Today we review a vintage Stanley Hex-A-Matic Adjustable Nut driver! I also introduce you to the term Shelf-Wear so when you hear it used you can maintain your blood pressure! =D
I own one myself. It works great for light work. You wouldn't want to place a tremendous amount of torque on it but I've used it to adjust bicycle's and repair grills. Handy in that you mostly have to bring one tool with you..
Hello IAR! I love it when someone actually owns and uses a tool we are new to! I'm going to pin your comment as a testimonial of someone who has real experience with this tool! Thanks so much!!!!!!!
I had one for many years and it was okay for light work and where you have the clearance. Maybe it was because I kept trying to use it in situations that needed more torque but it seemed to get worse over time. One day several years ago I was frustrated with it and threw it away so I would stop reaching for it in my tool box.
Years ago I used to have an HR manager on my team who would always remind me "there are many ways to solve this problem; we only happen to see one right now..." And she was always right! Today I was struck by both this and recent videos you've done on novelty wrenches, and by how many different wrenches I used earlier in a 4-hour period: Knipex Wrench Pliers, original Crescent adjustable wrench, open-end wrench (both the closed and open ends too), a small All-Trade pipe (monkey) wrench, and even some locking pliers as really more of a wrench. When first starting out I tried to convince myself just one adjustable wrench would do it. Well, it didn't. Given infinite tool chest space, one could use an infinite amount of Hex-A--Matics, Snappy's, and all the others. Because there are many ways to solve the seemingly simple problem of tightening a nut or bolt!
Hello Marc! You are so right! Also, it all depends what tools are in your mental-line-up, when I only had a tool box full of tools I would think of what tool I had to do the job at hand and grab it... As time goes by we get more and more tools that we have to mentally add to the line-up... Then one day you get to the point where you have a dozen tools that could do the simple task at hand and you sit there with a dopey look on your face as you try to mentally sort out what tool would be best... That's where I am at! LOL I need to go back to the toolbox full of tools so I can get something done! LOL Thanks Marc!!!!!!!!
Hello David! Think about us as kids saving up to buy tools... I think that was a major part of keeping me away from Drugs and Alcohol back in the 70's when it was everywhere! I had no money for such nonsense, I want to buy nutdrivers!!!! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!
Beautiful mechanism. Talking of NOS I used to work for a company that rented an old WW2 hanger. In the back of the hanger were massive shelves with dozens of dusty boxes. Each box was brimmed with automotive metal parts. Each part was heavely covered in grease and wrapped in a waxy paper and put into individual little cardboard boxes. Those parts were perfect after 70+ years of just sitting there.
Hello Andrew!!! Yes! I used to buy a bunch of Military Surplus items and I loved it when they came in that waxed brown paper and the item was covered in Cosmoline! It wasn't pretty but it sure was protected!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!
If one of my kids got me one for Father’s Day or something, I’d be happy with it . It obviously wouldn’t replace my nut drivers, but in a utility drawer or glove compartment, it’d come in handy.
Boy! Once I saw you working on this baby, I felt in love with it and said “got to have one”. I did find one in eBay that doesn’t looks decent. Paid $15 plus 5 for shipping. Looking forward to restoring to close to your standard 😀 following your past videos specially working on the handle.. Thanks so much for making restoring old tools so much fun and a great relaxing therapy. Take care and keep the fun coming our way.
I find it interesting to go back and watch some of your old videos occasionally. To me shelf wear would refer back to the old school hardware store days when everything was in bulk bins not boxes. Screwdrivers for instance.
I'm not a big fan of gimmick tools but I do like the way this tool looks. It appears to be well thought out. Looks like it would be a good tool for kid wanting to start his own box.
Hello Daniel! I like gimmick tools only as a collector, like you I find most to be pretty useless. This tool I will probably never use but the quality and design is very nice... =) Thanks so much!!!!!
My grandfather invented this tool. He also invented the Adjustable screw mate and the self-ejecting plug cutter that you can now find made by a large number of companies. His patent for the self ejecting plug cutter was infringed on by a number of these companies and he won a lawsuit but for a very small amount of money compared to what they made by their infringement. From what I remember Stanley were some of the good guys who treated him well and they had a long partnership together. His name was Leonard Van Dalen
Brendan that is so awesome! This particular tool is very well made and works! They have made cheap knock-offs that don't work as well. Your Grandfather was quite a inventor! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
The next time I find any rust or tarnish on a tool I am going to console myself that it is only shelf wear!. I picked up two massive 18 inch files from a tool shop which had each wrapped in oiled greaseproof paper and each looked like they had just left the factory, which the had in 1968. The care and storage says a lot about a retailer who takes a pride in their stock. Love this little tool and you did it proud in the restoration. Take care and best wishes from across the pond.
Hello Tony! Oh I envy you! Two beautiful large NOS files is a awesome find!!! I also like the way the military used to wrap their items. The same way, with the waxed Brown paper and covered in cosmoline! =) Great stuff!!! Thanks!!!!!!!
Awsome, thank you for sharing. Your videos should be an hour long, me and my folk huddle around our little 9" tablet to watch these restorations, rusty hulks turned back into functional tools.
"Honey, I can't mow the lawn today, I have some shelf wear". LOL BTW, I have that exact 1/4" drive S&K socket set. I bought it while I was in High School in 1974-5. I also have the 3/8 and 1/2 inch sets, all SAE. Great tools.
The differential went out on the pickup Wednesday. Bought a new truck Friday. Sold the old truck today. Finally got to catch up on YT and came here first. Nice little tool. More of a Father In Law gift than a replacement for the nut drivers or socket set. A set of 1/4" drive deep well sockets is handy. Put them together with a power screw driver and a 1/4" drive adaptor and you are cooking with gas. 😊
I just picked up one from Ebay. Mine doesn't have as much "shelf wear", but there's a bit of it. Used it a few times thus far, and I like it. Appreciate your review.
Another great video - the highlight was your showcase of your craftsman tool sets. They made/sold pretty good tools at a good price 'back in the day' - especially when you found them on sale.... Thank you. Michael
Hello Michael! My Dad always bought and swore by Craftsman, they were top of the line for non-professionals and I have many Craftsman tools and still like them! Their socket sets can't be beat for the money!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks ScoutCrafter. I like the "new phrase of the video" portion... sure helps understand meaning of things... Like the patina police from previous video
Hello Yotam!! LOL Yes, It's nice to be prepared so when someone throws a BS term out, you don't have that look on your face like they just spoke Latin... LOL Just like it helps to know that if you go to buy a new car and you make an offer on the vehicle the dopey Salesman will say "Let me talk to my manager" when he knows very well if the offer is acceptable" =) Thanks!!!!
I can see that being useful in a pinch, especially if you don't have much room to carry tools. I too have the craftsman sets of nut drivers, one of the first tools I bought when I moved to the US ~22 years ago. Love them. For work we always used the xcelite interchangeable blade nut drivers, mostly because they offered the long reach blades I think. Good tools, but never had the same feel in the hand as the Craftsmans....
Hello Steve! You know, I really love those Craftsman Nut drivers, they are so well made and the color bands around the bottom are so attractive... Whoever designed those sets were really into tools! Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Thx so much. Very helpful. I had one that my Dad must have picked up years ago and I had know idea how to use it. I thought maybe there were other accessory bits that must have gone with it. Now that it know how it works I look forward to the next time I can call it into service !!
Another phrase you would hear years ago that was similar in meaning to "shelf wear" was "shop soiled"......it always made me chuckle when i heard someone use that term but it also meant there would be a discount on the price.......I doubt there would be many people still using "shop soiled" these days......I love the gimmick and novelty tools.....cheers mate.
Hello Darrin! Shop Soiled! I have to keep an ear out for that! Remember Scratch and dent sales, it seemed like they had an endless supply of damaged goods! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!
Thanks for this! I found one of these in an old tool chest I inherited from my father, and did not know what the heck it was. Now I know, and it looks useful to me.
Thanks great video l have a newer Stanley one l got for Christmas about 10 yrs ago love mine it came with a variety of bits and sockets use it quite often ( Doug in GA 🐈 )
I like to see 30-40 year old products that are in their original box, makes it complete. I bought a set of standard nut drivers 1 driver at a time between 8th and 9th grade. They were $2-$4 bucks each and that was a lot for a kid in 1972.
Hello ETN! You and I have a lot in common!! What other kids that age were buying tools or asking for tools for Christmas!? Not many! We had the love of tools early!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!
My dad bought me a radial arm saw for Christmas when I was 15. You know, I was the only kid my age with his own full size saw. At 60, I still have the saw.
Another neat tool. I guess for lite duty stuff it would work just fine. I do have that same Craftsman set from 30 years ago. Thanks for another great vid!!!
Beautiful job on that Scoutcrafter. I have never run into one of these. That's a nice find and worth keeping. Did however find a tool collection of Xcelite's. I have an entire set and all NOS. Got to tell you I learn a lot from you!!
I think I may have early stage “wrenchentia” , in that i cannot now walk past a table at a flea market or tool fare etc without taking a keen interest in this kind of stuff. Anything that has a red handle , I think “ I know who would like that” ! Thanks for sharing this.
Hello David! I only wish you could make one of our tool meets, you would see a whole bunch of people who have the same interest! Nothing beats a bunch of people who have the same interest getting together!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
I love my Craftsman nut drivers. But I'd sure like to have one of those. Now I've got to setup an eBay watch to find one. Thanks for showing it to us, great video as usual!
They sure did a better job with gimmicky tools back in the day compared to today, no? I have a handful of those Craftsman Nutdrivers, I don't believe a full set but I have some metric and some standard ones but I know I got some from my father around the house, made in USA and I believe he used them for work in addition to around the house and bought them way back in the day too. Wish I had the whole set. Replaced the ones I keep in my tool box with some newer Husky ones not too long ago and retired the Craftsman ones. However, the spinner handle you used (with the green handle) I'm really fond of. Obviously it has limitations and even using a deep socket won't always help with the example you showed where a nutdriver can be better (assuming it has a hollow shaft as not all do) or be practical but with a good set of sockets, a hex bit adapter and some hex bits you have a pretty good set. You can use it on things like an RC car all the way to an exotic car.
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All tools have pros and cons, pros can adjust to several types of screws, nuts and bolts, is hollow so fits over bolt to reach nut cons thicker than nut spinner so may not have room to fit on, mechanical movement that could bind or seize up and if you lose it you have lost all where as a set of nut runners if you lose one you still have the rest. Nice quirky tool and interesting one to have in the tool box. As for shelf wear that was rust not wear. Is that down to the shop or is it down to the manufacturer not oiling or protecting them?
Hi Tony! These tools were plated from the factory so in a reasonable environment they should never rust in the box. The problem is when kept in a unheated garage in a climate like here in NY the hot/cold shifts creat a moisture problem and everything will eventually rust! A good warehouse should be climate controlled and humidity controlled. If your tools are rusting you have to address those first, however if you live near the Ocean or salt water that is a problem too! Florida is notorious for rust issues! Thanks!!!!!!!
Love it! I recall these or something very similar. As to the tool they are great until their is a tight squeeze or an awkward space. Great video as usual
Thanks for another great video. I think the Stanley looks pretty useful for small jobs around the house. Nut drivers are one of my go-to tools. I have that same Craftsman set in the SAE and they are great. I need to track down an NOS metric set sometime.
Hello SP! You're spot on about the nut driver and I am so glad you have the Craftsman set! That is such a beautiful set they made! One of my all time favorite purchases!!! Thanks!!!!!!!
I like all of them tools in the vid and could do with the multi nut driver today. lol. I started to get my own tools in 1974 and had a full toolbox by 1975 but have never had one of them before. Used to struggle with spanners a bit before long reach sockets came out. I didnt have any box spanners. But I had my toolbox nicked out of my car boot (trunk) in 1980. Had a lot more since then, but the old tools I had were better quality.
Hello Ian! Yes! Me too! It takes a long time to get a great set of tools but after a while, little by little you wind up with everything you need! Thanks very much!!!!
Bought one these at an Estate Sale today for 50 cents, didn't know what it was for; Sooooo, to the Internet and WaLa, your Video popped up, so now I know, The Rest of Story. Thanks for the Cool Video, and for keeping us informed. Google Chrome has done it Again.
Hello Lee! That is so funny!!!!! You never see these around! I am quite pleased with this one! I won't use it much but I just like the quality and finish! Thanks very much!!!!!
Pretty useful if you ask me. one other thing I think this would be good for is if you get a situation where the nut has rounded off and you can't get a good grip on it. This looks like It would work. Especially if you can't get something like a vice grip on it to bite. I have had some luck with the universal socket because it basically will fit anything even rounded off nuts.
Another item that might be good to keep in the glove box if you can pick one up for a few bucks. Probably best sticking with the hollow shaft nut drivers for any serious work though.
I have both types that you showed in the video. Y one you didn't demonstrate, the one with the various size retractable shells doesn't work very well and just stays in the drawer. The other one actually does work fairly well but it also pretty much stays in the drawer because I have both a metric and an SAE set of nut drivers (Klein) mounted on the wall right in front of my work space and they are what I grab first.
Seems like a fairly practical little tool. I imagine it would work with driver bits too. Shelf wear, usually a nice way to say rusted, scratched or beaten to crap, but never used.
Hello Emerson! LOL You are so right about the shelf wear! When I was younger I was restoring a 1951 Pontiac Chieftain! I ordered a Chrome emblem that the guy said was NOS but had shelf wear, I got the emblem and it was pitted!!!!! I sent it back and never ordered from him again! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!
I would normally call that gimmick, but if you are working by yourself and it is not easy to get back and forth to the tool chest (i.e. working in the attic), having a tool like that might be nice. As always, great stuff! Thanks for sharing. Cheers
Hi Joe! This one is well made and works on both metric and standard plus rounded off fasteners... However I will probably never have it with me at the time it would work great! Lol Thanks!!!!!
Ideal for the small DIY/Home-Improvement toolbox or light carry if you're popping out to do a friend a favour. I never seem to have the right tool when on site, verdatile tools are good for these moments.
i bought one when i saw this video, got it on ebay for 7$ shipping costed around 20$ i checked again today, and i saw one that costs 16$ i dont regret getting one, it was a little rusted, had to do some brushing and polishing, but works pretty well!
Hello Michael! I think this tool makes a great collectable as well as a usable tool! I like well made tools and mine too was rusty (shelf wear) but cleaned up nicely as I'm sure your's did too! I love the feel of older stanley tools that were made in the USA! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!
it did! Quality tool is always fun to work with, I think im gonna keep it inside the house for small fixes, rather than in the garage, i have became very aware of the tools i buy, since i became a owner of a house with a need for attention, its so much fun to work with good tools compared to cheap unbranded ones, i own alot of german made tools and a bunch of used norwegian screwdrivers, geilo tools, i have found alot on flea markets, and happily not many seems to bother looking at brand stampings on dirty rusty old hand tools :-) sorry for long post!!
Scout - Mine has "toolbox wear" from finding its way to the bottom of my toolbox. When I bought it, I thought, "Great! Now, I don't have to pack a bunch of nutdrivers." I thought wrong. Ended up buying a set of Stanley 100+ nutdrivers. They have the same handles as the Hex-a-Matic, but that's were the similarity ends. By the way, I always thought I took good care of my tools, then I see your stuff - I'm ashamed of myself.
Hello Jay! I really do love my Craftsman nut drivers! Besides being super pretty they just feel right in the hand!!! I'm so glad I bought them!!!!! Thanks very much!!!!!
Scout,I have one. Bought it at a pawn shop a year and a half ago. Haven’t really used it that much but I might just have to dust it off and give it a whirl.
Hello Raidzer! Wow! That makes 6! More then I ever would have thought! As you know it is surprisingly well made and just a overall cool tool! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Hello Wladimir! I really like those handles they made! They used them on their Stanley 100 Screwdrivers and those are really nice!!! Thanks very much!!!!!
I like that one!! Gimmicky but its usefulness outweighs the gimmickicity! Now there's a word that you gotta be from Brooklyn to make up! ANYWAY...neat gyzmo! As for "shelf wear"....New old stock, if it is in the box, get's screwed up. The cardboard is acidic and the card stock contains some sulfur. You run into that with NOS auto parts too. The chemicals in the box react with the metal. What you had on that piece was mild!! GREAT DEMONSTRATION!! Thank You, Sir!
Hi Bill! Yes! Thirty years ago I was restoring a 1951 Pontiac Chieftain and I quickly became educated is terms that were very flattering to the situation... Shelf wear was on of them... LOL Thanks so much!!!!!
Hey ScoutCrafter! Looks like it works ok from your demonstrations! I think it would work good to have with you in your vehicle for sure just because it's a bunch of tools all in one. Saves on some space! I like it!
Howdy, greetings from Colorado. I have the same Hex-A-Matic, mine is also in box, but mine had tool box wear, never used but kept in a tool box, it was also rusty, they do work, I never use it, the guy who I got it from got it new in the 60's he told me, he never used it. So it works but did anybody use them??? Great Video as always..Thanks
Hello Joel! LOL You are the second person to have one! Awesome! I pinned the first person (ItsAlwaysRusty) because he actually uses it! Now that makes 3 of us! =) Thanks so much!!!!!!!
I have one of the telescoping hex drivers like the one you said you've had for some time. I've had mine for nearly 50 years....I've never used it. My experience with nearly all the "one size fits all" or multi-function tools is that they don't do anything particularly well and end up chucked into the back of the bottom drawer of your tool box.
Thanks John. We're going to be fine. I'm further west. We are going to be on the outer banks next month for some surf fishing. I hope they make it through okay.
I have that same nut driver set and also the little SK socket set in the green box. Not sure about the Hex-a-Matic, I have never trusted tools like that for work. Might be handy in the kitchen tool drawer.
Hello PP! It's so funny you say that because for 40 years that's just where my Klein adjustable Nut driver was! In the kitchen drawer!!!!! LOL Great stuff!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
I found a Steven's Walden, Inc. Company is long gone Switchcraft A1070 Grip Spintite Worcester, Mass. The head looks similar to the hex o matic, but front grip teeth height is only 1/8 with a huge 1 inch hollow. I wonder if the design is to hold the bolt while you use a ratchet or box wrench from below...
I like that tool. I need a nut driver set for work, is the craftsman one good quality? Is there another set you’d recommend otherwise? Snap on was insane (like $240) so they’re out of the question. Thank you for sharing!
Hello Tim! I have the USA Craftsman set and love it! Klein, KC and a few other companies make really good looking sets... Years ago Xcelite made nice nut drivers but now they look different... (not in a good way) The only problem with the Craftsman was they were a little thick-walled for some uses. Thanks!
I would say it is NOT a gimmick, but I agree with the other subs that it is most likely at it's best on new hardware, and may not be able to grip some of the lightly rust hardware, I think I would buy one if I saw it.
It looks like it would be very useful for installing things, but how would it hold up to uninstall? It could be troublesome. That being said, I could see it being useful for the guy that wants to limit his trips to the toolbox.
They have been very useful. I use to work machine repair and maintenance at a foundry. It was a small foundry but still covered two city blocks. It was also multileveled with 50 foot tall cupola stacks and 20 foot deep pits under the mold line for the sand handling equipment. Carrying all the tools you might need with you was impossible. I had a tool pouch with 420 Channellock pliers, a 10" Crescent wrench, 3 double ended ratcheting wrenches 3/8" through 5/8", a pair of dykes, Phillips and straight bit screwdrivers, box/open end wrenches from 3/8 through 9/16", a Quick Wedge screwdriver, and a custom knife made from a file. That was enough to handle most of the work and the rest involved a 4 block walk to get the tools you needed. Some of the guys liked the gimmick tools. Most failed after a short time. Sand in the moving parts, over torqueing and snapping the shank or handle. Breaking a tool isn't a big deal. I was told by Dick German, who was the foreman, "Break the tool if you need to. Bend it to fit, weld on an extension, grind off the point or make it sharper. I'll replace whatever you wreck. Just get the machine running." Breaking a tool when you are at the top of the cupola stack, in the winter, and another 100 foot climb to get a replacement, is a lesson you won't forget. I went with old school reliability. The only new item in the pouch was the ratcheting box end wrenches. They were Craftsman and lasted the 4 years at the foundry, then right up until I went to work at Homebuilders. The crew were transients and if it wasn't bolted down it was stolen. They are probably still in somebody's tool box. Probably after they bought them at the pawn shop. I wouldn't mind having this little screw starter. I don't need it. Dad left me his set of Klein Nut Drivers, and I still have the ones that Lewie sent me. Oh my. I have run on a bit. Sorry about the story. Doesn't take much to prime the pump. 😊
We've all been through a lot and truth is stranger than facts! I'd have LOVED to go through a foundry with you. All the power and heat amazes me! We had a double rainbow this evening and one a couple of weeks ago. I think Someone is letting us know Who is in charge. Just clouds and breezes so far. WESC out of Greenville SC says it ought to hit tonight but go over Asheville on the way out to Tennessee. Beware of flying hypo needles and morons. I'll star hid here with Cheryl. BLESSINGS 2 all yall!
Hello 357! WOW! You remember that Awl! LOL That little scrap really works well, the punch was a perfect donor for that project! =) Thanks very much!!!!!!!
That certainly looks like a useful tool to me! I can see myself using that on appliance and small engine repair. Could you put a hex-to-socket adapter in there to extend the range on hex bolts or nuts? Beautiful refurb, was the "shelf wear" rust and pitting on chrome plating? Didn't think the wire wheel would help with that but they turned out super!
Hello Steve! I don't know about the adapter because the system isn't super heavy duty but it is very well made!! I was too surprised that the rust did not leave pitting or scarring! I'm glad! Thanks very much!!!!!!
Hello Karen! Years ago packaging was such an important part of the selling of a product, it still is but many manufacturers go the cheap route and suffer for it! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Hex-a-matic would only be useful if it never got any dirt in it. Gimmicky. The high points in the video are the beautiful awl and the vintage Craftsman nut drivers. Color coded! Pretty! 🤗
Hello Jill! I think you are right about the Hex-A-Matic but it is relatively well made and has a catchy name! LOL As for the Nut Drivers you are so right, they are so damn pretty!!! Thanks for the Awl compliment, I did a video on making that from scrap! Thanks again!!!!
Hello UD! The first time I heard of "Shelf Wear" I was scratching my head! I couldn't understand what kind of BS this guy was trying to feed me! LOL As I got older I learned to look out for certain Key words in a description! =) Thanks!!!!!!
I find that to be a spectacular gimmick. I would be more prone to calling it a user, but every time I try something like that out it never survives first contact with the work I end up having to do on one of my cars. It's just the large number of small parts. For lighter duty use like around the house and and general use it should hold up well. I'd still have one.
Allan! It's so funny you mention that! I am just finishing up Friday's video and One of the subjects has a Gator Grip type socket in the handle... I never had luck with them! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!
Hey! I have a little "shelf wear" myself! Great video - one question - from the looks of the tool it appears it might be a little nose heavy, any issue there? I'd love to have one and I'm checking Ebay now.
Hello John! Yes! The tool looks like it is a little nose heavy but it isn't! The handle is very dense and just the right distance back that it feels well balanced! I think you will be impressed with the quality!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!
You did GOOD, SC but I better stick with my sockets. I've never been able to get nut driver that were anything but junk so my sockets bail me out. That would, as we all know in certain situations, be of great value! That's my 2 cents with 3 cents change! Thanks again!
Hi Lewie! Some professions like electronic and TV repairmen use nut drivers everyday, for most of us we hardly ever use them! =) Thanks very much!!!!!!!
You're right, SC but I have to watch repetitions or my joints swell and lock up and it's vitamin 'I' for Ibuprofen time for a while. They DO come in handy for folks that can and do use them but I've never been very professional!
Lewie! I feel your pain!!! =) I have arthritis of the neck and when I bend my head forward too long I get a major headache and have to take Ibuprofen or I can't function! Normally one wouldn't have to stand for an hour while looking down unless your hobby is restoring tools!!!!! LOL Oh Well! Thanks!!!!!!!
My Mom would probably say it came from a life of sin, crime and gluttony but I really think it was somewhat I did to myself and the rest was the additives the Army pumped into me for my tropical vacation, all expenses paid and 2 weeks with malaria BUT I could just be biased. OR just plain wrong but the proof is here from one end of me to the other and my 1st socket set when I was a teen was a Crescent!
That is one Kool Tool . Especialy if it will work on all of. the Metric and standard sizes that your 2 Craftsman sets will fit . Does it ? If it does , I'll just have to get me one John !
Hello Dave! There are 7 sizes to each set of my nut drivers, I think this Hex-A-Matic works on the 5 in between, Not the smallest and not the biggest! Nothing beats a nice old fashioned Nut driver! I like my Craftsman sets but professionals prefer Xcelite and other brands that are thin walled and taller. I don't use them all that much... Thanks Dave!!!!!!
True John . I have both sets of Craftsman too . I was thinking like the other man that owns one as well (ItsAlwaysRusty.......Above) in that , it would be nice to have it to add to a small , on the go bag . To have for those just in case jobs you have , and be able to keep it in your car for just that . It's just not practical to carry a big box of tools around in your car (with both sets of Craftsman nut drivers , and all the other specialty tools). But this tool , and a couple other all purpose tools could fit in a small bag , for emergencies .
Dave! You know me! I never need too much prodding to by a tool that catches my eye! LOL This little nut driver has collectability value too! Now Klein made one, I have it too, that has the sliding Hex sleeves and although it works, it's not as versatile! Thanks! =)
Shelf wear.... Hmmm..... It looks like you use a black compound on the first buffing wheel. What do you use on the second buffing wheel? I want to set up a buffing station in my shop.
Hello Clark! 99% of the time I use the Black Bar compound, the other wheel I keep mostly compound free and use it to get that really nice shine after I'm done. It just really uses the residual compound and buffs it into a shine! I recommend getting the 4 piece buffing Bar set by Enkay to start, it has the most used compounds and a chart on the back what they are good for! Lasts a long time!! Thanks!!
I own one myself. It works great for light work. You wouldn't want to place a tremendous amount of torque on it but I've used it to adjust bicycle's and repair grills. Handy in that you mostly have to bring one tool with you..
Hello IAR! I love it when someone actually owns and uses a tool we are new to! I'm going to pin your comment as a testimonial of someone who has real experience with this tool! Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Thank you for the great videos..
I've got one, too, and it works well for what it does. Like most multi-purpose tools, clearance often becomes an issue.
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I had one for many years and it was okay for light work and where you have the clearance. Maybe it was because I kept trying to use it in situations that needed more torque but it seemed to get worse over time. One day several years ago I was frustrated with it and threw it away so I would stop reaching for it in my tool box.
Years ago I used to have an HR manager on my team who would always remind me "there are many ways to solve this problem; we only happen to see one right now..." And she was always right! Today I was struck by both this and recent videos you've done on novelty wrenches, and by how many different wrenches I used earlier in a 4-hour period: Knipex Wrench Pliers, original Crescent adjustable wrench, open-end wrench (both the closed and open ends too), a small All-Trade pipe (monkey) wrench, and even some locking pliers as really more of a wrench. When first starting out I tried to convince myself just one adjustable wrench would do it. Well, it didn't. Given infinite tool chest space, one could use an infinite amount of Hex-A--Matics, Snappy's, and all the others. Because there are many ways to solve the seemingly simple problem of tightening a nut or bolt!
Hello Marc! You are so right! Also, it all depends what tools are in your mental-line-up, when I only had a tool box full of tools I would think of what tool I had to do the job at hand and grab it... As time goes by we get more and more tools that we have to mentally add to the line-up... Then one day you get to the point where you have a dozen tools that could do the simple task at hand and you sit there with a dopey look on your face as you try to mentally sort out what tool would be best... That's where I am at! LOL I need to go back to the toolbox full of tools so I can get something done! LOL Thanks Marc!!!!!!!!
Like you I saved up and bought my nut drivers 40 years ago and still love them. Use them constantly.
Hello David! Think about us as kids saving up to buy tools... I think that was a major part of keeping me away from Drugs and Alcohol back in the 70's when it was everywhere! I had no money for such nonsense, I want to buy nutdrivers!!!! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!
Beautiful mechanism. Talking of NOS I used to work for a company that rented an old WW2 hanger. In the back of the hanger were massive shelves with dozens of dusty boxes. Each box was brimmed with automotive metal parts. Each part was heavely covered in grease and wrapped in a waxy paper and put into individual little cardboard boxes. Those parts were perfect after 70+ years of just sitting there.
Hello Andrew!!! Yes! I used to buy a bunch of Military Surplus items and I loved it when they came in that waxed brown paper and the item was covered in Cosmoline! It wasn't pretty but it sure was protected!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!
If one of my kids got me one for Father’s Day or something, I’d be happy with it . It obviously wouldn’t replace my nut drivers, but in a utility drawer or glove compartment, it’d come in handy.
Boy! Once I saw you working on this baby, I felt in love with it and said “got to have one”. I did find one in eBay that doesn’t looks decent. Paid $15 plus 5 for shipping. Looking forward to restoring to close to your standard 😀 following your past videos specially working on the handle..
Thanks so much for making restoring old tools so much fun and a great relaxing therapy. Take care and keep the fun coming our way.
Hello Jose! That is great! I'm so glad you got one! They are a quality tool! Thanks very much!!!!!!
I find it interesting to go back and watch some of your old videos occasionally. To me shelf wear would refer back to the old school hardware store days when everything was in bulk bins not boxes. Screwdrivers for instance.
I'm not a big fan of gimmick tools but I do like the way this tool looks. It appears to be well thought out. Looks like it would be a good tool for kid wanting to start his own box.
Hello Daniel! I like gimmick tools only as a collector, like you I find most to be pretty useless. This tool I will probably never use but the quality and design is very nice... =) Thanks so much!!!!!
My grandfather invented this tool. He also invented the Adjustable screw mate and the self-ejecting plug cutter that you can now find made by a large number of companies.
His patent for the self ejecting plug cutter was infringed on by a number of these companies and he won a lawsuit but for a very small amount of money compared to what they made by their infringement.
From what I remember Stanley were some of the good guys who treated him well and they had a long partnership together.
His name was Leonard Van Dalen
Brendan that is so awesome! This particular tool is very well made and works! They have made cheap knock-offs that don't work as well. Your Grandfather was quite a inventor! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
The next time I find any rust or tarnish on a tool I am going to console myself that it is only shelf wear!. I picked up two massive 18 inch files from a tool shop which had each wrapped in oiled greaseproof paper and each looked like they had just left the factory, which the had in 1968. The care and storage says a lot about a retailer who takes a pride in their stock. Love this little tool and you did it proud in the restoration. Take care and best wishes from across the pond.
Hello Tony! Oh I envy you! Two beautiful large NOS files is a awesome find!!! I also like the way the military used to wrap their items. The same way, with the waxed Brown paper and covered in cosmoline! =) Great stuff!!! Thanks!!!!!!!
Awsome, thank you for sharing. Your videos should be an hour long, me and my folk huddle around our little 9" tablet to watch these restorations, rusty hulks turned back into functional tools.
Hello ISO Guy! That is so great!!! There is nothing better then spending time with your parents! Enjoy ever minute you can!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!
"Honey, I can't mow the lawn today, I have some shelf wear". LOL BTW, I have that exact 1/4" drive S&K socket set. I bought it while I was in High School in 1974-5. I also have the 3/8 and 1/2 inch sets, all SAE. Great tools.
Hello LMR! How great is that S-K socket set!? No-one could come close to their chrome plating! Absolutely brilliant finish! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
The lady of the home tool. Can be used for many items that come loose in the home. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Norherman! This one is very well made and did work without too much fuss! Thanks!!!!!!!
The differential went out on the pickup Wednesday. Bought a new truck Friday. Sold the old truck today.
Finally got to catch up on YT and came here first. Nice little tool. More of a Father In Law gift than a replacement for the nut drivers or socket set. A set of 1/4" drive deep well sockets is handy. Put them together with a power screw driver and a 1/4" drive adaptor and you are cooking with gas. 😊
Always nice to have a new vehicle! Lot's of luck Dave!!!!
I just picked up one from Ebay. Mine doesn't have as much "shelf wear", but there's a bit of it. Used it a few times thus far, and I like it. Appreciate your review.
Another great video - the highlight was your showcase of your craftsman tool sets. They made/sold pretty good tools at a good price 'back in the day' - especially when you found them on sale....
Thank you.
Michael
Hello Michael! My Dad always bought and swore by Craftsman, they were top of the line for non-professionals and I have many Craftsman tools and still like them! Their socket sets can't be beat for the money!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
i love the way you maintain your tools.... great work
You always happen to find the strangest tools I've ever seen but I like that one..
Hello Santiago! Yes this one is pretty cool!!!! Well made too! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Thanks ScoutCrafter.
I like the "new phrase of the video" portion... sure helps understand meaning of things... Like the patina police from previous video
Hello Yotam!! LOL Yes, It's nice to be prepared so when someone throws a BS term out, you don't have that look on your face like they just spoke Latin... LOL Just like it helps to know that if you go to buy a new car and you make an offer on the vehicle the dopey Salesman will say "Let me talk to my manager" when he knows very well if the offer is acceptable" =) Thanks!!!!
Nice and appears to be well made. Stanley drivers that had those type of handle we're some great tools.
Hello Jim! You are so right! Made in the USA like their Stanley 100 series Screwdrivers! Sweet! Thanks!!!!!!
You're welcome, Sir 🤠
I can see that being useful in a pinch, especially if you don't have much room to carry tools. I too have the craftsman sets of nut drivers, one of the first tools I bought when I moved to the US ~22 years ago. Love them. For work we always used the xcelite interchangeable blade nut drivers, mostly because they offered the long reach blades I think. Good tools, but never had the same feel in the hand as the Craftsmans....
Hello Steve! You know, I really love those Craftsman Nut drivers, they are so well made and the color bands around the bottom are so attractive... Whoever designed those sets were really into tools! Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Thx so much. Very helpful. I had one that my Dad must have picked up years ago and I had know idea how to use it. I thought maybe there were other accessory bits that must have gone with it. Now that it know how it works I look forward to the next time I can call it into service !!
Awesome!!!!!!!
I just found the Craftsman version of this for $2 at a flea market. Seems pretty well made.
Another phrase you would hear years ago that was similar in meaning to "shelf wear" was "shop soiled"......it always made me chuckle when i heard someone use that term but it also meant there would be a discount on the price.......I doubt there would be many people still using "shop soiled" these days......I love the gimmick and novelty tools.....cheers mate.
Hello Darrin! Shop Soiled! I have to keep an ear out for that! Remember Scratch and dent sales, it seemed like they had an endless supply of damaged goods! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!
Thanks for this! I found one of these in an old tool chest I inherited from my father, and did not know what the heck it was. Now I know, and it looks useful to me.
It's pretty heavy duty for what it was designed for! I like it!
In my opinion every tool has value some more than others. Great presentation Scoutcrafter
Hello Robert! Exactly, the fact that this fits standard, metric and rounded over fasteners gives it an edge somewhere! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!
Thanks great video l have a newer Stanley one l got for Christmas about 10 yrs ago love mine it came with a variety of bits and sockets use it quite often ( Doug in GA 🐈 )
Hello Doug! I didn't know they re-issued this! Is it similar or a nut driver set? Thanks!!!!!
Back when Stanley made quality.
I like to see 30-40 year old products that are in their original box, makes it complete. I bought a set of standard nut drivers 1 driver at a time between 8th and 9th grade. They were $2-$4 bucks each and that was a lot for a kid in 1972.
Hello ETN! You and I have a lot in common!! What other kids that age were buying tools or asking for tools for Christmas!? Not many! We had the love of tools early!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!
My dad bought me a radial arm saw for Christmas when I was 15. You know, I was the only kid my age with his own full size saw. At 60, I still have the saw.
Very interesting tool. I think it has value since it replaces a lot of nut driver tools. Thanks for sharing this.
Hi John! I'm really so glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks so much!!!!
Great Intro! Grace Alley Makes a damn good American Flag. 10,000+ Reviews and @ 5 Stars , Merica! 🤘🇺🇸
Another neat tool. I guess for lite duty stuff it would work just fine. I do have that same Craftsman set from 30 years ago. Thanks for another great vid!!!
Hi Bernie! I'm so glad you have that Craftsman Set! One of my all time favorite tools! So pretty and they work great! Thanks!!!!!!!!
Beautiful job on that Scoutcrafter. I have never run into one of these. That's a nice find and worth keeping. Did however find a tool collection of Xcelite's. I have an entire set and all NOS. Got to tell you I learn a lot from you!!
Hello Fabian! Thanks so much my friend!!!! I really appreciate that!!!!!
I think I may have early stage “wrenchentia” , in that i cannot now walk past a table at a flea market or tool fare etc without taking a keen interest in this kind of stuff. Anything that has a red handle , I think “ I know who would like that” ! Thanks for sharing this.
Hello David! I only wish you could make one of our tool meets, you would see a whole bunch of people who have the same interest! Nothing beats a bunch of people who have the same interest getting together!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
I love my Craftsman nut drivers. But I'd sure like to have one of those. Now I've got to setup an eBay watch to find one. Thanks for showing it to us, great video as usual!
Hello George! Aren't those Craftsman nut drivers just about the best tools ever!? Just beautiful and so well made! Thanks!!!!!!
They sure did a better job with gimmicky tools back in the day compared to today, no? I have a handful of those Craftsman Nutdrivers, I don't believe a full set but I have some metric and some standard ones but I know I got some from my father around the house, made in USA and I believe he used them for work in addition to around the house and bought them way back in the day too. Wish I had the whole set. Replaced the ones I keep in my tool box with some newer Husky ones not too long ago and retired the Craftsman ones.
However, the spinner handle you used (with the green handle) I'm really fond of. Obviously it has limitations and even using a deep socket won't always help with the example you showed where a nutdriver can be better (assuming it has a hollow shaft as not all do) or be practical but with a good set of sockets, a hex bit adapter and some hex bits you have a pretty good set. You can use it on things like an RC car all the way to an exotic car.
All tools have pros and cons, pros can adjust to several types of screws, nuts and bolts, is hollow so fits over bolt to reach nut cons thicker than nut spinner so may not have room to fit on, mechanical movement that could bind or seize up and if you lose it you have lost all where as a set of nut runners if you lose one you still have the rest. Nice quirky tool and interesting one to have in the tool box. As for shelf wear that was rust not wear. Is that down to the shop or is it down to the manufacturer not oiling or protecting them?
Hi Tony! These tools were plated from the factory so in a reasonable environment they should never rust in the box. The problem is when kept in a unheated garage in a climate like here in NY the hot/cold shifts creat a moisture problem and everything will eventually rust! A good warehouse should be climate controlled and humidity controlled. If your tools are rusting you have to address those first, however if you live near the Ocean or salt water that is a problem too! Florida is notorious for rust issues! Thanks!!!!!!!
Love it! I recall these or something very similar. As to the tool they are great until their is a tight squeeze or an awkward space. Great video as usual
Hello Kevin! I really like the quality of this tool! However I bet I will never use it! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!
Thanks for another great video. I think the Stanley looks pretty useful for small jobs around the house. Nut drivers are one of my go-to tools. I have that same Craftsman set in the SAE and they are great. I need to track down an NOS metric set sometime.
Hello SP! You're spot on about the nut driver and I am so glad you have the Craftsman set! That is such a beautiful set they made! One of my all time favorite purchases!!! Thanks!!!!!!!
I like all of them tools in the vid and could do with the multi nut driver today. lol. I started to get my own tools in 1974 and had a full toolbox by 1975 but have never had one of them before. Used to struggle with spanners a bit before long reach sockets came out. I didnt have any box spanners. But I had my toolbox nicked out of my car boot (trunk) in 1980. Had a lot more since then, but the old tools I had were better quality.
Hello Ian! Yes! Me too! It takes a long time to get a great set of tools but after a while, little by little you wind up with everything you need! Thanks very much!!!!
Bought one these at an Estate Sale today for 50 cents, didn't know what it was for; Sooooo, to the Internet and WaLa, your Video popped up, so now I know, The Rest of Story. Thanks for the Cool Video, and for keeping us informed. Google Chrome has done it Again.
Hello Phillip! Great buy on picking that up!!!!! Fifty Cents! WOW! It's always great to get a good deal! Thanks!!!!!!!
I am so glad you reviewed this tool. I had JUST been looking at one online and wondering if it was worth using.
Hello Lee! That is so funny!!!!! You never see these around! I am quite pleased with this one! I won't use it much but I just like the quality and finish! Thanks very much!!!!!
And I just got one on ebay for 4.50 (5.00 shipping)! It came in two days and I used it already - not bad. Looking forward to restoring it.
Hi Lee! Wow! Nice score! I bet you could double your investment! Awesome!! Thanks!!!
Pretty useful if you ask me. one other thing I think this would be good for is if you get a situation where the nut has rounded off and you can't get a good grip on it. This looks like It would work. Especially if you can't get something like a vice grip on it to bite. I have had some luck with the universal socket because it basically will fit anything even rounded off nuts.
Hello Tron! Excellant observation! It would indeed work on rounded and recessed nuts! Great selling point! Thanks very much!!!!!!
This is a great post. Ive never seen any other guy with this tool, and you have the box with it . I have the same tool , but its a Klein # 632.
Hello Ron! I have a Klein also but mine has the retracting hex sleeves! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!
I vote 80% gimmick, 20% value. I LIKE those hollow shafted nut-drivers - didn't know that was a feature of a good set like that.
Hello Will! If you ever get to pick up the older USA made set of Craftsman nut drivers you will love them! Really beautiful tools! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
Another item that might be good to keep in the glove box if you can pick one up for a few bucks. Probably best sticking with the hollow shaft nut drivers for any serious work though.
I have both types that you showed in the video. Y one you didn't demonstrate, the one with the various size retractable shells doesn't work very well and just stays in the drawer. The other one actually does work fairly well but it also pretty much stays in the drawer because I have both a metric and an SAE set of nut drivers (Klein) mounted on the wall right in front of my work space and they are what I grab first.
Hi Buddy! Once I got my set of nut drivers I never looked back but I was shocked at the quality of this tool! Thanks!!!
Ah yes, the only tool carried by the modern witch. Seriously though, great idea for light work. Cool tool! Thanks Scout!
Hello John! It's pure sorcery!!!! LOL Thanks very much!!!!
Seems like a fairly practical little tool. I imagine it would work with driver bits too. Shelf wear, usually a nice way to say rusted, scratched or beaten to crap, but never used.
Hello Emerson! LOL You are so right about the shelf wear! When I was younger I was restoring a 1951 Pontiac Chieftain! I ordered a Chrome emblem that the guy said was NOS but had shelf wear, I got the emblem and it was pitted!!!!! I sent it back and never ordered from him again! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the advise on the hex-a-matic I'm considering buying one. And by the way Klein tools is making one now....Regards!!
I would normally call that gimmick, but if you are working by yourself and it is not easy to get back and forth to the tool chest (i.e. working in the attic), having a tool like that might be nice. As always, great stuff! Thanks for sharing. Cheers
Hi Joe! This one is well made and works on both metric and standard plus rounded off fasteners... However I will probably never have it with me at the time it would work great! Lol Thanks!!!!!
Never seen one before very cool and I would say useful.thanks interesting as always
Hello David! Yes! Well made for sure! Thanks so much!!!!!
Made in a BLO factory about the turn of the century.
Ideal for the small DIY/Home-Improvement toolbox or light carry if you're popping out to do a friend a favour. I never seem to have the right tool when on site, verdatile tools are good for these moments.
Hello Keith! Good point! The fact that it fits metric is a really big plus! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Nice tool 👍 I could definitely appreciate 1 of those...
i bought one when i saw this video, got it on ebay for 7$ shipping costed around 20$
i checked again today, and i saw one that costs 16$
i dont regret getting one, it was a little rusted, had to do some brushing and polishing, but works pretty well!
Hello Michael! I think this tool makes a great collectable as well as a usable tool! I like well made tools and mine too was rusty (shelf wear) but cleaned up nicely as I'm sure your's did too! I love the feel of older stanley tools that were made in the USA! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!
it did! Quality tool is always fun to work with, I think im gonna keep it inside the house for small fixes, rather than in the garage, i have became very aware of the tools i buy, since i became a owner of a house with a need for attention, its so much fun to work with good tools compared to cheap unbranded ones, i own alot of german made tools and a bunch of used norwegian screwdrivers, geilo tools, i have found alot on flea markets, and happily not many seems to bother looking at brand stampings on dirty rusty old hand tools :-) sorry for long post!!
Scout - Mine has "toolbox wear" from finding its way to the bottom of my toolbox. When I bought it, I thought, "Great! Now, I don't have to pack a bunch of nutdrivers." I thought wrong. Ended up buying a set of Stanley 100+ nutdrivers. They have the same handles as the Hex-a-Matic, but that's were the similarity ends. By the way, I always thought I took good care of my tools, then I see your stuff - I'm ashamed of myself.
Have that same set of Craftsman nutdrivers-perfect for installing /removing hose clamps. Stanley hex-a-matic would be ideal for this...
Hello Jay! I really do love my Craftsman nut drivers! Besides being super pretty they just feel right in the hand!!! I'm so glad I bought them!!!!! Thanks very much!!!!!
Scout,I have one. Bought it at a pawn shop a year and a half ago. Haven’t really used it that much but I might just have to dust it off and give it a whirl.
Hello Raidzer! Wow! That makes 6! More then I ever would have thought! As you know it is surprisingly well made and just a overall cool tool! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Hello scout Crafter good tool for light works I have a Stanley nut driver with a similar handle ámbar color, good video my friend!!!!
Hello Wladimir! I really like those handles they made! They used them on their Stanley 100 Screwdrivers and those are really nice!!! Thanks very much!!!!!
THANK YOU...for sharing.
I like that one!! Gimmicky but its usefulness outweighs the gimmickicity! Now there's a word that you gotta be from Brooklyn to make up! ANYWAY...neat gyzmo! As for "shelf wear"....New old stock, if it is in the box, get's screwed up. The cardboard is acidic and the card stock contains some sulfur. You run into that with NOS auto parts too. The chemicals in the box react with the metal. What you had on that piece was mild!! GREAT DEMONSTRATION!! Thank You, Sir!
Hi Bill! Yes! Thirty years ago I was restoring a 1951 Pontiac Chieftain and I quickly became educated is terms that were very flattering to the situation... Shelf wear was on of them... LOL Thanks so much!!!!!
@@ScoutCrafter One of the better Hood Ornaments was on that car!! REAL CLASSY!
Hey ScoutCrafter! Looks like it works ok from your demonstrations! I think it would work good to have with you in your vehicle for sure just because it's a bunch of tools all in one. Saves on some space! I like it!
Hello Mason! It definitely is made well and very interesting! I too like it! Thanks so much!!!!!
Howdy, greetings from Colorado. I have the same Hex-A-Matic, mine is also in box, but mine had tool box wear, never used but kept in a tool box, it was also rusty, they do work, I never use it, the guy who I got it from got it new in the 60's he told me, he never used it. So it works but did anybody use them??? Great Video as always..Thanks
Hello Joel! LOL You are the second person to have one! Awesome! I pinned the first person (ItsAlwaysRusty) because he actually uses it! Now that makes 3 of us! =) Thanks so much!!!!!!!
I have one of the telescoping hex drivers like the one you said you've had for some time. I've had mine for nearly 50 years....I've never used it.
My experience with nearly all the "one size fits all" or multi-function tools is that they don't do anything particularly well and end up chucked into the back of the bottom drawer of your tool box.
Hi Ace! Me too! Never used the Klein hex sleeve model and I doubt I will ever get to use this one either! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Very cool tool
Thanks for another unique tool and great video.
Hi Mike! Thanks so much! You are in my prayers for this week buddy! Stay safe!!!!
Thanks John. We're going to be fine. I'm further west. We are going to be on the outer banks next month for some surf fishing. I hope they make it through okay.
Something else I have never seen this is awesome learn something new every video and that is awesome :3
Hello LV! This was an unusual tool that is not often seen but still pretty cool! Thanks!!!!!!!!
@@ScoutCrafter your welcome are you out of Florence's path that hurricane is something else be safe you guys :3
What an interesting tool.
Hello Wyatt! Not many of these floating around! LOL Thanks!!!!!
I have that same nut driver set and also the little SK socket set in the green box. Not sure about the Hex-a-Matic, I have never trusted tools like that for work. Might be handy in the kitchen tool drawer.
Hello PP! It's so funny you say that because for 40 years that's just where my Klein adjustable Nut driver was! In the kitchen drawer!!!!! LOL Great stuff!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Prepper
Yes, I agree. A very useful household tool, and probably intended by Stanley for that, but as for serious workshop use ? Nah.
You described a hollow nut driver. Approx what is the length of the insertion end of the 'Hex-A-Magic?
I found a Steven's Walden, Inc. Company is long gone
Switchcraft A1070
Grip Spintite
Worcester, Mass.
The head looks similar to the hex o matic, but front grip teeth height is only 1/8 with a huge 1 inch hollow.
I wonder if the design is to hold the bolt while you use a ratchet or box wrench from below...
Hello RS! Wow! That was a good investigation!!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!
I like that tool. I need a nut driver set for work, is the craftsman one good quality? Is there another set you’d recommend otherwise? Snap on was insane (like $240) so they’re out of the question. Thank you for sharing!
Hello Tim! I have the USA Craftsman set and love it! Klein, KC and a few other companies make really good looking sets... Years ago Xcelite made nice nut drivers but now they look different... (not in a good way) The only problem with the Craftsman was they were a little thick-walled for some uses. Thanks!
Check out WiHa and Wera from kctool.com or chadstoolbox.com great quality german brand made in Czech republic
I would say it is NOT a gimmick, but I agree with the other subs that it is most likely at it's best on new hardware, and may not be able to grip some of the lightly rust hardware, I think I would buy one if I saw it.
Hello Ernie! I agree! This tool is too well made and well thought out to be cast off as a gimmick! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!
I've seen them but don't have one, they are neat!
Hello Jeff! Klein makes the Hex sleeve one and this one I've only seen made by Stanley... Thanks very much!
Reminds me of the gator grip socket.
Hello 57 Willys, Not this one but Friday's video has something like the Gator Grip! Thanks!!!!
It looks like it would be very useful for installing things, but how would it hold up to uninstall? It could be troublesome. That being said, I could see it being useful for the guy that wants to limit his trips to the toolbox.
Hello DJG! Absolutely! I love weird tools so for me it's a win but I am 98% sure I will never ever use it! LOL Thanks very much!!!!!!
looks pretty tough and well made to me., but like all these things, you dont use them really., another tool to add to the dad's xmas list
I sent most of mine to Uncle Sneelock because I sure couldn't do anything with them.
They have been very useful. I use to work machine repair and maintenance at a foundry. It was a small foundry but still covered two city blocks. It was also multileveled with 50 foot tall cupola stacks and 20 foot deep pits under the mold line for the sand handling equipment. Carrying all the tools you might need with you was impossible. I had a tool pouch with 420 Channellock pliers, a 10" Crescent wrench, 3 double ended ratcheting wrenches 3/8" through 5/8", a pair of dykes, Phillips and straight bit screwdrivers, box/open end wrenches from 3/8 through 9/16", a Quick Wedge screwdriver, and a custom knife made from a file. That was enough to handle most of the work and the rest involved a 4 block walk to get the tools you needed.
Some of the guys liked the gimmick tools. Most failed after a short time. Sand in the moving parts, over torqueing and snapping the shank or handle. Breaking a tool isn't a big deal. I was told by Dick German, who was the foreman, "Break the tool if you need to. Bend it to fit, weld on an extension, grind off the point or make it sharper. I'll replace whatever you wreck. Just get the machine running." Breaking a tool when you are at the top of the cupola stack, in the winter, and another 100 foot climb to get a replacement, is a lesson you won't forget.
I went with old school reliability.
The only new item in the pouch was the ratcheting box end wrenches. They were Craftsman and lasted the 4 years at the foundry, then right up until I went to work at Homebuilders. The crew were transients and if it wasn't bolted down it was stolen. They are probably still in somebody's tool box. Probably after they bought them at the pawn shop.
I wouldn't mind having this little screw starter. I don't need it. Dad left me his set of Klein Nut Drivers, and I still have the ones that Lewie sent me.
Oh my. I have run on a bit. Sorry about the story. Doesn't take much to prime the pump. 😊
We've all been through a lot and truth is stranger than facts! I'd have LOVED to go through a foundry with you. All the power and heat amazes me! We had a double rainbow this evening and one a couple of weeks ago. I think Someone is letting us know Who is in charge. Just clouds and breezes so far. WESC out of Greenville SC says it ought to hit tonight but go over Asheville on the way out to Tennessee. Beware of flying hypo needles and morons. I'll star hid here with Cheryl. BLESSINGS 2 all yall!
Nice and Original box
Hello Eliseo! It's always nice to see the old boxes! Thanks!!!!
Interesting tool. I have never seen that before.
Vaughn
Hello Vaughn! Yes! Me neither! I do like the quality though! Thanks!!!!!!!
At least the plastic handle stayed nice "on the shelf". The awl goes all the way back to early 2016!!
Hello 357! WOW! You remember that Awl! LOL That little scrap really works well, the punch was a perfect donor for that project! =) Thanks very much!!!!!!!
That certainly looks like a useful tool to me! I can see myself using that on appliance and small engine repair. Could you put a hex-to-socket adapter in there to extend the range on hex bolts or nuts? Beautiful refurb, was the "shelf wear" rust and pitting on chrome plating? Didn't think the wire wheel would help with that but they turned out super!
Hello Steve! I don't know about the adapter because the system isn't super heavy duty but it is very well made!! I was too surprised that the rust did not leave pitting or scarring! I'm glad! Thanks very much!!!!!!
The Box is everything ~ How to use it is important. It taught you, didn't it? lol Looks Nice now too! = ] "shelf-wear" hmm
Hello Karen! Years ago packaging was such an important part of the selling of a product, it still is but many manufacturers go the cheap route and suffer for it! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Hex-a-matic would only be useful if it never got any dirt in it. Gimmicky. The high points in the video are the beautiful awl and the vintage Craftsman nut drivers. Color coded! Pretty! 🤗
Hello Jill! I think you are right about the Hex-A-Matic but it is relatively well made and has a catchy name! LOL As for the Nut Drivers you are so right, they are so damn pretty!!! Thanks for the Awl compliment, I did a video on making that from scrap! Thanks again!!!!
Scout, I’ll have to go to your video list and watch it. Watched it! I thought the end looked like a punch. 😊
It really works well for an awl! Thanks Jill!!!!!!
it looks like it works good but like most novelty tools the only place it was likely to get any wear is on a shelf
Hello David! Yes! I am about 99% sure I will never use this tool! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!
THAT WOULD BE REALLY NICE WITH A 1/4 INCH DRIVE IN TOP OF HANDLE.
ScoutCrafter Sir with all do respect!!!! i am just leaving a positive input here. am DIGGING on your Flag!!! Bobby
Hello Bobby! You see the flag because you are super patriotic!!!!! Awesome! Thanks Brother!!!!!!!!
It seems to operate good enough but the diameter will limit its usefulness. Nice save with the "shelf wear"!
Hello UD! The first time I heard of "Shelf Wear" I was scratching my head! I couldn't understand what kind of BS this guy was trying to feed me! LOL As I got older I learned to look out for certain Key words in a description! =) Thanks!!!!!!
@@ScoutCrafter
New to me also. I will demand a hell of a discount for such wear if I run across it!
That is a interesting tool.
Hello Tommy! Yes! Pretty well made too! Stanley used to make great stuff years ago! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
never seen one,first thing i thought of was the Gator socket which is a fail.shelf wear is a nice way of saying rusty,lol
Hello Roger! LOL I bet you rolled your eyes the first time you learned about shelf wear! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Great vid by the way. I gave one to dad when I was a kid, he never used it by I remember playing with it a bunch. Pretty gimmicky.
Hello Terry! Honestly! That was a nice gift! A well made tool! I bet he liked it! I probably will never use mine but I like it! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!
I want one now lol!
Hello Ziya! Did you ever get the package I mis-mailed? =) Thanks!
I find that to be a spectacular gimmick. I would be more prone to calling it a user, but every time I try something like that out it never survives first contact with the work I end up having to do on one of my cars. It's just the large number of small parts. For lighter duty use like around the house and and general use it should hold up well. I'd still have one.
Hello Allan! The problem is we are tool guys and always like to add another to the box useful or not! =) Thanks!!!!!!!
@@ScoutCrafter I need to see if I can still find my Gator Grip socket that did exactly nothing useful except bend a few pins.
Allan! It's so funny you mention that! I am just finishing up Friday's video and One of the subjects has a Gator Grip type socket in the handle... I never had luck with them! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!
Hey! I have a little "shelf wear" myself! Great video - one question - from the looks of the tool it appears it might be a little nose heavy, any issue there? I'd love to have one and I'm checking Ebay now.
Hello John! Yes! The tool looks like it is a little nose heavy but it isn't! The handle is very dense and just the right distance back that it feels well balanced! I think you will be impressed with the quality!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!
You did GOOD, SC but I better stick with my sockets. I've never been able to get nut driver that were anything but junk so my sockets bail me out. That would, as we all know in certain situations, be of great value! That's my 2 cents with 3 cents change! Thanks again!
Hi Lewie! Some professions like electronic and TV repairmen use nut drivers everyday, for most of us we hardly ever use them! =) Thanks very much!!!!!!!
You're right, SC but I have to watch repetitions or my joints swell and lock up and it's vitamin 'I' for Ibuprofen time for a while. They DO come in handy for folks that can and do use them but I've never been very professional!
Lewie! I feel your pain!!! =) I have arthritis of the neck and when I bend my head forward too long I get a major headache and have to take Ibuprofen or I can't function! Normally one wouldn't have to stand for an hour while looking down unless your hobby is restoring tools!!!!! LOL Oh Well! Thanks!!!!!!!
My Mom would probably say it came from a life of sin, crime and gluttony but I really think it was somewhat I did to myself and the rest was the additives the Army pumped into me for my tropical vacation, all expenses paid and 2 weeks with malaria BUT I could just be biased. OR just plain wrong but the proof is here from one end of me to the other and my 1st socket set when I was a teen was a Crescent!
Hello Lewie Jungle Warfare Training School in Panama, they pumped so many vaccinations in me that even the mosquitos didn't want my blood! LMAO! 😃👍
All the time for plumbing
Thank you good video
Hello Willy! Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed it!!!!!!
That is one Kool Tool . Especialy if it will work on all of. the Metric and standard sizes that your 2 Craftsman sets will fit . Does it ? If it does , I'll just have to get me one John !
Hello Dave! There are 7 sizes to each set of my nut drivers, I think this Hex-A-Matic works on the 5 in between, Not the smallest and not the biggest! Nothing beats a nice old fashioned Nut driver! I like my Craftsman sets but professionals prefer Xcelite and other brands that are thin walled and taller. I don't use them all that much... Thanks Dave!!!!!!
True John . I have both sets of Craftsman too . I was thinking like the other man that owns one as well (ItsAlwaysRusty.......Above) in that , it would be nice to have it to add to a small , on the go bag . To have for those just in case jobs you have , and be able to keep it in your car for just that . It's just not practical to carry a big box of tools around in your car (with both sets of Craftsman nut drivers , and all the other specialty tools). But this tool , and a couple other all purpose tools could fit in a small bag , for emergencies .
Dave! You know me! I never need too much prodding to by a tool that catches my eye! LOL This little nut driver has collectability value too! Now Klein made one, I have it too, that has the sliding Hex sleeves and although it works, it's not as versatile! Thanks! =)
Shelf wear.... Hmmm..... It looks like you use a black compound on the first buffing wheel. What do you use on the second buffing wheel? I want to set up a buffing station in my shop.
Hello Clark! 99% of the time I use the Black Bar compound, the other wheel I keep mostly compound free and use it to get that really nice shine after I'm done. It just really uses the residual compound and buffs it into a shine! I recommend getting the 4 piece buffing Bar set by Enkay to start, it has the most used compounds and a chart on the back what they are good for! Lasts a long time!! Thanks!!
Thanks Scoutcrafter. You have a great TH-cam channel.
Moving parts in the head. Always weaker than a solid tool head, but you give up some strength for size variations.
Hello Mark! You are right! There must be a place where this tool would shine! Thanks!!!!!!
Injunity and adversity cause man to come up with interesting solutions and tools to go along with them....neat tool
Matt, this one was pretty unusual but fun all the same!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!
Good video and tool !!! 👏🙂👍
Hello Kpym! Thanks so much!!!! I really appreciate that!!!!