I hope everyone has been doing well!
Things are busy here with lots of things going on, and so it seemed fitting for another misc. tool talk post and social media update.
I haven’t been posting as much to social media as during the start of the year or late last year, but there will be a lot of opportunities in coming weeks as I kick off new reviews and projects.
Advertisement
Instagram: @ToolGuyd
Facebook: ToolGuyd
Twitter: ToolGuyd
YouTube: ToolGuyd
ToolGuyd is also on TikTok, but I haven’t posted anything there yet. What could/should I post there? I figure I’ll take some videos of sawdust or chip generation during some of my spring projects and see how that goes. Who doesn’t like watching tools in action?
New Tool Guides
In case you missed them, here are some new tool guides. I’ve got more to come – please let me know if you have any suggestions or requests!
- Where to Buy Tools?
- Best Tool Kit Upgrades and Add-Ons (Spring 2021)
- The Best Extension Cord Size for Power Tools
- Best Tool and Workshop Safety Gear in 2021
- Best Cordless Power Tool Brand in 2021
MoogleMan3
A few takes from the social media stuff I missed:
– Those festool clamps are amazing. I have four of the bessey versions (bessey makes them for festool) and want a bunch more.
– I need one of those portable, folding workbenches, I just haven’t decided on which one.
– I need the bucket sweep attachment thing in my life.
– Why tf are any of the 12v laser levels so darn expensive?
Stuart
They are! It took me a while to budget for them, but once I finally did I was thrilled with the Festool quick clamp versatility.
I also have a test sample of the new Installer’s set and was delighted that it came with more of them.
Folding workbenches: for basic use, the Dewalt if you can find it in the off-season. For more complex clamping features, I liked the Worx Pegasus and also like the Kreg. There’s also the Keter. Lots of choices, and they’re all pretty good. I don’t envy the decisions you’re going to have to make!
12V-class lasers are pricey due to features and specs. You can spend less for simpler models, but you often lose accuracy, ease of use, range, and mounting flexibility, at the least.
Jared
Belt hooks: I always put them on. Handy when you’re up a ladder and need your hands free for a moment. I’ve only ever rarely had them be in the way.
Werner ladder looks COOL. I presume it can be placed closer to obstructions while unfolded.
Long extensions: I made due for a long time without one, but when it’s needed it can be so much better than adding two or more together. My tip is to get a locking version if you can – when an extension that long is needed, usually the last thing you want is a socket getting stuck on a fastener. I’m using them on automotive work though, so maybe my use-case is different.
Combination wrenches: I didn’t notice Milwaukee copied Snap-on’s Flank Drive Plus design. If that’s something you want, it makes them a bit more compelling considering how much the Snap-on version sells for. Myself, I don’t spend a lot on non-ratcheting wrenches (I have many non-ratcheting, but they’re Craftsman, Mastercraft, Maximum, couple Westward etc). I use ratcheting wrenches 90% of the time, so I am willing to spend more. I started out with Sears Craftsman/Gearwrench reversibles many years ago, but I like Proto’s spline drive now. They have “Anti-Slip Design” on the open end that is sort of like a half-way between Flank Drive Plus and a regular smooth face. I like it because I don’t want to risk damaging the fasteners with tooth marks.
Wire Strippers: I have a set of Knipex that looks just like those Kliens. Works great and it’s a real time saver. I would never go back.
Gedore screwdrivers: That is a weird design. Without the finger grooves I think they could be ok. Given your affinity for Wera though Stuart, I suspect you prefer skinnier handles as a general rule. I really like Wera’s laser tips (and own quite a few), but I generally think the handles are too skinny. Felo is my go-to (or Wurth – which just seem to be rebranded Felo).
Nathan
so in order.
1) tool belt hooks are nice I have one one every drill and driver I own at the moment. If I break down and get that dewalt 12V extreme impact it might get one too.
I’ve not however thought about holding one to a cart with it. hmmm
2) Trig in the workshop – change that to geometry and maths in the workshop and that’s nearly every day. This is why I often say one of my best and favorite tools has become my smartphone device. I use real calc for android – scientific calc. and sometimes Excel for android. Yes – really. (ok excel is most to view a sheet I made previously)
3) Wrenches. It pains me lightly to say my favorite combo wrench right now is my Stahlwile sets. Which look a good bit like your Facom there. I also like Mac, SK and on the cheaper end I’ve been impressed with Kobalt. Ratcheting set I actually have a Tekton set. What I like about the stahlwile which applies to MAC and SK too. Strong with little flex – and positive no slop engagement on the fastener.
4) out of order but I need to look for that fast clamp.
5) worktables. while not as quick to setup I do love my Kobalt sawhorse table setup. I cut 4 ft 2x4s and a set of 6 ft 2x 4s that I keep to use as runners – with underfloor cut to size for use as the surface top.
6) Those dewalt blades are either made in Mexico or Taiwan I guess. did I get close?
7) I need that bucket lid in my life. thank you.
8) Geodore has some interesting ergonomics.
9) is there a Dewalt tough system giveaway in the future? Just asking.
Nice posts shame I don’t do social media I guess.
Handymike
I don’t like using the belt hooks. I agree they can be handy in certain situations.
My problem is I don’t usually set my drill/ driver down standing upright, I will typically lay it on its side. That means the clip can scratch a counter top or wood floors etc.
It is funny that if you look at the drivers they rubber nubs on the sides just for this reason that the clip defeats their purpose.
Jared
Put the clip on the outside. Sure, not as easy to hook to a belt – but I’m sure it can be done even on a ladder. Then your default can still be rubber side down.
Stacey Jones
[redacted]
Anyone know if this site is a scam or legit? The whois shows it as up since 2012, but I could not find phone numbers on there…
Stuart
Looks very fishy, but more like spam than scam. Maybe the domain was bought and will be used for a scam store?
Stacey Jones
Yeah that seems likely. Thanks.
Stacey Jones
Ever heard of this german tool brand? https://www.einhellusa.com/collections/drills-drivers
Stuart
No.
The tools look generic, and the website copy is odd.
“Abrasion minimized – performance maximized!”
“Electro magnetic converters instead of carbon brushes”
“High level of efficiency, ideal for use in cordless deployment”
“No fear of drills: Brushless energy helps you gain maximum performance and torque.”
“EFFICIENT Image with text” – (hehe)
Free $70 cordless drill kit with $100+ purchase? Seems like cheap tools from a brand that doesn’t have any presence here.
What’s the benefit in going with this brand over say Ryobi, Craftsman, or Skil?
Stacey Jones
Well not sure I am interested, but just wondered. German tools are usually good quality. In general, I think Japan makes the best, then Germany and the USA. Taiwan seems a bit better than China.
Stuart
Those aren’t German-made tools though.
“German-engineered” doesn’t exactly mean much. Some products are marketed as “engineered in America” when all the actual design and production work is done somewhere else.
It’s also not fair to extend hand tool generalizations to cordless power tools.
Stacey Jones
Fair points. So many times there’s nothing wrong with the design, but it all falls apart with execution.