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Would You Like To RoadTest a HandTools Kit?

rscasny

The RoadTest program has traditionally focused on development boards, test equipment or other kinds of electronic devices. But I was talking to one of our product managers about hand tools. We talked about roadtesting a hand tools kit. We've started talking about it more and more. Then the idea trickled into one of our team meetings which migrated to my desk to talk tools.image

 

I even started reminiscing about my favorite screwdriver (heavy rubber ergonomic handle with reinforced carbon steel tips). Power screwdrivers are also a dream; I remember having to remove a back panel of a power supply that had 50 (I kidd you not) philips screws with about 10 already stripped or the heads knocked off....I forgot my tap set too! What were they thinking when they designed that.

 

Anyway, I could do a Randall's Tool Time, but this is about you, not me. The bottom line is:

 

What's Your interest in a handtools kit roadtest?

 

 

Any tool stories you care to share? Feel free to include.

  • Yes, tools are essential and often overlooked. The fact that unit had 50 screws likely means, I think, that unit had to pass vibration testing and the only way they knew to do that was with more screws. Was there a thread lock on the screws? More screws and thread lock is usually a definite sign of passing vibration testing.

     

    When I'm purchasing tools, I'm always curious about the less expensive ones. Note the cheapest, just the ones that aren't as expensive. For example, if I buy WIHA I know I'm getting a quality tool. I use this set all the time:

    http://www.newark.com/wiha/32190/15-piece-insulated-screwdriver/dp/10J2022

     

    What about DURATOOL or MCM? Are they any good? I've used Xcelite cutters, but never their screw drivers - are they any good?

    http://www.newark.com/xcelite/xps600/screwdriver-set-6-pieces/dp/54W1270?st=Screwdriver%20Set

  • Tools are widely used in different industries and I'm confident is another good topic many members of this community may share in common. I think it makes complete sense to have Tool RoadTests and by judging at the good quality of the many RoadTests available in Element14, I bet many of us looking to get some tools will definitely see the benefit.

    image

    As other members have commented, personally I also tend to target a good quality/price ratio when buying tools and parts, I remember when I started with my electronics/DIY hobby a couple of years ago, it took me about 8 months to decide buying my first crimping pliers: Engineer PA-09 Micro Connector Crimping Pliers, it was a though decision to make, but it paid out well in the long term.

     

    Luis

  • Hand tools are still the essence of any build.

    Quality tools are a must.

    When I started tech School back in 1970, the first thing they did was have us buy quality screw drivers, pliers, wire cutters and a soldering iron.

    I still have them and they all still do the job 48 years later.

     

    So if you have a supplier with tools, I can give a very experienced assessment as to how well they stack up to what I have used, just be aware that my standards are high.

     

    DAB

  • in reply to n5kzw

    Crimpers - great suggestion - everybody needs crimpers and nobody can afford a full set.

  • in reply to yosoufe

    Excellent points - I find a vise like this to be indispensable, and more than one is very useful.

    http://canada.newark.com/mcm/22-1735/tools-vice/dp/98B9125?st=vise

    image

  • My first thought was that I needed more tools like I needed another hole in my head.  I'm at the point where I need to get rid of a bunch of tools to get ready to move to an apartment.  But...then I thought of the really crappy crimper I have for crimping female contacts for 0.10" headers.  I could use one of those. - Ed

  • Handtools would add an interesting category to the roadtest program. I agree the kits usually are not the best quality, so going with individual tools is the way to go.

    I would like to see tools that are either very innovative or not something typically seen in the standard tool box. 

  • Cool picture : ) I believe TVs did come like that in the past : )

    What is great about tool reviews is that many people also provide a lot of feedback from their experience over the years, and so that and the original review are useful, and remain relevant for quite a while.

     

    Regarding stories, often lending out tools means them not arriving back in the same condition, but once the borrower didn't arrive back in the same condition..

    He borrowed without asking and came back and complained that something was wrong with the mains wiring, because he kept getting quite a strong feeling of electricity.

    It turned out that he'd taken the ESD pliers with the conductive rubber handles!

  • One of the hand tools I would be very interested in roadtesting would be wire strippers. Looking at standards for automotive or aeronautical applications often mention no tool that scores the wire may be used. I would therefore be interested in finding good wire strippers that can remove the shielding from a wire without causing a stress point or score mark on teh underlying wire.

     

    There are definitely other tools on my list, but this is just one that springs to mind.

     

    Kas

  • Clamping tools, wires and connectors. These are what I always have difficulty. They break usually. Which wire, which connector with which clamping tool is the best for your data wiring or power wiring in harsh environment?? Wet environment and so on??

     

    Getting some reviews on different products on these topics is fantastic for me. Because I never managed to find a solution to be:

    • robust
    • easy and fast to make connectors
    • easy and fast to connect and disconnect them

     

    I used JST connectors which are always difficult to make and not to break.