Tools & equipment that are fantastic.

[WinterDeere]

Steel handled hammers were a horrible thing, back in the day when every nail was driven by hand. Any old framer will tell you to throw them in the garbage, or keep them only for pulling (not driving) nails.

But that’s much less an issue today, with pneumatic nailers replacing the all-day swinging of a 22 oz iron head. You’re not likely to develop the sorts of joint problems the old framers faced, as a weekend warrior, or even a pro using that hammer only for pounding misfired nails home.

I have four or five Estwing’s, just like Hay Dude’s in various sizes, and they’re great for what they are. Just don’t build a career out of swinging it 9 hours a day, and you’ll be fine.

 

[m7040]

That was when vehicles with bumpers to support them.

That bumper jack saved my life many years ago when stuck in Mohave desert in 118 degree weather and too far to walk out. Lifted the big block chevy sedan enough to get rocks and sticks under the wheels and back up a few feet and repeat with moving from front of tires to behind for two hundred feet. Took hours but got me and wife out. She will never let me forget it. She said there is loose sand there and I said momentum will get us over it. Watch me. And got slower and slower and then on the belly in sand..........She was going around in circles around the car in the heat picking up rocks and sticks for a loooong time

 

[jjeff]

Arguing DeWalt v. Milwaukee?
LOL
Thats like arguing Ford v. Chevy

Brand loyalty is so stupid. Doesn’t anyone understand thats what manufacturers want you to do? They WANT you to be a stooge for them.

The Milwaukee or DeWalt founders are rolling in there graves I guess.

 

[Hay Dude]

jjeff
I own mostly dewalt, too.
What I mean is arguing which brand is better on internet forums.

 

[Dftodd]

Gee, I got a 1/2 makita a few months ago and havne't used it yet.

The 3/4-40 volt is a beast. Haven't experienced anything smaller from makita. Work purchased that one for me.

They sure are handy, though. Especially when you don't want to mess with an air compressor.

 

[jjeff]

jjeff
I own mostly dewalt, too.
What I mean is arguing which brand is better on internet forums.

Yep I got it, always had very good luck and amazing customer service with DeWalt cordless tools, the red brand not so much. However 5 yrs ago when I bought the Milwaukee tool boxes they offered the most for a price I couldn't pass up.

 

[David in KY]

Knipex Smooth Jaw Pliers

I love these things. I have giving them as gifts to family and friends.
I have four of them in various sizes, but find that the 7-1/4" pair go with me almost everywhere.

https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-8603180-7-Inch-Pliers-Wrench/dp/B000X4KP1C?th=1

 

[ArlyA]

Knipex Smooth Jaw Pliers

I love these things. I have giving them as gifts to family and friends.
I have four of them in various sizes, but find that the 7-1/4" pair go with me almost everywhere.

https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-8603180-7-Inch-Pliers-Wrench/dp/B000X4KP1C?th=1

These have spiked my interest. Why are they better than channel locks?

 

[David in KY]

These have spiked my interest. Why are they better than channel locks?

They are smooth, not ridged jaws. Also they have fine adjustment via a push button. Super smooth and high quality, German made (as reflected in the price!).

You can grip things you don't want to tear up or gouge.
You can grip bolts and nuts tightly, unlike with a wrench or socket. That allows you to manipulate and control the object better.
You can straighten and/or crimp sheet metal edges.

I find myself grabbing them for many common tasks.

 

[two_bit_score]

That bumper jack saved my life many years ago when stuck in Mohave desert in 118 degree weather and too far to walk out. Lifted the big block chevy sedan enough to get rocks and sticks under the wheels and back up a few feet and repeat with moving from front of tires to behind for two hundred feet. Took hours but got me and wife out. She will never let me forget it. She said there is loose sand there and I said momentum will get us over it. Watch me. And got slower and slower and then on the belly in sand..........She was going around in circles around the car in the heat picking up rocks and sticks for a loooong time

WOW!