New tool thread

[Astro14]

Shown, new Nepros sparkplug socket set. Bought last year, used for the first time today, sure love the magnet that retains the plugs. Wonderful quality. Very impressed. That’s the good.

Next to them, two 3/8” ratchets.

On top - the SK I bought about two years ago. A disappointment in every way. The head flops around. The ratchet mechanism sticks and won’t ratchet. SK sent me new guts. Still had the problem. It’s been getting better. I used to have to put it in a vise and crank it to break the ratchet mechanism free - roughly 60 ftlbs of back drag on the SK, making it effectively a breaker bar with a floppy head. As it got used, it got better, now, I can do it by hand. But it still sticks, and the head still flops around.

Junk.

On the bottom, the new Ko-Ken. Really like it. Low back drag. Smooth operation. The head moves easily but has a detent in the middle. Really nice tool. Thanks to @Sam_Julier for the recommendation.

 

[D60]

Shown, new Nepros sparkplug socket set. Bought last year, used for the first time today, sure love the magnet that retains the plugs. Wonderful quality. Very impressed. That’s the good.

Next to them, two 3/8” ratchets.

On top - the SK I bought about two years ago. A disappointment in every way. The head flops around. The ratchet mechanism sticks and won’t ratchet. SK sent me new guts. Still had the problem. It’s been getting better. I used to have to put it in a vise and crank it to break the ratchet mechanism free - roughly 60 ftlbs of back drag on the SK, making it effectively a breaker bar with a floppy head. As it got used, it got better, now, I can do it by hand. But it still sticks, and the head still flops around.

Junk.

On the bottom, the new Ko-Ken. Really like it. Low back drag. Smooth operation. The head moves easily but has a detent in the middle. Really nice tool. Thanks to @Sam_Julier for the recommendation.

View attachment 177801

Had the exact same experience with SK LP90's. New guts (took FOREVER to receive) and same problem. Finally just gave up. Total garbage and huge embarrassment for US manufacturing.

Also maddening because ratcheting mechanisms are not new tech. We know how to build them. It's akin to building an oval wheel.....I mean making dem suckers round is hard, pa!!

SK is dead to me. Too many fantastic options on the market, including Taiwanese. Can't waste my time with their crap any longer.

 

[JWC86]

Shown, new Nepros sparkplug socket set. Bought last year, used for the first time today, sure love the magnet that retains the plugs. Wonderful quality. Very impressed. That’s the good.

Next to them, two 3/8” ratchets.

On top - the SK I bought about two years ago. A disappointment in every way. The head flops around. The ratchet mechanism sticks and won’t ratchet. SK sent me new guts. Still had the problem. It’s been getting better. I used to have to put it in a vise and crank it to break the ratchet mechanism free - roughly 60 ftlbs of back drag on the SK, making it effectively a breaker bar with a floppy head. As it got used, it got better, now, I can do it by hand. But it still sticks, and the head still flops around.

Junk.

On the bottom, the new Ko-Ken. Really like it. Low back drag. Smooth operation. The head moves easily but has a detent in the middle. Really nice tool. Thanks to @Sam_Julier for the recommendation.

View attachment 177801

I just ordered that exact Koken today, QD and everything.

 

[wtd]

Here are some tools I have bought over the past few months. Just now getting around to posting pictures.

 

[JWC86]

OTC Air Hammer Pickle Fork Attachment

 

[JWC86]

This showed up a couple days ago, forgot about it.

Speedo-Bleed Pressure bleeder

I’m actually really excited to test it out. I’ve always wanted a pressure bleeder but didn’t know a decent DIY priced version existed and I couldn’t justify the hundreds of dollars the professional versions cost.

The reviews are good.

 

[JHZR2]

Stubby 8mm for Mercedes diesel fan clutches.

 

[spackard]

It arrived today

View attachment 176482

Amazon price now $49.77 for the Ko-Ken extension bar set.
Thanks for all those who tickled their pricing algorithm.

 

[wtd]

View attachment 178260This showed up a couple days ago, forgot about it.

Speedo-Bleed Pressure bleeder

I’m actually really excited to test it out. I’ve always wanted a pressure bleeder but didn’t know a decent DIY priced version existed and I couldn’t justify the hundreds of dollars the professional versions cost.

The reviews are good.

I'm looking forward to using mine as well. I bought the full Pro kit just because we have a lot of different vehicles in our household and immediate family. I like their handy lookup chart on their website that tells you which adapter you need.

 

[D60]

Amazon price now $49.77 for the Ko-Ken extension bar set.
Thanks for all those who tickled their pricing algorithm.

I ordered a second set to give as a gift. Maybe my helper, maybe BIL for Christmas, not sure yet.

The raised knurling at the base is absolutely genius and feels really positive no matter how greasy.

I even decided to keep the heavy duty plastic tray in my service cart for now.

 

[D60]

View attachment 178251
View attachment 178252

OTC Air Hammer Pickle Fork Attachment

IME the threads which allow it to be interchangeable absorb a lot of force which would otherwise be transmitted through. Plus no amount of snugging the locknut will withstand prolonged vibration from a quality air hammer.

It seems like a great idea to save $ but I've come to appreciate dedicated "manual hammer" or air hammer pickle forks.

That said, I don't mean to rain on your parade and these will still be useful.

 

[wavinwayne]

View attachment 178262
Stubby 8mm for Mercedes diesel fan clutches.

Snap-on? If you don't mind saying, how much for that one? $37/week for 2 years?

 

[JHZR2]

Snap-on? If you don't mind saying, how much for that one? $37/week for 2 years?

I think I got two for $27. Didn’t really need two but a spare for a tool bag is good. I really wanted a 1/4” drive version, which I have on order from Germany. I’m not opposed to having many.

 

[Trav]

View attachment 178262
Stubby 8mm for Mercedes diesel fan clutches.

If you want 1/4 drive VIM makes stubby, I have them and they are not Snap on but decent. Mostly out of stock all over but a couple are on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175885689385?epid=11062256548&hash=item28f39aa229:g:OusAAOSwaqxk2lp6

 

[JHZR2]

If you want 1/4 drive VIM makes stubby, I have them and they are not Snap on but decent. Mostly out of stock all over but a couple are on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175885689385?epid=11062256548&hash=item28f39aa229:g:OusAAOSwaqxk2lp6

Thanks! I bought a Stahlwille.

 

[JWC86]

Came across a couple Snap-On ratchets on marketplace for a good deal. The timing was right as I've been shopping for a long handled 3/8 flex head and a mid length 1/4 flex head.

I have a strong preference for the quick release versions but these were a good price and I have the matching "extra long" 1/4" version with the same red hard handle (except quick release).

Boot for the Milwalkee high torque I got recently.

Air hammer bits:

Wrench extender, no more double wrenching for this guy.

3/4" Torque adapter:

Also snagged a GW spark plug socket set:

 

[JHZR2]

Pumped up the JX75, as my wife wanted to mow. It really bags well!

 

[MattPersman]

Pneumatic transmission fluid drain kit for Mercedes and BMW. Gets something like 99% of the old fluid out.

View attachment 177732

View attachment 177733

Extremely interesting tool

 

[MattPersman]

Got this deep 10 never seen it before didn’t know it existed.
Apparently it’s for glow plugs on certain vehicles

 

[jhellwig]

I've been slacking on posting new tools. Hammer wrenches, flange spreaders, bronze wedges and alignment bolts.

If it doesn't turn beat it with a hammer.