what are some tools that were worth the price tag?

[Mike Johnson]

I suppose that's how the Eastern countries have got away with copying the original cells without infringing copy write, will have a look tomorrow and measure some of the original A123 cells.

 

[nicebutdim]

You inspired me to quickly research the subject as I was fairly certain that the first Lithium cells in 18650 form were introduced by a well known manufacturer - I just couldn't remember who.

Turns out the 18650 was introduced by Sony in 1992 and the designation was indeed derived from its physical size.

 

[pirate]

Tools I wouldn't be without?
DeWalt oscillating multi-tool, teamed with Saxton blades
CK wire strippers
Fluke T150 2 pole tester
CK crimping pliers for tiny ferrules
Erbauer rechargeable work light
Noga deburring tool
so many actually...
Basically, anything that works for you in whatever field you operate

 

[westward10]

Your hands, eyes and limbs. Look after them.

 

[pirate]

Very good point, Westy!
So many folks using impact drivers these days, and the bits can shatter...I had a P3 break on me, and the shards missed my eye by 1mm...Doc dug out the remnants and said I was extremely lucky not to lose the sight in my right eye.
Wear gloves and safety specs...it might add 5 minutes to a job, but it might save your sight.
Best advice ever there, and I urge you all to listen to what @westward10 said there.

 

[FatAlan]

They are indeed very handy. Take care though! One of my luckiest ever moments I think was cutting out this board with multitool. Rather incredibly I didn't nick any of them or the pipe.
View attachment 84079

That’s the think I like about them. If you’re working in a risky area I think you have a bit more control than just ripping through with a saw that could be set at the wrong depth.

 

[Mike Johnson]

This would probably fit others: FEIN 32127069010 Depth stop: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools - https://www.amazon.co.uk/FEIN-32127069010-Depth-stop/dp/B00C85RV3E/ref=asc_df_B00C85RV3E/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=222086461140&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5557353652137521657&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007076&hvtargid=pla-421299761669&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

 

[pc1966]

I think we should all follow @westward10 about protecting your eyes, ears, hands, and the rest of your body depending on what tools you are using and what situation you are in. For example, a simple hard-hat has saved me from some nasty gashes to the head from the nails holding slates on in an attic, etc.

But for the original discussion my most recent best-buy has been an impact driver:

Impact Driver | Cordless Impact Driver Drill Set | Milwaukee Tool UK

Discover the power and precision of MILWAUKEE® Cordless Impact Drivers. Explore the range including Right Angle, Sub Compact and heavy-duty M18 FUEL™ models.

uk.milwaukeetool.eu

I actually bought the FPP2A2-502X kit with that, a more conventional battery drill, charger, and two 5.0Ah batteries. But it really has been that driver along with the hex-shank drill bits that has been most useful by far.

A word of warning though: even on its minimum setting and making use of the variable-rate trigger it will easily chew up smaller screws, and a moment of carelessness with it set on mid-speed sheared a M6 roofing bolt on some cable tray I was assembling.

But only a complete muppet would use it on electrical terminals? Really?

 

[pc1966]

It is a bit noisy, like most impact tools, but more of an irritation than needing ear defenders in most cases. If I were buying something again I think I would go for the hydraulic version they do and just get it as a kit, such as:

Milwaukee M18FQID-502X M18 FUEL SURGE Hydraulic Impact Driver

Milwaukee M18FQID. 18 volt cordless brushless 1/4 inch hex hydraulic impact driver. Constant 50Nm torque. The Milwaukee SURGE impact driver for quieter impact self tapping screws. UK equivalent for US Milwaukee Tool 2760-22. Milwaukee 4933451791.

www.bigredpowertools.co.uk

 

[DefyG]

The Dewalt Multi Tool 'Kit' (DCS355P1) comes with depth stop, duct extractor adaptor etc .... but most people just buy the skeleton tool and miss out on the depth stop which is probably available as optional extra!

 

[Zerax]

Off-topic for sparkie-ing... apologies... but last year I had alot of carpentry to do at home, so I bought a track saw (or plunge saw as it's sometimes called)... wow !! The quality of cuts is superb and you can be super accurate with where the cut is too... That was defo a game changer for me !

 

[nicebutdim]

The Dewalt Multi Tool 'Kit' (DCS355P1) comes with depth stop, duct extractor adaptor etc .... but most people just buy the skeleton tool and miss out on the depth stop which is probably available as optional extra!

Even then it might depend where and when you buy the kit. Full sets can be comprehensive, but tool manufacturers often strip them down to the bare bones as many customers care more about price, than about content.

One recent example that comes to mind was the purchase of Makita's 12V mini circular saw, which I bought last year. This was a rare occasion where I didn't buy the bare tool and got a good deal on a kit. I wanted a couple of extra batteries and it was more expensive to buy them separately, than to buy the kit that also included charger and a nice case. What it didn't include was a fence, which is usually included with any circular saw! Rather than pay the buggers extra, I repurposed one from an old tool.

 

[telectrix]

What it didn't include was a fence,

Me Scouser, soon put you onto a good fence. one that keeps his gob shut when the scuffers visit.

 

[ruston]

Even then it might depend where and when you buy the kit. Full sets can be comprehensive, but tool manufacturers often strip them down to the bare bones as many customers care more about price, than about content.

One recent example that comes to mind was the purchase of Makita's 12V mini circular saw, which I bought last year. This was a rare occasion where I didn't buy the bare tool and got a good deal on a kit. I wanted a couple of extra batteries and it was more expensive to buy them separately, than to buy the kit that also included charger and a nice case. What it didn't include was a fence, which is usually included with any circular saw! Rather than pay the buggers extra, I repurposed one from an old tool.

When I was buying power tools I always tried to by them in cases. Easier to store and see at a glance what is missing out of the box. Same with sockets and spannerrs etc, always on rails or spanner clip racks.

 

[Mike Johnson]

When I was buying power tools I always tried to by them in cases. Easier to store and see at a glance what is missing out of the box. Same with sockets and spannerrs etc, always on rails or spanner clip racks.

But only if you have a wife that does not think that clearing up is stacking everything on top of each other.