it for years with no problem.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Digger on November 05, 2016, 01:22:25 AM
I have had the HF saw for ten or more years and it looks like it but still works great.Turn the pressure back to about 80psi and add a drop or two air tool oil every time I use any air tool.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 01, 2016, 10:29:04 PM
Bought a 3/8 air powered impact gun.  Craftsman brand.  I have used these many years at work & home.  They last a good amount of time for my use.

Light duty stuff at work. I use them 4 or 5 yrs at work , then bring them home, buy a new one.

This one was 80 dollars delivered , with sales tax paid too.  It is on sale at 80.99 and I signed up for Sears dot com shop your way club deal.  Saved another 7 dollars.

as required:  shoe in photo.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 31, 2016, 03:57:40 PM
Here is what I bought (again):

Bought a Craftsman drill off eBay. new drill, only.  No batterys, no charger.  Same drill as I bought the whole kit from Sears a few weeks back.  Price was 24.98 delivered for the drill only.  I already have a battery charger for the lithium battery

I like the drill.  Light duty work , drill works very well for me.  So,  I bought another to replace my old cordless drills at home.

Then:  on eBay again. I bought 2 new batterys for 39.99 Delivered.  Best deal I found. The guy had good sales reviews feedback.

Turns out:  the batterys were dropped shipped directly from Sears to my house.  Arrived in new box, new package with invoice from Sears.

Sears must be blowing out inventory or something... I read they were closing more K mart and Sears store after january 1 , 2017
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: purplepickup on December 31, 2016, 04:50:02 PM
Do you have a link to that guy selling the batteries Tony? I couldn't find a deal like that.

I switched to Dewalt cordless tools but still have a lot of Craftsman stuff that I'd use if I could find some cheap lithium batteries.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 31, 2016, 10:45:55 PM
Quote from: "purplepickup"Do you have a link to that guy selling the batteries Tony? I couldn't find a deal like that.



George:  he raised the prices.

item : 332065855328

It is now $44.99 with $18.90 shipping for the pair of batteries.

He had sold a bunch at $39.99 with free shipping
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Carnut on January 11, 2017, 04:57:21 PM
Sears to sell Craftsman tool brand to Stanley Black & Decker (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-sell-craftsman-tool-brand-stanley-black-decker-140907321--finance.html)

(http://l1.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9P6ixPkxjDJVCweIyEIpdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjtzbT0xO3c9ODAwO2lsPXBsYW5l/http://globalfinance.zenfs.com/images/US_AHTTP_AP_HEADLINES_BUSINESS/e645696741e04046b160a1affa281d20_original.jpg) (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-sell-craftsman-tool-brand-stanley-black-decker-140907321--finance.html)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on January 16, 2017, 04:48:17 PM
Coat: My "coat" is a tool. Anyone thinking of an orange old school type extreme heavy duty canvas winter coat/parka. Being replaced by green color nylonish. I was surprised to see that one of the premier suppliers of these coats 'Wasip" was no longer offering these really heavy orange coats. I bought one of those orange traffic parkas. Just a really massive..I think 14 oz canvas
parka. Gotta admit I have never actually worn something like this. Not sold in stores real deal only. Saw the overalls and was blown away by their ponderous bulk and insulation. Happened by these in a local parts store..1 pr..fit..too cheap not to buy.
Decided to order matching coat..order and get first..then decide if that's what you want.

  I encounter and have to deal with newer junk..as we all do..too much and too often..

  A year or two later this thing is still great..not saggy..soft..just really stupid heavy duty coat. Big grab it put it on..out into whatever..pretty much instant stop blizzard..body retains heat.

  Just a great example of a really great heavy duty product. I am tempted to buy a "back up" for when mine is done :lol:
These things are well made,heavy duty,durable.

  Sure is great not to see junk as usual.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on January 16, 2017, 05:42:55 PM
Arnold, I'd go back today and get another. :) Shoes, gloves, you name it. When I find something that is good, I buy several because they may discontinue that product. We've had this discussion many times on this forum.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: wayne petty on January 16, 2017, 10:17:27 PM
ok... i found the tool that almost every rodding round table member  wants..

http://www.baileigh.com/mandrel-tube-bender-mb-4x2



i have been looking for a source for that tool for years...


and some backstory.   back in the late 1990s.. chassis engineering came out with their second generation F body subframe.. i called them and ask why they are not building any first generation subframes..   their answer.. who would buy them.. everybody is building second gen F bodies.. i went on and ask.. do you have the jig to build the first gen subframes.. yes.. why not build a few.. if you have them ready.. they will sell..   i think there are over 10 manufactures at count a few years ago offering first gen Fbody subframes..  i wonder if i started a thing..
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on January 18, 2017, 11:19:24 AM
Quote from: "kb426"Arnold, I'd go back today and get another. :) Shoes, gloves, you name it. When I find something that is good, I buy several because they may discontinue that product. We've had this discussion many times on this forum.

   :lol: kb..I have been doing that :lol: I have a LOT :!: of duplicates of great products..most have just sat in their original cases.
Interesting. I sure don't regret it. Sadly I seem to have encountered a lot of what used to be great products are now just junk..and also just the opposite too. Lots of cheap stuff is actually pretty good.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on January 20, 2017, 11:18:38 AM
QuoteSears to sell Craftsman tool brand to Stanley Black & Decker



It looks like this is one more nail in Sears coffin. They are converting the value of the Craftsman name into working capital to keep the money losing business going for a bit more. And remember Stanley is the company that bought Peterson manufacturing [Vicegrip] and moved it to China. I can see where this is going.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on January 20, 2017, 12:42:50 PM
^^^^^^^
I agree. Maybe the ceo hasn't gotten his bonus yet. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on January 21, 2017, 06:37:36 AM
I was in a Blain's Farm & Fleet yesterday looking at the tools aisle. All the china made Craftsman, Stanley and store brands. DeWalt made in Taiwan seems to be the better deal nowdays.  :roll:

They had a DeWalt 2 stage compressor where the electric motor was made in Mexico, and the sticker on the compressor says it was made by Sanborn. I ran a Sanborn 60 gallon single stage for 40 years before the tank rotted out. Got another at Menard's for the next 40 years. Why pay for the DeWalt name and color?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on January 21, 2017, 01:07:31 PM
With the Craftsman brand tools... in the recent years Sears was selling Craftsman tools every where.  The market was flooded with them.  And the quality was suffering.

I've mentioned this before; Some years ago,  I had a pair of snap ring ring pliers (Craftsman brand)  that are broke.  Took  the pair to Sears. The part # on the pliers  indicated it was a 2 piece set I had purchased. Sales rep could Not replace one pair of the pliers under warranty... he needed both pairs to replace the complete set. LOL  

Week or so later I took both pair back to the Sears store... The sales rep tells me: that set has been discontinued & he could not exchange, replace, warranty either of the pliers. Manager said the same thing....

I asked about a set of sockets or screw drivers.  If 1 piece breaks, do I receive a new socket or a whole set?  Of course only 1 item would be replaced.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: UGLY OLDS on January 22, 2017, 12:07:00 AM
Many times at Sears, if you look in the "discount tool" isle, you will find a discounted wrench or socket set with one piece missing due to warranty .....

Bob... :wink:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on January 22, 2017, 08:09:25 AM
Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"Many times at Sears, if you look in the "discount tool" isle, you will find a discounted wrench or socket set with one piece missing due to warranty .....

Bob... :wink:

I have not been in a Sears store in years.  For the reasons mentioned in this thread.

I figure in 2 yrs or less, Sears will be gone. Or; Sears will be near the exit door... if ya follow my thinking.  :!:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on January 22, 2017, 10:36:43 AM
Quote from: "Crosley"
Quote from: "purplepickup"Do you have a link to that guy selling the batteries Tony? I couldn't find a deal like that.



George:  he raised the prices.

item : 332065855328

It is now $44.99 with $18.90 shipping for the pair of batteries.

He had sold a bunch at $39.99 with free shipping

Update:  the seller on eBay I bought the batterys from.  Is no longer a registered eBay user. I received a notice on that seller  from eBay for some reason.

:(U)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: UGLY OLDS on January 22, 2017, 11:55:20 AM
Quote
Quote from: "Crosley"
Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"Many times at Sears, if you look in the "discount tool" isle, you will find a discounted wrench or socket set with one piece missing due to warranty .....

Bob... :wink:

I have not been in a Sears store in years.  For the reasons mentioned in this thread.

I figure in 2 yrs or less, Sears will be gone. Or; Sears will be near the exit door... if ya follow my thinking.  :!:


We don't go there for purchases.....It's the most convenient way into the local mall from the "Easy Parking" section.... :roll:

 The "discount tool" isle is only one isle away from the "through street isle" in the Sears store ...Its really a shame ....Sears used to have good , quality stuff at reasonable prices .......   I agree... I think those days are now gone forever ...... :roll:    :(

Bob... :wink:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on January 26, 2017, 09:01:35 PM
Bought new sawzall..  Harbor Freight unit.  

$20 dollar 6amp unit listed in many emails and catalog flier.  My very old Makita is near worn out & broke

Will see how welll the saw works. So far , a couple quick cuts on 3/16 thick steel material.  New Lennox blade.  Cuts quik & easy
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 09, 2018, 02:10:52 PM
I will bounce this olde thread back up......  update the title to 2018 Tool review

We are still using the Kobalt battery powered trimmer for bushes. Works well still.  Wife loves this thing.

Craftsman cordless drills:  still working. Batterys only last about 14 to 16 months.  Then they go to failure mode.  Charger will not charge them.  Still trying to retro fit with new lithium batterys and have the Craftsman  charger work with them.. no luck so far
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on June 09, 2018, 06:11:35 PM
I have 2 dewalt 12v lithium drills. One at work and one at home. The work unit is older and the batteries are still strong. The home unit is about ready for batteries. They don't make 12v anymore so I have to decide if I will try a different brand. There's a lot of price difference in brands. Do you think the quality justifies the price?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on June 09, 2018, 06:15:41 PM
You can have the batteries rebuilt with new cells by Battery Wholesale. I have had several done on obsolete tools and they hold up well as new ones, and in most cases they can rebuild with more powerful cells that last much longer than what was available when the tool was new.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 10, 2018, 08:40:13 AM
Quote from: "enjenjo"You can have the batteries rebuilt with new cells by Battery Wholesale. I have had several done on obsolete tools and they hold up well as new ones, and in most cases they can rebuild with more powerful cells that last much longer than what was available when the tool was new.

I can still buy the C3 lith-ion battery for less money than the battery rebuilder wants $$$  to rebuild them. That is why I was messing with the #18650 lithium batterys off eBay.  I rebuilt one battery, it was working .  Then it quit charging via the OE Craftsman charger. The circuit board in these batterys have many electronic gizmos on them.

I can still charge my rebuilt battery with a generic charger... the Craftsman charger will not charge it.  SOmething on the circuit board will not trigger the Craftsman charger to work.

I may change my cordless tool platform....  Looking at Ryobi and Kobalt brushless tools.  Kolbalt batterys are priced very reasonable. Durability may be an issue with them?  I dont know.

Ryobi has many battery powered tools, same battery.  I would not need 90% of the Ryobi tools for home use.
Title: Sears
Post by: Rochie on June 10, 2018, 08:45:50 AM
You guys should stock up on Sear's stuff if you want it.  They just closed all their stores here in Canada
Title: Re: Sears
Post by: Charlie Chops 1940 on June 10, 2018, 09:33:24 AM
Quote from: "Rochie"You guys should stock up on Sear's stuff if you want it.  They just closed all their stores here in Canada

I went in our local store the other day to get some sanding belts....didn't have the size I needed. What I did notice that the tool and hardware area didn't have a sales person anywhere in sight and it had, and I'm being generous here, about a third of the goods it had around Christmas. The whole place was a shadow of its former appearance.

It looks like Sears has lost the script for successful business....just a matter of time before the US stores go belly-up it would seem.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: idrivejunk on June 10, 2018, 03:58:23 PM
The plastic bodied DA sander from HF that I mentioned on page two... bought in July of '16, replaced under warranty when it fell apart in September of that year... has served me well since then. I use it with no mercy and never oil it and nothing has changed since it was new other than some finish wearing off of the cover. It's light weight and ability to function smoothly at very low or high speed has kept me in the game. I've dropped it and sat on it and she still runs true. They seem to have a sturdy hub but the pad does suck. For fifty bucks sans coupon, I say its a solid buy as a general purpose DA );b(

If I have a complaint it would be the lever type inlet air adjustment which works great but often gets bumped by the hand. Looking to see the current offering at this link, I see the lever adjustment has been changed to a knob which probably still allows one-handed speed control but with less unintended speed changes. The fact that its light enough for hands that hurt while being sturdy enough to endure an IDJ year and more speaks well of this product. If you are used to a Hutchins pattern... well it ain't that but its no IR-311 hog either. And your arm will thank you clear up to your shoulder.

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-random-orbit-air-sander-63178.html
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 11, 2018, 08:01:24 AM
I would agree:  you can stick a fork in Sears.  They are done,  they just do not know it yet.  :shock:

Since Sears sold off the Craftsman tool bizness to Stanley Black n Decker... the Craftsman brand tool is appearing every where it seems.  OVer saturate the market and kill that product off too.

Many of the olde big names are gone or in trouble. As a young kid, when I was in J C Penny with my mother.  I knew school was starting since I was gettin new clothes.  J C Penny is right behind Sears with problems.  Montgomery Wards disappeared years ago.  I still have and use some PowR Kraft tools
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on June 11, 2018, 09:44:38 AM
I sold off my remaining Penncraft sockets/ratchet this year on ebay.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on June 11, 2018, 12:02:27 PM
Sears shipped out of town a year ago here . My first socket set purchase was sears craftsman 100 piece set, bought in 1980 . Still have most of it , broke a few 3/8 ratchets , the 1/2 ratchet is like an old friend .
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 21, 2018, 08:03:03 AM
Comment on Snap On tools and dealers .  In the past 3 years at work.  There have seen 4 changes on the dealers that run the route we are in.

After a few months , each one has a story on how they are treated poorly by Snap On and customers. Then they are gone. Poof!  Each one claims they had to take on previous debt from former route dealers and customers.

I am 3 weeks into a warranty socket with the current dealer. A 3/8 inch , deep, 12 point , 3/8 drive , chrome socket.  It broke last year , when the at the time current dealer was telling us he was leaving.  So:  at that time I did not bother trying to get the socket warrantied.  The current dealer keeps asking me if I can take a 6 point socket in exchange.  I can not. The bolts I use this on are 12 point in a THM-400 transmission.

I currently use a Kobalt socket , 12 point  for the THM-400
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: UGLY OLDS on June 21, 2018, 11:32:40 AM
Quote from: "Crosley"Comment on Snap On tools and dealers .  In the past 3 years at work.  There have seen 4 changes on the dealers that run the route we are in.

After a few months , each one has a story on how they are treated poorly by Snap On and customers. Then they are gone. Poof!  Each one claims they had to take on previous debt from former route dealers and customers.

I am 3 weeks into a warranty socket with the current dealer. A 3/8 inch , deep, 12 point , 3/8 drive , chrome socket.  It broke last year , when the at the time current dealer was telling us he was leaving.  So:  at that time I did not bother trying to get the socket warrantied.  The current dealer keeps asking me if I can take a 6 point socket in exchange.  I can not. The bolts I use this on are 12 point in a THM-400 transmission.

I currently use a Kobalt socket , 12 point  for the THM-400

 Tony ...Just call Snap-On customer  service 877-762-7664, Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Central Time..

 They will send you a replacement & most times do not want the broken socket returned ....They have been VERY helpful with my replacements & my tools are OLD..... :roll:

 ( In some cases older than the customer service people ..... :oops:  :lol: )

Bob... :wink:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 23, 2018, 11:20:15 AM
Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"
 Tony ...Just call Snap-On customer  service 877-762-7664, Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Central Time..

 They will send you a replacement & most times do not want the broken socket returned ....They have been VERY helpful with my replacements & my tools are OLD..... :roll:

 ( In some cases older than the customer service people ..... :oops:  :lol: )

Bob... :wink:

I have not heard of this with Snap On...  Guess I will try that , since the Snap On dealer did not show up friday like he suppose to

Several years ago when Sears sold their Sears Parts dept offf.  I had a drawer slide fall apart on my Professional series roll cab.  THe local Sears Parts dept here tried selling me a new slide as I stood there with warranty paperwork in hand. I got a bit snotty:  asking the guy if he understood English as he was not listening to my words "warranty"  and I was not paying 35 dollars for a part that is under warranty per Sears paperwork.  At the time it was not known widely... that Sears had sold off their Parts Service of the company.

I called the Sears 800 number.  THe drawer rail  was shipped  to me no charge.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 24, 2018, 08:49:34 AM
I read that Harbor Frieght has released  another  3/8 inch cordless drill.  

18v Lithium powered, Warrior single speed drill at 900 RPM.  For my use, that RPM is too low.

Current price I see listed on their website is $27.99 with a coupon.

I released some smoke from my Craftsman cordless drill last week. It still functions:  I am waiting for the drill to slow down or quit.  Looking at various brands of  "Brushless" drills on the market now.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on June 24, 2018, 09:24:08 AM
Last year or so, I bought a Cman 19.2V cordless at a garage sale for cheap. Case, 2 batteries and charger for ~$25. One battery is getting weak. I took it apart yesterday and cleaned up some contacts and recharged it. Will see if that helps or not. Has anyone rebuilt their own batteries?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 24, 2018, 02:56:44 PM
Quote from: "58 Yeoman"Last year or so, I bought a Cman 19.2V cordless at a garage sale for cheap. Case, 2 batteries and charger for ~$25. One battery is getting weak. I took it apart yesterday and cleaned up some contacts and recharged it. Will see if that helps or not. Has anyone rebuilt their own batteries?

Phil: For me It is a crap shoot.  I replaced bad 1 battery in a pack.  It charged on the OE charger for a while, then stopped. Something in the circuit board inside , triggers the charger to function or not.  I have not gotten back to this project.  Need to buy 4 more 18650 Panasonic  batterys. There are a lot of counterfeit batterys on the market.  Photo is the battery pack I tore apart. LOL

A Local Battery Plus or Batterys R  Us place wanted 65 bucks, plus tax to rebuild a C3 19.2volt battery pack.  I can buy them for less, if you watch eBay for new ones.

Sears.com has a deal on a Drill kit. 2 batterys, 1/2 inch , 2 speed  Drill, carry bag, charger ... for $105.99 plus tax,   right now. You can sell the bag or charger on eBay , maybe recover some money.  I did that last year. Ended up with new drill and 2 new batterys for about 50 dollars spent

the latest C3 Craftsman Drill (only, no battery)  is on eBay for 30 bucks , shipped. It shows the guy has sold like 1500 of the drills. He must have a direct line or something. I sold all my old C3  ni-cad battery packs and drills on eBay a year ago... Sold them cheap , but they sold.

I am still looking at Brushless drills.  Home Depot: Roybi, Lowes: Kobalt  for the budget drills.  Ryobi brand has a bunch of different tools on 1 battery platform if a person needs that for home use.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: WZ JUNK on June 24, 2018, 08:00:50 PM
I bought a Ryobi set from Home Depot years ago.  I replaced the ni cad batteries a few times but now I use the Lithium batteries and there is no comparison.  The Ryobi tools have never failed me and I have used and abused them a lot.  It has been money well spent.  Often you can purchase an addition tool with a charger and two lithium batteries for less than the cost of batteries alone.  I do not understand the marketing strategy but that's how they sell them.  My most recent purchase was a hex drive impact driver and it is amazing.  


John
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on June 24, 2018, 10:00:22 PM
That's what I did with my first DeWalt 12V drill. It came with a charger and two batteries, which eventually died. I replaced the batteries with generic off ebay which worked well for quite a while. When those started dying, I bought a 20V DeWalt to replace the whole shebang and sold the other as-is on ebay.

If the drill has nicad and you replace with lithium, will the charger still work right?

The C'man drill battery I took apart yesterday has about 14 smaller batteries in the pack.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 27, 2018, 11:29:33 PM
Here is a Ryobi driver I use on Valve body screws on transmissions. Really saves my tired olde hands.  About 1 year old.  Lithium battery.

It does not have an adjustable torque setting  head on it.  I have not missed that feature yet.

You can rotate the sections at the center.  Turn the unit into a straight driver, not the angled handle as I use it.  I am not easy on this thing.  It has taken more that I expected it to.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on June 28, 2018, 08:04:06 AM
We've never bought a new mower since we were married, and we're (she) is using a Troy-Bilt Bronco tractor to mow the grass. Her birthday is in November, so yesterday I (we) bought her a new Toro 4225 Zero Turn mower. We have about an acre of grass to mow and it takes about an hour with the tractor; takes me almost as long to trim with the weed whacker. They are delivering it this afternoon, and she's really excited about getting it. Neither of us has used a zt, although I've used rear steer mowers which is close. I'll let everyone know how well if works (after she tells me, haha).
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on June 28, 2018, 12:42:03 PM
Phil, I have used a Walker front mount mower for ten years. It is possible to rip out the grass with a tire if you turn to short. I don't know how your Toro will be but the Walker is the roughest riding piece of equipment I've ever run. I installed a suspension seat on it to make it not painful. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on June 28, 2018, 12:57:50 PM
Quote from: "58 Yeoman"We've never bought a new mower since we were married, and we're (she) is using a Troy-Bilt Bronco tractor to mow the grass. Her birthday is in November, so yesterday I (we) bought her a new Toro 4225 Zero Turn mower. We have about an acre of grass to mow and it takes about an hour with the tractor; takes me almost as long to trim with the weed whacker. They are delivering it this afternoon, and she's really excited about getting it. Neither of us has used a zt, although I've used rear steer mowers which is close. I'll let everyone know how well if works (after she tells me, haha).

She will love the zero turn. I have a Toro 5550 there is a bit of a learning curve operating one, what I did was use the slower speed until I got the hang of it. Mowing time with a two acre lawn is about 90 minutes vs 3 hours with a conventional mower. I noticed you need to keep the blades sharp because of the higher speed, but that is the only down side.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Carnut on June 28, 2018, 09:33:29 PM
Oh gee, I recently took an older Dixon ztr mower in a trade deal just to see how it worked.

After my first try at mowing I realized I'm almost too old to remember my left from my right let alone how to go forward, backward and turning.

By the time I got the yard mowed after many trials and tribulations I was plumb wore out. My arms were aching just from pushing forward to go in a straight line, almost as bad as using a push mower, but at least the yard got mowed.

Sure hope Roger/t-vicky gets my lawn tractor working soon.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on June 29, 2018, 07:23:05 PM
I bought a set of Eastwood stitch magnets on an introductory offer about a year ago. I dug out the box and tried them today. They are the strongest magnets I've used. Way better than all the rest of my welder's magnets. Lining up panels are where these have a purpose. I'm reasonably satisfied. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on July 05, 2018, 10:09:56 PM
I made the decision ...  bought the Ryobi brushless drill kit.  2 batterys, charger, drill.... priced dropped to 99.00 at the Home Depot.


After I few days.  I should have an idea if I made a bad or good change.  90% of my drill use at work is light duty stuff.

I will put the Craftsman stuff on eBay.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: WZ JUNK on July 06, 2018, 10:24:20 AM
Tony, that looks like one of the ones I have had for a couple of years now.  It will be interesting to see what your opinion of the tool will be.  I know that you will use it more than I do.  

John
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on July 07, 2018, 10:56:37 AM
Quote from: "WZ JUNK"Tony, that looks like one of the ones I have had for a couple of years now.  It will be interesting to see what your opinion of the tool will be.  I know that you will use it more than I do.  

John

the brushless design is suppose to be the "new " deal  in cordless tools.

So far: One difference between Craftsman and Ryobi drill is the trigger response.  The Ryobi is much quicker to respond than the C3 stuff.  I needed to relearn my trigger action.  Not a problem.  Just different.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: papastoyss on July 07, 2018, 01:05:56 PM
Quote from: "Crosley"I made the decision ...  bought the Ryobi brushless drill kit.  2 batterys, charger, drill.... priced dropped to 99.00 at the Home Depot.


After I few days.  I should have an idea if I made a bad or good change.  90% of my drill use at work is light duty stuff.

I will put the Craftsman stuff on eBay.
I have an older model Ryobi drill that has served me well. I also have a leaf blower that uses the same battery. Look at their flashlight that uses the same battery, it's real handy,esp under a dash.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on July 10, 2018, 10:30:10 AM
Last week I bought a DeWalt 12V drill, battery and charger at a garage sale for $3...it said the battery was bad. I bought 2 generic batteries off ebay for $15 free shipping. Now my wife has her own cordless drill to use out in the yard instead of my 20V. She has two augers that drill holes into the ground for planting small plants.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on July 10, 2018, 08:33:57 PM
I just bought one of these;  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JBHWBR2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have not used it yet, but I will update when I do.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on July 10, 2018, 09:14:35 PM
That could be real useful. The height of it might be a problem in some areas. Your hands should be a lot less sore when using rivnuts. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 04, 2018, 11:40:39 AM
Home Depot has a 99.00 dollar deal on  20v Dewalt cordless 1/2 inch drill kit:

Clik here (https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20-Volt-MAX-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-1-2-in-Drill-Driver-Kit-with-2-20-Volt-Batteries-1-3Ah-Charger-and-Tool-Bag-DCD771C2/204279858)

You order online , ship to store.  Batterys are 1.3ah ... kinda light, but will work
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on August 04, 2018, 12:24:11 PM
That looks like the same one that I bought a few months ago (or maybe a year, I don't know), but I didn't get it for that price. But I did get the 10% veterans discount.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: sirstude on August 04, 2018, 02:36:01 PM
I bought that one a Lowes for the 99 buck deal a couple of months ago.  Nice sized drill.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 18, 2018, 01:50:51 PM
just an update on Home Depot brand Ryobi cordless drills....  they have a new offering with one 1.3ah battery , charger and 1/2 inch drill for 70 dollars.

They seem to be blowing out the olde design drills that are Not brushless motor.

The Brushless drill kit I bought , went up 30 dollars to 129.99  ......t that kit has the brushless motor drill, 2 batterys that are 2.0ah units and the charger.  A carry bag too
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 23, 2018, 12:00:03 PM
Been looking at current cordless drills ... again.  They sure are looking the same design style now a days.

According to enjenjo's tool manufacturer list: these 2 are both built by Stanley Black & Decker.

Others look similar too.  Just interesting the direction the industry is going on design and manufacturing.

Smallish batterys at 1.3ah
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 01, 2018, 11:48:08 PM
Bought another cordless drill this week.  and:

Lowes dropped the price on the Kobalt  drill kit with Brushless motor 1/2 inch drill, charger, 1 - 2ah battery and cloth tool bag.  Price is down from 129.00 to 99.00 dollars.  I bought another 2ah battery for 20 dollars , that bring the price to 119.00 dollars.  I was happy with that.

So far:  the power is good.  The trigger throttle is very linear , very easy to control speed.  Chuck works well.  Automatic Brake stops the spinning quickly after the trigger is released ... I may like this drill better than the Ryobi  drill  I bought a while back.

Also:  bought the 3/8 inch impact gun.  It is Brushless motor too. Tool only, no battery, no charger. Price  was dropped to 79.00 dollars.

no photos yet...

Also:  Lowes has been issuing coupons at the check out...  Coupon is good for usually 7 days.. out here they start on a thursday and stop on the next wednesday.  10 dollars off the next 50 dollar purchase.  Of course , lots of small print on the coupon. < sorry about that, Bob
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 03, 2018, 10:52:38 AM
Quik update.. tip.

You may know or not of Mike Rowe the TV guy.  Various TV shows.  Dirty Jobs is one.  Mike has a foundation that provide funds to folks looking to get into the trade schools for employment.  Mike believes there is a need for people in the trades as there are many un filled jobs out there

He posted a video year ago on Rev Mark Pen company.  they build markers of various types in the USA.

I bought a box of the Mike Rowe Works pens from Rev Mark..  Some money from the sale  goes to Mike's foundation .

These markers work very well on metal and other materials in the hotrod world..  Durable tip. Much longer lasting  tip than the common sharpie marker tip.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 03, 2018, 11:00:02 AM
couple photos of the Kobalt brand cordless tools I bought recently.

Happy with them so far.  For my use , they fit well.

Interesting marketing ploy here with the 24 volt max .. they provide a graph on how the battery puts out 24 volts for a short initial  time , then drops to a fairly consistent 20 volt output till the battery runs low.

I have found the 2.0 amp hour battery works well for my use.  Many of the drill kits come with 1.3 or the 1.5 amp hour battery.  They work well for home use
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 05, 2018, 10:48:38 PM
tube bender
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 18, 2018, 11:36:24 PM
Bought a couple of smaller jack stands.  18 dollars for the pair at Harbor Freihgt.

Looking at the folding engine hoist they have..  I have  a super  coupon for 99.99 dollars for one
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on October 10, 2018, 11:24:40 PM
Took my Kobalt cordless tools to work.  been using the 3/8 drive impact for about 2 weeks now. Most of the work on the bench is mild torque required.  30 foot pounds of torque on some bolt on bell housings is the upper lever I need.  Many items where  the torque setting is verified - tighten up with a torque wrench

I admit I like being able to carry the impact away from the bench and NOT  deal with an air hose
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on October 11, 2018, 02:27:50 AM
It looks like Sears is going to file bankruptcy soon, maybe as soon as friday.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on October 11, 2018, 07:43:49 AM
Quote from: "enjenjo"It looks like Sears is going to file bankruptcy soon, maybe as soon as friday.

I read that on a few news websites.  They have a large payment due soon & no money to pay it.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: sirstude on October 11, 2018, 09:56:18 AM
we have a "down home Sears" or whatever they call it here in Helena.  It was sold a couple of months ago and the new owners have a new building planned.  I wonder what they think of this whole mess.  Also, wonder if the old owners had information, since they had held on to the store with an iron fist.  Many offers to buy it, but no sale for years.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on October 16, 2018, 09:24:13 PM
Quote from: "Crosley"
Quote from: "enjenjo"It looks like Sears is going to file bankruptcy soon, maybe as soon as friday.

I read that on a few news websites.  They have a large payment due soon & no money to pay it.

and:  boom.  Sears files chapter 11 bankruptcy .  Should be interesting from here on out.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on October 16, 2018, 09:45:17 PM
I did read that the ceo was also the hedge fund company that had been doing the bailouts since Kmart melted down. What little I read made me think that his investment in Sears would be valuable even if it folded completely. Am I missing something in this scenario ?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on October 16, 2018, 10:46:46 PM
Eddie Lampert was thrown out as CEO of Sears several months ago, but he is still Chairman of the board. But a company he owns bought most of Sears real estate a couple years ago, and leased it back to Sears. He also spun off Sears Home stores, sears auto centers, and Sears outlets. And of course Sears sold the Craftsman brand to Stanley back in january. All of these were to raise working capital. His fund is the biggest creditor of Sears, so he will end up with a bunch of cash out of the bankruptcy. Just another corporate raider. The real losers will be the shareholders.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Canuck on October 17, 2018, 10:40:01 AM
When Sears closed in Canada, I am sure the stockholders and suppliers lost lots of money,  but the real losers were the employees, especially those close to retirement that lost all of their pension that they had paid into for years.  During this the executives that were in charge of the shut down continued to earn their six and seven digit incomes.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 06, 2018, 06:09:46 PM
I am still buying cordlesss tools.  Bought this brushless drill Milwaukee brand, 18volt.  A bit smaller  and lighter  than the Ryobi unit I bought in july 2018.  Same power, RPM , etc ... the throttle is very linear , smooth action.

I have been chatting with a couple buddys that use Milwaukee battery powered tools on a daily basis in auto repair shops.  These guys are very impressed with them.  One fellow said : If you dont use Snap On brand,  You use Milwaukee.  They like them since there is no hose to drag over fenders and other body parts of the car.  The 12 volt units have good power.  Smaller to get into tighter spots on the cars

I have some more Milwaukee tools on order.  3/8 impact , It is a  compact unit. 12 volts.  2 amp hour & 4 amp hour batterys..   For use on the work bench like I do , may be just the ticket for this olde man.

Home Depot had a deal on this Milwaukee drill kit... 99 dollars plus tax.  1 battery 2 amp hour...    If you look around a good price is found on genuine Milwaukee batterys..  my buddys said to avoid the aftermarket lithium batterys for the Milwaukee tools. They do not hold up to their use...  may be fine for home use.

The Milwaukee battery has a charge remaining  indicator on it..  The larger amp hour Ryobi batterys have a power indicator too.  The Ryobi batterys I have , do not have a power indicator
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: papastoyss on December 07, 2018, 02:33:30 PM
Our local Lowe's has replaced their Kobalt lines w/ all Craftsman tools inc. tool boxes
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on December 07, 2018, 08:20:30 PM
Quote from: "papastoyss"Our local Lowe's has replaced their Kobalt lines w/ all Craftsman tools inc. tool boxes

They are also carrying Kenmore appliances.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 07, 2018, 08:46:39 PM
Quote from: "papastoyss"Our local Lowe's has replaced their Kobalt lines w/ all Craftsman tools inc. tool boxes

Our local Lowes stores have the full  Craftsman  tool line up through out the store.  At first the prices on the  Craftsman  stuff was silly high at MSRP or something.. in the last 60 days the prices on the Craftsman products have dropped quite a bit.

The Lowes brand  Kobalt cordless 3/8 impact and 1/2 inch drill I use at work have taken all that I have thrown at them.  Neither of my air powered impact wrenches have been out of the drawer in 6 or 7 weeks.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on December 08, 2018, 09:45:33 AM
Not really a review yet. I won't know until the ac is evacuated if this is as good as it needs to be. I bought this hydraulic crimper that does barrier and reduced barrier hoses. I just crimped 2 no. 6 ends. It's simple. I hope it's also good. :) The ebay seller had sold 110 units and there were no negative responses.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on December 08, 2018, 11:24:00 PM
I got some pictures of the new welder. I was pleasantly surprised to find the wire drive is made of metal instead of plastic.  Overall it looks pretty good.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 09, 2018, 10:12:28 AM
Quote from: "enjenjo"
They are also carrying Kenmore appliances.

We just bought a "package deal"  from a local store chain "Spencer's Appliance" .. They been around for decades here.

Whirlpool brand.  Fridge, stove w-convection oven, microwave, dish washer. 2100 dollars with zero finance charge for 1 year.. The medium  dark stainless finishes

Our dish washer was getting rough.. the glass flat top  stove: only half the burners worked. Both were 18 yr olde.

Fridge is "freezer over fridge" design.  No ice - water stuff in the side by side dooors for us. Takes space from the freezer and we would never use the dispenser in the door.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on December 12, 2018, 09:26:24 AM
Quote from: "Crosley"
Quote from: "papastoyss"Our local Lowe's has replaced their Kobalt lines w/ all Craftsman tools inc. tool boxes

Our local Lowes stores have the full  Craftsman  tool line up through out the store.  At first the prices on the  Craftsman  stuff was silly high at MSRP or something.. in the last 60 days the prices on the Craftsman products have dropped quite a bit.

The Lowes brand  Kobalt cordless 3/8 impact and 1/2 inch drill I use at work have taken all that I have thrown at them.  Neither of my air powered impact wrenches have been out of the drawer in 6 or 7 weeks.

  I noticed some Craftsman stuff in a local flyer. Ace hardware has some stores in S. Ontario.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on December 14, 2018, 06:10:59 PM
A year ago in October, I purchased the Eastwood carbide metal cutting saw. In just a little bit, it removed the teeth  from the drive gears on the right angle head. Eastwood sent me a new one. It layed on the shelf until the 1st week of December. It promptly removed some of the teeth on the drive in it's first job. Out of warranty , out of luck. This week I receive a Menards flyer that has a saw that looks identical except for the head. I have one on the floor of the shop. All the Eastwood stuff will bolt in place. The Menards version I can order parts for, the Eastwood version was unavailable. When I swap parts, if the drive gears are interchangeable, I will order several sets. That should be enough to keep the saw running long enough to use up the 2 carbide blades I have. :) Also, The Menards version was on sale for $35. I paid $79 for the Eastwood one. The saw is useful so I want to try to keep it running.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 23, 2018, 10:18:26 AM
Bought this Milwaukee ratchet. 12volt cordless.  Works well.  Feels sturdy.  Plenty of power.  Rated at 55 ft lbs of torque
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 348tripower on December 24, 2018, 08:37:48 AM
Quote from: "Crosley"Bought this Milwaukee ratchet. 12volt cordless.  Works well.  Feels sturdy.  Plenty of power.  Rated at 55 ft lbs of torque


I have the same ratchet and I love it!
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 26, 2018, 02:55:19 PM
Home Depot has a deal on 2 pack of Milwaukee 3.0ah M12 batterys..  89.00 dollars.

I need these for my Milwaukee impact I have at work now.  I have a 4.0ah battery at work, will add one of these to that
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 30, 2018, 12:05:30 PM
Impact and drill motor I use at work now.  Nice stuff.  Work well.  Impact is 12 volts, drill is 18 volt.  Impact has tons of power

Impact has an auto setting..  tightens down to low torque , then stops.. I can then use a torque wrench. Valve body on transmissions are tightened to inch pounds
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 50 F1 on December 31, 2018, 04:46:38 AM
Tony I have had the Milwaukee M18 drill and 1/4" impact driver for a couple years. I use the heck out of them and they are great tools.

Mike
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on January 03, 2019, 09:47:41 PM
Bought a flashlite from Harbor Freight...  Slider type with tilting head flashlite end.  The flashlite end has 2 settings :  High , Low

The slider lite is plenty bright, rated 287 lumens...  Magnetic base and a hook on the end to hang the lite up.

Flashlite head is 41 lumens rated on high, 13 lumens on low.  Not bright enough.  Needs to be  80 to  100 lumens on high at least.

this lite is 9 inches long when collapsed.  This lite is charged via USB plug.... Lithium battery.

My other HF slider flashlite is dying... the slider lite quit last year. My attempted repair only lasted a few months.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on January 12, 2019, 08:56:20 AM
Bought this Milwaukee Hackzall 18 volt unit.  From San Diego Tools For Less on eBay.  98 dollars delivered.. for new Tool only.  Bought a Milwaukee charger from them too.

I have some house repair in the roof eves where I have to cut off some wood, nails , fit in some new bits. A friend suggested this over the regular reciprocating saw. I hope it works well.  Not too heavy for me one handed.

Be careful on Milwaukee  batterys and the  chargers.  There are many knock off brand chargers for Milwaukee products
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on January 19, 2019, 11:52:26 PM
I had occasion to use a spark plug socket today, and my son didn't have one. I bought one at Oreillys, and I can recommend it. It is magnetic and works great on those plugs that are in a deep well.


(https://images.oreillyauto.com/parts/img/large/ptt/gm8558-n.jpg)[/url]
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 24, 2019, 11:53:26 AM
Local Lowes store now has more Craftsman tool sets mingled in with their Kobalt brand.  The individual Kobalt sockets are gone. Sets only that I see at the store near me.  Ratchets , screw-drivers are still available individual

There may be a transition going on from Kobalt inhouse brand to Craftsman?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 26, 2019, 09:46:47 PM
I ordered this LED light from Harbor Freight in  december.  I forgot about it.  It was on backorder and sorta thought HF would cancel the order at some point.

2 Months later , it arrived.

3 modes.  bright, low , flashlite.  The end of the arm has an LED in it for a flashlite effect.  have noticed if you turn the light on bright... leave it there for 30 seconds or more... one clik and the light turns off.  If you clik quickly, You receive all 3 modes.

Base has a magnet in it.  Strong magnet. I read some reviews where the magnet had pulled out of the end.  A re-glue process was required.  The long flat arm folds 180 degrees total.  It does NOT fold up against the base of the light.

USB charge cord.  I am not a fan of that. I do not have many USB charge ports available in the work shop.  Guess I need to get a power strip with USB ports...  I have one at work.  I just installed a wall outlet with USB ports in it for my wife near her main sitting chair in the living room
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on February 26, 2019, 11:26:27 PM
Here you go Tony   https://www.amazon.com/HopePow-Charger-Charging-Adapter-Compatible/dp/B076SD24XL/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2HM0W3P0Y1F0P&keywords=110+volt+to+usb+adapter&qid=1551241495&s=electronics&sprefix=110+volt+to+usb%2Celectronics%2C152&sr=1-6
Title: I've gone Makita
Post by: 58 Yeoman on February 27, 2019, 11:58:05 AM
My stepson bought three apartment buildings last year in a college town. I helped him refurbish some of them. He has Makita cordless tools which are much better than some of the tools that I've got. We were in the Home Depot yesterday, and they were having a large sale. I got this Makita kit for $299, a hundred off list price. I know these work well, as I used his last year.

Now, I can sell off the older Sears drill and Ryobi drills/circular saw that have weaker batteries.

Oh yeah, plus the 10% veteran discount.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 27, 2019, 08:41:01 PM
Quote from: "enjenjo"Here you go Tony   https://www.amazon.com/HopePow-Charger-Charging-Adapter-Compatible/dp/B076SD24XL/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2HM0W3P0Y1F0P&keywords=110+volt+to+usb+adapter&qid=1551241495&s=electronics&sprefix=110+volt+to+usb%2Celectronics%2C152&sr=1-6


thanks for rattling my brain Frank... I went to the drawer where the misc electronic stuff gathers.  My wife was using some USB adapter gadgets in the living room and had her outlet full.  that is why I swapped to an outlet with USB plugs also.   Now she can keep her stuff plugged in and the lamp next to her chair too
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 39deluxe on February 28, 2019, 09:53:01 PM
Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"These little devils come up from time to time with a "free" coupon from Harbor Fright ...
Handy little things for under dash work etc .. Hook & magnet to hold in place ...VERY bright & priced right .... :lol:

Bob... :wink:
Got a few of those myself. Very handy and can't beat the price.
Tom
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 06, 2019, 06:52:32 AM
I re-read some of this thread.  

I have gone from a stubborn olde guy with air tools to the  use of the battery powered tools on a daily basis .    I sure spent some cash on the stuff messin , testing , etc.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: UGLY OLDS on March 06, 2019, 05:58:28 PM
Quote from: "Crosley"I re-read some of this thread.  

I have gone from a stubborn olde guy with air tools to the  use of the battery powered tools on a daily basis .    I sure spent some cash on the stuff messin , testing , etc.


Does this mean that you are now a "Regular" old guy  :?:  :roll:

Bob... :wink:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 07, 2019, 06:46:24 AM
Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"
Does this mean that you are now a "Regular" old guy  :?:  :roll:

Bob... :wink:

Nope.  Does not.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: UGLY OLDS on March 07, 2019, 01:47:22 PM
Quote from: "Crosley"
Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"
Does this mean that you are now a "Regular" old guy  :?:  :roll:

Bob... :wink:

Nope.  Does not.

"Irregular" Old Guy  :?:  :?:  :shock:  :shock:  :lol:

Bob.. :wink:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 07, 2019, 10:34:26 PM
Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"
"Irregular" Old Guy  :?:  :?:  :shock:  :shock:  :lol:

Bob.. :wink:

Nope.  Still stubborn. Although:  daily I take a pro-biotic pill.  keeps me more regular when discussing end results
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on March 08, 2019, 08:55:56 AM
^^^^^^
No video required. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 09, 2019, 12:29:41 PM
Quote from: "kb426"^^^^^^
No video required. :)

No problem.  No video or photos

On the tool front:  I bought a high speed 3" disc cutter from Harbor Freight.  New brand: Chief , suppose to have some more power.  I have 2 worn out units.  hope this new one does well.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 10, 2019, 10:00:00 PM
Tracking shows my new Chief brand high speed cut off tool , should be here monday.

On the Lowes tool brands:  I read on other forums the speculation that Craftsman brand is being moved in to replace Kobalt.  

Other guys have mentioned that they have seen Kobalt mechanic tools on the displays  reduced.  Some of these guys are over on the east coast.  The tools were removed and Not placed on discount shelves.  Same that happened in stores near me.

Lowes has commented that these Kobalt hand  tools will be for sale online. I dont see that working well for Lowes.

Lowes does have some mechanic socket sets at 50% off sale online.  At least on saturday they were
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 12, 2019, 07:53:01 AM
Quote from: "Crosley"Tracking shows my new Chief brand high speed cut off tool , should be here monday.

The tool is not here yet....  It is being delivered via FedX Smartpost.  Through the USPS systems.  In the past I have mentioned this is the slowest shipping in the USA.

I ordered this tool on Feb 28 , 2019....  12 days since I ordered the tool and it is not here from Callifornia yet.  LOL
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: papastoyss on March 12, 2019, 04:04:59 PM
Quote from: "Crosley"I ordered this LED light from Harbor Freight in  december.  I forgot about it.  It was on backorder and sorta thought HF would cancel the order at some point.

2 Months later , it arrived.

3 modes.  bright, low , flashlite.  The end of the arm has an LED in it for a flashlite effect.  have noticed if you turn the light on bright... leave it there for 30 seconds or more... one clik and the light turns off.  If you clik quickly, You receive all 3 modes.

Base has a magnet in it.  Strong magnet. I read some reviews where the magnet had pulled out of the end.  A re-glue process was required.  The long flat arm folds 180 degrees total.  It does NOT fold up against the base of the light.

USB charge cord.  I am not a fan of that. I do not have many USB charge ports available in the work shop.  Guess I need to get a power strip with USB ports...  I have one at work.  I just installed a wall outlet with USB ports in it for my wife near her main sitting chair in the living room
I also have one of those lights. It's real handy for working inside a car/truck door.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 13, 2019, 07:58:24 AM
Received my new disc cut off tool.  Chief brand from Harbor Freight..

Adjustable disc guard on it. Spring loaded. Pull it out, twist to relocate.  Plenty of power with 130 psi air to it.

It's direction is reversible. You can keep the sparks going away from your body.  Photos later.  thanks
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 13, 2019, 10:46:29 PM
Photo of the Chief cut off unit.

Behind the "F" on the logo is the sleeve that rotates to change the direction of the cut off wheel disc.   I like the direction change , seems handy.  I have not had any problem with my hand moving the sleeve by accident , yet.

Body is a composite of some type (plastic) over a metal body. The disc shield is plastic. Disc shield rotates a full 360 degrees.  Has notches in it to locate and keep in desired position.

8)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on March 14, 2019, 08:54:11 PM
Tony, looks good enough that I ordered one. Less sparks in my world would be good. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 14, 2019, 11:52:04 PM
Quote from: "kb426"Tony, looks good enough that I ordered one. Less sparks in my world would be good. :)

Only difference from a regular disc cutter is the double bolt retaining  system on the disc... a left handed allen type bolt inside a hollow bolt to hold the disc on.  Likely because of the reverse feature so the disc does not spin off and go flying about loose.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: purplepickup on March 17, 2019, 09:16:52 PM
Got a question for the Dewalt guys. I switched from Craftsman to Dewalt 20v 5 years ago and now I want to get an impact wrench. I see they have two kinds. One with a hog ring anvil and one with a detent pin anvil. The detent one is cheaper. Any recommendations?

Also, if anyone has a model DCF894, how do you like it?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 17, 2019, 10:12:39 PM
Quote from: "purplepickup"Got a question for the Dewalt guys. I switched from Craftsman to Dewalt 20v 5 years ago and now I want to get an impact wrench. I see they have two kinds. One with a hog ring anvil and one with a detent pin anvil. The detent one is cheaper. Any recommendations?

Also, if anyone has a model DCF894, how do you like it?

Friction ring is more common for use in light to medium duty.  The pin style will retain the socket or extension on tighter.  If the pin is the hole of the socket.. you must push the pin to release.  

I owned one pin style 1/2 inch impact about 35+ years ago. I rounded over the edges of the pin with a small grinder so I could get the sockets off by hand instead of prying them off.  YMMV
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on March 18, 2019, 06:17:43 PM
Tony, my cut off tool arrived today. So far, all I know is it turns both directions and makes some noise. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: idrivejunk on March 18, 2019, 10:50:44 PM
Quote from: "Crosley"Photo of the Chief cut off unit.

Behind the "F" on the logo is the sleeve that rotates to change the direction of the cut off wheel disc.   I like the direction change , seems handy.  I have not had any problem with my hand moving the sleeve by accident , yet.

Body is a composite of some type (plastic) over a metal body. The disc shield is plastic. Disc shield rotates a full 360 degrees.  Has notches in it to locate and keep in desired position.

8)
Pretty sweet. I used to borrow a reversible... oh maybe BluePoint... off my friend sometimes. Being able to switch directions rather than get up to dodge sparks indeed has much appeal. );b(
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on March 21, 2019, 11:55:20 AM
I've used my H.F. cutoff tool enough to say it does it's job. I think all die grinder/ cutoff tools are air hogs but the reversible feature is nice. I used it for 30 minutes solid and it didn't quit. That may be as good as modern tools are. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 21, 2019, 11:07:22 PM
A small discovery on my Braun LED lite..  it takes a 18650 battery that is replaceable.. The charge time on this lite is too long.  I have extra 18650 batterys from my attempts to rebuild the Craftsman C3 battery packs.

Battery is in Blue ..

I swapped out to a fresh battery on this lite and keep going.  I found this lite is very handy under a vehcile or in the wheel well of the wifes car when I did the front brakes a week ago
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 21, 2019, 11:10:45 PM
Quote from: "kb426"I've used my H.F. cutoff tool enough to say it does it's job. I think all die grinder/ cutoff tools are air hogs but the reversible feature is nice. I used it for 30 minutes solid and it didn't quit. That may be as good as modern tools are. :)


Yes, agree.  Air hog tool.  My olde worn out cut off tool was a air hog and spent more time spooling back up to speed.  THe HF Chief brand tool is working well for me .  I am happy with the reverse feature.  Dang handy. I hope this tool holds up
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 21, 2019, 11:22:23 PM
Photo of vacuum pump I bought on eBay.. 17 dollars delivered

I do not expect to last as long on the one I replaced. That one looks similar , about 30+ yrs olde.

Why is all my olde stuff breaking?   :shock:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: papastoyss on March 22, 2019, 10:58:06 AM
Quote from: "Crosley"A small discovery on my Braun LED lite..  it takes a 18650 battery that is replaceable.. The charge time on this lite is too long.  I have extra 18650 batterys from my attempts to rebuild the Craftsman C3 battery packs.

Battery is in Blue ..

I swapped out to a fresh battery on this lite and keep going.  I found this lite is very handy under a vehcile or in the wheel well of the wifes car when I did the front brakes a week ago
You'll really like this light if you have to work on a window regulator or latch inside a door.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on April 04, 2019, 05:17:36 PM
New tool day at O&S! I'm excited to try this out. The pic is of the manual version that I can't operate without pain now and the new electric version. It's rated at 16 gauge. I grabbed a piece of scrap and it wizzed through it. It's cheap so the durability is suspect but it will turn shorter radiuses than the normal shear that has the wider cuttting blade.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on April 07, 2019, 07:15:07 PM
Visited local Lowes place.  Most of the  Kobalt power tools are on massive mark down. Craftsman tools are really taking over the shelf space .

Me thinks Lowes is moving away from Kobalt as house brand.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on April 14, 2019, 09:28:14 AM
I bought a "refurbished"  grinder :  4.5 inch , M18 volt Milwaukee tool from Northern Tool Company... I had a gift card remaining from the Holidaze in 2018 I needed to use by May 2019.

Northern had a sale recently on refub'd tools, so I bought one at 72 dollars after my gift card applied,  with ''phree shipping''
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on April 22, 2019, 10:30:52 PM
Milwaukee grinder.  Works well.  I have 4 & 5 amp hour batterys for this.

This is not a replacement for electric grinders...  but very handy for me in tight spaces or up on a ladder where I dont want to drag a cord too.

used it a few times inside my 1962 Morris Minor lifetime project car.

Standard 1 finger push button guard adjustment
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: UGLY OLDS on April 23, 2019, 10:44:11 AM
You flip the little lever, the guard spins around out of the way & locks in a new position :?:  :?:
 THAT'S a neat idea  :!:  :idea:  :!:


Bob.. :wink:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on April 24, 2019, 06:40:38 PM
Quote from: "UGLY OLDS"You flip the little lever, the guard spins around out of the way & locks in a new position :?:  :?:
 THAT'S a neat idea  :!:  :idea:  :!:


Bob.. :wink:


that feature has been around a little while.  Very handy
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on April 28, 2019, 12:27:31 PM
Tools I used for the steel project for the  shape of Arizona...

The Milwaukee grinder works well.  Only dropped 1 bar on the battery for mild use cutting the rebar , some grinding on the welds.

The Chief disc cutter was great. I reversed the direction a couple times as I used this tool to grind some welds in the corners of the rebar AZ art thingy I built.

The grinder has a bolt in the head for a handle.  When you buy a "refurb" tool..  You do not necessarily receive all the tools for the unit.  The handles on my other tools are metric thread.  This Milwaukee tool is 5/16 x 18 thread
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on May 05, 2019, 11:40:06 PM
New handle arrived for my Milwaukee M18 grinder. 10 dollars delivered for Milwaukee brand , China produced handle.

I used the grinder to cut off some gate hinges on a gate at the street on my driveway.  Dang handy to just walk out there and start cutting.  No extension cord to drag out.

You must watch how much you load the grinder up as you cut.  The battery internal system will shut off power if you load it too much.  Slight learning curve.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on May 11, 2019, 09:02:15 AM
Of all things:  I have been watching eBay for some old Craftsman screw drivers.  The larger - longer ones from 30+ years ago
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on May 19, 2019, 07:35:19 PM
I have beeen hunting for drill bits with 3 flats on them.  In 64th sizes..

as eggzample:  17/64 , 21/64 sizes , pluss other sizes ...  these are sizes used in drilling material when a heli coil type insert is used for thread repair.

I found a place Drills and Cutters dot com.  Very reasonable prices for each bit, which was something I had problems with. Many places were 5 dollars or more per bit plus shipping for a basic drill bit.

Most of my thread repairs is  non ferrous materials on transmission cases or related parts.

I've had problems with the drill bits spinning in the chuck when they bite into the material.. I try to tighten the snot of the keyless chuck.  I figured 3 flats on the bit may help me.  My strength in my hands is drifting away with arthritis and age.  I dont wish to go to a key type chuck..  I have lost more chuck keys in my daze than I can count.

With my luck: the bits with the flats will make things worse.  LOL
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on May 19, 2019, 07:37:26 PM
Tony, I believe you're headed in the right direction. I have the same scenario. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on May 23, 2019, 11:36:19 PM
Drill bits with flats on the shank arrived...  these in photo are 1/4 inch diameter.  I ordered 4 sizes, 2 each size.

These do not look like the bottom of the quality food chain.  Test will be the use of these and how they drill or break. LOL
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on May 26, 2019, 05:51:53 PM
Bought a new mop bucket... RubberMaid brand.  Works well.  Like a mop bucket.  :lol:

Like most things:  there is a story behind the "why" I needed a new mop bucket.. we aint going there
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on May 27, 2019, 07:23:42 PM
This week on the homemade tools email, someone had adapted a H.F. air over hydraulic cylinder to a tube bender. There are several versions of this available. I took advantage of the 25% coupon and picked up the cylinder these people are using. This is an 8 ton long ram. I will have to make a mounting bracket to hold the cylinder and a rod to attach to the bender. I have one of the original JD Squared tube bender that is about 35 years old. It is slightly different that the newer ones. I won't have time for a while but I'm excited to see if this cylinder can be adapted to several items in the future. I'm going to unpack it and make sure it works in the next few days. It's still H.F. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on May 30, 2019, 12:01:55 AM
Bought this Mechanics roll cart from Harbor Freight.  I have this at work.  Decent cart for the 200 dollars out the door cost. The side tray was 30 dollars extra

I am tryig to down size at work.  When I retire:  there will be double of many hand tools when I bring the work tools home.  A fellow at work has said he will buy my Large Craftsman Professional series roll cab and top box.  We have not discussed price yet, so:  that may change.  LOL

I have a yellow large Snap On roll cab at home.  I will keep that and the US General cart.....  

I have another  Craftsman Professional  Top & bottom box setup at home too. That will be sold too.  I have way too many tool boxes.  

I still have my Williams small roll cab I was given when I was 13 yrs olde.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on May 30, 2019, 07:21:12 PM
I was laughing a little bit ago. I took the H.F. cylinder out of the box. Not a scratch on it. I used the hand pump and pumped all the way through it's travel. I hook air up to the cylinder. It goes about 3/4 way of travel. I tried it 3 times. I put it back in the box. It's going back for a credit. I'll get a different plan. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on May 30, 2019, 10:14:12 PM
Quote from: "kb426"I was laughing a little bit ago. I took the H.F. cylinder out of the box. Not a scratch on it. I used the hand pump and pumped all the way through it's travel. I hook air up to the cylinder. It goes about 3/4 way of travel. I tried it 3 times. I put it back in the box. It's going back for a credit. I'll get a different plan. :)

I likely have the same ram on my tube bender JD2 model 32 unit. With the SWAG Hyd conversion for the model 32.  I needed to add oil to it for the air pump part to activate a full length.  Works well now.  

I have anothe r brand: STARK Tool long ram  here , I bought first for the JD2 bender.  Specs listed were close.  I bought it.  Wrong diameter.  Could not return it since it was a clearance item.  I dont even know if this Stark brank unit functions.  i was whizzed off when it was wrong diameter.  Put it on the shelf..
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on May 30, 2019, 10:46:48 PM
I'll check it tomorrow. Thanks, Tony.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 02, 2019, 12:34:49 PM
Quote from: "kb426"I'll check it tomorrow. Thanks, Tony.

Photo of the long ram on my tube bender.  Number on the sticker is Item 94562 ..   Likely the number is no  good now since HF uses 2 - 8 different numbers for the same item. LOL
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: WZ JUNK on June 02, 2019, 01:39:42 PM
I use nearly the same cylinder on my engine hoist.

John
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on June 02, 2019, 06:19:58 PM
Tony, I have the same ram. I put what oil I had leftover in and it works better. I'll get more oil this week sometime. I'm surprised that this jack isn't full of oil. I have a H.F. cherry picker and 3 other hydraulic tools from them. They all came with enough oil. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 02, 2019, 08:07:55 PM
Here is a photo of the ram I bought , that was wrong size.  

Stark brand.

Interesting:  Printed on the box is the Item number #65082   , A sticker on the box is Item 56082.

This thing is heavy. I have never put air or the jack handle to it after I learned it was the wrong size for the SWAG hydraulic kit for my tube bender. ..  LOL

Maybe I will find a use for it
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on June 02, 2019, 10:02:53 PM
Quote from: "kb426"I was laughing a little bit ago. I took the H.F. cylinder out of the box. Not a scratch on it. I used the hand pump and pumped all the way through it's travel. I hook air up to the cylinder. It goes about 3/4 way of travel. I tried it 3 times. I put it back in the box. It's going back for a credit. I'll get a different plan. :)

Do you have a part number for that cylinder? It's not coming up on a search without a part number.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on June 02, 2019, 10:15:48 PM
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-ton-long-ram-air-hydraulic-jack-94562.html
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on June 03, 2019, 12:19:12 AM
Quote from: "kb426"https://www.harborfreight.com/8-ton-long-ram-air-hydraulic-jack-94562.html

Thanks
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 09, 2019, 11:25:04 AM
realized today I am using an old Ryobi 7 inch grinder. Way  back when they were blue in color. I dont remeber how long ago that was.  I've owned this grinder a long time.


A 2 speed unit...  high n low
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 27, 2019, 10:45:59 PM
Quote from: "Crosley"Drill bits with flats on the shank arrived...  these in photo are 1/4 inch diameter.  I ordered 4 sizes, 2 each size.

These do not look like the bottom of the quality food chain.  Test will be the use of these and how they drill or break. LOL

Update on the drill bits... these are working very nice.

Since I drill mostly aluminum alloy with these drill bits, they are not stressed too much. If the bit bites in , the bit does not slip in the chuck like before. I try to be easy on how I feed the bits into the material.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on July 05, 2019, 11:13:11 AM
At my local Lowes this friday morning. To say that Craftsman tools has been moved in would be an understatement.  Craftsman Red is everywhere. Craftsman  Tool boxes are still  thru out the store

Kobalt hand  tools are all on a discount display.. The Kobalt power tool display is moved further away from the Craftsman.  I think by the end of 2019 , Kobalt Brand tools will be history in the stores
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on July 05, 2019, 07:19:55 PM
I was looking at Tecton tools today https://www.tekton.com/  I picked up some 15%off coupons Code BCS098902 I have some, and they are very well made tools at a reasonable price. Look into them if you like. This is in addition to 10% back in rewards, and free shipping
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on July 06, 2019, 10:19:59 PM
Quote from: "enjenjo"I was looking at Tecton tools today https://www.tekton.com/  I picked up some 15%off coupons Code BCS098902 I have some, and they are very well made tools at a reasonable price. Look into them if you like. This is in addition to 10% back in rewards, and free shipping

Plenty of basic hand tools...  I looked at the tool box drawer organizing stuff. Always looking.  LOL
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on July 14, 2019, 05:12:55 PM
Visit to Lowes this sunday morning...  All the Kobalt cordless power tools on discount.

Some tools have the usual yellow discount tags...  other tools are heavier discount than I have seen before.  The 3/8 impact I bought 1 year ago was on sale at 99.00 , now it is 79.00

Most of the Kobalt hand tools are gone. Not many remain on the discount rack.

1 photo of the tool display this morning.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on July 27, 2019, 08:53:28 AM
I am on an email list for Lowes.. this week I received a sales email as usual.  There was a large section of all the Craftsman tools and storage boxes at Lowes.

If Lowes does not fully drop the Kobalt tool line, I willl be surprised.  :shock:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on July 27, 2019, 10:50:25 AM
I stopped by Menards yesterday, and I see that they have a section of Craftsman tools also.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 09, 2019, 09:05:06 PM
I made an error in a tool decision purchase .. I needed a   cordless ratchet for work. A M12 Milwaukee unit would work with my current battery program.

Since the tool would not be used often and I retire in early 2020 : I bought a used cordless  ratchet from eBay. Seller had good feed back.  Described the tool well. Tool arrived.  As soon as I opened the box:  I smelled the released smoke from the motor.  I sniffed the tool (LOL) .. yep.  Bad motor.  With a fresh M12 battery , the unit ran maybe at half speed.... and it was laboring to do that.  The seller is "really sorry"

So the tool is boxed back up and on its way back to West Virginny. Lesson learned ... again.  New ratchet has been ordered.

I hate it when I know better and still do stupid S (stuff)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 15, 2019, 07:46:06 AM
New Milwaukee M12 cordless ratchet arrived.  Functions as it should.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 22, 2019, 12:07:19 AM
yuuup.  I bought another flashlite.  At Home Depot.  Husky brand work light. It was 16.00 dollars plus the guberments part.

The light wand folds up against the main body.  I like that.  

USB charge
3 lite positions: High , Low and the end of the wand lights up.

Magnet on the bottom.

Very similar to the HF light.  Or the HF light is like the Husky?  :lol:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 23, 2019, 04:37:03 PM
Bought a carbide tipped blade for my multi tool noise maker.   Cuts thru my tile grout nicely. 10 dollars plus the VAT

Harbor Freight piece.  Fits the HF tool
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 31, 2019, 08:54:44 AM
Harbor Freight has a 25% coupon for use on Labor day only.  So many exclusions on it , almost not useable.  LOL
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on August 31, 2019, 12:15:57 PM
I had occasion this week to cut a 2" hole in 3/4" steel plate. With the tools I had I could jig it and bore on my lathe,  bore it on the mill, or try cutting it with a hole saw. All three would be time consuming, so I looked into a rotabroach. The price was reasonable, so I ordered one. 10 minutes, and the hole was done, and the rotabroach looked like brand new after finishing.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 01, 2019, 09:16:37 AM
Quote from: "enjenjo"I had occasion this week to cut a 2" hole in 3/4" steel plate. With the tools I had I could jig it and bore on my lathe,  bore it on the mill, or try cutting it with a hole saw. All three would be time consuming, so I looked into a rotabroach. The price was reasonable, so I ordered one. 10 minutes, and the hole was done, and the rotabroach looked like brand new after finishing.

that is a knarly looking tool
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on September 10, 2019, 08:48:19 PM
I FINALLY got around to buying a ball joint press kit. I am looking back on  like 49 years of just at times..HORRIFIC!! filthy beating/pounding torching. I simply cannot believe that I never got beat at it :D. SOMEHOW I managed to get those jobs done..and never wrecked anything..even on other people's cars. Is/was there a method I did not use? I very much doubt it.

   This was sort of a "treat" for me. With newer vehicles..ya..there just might come a day when I need the press. I doubt it :twisted:.

   I did a TON of reading/research. FREQUENTLY coming up were OLD Snap On kits. OLD OTC kits. How newer ones were just nowhere as good..strong..etc.,ETC.,..and lots coming from guys who had..had had both. There are/were really NO old ones to be bought. Very rarely the odd one,

  I bought the Astro Pneumatic Master kit..seemed to have very few poor ratings/problems.PERHAPS :twisted:  we shall see.

   I still sort of have my eyes peeled on the lookout for an old one.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on September 10, 2019, 09:04:37 PM
And..a brake drum,rotor puller. Again..SOMEHOW 49 years later..I have managed to get the job done :D Sure..some have been torched/cut off :lol: Took me 5 hrs once to get off and salvage 2 $400 drums :wink:
 ALL of these things have LOTS!! of BAD reviews. I think a little common sense. They aint no magic bullet. They CAN HELP.

  I feel so old I don't recall really ANY drums that could not be PRIED off  :lol: at the backing plate. My 98 truck you could use a crow bar in there :lol: Post 98 GM stuff..ya paper thin ROT (GUARANTEED!! To ROT) "dust shields"

  I bought the Lang 833..supposed to be able to pull 17" wide. We shall see.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 17, 2019, 07:52:29 AM
We have a new Snap On tool dealer.. again. About 2 months now. Then last week a new guy shows up. The new dealer fellow hired this guy to operate his truck and the truck owner is process to buy another truck for a different Snap On route.

Monday I hand the new guy 2 broken tools.  A  #27 torx 3/8 drive  bit  and 3/8 to 1/4 inch adapter tool.  About 30 minutes later:  wondering where my tools are at , I walk outside.  Truck is gone.  I ask a young co-worker: where did he go? I receive a lengthy explanation.

Maybe next monday I will get my tools back.  Broken or not?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on September 17, 2019, 09:38:02 AM
Just a coincidence my YA212A welder from snap on broke yesterday. It's not feeding wire properly. I have a spare feed motor, so that won't be it. It is likely the power relay, cheap, or the circuit board, expensive. I'll have to diagnose it.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on September 17, 2019, 03:56:16 PM
I was mig welding something a couple weeks ago with my Hobart, and I reached over to turn down the voltage. It wouldn't work after that, so I stopped and disassembled the cover to see if I could find anything. Nope. Checked online and found a common resistor, or something that is the most common cause. Went out and looked. That's when I noticed the the voltage switch was in between two settings. Moved it to the lower setting, and it worked. I lucked out.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 23, 2019, 11:24:43 PM
Quote from: "Crosley"We have a new Snap On tool dealer.. again. About 2 months now. Then last week a new guy shows up. The new dealer fellow hired this guy to operate his truck and the truck owner is process to buy another truck for a different Snap On route.

Monday I hand the new guy 2 broken tools.  A  #27 torx 3/8 drive  bit  and 3/8 to 1/4 inch adapter tool.  About 30 minutes later:  wondering where my tools are at , I walk outside.  Truck is gone.  I ask a young co-worker: where did he go? I receive a lengthy explanation.

Maybe next monday I will get my tools back.  Broken or not?

good news:  I received my tools back today.  broken tools replaced.  I had to go onto the Snap On truck to receive them.  This new dealer guy thinks he is gonna sell me something.  I keep explaining to him:  I am old and have double or triple of most tools.

i told this dealer guy today:  Next year, I am retiring and will likely be selling many of my tools to these young guys...  there were 4 of the younger guys standing there.  LOL  I have many transmission specific store bought tools and custom made tools I use every day.


Actually: With 2 of the guys at work,   I have 3 pending sales at the moment.  When I receive the remaining money , the deals are done.  These are larger items:  Roll cab with top box...  hydraulic shop type press
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on September 24, 2019, 08:00:27 AM
I went to use a C-man 1/4" drive ratchet the other day, and found that the spring and ball was missing. I went to another tool box and got one that was complete. While we were driving around on Saturday, I stopped at the only large Sears store and asked if they had a repair kit. He said he was out, but to try any Ace hardware store. I stopped at an Ace, and he told me that they just replace them. I said that I didn't have it with me, and that it's USA made. He then said that the C-man tools have gone downhill, and that I would be better off keeping my ratchet. I agreed, but said that the repair kit is probably made in China anyway. I'll try Sears again next week.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: purplepickup on September 24, 2019, 01:08:07 PM
I ordered this adapter so I can use Dewalt 20v batteries on Craftsman 19.2v tools.  https://www.ebay.com/itm/ADAPTER-FOR-DEWALT-and-Milwaukee-BATTERY-Convert-to-CRAFTSMAN-19-2V-PLUG-TOOL-G-/133120834287?txnId=1622960208003.
I switched from Craftsman to Dewalt years ago and am happy with the yellow & black tools but I still have some good sears tools with no batteries that I hate to just throw away so I'll give the adapter a try.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 28, 2019, 12:29:09 AM
Quote from: "purplepickup"I ordered this adapter so I can use Dewalt 20v batteries on Craftsman 19.2v tools.  https://www.ebay.com/itm/ADAPTER-FOR-DEWALT-and-Milwaukee-BATTERY-Convert-to-CRAFTSMAN-19-2V-PLUG-TOOL-G-/133120834287?txnId=1622960208003.
I switched from Craftsman to Dewalt years ago and am happy with the yellow & black tools but I still have some good sears tools with no batteries that I hate to just throw away so I'll give the adapter a try.

Looks bulky in the photos... let us know how it works out.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: purplepickup on September 28, 2019, 10:30:29 AM
Quote from: "Crosley"
Looks bulky in the photos... let us know how it works out.
Will do, when I get home from my cabin in a week or so.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on October 05, 2019, 10:47:47 PM
Bought a plastic rack for tool box drawer.. Holds pliers of various sizes, shapes.

Ernst Manufacturing brand.  On eBay, this one is #5500 ... $15.99 delivered.  there are other Ernst brand tool holders on eBay and other web sites.. I have so many types of pliers I needed something to organize them.

I may buy a couple more.

One photo has a 8 fl oz   Lucas oil bottle in it for size indicator on the organizer rack.

Real happy how this works in the drawer.  Need a drawer that is 3.75 to 4 inches deep so the pliers can stand on edge. I am trying to get a little better organized on my tool boxes.

Placing some xtra  tools on eBay... Blue Point #1020  spline type extractor kit sold in about 12 minutes..  Must have been a bit low on the price?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on October 12, 2019, 12:49:20 PM
bought a couple  plastic budget end wrench holders.  16 slots.  Bought on eBay, shipped via Amazon. Seller is based in Vietnam.

Also:  bought another holder for pliers..  straightened up my drawer a great amount from the pliers laying flat.  Will see if I adjust to using it.  LOL

In the plier rack: I have some of the smaller snap ring pliers doubled up in one slot.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: purplepickup on October 17, 2019, 07:48:41 PM
Quote from: "purplepickup"
Quote from: "Crosley"
Looks bulky in the photos... let us know how it works out.
Will do, when I get home from my cabin in a week or so.
Ok, I finally got home and tried the adapter. It works perfectly. Maybe a little bulkier than just the battery but not much and it lets me use the craftsman tools I was just going to give away. Well worth the $14.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on October 17, 2019, 09:39:26 PM
Quote from: "purplepickup"
Quote from: "purplepickup"
Quote from: "Crosley"
Looks bulky in the photos... let us know how it works out.
Will do, when I get home from my cabin in a week or so.
Ok, I finally got home and tried the adapter. It works perfectly. Maybe a little bulkier than just the battery but not much and it lets me use the craftsman tools I was just going to give away. Well worth the $14.

In your photo it looks less bulky ..  The adapter is a  good idea that helps  keep good tools going.

My attempt at rebuild Craftsman batterys did not go well.  I figure it was some thing I was over looking.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: WZ JUNK on October 23, 2019, 06:18:07 PM
My grandfathers drills.  The one with the yellow cord is a Blue Point and the other is a Montgomery Wards.  They are both about as old or older than I am and they are in good usable condition. The one on the left is a 3/8 and the other is 1/2.  My moms dad, and my dads dad.  I rarely use one of these, but the quality of the tools are amazing.  When I do pick one of them up, I can not help but think of the guy who bought the drill.

John
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on October 25, 2019, 09:03:39 PM
I added this to my collection today. This is a pencil tig torch. There are times you can't get where you need to be. :) This may be a problem solver. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on October 26, 2019, 08:03:25 PM
Only tool I bought recently was  a new Stanley utility knife.  One of those that you can quik change the blade... I had an older unit. The little rubber piece on the blade ativator broke and fell off. The nub under-neath sucked eggs, not comfy on the finger.

So.  I bought a new one. No rubber on the thumb piece  with this one.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on October 31, 2019, 11:29:34 PM
Harbor Freight reciprocating saw... this has (had) a rotating saw head on it.  The yellow release button on it, broke.

So...  I disassembled the side of the saw... about 8 screws.  JB Weld epoxy was mixed up and applied in a few areas. The side was replaced. JB allowed to dry.  A working saw again.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on November 17, 2019, 10:35:01 PM
Quote from: "Crosley"Harbor Freight reciprocating saw... this has (had) a rotating saw head on it.  The yellow release button on it, broke.

So...  I disassembled the side of the saw... about 8 screws.  JB Weld epoxy was mixed up and applied in a few areas. The side was replaced. JB allowed to dry.  A working saw again.

The HF reciprocating saw hit the trash can..  

I used it more.  Noticed the blade was really wondering side to side... which these saws can do.  I checked the shaft that holds the blade.  The housing was slap worn out. the shaft had a great deal of side to side movement..

The Mikita saw  I got rid of was tighter in the shaft area. But;  The 30+ yr old  Mikita was falling apart.  I had worm screw type clamps holding the Mik together.

:shock:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on December 15, 2019, 01:51:07 PM
3' long aluminum pipe wrench. Saw this mighty piece attached to a display at a local parts store. Parts guy says "caught you looking at it..we'll take it off and give you a price and then you WILL buy it" He then took it off and I did not buy it..(he did not give me a price) Next time I was in he just told me a price too cheap not to buy it. Guess I got "sold" this. Just something I never needed or wanted.
 I have used it many  times. I do not know how I worked a lifetime without one of these.
 The ergonomics are really unbelievable! Looking at..ya NO!! Then you pick it up/feel it..WOW! You just cannot believe it is NOT STEEL FILTHY IMPOSSIBLE HEAVY! Yes..indeed you can actually move it to where you want/need it.
 Just un-real power and strength..capable of loosening,bending,twisting,breaking..pretty much anything. IF it was steel it would be useless. You could not get it into position..or hold it there..or even use it.
 Only says "aluminum" on it. No idea of who made it..or even where? probably not here. I don't even care.

 Great Tool!
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Beck on December 15, 2019, 04:05:25 PM
Quote from: "Arnold"3' long aluminum pipe wrench. Saw this mighty piece attached to a display at a local parts store. Parts guy says "caught you looking at it..we'll take it off and give you a price and then you WILL buy it" He then took it off and I did not buy it..(he did not give me a price) Next time I was in he just told me a price too cheap not to buy it. Guess I got "sold" this. Just something I never needed or wanted.
 I have used it many  times. I do not know how I worked a lifetime without one of these.
 The ergonomics are really unbelievable! Looking at..ya NO!! Then you pick it up/feel it..WOW! You just cannot believe it is NOT STEEL FILTHY IMPOSSIBLE HEAVY! Yes..indeed you can actually move it to where you want/need it.
 Just un-real power and strength..capable of loosening,bending,twisting,breaking..pretty much anything. IF it was steel it would be useless. You could not get it into position..or hold it there..or even use it.
 Only says "aluminum" on it. No idea of who made it..or even where? probably not here. I don't even care.

 Great Tool!
Before I retired, we had several of these at work anywhere from 1' up to 4'. Ours were stupid expensive, but they said more than aluminum on the side. Every mechanic had the smaller ones in their boxes.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 26, 2019, 08:18:41 AM
I have used a couple large aluminum pipe wrenches.....  never owned one. The lighter weight is nice.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on December 26, 2019, 03:50:41 PM
update on my Vulcan welder. So far it has done everything I asked of it. I have used it for Stick and MIG, but still have not used it for TIG. It is easy to adjust to what you need.  At this point I can recommend it. Longevity is yet to be seen.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 26, 2019, 08:52:29 PM
Quote from: "enjenjo"update on my Vulcan welder. So far it has done everything I asked of it. I have used it for Stick and MIG, but still have not used it for TIG. It is easy to adjust to what you need.  At this point I can recommend it. Longevity is yet to be seen.

That was the Vulcan 220 machine from H F ?   I have watched some videos on that machine... people seem happy with it.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on December 27, 2019, 06:54:13 PM
Vulcan would seem the LOGICAL choice eh! :lol:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on December 27, 2019, 10:51:10 PM
Quote from: "Crosley"
Quote from: "enjenjo"update on my Vulcan welder. So far it has done everything I asked of it. I have used it for Stick and MIG, but still have not used it for TIG. It is easy to adjust to what you need.  At this point I can recommend it. Longevity is yet to be seen.

That was the Vulcan 220 machine from H F ?   I have watched some videos on that machine... people seem happy with it.

Yes it is.  The only thing I am concerned with is the duty cycle, but that will only come into play if I am doing a big heavy project like a trailer, or a heavy frame.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 28, 2019, 10:48:25 AM
Quote from: "enjenjo"
Quote from: "Crosley"
Quote from: "enjenjo"update on my Vulcan welder. So far it has done everything I asked of it. I have used it for Stick and MIG, but still have not used it for TIG. It is easy to adjust to what you need.  At this point I can recommend it. Longevity is yet to be seen.

That was the Vulcan 220 machine from H F ?   I have watched some videos on that machine... people seem happy with it.

Yes it is.  The only thing I am concerned with is the duty cycle, but that will only come into play if I am doing a big heavy project like a trailer, or a heavy frame.

Agree....  Some of the videos I watched. The use of 220 volt was necessary for proper duty cycle. Non of these guys had the machine shut down , over heat... the Vulcan machine just kept going.  My Miller 210 welder has never let me down... it is pre inverter design.

My plasma cutter machine came wired for 20 amp 110v on a heavy duty cable. It would self adjust if I put 220v to it , but I did not have an adapter with the machine. After a few years of 110v use. I cut the cable end off.  Installed a 220v plug.  Wow , what a difference in the machine.

:idea:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: idrivejunk on December 28, 2019, 12:15:35 PM
Kinda hokey tool hint here but as you know I do lots of sheetmetal work. Finding easy to use gloves that last has been a nagging problem.

I have always bought large, since thats what size mechanic glove fits. But among cheap plain cowhide, or other types of work gloves, the thread burns away long before the glove material. Pesky grinding sparks.

Last time I went to get some, I noticed that on the medium size full grain HF work gloves ($6.99), the stitching is not exposed. It is on the larges. I was concerned that the bum hand might hurt squeezing into a medium but that was not the case.

So this solved a frequent issue for me, just switching to medium size. Who'd a thunk it? :?  They last and last. It has taken a couple months for me to put a couple cuts in a pair but no burn damage at all. Ripped the thumb tip of one the other day (doing screws, which speaks well to dexterity while wearing) and ended up catching a tiny slag ball under a thumbnail briefly later on. But I thought to myself that wow these have lasted awhile!
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on January 13, 2020, 10:02:43 PM
I must admit at this point:  My Husky folding flashlite from Home Depot has gone missing like a 10mm socket.  I can not find it around here.

My thinking is:  Since it has a magnetic base.  I left the flashlite stuck on the bottom of my truck and then I drove off the next day and never knew the flashlite had been left under the truck.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on January 13, 2020, 10:14:08 PM
I know what you mean. When I park my trailer in the yard, I padlock the hitch. A number of times, when I unlocked the padlock, I'd put it on the truck bumper and forget it. I'd drive off and loose the lock somewhere on the road.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on January 31, 2020, 08:01:58 PM
One week ago:  I bought another Husky brand LED light from Home Depot..  I have not found the lost light yet.  LOL
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on February 04, 2020, 06:19:23 PM
Craftsman Tools. I see them everywhere now. I went into Menards, and they are dropping Gearwrench, and replacing them with Craftsman. And the local NAPA store is now carrying Craftsman tools in addition to their Carlyle brand.

In other news Ingersoll Rand has come out with a premium grade line of hand tools.

All these tools are made in Asia.

I also see that Snap On is down nearly 2,000 dealers, and can't find new ones fast enough.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 05, 2020, 06:51:13 AM
The last 3 or 4 Snap On dealers at our shop have all complained on the same thing:  They had to accept the truck debt from the former dealer. A couple of friends of mine have told me that is not true.  You can refuse the debt of the former dealer on that route.

Our current dealer tried to deny a replacement claim on some channel lock type pliers 2 weeks ago.  Claiming the guy may have gripped something "too hard" causing the retaining nut to pull off the threads making the pliers very loose and unusable.  :lol:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 16, 2020, 09:53:36 PM
I needed a basic pop rivet gun.....  Since I could not find mine.  We were close to a Lowes store after breakfast.  Stopped in.  Bought this Arrow brand  unit.

Only used it for about 12 rivets.  Works fine.   Reviews on the Lowes web site for this gun were not stellar.

It was about 24 dollars.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on February 16, 2020, 10:25:41 PM
My Harbor Freight cutting torch took a dump today. It's about 15 years old. I will admit I was badly abusing it at the time, so it's no wonder it was destroyed. I had to dig out me old Airco to finish the job. I don't think it is worth getting repaired so I may just buy a new one.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 18, 2020, 08:28:04 PM
Lowes tool isles recently:

Craftsman brand tools  has very strong showing.  

Many Kobalt cordless power tools on sale.

Lowes admits that Craftman tools are moving in... yet they say that Lowes is committed to the Kobalt tool line. Committed how?  Getting rid of them?  LOL

:T)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on February 18, 2020, 09:22:13 PM
I replaced my torch today. I bought a Victor 400 series. I'll let you know how it works out. Price was higher than harbor freight, but not dramatically.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on February 18, 2020, 09:58:15 PM
Victor used to be it. I wonder if they look anything like they did 40 years ago.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 19, 2020, 06:45:29 AM
My first torch set was a Victor brand as I recall...  Around 1971
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: tomslik on February 19, 2020, 07:39:47 AM
Quote from: "Crosley"Lowes tool isles recently:

Craftsman brand tools  has very strong showing.  

Many Kobalt cordless power tools on sale.

Lowes admits that Craftman tools are moving in... yet they say that Lowes is committed to the Kobalt tool line. Committed how?  Getting rid of them?  LOL

:T)


cros, do you (or anybody else) know if they warranty any craftsman stuff?

I broke a 1/2" ratchet last week....
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on February 19, 2020, 08:07:33 AM
tom, I went to Sears last fall to get a repair kit for a 1/4" ratchet, he said they were all out. If I had had the ratchet with me, he would've given me one. He told me to try Ace hardware, so I did. He said that they would exchange my ratchet for another, but don't give out repair kits. I would assume that Lowe's would do the same. Worth a try.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 19, 2020, 10:29:32 PM
Quote from: "tomslik"cros, do you (or anybody else) know if they warranty any craftsman stuff?

I broke a 1/2" ratchet last week....

I have no idea on the warranty stuff.  Good question
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 20, 2020, 11:12:13 PM
Bought a new drill.  Milwaukee 2803-20 unit..  Fuel model is suppose to have a bit more power and life on the battery.

So far, it works real well.  Chuck seems beefier too. I brought my olde Milwaukee drill home.

Bought this from a place called CPO Outlets with a 15% Presidents Day sale.  CPO is listed as an Authorized Online retailer for Milwaukee tools
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 22, 2020, 12:31:39 PM
About 1 week later:  I found my old pop rivet gun. Inside a small Craftsman tool box. The old silver grey tool boxes with lift out red tray.  Owned that box for decades.

i wonder who put the "good" pop rivet gun in there?  :shock:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on February 22, 2020, 02:43:59 PM
I know the feeling. I had been looking for a roll of black/yellow "danger tape" for a couple years and figured that I must've pitched it. I found it on the shelf with the cylinder hone stuck through it to hold the stones together. Now I don't need it.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on February 22, 2020, 11:04:03 PM
Quote from: "58 Yeoman"I know the feeling. I had been looking for a roll of black/yellow "danger tape" for a couple years and figured that I must've pitched it. I found it on the shelf with the cylinder hone stuck through it to hold the stones together. Now I don't need it.


Yes...  I knew where my crappy pop rivet gun was, it would not work for what I was trying to do.

Oh well.  Now I have 2 good pop rivet guns.  Multiples of the same tool is something I am trying to down size from as I enter retirement.  :lol:

oh, I tossed the crappy rivet gun in the bin. In 2 weeks , I will think of something I can use it for.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on February 23, 2020, 01:25:11 PM
I was changing the tailgate from the 76 to the 78. One of the latches had been removed from the 78. I removed one from the 76 which was surprising as rusty as it is. I needed to adjust the remaining latch on the 78. This is flat head 1/4" bolts. I used my impact screw driver to no avail. I remembered that I bought this Eastwood tool right after it was released. I went and pulled it out of the package. It worked. I was a little surprised. :) It was inexpensive and well worth a try.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Canuck on February 23, 2020, 04:03:39 PM
Not quite a review.  The Screw Busters work great, made a DIY version years ago after it was posted on another hot rod web site.  Apparently a copy of a Snap On product that was then obsolete.

Started with a old air chisel bit that fit my air chisel (style doesn't matter), trimmed the end and welded a 1/4" "china" socket on the end.  Added a handle going off to the side and about 3-4" long.  insert a 1/4" bit of the desired style.  Set air pressure down to 20-40 lbs .  Give screw a bit of a rattle while applying gently pressure on the side handle.  A bit of penatrant makes it move easier.  Model A door hinge screws installed by Henry and use of a #3 Robertson bit took them all out in minutes.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on February 24, 2020, 11:02:28 AM
I received my new Victor torch. $136 on Amazon. So far I have done some brazing with it and it worked very well. I had to tighten the valve packings a bit because it was too easy to move the valves by bumping them. But other than that it worked perfectly.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on February 24, 2020, 09:26:42 PM
What's up with Williams/Snap-On? Williams used to..still does? make some pretty fine tools. I have some Williams..albeit older stuff. I was in an ancient :lol: local hardware store..looking for some older Gray stuff..
 The owner of the store knows pretty much everything about everything.. :lol:  ESPECIALLY tools :lol: He said he has little Gray left..not getting any more..just does not sell due to it's STOOPID price :evil: No kidding. He says he is selling Williams..now made by Snap-On..much,much cheaper :?: He shows me a Williams 1/2" socket set. Cardboard sleeve,nice case!,ratchet,extension,10 metric sockets. I drool,fawn,fondle. This is some beautiful tools! I can't even imagine how much this is. A Snap-On 1/2" ratchet runs $150 or so. He BAITS :lol: me into asking. Doesn't matter..I cannot buy it...even aquire it. I just do not need it.
 $44.50..FOR THE SET. WTF?
 He then shows me a current flyer that shows that Williams is now made by Snap-On in their "Industrial Tools Division"
 The flyer sbows this set as $38.50 CANADIAN.

 Somein' just ain't adding up

 I might just have to go and buy one of these sets. The "spiral" forging where your..MY..fingers go..on the ratchet handle is to die for. Who cares about the rest of the set
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: sirstude on February 25, 2020, 10:55:38 AM
I have a Victor 100 that my dad bought in 1962 when we moved here and he bought the VW dealership.  I have always liked that one and the main body and the cutting torch are the original ones, but have replaced the tips over the years.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: purplepickup on February 26, 2020, 11:57:54 AM
I bought this leaf blower last summer to use for general cleanup at home and the cabin.

Well, I can report that I use it all the time as a snow blower when the snow is cold and fluffy. It cleans the decks, steps, and cars in no time. Heavy wet snow is a no-go but that's what God made real snowblowers for.

Last fall it was really handy at keeping leaves under control in flower beds and along fence lines.

The blower is not super powerful but it's stronger than I expected. Battery life is great too.

It's nice when a tool works well and gets used a lot. I can say that about most of my yellow and black cordless stuff.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: phat46 on February 26, 2020, 02:56:17 PM
Quote from: "purplepickup"I bought this leaf blower last summer to use for general cleanup at home and the cabin.

Well, I can report that I use it all the time as a snow blower when the snow is cold and fluffy. It cleans the decks, steps, and cars in no time. Heavy wet snow is a no-go but that's what God made real snowblowers for.

Last fall it was really handy at keeping leaves under control in flower beds and along fence lines.

The blower is not super powerful but it's stronger than I expected. Battery life is great too.

It's nice when a tool works well and gets used a lot. I can say that about most of my yellow and black cordless stuff.

Good to know George. I love my cordless yard tools, I have a lawn mower and a weed trimmer, both work great. I need/want a cordless blower, good to know that you like that one, I think the battery from my weed trimmer will work on that too.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: purplepickup on February 26, 2020, 08:52:29 PM
Quote from: "phat46"
I need/want a cordless blower, good to know that you like that one, I think the battery from my weed trimmer will work on that too.
I caught a sale for $109 with a 5AH battery so the price drops once in a while.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: phat46 on February 27, 2020, 07:08:46 AM
Quote from: "purplepickup"
Quote from: "phat46"
I need/want a cordless blower, good to know that you like that one, I think the battery from my weed trimmer will work on that too.
I caught a sale for $109 with a 5AH battery so the price drops once in a while.

That's a good price. I have also seen just the tool, no battery, on sale too. I would have to check to see if my current battery would work, but having another battery is s also good! 👍
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on February 29, 2020, 09:38:26 PM
I bought a Harbor Freight welding helmet today . I had a 20 percent off coupon.

(https://shop.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/3/63121_W3.jpg)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on April 22, 2020, 07:02:22 PM
Bought a battery test tool.  I seen this one in use of a Youtube video. It does seem to work well. It was 40 dollars delivered off eBay.

It will Test battery condition.  Start voltage.  Ripple in voltage as the charge system is working.  You must plug in details of the battery type, CCA, etc.

It keeps telling me my Optima battery in my truck is bad..  Battery is 6.5 years old.  Voltage is off.  After a full charge yesterday, this afternoon, the voltage is at 12.25 at the battery.  I am looking for a  new battery
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on April 22, 2020, 11:30:25 PM
QuoteAfter a full charge yesterday, this afternoon, the voltage is at 12.25 at the battery.

Do you have a gel battery charger? A regular charger will not fully charge a gel cell battery. Unless you hook it in parallel with a regular lead acid battery.

Gel cell seem to take a set if they are never fully charged, kind of like  the NiMH batteries.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: WZ JUNK on April 23, 2020, 08:57:17 AM
Sad news locally on two accounts.  A Harbor Freight store is going to open less than 2 miles from my house.  (That's going to cost me money).   Our locally owned hardware store is going to close.  This was the classic hardware store, where you parked in front near the door and when you entered someone met you and asked if they could help you find something.  I am sure going to miss those guys.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on April 23, 2020, 09:44:43 AM
Quote from: "enjenjo"
QuoteAfter a full charge yesterday, this afternoon, the voltage is at 12.25 at the battery.

Do you have a gel battery charger? A regular charger will not fully charge a gel cell battery. Unless you hook it in parallel with a regular lead acid battery.

Gel cell seem to take a set if they are never fully charged, kind of like  the NiMH batteries.

Yes... I bought a charger specific for my other AGM - Gel batterys.  Schumacher brand.

i charged the Optima battery up..  Put my 3amp maintainer on the Optima for a few hours to make sure I gave the Optima a chance to come up to power and level out.

Voltage was over 13v when I checked it.. 12 hours later it was down to 12.2v

Years ago after Interstate bought out Optima the quality of the Optima batterys was decreased.   My previous Optima Batterys always lasted 10 yrs or longer here in AZ.  This one is 6.5 yrs olde.

I am currently looking at AGM battery from Advance Auto parts. They seem to be the only place here that carry AGM battery in group 78 that I need for my truck.  I really do not want to go backwards to a flooded lead acid battery.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on April 24, 2020, 07:18:40 PM
I have a job coming up where I have to remove 3/4" bolts in a place that is tight to get into. I don't have the hand strength to hand wrench them off anymore, So I went looking at short impact wrenches.I found this one at Harbor freight that claims 700 ft.lb. of torque. Hopefully it will do the job. I paid $$93.95 for it. The picture is kind of misleading, it's less than 4" long overall.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on April 25, 2020, 05:10:12 PM
I no longer have access to a paint shaker. Red Devils are real heavy and expensive, plus I have no room for one. I bought the Tornado made by Blair that does the rotabroach. It isn't as good as a red devil but it costs $316 and weighs 29 lbs. I shook epoxy for a few minutes. That wasn't long enough. Epoxy is the thickest material that I ever use. All the reviews I read were very positive with no mention of what they were shaking.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on April 26, 2020, 06:21:10 PM
I bought a pair of these about 4 years ago. I gave one to my son who doesn't have a cut off saw and laid the other unit under the bench. Today, I installed a grinder and set it up. It will be fine for small stuff. I used the cheapest of the grinders I bought years ago. It's back under the bench now. I may forget I have it. LOL
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on April 26, 2020, 07:22:37 PM
Quote from: "enjenjo"I have a job coming up where I have to remove 3/4" bolts in a place that is tight to get into. I don't have the hand strength to hand wrench them off anymore, So I went looking at short impact wrenches.I found this one at Harbor freight that claims 700 ft.lb. of torque. Hopefully it will do the job. I paid $$93.95 for it. The picture is kind of misleading, it's less than 4" long overall.

I used it today. It had more torque than I expected. I had some rusty 9/16" nuts, and it spun them right off. I was impressed. I still have to do the original job, but I thought it could use some breakin.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on April 28, 2020, 07:28:46 PM
Quote from: "enjenjo"
Quote from: "enjenjo"I have a job coming up where I have to remove 3/4" bolts in a place that is tight to get into. I don't have the hand strength to hand wrench them off anymore, So I went looking at short impact wrenches.I found this one at Harbor freight that claims 700 ft.lb. of torque. Hopefully it will do the job. I paid $$93.95 for it. The picture is kind of misleading, it's less than 4" long overall.

I used it today. It had more torque than I expected. I had some rusty 9/16" nuts, and it spun them right off. I was impressed. I still have to do the original job, but I thought it could use some breakin.

It did the job with no problems. It seems to work as good as my IR Titanium.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on May 18, 2020, 07:46:37 PM
This arrived today. The Primeweld 225. I wanted to buy a new welder for years. I kept putting it off for several reasons. I wanted the pulse feature and stick. I have gave my son my ac dc stick welder so I'm with out that function. It's been a long time since I used that function but you know how that goes. I have read several threads about welder choices. This isn't the cheapest but has good reviews and features. It comes with a 25' cable for the foot pedal but a 12' torch cable???? I disassembled the cable plug in and found that the torch cable had the same threads as my 25' torch cable. I connected everything and did a tiny test weld. It does power up and it does pulse. :) If there is a surprise, I will update my post later.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on May 18, 2020, 09:31:39 PM
Bought this Dewalt blade to cut the counter top at my brothers house... Worked very well.  Counter top must be polymer or resin of some type.  Stinks to high H when cutting.

it was only 14 dollars at local Lowes..
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on May 31, 2020, 12:44:53 PM
I have an update on the Prime weld machine. I uncovered rust pinholes in the part I'm working on. The welder allows me to turn the current down with way more control than my previous welders. I was impressed at what it allowed me to do. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on May 31, 2020, 01:55:56 PM
Pics for welder update
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 12, 2020, 09:59:13 AM
Visited the Harbor Freight in Mesa on wednesday..  Returned my jack stands for the recall.

Bought 2 small 4 wheel dollys with a 1k rated weight.  LOL  i do not see these dolly holding 1,000 pounds.

Special project for these dollys , will take photos if I remember when finished.

There were many empty shelves in this store.  It was like the grocery stores in April and March.

Looked at hammer drills.  No purchase yet
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on June 24, 2020, 06:19:11 PM
Baileigh Tool had free shipping over the weekend. The vise I use came from the junk pile about 40 years ago. The nut started acting funny a few weeks ago. I disassembled it and took a look. Lots of wear. There's no name on the vise so ordering parts would be very difficult. I bought a 8" jaw width with 9" opening unit. It weighs 57 lbs. so I'm hoping it has enough iron to be good. It's listed as ductile cast iron. The stand I have will need to be modified to use this. Probably won't happen until the 78 is back together.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 29, 2020, 10:17:20 AM
Never thought I spend money on a tool bag. You usually get a tool bag with cordless tool kit purchase.

i've been using a Craftsman tool bag that came with a Craftsman cordless drill kit years ago.  It has the elastic side compartments inside the bag.. the elastic was slap worn out.  I typically carry the tool bag in the trunk of my 1962 Falcon for side of the road repairs if needed.

Bought this Husky tool bag from Home Depot.  On Sale. $14.08 out the door. They call it a 15 inch tool bag.  It is a fuzz over 15 inches in length.  Compartments inside are sturdier.  Wire supports sewed in around the opening with sturdy zipper.

In the photos: you see large zip loc bags.  I have end wrenches in them. I have ordered a wrap type wrench holder from eBay. The 2nd zip loc bag has my 1/4 inch socket set inside it. I need something to contain that set too.

I have been using the Craftsman bag as my "go to" tools for the work on my brothers house in recent weeks.  This use brought out the need for a slightly better bag.  Not too big, not too small for me.  I hope.  LOL

:!:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on June 29, 2020, 06:09:19 PM
Has anyone used the HF a/c electronic leak detector? The 63 Galaxie loses its' freon over time, so I bought this for around $53 after using a coupon. I put in a can and a half of freon (R134a, as the PO 'converted' it) and did a search. No leaks anywhere except the a/c hoses above the evaporator under the radio speaker. Will hoses develop leaks in the middle of nowhere?

I'm debating taking out the a/c altogether, and haven't decided if I want to spend $1500 on an a/c that would seldom get used.

Anyway, if you haven't used this tool, you just start it up in a fresh air environment to set it, then sniff around.  You can make it more sensitive or less.

https://tinyurl.com/ybeuvafh
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 29, 2020, 06:36:48 PM
Quote from: "58 Yeoman"Has anyone used the HF a/c electronic leak detector? The 63 Galaxie loses its' freon over time, so I bought this for around $53 after using a coupon. I put in a can and a half of freon (R134a, as the PO 'converted' it) and did a search. No leaks anywhere except the a/c hoses above the evaporator under the radio speaker. Will hoses develop leaks in the middle of nowhere?

I'm debating taking out the a/c altogether, and haven't decided if I want to spend $1500 on an a/c that would seldom get used.

Anyway, if you haven't used this tool, you just start it up in a fresh air environment to set it, then sniff around.  You can make it more sensitive or less.

https://tinyurl.com/ybeuvafh

R134 freon can leak thru the hoses if a barrier type hose is not used. R134 has smaller molecules ...  In the early daze of converting from R12 to R134..  it was said the old hoses with old a/c oil soaked into the hoses would hold the 134 in..
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 29, 2020, 06:39:04 PM
My roll up tool wrench  bag arrived today.

Canvas type material.  Seems sturdy enough for my use.  Tie strap on it loops around 2 rings

Fold the top over, roll it up.  Fits in my new tool bag.  Maybe a little less digging for stuff in the bag now?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: phat46 on July 03, 2020, 02:35:26 PM
Discovered ths today. The straws from the grandkids water balloons are the same as the missing straws from spray cans. We have gen through about eight of these in the last couple days, 33 on each set, so I should be good for a while! 😃
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on July 08, 2020, 06:43:48 PM
Bought a Ryobi 40v leaf blower.  Comes with 4ah 40 volt battery.  Battery alone sells for 139.00 ...  I paid 186.00 for the whole kit out the door including tax

Works well around here. It has a "turbo" button that runs the motor higher rate of RPM.  Throttle trigger is progressive, not "on & off".

Wife can use this one for stuff she does..  Lighter and no need to prime , pump and pull the rope to start the gas leaf blower.

Will be buying a hedge trimmer : 40v Ryobi 24 inch  trimmer soon.  The 7 year old Kobalt  40 volt  hedge trimmer is near worn out.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on July 09, 2020, 10:34:16 AM
Diablo tools.  https://www.diablotools.com/explore/drilling-boring  They make hole saws, flap discs, cutting discs, and more. My local hardware started carrying them about a year ago, they are also available on Amazon. They are on the higher end in pricing, but everything I have bought has been well worth it.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on July 31, 2020, 11:42:37 AM
I bought a H.F. 20 ton press a couple of days ago. I bolted it together and stripped out a few on the bolts that are inbetween 3/8" and 7/16" in size with almost no force at all. I bought grade 5 7/16" bolts for the bottom frame and 4 grade 8 5/8" x 5" for the top plate that holds the pressure while pressing. With tax, $19. The grade 8's were $4 each. That caught me by surprise. :) I think the press will do what I usually do but the bolts were a real disappointment. The supplied 5/8" bolts might have been ok but I didn't trust them after the other's appearing to be made out of way less than grade 2 material.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on July 31, 2020, 02:48:29 PM
Years ago when I had my GoldWing, I bought a HF motorcycle lift. The two different websites I visited recommended replacing the bolts on the lift, as some had failed. I did just that.

In December 2009, I bought a 6500 watt HF generator. The only problem that I had with it was the oil level switch went bad. We just replaced it a couple weeks ago with a slightly larger gennie from HF. You know, the 10 year rule for all newer appliances.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on July 31, 2020, 09:07:58 PM
A buddy came over and wired in my turn signal switch today . Everything worked until I put the steering wheel back on .Horn wouldnt work . Took the relay wires off and green and rust . Ordered a new relay . Meanwhile I could not get power to the relay. I end up finding out I need to put a wire across the rag joint at the steering box to complete the ground circuit . Never would have guessed . Jumper across the rag joint and the horn relay will click when the horn button pushed  :roll:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on July 31, 2020, 09:09:28 PM
meant to put this in what did you do today  :shock:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on July 31, 2020, 11:50:48 PM
Bought another cordless drill.  Dewalt brand this time.  Basic 1/2  inch drill kit. Charger, 2 battery of 1.5 ah design. And: another tool bag with the kit.

I took many of my tools back to my work place since we came to terms on pay and hours.  After I retired:  I sold off most of my extra doubles and triples of hand power  tools..

Then I discover I do not have a usable drill at home. I  Found my electric drill.  No drill chuck key. I've never been able to find a chuck key that fits a drill after the OE is lost.. my electric drill is about 35+ years olde.  maybe I need to look for a keyless chuck for the drill?

Home Depot had a 99 dollar deal on the Dewalt  drill kit, I bought that. It is a  20 volt Atomic brushless drill motor...  It works well.  Basic ol drill
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 58 Yeoman on August 01, 2020, 08:50:17 AM
I've got a Craftsman electric keyless chuck drill, one Makita cordless keyless chuck drill, and two DeWalt cordless drills, and every one of them won't hold a bit as well as a key chuck. The C-man and 12v DeWalt are 3/8" and the other two are 1/2". The Makita chuck is a bit wonky also. I guess I should replace the chuck.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 03, 2020, 10:10:53 PM
I tried to remove the chuck from my corded 3/8  electric drill.  Used the same method as I have over the years on other drills.  Then I hear this "snap" and then the chuck spun very easily in either direction.

Gear box is broken on the drill.  I guess it was handy that I bought the Dewalt cordless drill?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on October 02, 2020, 09:42:47 PM
What I wanted was a laser jet or water jet cutter. They start around 60 grand. You need a building to put them in. You need to be competent with solidworks or some form of cad-cam program. I failed at all the above so I broke down and purchased a 50 amp plasma cutter. This is a Prime Weld unit, the same company that I purchased my last tig from. It is their middle priced machine. It has pilot start, some extra cooling feature inside the machine and a spare set of consumables. I unboxed it , assembled and plugged it in. I let it run for a while and it didn't catch on fire. :) It will be a while before I get metal to cut so I can find out if I did well or should have spent more money. :) It's rated to cut 1/2" steel. Most of my work ranges from 3/16's to 3/8's so I'm not expecting to be unhappy. I have some ideas for parts that won't be easy to cut out with a saw or abrasive cut off tools.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on October 03, 2020, 08:27:46 PM
I once made a fixture to use a plasma to cut all the arcs and holes and bolt holes in the sheet metal for a chaff spreader for behind the combine . It worked well and was way faster than laying them out and doing all the drilling etc. We have a cnc plasma table at work but i have never tried to do a program on it . The last program i fed into a cnc machine was on a paper roll with a bunch of holes punched in it ! around 1984 :lol:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on October 03, 2020, 08:33:49 PM
Oh yeah I got my new threading tool holders the other day . If you want a nice threading tool with resharpenable inserts look up IFANGER K/0 or k/1  they are made for a smaller lathe and will tolerate student abuse so should be more than adequate for home shop use. I have used them in the school for 15 years and would not want any other . tool height is easily adjustable , I would recommend them to anyone.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on October 30, 2020, 04:38:34 PM
I purchased a 12" press brake tool from ebay for my H.F. 20 ton press. $160 with shipping. There are many kits and do it yourselfs that use 2" angle iron for the bottom die. I wanted something narrower that would allow bends close to the end of the material. This has a 1" die. The die is removable so it is feasible for me to machine a die from solid stock that would have a wider jaw. I saw pics of this on the internet and they all had a spacer put on top of the upper die. Without that, the die won't clear the eye bolts that hold the return springs for the jack. :) I bent a piece of 3/8" and 1/4" material and it will do 90* on both of them. I always wanted an iron worker but have no space for one at all. This will keep me from running to the machine shop and renting theirs on occasion.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on October 30, 2020, 06:48:27 PM
How long until you make it punch louvers ? :D
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on October 30, 2020, 07:14:35 PM
Not soon, C.K. I watched several videos of small punches. But unless you are going to make small plates and then weld them into a larger panel, they are useless. Because of my lack of space for a press as large as a pullmax, I'm out of business on that one before starting.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on November 05, 2020, 05:43:30 PM
It's not exactly a tool, but at the NAPA store today they had a dye that goes in the cooling system. If you are losing coolant to the oil, this dye fluoresces in black light and shows any coolant in the oil. It will also show external coolant leaks.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 07, 2020, 06:57:58 AM
Bought couple cordless tools.  Will need to get a photo or two.  Lighter weight Dewalt stuff.  

Will be buying a circular saw too.  Probably corded type.  My basic 7 and 1/4 saw took a dump last year.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Beck on December 07, 2020, 11:03:49 AM
Quote from: "enjenjo"It's not exactly a tool, but at the NAPA store today they had a dye that goes in the cooling system. If you are losing coolant to the oil, this dye fluoresces in black light and shows any coolant in the oil. It will also show external coolant leaks.
I'm really interested in this stuff.  I am expecting cylinder head coolant sealing problems in my big 4 cylinder before it gets started for the 1st time.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on December 07, 2020, 08:34:54 PM
Quote from: "Beck"
Quote from: "enjenjo"It's not exactly a tool, but at the NAPA store today they had a dye that goes in the cooling system. If you are losing coolant to the oil, this dye fluoresces in black light and shows any coolant in the oil. It will also show external coolant leaks.
I'm really interested in this stuff.  I am expecting cylinder head coolant sealing problems in my big 4 cylinder before it gets started for the 1st time.

You need a part number?
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Beck on December 07, 2020, 10:35:12 PM
Quote from: "enjenjo"
Quote from: "Beck"
Quote from: "enjenjo"It's not exactly a tool, but at the NAPA store today they had a dye that goes in the cooling system. If you are losing coolant to the oil, this dye fluoresces in black light and shows any coolant in the oil. It will also show external coolant leaks.
I'm really interested in this stuff.  I am expecting cylinder head coolant sealing problems in my big 4 cylinder before it gets started for the 1st time.

You need a part number?
Don't make a special trip or call. But if your there any way and see it sure. My nearest NAPA is 14 miles away not. The one nearby was bought out a few years ago and dropped the NAPA line.

Scratch that I found it online   BK 7652663
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 11, 2020, 01:24:18 PM
new tool purchases.  

Lowes had a deal on the 20volt impact. You purchase  a 2 battery kit , 5ah batteries with charger and receive a free tool choice: ( 20v impact , 3/8 drive).

I already had the 20v  drill kit with 2x 1.5ah batteries from Home Depot a while back after my corded drill motor broke.

Dewalt 3/8 drive Impact tool has progressive throttle control. No power settings.  All power controlled thru the trigger. Not ideal setup , but it works. Lighter tool with 1.5 ah battery than Milwaukee I was using. Milwaukee 12V stubby 3/8 drive has more power.  Milwaukee handle is thicker too.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 31, 2020, 10:50:43 AM
Well:  I did not like the Dewalt 20v  impact gun enough to keep it. I sold it on eBay.

I bought a 18v Ridgid tool kit deal That had a drill and impact driver  which included a phree  compact 3/8 drive impact gun, batterys , charger.  This impact was reviewed well on Youtube guy Project Farm.

So far I like the Ridgid gun for my work use.  Power is good. I like the 3 power setting that the Dewalt gun did not have.

The Ridgid gun does not have the goofy upward angle on the gun as the Milwaukee does. The 12v Milwaukee 3/8 drive gun has better  max  power though
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on December 31, 2020, 02:35:35 PM
I am pretty new to the battery powered tools in an auto shop . Just so used to air . We have a new mechanics instructor at work and he has swapped everything to battery power . Now that it is my only option I find that they are quite handy! I remember the old ones that were just so bulky and under powered , air was the hands down fave back then , but the stuff now is just too handy . I have not coiled up or tripped over any air lines in the mech lab since the switch! :lol:
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on January 03, 2021, 11:43:15 AM
I bumped up this thread to 2021 year...    We can keep the former tool reviews in place.

CK:  I was new to the battery power tools till just 2 yrs ago.  I had watched guys use the ni-cad stuff and not be happy.  

I did have a Craftsman 19.2v drill for years.  It functioned well, a bit bulky to use. The Snap-On tools battery stuff was (still is) silly expensive in the early days.

My eyes must be open , the way I have been buying cordless tools the past 1.5 yrs..

I have developed problems in my hands (go figure) with the joints and tendons.  Lighter tools help me work easier. the lack of an attached air hose helps too
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: RipVW on January 10, 2021, 12:23:58 AM
Quote from: "kb426"I purchased a 12" press brake tool from ebay for my H.F. 20 ton press. $160 with shipping. There are many kits and do it yourselfs that use 2" angle iron for the bottom die. I wanted something narrower that would allow bends close to the end of the material. This has a 1" die. The die is removable so it is feasible for me to machine a die from solid stock that would have a wider jaw. I saw pics of this on the internet and they all had a spacer put on top of the upper die. Without that, the die won't clear the eye bolts that hold the return springs for the jack. :) I bent a piece of 3/8" and 1/4" material and it will do 90* on both of them. I always wanted an iron worker but have no space for one at all. This will keep me from running to the machine shop and renting theirs on occasion.

I have that press brake. Picked up mine about 5 years ago from a local manufacture here in Worshington State. It looks identical except mine is Red. I also have a Formost(Chinese) hydraulic press. I converted my press to air/Hydraulic with a HF air/Hydraulic Jack. I hook it up to air and away you go and I have bent 3/16 and 1/4 inch plate like it was Butter!!!  The Air/Hydraulic jack is an awesome improvement and worth the money.  I think I bought mine during a parking lot sale for like $69.00.   8)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on January 10, 2021, 05:34:22 PM
Ripvw, I have thought about that. There are some videos where they take it apart and flip it upside down and reinstall it. I may do that down the road. Right now, I'm waiting for that jack to go on sale. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: RipVW on January 10, 2021, 09:35:03 PM
Quote from: "kb426"Ripvw, I have thought about that. There are some videos where they take it apart and flip it upside down and reinstall it. I may do that down the road. Right now, I'm waiting for that jack to go on sale. :)

Yeah My jack sets upright like normal but I could see some various advantages of it operating inverted. I had to replace the center ram on my press as the original ram was hollow with a plug welded in the bottom to give the illusion of a solid rod but it bent when I had a bit of a angle on a part and tried to press. I got out the lathe out and made a solid ram out of some old farming implement. I also added casters under mine so I could just roll it out of the way when not in use. It was interesting slowly reworking my shop so that everything is on rollers and easily accessed from my wheelchair. The biggest improvement in the shop was getting air and power lines up off the floor and suspended from the ceiling on reels. There are unique situations where I need to set in a chair or on a barstool to work but so far I am getting er done!  I can stand up with a little help and take 2 or 3 steps when needed but my body takes a beating when I over do it.   8)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on January 10, 2021, 11:45:39 PM
I fired up the Husky compressor today, I have a check valve stuck, should be an easy fix. I did run it long enough to break it in.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on January 18, 2021, 06:53:07 PM
I have been living with the HF Vulcan 220 welder for about a year now, and have gotten used to it. I have nothing bad to say about it. It has done whatever I asked of it with no problem. I have not done a big job with it yet so I don't know if I will be bumping the duty cycle so we'll have to see on that.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on January 19, 2021, 06:59:47 PM
Today was the 1st big test of the Prime Weld welder that I bought last year. In my past, I used transformer based welders to weld alum. I have done just a little with inverter machines. This machine has more settings than a transformer based machine. I was using 200 amps to weld cast alum. and it did it without complaint. It sure would be nice to have a water cooled torch. I had to stop and let the torch cool. The duty cycle of the machine did well.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: RipVW on January 20, 2021, 11:39:35 PM
Today I had to bend a little flange on a piece of 3/16 crs plate. I drug me out my hydraulic press and the 12 inch brake. Mine is very similar to the one posted above. Mine is a bit aged but has a lot of cycles of making all kinds of stuff. The pieces I made today was just a simple bend on the end of some 1.5 inch by 10" strips  of 3/16 crs for the frame patches. This brake is almost a must have to fab type work.  My Press I have is an old 10 ton Foremost (Chinese) with an air over hydraulic 12 ton Jack operated on compressed air.  I figured I would post a pic or 2 so if your curious about upgrades to your hydraulic press check it out....

This is my aged 12+ inch brake.

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGLLi6dzGVw/YAj1QvLH9sI/AAAAAAAAAO8/pPbNTplIfMAocwCxCGvqMfRaAmNEd5RFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/prsbrak1.jpg)

Here we have a shot of the front of my Air/Hydraulic jack mounted on the press frame.


(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VS1IYvy5UXU/YAj1Tznr7AI/AAAAAAAAAPA/-JKic6mTKvUmiFZsfK9EQ1HXd2gkf1swgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/prsbrak2.jpg)


Here is a rear view of the jack showing the air assist can.

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjVEw8iLTB4/YAj1WmSVLhI/AAAAAAAAAPE/8beTg2yi950LYWczeXcnIKFj624SjsGpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/prsbrak3.jpg)

And just a photo showing the jack mounted.  

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1TiJIRXc-0/YAj1ZkaIMyI/AAAAAAAAAPI/2uyflHjCrykaHqg7lt51tUKG7j4OdGQoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/prsbrak4.jpg)   8)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: RipVW on January 26, 2021, 12:55:50 AM
Gantry Crane for next to nothin.

I designed and built a shop Gantry Crane back in 2015 for lifting the body on and off my TCoupe project. I built this on the Low cost or Frugal method. I believe I spent a total of $350.00 to build the basic crane. After i finished it I got a smokin deal on a Jet electric hoist. It needed a new brake so for less than $50.00 I had the hoist operational and it hangs from the crane as I now speak. I picked up the hoist for $150.00.  The basic frame is Doug Fir 4X4's for the uprights and 4X6's for the feet. I used some 500lb rated 4 inch industrial casters with brakes for the portability.  The most expensive part was the 8ft I Beam I had to order cut. I think the I-beam was around a hunnert bucks.  One item that made construction easier was the 4X4 connectors I used on the top and bottom of the 4X4's It is a box like structure that slips over the 4X4 and uses a steel plate like device to make the joint. I found them in my local big box store and they made assembly a snap. The Truck that runs along the I-beam is rated 1/2 ton or 1000 Lbs. I do not have an idea what maximum load this thing will carry but I figure 1,000 Lbs. is good enough for what I need it to do. So far I have used it quite a bit and it works just fine. There are some improvement mods I want to make but not needed at this time. So here are some detail photos as follows:

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh9USxl5v3o/YA-mMpB6_KI/AAAAAAAAARA/U-j4uJeNRSc_6oU9Drw_cbXUKx-kX_r-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GantryCrane1Drawing.jpg)

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2Sahx9JLb0/YA-mOyeIofI/AAAAAAAAARE/DyGpr1oj4hs1KLtofJC6G1uJHiSqek2LgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GantryCrane2Ibeam%2B-%2BCopy.jpg)

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYAZjRtqAeY/YA-mQz3ZmwI/AAAAAAAAARI/h24BjbFQr-s3ck3JjRfmMllZ2MQHGc6-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GantryCrane3SideView%2B-%2BCopy.jpg)

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6p_gVmjPB88/YA-mXt96qGI/AAAAAAAAARM/c1v9fLJM1EEzDCFi1-zxyv2CfIajksRPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GantryCrane4ElectricHoist%2B-%2BCopy.jpg)

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyHYSMwsSfw/YA-mauu_70I/AAAAAAAAARQ/rvJgD9a0_X8_cGi3P9i1Y8cDI3zIW6NSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GantryCrane5Feet%2B-%2BCopy.jpg)

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yr6tViuoEsU/YA-mdoY5LrI/AAAAAAAAARY/E_QlPZZiJRUJWIG4qBb5pJPiISzBqVt9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GantryCrane6Legs%2B-%2BCopy.jpg)

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7FzLb5j3AQ/YA-mgEBrLcI/AAAAAAAAARc/C02kKLe_SEUNma7B4a9v2l8m60uDvwXvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GantryCrane7CenterPostDetail%2B-%2BCopy.jpg)

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(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DLMQlVRlPtE/YA-mlUzfIRI/AAAAAAAAARo/M1mH2GTSWU44MJHtOWzBH_YHUzEtSHnygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GantryCrane9Done%2B-%2BCopy.jpg)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Arnold on January 26, 2021, 04:47:28 PM
Voyage over. Mission complete. Sure was a long one. Nothing that surprising, I now have NO "loose" sockets. Only a few left to order.
 Buying sockets/clips/sets since the 1960's..break a few/lose a few..cheaper to buy another clip/set. I sure have enough sets,clips now :lol:..and they are ALL complete :D I ALREADY had more than enough sockets/sets/clips.
 Sad that there was no replacing an awful lot of stuff :cry: Oh well..it was replace with something else. Not that different than anything else..well..I guess,,when one is buying sockets one tends to think that this will ALWAYS be available.
 Some stuff..raised my eyebrows..stuff like "that" size is NLA..'that"  size is ONLY available in a "set".

 Not going to be doing that again..what I have now should last me well into my next life..
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 39deluxe on February 23, 2021, 12:32:43 PM
I can see one of those press brakes in my future.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 28, 2021, 09:20:44 PM
I needed a torque wrench. 1/2 inch drive.  Capable of 165 lb ft.

Bought this Tekton wrench from Amazon.  Has high reviews.  I have not used it yet
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on March 28, 2021, 10:14:43 PM
I can't vouch for the torque wrenches, but all the Tekton  tools I have are top quality.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on March 29, 2021, 11:37:04 PM
Quote from: "enjenjo"I can't vouch for the torque wrenches, but all the Tekton  tools I have are top quality.

I read reviews on AMazon and a few of the tool tester web sites.  The Tekton torque wrench scored well.  For the money it is great deal.  Altho, I have not used it yet
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on April 01, 2021, 07:34:35 PM
My 1st 3d printed tool arrived today. It's a magnetic dial indicator for the quick attach tool post on the lathe. It has a flange that aligns it with the bevel that the holder fits on. You can raise or lower it to any height you wish. I have some other magnetic holders but they are cumbersome as compared  to this. It takes 3/8" shank indicators. Sorry for the poor pic. :)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: enjenjo on May 19, 2021, 09:11:40 PM
I had to cut a 2 1/4" hole in a 1" thick block of aluminum today. The only one I has was a Diablo brand, but about half the saw teeth were broken off. I don't remember how I do that, but I decided to try it anyway. Using a drill press it took me 20 minutes to cut the hole. That's less time than a new DeWalt hole saw can cut it.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: chimp koose on May 19, 2021, 11:36:44 PM
When I hole saw thick stuff I like to drill a few small holes inside the circle that just make it out to where the hole saw cuts . It helps to clear the chips so you dont have to keep lifting the hole saw out to clear chips away . Works even better when hole sawing wood as you dont end up burning the wood when chips pile up .
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on June 22, 2021, 12:13:38 PM
Any body check out the Flex brand power tools?

I read they are built by an olde German Company.  I have not looked at them yet.  I dont need any more cordless tools at the moment.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: wayne petty on June 25, 2021, 03:11:07 AM
this test...
  (https://i.imgur.com/kviX0VQ.jpg)


save the image and print a few copies for your shop walls..

and a decent set of your own test leads..  https://i.imgur.com/XlTLPVE.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/XlTLPVE.jpg)

this set had 7 foot long wires.. my current set has a 20 foot long wire and a 10 foot long wire.. so i can clip onto batteries in the trunk and still work under the hood.


why all the fuses during test 5.. look at this image..

https://i.imgur.com/GRnJxnL.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/GRnJxnL.jpg)

notice the fuses have different voltage drops to them..

look at the corrosion where the buss bars are pinched by the stud.. https://i.imgur.com/2zmT97p.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/2zmT97p.jpg) 

and https://i.imgur.com/sd2ZCk8.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/sd2ZCk8.jpg)


how many of you have had 98 S10 pickups that when you turned on the headlights the gauges changed ... turn the headlights off and they go back to where they were before..

see the stud on the left.. https://i.imgur.com/Qhau8dS.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/Qhau8dS.jpg)    the stud is connected to the backing plate where the battery cable hooks on the other corner. but the tab around the stud was never fastened down with a nut.. 

please spend the extra 50 cents and put a flange nut on it.. https://i.imgur.com/C5C8YZs.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/C5C8YZs.jpg) 


  you guys wanted a tool.. this one will work on any car or truck with a charging system.  all the way up to your brand new cars and trucks.

  99 up GMs use modular fuse boxes now.. look at the IGN B fuse wire out of the fuse box to the ignition switch on this 2004 .. https://i.imgur.com/zHvDvIh.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/zHvDvIh.jpg)

look at the wire burned.. https://i.imgur.com/qIUDN9x.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/qIUDN9x.jpg)  thick red one..

  look how melted pin B 12 is.. https://i.imgur.com/S2tfTse.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/S2tfTse.jpg) 


yep.. found with a voltage drop test to the ignition switch wiring ..   https://i.imgur.com/SRiE1kT.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/SRiE1kT.jpg) and https://i.imgur.com/MeOQq1s.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/MeOQq1s.jpg)
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on July 13, 2021, 07:12:41 PM
On another forum, I was asked if my Primeweld cut 50 would cut 1/2". This was my 1st attempt. If I had the speed correct, it would have cut cleanly.
Title: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on August 30, 2021, 08:40:52 PM
Bought a few misc tools lately...  Primarily sheet rock tools and related tools to rehab this manufactured home..  

Big purchase was a Milwaukee M18 circular saw. 7 1/4 inch blade.  Saw is purty light for its size. I installed a 60 tooth blade.  This saw cuts amazing.  I am using a 6ah battery.  Not huge amount of cuts yet, not sure on battery life.  Usually a 9ah to 12ah battery is suggested
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on September 04, 2021, 11:49:12 PM
Bought a few more tools for this MH rehab we are doing.  I will get a few photos & comments in the future. So far things are working well.

Every time I turn around at this MH..  ANother little project is looking at me. I discovered the drain gutters on the carport cover are clogged. the little plants growing in the dirt that clogs the gutter gave that away.  ;D
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on November 21, 2021, 12:17:56 PM
Battery powered circular saw Milwaukee brand. Fuel , brushless motor.  Diablo 60 tooth blade.

Nice saw.  A bit pricey , but it is quiet, powerful.  I use a 5.0ah battery on it.  Largest battery i have.  I have cut 1x2 to full sheet OBS. It works great for me. I have an older worm drive electric saw and this Milwaukee is half the weight or less. I wanted a saw without a cord for work here at the trailer and RV.

I was looking at lower priced brands and my wife said:  Buy the Milwaukee and be done. I have many Milwaukee tools with batteries
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on November 21, 2021, 12:24:17 PM
18 gauge Brad nailer... air powered. I bought pneumatic power since I knew it would not be used much and is cheaper than battery power.  Ridgid brand

I have no brand loyalty for several years now. I look for reasonable quality for the price now a daze.

This nailer works very good.  Couple hundred nails thru it.  1 inch to 1.75 length nails.  Watch the air pressure and depth setting on it.  Test the settings on scrap wood bits first...  Same wood you will be nailing if possible. Wood quality affects how well it sets nail heads too.
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on November 21, 2021, 12:33:47 PM
18 gauge staple gun , air powered.  Again , no brand loyalty. This Metabo brand gun works well. I've used 1 inch and 1.5 staples in it. It just keeps working well.  Watch the depth settings and air pressure on this one too.
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on November 21, 2021, 12:39:39 PM
Harbor Freight Bauer brand belt sander.  I needed a belt sander for door edges.  Only 2 hinged doors on this park model trailer and they were poor fitment like everything else in this unit.  :lol:   :o

This sander works well. The dust bag actually works well too! First sanding, I left the dust bag off and had sawdust all over my levis... Installed the bag and waaaay better. the cheap a** wood of these doors turns to very fine powder as You sand , so the bag is very helpful
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on November 22, 2021, 09:02:55 AM
Air compressor....  I needed one for my RV & truck tires as we traveled. So I bought a pancake unit from Home Depot.  Porter Cable brand.  All these pancake compressors seem the same. Noisey, oil less , noisey.  Reading the instructions with it, the life of the oil less compressor is estimated at 200 hours.

It airs up my tires as needed.  It runs the air tools I need at the rehab of the park model trailer.

Only slight glitch is the replacement RV we are purchasing does not have a generator on board.  May need to purchase a generator for that?
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on November 22, 2021, 11:02:31 AM
Tony, unless things have changed, it takes a lot of watts to start an air compressor. Not as much to run. :)
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on November 22, 2021, 01:53:12 PM
Quote from: kb426 on November 22, 2021, 11:02:31 AM
Tony, unless things have changed, it takes a lot of watts to start an air compressor. Not as much to run. :)

yes. good point. Compressor is rated at 10 amps...  should be 1200 watts.  I have been looking at small honda generators. I had thought 2200 watt gen would start and  power the pancake compressor?
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Beck on November 22, 2021, 03:31:17 PM
Tony, I have been looking at the Champion generators. They are about half the price of the Honda. I have 2 friends with them and they are happy. I'm sure they aren't up to the Honda standard. The price at my local store is $550. On the other hand I have another friend with a Honda gen. It is sweet.

My intended purpose is to power lighting and small tools in my enclosed trailer, and in an emergency power essentials at home if there is a power outage. Most of my home is gas so it just needs to power the furnace blower, electronics on the stove, refrigerator and freezer. I do want an inverter style so it can power sensitive electronics.
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: kb426 on November 22, 2021, 06:17:50 PM
I don't think 2200 watts will start it. About a month ago, I bought a generator for a house backup. I purchased a Wen 4500 watt surge, 3600 continuous. It looked a little better than a H.F. and was way less money. I gave $320 with shipping and a wheel kit. Now that I have it, I plan on the electricity to never go off for more than 10 minutes. :) That unit weighs 100 lbs. and takes up some space so it wouldn't be what I would want to hide in an rv.
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: purplepickup on November 24, 2021, 08:45:59 PM
I have that Porter Cable air compressor for the cabin and my older Honda 2000W generator has no problem running the compressor. I've also got a 2300W Wen generator that runs it easily too.

Sams Club has a 2200W Westinghouse inverter generator right now for $319, free ship. Wen's website has a black friday sale for $385, free ship too. I think Champion, Wen, and Westinghouse are all about the same.
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on November 25, 2021, 07:43:01 PM
Quote from: purplepickup on November 24, 2021, 08:45:59 PM
I have that Porter Cable air compressor for the cabin and my older Honda 2000W generator has no problem running the compressor. I've also got a 2300W Wen generator that runs it easily too.

Sams Club has a 2200W Westinghouse inverter generator right now for $319, free ship. Wen's website has a black friday sale for $385, free ship too. I think Champion, Wen, and Westinghouse are all about the same.

Thanks for the info....     Opens up the group of gens I can look at.  I am not looking to power the whole RV..  Just power stuff if needed.
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: Crosley.In.AZ on December 30, 2021, 10:57:29 AM
Bought a Milwaukee 2850-22 impact driver with charger & 1 battery 2.0ah ...  Photo was stolen off Home Depot site.  The ol special deal , special price of $99.00 plus gubment add on

Works well so far.  I have a couple projects coming up to use this tool on.
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: 50 F1 on December 31, 2021, 05:24:42 AM
Tony I have the impact driver like that. It is a very good tool and real handy,
I bought the quick release sockets set that goes up to 9/16.
Works real good for small stuff. Lots of power for a smaller tool.
Title: Re: 2021: .. Tool reviews & suggestions
Post by: idrivejunk on December 31, 2021, 10:18:17 AM
I was given a new battery powered Milwaukee 3/8 ratchet. Something I don't need but will try to make use of in small doses eventually.