Tool Discussion and Reviews New Thread Per Request

UnfrozenCaveman

Well-known member
As regards oil filter removal ... "to get the filter off (big channellocks for me)" I bought a ViseGrip branded chain wrench earlier this year and finally used it last weekend. The RV8's were never a challenge, but the while the filter in the Perentie (Isuzu 4BD1) looks easy, sometimes it just is blasted tight! The chain wrench made quick work of it.
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SaintPanzer

Well-known member
Any thoughts or experience with Hollow Ground Screwdrivers? Been looking at Chapman, Brownells, Forster, Weaver, Grace, and Lyman brands to rebuild carbs and other more intricate work than the usual demands of a Defender.
I have a set of Forsters that I use for firearms, and have had no serious issues with them. I can't compare them to others, but I do like them.
 

evilfij

Well-known member
What is the advantage of them? They seem to be gunsmithing focused. Can’t say I have ever needed one.
 

SaintPanzer

Well-known member
What is the advantage of them? They seem to be gunsmithing focused. Can’t say I have ever needed one.
They fill the screw head exactly, instead of tapering in to the fit. Also, they are "straight in", instead of tapering a bit wide, and hitting edges that might be interfering (like a deeply countersunk screw, or a screw near cooling fins). They are very helpful for softer screw heads.
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Yes, usually thought of as gunsmithing screwdrivers. That's what Forster does. But I could see how they would be useful for the screws found in carburetors, even though it's been years since I touched a carburetor. I would use it on the soft screws often found on throttle plates, though.
 
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LazyRabbit

Well-known member
i got a set of metric flex head wrenches from lowes about 5 years ago, Kobalt brand. They have done me well and never have failed me through fixing up my landrover, along with outfitting a couple my other trucks as well as some roadside repairs for friends.

Yes they could have a better ratcheting system on them, but they haven't broken and are reversible. PLUS I do believe i can just turn it into lowes if it does break.
 

evilfij

Well-known member
I should of never opened this thread, I been on a tool shopping spree since I've read this. lol

Haha. Sorry. But do tell us what you got and what you like or not.

I just picked up some stubby end, long form Bondhus Allen keys. Chrome finish, $22. I could not justify the $115 for the PB Swiss ones (even though they are pretty). I ordered a Knipex Cutix from KC (20% off Black Friday) along with a second set of Knipex forged wire strippers, and two more twin grip pliers (they are on super backorder, but I can wait).

The twin grips and forged wire strippers are excellent. Honestly, for working on defenders, you don’t need a lot of tools, it’s the stupid Porsches that drive a lot of my purchases (and hoarding obviously).

The Malco eagle grips are still my favorite among pliers.

I know I have some hollow ground screwdrivers, but they were not marketed as such. The ones with the flat sides I would call “cabinet” screwdrivers, and Stahlwille sells carb screwdrivers. The explanation was very helpful.
 
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Jbullis

Member
I ordered 2 of the Knipex twin grip pliers, Wera PZ #2, and Dominator Pry Bar set. I didnt need any of these, but they all look great...

 

Napalm00

Technical Excellence Contributor
Any thoughts or experience with Hollow Ground Screwdrivers? Been looking at Chapman, Brownells, Forster, Weaver, Grace, and Lyman brands to rebuild carbs and other more intricate work than the usual demands of a Defender.
I actually bought the ultra heavy duty wiha I for this work. Through tang, hd bollards, hd tips. Never strips and is strong enough for all the crusty stuff on a defender.

 

evilfij

Well-known member
HF stuff has gotten way better and a lot of the stuff now is really good (56in and 72in US General boxes, jacks, hammers shovels, and a lot of the Quinn stuff and branded pliers are good). Icon seems really nice, like really nice, but the price is really high.

I am now on a box cutter and knife kick. The Stanley 199 (and the Wiss which is the same) are still my favorites, but the Knipex Cutix is the best break off knife. Not sure it’s worth the $27 (I got mine 20% off even then is expensive). I ordered the fiskars one which is a fixed blade (which I prefer) but it has a hinged cover for the blade. Might be the path forward.
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evilfij

Well-known member
*One correction to the previous post. The Stanley 199 is not the same as the Wiss box cutter. The blade on the Wiss mounts slightly further in which is better.

If anyone wants to buy USA made stuff, I did a lot of research and have figured out how to decode Williams (owned by snap-on) part numbers. Basically, if it has letters at the start it is probably (mainly always) USA made, if it is just numbers it is imported. Even when the part says China on Amazon, if it has letters at the start it is USA in my experience (check comments and people will tell you).

Williams still sells the 36 tooth closed head ratchets which are snap-on design/identical to snap-on from almost 20 years ago.

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I got this for $45 as an Amazon return (one small scratch barely noticeable). Normally like $65. 1/2in, flex head, non-locking, non-detent. It’s not bad, and having used the old snap-on ones, I could not tell a difference other than the name (the internet confirms this is true).

I have a long 3/8 coming and will probably pick up the 3/8 flex just because.

also picked up this round head 72 tooth long 3/8 for $45. It’s super nice. Very happy. Only quibble is the detent is very strong so you really have to pull to get the socket off.

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Going to pick up the 15in 1/2in drive for $65 too.

Finally, if you like the old snap-on hard handle screwdrivers, you can get a set of USA made williams which are also the same.


I got the 8 piece set for $60 (now $72.50). If you get the big set, the smaller screwdrivers are Bahco style (also owned by snap on) and are imported. Replacing my old s craftsman as my hands are dirty and I am not cleaning a fancy screwdriver set (I have probably passed owning 1000 screwdrivers at this point — it’s a problem). PS Matco screwdrivers which everyone likes and are $270 for 8 are rebranded Witte maxxpro which you can get, minus the stubbies, for like $60 a set. I have a bunch of Witte screwdrivers, both Witte branded and rebranded. Witte also makes Stahlwille screwdrivers and Cornwell screwdrivers.

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I am quite pleased with these purchases. The Williams I have found are just old model snap-on and the round heads are classic Williams with a double pawl 72 tooth. I may have mentioned it before, but my primary tools pre-hoarding days, were lowes kobalt socket and ratchet sets which were made by Williams. I still have them, and they held up great (except for the 1/2 ratchet I wrecked with a breaker bar).

Figured I’d buy USA made while I still can. Amazon and Abolox seem to be the low cost providers on Williams (Abolox has had good service for me and sell cheaper direct than through the Amazon website if Amazon itself does not have it in stock).
 
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evilfij

Well-known member
In search of the best screwdrivers made.

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And yes, I have PZ too, at least the PZ2 and I will get the PZ3, but I could not find the rainbow set so they are red and not as pretty. I guess it helpful so I don’t mix them up with the Phillips.

I think these PB Swiss may be the best slotted, at least ones without hex and striking cap (PB makes them but not in rainbow)

I also like these Heyco Wera made slotted.

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I just try one and determine it is good or not and then go back to using what I always use (the $9 channellock 6 in 1 and whatever PZ is sitting around).
 

evilfij

Well-known member
I ordered the 1/2in Williams 72 tooth long round head ratchet as it dropped in price a bit. Think I paid $60. (I honestly don’t know, I order stuff and then forget I actually ordered it).

i think it is fantastic, but the finish leaves something to be desired. There is some black in the creases. Not that it matters to function, but a nepros it is not. I especially like the round “put a pipe on me for leverage” knurled handle.
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evilfij

Well-known member
Nice. They are crazy strong for how small they are. I have them. Honestly I prefer the 125mm versions as I like that style of handle and adjustment better (and you can get the cobras in chrome in 125mm). The 100mm ones go in the bag of small, cool things I don’t particularly prefer but work :)

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I also decided I needed a 3/8 set for the LWB and I wanted to try Bahco, so I bought this for $56. Will report back later. Any decent 3/8 set with the spark plug socket, extensions etc. will be all of $30-40 so a couple extra bucks, whatever. I really want the S138 full 1/4-1/2 big set with wrenches, but it’s not on global and $97 to ship from. .de.
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PS everyone should still just buy the Gedore red 172 piece set and be done with sockets (minus the 14mm 1/2in drive 12 point and 8mm 1/4in drive 12 point you will need).
 
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cdmbrennan

Well-known member
Nice. They are crazy strong for how small they are. I have them. Honestly I prefer the 125mm versions as I like that style of handle and adjustment better (and you can get the cobras in chrome in 125mm). The 100mm ones go in the bag of small, cool things I don’t particularly prefer but work :)

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I also decided I needed a 3/8 set for the LWB and I wanted to try Bahco, so I bought this for $56. Will report back later. Any decent 3/8 set with the spark plug socket, extensions etc. will be all of $30-40 so a couple extra bucks, whatever. I really want the S138 full 1/4-1/2 big set with wrenches, but it’s not on global and $97 to ship from. .de.
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PS everyone should still just buy the Gedore red 172 piece set and be done with sockets (minus the 14mm 1/2in drive 12 point and 8mm 1/4in drive 12 point you will need).
Agree. The Gedore Red set has virtually eliminated the need to bring along anything else- it’s well-made and inclusive and the case is nice, too.
 
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