Latest tool buys

[Uncle Buck]

If you are not using Evaporust for cleaning tools like those, you should. It is a game changer for sure. Weekly i restore tools like those with the stuff.

I dump the tools in a tub of Evaporust and put a lid over it and leave the tools there overnight at least, in some cases I have left tools soaking for days and have never experienced ill effects.

Never use Evaporust on stainless steel, you will regret it. When removed from the tub, rinse them with water, then dry them. The tools usually are flat black looking straight out of the solution. The magic happens when you wire wheel them on the bench grinder.

That stuff is pretty pricey, and I've just never been a fan of soaking tools.
A big reason is that I'm just not patient enough to wait.

Ya, it us costly I agree. The first time I bought it i got a quart to see if I liked it. Once I was sold on the stuff I started buying the gallon size. It does last a long time though. Using it frequently a gallon lasts me 6-8 months.

I have cleaned tools with this i never could have cleaned otherwise. Especially tools covered in paint, putties and other gunk. I am totally sold on soaking now. This is after over 40 years using wire wheels on the grinder, sandpaper and steel wool.

[Hickory n Steel]

New work boots.

[Uncle Buck]

Those look very nice.

[Hickory n Steel]

Those look very nice.

They definitely are, they aren't exactly cheap at $275 shipped but absolutely worth it in my experience.
My previous pair are 3 years old and they still have tons of life left in them for the most part, but I wore a depression into the footbed or cork filling on the right boot that has started to bug me so I decided to just get a new pair.
My everyday non work Thorogoods are 6 years old now and still going strong too.


I will either relegate my old pair to yard work, or think about getting them repaired.

[Hickory n Steel]

It truly is a shame that I had that problem with my right boot, because they really do have a lot of life left in them.

[Hickory n Steel]

I just now realized that the snapon pliers I have from my grandfather are a 196 with wire cutters while the pair I picked up the other day are a 96 without the side cutters.

I don't think I've ever really needed the wire cutters on a pair of needle nose pliers,so I don't really care one way or the other unless they prioritized clearance for the cutters over the ability to grip tiny things.

[Uncle Buck]

The top pair are much smaller tips for sure.

[Hickory n Steel]

The top pair are much smaller tips for sure.

That's because I broke the tips on my 196 a few years ago trying to get at a snap ring.
They were originally nice and fine which is what I loved most about them.

[Muddy]

Got a new borescope. Kinda forgot the tip of my old one was still in the cylinder when I spun the engine over.....

This vevor one is very impressive for $60. It also has a upward facing camera.

I paid $300 for my snap on (it served me well) and the quality doesn't equal the Vevor.

Project Farm did a review and it passed his tests very well!

[Hickory n Steel]

I just received this 1940's Craftsman hatchet made by METCO.

[Uncle Buck]

Very nice, doesn't necessarily need a restoration either. Maybe oil the handle and call it good.

[Uncle Buck]

I prefer that style handle over smooth oval shape too.

[Hickory n Steel]

Very nice, doesn't necessarily need a restoration either. Maybe oil the handle and call it good.

Nope, it doesn't need a rehab at all. The original handle is still solid and tight.
Somebody octagonalized it by peeling off thick shavings with a draw knife or spoke shave, but it feels good in hand.

[bmwrd0]

I needed to change the battery in my truck, and as it wasn't parked near any of my tools, I had to drag what I needed up out of the basement. So I had been looking for a small tool set to keep in the truck, not to do anything major like a rebuild or suspension overhaul, but just enough to take care of small things.




I wanted something of at least decent quality, that wouldn't irritate me more than whatever I had to deal with did, and I think this will take care of it. I do wish they had included slotted tips with, but there is room to throw some in, and it wasn't so pricy that I would worry about it. $42 or so on Amazon. And, if you are wondering what is in it there is a nice pictogram on the back: