Favorite Tool Thread

[Treetopflyer]

We all have cool gadgets in our toolboxes but I have found one so useful I feel compelled to share my thoughts. I have no affiliation. After using these Knipex there was a "where have you been all my life" feeling. Please share your similar discoveries a a reply.

My submission is the Knipex Plierwrench:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SZYS6W?psc=1

These are NOT a hack tool like an adjustable wrench or vice grips.

1. No teeth. Smooth plated jaws. I've used on chrome plated fasteners and aluminum aircraft fuel fittings with zero marring or slipping.

2. The jaws move parallel to each other for perfect even pressure on two faces. They don't slip or round corners.

3. German Made quality. I am not ashamed to admit sometimes in the shop just admiring the build quality.

Of course there is no substitute for a properly sized wrench but you will find so many uses for these guys it's unbelievable. Expensive as hell but worth every cent. I bought the three sizes set but they are available individually (get the 10" if just buying one.). The 10" version lives in my airplane field tool kit and has saved my bacon many times on field repairs.

Do not confuse with Cobra pliers ... They have aggressive teeth and non parallel jaws ... Another good tool but different application.

Your submission to follow ......

 

[cash]

A 1.5Lbs Ball Pein short shaft hammer

Dave

 

[Craig]

I would say best tool is the ability to think it through ...
Craig

 

[toppy]

Hydraulic table no more back ache.

 

[Mark]

adjustable wrenches and vice grips are "hack tools"?
somebody should have told me sooner.......... like 40 years ago.

 

[Hobot]

Farmers friend handy not to sort through wrenches just to get gates and such worked on. My buddy Wes impressed me with his McGiveor like tool wallet that only has double end screw driver, 4 in vice grips and adj wrench which he say gets most stuff handlled on the spot. Leatherman covers most the rest. There is a strong and a weak direction to use adj wrenches. I figure Commandos are such a luxury pleasure item having a specific tool set for them is just part of the kit and joy.

Btw one the best buys is the little suit case full of many each of drill sizes 1/2 inch down to needle-ish. Had these couple years now and impressed with the sharpness and sizes but do break or dull some so glad to have more to finish. Drilling holes by many methods is my middle name.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/ ... ?a=1746501

Sometimes just need a passage or a drain in a thick plate, fun with wrong tool for the job.

images show the inner construction of the M855 and SS109 perpetrator. You can see the case hardened steel tip in front of the lead core. The mostly copper jacket is the layer around the outside in the images. Lead ball vs steel slug...

 

[Bernhard]

adjustable wrenches and vice grips are "hack tools"?
somebody should have told me sooner.......... like 40 years ago.

qalso, "3. German Made quality. I am not ashamed to admit sometimes in the shop just admiring the build quality."

These were the tools carried around by the WW2 German U boat crew for just about any job and were available from goverment surplus stores until the supply ran dry.

 

[speirmoor]

My submission is the Knipex Plierwrench:

I've had one for 15 years and its by far one the handiest tools made. Smooth jaws ,ratcheting action and leverage when you need it makes it a great all rounder. I have some other Knipex tools in the box and their overall quality is unbeatable.