what are some tools that were worth the price tag?

[mrsparky]

Hi everyone, just want to know what are some tools you have that were worth the price tag or some tools that are less common/unusual that you would recommend?

 

[FatAlan]

Would love to know why the battery packs for cordless kit are so expensive?
I think a good multi-tool is essential even if your not a spark.

 

[LewisM]

CK Automatic wire strippers,I used to think that they were pointless but doing a lot of downlights they save so much tie and strain on your wrists.

Only £14 from Toolstation

 

[MJPD29]

Battery sds can be expensive but saves a lot of time. Multi tool took a while for me to find uses for but now is used all the time.

 

[PEG]

Spyderco penknife UK legal carry... invaluable...saved a couple of people from serious injury,but mainly just so useful.

Mostly work related,but on a walk,with me missus and No.2 son,we found a giant road cone....and i carved a smiley face in it,complete with sticky-out lips and eyelids ?

 

[Lister1987]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001CKAR4Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Got it on a prime deal for £20, males getting floorboards up a breeze

Amazon.co.uk

£25, cuts through everything like a hot knife through butter, not meant for SWA but does it nicely. Meter tails are a breeze too

 

[buzzlightyear]

Me swizz army knife for me especially for bear hunting. Rrrrah, and a bow and arrow.

 

[timhoward]

The CK M3.5 and M4 rethreading tools, never know when you'll need them...might sit there for weeks unsued....but wouldn't be without them.
Also, more recently, the Quickwire cable strippers, rewired 16 downlights in under half an hour the other day, they pay for themselves!

 

[Dustydazzler]

Second the ratchet cutters, I have an old german set that my dad gave to me which i have used and abused cutting SWA up to about 16mm. don't think they were meant for SWA but they do the job...

Also a decent set of screwdrivers is a must, i like my WIHA ones again absolutely used and abused from prying floor boards to stabbing ceilings and they are still holding up well.

Wiha SoftFinish 6 pce Electric Screwdriver Set for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Wiha SoftFinish 6 pce Electric Screwdriver Set at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Mike Johnson]

If you are stripping a lot of T&E these are invaluable, two actions and the sheath is off, next the inner cables are also stripped: Jokari No. 4 Cable Strippers 6½ - https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/jokari-no-4-cable-strippers-6-165mm/7540k.

What I would not buy again is the Armeg torque screwdriver.

 

[Dustydazzler]

I don't think that I have ever bought something I don't use, some tools end up on Ebay but these tend to be spares or duplicates of what I already have.
I don;t like hanging on to things I have multiple of, seems a waste

 

[nicebutdim]

Would love to know why the battery packs for cordless kit are so expensive?
I think a good multi-tool is essential even if your not a spark.

A couple of reasons spring to mind:

1. People are prepared to pay the asking price.
2. A lot of good deals appear on tool bodies, which often look like loss leaders intended to tie users into a particular platform. Eventually more batteries becomes a convenience.

 

[Lister1987]

If you are stripping a lot of T&E these are invaluable, two actions and the sheath is off, next the inner cables are also stripped: Jokari No. 4 Cable Strippers 6½ - https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/jokari-no-4-cable-strippers-6-165mm/7540k.

What I would not buy again is the Armeg torque screwdriver.

Curious as to why? Have one and love it, and 2 occasions I snapped a tip (PZSL1 & 2); A quick DM on Twitter and I've had a replacement by the following day at no charge.

 

[telectrix]

if I snapped a driver bit, I'd cut down on the weetabix.

 

[mrsparky]

The CK M3.5 and M4 rethreading tools, never know when you'll need them...might sit there for weeks unsued....but wouldn't be without them.
Also, more recently, the Quickwire cable strippers, rewired 16 downlights in under half an hour the other day, they pay for themselves!

Nice one mate cheers, already got a rethreading tool haha typical apprentice stripped the threads on a couple boxes

 

[mrsparky]

If you are stripping a lot of T&E these are invaluable, two actions and the sheath is off, next the inner cables are also stripped: Jokari No. 4 Cable Strippers 6½ - https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/jokari-no-4-cable-strippers-6-165mm/7540k.

What I would not buy again is the Armeg torque screwdriver.

Cheers mate, what about the torque screwdriver do you not like?

 

[mrsparky]

Battery sds can be expensive but saves a lot of time. Multi tool took a while for me to find uses for but now is used all the time.

Thanks mate, just bought a sds but I think multitool is next up, what sort of things do you use it for?

 

[Mike Johnson]

Cheers mate, what about the torque screwdriver do you not like?

The torque that is set by most manufacturers of the MCB's etc is so over the top that it spits most cheap ones in half, OK if you are installing Hager or upper market units, but it's just too much on anything else.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Torque drivers are tosh imo , if you can’t judge a termination by experience and feel then you shouldn’t be working on an electrical installation in the first place

 

[nicebutdim]

Torque drivers are tosh imo , if you can’t judge a termination by experience and feel then you shouldn’t be working on an electrical installation in the first place

A lot of aerospace technicians could probably judge torque quite accurately, but I'd much prefer that they adhere to manufacturer specifications.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Torque drivers are tosh imo , if you can’t judge a termination by experience and feel then you shouldn’t be working on an electrical installation in the first place

That sounds like the sort of misguided quote you tend to get on Chainsaw threads, "If you don't know how to sharpen a Chainsaw you should not be using one" ? I can rip the end off a 12mm HT bolt with a socket set, so tend to use a torque wrench, but these Torque drivers seem so over the top.

 

[FatAlan]

Thanks mate, just bought a sds but I think multitool is next up, what sort of things do you use it for?

Everything! Cutting out plasterboard and ply for back boxes. Also use masonary blades for smaller jobs in plaster or softer block work. Cutting floorboards.

 

[Alimo8282]

Would love to know why the battery packs for cordless kit are so expensive?
I think a good multi-tool is essential even if your not a spark.

Battery packs contain 18650 unprotected batteries, which if you buy from a reputable supplier (Samsung, LG, Sony etc) can cost up to £8 per battery. Taking into consideration, design, manufacturing, distribution etc, the likes of dewalt etc still want to turn a healthy profit.

 

[Mike Johnson]

18650 LiIo batteries where originated by A123 systems in the USA, but where so successful it was not long before Chinese clones called PO4 became available, the term 18650 seems to have now become a generic term.

Both types require a balance charge unlike standard Nimh or even the old Nicad's, the balance charge can be built into the battery case or in the charger, if you ever look at the pack or charger you will see multiple connections not just one positive or negative this is to facilitate individual cell monitoring to ensure a balance charge is administered.

 

[timhoward]

Everything! Cutting out plasterboard and ply for back boxes. Also use masonary blades for smaller jobs in plaster or softer block work. Cutting floorboards.

They are indeed very handy. Take care though! One of my luckiest ever moments I think was cutting out this board with multitool. Rather incredibly I didn't nick any of them or the pipe.

 

[Mike Johnson]

I have a Fein Multitool that has a depth stop.

 

[Soi disant]

View attachment 84079

The cuckoo plumber strikes again....

 

[nicebutdim]

18650 LiIo batteries where originated by A123 systems in the USA, but where so successful it was not long before Chinese clones called PO4 became available, the term 18650 seems to have now become a generic term.

It is a generic term that makes perfect sense as it is based (roughly) on cell dimensions - 18650 = 18x65mm

Tesla poured quite a bit of money into R&D of cells and concluded that optimum form factor for current lithium technology wasn't far from this size. Their research resulted in the creation of 20700 and 21700 cells and I believe the latter is the cell they use in current production.

 

[Mike Johnson]

18650 was the part number that the original manufacture gave their cells (A123 systems), I will have to find my other cells to see the part number on them, but 21700 seems to ring a bell, Tesla did not exist in the time period I am referring too and the original chemistry was Lithium nano Phosphate.

 

[nicebutdim]

18650 was the part number that the original manufacture gave their cells (A123 systems), I will have to find my other cells to see the part number on them, but 21700 seems to ring a bell, Tesla did not exist in the time period I am referring too and the original chemistry was Lithium nano Phosphate.

The part number was designated on the basis of size. 18350, 16340, 18500 and 26500 cells all followed the same pattern.

 

[Mike Johnson]

I suppose that's how the Eastern countries have got away with copying the original cells without infringing copy write, will have a look tomorrow and measure some of the original A123 cells.

 

[nicebutdim]

You inspired me to quickly research the subject as I was fairly certain that the first Lithium cells in 18650 form were introduced by a well known manufacturer - I just couldn't remember who.

Turns out the 18650 was introduced by Sony in 1992 and the designation was indeed derived from its physical size.

 

[pirate]

Tools I wouldn't be without?
DeWalt oscillating multi-tool, teamed with Saxton blades
CK wire strippers
Fluke T150 2 pole tester
CK crimping pliers for tiny ferrules
Erbauer rechargeable work light
Noga deburring tool
so many actually...
Basically, anything that works for you in whatever field you operate

 

[westward10]

Your hands, eyes and limbs. Look after them.

 

[pirate]

Very good point, Westy!
So many folks using impact drivers these days, and the bits can shatter...I had a P3 break on me, and the shards missed my eye by 1mm...Doc dug out the remnants and said I was extremely lucky not to lose the sight in my right eye.
Wear gloves and safety specs...it might add 5 minutes to a job, but it might save your sight.
Best advice ever there, and I urge you all to listen to what @westward10 said there.

 

[FatAlan]

They are indeed very handy. Take care though! One of my luckiest ever moments I think was cutting out this board with multitool. Rather incredibly I didn't nick any of them or the pipe.
View attachment 84079

That’s the think I like about them. If you’re working in a risky area I think you have a bit more control than just ripping through with a saw that could be set at the wrong depth.

 

[Mike Johnson]

This would probably fit others: FEIN 32127069010 Depth stop: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools - https://www.amazon.co.uk/FEIN-32127069010-Depth-stop/dp/B00C85RV3E/ref=asc_df_B00C85RV3E/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=222086461140&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5557353652137521657&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007076&hvtargid=pla-421299761669&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

 

[pc1966]

I think we should all follow @westward10 about protecting your eyes, ears, hands, and the rest of your body depending on what tools you are using and what situation you are in. For example, a simple hard-hat has saved me from some nasty gashes to the head from the nails holding slates on in an attic, etc.

But for the original discussion my most recent best-buy has been an impact driver:

M18 FUEL™ ¼″ Hex Impact Driver M18 FID2 | Cordless Impact Driver | Milwaukee Tool UK

M18 FUEL™ ¼″ Hex impact driver. Higher power efficiency under load - outstanding torque of 226 Nm. Faster driving speed vs. previous model - up to 3600 rpm and 4300 ipm.

uk.milwaukeetool.eu

I actually bought the FPP2A2-502X kit with that, a more conventional battery drill, charger, and two 5.0Ah batteries. But it really has been that driver along with the hex-shank drill bits that has been most useful by far.

A word of warning though: even on its minimum setting and making use of the variable-rate trigger it will easily chew up smaller screws, and a moment of carelessness with it set on mid-speed sheared a M6 roofing bolt on some cable tray I was assembling.

But only a complete muppet would use it on electrical terminals? Really?

 

[pc1966]

It is a bit noisy, like most impact tools, but more of an irritation than needing ear defenders in most cases. If I were buying something again I think I would go for the hydraulic version they do and just get it as a kit, such as:

Milwaukee M18FQID-502X M18 FUEL SURGE Hydraulic Impact Driver

Milwaukee M18FQID. 18 volt cordless brushless 1/4 inch hex hydraulic impact driver. Constant 50Nm torque. The Milwaukee SURGE impact driver for quieter impact self tapping screws. UK equivalent for US Milwaukee Tool 2760-22. Milwaukee 4933451791.

www.bigredpowertools.co.uk

 

[DefyG]

The Dewalt Multi Tool 'Kit' (DCS355P1) comes with depth stop, duct extractor adaptor etc .... but most people just buy the skeleton tool and miss out on the depth stop which is probably available as optional extra!

 

[Zerax]

Off-topic for sparkie-ing... apologies... but last year I had alot of carpentry to do at home, so I bought a track saw (or plunge saw as it's sometimes called)... wow !! The quality of cuts is superb and you can be super accurate with where the cut is too... That was defo a game changer for me !

 

[nicebutdim]

The Dewalt Multi Tool 'Kit' (DCS355P1) comes with depth stop, duct extractor adaptor etc .... but most people just buy the skeleton tool and miss out on the depth stop which is probably available as optional extra!

Even then it might depend where and when you buy the kit. Full sets can be comprehensive, but tool manufacturers often strip them down to the bare bones as many customers care more about price, than about content.

One recent example that comes to mind was the purchase of Makita's 12V mini circular saw, which I bought last year. This was a rare occasion where I didn't buy the bare tool and got a good deal on a kit. I wanted a couple of extra batteries and it was more expensive to buy them separately, than to buy the kit that also included charger and a nice case. What it didn't include was a fence, which is usually included with any circular saw! Rather than pay the buggers extra, I repurposed one from an old tool.

 

[telectrix]

What it didn't include was a fence,

Me Scouser, soon put you onto a good fence. one that keeps his gob shut when the scuffers visit.

 

[ruston]

Even then it might depend where and when you buy the kit. Full sets can be comprehensive, but tool manufacturers often strip them down to the bare bones as many customers care more about price, than about content.

One recent example that comes to mind was the purchase of Makita's 12V mini circular saw, which I bought last year. This was a rare occasion where I didn't buy the bare tool and got a good deal on a kit. I wanted a couple of extra batteries and it was more expensive to buy them separately, than to buy the kit that also included charger and a nice case. What it didn't include was a fence, which is usually included with any circular saw! Rather than pay the buggers extra, I repurposed one from an old tool.

When I was buying power tools I always tried to by them in cases. Easier to store and see at a glance what is missing out of the box. Same with sockets and spannerrs etc, always on rails or spanner clip racks.

 

[Mike Johnson]

When I was buying power tools I always tried to by them in cases. Easier to store and see at a glance what is missing out of the box. Same with sockets and spannerrs etc, always on rails or spanner clip racks.

But only if you have a wife that does not think that clearing up is stacking everything on top of each other.

 

[telectrix]

But only if you have a wife that does not think that clearing up is stacking everything on top of each other.

Min thinks that clearing up is piling everything out of sight in cupboards and drawers and forgetting where she's put it all.

 

[ruston]

But only if you have a wife that does not think that clearing up is stacking everything on top of each other.

Sadly I am alone now and I have no one to answer to. My wife did not draw the line an me repairing tools in the house , bless her.

 

[nicebutdim]

When I was buying power tools I always tried to by them in cases. Easier to store and see at a glance what is missing out of the box. Same with sockets and spannerrs etc, always on rails or spanner clip racks.

In the past I used to do the same, but with the advent of tools that share the same battery platform it often becomes unnecessarily expensively.

 

[nicebutdim]

Sadly I am alone now and I have no one to answer to. My wife did not draw the line an me repairing tools in the house , bless her.

Must give the other half credit for being similarly understanding.... to a point.

 

[ruston]

Min thinks that clearing up is piling everything out of sight in cupboards and drawers and forgetting where she's put it all.

That is me to a T,I have dismantled gear in places I did not know I had places.