Here are some tools I thought we could talk about today.
Some are new, others holiday tool deals, and all are interesting – or at least I think so.
Bosch 12V Brushless Flexi-Click Drill Driver Kit with Oscillating Multi-Tool – $149
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Bosch’s multi-head tool kit bundle is on sale again.
Tsunoda Cable Tie Cutter – $19
These cutters are available in 3 sizes. They’re meant for flush-cutting cable ties and also have a pliers-like gripping zone for pulling them tight.
Bosch 100ft Laser Distance Measuring Tool – $39.97
This is my favorite low-frills laser distance measurer. I bought mine two years ago for the same price.
Koken 1/2″ Sliding T-Handle – $70
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This looked like an interesting take on a T-handle socket driver. There are a bunch of others on Amazon. I didn’t try this one yet, I went with the traditional T-handle socket driver at a lower price.
Markal Pro Lead Holder Pencil – ~$15
Markal specializes in metal-marking supplies, or so I had believed. There are lots of construction mechanical pencils on the market today, this one has a metal barrel.
Husky Pivoting Head Screwdriver – $14.88
I came across Home Depot’s newest holiday season tool gift. Is this Husky screwdriver an useful innovation, or a gimmick – what do you think?
Swanson Speed Square 2-Pack – $10.98
This is a 2-for-1 deal on the Swanson made-in-USA rafter square.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Cordless Ratchet and Impact Driver Combo Kit – $199
This combo kit, with a brushless ratchet and impact driver, always seems to be a popular holiday season deal.
According to my notes, it was $249 two years ago and also $199 last year. See Hot Buy: Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact and Ratchet Combo Kit.
Knipex Cobra ES Long-Nose Adjustable Pliers – $40
You probably have Knipex Cobra pliers, or other adjustable pliers like it. Did you ever wish it had longer jaws? The Cobra ES pliers might come in handy. There are more sizes and styles on Amazon and elsewhere.
You might think that the pliers aren’t popular, based on Amazon’s claim of how many were purchased in the past month. I linked to the retail card version, which is $40 right now. The bulk online fulfillment-packaged version sells better, but is $43. I sometimes forget, but it’s often worth double checking that you’re getting the lowest price on the same exact tool.
If you enjoyed this collection of “tool picks,” here are more:
NoDak Farming
Kinda nice to see a Tsunoda tool highlighted. It’s my intention to eventually own a Tsunoda side cutter. And I have a needle nose plier picked out that I want to own made by Fujiya. And as part of my foray into made in Japan tools, I did recently splurge on a Tajima chalk line.
Stuart
Once I learned about the brand (fairly recently), I splurged a bit to try them out. It’s good to explore new brands, and I’m surprised I didn’t find this one sooner.
Rob
I’ve been using 6in bent nose tsunoda pliers and the above cables tie cutters (5in) for 3 years now and am totally happy with them. I have a bunch of knipex stuff but for small pliers being used with less force I didn’t think it was worth the extra for knipex and my only non adjustable knipex pliers has noticeable play in the pivot. After 3 years ny tsunoda sets still have no play in the pivot, sharp cutting surfaces and only a little wear to the pliers teeth at this point. I would rebuy them again in a heartbeat if I lost either and will be purchasing tsunoda for non adjustable pliers going forward.
The cable tie cutter is extra clutch bc the rounded side allows you to grip the cable tie tail and twist for final tightening with 1 hand vs squeezing both hands into a confined space.
Daniel
I concur. I have also been using the 5in Tsunoda for three years. Great flush cut zip tie plier. The inside griper for tightening is not something I’ve seen on any other flush cut.
I also have the HF Icon knock off of the Snap-On flush cut and the Tsunoda by far are a better tool and I reach for them every time over the Icon.
Saulac
Pulled the plug on the Cobra ES for the gripping screw heads function. Understood that it does not do that function as good as the Twin Grip since the special tooth (?) are on only the upper jaw, but I feel the angled head has more access. Want to hear from those who have tried both.
MM
I was confused for a moment: I have a pair of Cobra ES, I’ve had them for years, but I was puzzled what you meant by the special screw-gripping function. Mine (product no. 87 51 250) have straight jaws without that feature. It looks like Knipex has updated the product line at some point because when I google that part number now I can see what you mean!
This looks like an upgrade to the ES design. Most of the time I use mine more like needle-nose pliers, where I grip with the tips of the jaws. I rarely use them on nuts, pipe/fittings, etc. Having that V-groove in the upper jaw would be a welcome addition.
PW
Was looking at that Husky screwdriver in person and on the fence.
I previously bought a holiday promo Husky ratcheting screwdriver and regretted it. The prior version has interchangeable driver shafts. The shafts have a 1/4 hex male end with a ball retention. But the driver doesn’t have any kind of receiver for the ball retention – so the driver shaft is just friction held and falls out easily. It’s like they cost cut one last manufacturing step.
It’s really frustrating because otherwise I really like the screwdriver. The handle design is comfortable and it has a decent action.
I saw this new rotating handle design, and I’m leery of what similar hidden compromises might have been made. From handling it in the store, it seemed definitely built to a price point.
Sometimes Husky tools are a good value, and sometimes the cost engineering is too overboard, and I can’t always tell where holiday items lie.
Hank.H
That Husky is a cheap knock-off of the Felo pivoting and racheting version (F64539) if you wanted a hex bit locking model with proper quality controls and effort. Find em on KC Tool or Haus of Tools these days. I’ve enjoyed mine so far this year.