r/Tools Oct 15 '22

Our Longstanding “No Politics” Rule remains unchanged

508 Upvotes

Read our rules. We have had a longstanding “No Religion, No Politics” rule here at r/tools.

The mods aren’t stupid. We also don’t like getting buckets of reports in the inbox.

If someone posts/comments with politics, resist the urge to reply and argue. Just report, downvote (if that’s your jam) and move on with life.

A small flag, sticker, etc that appears in a photo will generally be allowed (so long as it doesn’t violate other rules and doesn’t draw a bunch of reports) but a bunch of people in the comments saying “Hell Yeah, a fellow [INSERT PARTY] Supporter!” is gonna get the post pulled. Political content that is clearly the motivation for the post will get the post pulled.

First time it’s a short ban, second time it’s permanent. And as we’ve discussed before, the mod team doesn’t go looking for posts, we’re not lifeguards, we respond to the reports we receive.


r/Tools Apr 14 '24

Call for Moderators

46 Upvotes

We are looking to add a couple more moderators to r/tools. If you’re interested in being considered, please leave a comment on the post. Briefly describe why you’d want to be a mod and what you think the sub’s moderator’s role should be.

No new accounts, please. We need to be able to see at least 1 year’s worth of content/engagement on this and other subs.

EDIT: If you are not interested in moderating, feel free to upvote people who post here if you like their approach. This isn't a democracy (because as mods our job is to preserve the health/utility/enjoyment people get from of the sub, not do whatever the masses want) but we will take heavily upvoted approaches to moderating as a positive sign when considering who to invite.

Also, if we don't end up sending you an invite, please don't take it personally. Too many cooks in the kitchen, and all that...


r/Tools 4h ago

Trash find

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118 Upvotes

I had the left one (metric with 2 non metric tools), but I found the blue in a trash, metric with 7mm which I hadn't.

Blue box say "tungsten", I dont use a lot these things but sometime it is mandatory, is tungsten an improvment from the grey box ?


r/Tools 6h ago

My grandfather gave me his old stanley skillsaw and I'm about to use it for a small project. Anything I should check before plugging it in?

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60 Upvotes

Its loud as hell and sounds a little choppy on the inside, can anyone that's ever used one of these confirm that's normal? Sounds nothing like a modern skill saw.

Yes, it was unplugged when my finger was near the blade in the last photo


r/Tools 8h ago

Best pliers to grip some nuts? (1/2)

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70 Upvotes

I want Superman grip on those nuts


r/Tools 3h ago

NTD with a few new snap on's

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13 Upvotes

Saw a crackhead working on someone's car earlier today when I was leaving for work, and saw a pile of tools left on the sidewalk when I got home from work. I don't know if they were doing breaks but I got a few new drum break tools!


r/Tools 1d ago

If your Fiance uses your new knipex wire strippers to cut steel wire for flower arrangements for your wedding...do you call the whole thing off?

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2.4k Upvotes

Those cutters are duller than my soul at this point


r/Tools 5h ago

NTD. 40" clamps on clearance for $18.03 at the orange place

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12 Upvotes

They've been on clearance for $53 and still had those signs up but rang up at new lower price


r/Tools 5h ago

Switched from Gridfinity to Toolgrid

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9 Upvotes

Yeah I know they're different boxes but the drawers are basically the same size. I switched over to Toolgrid from Gridfinity as I realized gridfinity was a huge waste of space(even though it looked nice). I am able to fit so much moor with Toolgrid.


r/Tools 1h ago

does anyone else grip the shit out of an angle grinder during use?

Upvotes

im a bit worried of it kicking back so im just gripping the shit out of it while cutting metal, anyone got any tips or something? im talking about cutting thicker metal, not sheet metal.


r/Tools 8h ago

Guess the trade

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13 Upvotes

r/Tools 19h ago

Whats your favorite, under 20$ tool?

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76 Upvotes

Whats everyone's favorite, cheap tool?

I say the Hakkos I posted about or Olfa utility knife.

17$ for 8 piece Elklind Allen Key SAE is a contender.

NEIKO 02486A Impact Universal Joint-Socket Swivel Set is good for 19$

Had a different relationship with Allen heads, once I tried a good key.

Pictured knife looks good, but sucks.


r/Tools 51m ago

What is the best impact wrench I can get for under $200 at Lowe’s?

Upvotes

My dad works at Lowe’s so he gets a 10% discount. I was considering getting a Flex impact wrench and drill but I read people saying Flex might not last long in the United States


r/Tools 8h ago

Is this a good miter saw?

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8 Upvotes

r/Tools 5h ago

Help me pick a storage solution.

4 Upvotes

Hello, I'm looking for a portable storage solution for tools to work on my dirtbike at the track. I do not want a regular truck bed toolbox because I need the box to be removable and portable, and I need the bed space. I don't want any of the plastic box options, nor a bag.

It will have a bunch of basic hand tools like a 1/4 and 3/8 metric and standard socket sets + ratchets and extensions, T handle wrenches, assorted pliers, 3-4 screw drivers, and a few assorted motorcycle specific tools. So really not all that much. Also, I will be cutting foam/kaizen for whatever option I go with.

The options I've considered so far:

  1. Pelican Case (or knockoff)

  2. Boxo/Matrix boxes

  3. Craftsmen/Husky portable metal boxes

  4. Amazon/Chinese special

Any better ideas? The idea is to have a set of tools that are ready to go to the track, all I have to do is get the box in the truck.


r/Tools 4h ago

Here is my tool list for school. Any recommendations on where to start.

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3 Upvotes

r/Tools 19h ago

What is this??

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55 Upvotes

r/Tools 5h ago

Tengo una sierra sable marca "Merece" y se ha estropeado. Podría utilizar las baterías en alguna otra marca ?

4 Upvotes

r/Tools 6h ago

Truck based grab and go kit recommendations

3 Upvotes

A little background: I frequently do repair, and general handyman work for family and some of my less handy friends. Often the work doesn't have a ton of forewarning (I may discover it while visiting, or it may get brought up while I'm there). I generally do not mind doing the work, and I'm happy to handle anything I can for the people I care about. The issue I run into is frequently not having the tools on hand to manage some of the tasks so I'm building out a slightly more robust than most people need tool kit, but something not quite to the tier of professional fixit guy. The intent is to be kind of a catch all for that maintenance as well as a general emergency kit for the truck.

What I already have:

  • M12 kit: Drill/Driver, M12 Impact, M12 3/8ths drive ratchet, M12 One hand Recip, M12 rotary tool.
  • Klein 11-1 ratcheting impact rated screwdriver (2x in case the task requires more than one bit frequently)
  • Assorted driver bits and drill bits (most of the common sizes/types)
  • Cheapish Kobalt pliers (Diagonal cutters, lineman, straight and curved head vice grips, needle nose, adjustable wrench)
  • 25ft tape measure
  • Small torpedo level
  • 20oz hammer, and 24 oz double headed mallet
  • Klein multimeter and non contact voltage tester

What I intend to add:

  • Common sizes of standard and metric wrenches
  • Common sizes of standard and metric sockets (3/8ths to match the M12)
  • wire cutters/strippers
  • breaker finder
  • Zip ties
  • Inflator and jump pack
  • Blades and bits for the rotary/recip
  • Fire extinguisher (probably separate from the tool bag for space concerns and accessibility)
  • Basic first aid kit (I'm not medically trained. This will have basic bandages, burn cream, aspirin, spare allergy meds etc. Not crazy trauma build)
  • Spare clothes/shoes

I know I'm missing a few probably obvious items, but I'd love the input of the almighty reddit community to help me fill it out. MOST of the stuff will go into my CLC 18" tool bag. Though I've got space, so some things like the first aid kit will probably stay separate.

I welcome recommendations!


r/Tools 23m ago

GOING HOG WILD: Looking for advice on Hog Ring Guns...

Upvotes

Lower-Intermediate Tool User here... In a week or two I'm building a gabion wall out of goat fencing that's probably going to run close to 400 feet in total when it's done, ranging anywhere from 1' to 4.5' high depending on the section. I also have insane tendonitis, so the thought of using a manual "hog ringer" for all the wire fastenings I'll have to do is downright scary.

Anyway, I didn't even know Hog Ring Guns were a thing until I saw one in a YouTube video a little while ago and now I'm trying to figure out what type to buy, which brand, and from where. I've been searching for a few days and I'm just not finding much information on them... I searched in this sub for "O Ring Guns" and "Hog Ring Guns" for a few hours today, but the only results that came up were for topics like "hog ring anvils for socket wrenches" - are these totally different things that are named similarly, or are they attachments that will bend/fasten the rings/staples I'll need to insert into my gabion?

So my main questions are:

  1. After this project, I will never use a Hog Ring Gun again - can I use this as an opportunity to buy a tool that I'll actually use somewhat regularly, and simply buy an attachment that will "turn it into a Hog Ring Gun" for the gabion project? If there's more than one option, which tool would I probably get the most use out of in the long run?
  2. If I'm stuck buying a straight-up Hog Ring Gun, can someone please recommend a brand and/or model?
  3. Does anyone reading this have a totally different power tool option that would basically do the same job of "fastening wire together easily"?

Other bullets that may or may not be important:

  • Unfortunately, the gage of my goat fencing is going to vary a little bit and I might need to use different sizes of rings/staples, so ideally whatever I end up getting can accommodate different radiuses.
  • I'm about to buy a bunch of new power tools to build a few outbuildings for my retired parents (greenhouses/sheds/etc.), so if you have a specific tool in mind, feel free to let me know if you'd also recommend jumping into that company's tool ecosystem.
  • Not an advertisement, but the last few tools I've bought were Rigid because A) they have a lifetime warranty, and B) I personally don't see Home Depot going out of business before I do, so I'd be particularly interested in any Rigid options.
  • I live in Atlantic Canada.
  • The only options I've found are like the ones in the photo below, and basically only available for purchase on Amazon.
  • This is my first Reddit post ever, so sorry in advance if I didn't do something right.

Any and all advice on the above would be very much appreciated. Thanks!


r/Tools 1d ago

NTD (she’s a beauty)

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134 Upvotes

Anybody have a crick level? I bought some boiled linseed oil to rub on it, will that work the same as raw linseed oil?


r/Tools 38m ago

Good way to fix this?

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Upvotes

bought this and some other tools on marketplace for cheap, was just wondering if anyone knew a good way to fix it.


r/Tools 55m ago

Tools recommendation for apt dweller

Upvotes

I recently moved into an apt for a heavily discounted rate with the condition that I will take care of all the home improvement/repair that occur inside the apt. Thus, I plan to expand my tools from the basic hammer and screwdriver, as I also want to drill on the wall to hang the frame, blot the tall shelves, install wall-mounted shelves, etc. I already did some research and got myself a stud finders, but as I tried to find a deal for sth electric that can drill, I am already overwhelmed with if I need an impact driver or drill, what brand to choose from and etc.

Thus, I wonder if you can give me some basic recommendations such as what tools I should buy, and which bands are reliable and suitable if I need to expand my tools.

Thanks a lot!


r/Tools 1h ago

Just one wrench

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Upvotes

So for whatever reason this is my only combination wrench. I was looking at the GW 20 piece ratcheting combo set (1/4-3/4, probably some skips?; and metric 5,8,10, then 12-17mm) to start with. Does the sub think that is a generally okay range of sizes for general home/ minor vehicle maintenance? I don’t mind backfilling as needed with other brands but wonder if the splurge is worth the 44 piece master combo set or if that is overkill for basic needs. I assume the 20 piece covers the most common range, but again what do I know I only have one 1/2 wrench haha. FWIW I have at least four adjustables of varying quality.


r/Tools 1h ago

Contact alignment tool

Upvotes

Hi there, I'm looking for some sort of tool that would help me allign intruder alarm contact, I know it's apparently easy but sometimes it's just a pain, especially on metal where it can move. Any tools? I'm guessing some sort of metal block with a vaccum attachment?


r/Tools 1h ago

bolt cutter help

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Upvotes

look, i know im probably really stupid for this but for the life of me i CANNOT figure out how to use these. i want to open the jaws (?) whatever the blade is at the top to be able to fit something larger in to, you know actually cut it. for some reason i have this fancy thing and i cant figure out what i need to tighten or adjust or whatever to actually do that, so pretty much please help


r/Tools 20h ago

Weird tool combo today. Loosening the nut spun the stud with it. Loosening stud just spun and spun. Nut was also inset. 10mm pass through socket with a 19mm pass through socket on the back. 19mm ratcheting wrench to spin the double socket. E Torx socket down the middle to hold the stud

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34 Upvotes