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HAND TOOLS
Posted in Hand (Friday, October 10, 2008)
By Quick-Grip.
The regular list price is $9.99.
Sells new for $5.00.
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4 comments about Quick-Grip 53006 Micro Clamp.
- These quick clamps work great. They are very easy to quickly bring to the right size and then squeeze with one hand to tighten the clamp. As someone who works alone most of the time, being able to clamp one handed is a big help.
- If you build scale models and other miniatures, you will find that two or more of these clamps are part of your essential kit. They are about the closest thing you will find to untiring fingers. They can hold softly or as firmly as any screw clamp. The parts and pads seem impervious to model making solvents and chemicals.
I also use them as a simple hand vice. Fixtures and jigs that utilize clamping can be taped to the jaws. The main bar can be replaced with a brass strip if you need a greater reach, but also need the smallness of these jaws. Household repairs? No. The slightly stouter Quick-Grips are much more rigid. These are for very light work and are the right tool for the delicate work of model building I'd give a sixth star if I could!
- I purchased these to use in assembling parts for behives. They are samll enough to use for hobby and model work. But they are strong. Easy to adjust and clean. My only gripe is that the pads fall off, and can get lost -- as has happened to me.
- These little clamps are just the right size for those small boxe's I seem to be making a lot of lately. With the soft pads and the one handed operation they make glue ups a snap on small items. Getting the right pressure on these small pieces is essential, with larger clamps it is too easy to get too much pressure and squeeze out all the glue, leaving a starved joint. These little clamps have a nice "feel", allowing you to get just the right amount of pressure to insure a strong joint.
Highly recommend.
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Posted in Hand (Friday, October 10, 2008)
By Porter-Cable.
The regular list price is $26.45.
Sells new for $16.59.
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5 comments about Porter-Cable 42234 Corner Chisel.
- This product works ok. You still need to check and clean up with a chisle to make your corners sharp.
- This corner chisel worked very well. I use it for many things but the main reason for the corner chisel is I convert old wood window screens into windows by routing a rabbit for the new glass to go into but I need to square the corners. That is were the corner chisel comes in, it just takes seconds.
- I picked this chisel up because I have watched Norm Abram of 'The New Yankee Workshop' use one for years and it just looked too good to be true. It seemed so much faster and easier than using a regular chisel to clean up the corners after running a router in a jig, but in this case what you see is exactly what you get.
I have used this to install some hinges on a door as well as cleaning up the corners of some recessed jamb switches and it works just as I would expect. I can't speak for some others who claim they received one with a dull cutting edge, but in my case the edge was sharp enough to easily cut a person if they aren't careful.
This corner chisel isn't fancy by any means, but it does what is was designed to do, and it does it well. One simple hit from the hammer and the corner is cleaned up with a straight sharp corner and in rare occasions it may be necessary to lift up the chip with a straight chisel, but the hard part, and the crisp corner, is done.
One note to new users, depending upon the density of the wood and the depth of the cut they are looking for it might take a few tries to get a feel for how hard you need to strike this with a hammer.
The only negative I can see is that this is fairly small, so if you drop it into a tool pouch you might have to go digging for it later. Since this isn't a tool I use often, I have retained the factory packaging and just put it back into the plastic package after each use to keep it clean and make it easier to find.
- You won't be disappointed. It is well designed, does not require instructions, and has few moving parts to break. Mine is still working after 2+ years. I haven't even had to sharpen it-yet. You won't find it at Harbor Freight. It is worth it. Just buy the dumb thing! Tom
- Is it me, or what? Once I router cut a door-hinge mortise using a Porter-Cable hinge mortise jig, I can't seem to get the Porter-Cable corner chisel far enough back in the corner of the router cut to get the edges lined-up. After I use the corner chisel, I still need to a wood chisel to take out a little more in order to make a perfect corner. It almost looks like I need to do a little grinding work on the corner chisel with the bench grinder to make it align properly.
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Posted in Hand (Friday, October 10, 2008)
By Victorinox.
The regular list price is $98.00.
Sells new for $47.39.
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5 comments about Victorinox SwissTool Spirit Multitool with Pouch.
- I have never owned a multi-tool before. I did a lot of research into what tool would be best for me. I wanted a variety of tools that would be useful in day to day work as well as on a camping trip or on the trail. The SwissTool Spirit, the SwissTool RS, and the Leatherman Core were at the top of my list. I had the opportunity to try each of these tools out at local stores and the Spirit was clearly the tool for me. With all the same quality and functionality of the RS and Core, the Spirit comes in a small, sleek design that fits the hand perfectly in both open and closed positions. This is not a bulky and complex tool. It is elegant and fuctional. I highly reccommend this tool to anyone looking for a high quality munti-tool with all the might of a larger tool in a smaller package.
- I own Leatherman multi-tools including the new Wave, Pulse, Juice S2, Skeletool CX, Micra, Squirt S4, and Squirt P4. I also own about 20 Victorinox Swiss Army Knives ranging from nearly all the recent Alox models and many cellidor models including the old Champion, Swiss Champ, Swiss Champ XLT, and Cybertool 41. After owning all of these types of pocket knives and multi-tools, I can say that Victorinox makes the highest quality, highest consistency multi-tools and pocket knives. (Don't get me wrong, I like Leatherman a lot as they make well-designed tools, too. But the consistency is lacking with Leatherman when compared to Victorinox.)
The primary strengths of the Vic SwissTool Spirit include:
All locking tools
Access to tools with the pliers in the closed position
Presence of scissors (which distinguishes it from the Spirit "S" model)
Reputation of extremely good corrosion resistance
Chisel (which is unsual in any multitool)
Extremely good wood saw (better than Leatherman)
Very light weight for its size (only 5.5 oz)
Premium brown leather case (best case I've seen that comes with a tool, only downside to the case is that it cannot be worn in the horizontal position on a belt)
Extremely attractive with highly polished metal handles and tools
Extremely comfortable handles for pliers
There are downsides, however, and they are in my opinion:
"Butterknife" shape of the only blade (it does NOT have the familiar drop point that Victorinox usually uses in their SAKs or MTs)
Serrations on that blunt blade take up most of the length
Plain edge is a very small part of the blade near the joint
Philips screwdriver that needs to be squared off as it slips quite easily
Scissors are tiny (and smaller than any other multi-tool I own listed)
The Vic Spirit exudes quality and precision crafting. People are always split on their opinion of the blunt, "butterknife" shape of the main blade. I dislike it. The serrations are also in the front of the blade, rather than the back part like most other brands. The serrations can be ground off, however.
If you want a drop point blade, then you can get the Spirit "S" version which substitutes a drop point blade, but removes the scissors.
- I love everything about this tool! At first I thought that I'd have to still carry a pocket knife w/ me since this doesn't come with a traditional pen knife, but I was wrong. The knife that is in this tool is very sharp, cuts well and does about anything a regular pen knife does. Very good quality.
The only down size I have found is that it is a bit on the heavy size.
- Great selection of tools. So far, the only tool that I needed that this handy multi-tool did not cover was a pipe wrench. I didn't really buy it for that use and did not expect to use it for that. Product is strong and durable. I use it on a daily basis, so it gets alot of use.
- Recently, I had the chance to handle Leatherman's Charge TTi, which could be considered their premier model. Although it was definitely of high quality, its movement and feel was more clunky than expected. The Swiss Spirit, on the other hand, has a movement like no other - totally fluid and precise. As someone who has already handled several of Victorinox's Swiss Army Knives, I thought I couldn't be "wow'ed" anymore by their quality, but this tool exceeded my expectation. It's great for home repair, electrical work, and outdoor excursions.
A few notes on the design:
The locking tools are the highlight for me. Every tool locks into place when extended; the mechanism is easy to operate yet very effective.
The tool itself is fairly small and relatively lightweight yet solid. For such a small size, it embodies a good combination of functionality and versatility, and it fits my hand perfectly (average sized guy's hand).
It should be noted that the pliers move very freely and do not stick, spring back (into an open position), or hold their position. Some might count this as a negative, but I believe its functionality to be, nevertheless, unhindered and, perhaps, favorable.
The tools themselves cover a wide range of on-the-job necessities, that have already come in handy in numerous situations - I do some light carpentry and construction on occasion and regular yard work.
The carrying case is also a major plus. Although the tools are stainless steel, anyone who knows their steels can tell you that even stainless steels can rust when neglected. The case is made of a fairly thick brown leather with a velcro closure that should shelter the tools from the weather and general neglect. I personally love the look of it too - very classic/timeless styling.
All in all, I can't see how anyone could think they made a bad purchase on this item. I was on the fence for awhile, did a little research on the tool, debated about buying it some more, and eventually figured it wouldn't kill me if I got it... and I'm glad I did... and you will be too.
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Posted in Hand (Friday, October 10, 2008)
By Sonin.
The regular list price is $39.99.
Sells new for $29.99.
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5 comments about Sonin 50211 Rapitest 10% to 28% Pinless Analog Wood, Concrete, Plaster, Carpet, and More Moisture Meter.
- I needed to know how much moisture was in my logs on my house.I did not want to spend alot of money and I found this little gadget. It works great.
- Basically it works, however, it's not very useful, b/c it's not accurate at all! I use it to detect the wall with moisture in my basement, got nothing (means dry, <10%), but the inspector detected it 20-30% (don't know which moisture meter he used). And also I put two legs into water directly, only got 25%-28%, which is not true, it should be >>28%, I would not recommend it for any serious use.
- My device came from Amazon with a faulty probe connector, but I noticed the problem 2 months too late (after just a couple uses, but after taking readings with the device). Hopefully Sonin RMA can just send me a new probe cable as I used a continuity tester to diagnose the problem. Their performance remains to be seen..
As a test I would hold the probe against conduit or metal ducting to make sure it is reading properly (needle @ 10, pegged to right), then move the probe connector to be sure that the connection is not intermittent. Also don't leave it on, or put it in a box where it can get turned on, it will chew through a 9V battery in a couple days no problem. A disapointment, even at this price...
- I'm a paint contractor so it's important to know and be able to show the customer surfaces are dry enough to paint. I've been using a moisture meter I paid around $100 for ten years ago. This meter is at least as accurate. For my purposes it does the job and $25 is a great price. I don't know how durable it is but for occasional use it feels rugged enough.
- I own a water damage restoration business [...] and we keep these units around for stand by units. They are accurate but not very sturdy. At this price you can break 10 of them and its still cheaper than the "other leading brand"
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Posted in Hand (Friday, October 10, 2008)
By Neiko Tools.
The regular list price is $49.95.
Sells new for $11.90.
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3 comments about 6" Digital Caliper Stainless Steel LCD.
- I needed this for my RC helicopter that required very precise measurements. Very happy with it.
- The first look of this product is just amazing, box, extra battery, all in one.. the best...
- This product was well built and worked as advertised. I have no way to check its accuracy, however. For my applications I am not concerned with super accuracy. The inch and mm selection is useful for me. The unit came with a dead battery in the caliper but there was a spare battery in the case.
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Posted in Hand (Friday, October 10, 2008)
By Anytime Tools.
Sells new for $14.99.
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5 comments about Anytime Tools AT200430 101 Piece Tamper Proof/security Screwdriver Bits and 1/4" Square/hex Reversible Mini Ratchet.
- This is not a top of the line tool but it is worth the price. Stupidest thing about it is that the included ratchet does not go anywhere in the case. You'll have to use a rubber band or something to keep it with the bits.
- if you are trying to use the Tri-Wing screwdriver to Open Your Nintendo Wii, please do not Buy it... but if your reason is different, i will recommended to buy..
- In a blown molded plastic case that could easily fit inside a coat pocket is one of the most impressive collections of bits I've ever seen. Each bit is nested in a dedicated, clearly-labeled inset. The bits are of a high-quality hard steel that easily hold up to frequent usage with minimum signs of distress. They are priced so you can have one in all of your tool boxes too! This is one of my favorite driver kits.
- I purchased this item for the tamper-proof torx bits. A set of 12 of these bits (which included 3 larger sizes not in this kit) was close to $30 at a major tool retailer.
I'm as happy as can be about this set, as it has a bit for so many different types of heads and multiple sizes for each type. The only disappointment is that I probably won't ever use them all--there's several included that I can only guess the name to. However the real benefit is that the next time I come to an unfamiliar screw head, odds are very good that I've got the tool for it.
It's true that the included ratchet doesn't fit in the case--however I think the ratchet is more of a bonus than anything. These are 1/4" drive bits, which means they'll fit your small ratchet. Personally this kit will fit easily in a small toolbag of mine which already has a basic 1/4 ratchet set. It's an awesome little piece of kit.
BTW: The complaints of the case letting the bits loose without the foam doesn't apply to mine. I removed the foam and shook the case as hard as I could in all directions for about a minute and not a single bit let go.
- Exactly as advertised. I only wish it had the smaller bits, but no big deal.
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Posted in Hand (Friday, October 10, 2008)
By Zircon.
The regular list price is $34.99.
Sells new for $26.99.
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5 comments about Zircon 60369 Studsensor I65 Onestep Center Finding Stud Finder with "How To" Video Included.
- I bought the i65 to see where the studs were in my wall so i could rip off the plywood (I live in a house built in about 1910 and remodeled around 1950 in a perpetually wet area, so there ain't no drywall) and repair the electrical connections to my washer and dryer. this thing is great at detecting electrical currents, which is GREAT, but when it comes to detecting studs through thick paint (or worse, plaster) covered plywood more than 3/4" thick, it's at a loss. Lucky it comes with a dvd, 'casue the instuctions suck. After watching the dvd (and cracking jokes about it and laughing the whole time)
it suggests using a thin piece of cardboard or chipboard to run the unit across while scanning. This totally works (when you use deepscan), but seems to affect accuracy. As a rough guide, it's awesome, but if you need to find a stud without destroying your wall, maybe the i500 (the model that turned me on to zircon) or a more advanced model is a better idea.
- I tried this in the store and it seemed to work great on the store demonstrator. I tried it at home on new drywall with 2 coats of paint and it did not work at all. The readings were irratic and not repeatable. I put up the drywall and so I have a good idea where the studs are. This thing was off by 4 inches or more on both the stud and the AC wiring.
- Zircon 60369 Studsensor I65 Onestep Center Finding Stud Finder with "How To" Video Included
It will locate the stud (eventually), but you better double check the reading. The center of stud may not be there, even with the deep sensor mode. It instructs you to move the stud finder slowly over the surface. This will take some time.
I am a new user. To me, it could, and should work better sensing studs, and wires.
- I have textured wall. Even using the tool the way suggested by the manufacturer, I have really inconsistent results. About half the time the "stud" turns out not to be a "stud."
- Great tool. I did not know what to expect, and was pleasingly surprised. I would recommend to others.
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Posted in Hand (Friday, October 10, 2008)
By Zircon.
The regular list price is $59.99.
Sells new for $55.68.
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5 comments about Zircon 61962/61963 Multiscanner i700 Onestep, Multifunction Wall Scanner, Yellow.
- Used on smooth finish exterior plaster. Multiple false signals left me with 3 holes in my wall and no studs. Clumsy spring loaded multiple piece design turns it on when held against the wall - I found it to be odd. Good display and convenient built in marker but its got to be accurate to be useful. It was accurate on interior drywall but no more accurate than my old $10 one when tested side by side. Why spend the money?
- Hello,
I bought the Zicron Multiscanner i700 after seeing this product on a home repair show. This stud finder is awesome, I would recommend that give your stud finder away and purchase this one because of the following:
1. It is easy to use
2. Finds the center of the stud
3. It has a built in marker
4. The LED is easy to read
5. Finds stud's both metal and wood as well as A/C
6. Great price
- I have plaster over wood lath. Despite nice articulating design and built-in pencil, the i700 series simply can't detect a stud.
- I bought one of these and later rerurned it. It was not very accurate and for the money it should be.
- Quickly identified the center of wood studs and the locations of electrical wiring. Hassle free and accurate.
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Posted in Hand (Friday, October 10, 2008)
By Gerber Legendary Blades.
The regular list price is $120.00.
Sells new for $53.76.
There are some available for $71.68.
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5 comments about Gerber 22-41534 Hinderer Rescue Knife with Serrated Edge and Sheath.
- I really like the knife, but I can't figure out how to pack the accessory tools and knife into the sheath at the same time. I checked the included paperwork, but no hints. I can fit the tools or the knife, but not both without feeling like I'm about to pop some seams or tear the material. The knife has a pocket clip though, so it's OK.
- Got it for a gift. Description of product was a lot better than actual product. It's ok. But look around before you buy.
- Solid feel and smooth action using one hand. I also like the added seatbelt cutter, not sure if I would use it, but makes me feel a tad more secure knowing it's there.
- I am a career firefighter/paramedic with seven years on the job. I have already used the knife several times on EMS calls. Four times I have used the oxygen wrench (we all know how the black tabs seem to get lost), and I have used the Zuess tool (belt cutter) and window punch on a couple of MVA's with extrication. Also used it on several trauma patients to expose them. Far superior to trauma shears. The knife is great for all around uses around the firehouse. Highly recommended.
- The knife is excellent in all respects except that I have great difficulty opening it with one hand. If the thumb stud were positioned a little lower on the blade for better leverage, it would be perfect for the intended purpose.
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Posted in Hand (Friday, October 10, 2008)
By Stanley Hand Tools.
The regular list price is $19.99.
Sells new for $12.09.
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2 comments about Stanley 84-114 3 Piece Basic 6-Inch Slip Joint, 6-Inch Long Nose, and 6-Inch Diagonal Plier Set.
- I wanted a spare plier set to keep in the kitchen, and this is perfect. Much better made than the cheap no-name imports, though not professional quality. Perfect for the do-it-your-selfer who needs a decent tool every now and then.
- For the price this is a good buy. I received the tools and am happy with the quality. This, as mentioned in the other review, is a "spare" set and will serve perfectly!
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Quick-Grip 53006 Micro Clamp
Porter-Cable 42234 Corner Chisel
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit Multitool with Pouch
Sonin 50211 Rapitest 10% to 28% Pinless Analog Wood, Concrete, Plaster, Carpet, and More Moisture Meter
6" Digital Caliper Stainless Steel LCD
Anytime Tools AT200430 101 Piece Tamper Proof/security Screwdriver Bits and 1/4" Square/hex Reversible Mini Ratchet
Zircon 60369 Studsensor I65 Onestep Center Finding Stud Finder with "How To" Video Included
Zircon 61962/61963 Multiscanner i700 Onestep, Multifunction Wall Scanner, Yellow
Gerber 22-41534 Hinderer Rescue Knife with Serrated Edge and Sheath
Stanley 84-114 3 Piece Basic 6-Inch Slip Joint, 6-Inch Long Nose, and 6-Inch Diagonal Plier Set
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