What Was Your Last Tool And What Is Your Next?!?!

[Cadgey123]

I just bought an orange Klein Bluetooth work speaker from CEF. Its got a punchy sound for being so small. A little music in the workplace goes a long way.

 

[Specialist]

I just bought an orange Klein Bluetooth work speaker from CEF. Its got a punchy sound for being so small. A little music in the workplace goes a long way.

Goes a long way with me too, straight out the window I like to be able to hear myself think when I'm working.

 

[Rpa07]

I had a bit of a second hand spending spree the other day and aside a couple of pairs of knipex pliers I bought a 36v Hilti Te6a which doesn't have separate hammer (chiselling on its own) but still found it hard to walk away so beat them down in price to justify my grief and used it most of yesterday. Cracking little tool.
I also bought a Bosch DMF 10 zoom stud finder, new £70 I got for £20. I used it on a job the other day and it's a winner. Found wooden studs, cables and a chocolate under the sofa (I actually found that - wrapped so eaten)!
I am not sure if I've bought a new tool at full price but I now have every tool I need generally ExCEPT the Earth leakage meter DCM300 by Megger - one day!

 

[Rpa07]

Goes a long way with me too, straight out the window I like to be able to hear myself think when I'm working.

The term 'grumpy old men' springs to mind! I use a Bluetooth speaker for my 'Jesus music' during the day - when I really need to think even Jesus needs to be turned down!

 

[Specialist]

Will you choose your words more carefully in future RPA. I mean really ? Old he says, bloody nerve of these kids nowadays .

 

[Specialist]

I had a bit of a second hand spending spree the other day and aside a couple of pairs of knipex pliers I bought a 36v Hilti Te6a which doesn't have separate hammer (chiselling on its own) but still found it hard to walk away so beat them down in price to justify my grief and used it most of yesterday. Cracking little tool.
I also bought a Bosch DMF 10 zoom stud finder, new £70 I got for £20. I used it on a job the other day and it's a winner. Found wooden studs, cables and a chocolate under the sofa (I actually found that - wrapped so eaten)!
I am not sure if I've bought a new tool at full price but I now have every tool I need generally ExCEPT the Earth leakage meter DCM300 by Megger - one day!

Some nice kit there buddy & good prices too.

Think my next buys are going to be, a set of 150mm torx bits for the battery screwdriver & a set of Milwaukee 6 in 1 pliers.

 

[Octopus]

One of these:

6 Rung Little Giant 'Revolution XE' - https://www.midlandladders.com/Little-giant-24-in-1-system/6-rung-little-giant-revolution-xe-

Excellent addition to the armoury!

 

[Specialist]

Bet it would be a good addition, price is an ouch though.
Think I've got enough ladders to keep me going

 

[Rpa07]

@Murdoch, if you needed them to be fibreglass the the 'dark horse' are the ones but they carry a hefty price. I've got the 4 rung fibre glass little giant yellow version. Again, bought secondhand still cost me £210 but amazingly useful. Don't need a separate stepladder as these do it all. I was in a small bathroom yesterday all day and they acted as steps for the light then a ladder for the extractor work I need to do.

 

[Rpa07]

I had my double 13 rung wooden ladders and stand off for the 'hole in the side of your house' extractor job yesterday. Made by 'Eclipse' same company makes the saws etc. Cracking ladders and the stand off worth its weight as a tool platform.

 

[Specialist]

Extension ladders is something I haven't got any more, had 2 sets of triple extension ladders dissapear & not bothered to replace them. Bought a good combined ladder though & that's about 5.5m opened out so it's plenty now.

 

[NDG Elecs]

Last electrical tool I bought was this: Draper Toolbox Cable Access Kit 10 x 330mm - Toolstation - http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p50619?gclid=CjwKEAjwj6PKBRCAy9-07PeTtGgSJAC1

Very handy and compact to keep half a dozen rods in your tool bag, and saves getting the bigger rods out of the van. Especially when your in a second floor flat!

I do a fair bit of joinery too so am looking to get this:
http://www.toolstop.co.uk/index.php...m705_5dusfR6ETNIgWserbW89YGVSbAeQJhoCaeTw_wcB

Much easier to get both straight and curved cuts than using a traditional D shaped jigsaw. You hold it akin to your cueing arm if you were playing snooker. Much more control over it that way.
Had a play with one already and its a great little jigsaw.

Next electrical tool will probably be some humble replacement snips with the 1.5&2.5mm notches.

 

[davesparks]

Next electrical tool will probably be some humble replacement snips with the 1.5&2.5mm notches.

Do you buy them pre-notched or do you install your own custom notches?

 

[Wilko]

... but I now have every tool I need generally ExCEPT the Earth leakage meter DCM300 by Megger - one day!

By then I'm sure you will find the need for another tool

 

[Specialist]

By then I'm sure you will find the need for another tool

Don't we always ? We tell ourselves we've got everything & Then manufacturers start enticing us with New & shiny things .

 

[rsgaz]

will probably be some humble replacement snips with the 1.5&2.5mm notches.

These bad boys would be my choice if I was upgrading...

Darn expensive though.

 

[Specialist]

I was looking at those a while back but as you said, price is ridiculous.

 

[Andy78]

I was looking at those a while back but as you said, price is ridiculous.

How much ?

 

[Specialist]

Cheapest price I've had was from our local TLC @ £45.00 + vat

 

[Andy78]

£42.51 inc vat inc postage

Knipex 1386200SB Electrical Installation Pliers VDE Grips - https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/Knipex-1386200Sb-4003773075288-Electrical-Installation-Pliers-Vde-Grips?gclid=CjwKCAjwsqjKBRBtEiwAkWyN39BoqApPp2O5CCI8qaiNkqvfHWIbOftTF_cMMWLeYCrpZSxne21LBRoCIhkQAvD_BwE

Knipex also do many versions of this, as with all their tools, that may come in cheaper if you look about. You don't have to have them chrome plated, or VDE if you don't want.

KNIPEX - The Pliers Company. -Products - https://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1363&groupID=2036&artID=32635

 

[Specialist]

But chrome plate is so sexy looking

Thanks Andy

 

[Andy78]

But chrome plate is so sexy looking

Thanks Andy

Yeah I know, All my my Knipex are Chrome too

 

[rsgaz]

Knipex also do many versions of this, as with all their tools, that may come in cheaper if you look about.

Indeed, the pic I posted is the spring loaded version, the non spring loaded versions are a couple of quid cheaper from most sellers, the ones with eighty-something in their code.

 

[Andy78]

Just ordered one of these to supplement my cordless kit

Milwaukee M18BMT-0 Multi Tools 18v BODY ONLY - https://www.powertoolsuk.co.uk/milwaukee-m18bmt-0-multi-tool-18v-body-only.html#product_tabs_specification_tabbed

 

[telectrix]

these are my most used. insulated but not VDE rated.

Bahco 9897 Plier Set - 21775 - Pliers & Wrenches | BES.co.uk - https://www.bes.co.uk/bahco-9897-plier-set?ref=gs&gclid=CjwKEAjwsqjKBRDtwOSjs6GTgmASJACRbI3fJXTGcMp9q-ZUsR8X1TqXOo5_B4kIzXCKCJYPEr9O-BoCYMHw_wcB

 

[telectrix]

Just ordered one of these to supplement my cordless kit

Milwaukee M18BMT-0 Multi Tools 18v BODY ONLY - https://www.powertoolsuk.co.uk/milwaukee-m18bmt-0-multi-tool-18v-body-only.html#product_tabs_specification_tabbed

you can now use the title of Total Tool Tart.

 

[Andy78]

you can now use the title of Total Tool Tart.

Ha maybe, I already have a corded one but there are many reasons I have convinced myself with that required me to buy this.
I reckon a total tool tart would say I should have bought a Fein.

 

[telectrix]

i've got a fein, but it's 110V. never runs flaT.

 

[sam400]

Those electricians pliers are worth there weight in gold one of my favorite tools!
I paid £43 for mine then proceeded to blow the end off within a couple of weeks was gutted!

 

[Specialist]

Those electricians pliers are worth there weight in gold one of my favorite tools!
I paid £43 for mine then proceeded to blow the end off within a couple of weeks was gutted!

Ouch, Been there done that. Not with Electricians pliers, but a brand new pair of cutters & I do mean that literally .

 

[HandySparks]

Just taken delivery of the new Makita 10.8V SDS.
Makita HR166DSMJ 10.8v 2 x 4.0Ah CXT Brushless Rotary Hammer Kit - https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/Makita-Hr166Dsmj-0088381838412-10.8V-2-X-4.0Ah-Cxt-Brushless-Rotary-Hammer-Kit

Despite already having a choice of SDS drills, I decided that I needed a little one for fixing holes in hard brick and concrete, especially when working up ladders, etc. It's also specced for holes up to 16mm. With a lower impact energy than the bigger ones, I'm hoping that it will also be easier to position accurately.

 

[Specialist]

Tool tart

 

[HandySparks]

Tool tart

Oh yes!

 

[Rpa07]

Just taken delivery of the new Makita 10.8V SDS.
Makita HR166DSMJ 10.8v 2 x 4.0Ah CXT Brushless Rotary Hammer Kit - https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/Makita-Hr166Dsmj-0088381838412-10.8V-2-X-4.0Ah-Cxt-Brushless-Rotary-Hammer-Kit

Despite already having a choice of SDS drills, I decided that I needed a little one for fixing holes in hard brick and concrete, especially when working up ladders, etc. It's also specced for holes up to 16mm. With a lower impact energy than the bigger ones, I'm hoping that it will also be easier to position accurately.

That's extremely pretty - me likey! I hope you are both very happy together.

 

[NDG Elecs]

Do you buy them pre-notched or do you install your own custom notches?

A couple of years back I managed to 'install' (cough splutter) a nice notch in my 2 week old wiha snips. Gutted I was! Though they stripped 1.5mm nicely with very little damage to the copper afterwards.

 

[NDG Elecs]

these are my most used. insulated but not VDE rated.

Bahco 9897 Plier Set - 21775 - Pliers & Wrenches | BES.co.uk - https://www.bes.co.uk/bahco-9897-plier-set?ref=gs&gclid=CjwKEAjwsqjKBRDtwOSjs6GTgmASJACRbI3fJXTGcMp9q-ZUsR8X1TqXOo5_B4kIzXCKCJYPEr9O-BoCYMHw_wcB

The bahco snips are nice. I have a compact pair with the with the little spring clip that you can push out of the way. Feel beaut in the hand and keep a good edge. I should use them more often.

 

[Specialist]

Bought this to replace an insulation tester that got nicked & this because it's brand new & at £5.00 too good to miss

 

[telectrix]

Bought this View attachment 36940 to replace an insulation tester that got nicked & this View attachment 36941 because it's brand new & at £5.00 too good to miss

get your labeller out and print MEGGER twice. stick on the offending meters. nobody will know.

 

[Specialist]

I'm getting too old to be a brand snob now Tel, Robin is a brand I've always liked & the Laser one could probably pop up under many brands.
My one that got nicked was a Megger, had the bloody thing from new & all

 

[telectrix]

haha. my megger digital jobby was a fiver, not working although the display lit up. broken lead on 4mm socketinside. 10 mins with a soldering iron, good as new.

 

[Specialist]

The one I had nicked was a Megger 100/4 analogue, lovely bit of kit. Hope whoever nicked it, gets electrocuted .
The new one will do the job though & it was cheap as chips so hey how.

 

[WillWX]

I'm ashamed to say I've just bought an 18v Makita multi tool, I love it!!

Next is 18v Makita angle grinder....

 

[Marti]

Spent some big bucks the other week but SOOO worth it
Yep, £6.71 of the apprentice budget went on
Large Multi Purpose Fold Step Stool Plastic Home Kitchen Foldable Easy Storage - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Multi-Purpose-Fold-Step-Stool-Plastic-Home-Kitchen-Foldable-Easy-Storage/291844039756?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=590848173276&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648
I can reach the bathroom fan isolators etc, sit and each a lunch in comfort then flip it up-side-down to use as a clear-up bin (with a rubble bag) or tool tote.

Bet De Walt wish they'd thought of this first

 

[NDG Elecs]

I'm ashamed to say I've just bought an 18v Makita multi tool, I love it!!

Next is 18v Makita angle grinder....

Nothing shameful about a multitool mate! They are a great get-out-of-a-situation bit of kit.

 

[derek]

D36 Hydraulic Crimping Tool | Crimping Tools · Tracklink - https://www.tklink.co.uk/products/crimping-tools/d36-hydraulic-crimping-tool-d36/ I bought a cheap set of crimpers from SWA for uninsulated lugs and I decided they were a potential fire hazard due to not crimping properly so I bought these instead.
Next tool will probably be some eagle beak adjustable grips for SWA glands

 

[Wilko]

Spent some big bucks the other week but SOOO worth it
Yep, £6.71 of the apprentice budget went on
Large Multi Purpose Fold Step Stool Plastic Home Kitchen Foldable Easy Storage - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Multi-Purpose-Fold-Step-Stool-Plastic-Home-Kitchen-Foldable-Easy-Storage/291844039756?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=590848173276&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648
I can reach the bathroom fan isolators etc, sit and each a lunch in comfort then flip it up-side-down to use as a clear-up bin (with a rubble bag) or tool tote.

Bet De Walt wish they'd thought of this first

Awesome!!!
Thanks for that, I just bought one too

 

[HandySparks]

Just taken delivery of the new Makita 10.8V SDS.
Makita HR166DSMJ 10.8v 2 x 4.0Ah CXT Brushless Rotary Hammer Kit - https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/Makita-Hr166Dsmj-0088381838412-10.8V-2-X-4.0Ah-Cxt-Brushless-Rotary-Hammer-Kit

Despite already having a choice of SDS drills, I decided that I needed a little one for fixing holes in hard brick and concrete, especially when working up ladders, etc. It's also specced for holes up to 16mm. With a lower impact energy than the bigger ones, I'm hoping that it will also be easier to position accurately.

I've used this a bit now and can report that it's a good little tool. Easily does 16mm through brick and block if required. It doesn't look much smaller in the pics, but it's definitely easier to handle one handed.

 

[NDG Elecs]

I've used this a bit now and can report that it's a good little tool. Easily does 16mm through brick and block if required. It doesn't look much smaller in the pics, but it's definitely easier to handle one handed.

View attachment 37640 View attachment 37641

A plumber mate was looking at that sds and asked my thoughts on it. I told him it can't have much uummphh as a 10 volter. Obviously I am wrong on that score! Looks pretty nifty it does. Looks a good size for keeping in your tool tote.

 

[SparkyChick]

I've used this a bit now and can report that it's a good little tool. Easily does 16mm through brick and block if required. It doesn't look much smaller in the pics, but it's definitely easier to handle one handed.

View attachment 37640 View attachment 37641

I'm interested in that hole cutting SDS bit. Where did you get it? Are they still available to purchase?

 

[telectrix]

I'm interested in that hole cutting SDS bit. Where did you get it? Are they still available to purchase?

i bought one of those box cutters. OK on thermalite ( which you can cut with a bread knife anyway). but on brick they're about as much use as a chastity belt for katie price.