Dan sent us a heads-up about Husky’s new universal spline ratcheting wrench. I was already heading off to Home Depot that day, so I made a point to check it out. This Husky 48-in-1 “ratcheting rotary socket wrench” is essentially a universal dog bone wrench similar in design to Black & Decker’s new ratcheting ReadyWrench.
Wiha T-Handle Magic Ring Ball Hex Driver Set (SAE)
Over at Amazon, this 6-piece Wiha t-handle ball hex driver set is currently on sale for under $11. We ordered a set for outselves a few months ago at a similar price, and they’ve been performing reasonably well. We’re not sure if this is a real sale or another instance of Amazon’s random low-pricing teasing, but the price […]
Craftsman Launches New Line of Universal Sockets
Craftsman is launching a new line of universal sockets to match their newish universal wrenches. These sockets are designed to match a variety of fastener types and feature an industrial finish with finger knurls. At this time there are separate SAE and metric sets, a combined set including a matching ratchet, and a large 56pc set. […]
Craftsman’s New Premium Grade Ratchets
Craftsman has introduced new premium grade ratchets that feature an 84-tooth design and 4.5° arc swing. These ratchets also feature a fully-sealed head and long ergonomic handle.
Starrett Automotive Inspection Sets
Starrett is introducing two new inspection sets for automotive use. The new sets are ideal for measuring movement and play between parts, as well as component wear (such as ball joints). The sets offer several options for securing the measuring fixtures to nearby surfaces. Mechanics and techs can use either the included locking pliers or […]
Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow Wrenches Review Update
Back in July, we reviewed Craftsman’s new ratcheting elbow wrenches. After a reader commented that a wrench appeared bent in one of the photos, I went ahead and examined each wrench in the set. I then asked around and examined a few more wrenches, and ultimately discovered that there was no glaring issues with the wrenches. […]
Your Go-To Adjustable Wrench?
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 necessarily 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 […]
New Channellock 4-in-1 Ratcheting Wrenches
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.
Fixed-Tip Retaining Snap Ring Pliers
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.
Thorsen Dog Bone Wrench Sets at Costco
After we posted about Channellock’s Mutli-Fit wrench set and Alex’s heads-up about Craftsman’s Dog Bone wrench set sale, Jeff spotted the Thorsen-branded Dog Bone multi-socket set at Costco. At $15-20 each, Dog Bone wrenches are a tough sell for a number of reasons. But $17 for the set of SAE and metric wrenches? That’s much more tempting. […]
New Wright Grip SB Scafford Ratchet
Wright recently released a new 3-in-1 scaffold ratchet (#4488) that features a built-in 1/2″ square drive, 7/8″ open-end wrench, and an interchangeable plastic soft-faced non-sparking hammer. Designed to be lightweight and compact, the WrightGrip SB ratchet is safe and easy to use at scaffold-building heights.
SK Files for Sale to Ideal Industries
If you recall, SK Hand Tools recently declared bankruptcy. It was rumored that Ideal Industries would make a bid to buy the debt-stricken hand tool manufacturer. This rumor has turned out to be true, although the sale has not yet been finalized
Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow Wrenches Hands-on Review
With their pivoting box ends, Craftsman’s ratcheting elbow wrenches are anything but ordinary. Possibly inspired by similarly styled indexable ratchets, these elbow wrenches are designed for use in tight spaces and situations where a fastener may be obstructed. Curious about whether these new wrenches were innovative, gimmicky, or both, we set out to review them. In the end, […]
Blackhawk Universal QuickRatchet Set
Stanley’s Blackhawk Universal QuickRatchet set (SAE) features a flex-head handle that accepts multiple ratcheting attachments. Included in the set are six 12pt socket wrench sizes (3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 3/4″), a 1/4″ square drive head, 3/8″ square drive head, 1/4″ hex bit driver, and 6 screwdriver bits.
Extech Video Borescope & Wireless Inspection Camera
Compared to a non-wireless inspection tool, a wireless borescope allows for more convenient or remote viewing. What’s the point of whipping out a gooseneck inspection camera if you cannot easily see the screen! When I found out that Dewalt was including a wireless inspection camera with their upcoming 12V MAX product line launch, I immediately […]
Wright Flex-Head Ratchets
Looking for a Wright 3440 3/8″ compact palm-size flex-head ratchet similar to the one featured in our Most Valuable Tool contest? The first online Wright distributor that comes to my mind is Ohio Power Tool, which also offers a pretty decent selection of Wright ratchets and other hand tools. The compact 3440 ratchet is intended for […]
Half Off Some USA-Made Kobalt Tools at Lowes!!
Frequent ToolGuyd commenter Teicher sent us a tip that Lowes has taken 50% off Kobalt’s 10pc combination wrench sets at Lowes. That’s a very, very good deal! It looks like Kobalt’s 20pc 1/4″ socket set is also on sale at 50%-off. These sets are all made in the USA, and will be valid thru May 31st […]
All Craftsman Sockets & Wrenches Are Proudly Made In…
I’ve had Craftsman’s 2008 Holiday Tool Preview catalog on my desk for a few months now, but have not quite found the right time to talk about it. Actually, I don’t think that there will ever be a good time to talk about it – it’s not exactly a simple or straightforward issue. The thing […]
Wera Koloss Hammer Ratchet Has Arrived!
Wera’s new Koloss 1/2″ drive hammer ratchet has finally arrived! I received a sample from ChadsToolbox that I’m currently testing, but I just couldn’t wait that long to post some teaser pics of it. Check out the gallery at the end of this post!
Lowest Prices on Wera Zyklop Ratchets, EVER!
I just checked the prices on Wera’s Zyklop ratchets, and they appear to be the lowest they’ve ever been! Over at ChadsToolbox, the 1/4″ Zyklop ratchet is $54, the 3/8″ ratchet is $60, and the 1/2″ is $$66. If you can find a Wera coupon code, that’ll drop the prices even further! Prices for these […]