Stiletto TRIMBONE Hammer

The titanium hammer vs. steel hammer debate has been going on at my job site for a few years now. The big questions are 1) whether titanium hammers are worth the cost, which is sometimes 4 times more than a steel hammer, and 2) whether they really prevent injuries.

I’m not here to sell you titanium hammers. But personally, I think Titanium was a great choice for me and my crew.

Titanium’s Benefit

Titanium’s primary ergonomic benefit is less recoil, with less fatigue being a secondary benefit. I’ve been using a Stiletto hammer since 2011 when I got my first Stiletto 10-Ounce Titanium finish hammer. I loved the “old school” axe-style Hickory handle. Not to mention it was “WICKED” light!

I later gave this hammer to one of my guys and picked up a poly-handle Stiletto finish hammer. Shortly after that, I threw out my old framing hammer and picked up a Stiletto TiBone framing hammer.

Regardless of which hammer I use, I’m now sold on titanium for my hammer of choice. As I get older, I continually look for products and tools that will make my work more efficient, easier, better quality, and hurt my body LESS!

Titanium Transfers Energy Efficiently

The major attraction to using a titanium hammer is less vibration and weight. Titanium has the same strength as steel with 45% less weight and exhibits much less vibration than steel. Some hammer manufacturers claim up to 10 times less vibration.

Titanium hammers are typically half the weight of steel hammers and can still deliver the same amount of power to the head of the nail. The reduction in weight equates to less fatigue over the course of a day, week, or year.

Hammer Swing Energy

Titanium hammers also allow you to obtain approximately 97% of your hammer swing energy going into the nail, compared to approximately 70% with a regular steel hammer. If you’re doing it right, this should result in more efficient nail driving.

Steel Is Better For “Knockdown” Power

When it comes to “knockdown power,” heavier hammers will always be more effective at pounding framing members or beams into place, or when moving a wall into position.

However, when it comes to demo work, I don’t buy the heavier hammer argument. The goal is to protect one’s body — when doing demo work, contractors should not swing hammers in any direction that your elbow is NOT designed to move.

There’s a difference between “nailing and wailing” a hammer. (Wailing = open elbow, baseball swing.) To protect your body, you should try to avoid “wailing,” and keep the arm and elbow moving in a more natural motion.

Reduced Recoil Shock | Vibration

Reduced recoil shock is another feature of titanium. I wish I had a titanium hammer in 1993 when I started swinging one. If I did, I bet I wouldn’t wake up every morning at 4 A.M. with a tingling pain in my first three fingers. Yes, I said every day at 4 A.M., and 800 mg of Motrin doesn’t make it go away either.

On average, Titanium dampens vibrations up to ten times better than high carbon steels, but this doesn’t consider that some steel hammers have optimized their design to offset this.

Today, higher-end steel hammers are designed around better-performing high-carbon steels and handles that further improve dampening performance. How much better a titanium hammer will dampen vibrations depends on several factors:

• Hammer head metallurgy
• Handle material
• Hammer design

Comparing Titanium to Steel  | Vibration Test

The true test to appreciate hammer vibration differences between titanium and steel hammers is to strike them simultaneously on a concrete floor. You must only do this once to feel the benefits of titanium. This test is what sold my guys to start carrying and using Stiletto hammers.

Less Weight

Titanium hammers are lighter, and I’ve been told that for every pound carried on your belt equates to a 20lb load of fatigue on your lower back at the end of an 8-hour day. Less weight means less fatigue at the end of the day.

Stiletto TRIMBONE Hammer

Ok, enough of the Titanium talk. Let’s talk about the new Stiletto TRIMBONE hammer. The TRIMBONE Titanium finish hammer comes in two configurations, curved or straight claw.

Stiletto TRIMBONE Hammer Specifications

• Handle material: Titanium and rubber over-mold
• Head material: Steel
• Handle: Curved
• Side nail puller
• Rubber grip
• Magnetic nail set
• 2 Mallet Caps
• Straight or Curved Claw Style
• MSRP $240

Magnetized Nail Groove

The Stiletto TRIMBONE hammer has a magnetized nail groove to help start nails that are overhead or just out of reach. Did you know that Stiletto invented this feature, as well as the side pull feature? Fact.

We find the nail-setting feature works well; it keeps a tight grip on the nail until impact and embeds the nail nicely.

TRIMBONE Straight Claw | Side Puller

The Stiletto TRIMBONE straight claw design is great for pulling nails without marring material, but it’s also nice for prying trim apart. The 180° side nail puller is a crew favorite and gives some awesome pulling leverage. This side nail puller fits nail sizes from 2D to 16D (1-inch to 3-1/2 inch).

Stiletto TRIMBONE Hammer | D-Face Head

The Stiletto TRIMBONE has a compact D-face design, allowing the hammer to fit in tight spaces.

Replaceable Colored Accessory Grips

It seems like everyone today wants to personalize their tools, so for you fancy-pants carpenters out there, Stiletto is now offering replaceable colored grips. The TRIMBONE hammer comes standard with a black handle. The replaceable grips are available in four different colors and are easy to install and remove via a screw at the bottom of the handle. The replaceable grips cost approximately $35.00 each and come in four colors:

• Yellow
• Olive green
• Blue
• Orange

Steel Caps | Rubber Mallet Accessory Caps

Replaceable steel faces can be purchased for $30.00 and non-marring mallet caps are now available.

The rubber mallet caps come in hard (White) and soft (Black), allowing users to alternate between hammer and mallet and strike without damage. The caps come in two to a kit and cost $25.00.

We recently used the caps to set and install tongue and groove ceiling boards and install PVC Cortex plugs. It worked great and allowed me to carry one hammer as a 2-in-1 tool.

Stiletto TRIMBONE Titanium Hammer | Cost

At $240 The Stiletto TRIMBONE hammer comes at a premium price and that may put them out of reach for some users. That price isn’t totally crazy considering this Pro-grade hammer is made in the U.S.A with premium titanium metal, has highly specialized features and is designed specifically for the finish carpenter.

Stiletto TRIMBONE Hammer | Final Thoughts

I think it’s fair to say that hammers are quickly evolving into far more sophisticated tools than their predecessors, and we get to benefit from those advances.

Titanium hammers offer excellent vibration dampening, and the lighter weight metal translates to easier swings with less fatigue and impact on the nerves and tendons in the arm. Less damage to the body is a good retirement plan!

After using this hammer for a while, I predict that you will see and feel a reduction in weight (it weighs 45% less than a standard steel hammer) and a reduction in harmful recoil shock vibrations. Using a titanium hammer makes sense, especially when I think of my own injuries, and guys that I know that are in what I call a “survival mode.” These are the guys that take Vicodin or Ibuprofen to keep pain and swelling down just enough to get through the day.

So, some advice from Uncle Rob…. give Titanium a try, protect your eyes and ears, and consider work pants with built-in kneepads. Your body will thank you 30 years later.

Stiletto TRIMBONE Titanium Finish Hammer is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ridgid RC-2375 Plastic Pipe Cutter

Ridgid RC-2375 Plastic Pipe Cutter

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Ridgid
Model number: RC-2375
Weight: 1 lb. 4 oz.

Overview

This Ridgid Plastic Pipe Cutter (Model 2375) is a simple and lightweight aluminum hand tool. A game-changing tool that has no motor, no batteries, and no cord?  That’s right.  The user of this tool can manually cut plastic pipe with an outside diameter of up to 2 3/8”.  The body of the tool is cast aluminum and has a “C”-shaped throat that the plastic pipe nests into.  As the user advances and indexes the handle, the steel blade swings across the pipe and towards the throat, cutting through the pipe. The result?  A clean, easy cut that is immediately suitable for piping.  No rough edges, no burrs.  It takes 15 strokes to advance the blade from fully open to fully closed.  Pulling the handle open releases the fully-closed blade. Then it’s opens 90 degrees and ready for the next cut.

Features and Benefits

The Ridgid RC-2375 is capable of cutting PVC, CPVC, PEX, polyethylene, polybutylene, and rubber hose.  The amount of hand force needed to cut through material is minimal.  I have never needed two hands to cut anything with it- even 2” Schedule-40 PVC.  Ridgid advertises the following:

• Durable aluminum construction for heavy-duty use
• Ergonomic grips on the bottom handle are spaced at ½” increments to act as a quick pipe measuring scale
• Easy turn-thumb latch for reliable storage
• X-CEL quick change blade
• Large 2 3/8” (63 mm) O.D. capacity
• Burrless cutting operation provides a square cut
• A quick-change blade pin enables the user to change blades in a matter of seconds without tools, saving valuable time and increasing productivity

At 10 inches long and just over 4 inches wide the tool is fairly compact.  It’s also relatively slim at a mere 1 3/8” thick.  It’s also really lightweight at approximately 1 lb. 4 oz.

On The Job

When I think about cutting plastic pipe (particularly PVC) bathroom and kitchen remodels are the first jobs that come to mind.  Historically, when cutting PVC pipe for installation, I set up a miter saw on a proper workstation.  Even a general-purpose blade ensures the cleanest, most-square cuts- particularly on larger PVC pipes such as 3” and 4”. However, not all jobs require larger pipe diameters, nor do they require a chop station.  Some jobs are smaller- such as swapping out a sump pump or reconfiguring a condensate drain.  The RC-2375 is great for these smaller tasks.

PVC pipe removals and cut-ins are where the tool really shines.  While using a reciprocating saw or oscillating multitool to remove older plastic pipes may be a common practice, the action of a power tool can sometimes vibrate the pipe that you are trying to cut- thereby minimizing the cutting action of the tool.  Placing a second hand on the pipe to be removed isn’t always possible or safe.  The Ridgid RC-2375 is a true one-handed tool, and the gentle ratcheting action makes removals a breeze.

And due to its size and configuration, the tool is easy to throw in one of the pouches on my toolbelt.  That’s just not possible with an equivalent battery-operated tool.  Several times I have brought the Ridgid pipe cutter into attics or crawlspaces, right in the back pocket of my Carhartts.  The tool also has no set-up required, no batteries to charge, and no cord to manage.

The clasp at the tail of the handle to keep the tool “closed” has never come unlatched or slipped open.  Similarly, the slide pin that keeps the blade retained has never loosened or fallen out.  The tool remains durable after 4 years of use.

Limitations

The Ridgid RC-2375 is a great tool, but it does have a few drawbacks.  First, it doesn’t cut PVC pipe very well in colder temperatures.  While this isn’t a deal-breaker if you’re considering purchasing this tool, it is something to be aware of when working with cold PVC.  To Ridgid’s credit, there is a disclaimer directly on the blade of the tool that reads “Cut slowly when pipe is below 50 degrees F.  (10 C.)”  Cutting cold PVC can result in jagged cuts because the pipe wants to shatter, rather than shear.  Essentially, the pipe breaks before it’s fully cut.

Second, the RC-2375 is also not great on all materials, including foam core PVC. To Ridgid’s credit, polypropylene is not a material they advertise can be cut with the RC-2375. Being a curious guy, I tried anyways and sadly it doesn’t work well.  The polypropylene pipe (such as a plastic p-trap) compresses, rather than cuts.

Lastly, I don’t cut PEX or polyethylene tubing with the Ridgid pipe cutter because I find the ratcheting action to be too slow.  I prefer to cut those types of tubing with a single-throw tubing cutter, which is much faster and more productive.

Overall Impression | Ridgid Plastic Pipe Cutter (RC-2375)

I bought the RC-2375 from the plumbing supply house F.W. Webb in 2017 and paid $115.  After about 3 years of periodic use, I replaced the blade for a cost of $85.  A professional plumber might expect to replace the blade more frequently. The tool is completely serviceable, as replacement parts are available online.  It can be repaired in the field or in the shop- something that is generally prohibitive with a power tool.  I have used similar generic “price-point” tools from the box stores, and they simply don’t compare to the quality of this Ridgid unit. The blades don’t hold up as well, plus they aren’t always replaceable or serviceable.

Something can be said for modest, well—made tools with no bells and whistles.  The Ridgid RC-2375 is simple, reliable, and portable, and has one purpose: To cut plastic pipe.  ….and it does that job well. It’s a relatively low-cost investment for a tool that is built to last.

Ridgid Plastic Pipe Cutter Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee 6” Leveling Tripod Chain Vise Model 48-22-8690 Review

Milwaukee 6” Leveling Tripod Chain Vise

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 48-22-8690
Price: $499.99
Power source: N/A
Motor size: N/A
Weight: 49.8

Specifications

• Pipe Capacity: 6”
• Storage Depth: 5.25”
• Storage Height: 49.5”
• Level Adjustment: +/- 3 Degrees
• Working Height: 36.5″
• Total Weight: 49.8 Lbs

Milwaukee Tripod Chain Vise Deck

Surprisingly, the Milwaukee Vise Deck is made out of high-quality cast aluminum. When I saw this tripod vise released I just assumed the deck was going to be made from Milwaukee’s signature heavy-duty red plastic. Conversely, the aluminum deck makes for a strong and stable work area. The deck also has a large work surface measuring 20” x 15.5″. The beveled edge, notches, and cutouts are perfect for keeping your supplies and tools from rolling onto the ground and creates an organized workspace.

Milwaukee Tripod Deck Stabilizer Lock is a Key Feature

The deck stabilizer lock allows you to twist the stabilizer arm which increases the tension. As a result, this arm stabilizes the board completely. No matter how long you own this Tripod Vise this adjustment will always take out the slack and keep the vise tight and wiggle-free. We also found that we did not need a pipe stand as often due to the large deck and the stability that the Deck Stabilizer Lock provides.

“Look no feet” The Milwaukee Tripod Vise is so stable that once we tightened the Deck Stabilizer Lock, we could hang on the pipe without the vise wiggling or tipping.

Milwaukee Tripod Chain Vise is Quick to Setup and Breakdown

The Milwaukee Chain Vise deploys easily and folds up quickly. Once folded the vise folds flat, making for easy storage in your shop or truck.

Adjustable Leg

The adjustable leg will assist in easily leveling the board +/- 3 degrees.

Balanced Carry Handle

The carrying handle is perfectly balanced with the vise making it easy to carry in a straight position.

Foot Grips

The foot grips are made of soft but sturdy rubber. They can also be removed for anchoring.

Grounding Tab

The built-in grounding tab makes welding a little easier.

Room for Improvement

Although the large deck provides plenty of workspace, we wish that a lower shelf was included. A lower shelf is available as an accessory for another $99.00 at Acmetools.com. While having the option to purchase this shelf, later on, is nice, including the shelf in the original kit would make the chain vice nearly perfect.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, The Milwaukee Leveling Tripod Chain Vise is a good product with an excellent design.  The large deck allows for plenty of work space and organization. The Deck Stabilizer lock allows the Milwaukee Vise to get very tight, and sturdy, which should extend the service life of the tool.  The adjustable leg allows for quick angle adjustments, all while it deploys and cleans up quickly to save space.

Price and Availability

The Milwaukee Chain Vise is priced at $499.99 which is similar to other competitors. Considering, the large workspace and the quality craftsmanship behind the 6” Leveling Tripod Chain Vise, I think that choosing the Milwaukee is an easy decision to make. The Milwaukee Tripod Vise can be purchased from our friends at ACME Tools by clicking the link below.

In addition, the Milwaukee Chain Vise will pair perfectly with the full-size or compact Milwaukee Pipe Threader that we previously reviewed.

Milwaukee Tripod Chain Vise Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee 47pc 1/2″ Drive Ratchet & Socket Set with PACKOUT Low-Profile Organizer Review

Milwaukee 47pc 1/2" Drive Ratchet & Socket Set with PACKOUT Low-Profile Organizer

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 48-22-9487
Price: $319.99

47pc 1/2″ Drive Metric & SAE Ratchet and Socket Set with FOUR FLAT Sides

• Model: 48-22-9010
• 90 Tooth 1/2″ Ratchet
• 4° of Arc Swing
• 3″ Extension, 5″ Extension
• FOUR FLAT Sides
• Laser Engraved Sizes
• SAE Standard Sockets – 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 3/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″, 1″ , 1 1/16″, 1 1/8″
• SAE Deepwell Sockets – 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 3/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″
• Metric Standard Sockets – 10, 11, 12 ,13, 14 ,15 ,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
• Metric Deepwell Sockets – 10, 11, 12 ,13, 14 ,15 ,16, 17, 18, 19

47pc 1/2″ Drive SAE & Metric Ratchet & Socket Set PACKOUT Trays

• Model: 48-22-9487T
• Color Coded for SAE and Metric
• 3 Trays designed for 47pc Ratchet and Socket Set
• IP54 Rated Protection

PACKOUT Low-Profile Organizer

• Model:48-22-8431
• Exterior Dimensions – 19.7″ W x 16.3″ D x 2.5″ H
• IP65 Weather Seal

PACKOUT Storage Trays

The 47 Piece 1/2″ Drive ratchet and socket set is stored in a PACKOUT Low Profile Organizer.  This case is a standard PACKOUT configuration that is compatible with all other PACKOUT modular storage systems.  The organizer and kit can be added to a mobile stack of PACKOUT items and even wall mounted by using Milwaukee’s PACKOUT Shop Storage Solution.

For mechanics who prefer to store their sockets in another way such as a tool chest drawer, the organizing trays are easily removed for horizontal storage.  The trays are color-coded to SAE and Metric, with clear size indicators.  Additionally, the trays had nice large tabs that made removing the trays and indexing them into the PACKOUT case a breeze.

FOUR FLAT Sockets

The set comes with 44 sockets of various SAE and Metric sizes in both standard and deep well configurations.  Size indications are laser etched onto each socket on two opposing sides for easy identification.

The biggest standout feature of the sockets is Milwaukee FOUR FLAT sides.  FOUR FLAT sockets feature a square four-sided base that tapers to a traditional circular surface at the opposite end.  The flat-four sides serve two purposes.  First is the flat surface prevents the socket from rolling, potentially saving time and immense frustration.  Secondly, the socket can be used with a traditional wrench, allowing for an additional option if access is limited which prevents the ratchet from fitting.

Overall Impressions

The Milwaukee 47pc 1/2″ Drive Ratchet & Socket Set with PACKOUT Low-Profile Organizer is a great kit for mechanics and DIYers who are looking to supplement or replace an aging 1/2″ drive socket set.  The storage trays and integration with the PACKOUT storage system allow for a great mobile option for those that need to take their socket kits on the go.  The FOUR FLAT sides on the sockets are a really nice improvement on the standard socket. Pricing at the time of review is $319.99.

Milwaukee 47pc 1/2" Drive Ratchet & Socket Set with PACKOUT Low-Profile Organizer

Buy Now

$319.99

Milwaukee 47pc 1/2″ Drive Socket Set with Low-Profile PACKOUT is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee 15PC Flex Head Ratcheting SAE / Metric Combo Wrench Sets Review

SAE and Metric Flex Head Ratcheting Combo Wrench Set

5/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 48-22-9513 / 48-22-9413
Price: $299.99

Milwaukee has been turning out innovative hand tools as well as industry-leading cordless tools since 1924. Their M12 line, M18 platform, Packout solutions, and even hand tools increase productivity and are unmatched in durability for professional contractors who use them! Milwaukee has delivered advanced trade-specific solutions to us, the professional end-users.

15PC Flex Head Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set – Metric

• Model: 48-22-9513
• 2.5° of Arc Swing
• MAX BITE Open-End Grip
• Ergonomic I-Beam handle
• Flex head design
• 144 Ratcheting Position
• 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22

15PC Flex Head Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set – SAE

• Model: 48-22-9413
• 2.5° of Arc Swing
• MAX BITE Open-End Grip
• Ergonomic I-Beam handle
• Flex head design
• 144 Ratcheting Position
• 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″
•  5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″, 1″

MAX BITE Open-End Grip

With 25% more torque than smooth-faced wrenches, the MAX BITE Open-End Grip enhances the wrench’s grip on nuts and bolts. This feature grabs the nuts and bolts and reduces the chance of slipping off the fastener and busting your knuckles or stripping it down making it unable to extract.

Ratcheting Flex Head

With 144 ratcheting positions, these flex head combination wrenches allow you to work in incredibly small spaces. You have greater accessibility in challenging-to-reach regions because of the flex head’s full 90° tilting on either side of the wrench.

2.5° Arc Swing

What is an arc swing? Arc swing is the degree to which the handle has to move in order for the ratchet to engage. The majority of ratchet wrenches arc swing is between 3.0° and 5.0°. These wrenches engage at only 2.5° making them incredibly versatile in tight areas. As you can see in this diagram the amount of space needed to get the ratchet to engage is very small. We saw this first hand at the Milwaukee Pipeline event last month!

Ink Filled Markings

Another great feature of these wrenches is they have ink-filled markings which make ID’ing incredibly easy. They are chrome finished and when hit at the right light, glare can obstruct reading the markings.

Overall Impressions

One thing my dad always told me growing up was there was always a need for a good wrench set. No truer statement! Having a flex head ratcheting combination wrench set is a great option for your nuts and bolts fastening! These wrenches do come with a hefty price tag though. Each one of these sets will run you $299.99. True, there are less expensive ones on the market, we believe you will not find ones with 144 ratcheting positions, 2.5° arc swing, flex head, and great markings for cheaper.

Milwaukee 15PC Flex Head Ratcheting Combo Wrench Sets is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamp

Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamp

Manufacturer: Rockler
Model number: #69764 for 6" and #65890 for 10"
Price: $19.00 for 6" and $22.99 for 10"
Power source: Clamp Force: 150 lbs

I’ve partnered with Rocker to give you guys an independent review on these clamps and have been using them for 3-4 weeks.

These Rockler clamps are made of a glass-reinforced nylon clamp body with a steel bar and steel spring cover. They feature black-colored, non-marring thermoplastic rubber clamp pads. The clamps come in two sizes with a clamping capacity between jaws of either 6-1/2” or 10-1/2” and a throat depth: 2-1/4”. The clamp pads measure 7/8” x 1-1/2” and have a clamping force of 150 lbs.

Rockler Spring-Loaded Clamp | First Impression

The main feature of these clamps is that they claim to close fast – and, after having used them several times, I can tell you that they do. I was impressed with how fast the clamp closes; a simple squeeze of the release trigger and the spring mechanism closes the jaws fast which eliminates repetitive pumping of the clamp grip or the use of your other hand to close the jaw.

Once closed, a squeeze the larger four-finger trigger engages up to 150 lbs. in clamping force. To give you some perspective on how fast these clams close, it takes 26 pumps on the pistol grip to close the clamp or less than a second to close it with the spring mechanism. This is extremely efficient and by far a very cool feature.

When initially closing this clamp the clamp pads slam closed quickly, and with some force. I wondered if this “slamming” of the clamp pads would be detrimental in clamping operations. Rockler says you can precisely feather the clamp closed, something we’ll discuss later in this review.

Opening the clamp is like other pistol grip clamps: you still need to engage the finger release trigger and pull the clamp open, making it a two-handed operation. 

Rockler Spring Clamp | Specifications

• Material: Glass-reinforced nylon clamp body with steel bar; steel spring cover
• Clamp Force: 150 lbs.
• 2 Clamps with Capacity Between Jaws: 6-1/2” or 10-1/2”
• Throat Depth: 2-1/4”
• Pad Dimensions: 7/8” x 1-1/2”
• Pad Material: Non-marring thermoplastic rubber
• Grip Style: Pistol Grip

Using the Clamps | Easy, Fast, Efficient

The spring mechanism allowed me to close the clamp easily, fast, and efficiently while freeing one hand to position parts, a level, or other items. I found that pre-releasing [opening] all the clamps allow you to install multiple clamps one-handed. This was the best way to use the one-handed feature and allows you to jump right into a gluing or assembly process.

These clamps are faster, and easier to close than the pistol grip “pump” style clamps, I have.

Rockler advertises the two clamp sizes to have a 6-1/2” or 10-1/2” clamping capacity. We measured the clamping capacity on our clamps and got 6-3/4” and 10-7/8”.

One observation we had was that they take a short time to wear in and work smoothly. Early on when we started using them, I noticed that some of our clamps were stiff to open and close. The good news is that they loosened up after using them a bit. We found they worked well after this initial breaking-in period.

Rockler Spring-Loaded Clamp | Feathering and Precision

The clamp closes fast and with some force. The force is enough to misalign small parts that you are holding with one hand. As a result, you need to feather the clamp closed. We tried feathering a few different clamps, 50+ times, and there is a learning curve, as it takes some practice to get it right.

The process is not really what I’d call feathering. I’d describe it as a “choppy” controlled close. After practicing with the clamp, I was able to slow the closure with three “feathering” presses, but it still is not what I would describe as a “smooth-feathering” closure.

When clamping a small part in place for gluing we noticed that fast closing of the clamp will “slam the parts” out of alignment. This is where that controlled closing is necessary.

Room For Improvement

The limiting size of these clamps is a bummer, after using both size clamps in the workshop and in the field at the job site, we determined that the 2-1/4” throat depth and 6-1/2” or 10-1/2” clamping capacity is somewhat limiting.

Rockler told us that they are exploring different options as far as the size of the clamp is concerned. With the current clamp, they placed a lot of attention and testing into ‘dialing’ in the correct spring tension in the sizes that are being offered now. Rockler also told us with increasing size clamps, the jaws will also get deeper.

Additionally, I’d like to see Rockler improve on the soft closing of these clamps, if they can do that then there is no beating these clamps.

Cost

The 6” Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamp, Item #69764 costs $19.00, and the 10” Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamp, Item #65890 costs $22.99, both are online here: Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamps.

Considering that I can get a 4 pack of pistol grip clamps for a similar price, the Rockler clamps are a bit on the pricier side. You just need to ask yourself if that self-closing feature is worth it.

Overall Impression | Rockler Spring-Loaded Clamp

Overall, while not perfect, we liked the spring mechanism closing feature on these clamps. Eliminating the repetitive pumping of the grip trigger and not needing to use your other hand to close the jaws is a faster, and much more efficient way to assemble. I really appreciated the one-handed closing action that left one hand completely free to position parts and holds parts in place.

I can see lots of uses for these versatile clamps, as well as many users including people with hand injuries or arthritis. These clamps will no doubt find a home for woodworking, carpenters, and DIY projects.

Rockler Spring-Loaded Clamp | Video Review

Rockler Spring-Loaded Clamp Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Bessey K Body Revo Jr. Clamps

Bessey K Body Revo Jr Clamps

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Bessey
Model number: K Body Revo Jr
Price: Prices Vary

Precision and long life are the brand attributes of Bessey Clamps, which is celebrating it’s 130th year in business. Bessey’s tools are made from the best quality materials, including BESSEY Präzisionsstahl, their own German manufacturer and industrial supplier of high-quality stainless steel. “If you don’t improve, you won’t be good.” Max Bessey’s credo is still true today and will be in the future, and it serves as the guiding concept for all the organization does.

Bessey K Body Revo Jr. Specifications

• Up to 900 lbs clamp force
• Jaws accurate at 90-degree angles
• Sizes available from 12″ to 50″
• Removable pressure caps for cleaning
• Large clamp surface, wood grip handle

Who Can Benefit from Bessey Clamps?

Parallel jaw clamps are beneficial to cabinetmakers, carpenters, and woodworkers alike. They are perfect for clamping large surfaces without hurting the material because of their large parallel clamping deep jaws. The Bessey K Body Revo Jr. clamps are identical to the Bessey K Body Revo Clamps. The clamps can also clamp curved and circular surfaces that aren’t perfectly straight.

Any professional or amateur woodworker understands that having the appropriate equipment may mean the difference between a successful project and a tedious battle. Bessey has done it again with their K-Body Revo Jr, which is a faultless performer. High-quality, easy-to-use, and durable design, this clamp isn’t as fragile as some others.

Glue-Up

We were asked to build a benchtop to cover the washing and dryer in a laundry room during a basement remodel. The 8′ long benchtop was created from 5/4″x6″ pine. We conducted the glue-up in two pieces, each three boards wide, after using the biscuit joiner. We clamped each section with the 24″ and 36″ clamps.

Once the two pieces were completely dried we glued them together again using biscuits and wood glue. This time switching over to the 36″ and 50″ clamps. The large 3-1/4″ jaw surface area is perfect for the 5/4″ material. The parallel clamping surfaces have removable jaw protection pads ideal for cleaning. These caps are resistant to glue, paint, and solvents.

Rail Protectors

The Bessey K Body REVO Jr clamps come with rail protectors which allow for separation of the rail to your workpiece and may eliminate any accidental glue mishaps.

Pricing and Where to Purchase

The Bessey K Body Revo Jr clamps can be purchased in several places, but the majority of supplies show Out of Stock. Some of the best pricing can be found at Acme Tools with these links here:

Bessey K Body Revo Jr. Clamp Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee Flex-Head Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set Review

Milwaukee Flex-Head Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 48-22-9413- 48-22-9513

Specifications

• 2.5° of Arc Swing
• 144 Ratcheting Positions
• Double Stacked Ratchet Pawls
• MAX BITE Open-End Grip Design
• Flex-Head Closed-End Design
• I-Beam Style Handle
• Ink-Filled Size Labels
• Color-Coded Storage Tray
• Adjustable Set Screw for Flex-Head Tension
• Lifetime Guarantee
• Chrome Plated
• SAE Set Includes 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″, 1″
• METRIC Set Includes 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm

The Milwaukee Flex-Head Ratcheting Wrench Plastic Organizer Tray

Upon first inspection, I notice the plastic tray organizers. I like my tools neat and orderly; everything must have a home. This set comes in two trays designed to fit in your toolbox drawers perfectly. In addition, when placed together they make a nice rectangle measuring 15.5″x 22″, that will fit in most toolboxes. Furthermore, the trays have the tool sizes printed on the plastic which makes it easy to put them back in place.

Chrome-Plated I-Beam Handles and Ink-Filled Size Labels

Next, I can’t help but notice how striking these wrenches are. The chrome-plated I-beam handles are smooth and comfortable to grip. I’d like to point out the size labels on each wrench are ink-filled to make size identification quick and easy.  Moreover, they are color-coded to make them easy to locate between SAE and METRIC.

The Milwaukee Flex-Head Design

I can immediately tell this wrench set is built for quality. Indeed, holding the wrench you can feel how well these tools are made. A Flex-Head may not be something that you use every time.  However, when needed, this wrench is made for tough jobs. The Flex-Head Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set features 2.5° of arc swing and 144 ratcheting positions. To emphasize, I do have other ratcheting wrenches, but adding the Flex-Head really makes these wrenches a game-changer as they can reach nuts and bolts in odd angles or tight spaces.

The Milwaukee Flex-Head in Use

Above all, one thing I’ve found when working on a vehicle is that there is always something in the way. For this reason, the Flex-Head is really a blessing to have. The wrenches have an Allen key set screw that can be adjusted on the Flex-Head. As a result, this allows you to tighten the desired pressure that the head will flex. Tightening the Allen key screw will stiffen the head, which is especially useful when you need to access that hard-to-reach spot and maintain a certain angle. According to Milwaukee, the Flex-Head wrenches have “double-stacked pawls within the ratcheting mechanism, which is said to increase durability and extend the life of the tools.” Speaking of tool life, does it matter? It’s important to point out, this quality Milwaukee wrench set is backed by Milwaukee’s Life Time Guarantee.

Milwaukee MAX BITE Open-End Grip

The MAX BITE open-ended grip improves the wrench’s grip on nuts and bolts. Certainly, nobody wants to strip a nut or a bolt. This wrench prevents stripping by providing a tighter grip on the hardware. Notably, Milwaukee claims that it will provide 25% more torque than a standard smooth-faced wrench. I will admit I was a little nervous about the ridges on the open-end.  However, you can see in the pictures below that the design allows the wrench to sit deep onto the nut providing maximum grip.

Price and Availability

Currently, the Fex-Head wrenches are available as two individual sets. Either the SAE or the METRIC versions retail for around $289.00 for fifteen total wrenches. Together, the complete set will cost about $578.00. If you are unfamiliar with the pricing of professional mechanics tools, this may seem expensive. However, the Flex-Head ratcheting wrenches are a professional-grade tool with design features geared towards demanding users. The Flex-Head, MAX BITE, and high-quality construction are invaluable features for users who need to get the job done fast without breaking or stripping hardware constantly.

The individual SAE/METRIC sets are currently available from our friends at ACME Tools. Follow the “Buy Now” link below to purchase directly from them.

Overall Impressions of the Milwaukee Flex-Head Wrenches

Milwaukee Flex-Head Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW Knife Review

As a remodeling contractor, backpacker, outdoor enthusiast, and daily carrier of a pocket knife I’m a fan of pocket knives and always appreciate a useful, well-made, and functional knife when I see one.

When looking at the Kershaw Leek 1660RBW I was particularly interested in looking at several points:

• Quality
• Durability
• Functionality
• Ease of use
• Application

First Impression – Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW Knife

The Kershaw Leek 1660 knife is a popular knife for Kershaw and it’s easy to see why. The Random Leek knife 1660RBW  has a new blade shape and an all-BlackWash look. With its 3-inch blade, the “Random Leek” pocket knife is not too big and is certainly easy to carry.

I immediately liked the reverse tanto blade shape which as you may or may not know, adds durability and provides an ideal angle for cutting through boxes and other everyday jobs. Its also razor-sharp blade is made with Sandvik 14C28N means it can take care of a full range of cutting tasks.

The Leek knife series was designed by world-renowned knife maker Ken Onion and features his SpeedSafe blade assist opening mechanism which allows the knife to open smoothly with one hand. One flick to either the thumb stud or the blade protrusion and the blade deploys open, easily, quickly, and effortlessly and locks open for safety.

Fit and finish on the Random Leek 1660RBW is one that screams quality. I immediately loved the compact size and 2.9-ounce weight of this knife.

Specifications

• Blade Length 3 in. (7.6 cm)
• Blade Material Sandvik 14C28N
• Blade Finish/Coating Black-oxide BlackWash finish
• Blade Thickness 0.09 in. (2.29 mm)
• Closed Length 4 in. (10.2 cm)
• Handle Material 410 stainless steel
• Handle Finish/Coating Black-oxide BlackWash finish
• Handle Thickness 0.31 in. (8.08 mm)
• Overall Length 7 in. (17.9 cm)
• Weight 2.9 oz. (82 g)

Quality and Fit and Finish

The Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW is made in the USA, who doesn’t appreciate that? Everything on this knife is quality from the materials used, to the screws holding the frame together.

When I started reviewing the Random Leek 1660RMW I swapped the reversible pocket clip to the other side for faster deployment – and tightened the lock to render it inoperable – by choice. I’m not a fan of the lock, it’s an easy modification.The tip on this knife is very sharp and I can see it breaking easily if used for prying. Something I sometimes do in a pinch.

Functionality and Ease Of Use

The Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW is a lightweight, comfortable, and easy knife to carry whether you use the pocket clip or remove it and carry it loose in your pocket. The pocket clip is non-intrusive and holds securely to your pocket.

The spring-assisted opening is very fast, and with practice found that it opens well with either hand. Once the blade is open it is locked in place by the knife’s frame lock which prevents the knife from accidentally closing back into the handle during use.

The ambidextrous thumb stud on the Ransom Leek 1660RBW is low profile which might bug some

Overall Impression

As far as the Random Leek 1660RBW knife goes this simple, sturdy, no-nonsense knife is compact and light enough to carry every day. I really enjoyed my time with the Random Leek 1660RMW, it is truly a nice knife, that is still made in the USA. Highly recommended.

How Much And Where To Buy

The Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW sells for approximately $ 50.00 online here:   Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW

Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW Knife is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Wilton 6.5″ Multi-Purpose Vise (model 650P) Review

Wilton 6.5" multi-purpose vise (model 650P)

5/5

Manufacturer: Wilton
Model number: 650P
Weight: 58.4 lbs

Specifications & Features | Wilton 650P Vise

Specifications:

• Jaw width: 6.5 inches
• Max opening: 6 inches
• Material (Body & Jaws): Cast Iron (30K PSI)
• Material (Base): Ductile iron (60K PSI)
• Weight: 58.4 lbs

Features:

• High tensile strength 60,000 PSI steel base
• 360-degree swivel on the base
• built-in anvil (approx. 3.75 x 3.75 inches)
• Swiveling head w/ 30-degree increment markings
• V-jaws, pipe jaws, and replaceable hardened steel jaws standard

Adjustable Design Features | Wilton 650P Vise

The Wilton 6.5″ multi-purpose vise (model 650P) is an extremely user-friendly vise because there is not a position the head or base cannot seemingly be set to.  The base swivels 360 degrees and securely clamps in place.  This allowed me to adjust the vise to clamp long runs of pipe without having to manipulate the materials more than necessary. Time saved on material handling is money earned! I was impressed that the Wilton 650P featured not one but 2 heavy-duty thumb screws to lock the base in place.  You can see both thumb screws on opposite sides of the swivel base in the picture below.

360-Degree Swivel Base

The 650P is also designed with a rotating head.  The head rotates a complete 360 degrees as well.  And I found I used this feature often. Swiveling the head allows the user to change from the pipe clamp and v-grip side of the vise head to the standard straight clamp side. Again, this was as easy as loosening the thumbscrew and rotating the Wilton 6.5″ multi-purpose vise’s head. It also locked firmly in place using the thumbscrew with no shifting even when hitting the clamped steel with a metal for shaping purposes. And using the 30-degree marks cast in the vise body was very easy and accurate enough for the fit-ups I needed to get done.

Clamping Surface Options | Wilton 650P Vise

The Wilton 6.5″ multi-purpose vise gives the operator the option of 3 different clamping options. This exemplifies well thought out versatility and functionality. First, there is the standard straight-edge opening. It is 6.5 inches wide and features hardened steel with a superb serrated pattern. This is a basic set-up and the one that I easily used the most often. It held steel, aluminum, and PVC (primarily angle, pipe, and round rod) firmly every single time.

Straight-edge Jaws

I used the 650P on pipe fit-ups or grinding smaller sections for copes, I rotated the head and used the V-grip or pipe clamp grip. These both worked excellently. I was able to fit a 3-inch pipe, SCH 40, into the pipe clamp with no issues. But since the majority of pipe I work with is 1.25 or 1.5-inch SCH 40, this was more than adequate for the projects I used it on in the shop. All in all the Wilton 6.5″ multi-purpose vise worked perfectly just as advertised, which is more than I can say for many products. For contrast and picture clarity, I loaded up some round polyethylene (2.75″ diameter). I was so pleased with the clamp quality on both the vertical and horizontal axis I wanted to get a side by side of each.

V-Grip & Pipe Clamp Jaws

Anvil Work Surface

The Wilton 650P also features an integrated anvil work surface. It is not exactly square but quite close. It measures approx. 3.75 x 3.75 inches. As expected, it is both flat and quite parallel to the table surface once the vise is secured to the tabletop via the four mounting holes. I used it to flatten out 18-gauge sheet metal using a mallet as well as to re-widen the angle on a very small piece of overbent sheet metal. It worked fine for these purposes. Again, keep in mind that the work surface is relatively small which limits the uses of the anvil surface. But it has a purpose in the shop (albeit infrequent) and can come in handy in a pinch when required.

Final thoughts | Wilton 650P Vise

The Wilton 6.5″ multi-purpose vise is a top-notch tool that offers both versatility and quality. It allows the operator to easily reposition the clamping jaws for a variety of tough tasks. The 650P vise is well built, featuring high-strength materials (up to 60K PSI), in a good-looking product. It secured firmly to my steel corner fabrication table and had already become a staple in the fabrication shop. I don’t have any recommendation on how to improve the 650P as this truly is a wonderful addition to any shop needing a general-purpose metalworking vise. At $295 it’s a bit of an investment but you get what you pay for!

Wilton 6.5″ Multi-Purpose Vise is a post from Tool Box Buzz