what are some tools that were worth the price tag?

[Dustydazzler]

Draper vde stuff is decent enough as is C.K and NWS

I have some old Stanley Vde pliers that I have had since my apprenticeship

 

[nicebutdim]

What's the best brands if I want to drop down in price from knipex ?

I've a good few vde tools to get

Try a few pairs in your hands and see what feels right. Length is one factor, but also the shape of handles and insulation. I'm using 200mm CK, but can't get on with the same length of Knipex. A colleague uses 225mm Knipex, and they seemed alright when I've used them, but others seem to prefer 180mm in various brands.

 

[pc1966]

Generally I like to have a small pair of electronic style cutters for fine work and something like the 220mm for big cables, but as above, best to try them out in your hand to see what feels good.

I got a pair of the cutters with the strip cut-outs and actually hate them, far less useful than I thought they would be and traditionally I try to cut close to the fulcrum point to make it easier, with them stuff is only half-cut (i.e. cable ties, not drink-related!)

 

[telectrix]

AEG MULTITOOL. uses same batteries as my 14 year old combi drill and impact driver. intercangeable heads so a right angle driver available.

 

[nicebutdim]

Generally I like to have a small pair of electronic style cutters for fine work and something like the 220mm for big cables, but as above, best to try them out in your hand to see what feels good.

I got a pair of the cutters with the strip cut-outs and actually hate them, far less useful than I thought they would be and traditionally I try to cut close to the fulcrum point to make it easier, with them stuff is only half-cut (i.e. cable ties, not drink-related!)

I have a love/hate relationship with CK Combicutters. They'd be far better if the notches were tighter together and right at one end or the other.

 

[telectrix]

not used the notches in mine ever since buying klein auto strippers.

Self Adjusting Wire Stripper / Cutter

Stripping head adjusts to strip: 10-20 AWG solid, 12-22 AWG stranded, and 12/2 and 14/2 Romex® cable [all sizes] and other non metallic [type NM] sheathed cable

www.cef.co.uk

 

[Mikegh]

Not too sure on the description for this one off Amazon

 

[Mikegh]

One of the best gadgets I've ever owned, been sitting in the shed til I just realized you can change the blade , got one on the way

 

[DPG]

One of the best gadgets I've ever owned, been sitting in the shed til I just realized you can change the blade , got one on the way
View attachment 91807

Very useful those.

 

[Mikegh]

Very useful those.

Just fitted the new blade off Amazon , just a few euro

Great for planing edges on floorboards

 

[Mikegh]

Impact wrench finally kitted out

Looks like I'm going to be mostly using it with the 1/4 " adapter

Everything's impact rated but I suspect I'll be needing plenty of those adapters ,can't see them lasting

 

[Lister1987]

Just fitted the new blade off Amazon , just a few euro

Great for planing edges on floorboards

I was just about to ask when you would use it ?

 

[Mikegh]

Another few bits sorted on the list

The 8" shears feels a bit big for one handed cutting ,maybe I'll get used to it

Got a tip for the portasol that was lying around a few years

Managed to snag a 180mm knipex vde combi pliers for about £ 17 off Amazon with a voucher

 

[Mikegh]

Amazing how the default is crap tools unless you purposely research the good stuff

I think a lot of it is competition and sales pushing the useless tools

I must have been using a short 3.5mm rethreader for years before I upgraded to a long one

 

[Mikegh]

What's a durable brand of vde screwdriver ?

Something below the knipex price point

Which is more useful in a vde set, Pozi or Philips ?

 

[Dustydazzler]

What's a durable brand of vde screwdriver ?

Something below the knipex price point

Which is more useful in a vde set, Pozi or Philips ?

15 quid at the moment and worth every penny , pound for pound they are the best vde drivers on the market

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/wiha-softfinish-mixed-vde-screwdriver-set-7-pack/3072g

 

[Mikegh]

Yes I'd been looking at those on Amazon

Also the draper but I reckon changing tips is probably hassle
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Int...=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=F0Z42APTU9ID&keywords=draper vde&qid=1637313373&sprefix=draper vde,aps,247&sr=8-8

 

[nicebutdim]

Changing blades is no great hardship and means you can carry a few without taking up precious pocket space.

Do you guys use Screwlox in IE? If so, I'd be inclined to opt for Phillips.

 

[Mikegh]

Changing blades is no great hardship and means you can carry a few without taking up precious pocket space.

Do you guys use Screwlox in IE? If so, I'd be inclined to opt for Phillips.

Not really sure on screwlox

Mostly pozi 2 for fixings and probably Philips for terminals (after flathead) I'm guessing

I still have squaredrive screws from misadventures with them, waste of time easier to stick with pozi for fixing

 

[nicebutdim]

Not really sure on screwlox

Mostly pozi 2 for fixings and probably Philips for terminals (after flathead) I'm guessing

I still have squaredrive screws from misadventures with them, waste of time easier to stick with pozi for fixing

Cross the border and you'd come unstuck within minutes - basically every fixing will be Screwlox ?

 

[Dustydazzler]

Is screulox the same as robertson ( square drive ) ?

 

[Mikegh]

It came up as square drive on Google

I bought into square drive for a while ,can't stand them now

 

[nicebutdim]

Is screulox the same as robertson ( square drive ) ?

Pretty much - think there is some tiny difference, but they're interchangeable.

 

[Dustydazzler]

A while ago I was cursing square drive , I went to a job and the previous person had screwed all the flooring down with square head screws

I had to waste an hour driving to screwfix to buy some square drive bits to get the screws out

At least I have the bits now

 

[nicebutdim]

A while ago I was cursing square drive , I went to a job and the previous person had screwed all the flooring down with square head screws

I had to waste an hour driving to screwfix to buy some square drive bits to get the screws out

At least I have the bits now

Next time you'll get to see the benefits ?