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Tool Reviews

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by Focker, Jul 15, 2016.

  1. Jul 16, 2016
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    While on the subject of drivers, I should give some praise to the latest set I've been using and abusing.

    Up until about a year ago, I was a diehard Milwaukee fan. I bought my first 18v (German-built) Milwaukee drill just after they came out in/around '99. Loved it. Heavy, but you could tell it was built well. The gears are so noisy at this point, I'm surprised it still works, but it's never failed me. The third set of batteries finally quit taking a charge a few years ago, and two new batteries were $10 more expensive than a complete 18v Milwaukee drill with the batteries. No brainer.

    This drill was NOTHING like my first generation drill. Lightweight, unbalanced Chinese plastic junk, but the chuck was all steel and much improved. (Ok, the chuck is flat-out awesome.)

    I put up with this one for another year until the new-style lithium batteries both quit in the same week. Again, a new drill was cheaper than just the batteries, but this time I went to Batteries Plus and bought aftermarket Ni-Cd replacements, just so my drills and flashlight weren't obsolete, but I am done with Milwaukee.

    I read tons of reviews and asked every contractor I could find on job sites what they prefer. The overwhelming response was Makita. The brushless versions, to be exact. I had a ton of experience with the 18v Makitas at different shops I've worked at, and while I liked them, I never really fell in love with them, especially for the crazy price.

    The #2 response surprised me. Ridgid brand. I happened to be looking at reviews on Home Depot's website right over Father's Day weekend, and they were having a sale on a drill and driver combo for $149 that included the charger, two batteries, lifetime repair service, and lifetime battery replacement! I figured they'd probably suck, but for $149 + tax, how much complaining could I do?
    [​IMG]
    Aside from the chuck that is plastic junk and hard to get tight enough (due to too-coarse threads), these drills are AWESOME. Crazy power, hold a charge forever, lightweight but feel well made.

    The first thing I did when I bought them was swap the chuck off my Milwaukee. It's a standard chuck size, so a replacement is easy to find. My local Ace Hardware even carries 1/2" Jacobs keyed and keyless chucks that will fit for around $30.

    I've been abusing them with reckless disregard since. They've been knocked off the bench more times than I'll admit, accidentally left out in the rain, they've been cross country to retrieve a jeep..., and they still work and hold a charge as well as they did on day one. I'm sold.
     
  2. Jul 16, 2016
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2011
    Messages:
    5,407
    no jeep guy can do without
    nut socket.jpg
     
    tripilio and Daryl like this.
  3. Jul 16, 2016
    Stout

    Stout Member

    Quakertown, PA
    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2010
    Messages:
    958
    I hate yard work and there is nothing worse in the world than having to fix yard equipment. I have struggled with weed whackers for years -- Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and Weed Eater -- all of them gave me horrible luck. I finally broke down and splurged on a Stihl. I absolutely LOVE it! It just works. Going on two years now and haven't had to do anything but add gas to it. Worth every penny. Sometimes the age old adage holds true -- you get what you pay for.
     
  4. Jul 16, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Messages:
    7,540
    Coast HL7 LED Headlamp.

    This is probably my most used tool of them all. It's liberating to be hands free and have light right where you need it. It has a dimmer and a "Flood" beam that can be widened or narrowed. I've tried a couple different brands/models, but for $30 dollars... This is a steal.

    I have one in use and this one sitting on the bench ready to go if and when the other one craps out.
     
  5. Jul 18, 2016
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    I have the Black Diamond brand led headlamp, actually three of them. Get the "storm" model with 4 aaa batteries. They are impressive! I have mountain biked after dark with it it is so good. Another neat feature; go out to your lawn at night with one of these on your head. You can see hundreds, maybe thousands of ground spiders looking back at you. They are everywhere and their eyes glow very bright. It only works when you wear the light on your forehead.
    -Donny
     
  6. Jul 18, 2016
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    I have 4 different Knipex pliers in my box, some under the Snap-On name. They are all great. My all time favorite is the adjustable parallell-jaw version. It has flat smooth jaw faces that flatten/straighten sheet metal edges like nothing else, without leaving marks. It works for lots of other uses too, not just sheetmetal.
    -Donny
     
  7. Jul 18, 2016
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
    Messages:
    1,998


    Hey ITLKSEZ, if you haven't done so yet, make sure you register both the drills AND the batteries on that set. I've read in other forums that Rigid won't honor the lifetime warranty if they aren't individually registered. That includes your replacement batteries when the time comes!
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  8. Jul 18, 2016
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
    Messages:
    1,998
    Twin2, are you talking about the flathead screwdriver in the picture? Because every Jeep axle I've ever picked up has had massive gouges on the corners of the hub nut! "You mean there's a tool for that?!?!?" (yes, I have one).
     
    wheelsontheroof and Twin2 like this.
  9. Jul 18, 2016
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    "are you talking about the flathead screwdriver in the picture? Because every Jeep axle I've ever picked up has had massive gouges on the corners of the hub nut!"

    No no no! Never use a flathead screwdriver!

    A cold-chisel is the preferred method.
     
    tcfeet, tripilio and Twin2 like this.
  10. Jul 18, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Pliers Wrench - [​IMG]

    https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-86031..._SR160,160_&psc=1&refRID=HP851GW5F290BS36FNDR
     
    Hellion likes this.
  11. Jul 18, 2016
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    5,349
    Knipex pliers and wire cutters are all we use at work, there snap ring pliers are every bit as good, mine are used daily and I have had them for around 12 years now.
     
  12. Jul 19, 2016
    1955jeepcj5inabox

    1955jeepcj5inabox New Member

    Surprise Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2015
    Messages:
    29
    Heavy Duty Rear Hub Puller. Item # HP600. Kaiser Willys Auto Supply. $79.99.
    Worked on the hub for 2 days. Did not want to use my torch because of 60 years of grease. With this puller, about 20 minutes to get it off.
    If you buy this before you start you can save $59.99 for a new hub. Just saying.
     
    Rumble bee and Stout like this.
  13. Jul 20, 2016
    Mark Wahlster

    Mark Wahlster Member

    Silverton, OR
    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2015
    Messages:
    386
    I got one of those and 4 of the regular style 9.6V drill motors one with a nice 1/4" chuck. I love the hell out of them. Bought them all at yard sales or craigslist for pennies on the dollar. I even have one of the little 3" kick back circular saws. I need to order some more batteries I'm down to 3 that hold a decent charge.
     
  14. Jul 20, 2016
    Stout

    Stout Member

    Quakertown, PA
    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2010
    Messages:
    958
    I agree. I broke two other heavy duty pullers trying to get mine off. Finally broke down and bought one of those and voila, came off like magic.
     
    1955jeepcj5inabox likes this.
  15. Jul 20, 2016
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2006
    Messages:
    1,929
    I replaced the motor mount on the wifes car today. There were some very tight spots I could not get much of a socket, wrench or even fingers on. Made tightening the bolts a guessing game. Others I could put the torque wrench on. I realized how much I rely on that tool to assemble stuff once I had a good one. I'd just tighten the snot out of stuff until I thought it was good. Now I know it is good because I use factory torque specifications. Gives me a solid piece of mind knowing it was done right.

    Based on the recommendations here I picked up a Husky (Lowes brand) a couple of years ago and I really like it.

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Jul 20, 2016
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    Husky is from Home Depot. Lowes house brand is Kobalt.
    -Donny
     
  17. Jul 21, 2016
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2006
    Messages:
    1,929
    Yaa, what Donny said. Typing without my brain fully engaged. Husky. Home Depot.
     
  18. Jul 22, 2016
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    I can't imagine anyone here that doesn't have one of these, or something like it.
    If you don't have one, get one. Today.

    4-½" angle grinder.

    s-l500.jpg
     
  19. Jul 22, 2016
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,798
    I used to use only milwaukee grinders until they got bought out. Now I only use the dewalt ones. tool less wheel changing that works perfectly every time, smaller size, same or more power, and rugged construction has made the dewalt a favorite.
     
  20. Jul 22, 2016
    Dave B

    Dave B Frankenjeep '67

    Northern Minnesota
    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2009
    Messages:
    650
    One 4-1/2" angle grinder each for--- 1.) grinding wheel 2.) wire brush 3.) cut-off disc 4.) sanding flap disc...and 5.) is a 7" grinder w/grinding wheel. One 4-1/2" is a "light/short-duty" cordless.
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2016
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