We’re about to place an order for a few new tools and wanted to share our selection and reasoning with you.
First off we’re picking up Channellock’s 8-Inch Wide Adjustable Wrench (808NW). We spoke favorably of their extra-wide Code Blue version a few weeks ago, but could not justify a 65% increase in price for a 1/3″ increase in capacity.
Still, an 8″ adjustable wrench with the capacity of a 12″ one would be well suited for our portable tool kit… (In other words, we’re indecisive and will eventually end up with both versions!)
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While we’re at it, we’re picking up another pair of Channellock’s Smooth-Jawed Tongue & Groove Pliers (915), to give as a housewarming gift. We own a pair of these and found them to be superbly versatile and well suited for home use.
Although we have more screwdrivers than we could ever use, not to mention several sets still unopened, we’re ordering a set of Wera 300 Plus LaserTip drivers. We’ve been wanting to try out these drivers for a while now, and the price is right.
We’re also on the fence about whether we need a Wiha Split-Head Mallet. The price seems okay, and the 22.4 oz weight would fill a hole in our non-marring mallet selection. However, our reservation is that a dead-blow might be a better choice for the money.
Lastly, we might pick up a Bosch I-Driver or Pocket Driver that was posted about yesterday.
Superautobacs
I think the Wera screwdriver set is a good deal.
I own a few of the comfort grips and they have a good balance between the traditional hard grip and the new, ‘trendy’, soft grip handle.
The grip may not be for everyone (ergonomically speaking), so it might be wise to purchase a single screwdriver to try it out.
Scott
I can’t say if it will be more useful to you than a deadblow, but I have that Wiha mallet and it’s very nice…good replacement face selection, and the balance is spot-on. Highly recommended!
PutnamEco
If you want to upgrade that Channellock, Knipex makes an awesome tool they call a pliers wrench. I find that Knipex feel more refined than the Channellocks although both are worthy tools
http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1368&groupID=1500
uthscsaedu
the channellock description is funny. It says it has smooth jaws, then the next sentence says the teeth are at a right angle.
uthscsaedu
BTW I have some Knipex plier wrench and the jaws stay parallel. I don’t know if the Channellock will do the same, but I’m sure they are much cheaper.
Stuart
The jaws in the Channellock do stay parallel, and since there is very little play in the head, they should stay that way.
Knipex tools are indeed very, very nice, but they typically come with a hefty price tag. It is difficult to find pliers that beat Knipex in terms of quality, but several brands come very close.