111–120 of 142 posts
Knippex "Pliers" are still far superior to this. They blew my mind when I first used them. I dont use normal wrenches at all anymore - the knippex just grip stuff so much more perfectly and with less chance of rounding and you can "ratchet" around the bolt even though they are open ended.
Found: in Australia we call them multigrips and I've got a few!
I've long subscribed to the philosophy that you should buy the cheapest tool you can find and use safely, use it until it wears out, breaks, or your skill surpasses the capability of the tool - and only then should you spend money on high quality tools. Too much money is thrown away in the name of "buy once, cry once" only to discover that you don't need the capabilities offered by the top of the line options.
- Screwdrivers: I have 2 Wera sets with many bits (small and large). They come with nice fabric/velcro carrying cases that are perfect for throwing in a bag, car, or drawer. High quality and the packaging is worth it compared to something loose or in a plastic case. I also have one full set of non-configurable Vessel screwdrivers that stays in my work area. They are a wooden composite, feel professional but are not much more than crafstman prices.[2]
- Wire strippers, side cutters, adjustable wrenches, pliers, etc: These really depend on material properties and tight tolerance, and it's worth buying quality. I like Knipex and engineer brands.
- Sockets and non-adjustable wrenches: These tend to be sold in large sets at sale prices and at various qualities. Unless you're a mechanic you can probably go into any hardware store, do a quick google search for complaints, and buy the cheapest set of sockets and wrenches. Don't pay for "200 pieces" including crappy little 1/4" bits and crappy screwdrivers in a giant blow-molded case that will annoy you later. Bonus points if you can find a small, nice case filled with actually useful sizes (probably - Ratcheting screwdrivers: don't buy one unless you really find you need one for some reason. If you do buy one, it will either be useless or expensive.
- Drill bits: buy house brand from an industrial supply shop or mcmaster. Make sure it's easy and cheap to replace individual sizes.
- Battery-powered tools: Pick something like DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee or Hitachi/Hikoki[2,3] (the name of this one varies wildly with region) with a full range of tools and good reputation
- Soldering iron: You probably don't need more power than a pinecil which is usb-c and super-portable.[4] Plus it's got RISC-V cred. It's so convenient to unplug my laptop for 30 minutes and plug this in, or plug into a usb-c battery. For benchtop, a "Hakko clone" that takes abundant and great TS12 tips is good. To be honest I never touch my clone or my much more expensive but heavy actual Hakko soldering station since I got the pinecil. Both pinecil and the clone similar price to a piece of crap with poor temperature control from the hardware store.
[1]https://www.vesseltoolsusa.com/product/screwdriver/detail/VT...
[2]I chose Hikoki because I move around and it's available globally, and because it has excellent but pretty inexpensive vacuum cleaners that use the same batteries as the power tools.
[3]https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/hikoki-r36daw4z-36v-cordles...
[4]https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-solde...
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I've heard a lot of recommendations for Knipex. I might yet break down and buy one of those even if it is a little bulky.
The mini version isn't bulky: https://www.knipex.com/products/pipe-wrenches-and-water-pump... A thing of beauty
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Adjustable wrenches exist for situations where you don't have the proper size on hand. They are not intended to be used for everything. But when you need one, few other tools will suffice. A lot of people don't know that there is a correct direction to turn these wrenches (and Channel Locks, and pipe wrenches). Older Crescent models had an arrow engraved on the handle to show this. You turn the wrench with the smalle…
> Adjustable wrenches exist for situations where you don't have the proper size on hand. I would say convenience and use case are just as important. A crescent wrench is non marring unlike alligator jaws or vise grips. It's also perfectly fine for low torque applications. It isn't for torquing lug nuts. I have a wonderful wrench and socket set in standard and metric measures. It's in a nice case on a shelf in my gara…
https://www.centricrf.com/torque-wrenches/sma-torque-wrenche...
Or other stores. RF connectors should be torqued to a specified torque listed on their data sheet. Improper torque can cause damage. Usually for equipment using SMA connectors this isn't a big deal (just replace the connector, they're cheap and the torque wrenches are expensive), but for the really high frequency stuff like 1.85mm connectors the connector itself is $70-300 so spending $100-400 on a torque wrench is reasonable.
Knippex "Pliers" are still far superior to this. They blew my mind when I first used them. I dont use normal wrenches at all anymore - the knippex just grip stuff so much more perfectly and with less chance of rounding and you can "ratchet" around the bolt even though they are open ended.
I haven't yet run across an adjustable wrench that was worth a shit. Even old (notionally decent?) Crescent ones. The jaws invariably splay when you apply force, even if you're using them correctly. I've come to the conclusion that it's just intrinsic to having a moving jaw that moves easily enough to be useful. At this point, if I expect to need the wrench ever again (or need to reuse the fastener), I'll just buy a…
Knipex makes some decent adjustable wrenches (not crescent style, though). Their Pliers Wrench line has an adjustment mechanism like a channel lock plier, but then has a jaw that’s on a cam mechanism to keep the two jaws parallel. One direction they’re just as good as a crescent wrench, but in the other direction it “self tightens” and you can really reef on it. The cam mechanism allows you to loosen your grip and th…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I've heard a lot of recommendations for Knipex. I might yet break down and buy one of those even if it is a little bulky.
I have 4 of these Knipex adjustable pliers. I do like them but find that getting them set just right for the task at hand is a bit fiddly. Seems like I am always setting it one setting too loose or too tight. The Knipex product that I love is their automatic wire stripper.
I know what you mean, but if I use the bolt that I want to loosen or tighten as a stopper, and then latch into the next bigger position, I think I never miss the right setting.
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The mini version isn't bulky: https://www.knipex.com/products/pipe-wrenches-and-water-pump... A thing of beauty
I love the form factor of this guy. But is it honestly used for anything except smoking joints?
https://www.knipex.com/products/pipe-wrenches-and-water-pump...
I haven't yet run across an adjustable wrench that was worth a shit. Even old (notionally decent?) Crescent ones. The jaws invariably splay when you apply force, even if you're using them correctly. I've come to the conclusion that it's just intrinsic to having a moving jaw that moves easily enough to be useful. At this point, if I expect to need the wrench ever again (or need to reuse the fastener), I'll just buy a…
For larger hex things, and for square things, adjustable wrenches work fine. They're much nicer on (hex) pipe fittings than pipe wrenches.
I find the "adjustable" moniker doesn't really create the best expectation of how to use them though, implying that you choose the right setting to do the job and then it behaves like a fixed wrench. Rather on every use, I back the jaws off slightly with the thumb screw, put on the piece, then tighten up while it's on the piece. The more torque I need to apply, the more deliberate I am about making sure the jaws are snug before doing so.
Vise grips are for when you would otherwise use pliers, and want them to latch.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I've heard a lot of recommendations for Knipex. I might yet break down and buy one of those even if it is a little bulky.
The mini version isn't bulky: https://www.knipex.com/products/pipe-wrenches-and-water-pump... A thing of beauty
https://www.knipex-tools.com/products/pipe-wrenches-and-wate...
The mini has still got the pushbutton and dual locking tabs, the XS is more compact, much lighter, and is slightly more complicated to use, but can be used one-handed.
It's fixed a number of problems with skis, bikes, and tents that you might not expect of its size, it will do properly maintained axle nuts and other large fasteners (it prefers 12mm and less, where most wrenches suck, but can do up to 18mm or 3/4"). I carry the 10" pliers wrench in my work tool bag for working on hydraulics, pneumatics, and it's definitely one of my favorite tools, unlike the accursed worm-gear Crescent wrenches...