Thread: Tools of the Month Club

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Glenn posted this idea for kids on another thread, and I thought what the heck here would be a great thread for all of us. Somebody here always has something new, old or self made that is a real time saver. So I'll start it off with these old style screw drivers that cost a bundle to buy if you can find them, but are back in production by Garrett Wade. These are bullet proof made for abuse and prying, chiseling all sorts of hammering tools!
Heavy-Duty Screwdrivers: Wood-Handled Screwdrivers, Standard Head Screwdriv

Those are good uns, I've got a couple antique ones and they get used for chisels more than anything. (LOL)

I had one like that which I was able to destroy. I have another somewhere, but since we did a lot of packing for a move that hasn't happened, haven't seen it even tho I am unpacking my treasures for use.

Great Post - I just ordered up a set for a Christmas present for my son-in-law!! Thanks for the link

I have a couple of those they have to be 50 years old. can't hurt them

Just got the screw drivers in the mail today. Definately not beautiful but functional, and hopefully forgiving for the abuse ahead! Next tool of the month for those of you who use a 3" cutoff tool but don't like the high pitched squeel or have a small capacity airtank, then this may be the answer. Harbor freight had them on sale for 19.99 last month! They are powered by 120 volt plug. Mine is in the mail on back order! 120 Volt 3" High Speed Cut-Off Tool

Originally Posted by stovens

Just got the screw drivers in the mail today. Definately not beautiful but functional, and hopefully forgiving for the abuse ahead! Next tool of the month for those of you who use a 3" cutoff tool but don't like the high pitched squeel or have a small capacity airtank, then this may be the answer. Harbor freight had them on sale for 19.99 last month! They are powered by 120 volt plug. Mine is in the mail on back order! 120 Volt 3" High Speed Cut-Off Tool

Thats a neat little cutter..I have an air jobbie,but,yeah,,can drain my tank too quick,so it doesnt get used now..Will have to see if we have them down here..All I use is a small electric grinder with 115mm cut off wheels..Hey,Steve,,I see its made by Chicago Electric,,for reaL??or is it a flash name to make you think you are buying American made??

Lamin you hit it on the head.

"......a flash name to make you think you are buying American made?....."

MADE IN CHINA

Here's a link Chicago Electric Power Tools

That being said for I've had a couple of their 4" grinders over the years and for occasional light duty use they do work....if you try to push them too hard or work them too long they do have a tendency to let the magic smoke out.

I really like this thread and would like to add a couple of tools.Make great stocking stuffers (hint hint)

I know there are still some dinosaurs like me out there that work on old tie rod adjusting sleeve type front suspensions on occasion. I had to change out the PS control valve on the Fairlane I currently have in the shop this week, and like a lot of them I’ve seen over the years the sleeve had been pretty torn up by someone using either a big pair of vice grips or a pipe wrench on it (OK I was guilty of that in my younger days too). Here is the right tool for those.

The design actually pulls the threads apart just a bit when you turn it so even in the threads are rusted a bit it will still turn fairly easily (and let you get into tight spots)



And the link

Universal Tie Rod Adjuster

After picking up a few of the cheapie tubing kinkers over the years I also finally found an affordable tubing bender that works well. It even does 180 degree bends nicely.



And the link

Benders Tubing Tools from Aircraft Spruce

I'll second your pitch on that tubing bender Mike. I feels good in use and works even better.

I've got the levertype Imperial benders and have never had problems with them...Another note Chicago power tool used to be located on 79th and South Chicago streets many years ago...I have an OLD hand held electric valve lapper from them a real dinosaur .

Well ok now.I am the tool of the month..............you just need me and I do it all.LOL

Mike that tubing bender is pretty slick and at a great price! I'm the first to admit I have a love hate relationship with Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric. That said, for the rarely used tool, Chicago Electric makes some pretty good quality tools. For a work horse tool I use all the time(woodworking stuff for me) I tend to get name brands like porter cable, milwakee, Delta, Makita a lot of which will go a lot farther being used frequently. As for some of the above brands, older is better, especially with Delta. Delta/rockwell stuff is pretty bullet proof.

Originally Posted by stovens

Mike that tubing bender is pretty slick and at a great price! I'm the first to admit I have a love hate relationship with Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric. That said, for the rarely used tool, Chicago Electric makes some pretty good quality tools. For a work horse tool I use all the time(woodworking stuff for me) I tend to get name brands like porter cable, milwakee, Delta, Makita a lot of which will go a lot farther being used frequently. As for some of the above brands, older is better, especially with Delta. Delta/rockwell stuff is pretty bullet proof.

Just what I was thinking - I have a few Chicago Electric tools and they're fine for what I've bought them for. Stuff I use a lot tends to be a higher quality like Klein, MAC, Proto, Snap On, etc... Harbor Freight fills a niche and I buy a lot of "expendables supplies" such as Velcro, tie wraps, buffing compound, and little "C" clamps there. My grand kids like HF and I often take them with and let them have a couple bucks to spend. They like the brightly anodized tools and fun little gadget items. The LED lights are nearly always a "give-away" and we all know how kids love flashlights. Good time with the lil' nippers and they are starting to discern the difference between HF and the "upscale" tool store I go to buy higher quality tools.

Years ago I bought a "Buffalo" 6 inch grinder that I still use to this day. Paid $29.99 for it and it just keeps on going. Granted, it's a 1/2 horse and I know it's limits, but for a quick dress of a buff - well it's hard to beat.

Good thread - let's keep this one going - I just ordered the tube bender - thanks for the recommendation(s)

Regards All

Wife went to Sears today to get me a 1/2" drive shallow impact metric set. The sales man didn't know what she was talking about. She told him he was an idiot and walked out. His boss came runing after her and asked what she needed she told him a saleman that know what hes doing. She left.