ToolGuyd » Hand Tools

Channellock Wire Crimper Tool

Stuart — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:45:31 +0000

I found myself needing to upgrade from the wire crimpers found on my all-in-one wire stripper tool. During a stroll through the local home improvement store, I found a few affordable options and ultimately chose Channellock’s 909 crimpers.

I’ve been working with terminals and butt connectors more often, but not enough to justify the purchase of a costly crimper. The Channellocks ended up being about $22, and they seem to be very well made.

What do you think, was this a good choice?

Channellock Wire Crimper Tool via Amazon
Product Info via Channellock

Great Neck’s New “Essentials Tools” for Women

Stuart — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:00:15 +0000

Great Neck’s new Essentials for the Home tools are designed to be more ergonomic and comfortable for women’s smaller hands and body frames. While not all decked out in pink, these tools do have a non-offensive feminine styling.

I’ve got to say, it’s GREAT to see new tools for women that aren’t pink and flowery. No offense meant to Katy over at Charles & Hudson, who happens to like pretty tools. Not that I have something against pretty tools, but more often than not, feminine styled tools cost more than ungarnished versions and deliver less.

I cannot tell from the photos alone, but it looks like the Essentials pliers underwent the most redesign while some of the tools look little different than their “male” equivalents.

Great Neck Essentials via Amazon
Product Info via Great Neck

5% off and Free Shipping on Ridgid $99+ at Ohio Power Tool

Stuart — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:25:17 +0000

Ohio Power Tool is running a sale on Ridgid tools all month. Use coupon code RIDGID for 5% off and free shipping on all Ridgid plumbing tools (including those already on sale). The coupon is eligible on orders over $99, and free shipping applies to orders under 70 lbs shipped to continental US destinations.

It looks like Ohio Power Tool still has a short supply of Milwaukee M12 XC batteries that they’re giving away for free with any M12 kit purchase, so you may want to check that out as well.

Shop Ridgid Tools via Ohio Power Tool

Channellock 4-in-1 Combo Ratcheting Wrenches Reviewed

Stuart — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:45:01 +0000

A few weeks ago we introduced Channellock’s new 4-in-1 ratcheting wrenches. These wrenches feature four sizes in a single wrench, which each end sharing the ratcheting mechanism. This makes the wrenches light and compact, and we couldn’t wait to put them through some rough and intense testing.

Before we get started with the review, please bear in mind that while new to Channellock, this wrench design is also available in other flavors, a point we previously neglected to mention. They’re made in the USA, and are available in 2-piece SAE and metric kits.

Design

Each wrenches consist of two electro-plated steel sides with a plastic spacer sandwiched in between them. (Or at least it looks and feels like plastic.) This gives the wrenches a nice wide cross section. The ratcheting mechanisms are coarse and exposed, but they feel extremely robust and durable. Wrench sizes are engaved in the handles and are easy to read.

In order to prevent the over-torquing of fasteners with the smaller wrench sizes, the tools are somewhat on the short size. This means that if you need to use the larger wrench sizes, you’re not going to have as much leverage as you would with separate combination wrenches or sockets.

Comfort & Performance

As mentioned, the wrenches are fairly wide and very comfortable to use and hold. The ratcheting mechanism is pretty smooth (but coarse), and the direction-select levers are quick and easy to toggle.

Their low-profile heads are compact and can reach most tight spaces with ease. Although I know that the larger sizes will require additional elbow grease to loosen or tighten fasteners, I never really felt the need to exert extra effort.

One of the things I greatly appreciate about these wrenches is that they’re incredibly compact, much moreso than Dog Bone style wrenches. Using a rubber band or two, the wrenches can be nested close together, and they take up hardly any space in a portable tool kit.

Because of the ratcheting mechanisms’ open-style, users must pay a bit of attention to keeping the tools clean. The wrenches have an engraved reminder that they should be cleaned and oiled regularly. Just something to keep in mind.

Conclusion

These are very well-built ratcheting wrenches that are compact and very convenient to use. They’re great for general purpose use and for on-the-go tool kits, but they won’t completely replace standard combo wrenches for heavy-duty applications due to their shorter size.

Channellock’s 4-in-1 ratcheting wrenches are very well-built, and we definitely recommend them. If you’re looking for an all-in-one (or two) type of combination tool, these should be at the top of your list. What would we not recommend them for? Heavy duty applications that require greater torque than these tools can comfortably apply.

Channellock SAE Ratcheting Wrench Set via Channellock (841S)
Channellock Metric Ratcheting Wrench Set via Channellock (841M)

Thank you to Channellock for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or in some cases kept for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes.

Leatherman – So Ubiquitous My Mom Recognizes the Name

Stuart — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:30:53 +0000

The other day my mother remarked that Leatherman tools are heavily mentioned in The Ark, by Boyd Morisson. I have to say, this was extremely unexpected. Not that Leatherman multitools were featured in the book, but because my mother new what a Leatherman was. Kudos and thanks to her for the tool sighting, and kudos to Leatherman for achieving such widespread brand recognition!

Starrett’s New Full Line Catalog

Stuart — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:00:39 +0000

Starrett sent us a heads-up a little while back introducing their new full line catalog (#32). The new 550+ page catalog features more than 5,000 Starrett products including precision measuring tools, metrology equipment, saw blades, granite surface plates and tools.

The 9″ x 7″ full-color catalog is slightly larger than the previous version and features easier to read larger text. In addition to product information and details, the catalog also has a useful 17 page reference section with English-metric conversions, a fractional tap and drill size chart, decimal conversion of fractional measurements and quite a bit more.

If (like us) you don’t have ready access to a printed copy of the catalog, you can browse through the electronic version via Starrett’s website. The online version is actually very, very usable. It loads quickly and is extremely easy to browse. If you find a page (especially in the reference section) that you want to save for later, you can download it to PDF.

After spending some time browsing through the catalog, I’ve got to say – I like it a lot, although I do wish that it was accompanied by static content that would be easier to bookmark and refer to.

The catalog’s keyword search could also use a slight improvement. Searching for “micrometer standard” only shows sets that include them, and “calibration rod” was even less helpful. I was able to find what I was looking for using their part number (234) and a search for “micrometer calibration rod”.

All in all, kudos to Starrett for one of the most user-friendly electronic versions of a print catalog I have ever seen.

Starrett Electronic Catalog

Bausch & Lomb Watchmaker’s Loupe

Stuart — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:45:39 +0000

When working on some small parts the other day, I pulled out my trusty Bausch & Lomb watchmaker’s loupe. With a 4x magnification, this loupe provides an ample field of view and depth of focus. For greater magnification needs, I head on over to a 10-40x opical inspection microscope, although I’m considering a digital USB microscope for future work.

The best thing about these glass-lens and plastic-bodied loupes is that they’re fairly cheap for the great level of performance they provide. I did accidentally pop the lens out of a loupe once or twice, but they snap right back in. For the most part these loupes are very securely constructed.

Bausch & Lomb Loupes via Amazon
Product Info via Bausch & Lomb

Your Go-To Adjustable Wrench?

Stuart — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:20:07 +0000

We have been having a bit of discussion lately as to what constitutes a “normal” adjustable wrench. In my mind, a normal wrench may not necessari;y be a good one. You know the kind, those 3-for-$15 sets you find at the bargain bin at the local home improvement store during peak winter holiday and Father’s Day shopping seasons.

Personally, I don’t like normal wrenches, I like the ones where a conscious effort has been made to improve upon the standard design, if even ever so slightly.

I own and have used quite a few adjustable wrenches, but by far my favorite one to use is an 8″ Irega-made Channellock wrench, followed by a 6″ Stanley MaxSteel wrench.

Tell us about your favorite [or least favorite] go-to Crescent-style adjustable wrenches.

Stanley MaxSteel Adjustable Wrenches via Amazon
Channellock Adjustable Wrenches via Amazon

What a Relief – Estwing to Keep Production in the USA!

Stuart — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:30:33 +0000

Recently I heard accounts that made-in-Taiwan Estwing tools have been hitting the shelves at Home Depot. Worried that this indicated a shift in Estwing’s core USA-manufacturing ideals, I contacted them about this. Their response was very relieving:

We have had a mid-range line of hammers and bars made in Taiwan for about 9 years. We also have a line of high end Japanese pattern bars which are made in Japan.

However, our core line of Estwing tools are made in the USA and that will not change. Over 95% of the tools we sell are made in the USA.

Edit: During a brief trip to the local Home Depot, I spotted the typical steel handled blue grip Estwing hammers, several Vaughan hammers, quite a few Husky ones, a single made-in-Taiwan Estwing framing hammer, and several Japan-made Estwing Pro Claw pry bars.

Beta Engineers Hammer Hands-on Review

Jeff — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:30:03 +0000

As part of my shop rebuild, I have been researching and buying several new hand tools for quick use, like my go-to screwdrivers. These tools are intended to be hung on a pegboard for easy access and will be used to perform a variety of tasks, quickly and efficiently. My latest tool acquisition is a Beta shop hammer.

I was looking for a general purpose hammer that could drive a quick nail, perform light metal work, and be easy to hold for metal punch and cold chisel work. After a bit of research I ultimately decided on a Beta #1370/400 engineer’s hammer. Keep reading for my full hands-on review.

First Impressions

My new enginner’s hammer is a fine example of Beta’s manufacturing experience. It feels remarkably balanced in my hand, and the hickory handle is smoothly finished and varnished. The 112mm face hammer’s total length is 12″, which is just right for quick work. At 19.7 ounces, the hammer’s weight is also “just right” for light and easy shop work.

The hammer’s head is machined to close tolerances and close examination revealed no gouges, burrs, or other defects. Its main striking face is approximately 1″ squared and features an even angled bevel around its edges. The opposite end of the head is pointed and tapered to a smooth rounded tip, perfect for shaping sheet metal. Aside from the polished face the hammer head is finished with a flat black coating.

Conclusion

After using my new Beta hammer for two weeks, I couldn’t find any issues or complaints with it. I’ve used it to drive nails, set nail heads, chisel wood, and violently beat up my lawnmower.

I’m quite happy with my new Beta shop hammer. It provides everything I need in a quick, efficient tool that can be used on a moments notice and I expect it to provide many years of service.

This particular hammer (1370/400) is listed at $19 on Amazon, but it’s usually priced a bit less at under $15. If you keep your eye on it, you may be able to snag this size for less during one of Amazon’s short-lived sales.

Beta 1370/400 Engineers Hammer via Amazon
Beta Engineers Hammer Complete Lineup via Amazon
Product Info via Beta

About Beta

Beta Utensili orginates back to the 1880′s in Northern Italy where Alessandro Ciceri founded a metal forge. Today Beta is a highly regarded tool manufacturer with heavy influence in many racing circuits, including F1, Gran Prix, Motocross, Karting, F1 Boat, and even America’s Cup.

New Channellock 4-in-1 Ratcheting Wrenches

Stuart — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:45:21 +0000

Channellock just came out with a new style of ratcheting wrenches. Each wrench features four ratcheting box end sizes, making the tools great for compact and on-the-go tool kits. There are two sets, SAE and metric, and each set includes two wrenches that cover a 8 wrench sizes.

We have a set of Channellock’s new ratcheting wrenches for testing, and our early impression is a very positive one. We definitely like them a LOT better than other all-in-one wrenches, such as the Ready Wrench and similar Dog Bone style wrenches, and the fact that they ratchet and are made in the USA is a big plus.

These sets are about $35 via Channellock, so expect them to sell for a little less when they hit online distributors and retail stores.

Channellock SAE Ratcheting Wrench Set via Channellock (841S)
Channellock Metric Ratcheting Wrench Set via Channellock (841M)

Knipex 8-Inch High Leverage Combination Pliers

Stuart — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:27:01 +0000

If you’re looking for a new pair of general purpose pliers, consider Knipex’s high leverage 8-inch combination pliers. These pliers feature dual component handles grips, high leverage jaws, hardened cutters capable of cutting soft and hard wire (even piano wire), and serrated jaw zones for gripping flat and round materials.

These pliers will set you back about $25 on average, but Amazon’s got them for $20 at the moment.

Knipex 8″ High-Leverage Combination Pliers via Amazon
Product Info via Knipex (model 0202200)

PB Swiss Gold Plated Multicraft Screwdriver Set Sale

Stuart — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:45:16 +0000

Over at Amazon, this PB Swiss screwdriver set (7244) is on sale for a hair less than $30. The set features gold plated shafts and black Multicraft hard handles, and includes two Phillips drivers and four slotted drivers. This set is normally priced at about $70, making it a steal at $30.

You can also buy these drivers individually, but they cost about $9 each on average. Personally, I prefer PB Swiss’s SwissGrip handles for slotted and Phillips style screwdrivers, but these Multicraft handled drivers are easier to clean and almost as comfortable in high torque applications.

PB Swiss Gold Plated Multicraft Screwdriver Set via Amazon
Product Info via PB Swiss Tools

If you have never tried PB Swiss drivers before, you may want to browse Amazon’s 50%-off + discounted product listing to try out this handle style for a few bucks.

Note: The set shown above is the 7240 slotted set. This set swaps 2 Phillips drivers for the largest slotted ones.

Fixed-Tip Retaining Snap Ring Pliers

Stuart — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:00:31 +0000

I rarely work with retaining snap rings, but when I do they sometimes come at me in waves of different styles and sizes. While my changeable multi-tip internal and external snap ring pliers are great to use, changing those tips out many times in a single project can be quite tedious.

The solution to frequent retaining ring plier tip-changes is to buy a set of dedicated snap ring pliers. Fixed-tip retaining ring plier sets like the one by Astro Pneumatic, pictured above, feature pliers with tips of different sizes and shapes.

Astro Pneumatic’s set includes 8 pliers and 2 hook and pick tools. It’s reasonably priced too, at about $22.

If it came to the point where I needed fixed-tip retaining ring pliers, I’d probably opt for Craftsman’s 12-piece set. Craftsman’s set is priced at about $100, and seems to offer decent quality.

After that, I’d likely go with Knipex retaining ring pliers, but only the sizes and tip styles I know I needed.

Right now I’m using a pair of Channellock retaining ring pliers, and it’s an excellent tool. But, as mentioned, there are times when swapping tips can get old real quick. What do you guys use? An all in one interchangeable tool, or a multi-plier set?

Channellock’s Improved High Leverage Linemen’s Pliers

Stuart — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:51:42 +0000

Channellock has recently introduced new and improved 9.5″ linemen’s pliers (#369). Their design engineers moved the plier’s pivot rivet closer to the cutter surfaces, giving the tool greater leverage and cutting power.

This tool also features cross-hatched jaw serrations, a grooved crushing area, and knife-anvil style cutters (preferred over double-sharp cutters). These cutters can be used on ACSR cabling.

We’ve got a pair of these pliers to test out, and will report back soon with a full review.

Channellock 369 Lineman Pliers Product Info via Channellock

You’ll want to order these pliers from Channellock directly, or find them in-store to ensure that you get the new design and not older stock.