I got so sick of ground clamping to my welding table i bought some female "Dinse Panel Sockets", and welded the stud end right to the table (or maybe i welded a nut that fit the thread), so i can just cam lock right to the welding table, i have a 6' regular ground clamp i can cam lock to the end of the ground cord if i need to ground directly to a structure/part/material. Life changing.
Never have I expected to hear a grown man get giddy over a set of pin punches. It's endearing, but it's also infectious. You're gonna cost me a bunch of money, you realize....
Yes they make an aluminum model with a magnet in it. I have one buried somewhere. Very nice tool. Tell Jason I said hello if you go to Fireball to get one. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
I hate this series. Every time I watch an episode I find all kinds of new issues with the tools I have and my bank account starts sweating. Keep up the good work, glad to see you back making meatloaf.
Hi Tom, Yep, agree completely with you. As you might recall, I moved to Germany to work for the Dutch Multi-Million Dollar Lithography Exposure Machine Manufacturer and the Engineer provided Toolkits issued to all their Engineers were filled with a good number of PB Swiss Tools and I can vouch for their longevity and toughness. The Rubber doesn't get shitti /squishi over time and they seem to shrug off oil / Grease quite well. Donning my Toolmakers hat, I concur with your recommendations: they are really good well made / designed tools, made out of darned good materials. I've had my sets since early 2000 and they are pretty much in close to pristine condition and have survived for 23 years for me and I'm tough on tools at times.Thumbs up also from me for the Knipex Brand too, I put my Snipe Nose pliers through hell for 23yrs and are still in very good serviceable nick.
Thanks for meatloaf, my internet was down when I got off work wee hours tuesday, didn't get it watched last night. Been reduced to going to truck stop sunday evening and hoping the have meatloaf left from lunch. Big chunk, get a to go box, meatloaf monday night. Love wera and wiha tool, I get them mixed up. Knipex stuff is always good stuff. Favorite needle nose pliers are the short snooted snap on, craftsman also had them. Worked 14 years in food industry, repairing stainless belting tests needle nose pliers, almost shortened my channel lock needle nose. Knippex pliers are the Maintenance guys best friend, also the tool most likely to be stolen by sanitation guy. But been back in machine shop for over a year, Starrett punches are the best, working in die shop, punches get abused, get the bigger hammer, won't pull, drive it through. Working in food industry with outside technicians always observed their tool sets and bags or boxes. Then they would still borrow stuff from me, still think that one guy got my 17mm wrench. No big deal. I am happy in my die shop, sharpening and fixing dies, making oddball parts and trying to interpret the engineers minds. Tool and die guys in reality train good engineers ifin they pay attention. Ha.
Very glad you are back Mr. Lipton. Fellow viewers might consider the Hazet brand slotted screwdrivers that have a similar construction to the PB's, they are not priced as dearly and are more readily available (Amazon). They were the screwdriver when working on the now ancient Type 1 VW.
Speaking of the ground clamp... my dad made a pair of jumper cables. He found some silicone sheath 4/0 copper cable. He bought 4 clamps. I now have a pair of 50' foot long jumper cables that will never wear out or burn out.
Welcome back in the grove Tom. Missed seeing your videos. You were one of the first channels I began watching on a regular basic on here and enjoyed every video. Looking forward to many many moe to come. Stay safe.
You have strong opinions on the hex L wrenches. My career demanded constant hex tools for SHCS hardware. No doubt the PB Swiss tools are very fine. I own every configuration possible in both standard and metric. Square end, ball end, short, long, L wrench, T handle, screwdriver handle, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drive. I have the stubby L wrench style as well as the stubby double ball end L wrenches. I have tried every major brand. Bondhus is an excellent performer for very moderate cost. I started out making some of my Allen sockets, but now the tool makers make versions that I couldn't find decades ago. My favorite brands for performance and value are Bondhus, Snap-On and Proto. MAC made some pretty good quality 50 years ago. I generally value premium tool features enough that I pay the cost of the premium tool. I am a retired hobbyist now, and I have too infrequent demand for improving my capacity for the PB Swiss. But they look very nice. I tried twist lock welding connectors for ground clamps when I was working. This allows swapping clamp styles with every job. You did a good mod on a Vise Grip style that I have never discovered any real world practical use for. I may go shopping for that style and make my version for my home shop. Good review on the Snap-On and Knipex pliers. I am a pliers nerd, but you have found some features that I don't own, but as an electrician, I opt for Klein linesman for everything you tout on the Knipex, but Klein still offers the thinner jacketed handles and a flatter hammer face. I love my Knipex tools, but I still praise Klein for this iconic design.
Hey Paul. I looked at a couple models of the Klein's. Indeed they are nice linemans pliers. I don't recall seeing a Klein that had the lug crimper, fishtape puller on a single model. They had models that had the features but not both on one plier. I can't recall at this point but so far I am happy with the Knipex. Agreed, I have used Bondhus for most of my career. This PB Swiss fetish is more recent. You would have to try some to feel the difference. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
It's great to have you back! My subscription feed was missing the 'oooh! Oxtool' surprise videos. Keith, Stefan and Abom needed some proper competition for my attention ;)
Glad to hear you are feeling better and getting back. Like your ground clamp. I understand as I have the same type of arthritis issues. I went to a magnetic ground and so far love it. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you are back! Regarding hex storage, if you take your typical Bondus 2 tier plastic holder, and load the front tier (smaller sizes) upside down in their holes, you can grab whatever key you want without fiddling. You can keep them all with the short ends turned up and they will still fit in a shallow tool drawer. Much smaller/nicer than the round holder imo. Mcmastercarr also sells some interesting plastic holders for a few bucks.
PB makes my favourite screwdrivers. Their fit in the screws work best for the philips, pozi and flat head. They last long too. I have them in the classic version, something nostalgic..
Shout out from Tom on the east coast. Now that you’re a country boy with that big truck, you’ll be able to haul twice the meat loaf back to your shop..lol.🫵🏻👊🏻✌🏻
Love the vice grip ground clamp! I was cursing at my crummy stamped one just the other day. I actually recently acquired a couple of old vice grips with worn out teeth in a collection of tools that might be able to find a new lease on life as ground clamps. I’ll send you the royalties if it works out!
I had the same idea for a ground clamp even using the same model of vice grip pliers you did. (Actually I do find that model of vice grip pliers to be unusually handy for many Vice grip type uses. You didn't say but I suspect that like me you have every style of Vice grip pliers ever made :-) I considered myself a genuine toolaholic until I saw your drawer full of pliers.... I'm humbled! Happy New years!
Tom's looks excellent but there is an off-the-shelf one that might work. Instead of a spring to close, it's a spring to open and then a tommy bar to clamp it down. I have a decent earth, now I just need a decent welder - the operator, not the machine....or actually, make that both! :D GYS 500/600A Welding Earth Clamp
Great to see you back, you have been missed. I also made an adadapter to fit vise vrips to welder, you can see it on my AcmeMachining TH-cam Channel at this link th-cam.com/video/L26tpXJ-ik8/w-d-xo.html
For your rubber drawer liner, just use a 1" wide brush of contact cement to the front edge. It's the weight/inertia of the wrenches that works it back when the drawers shut. My cousin got me a bunch of confetti rubber stuff they use as separators on pallets of paper rolls. It works pretty good, but has the same problem. You can laminate it to some aluminum flashing too which gives it some stiffness, but holy mackerel, they want a fortune for flashing anymore. I like that pig mat, I've got two new full size card catalogs file cabinets that need drawer bottoms to cover the slots, gonna check them out...thanks
Please make a shop tour but where you go through every drawer and everything like Stefan :) The small shop tour is just a tease. So glad to have you back.
Again Nice to see you back in the saddle. Time to start thinking about some heat for the shop.... Probably coming with the insulation... All the Best! Chuck
Hey Chuck. I have a small propane radiant spot heater now. The plan is to plumb propane for hot water and some infrared heaters. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
Right on Tom! 👍 Soon with the insulation you’ll have a nice quiet shop 🤫 This was a great episode! Loved the ground clamp. I just put that on my list! Thanks 👍
Great ground clamp Tom. You are definitely right about the Kaizen drawer treatment reducing the capacity of said drawer by a factor of 3 at least! Some of the drawers of the vidmars at work have more liner than tools in the drawer.
Yeah but you are so stylish! I have to admit the Kaizen foam is really sexy. Good to hear from you Bill. Hope to see you at the Bash this year. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
Hey Tom! Good to see you back. The reason they limit that saw to use the higher capacity batteries is actually not a cash grab, it's an amperage issue. The small batteries can't pull enough amps to get the torque you need. I have the Milwaukee M12 stuff, and my circular saw won't run with the small batteries for the same reason. It's a trade I'm willing to make though, because I like their stuff. I agree 100% don't buy two battery systems, if you are already in to Makita, stay with them. They're a good brand and it's not worth juggling multiple batteries, chargers, etc. I do think however that Milwaukee has the best lineup (at least from the items on display at my local hardware store).
One thing I like about my Milwaukee bandsaw is it has 4 blade speeds which is nice that's on the corded version I don't know about the battery version since I don't have one yet but do plan to eventually pick up the small m12 since I've got a bunch of m12 stuff 👍👍👍
@@oxtoolco I understand though sticking with your batteries I only have some Milwaukee stuff cause I had to buy a specialty PEX tool for a job and couldn't get it in my brand and I wasn't looking forward to using the hand PEX tool in a tiny crawlspace under a house trying to hold the PEX outta the dirt with my foot and use 2 hands on the manual tool sucked the Milwaukee made things so much easier even though my wallet wasn't happy with how much Milwaukee likes their tool then I was like I already have the batteries may as well pick up some other cool goodies I really love my battery 90 degree die grinder 👍👍👍
Nothing like a good meatloaf to get going again! Hope the flooding doesn’t affect you. From the sound of things the next project may have to be be an ark for tools. If so, I know you will choose wisely.
When you first opened the top drawer of your box I was very impressed with your collection of adjustable wrenches, but the pliers had me gasping! DUDE ! You are truly an aficionado of tooling. The punches, I think that if you can justify it the Starrett are top shelf. But the new ones are too pretty to get mauled by a BMFH. Wowzer. European tools are in another league. Great to see you are catching up with the new shop. First real cabinet was lined with carpet, now dollar store shelf liner is my go to. Perforated rubber like material ( think expanded metal decking like) that stays put. You can also use E6000 blobs on the corners and spots as required to defeat the shipping curls. Weight it down for drying and if or when you need to replace you can peel the blobs off.
@@oxtoolco The way I look at “my collecting quirks “ is I worked hard for what I sought, and the boy is going to either have a lifetime of neat goodie’s, or the damndest sale in the area. Great to see you back.
Tom, thank you - a great night for fresh meatloaf. A blizzard is blowing in here in Colorado, and I’ve settled in to hear about great tools. A favorite subject. I’m interested to try something from PB Swiss Tools, maybe their ratcheting screwdriver… hummmmm.
Regarding lineman pliers... After a lot of years in the trade, I moved from the traditional US New England style to the European style. For everyday use I prefer the lighter weight. Knipex changed my everyday carry though when they came out with the 13 72 8 stripper pliers. They have almost completely replaced lineman pliers as my everyday go-to tool. They're not cheap, but I love them. They cut better and with less effort than linemans, strip better, can ream conduit, but still have large enough jaws to twist a decent number of wires in a bundle if I need to. The only thing you can't cut is any kind of steel, but I have 9-in dikes for that.
I've missed your videos. I've gone though the same process - on a much smaller scale, as the largest tool in my garage is an air compressor, followed by a drill press (I have a weaker strain of TJV, or tool junkie virus) - and I moved from a 2 car garage in the suburbs in CA to a three car garage in the exurbs in TX. But even so, it's taken me a long time to get things organized in the new space. On the plus side, I found things which have been lost for over a decade.
That little bandsaw! I have the Milwaukee M12 (because I didn't want to change batteries) and these are tiny saws, with a very narrow throat, and are perfect for anything that fits. I think my Milwaukee has a 2"x2" throat and depth. In my hobby shop that pretty much handles any kind of bar stock or tubing that I am likely to use, and it is truly a one hander. We have the bigger DeWalt at work, and that makes cuttting conduit without a clamp or vise a two man job, at least I can't cut straight with it with one hand.
I got a magnetic ground clamp and it works ok but it's not ideal for all applications, yours design is genius! I will have to fabricobble one for myself. Thanks for another great meatloaf, I always learn something useful or interesting (even if my wallet suffers with all those cool tools)
Howdy Mr. Tom, I am glad you're feeling well and getting settled in there, hopefully the wife's honey do list is getting shorter! It is nice to have you back since I don't watch many other machining/tool channels anymore. You have stood the test of time for me. Thank you for the review on the band saw, the high school FRC robotics team I mentor for could use one, I just haven't decided which one to get them yet. Be well until next time!
I am not an advocate of Swiss tools, but they also make a cool allen set that is not bent 90 degrees but it is bent 100 degrees, and has a short stickout. I had a lot of allen set cut because the space to put the key in the socket was to narrow. For exactly this they made that tool.
Yeah I have been waiting for them to be in stock on those. Seems like a really useful set to have for those poor access problems. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
For hex keys I like the wera, similar to the set you showed, but the coating is thicker and the body is round, only the ends are hex. They use a ball detent to retain the fastener on the ball end of the hex key, which is nice. Only con for those is a greasy hand, harder to hold onto since it's coated and round.
Hey Tony. I got a set of those as well. I ended up not liking them as they don't fit the available holders and the stock holder has the same retrieval problem the Bondhus has. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
I got a set of SK-11 Allen wrenches with a ball detent that are great. It might not be as important in a machine shop, but on the equipment I work on every bolt is hex and when someone drops one we might need to spend the rest of the day finding it.
I nearly choked myself. There is a store in San Francisco that has most of the models. A very dangerous place. They even have a wide selection of hand tools so you can try the pocket fit in the store. The temptation is to go large but try to resist if your work is mobile. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
That vice ground clamp is a great idea, it really grinds my gears when my ground clamp pops of. For the next revision I'd recommend adding a ground wire of sorts between the jaws. Otherwise with a bad ground on the copper you might weld the hinge joints stuck while the clamp is in the locked position. Looking forward to the next meatloaf :)
Nothing against PB Swiss, they have a stellar reputation - but I personally just can’t handle tools in bright colours. I want them in shades of steel, black and/or wood, I have way more fun using those. Silly, perhaps - but it really makes a difference to me. I’d happily trade the PB Swiss pin punches for the Starrett ones.
They do offer them in a dull nickel color for folks with your aesthetic. The large 3/8 hex wrench in my set is from that family. The long length and the improved ball are worth the price of admission in my opinion. Agreed, the Starrett punched are the much better value. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
Thanks for the meatloaf Mr. Lipton. These episodes are always a treat, and never fail to leave me wondering, “why don’t I have one of those in my toolbox”. Knipex, here I come!
Regarding the Makita power bandsaw, like Tom I have committed to Makita to standardize batteries. By far the portable bandsaw is one of my most utilitarian tools. No longer do I reach for a hacksaw, reciprocating saw, or side grinder. Instead it's Makita's XBP02 portable bandsaw (older model?). I cut pipe, conduit, rebar, bolts, rods, et cetera. I was first introduced to portable bandsaws in the architecture support shop at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where they had Milwaukee corded models (it was in the late 1970's, pre-cordless tools). It was great for cutting square steel tubing. Ever since those days I've always wanted one of these tools, and I finally bought one when I started building a house a few years ago. As always, thanks Tom for Monday Meatloaf, good to see you back on TH-cam.
I'm really happy about the Makita bandsaw. I tolerate the small capacity because the weight and balance are optimized. I'm starting to take it over to the metal rack to knock off a little piece that I want instead of dragging the bar to the saw. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
Have you seen the CHP-170 small diagonal cutters? Hakko sells them in the US, though CHP is an Italian company. They're small flush-cut diagonal cutters, rated for up to 1.3mm copper wire. They're also great as pliers for very small parts (if used carefully since they're sharp), for ripping apart plastic cases of various cheap electronics, for trimming cuticles, for trimming cable lacing cord and string, for trimming zip ties flush, and more. They're about $5 each in a 10-pack, which is nice if you abuse them like I do!
You haven't lived until you tried Tronex electronics cutters. I will have to do a video on them specially. The absolute pinnacle of cutters in huge variety of configurations. Not cheap but a good value if you do much of that kind of work. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
@@oxtoolco The advantage of the CHP-170s is that they're so cheap they're effectively disposable. Sometimes you want the Knipex/PB Swiss/Tronex/Snap-on sort of tool, other times you want something you can abuse and not worry if it breaks!
because of 15:00 I can tell you one thing Tom: the form of the tool under the handle is there for two reasons, you can get similar punches like these without the grip as well and so that they won't roll off the table or workbench too fast you got these edgy grip areas sticking out (because they are full length under the grip) and the second one is to keep the handle from rotating on the punch as well while using it by the way the sizes are the single numbers behind the part number after the dot on the handles (2 3 4 5 6 and 8) in millimeters (for example the "PB 758.2" is the 2mm version) greetings from Austria
Oh I love the Tools by Swiss Tools my absolute favourite is the PB 225, 226 and 227. Very expensive but an absolute joy to use. And thanks for another meatloaf!
Good stuff Tom. Maybe in the comments already but you’ll want to get your hands on the Wiha ErgoStar hex key set. The holder solves your problem - quite ingenious - but def does not solve the problem of giving your apprentice a simple-ish shop tool assignment!
I also love them Knipex pliers!! Ones to definitely give a try; The Knipex TwinGrip 82 01 200 (or with the comfort grip 82 02 200) and the Raptor 87 41 250, I guarantee you will love them!
I have have twin grips in my small work bag that I carry everywhere as an electrician. They are nice but 95% of the time I’ll be grabbing my 10” knipex cobras over the twin grips. I also have linesman pliers in my bag they are functionally between the two. But when the situation calls for it they are great, stripped fasteners, or smaller nuts, ie less than 7/16”. What would be nice would be a set of smaller vise grips with that jaw on them.
Thanks so much for another serving of oxloaf. It's always a treat to pick your brain and try and convince my boss to buy some of the stuff you show. Those punches are just a bit too luxurious to hit with a hammer.
Hey Bob. I saw some on Old Iron machine works channel that were ratchet with a lock to hold the ring position. Have to ask Gary what brand they were. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Tom
Wow a meatloaf. I was so excited I almost used exclamation marks there. I hope this returns to a regular feature. Thanks for the video keep on keeping on.
Glad you're back and enjoying the new spot. Watch out for coyotes. If been wanting to make a ground like that for awhile but nowhere near the levels of fancy you went to, very nice. Looking forward to more
Very tasty Tom! glad to see you back.
ATB, Robin
Wow a comment from Robin. It's like the clouds parted and sunshine touched my face. Thanks for stopping by buddy.
Cheers,
Tom
I got so sick of ground clamping to my welding table i bought some female "Dinse Panel Sockets", and welded the stud end right to the table (or maybe i welded a nut that fit the thread), so i can just cam lock right to the welding table, i have a 6' regular ground clamp i can cam lock to the end of the ground cord if i need to ground directly to a structure/part/material. Life changing.
Agreed. The commercial offerings drive you to frustration. Sounds like you found a good solution. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
So glad to see you back! Already hit "like" but it's bedtime here in the UK so I'll watch tomorrow!
Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Never have I expected to hear a grown man get giddy over a set of pin punches.
It's endearing, but it's also infectious. You're gonna cost me a bunch of money, you realize....
😁Mission accomplished. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Thank you for the video!
I think I saw Fireball Tool is making those hex key holders. I need to verify that, though. Making one is ok, too.
Yes they make an aluminum model with a magnet in it. I have one buried somewhere. Very nice tool. Tell Jason I said hello if you go to Fireball to get one. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
I hate this series. Every time I watch an episode I find all kinds of new issues with the tools I have and my bank account starts sweating. Keep up the good work, glad to see you back making meatloaf.
😁Mission accomplished. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Tom, Yep, agree completely with you. As you might recall, I moved to Germany to work for the Dutch Multi-Million Dollar Lithography Exposure Machine Manufacturer and the Engineer provided Toolkits issued to all their Engineers were filled with a good number of PB Swiss Tools and I can vouch for their longevity and toughness. The Rubber doesn't get shitti /squishi over time and they seem to shrug off oil / Grease quite well. Donning my Toolmakers hat, I concur with your recommendations: they are really good well made / designed tools, made out of darned good materials. I've had my sets since early 2000 and they are pretty much in close to pristine condition and have survived for 23 years for me and I'm tough on tools at times.Thumbs up also from me for the Knipex Brand too, I put my Snipe Nose pliers through hell for 23yrs and are still in very good serviceable nick.
Thanks for meatloaf, my internet was down when I got off work wee hours tuesday, didn't get it watched last night. Been reduced to going to truck stop sunday evening and hoping the have meatloaf left from lunch. Big chunk, get a to go box, meatloaf monday night.
Love wera and wiha tool, I get them mixed up. Knipex stuff is always good stuff. Favorite needle nose pliers are the short snooted snap on, craftsman also had them. Worked 14 years in food industry, repairing stainless belting tests needle nose pliers, almost shortened my channel lock needle nose. Knippex pliers are the Maintenance guys best friend, also the tool most likely to be stolen by sanitation guy.
But been back in machine shop for over a year, Starrett punches are the best, working in die shop, punches get abused, get the bigger hammer, won't pull, drive it through.
Working in food industry with outside technicians always observed their tool sets and bags or boxes. Then they would still borrow stuff from me, still think that one guy got my 17mm wrench. No big deal.
I am happy in my die shop, sharpening and fixing dies, making oddball parts and trying to interpret the engineers minds. Tool and die guys in reality train good engineers ifin they pay attention. Ha.
Sliding drawer liners drive me insane. Thank you for addressing this topic in this video.
This tool NUT enjoyed!!!, I modified the same vise grip with (sheetmetal) copper jaws, great purchase with no teeth abrasion ❤️
Hey Chuck. Thanks for stopping by. See you at Andy's later this month. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Very glad you are back Mr. Lipton. Fellow viewers might consider the Hazet brand slotted screwdrivers that have a similar construction to the PB's, they are not priced as dearly and are more readily available (Amazon). They were the screwdriver when working on the now ancient Type 1 VW.
Thanks for the lead. I'll get a couple and do a comparison.
Cheers,
Tom
Yeah, return of the meatloaf, fab.
Speaking of the ground clamp... my dad made a pair of jumper cables. He found some silicone sheath 4/0 copper cable. He bought 4 clamps. I now have a pair of 50' foot long jumper cables that will never wear out or burn out.
Yeah but you need a crane to move them around! Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
@@oxtoolco They ARE heavy, that's for sure.
Nice seeing the tools👍👍👍👍👍
nice to have you back Tom you are one of the best.
Thanks for the nice comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Welcome back in the grove Tom. Missed seeing your videos. You were one of the first channels I began watching on a regular basic on here and enjoyed every video. Looking forward to many many moe to come. Stay safe.
You have strong opinions on the hex L wrenches. My career demanded constant hex tools for SHCS hardware. No doubt the PB Swiss tools are very fine. I own every configuration possible in both standard and metric. Square end, ball end, short, long, L wrench, T handle, screwdriver handle, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drive. I have the stubby L wrench style as well as the stubby double ball end L wrenches. I have tried every major brand. Bondhus is an excellent performer for very moderate cost. I started out making some of my Allen sockets, but now the tool makers make versions that I couldn't find decades ago. My favorite brands for performance and value are Bondhus, Snap-On and Proto. MAC made some pretty good quality 50 years ago. I generally value premium tool features enough that I pay the cost of the premium tool. I am a retired hobbyist now, and I have too infrequent demand for improving my capacity for the PB Swiss. But they look very nice.
I tried twist lock welding connectors for ground clamps when I was working. This allows swapping clamp styles with every job. You did a good mod on a Vise Grip style that I have never discovered any real world practical use for. I may go shopping for that style and make my version for my home shop.
Good review on the Snap-On and Knipex pliers. I am a pliers nerd, but you have found some features that I don't own, but as an electrician, I opt for Klein linesman for everything you tout on the Knipex, but Klein still offers the thinner jacketed handles and a flatter hammer face. I love my Knipex tools, but I still praise Klein for this iconic design.
Hey Paul. I looked at a couple models of the Klein's. Indeed they are nice linemans pliers. I don't recall seeing a Klein that had the lug crimper, fishtape puller on a single model. They had models that had the features but not both on one plier. I can't recall at this point but so far I am happy with the Knipex. Agreed, I have used Bondhus for most of my career. This PB Swiss fetish is more recent. You would have to try some to feel the difference. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
It's great to have you back! My subscription feed was missing the 'oooh! Oxtool' surprise videos. Keith, Stefan and Abom needed some proper competition for my attention ;)
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Cheers,
Tom
A little bit of spray adhesive on the drawer before you lay the mat down works pretty good too.
Thanks! Nice ground clamp! Love that idea!
Thanks! I needed a Meatloaf fix. Glad to see you back.
Hey Ted. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Glad to hear you are feeling better and getting back. Like your ground clamp. I understand as I have the same type of arthritis issues. I went to a magnetic ground and so far love it.
Thanks for sharing.
Welcome back, Tom
And thank you. A lot of excitements.
I like the Vice Grip ground clamp. The forming of the copper looks great.
good video Tom..thanks for your time
Glad you are back! Regarding hex storage, if you take your typical Bondus 2 tier plastic holder, and load the front tier (smaller sizes) upside down in their holes, you can grab whatever key you want without fiddling. You can keep them all with the short ends turned up and they will still fit in a shallow tool drawer. Much smaller/nicer than the round holder imo. Mcmastercarr also sells some interesting plastic holders for a few bucks.
PB makes my favourite screwdrivers. Their fit in the screws work best for the philips, pozi and flat head. They last long too. I have them in the classic version, something nostalgic..
Shout out from Tom on the east coast. Now that you’re a country boy with that big truck, you’ll be able to haul twice the meat loaf back to your shop..lol.🫵🏻👊🏻✌🏻
Tommy here I love using vgripground clamp for 2dec. Love all you guys content.
Thanks, Tom. Welcome back!
👍👍😎👍👍 thanks for all the tips…… added your ground clamp design to my list of projects
Hey Joel. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Love the vice grip ground clamp! I was cursing at my crummy stamped one just the other day. I actually recently acquired a couple of old vice grips with worn out teeth in a collection of tools that might be able to find a new lease on life as ground clamps. I’ll send you the royalties if it works out!
You and me both. I have been annoyed by ground clamps for many years and finally did something about it. You won't regret the work.
Cheers,
Tom
I had the same idea for a ground clamp even using the same model of vice grip pliers you did. (Actually I do find that model of vice grip pliers to be unusually handy for many Vice grip type uses. You didn't say but I suspect that like me you have every style of Vice grip pliers ever made :-) I considered myself a genuine toolaholic until I saw your drawer full of pliers.... I'm humbled! Happy New years!
Tom's looks excellent but there is an off-the-shelf one that might work. Instead of a spring to close, it's a spring to open and then a tommy bar to clamp it down. I have a decent earth, now I just need a decent welder - the operator, not the machine....or actually, make that both! :D GYS 500/600A Welding Earth Clamp
Great to see you back, you have been missed. I also made an adadapter to fit vise vrips to welder, you can see it on my AcmeMachining TH-cam Channel at this link th-cam.com/video/L26tpXJ-ik8/w-d-xo.html
@@acmemachining Right on. Somebody else that hates the stock ground clamps. I'll go check it out.
Cheers,
Tom
Looking great buddy glad you're settled in and back to show us the bozo!
Oh he's here without a doubt. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Been using a vicegrip ground clamp for many year I just weld a lug on the top. Yours is a step above
So great to see you back!!! Love the new shop!!
Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
For your rubber drawer liner, just use a 1" wide brush of contact cement to the front edge. It's the weight/inertia of the wrenches that works it back when the drawers shut. My cousin got me a bunch of confetti rubber stuff they use as separators on pallets of paper rolls. It works pretty good, but has the same problem. You can laminate it to some aluminum flashing too which gives it some stiffness, but holy mackerel, they want a fortune for flashing anymore. I like that pig mat, I've got two new full size card catalogs file cabinets that need drawer bottoms to cover the slots, gonna check them out...thanks
Rubbermaid shelf liner for dishes. If necessary, put it underneath the mat you have now. Works the same as area rug mat holders.
Thanks for sharing! good to see the old meaty claws back in action!
Ranch life is hard on the hands brother. I have gloves stashed all over the place. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Please make a shop tour but where you go through every drawer and everything like Stefan :) The small shop tour is just a tease. So glad to have you back.
That's a huge task.... Like to see it, but understand it might not happen.
That would be more like a video series. Might take a while..... Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Again Nice to see you back in the saddle. Time to start thinking about some heat for the shop.... Probably coming with the insulation... All the Best! Chuck
Hey Chuck. I have a small propane radiant spot heater now. The plan is to plumb propane for hot water and some infrared heaters. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Now that meatloaf is back, I have fealing that this year will be better than last one :) Thanks Mr. Lipton! You are the best!
Right on Tom! 👍 Soon with the insulation you’ll have a nice quiet shop 🤫 This was a great episode! Loved the ground clamp. I just put that on my list! Thanks 👍
"Tool Snob" is an honorific. To be worn proudly, preferably on a shop apron so old and threadbare it needs duct tape to hold it together.
Yes and I hold my pinky in the air when I sip my coffee in the shop. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Great ground clamp Tom. You are definitely right about the Kaizen drawer treatment reducing the capacity of said drawer by a factor of 3 at least! Some of the drawers of the vidmars at work have more liner than tools in the drawer.
Yeah but you are so stylish! I have to admit the Kaizen foam is really sexy. Good to hear from you Bill. Hope to see you at the Bash this year. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Magswitch makes the best ground clamps, at least for any regular steels.
Lovely to have another meatloaf.
I Love the ground clamp Tom!
Yeeaaa!!!! Haven’t had Meatloaf in a long time
Hey Tom! Good to see you back. The reason they limit that saw to use the higher capacity batteries is actually not a cash grab, it's an amperage issue. The small batteries can't pull enough amps to get the torque you need. I have the Milwaukee M12 stuff, and my circular saw won't run with the small batteries for the same reason. It's a trade I'm willing to make though, because I like their stuff. I agree 100% don't buy two battery systems, if you are already in to Makita, stay with them. They're a good brand and it's not worth juggling multiple batteries, chargers, etc. I do think however that Milwaukee has the best lineup (at least from the items on display at my local hardware store).
I have a cordless grinder that has the same deal. Totally understandable. At least its not a Ryobi..... Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
this really should be a standard for ground clamping. good project.
Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Glad you’re back Tom.
PB tools are great and no problems with the handles on the screwdrivers. Have them in use for years now.
Hey Jan. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
One thing I like about my Milwaukee bandsaw is it has 4 blade speeds which is nice that's on the corded version I don't know about the battery version since I don't have one yet but do plan to eventually pick up the small m12 since I've got a bunch of m12 stuff 👍👍👍
Yeah. The Makita would benefit from a slower speed. But that might put a dent in blade sales....Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
@@oxtoolco I understand though sticking with your batteries I only have some Milwaukee stuff cause I had to buy a specialty PEX tool for a job and couldn't get it in my brand and I wasn't looking forward to using the hand PEX tool in a tiny crawlspace under a house trying to hold the PEX outta the dirt with my foot and use 2 hands on the manual tool sucked the Milwaukee made things so much easier even though my wallet wasn't happy with how much Milwaukee likes their tool then I was like I already have the batteries may as well pick up some other cool goodies I really love my battery 90 degree die grinder 👍👍👍
I absolutely love veto bags! I have 4 different bags and a few side pouches. Really well built
Nothing like a good meatloaf to get going again! Hope the flooding doesn’t affect you. From the sound of things the next project may have to be be an ark for tools. If so, I know you will choose wisely.
We are on a hill. Water runs off us but we get the wind. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
When you first opened the top drawer of your box I was very impressed with your collection of adjustable wrenches, but the pliers had me gasping! DUDE ! You are truly an aficionado of tooling. The punches, I think that if you can justify it the Starrett are top shelf. But the new ones are too pretty to get mauled by a BMFH. Wowzer. European tools are in another league. Great to see you are catching up with the new shop. First real cabinet was lined with carpet, now dollar store shelf liner is my go to. Perforated rubber like material ( think expanded metal decking like) that stays put. You can also use E6000 blobs on the corners and spots as required to defeat the shipping curls. Weight it down for drying and if or when you need to replace you can peel the blobs off.
Yeah I got it bad. I collect variations now. Total snobbery.... Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
@@oxtoolco The way I look at “my collecting quirks “ is I worked hard for what I sought, and the boy is going to either have a lifetime of neat goodie’s, or the damndest sale in the area. Great to see you back.
Again, Thank you Tom
Tom, thank you - a great night for fresh meatloaf. A blizzard is blowing in here in Colorado, and I’ve settled in to hear about great tools. A favorite subject. I’m interested to try something from PB Swiss Tools, maybe their ratcheting screwdriver… hummmmm.
Be careful cruising the website. It is a very exciting and dangerous place. Check out the torque screw drivers for fun.
Cheers,
Tom
Regarding lineman pliers... After a lot of years in the trade, I moved from the traditional US New England style to the European style. For everyday use I prefer the lighter weight. Knipex changed my everyday carry though when they came out with the 13 72 8 stripper pliers. They have almost completely replaced lineman pliers as my everyday go-to tool. They're not cheap, but I love them. They cut better and with less effort than linemans, strip better, can ream conduit, but still have large enough jaws to twist a decent number of wires in a bundle if I need to. The only thing you can't cut is any kind of steel, but I have 9-in dikes for that.
I've missed your videos. I've gone though the same process - on a much smaller scale, as the largest tool in my garage is an air compressor, followed by a drill press (I have a weaker strain of TJV, or tool junkie virus) - and I moved from a 2 car garage in the suburbs in CA to a three car garage in the exurbs in TX. But even so, it's taken me a long time to get things organized in the new space. On the plus side, I found things which have been lost for over a decade.
That little bandsaw! I have the Milwaukee M12 (because I didn't want to change batteries) and these are tiny saws, with a very narrow throat, and are perfect for anything that fits. I think my Milwaukee has a 2"x2" throat and depth. In my hobby shop that pretty much handles any kind of bar stock or tubing that I am likely to use, and it is truly a one hander. We have the bigger DeWalt at work, and that makes cuttting conduit without a clamp or vise a two man job, at least I can't cut straight with it with one hand.
Great stuff. I've got a set of the PB Swiss punches, they are a joy to use.
Thanks Tom
Glad to have you back, I've got one of those adjustable crow's foot deals from Snap-On, it's pretty handy.
When it comes to tools, I say “buy once, cry once” 😁
Words to live by. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
I got a magnetic ground clamp and it works ok but it's not ideal for all applications, yours design is genius! I will have to fabricobble one for myself. Thanks for another great meatloaf, I always learn something useful or interesting (even if my wallet suffers with all those cool tools)
Yeah sorry about that. I just can't help myself.
Cheers,
Tom
I think I’m gonna make a ground clamp for my plasma like that.
I always have the hardest time getting that thing to hold.
Great idea!
and the wallet sheds some weight again, thanks Tom! 😆
A large pitch thread for adjusting the ground clamp would be next for me -- I couldn't stand to have to do more than 3-4 turns :)
Fire up your lathe! Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Howdy Mr. Tom, I am glad you're feeling well and getting settled in there, hopefully the wife's honey do list is getting shorter! It is nice to have you back since I don't watch many other machining/tool channels anymore. You have stood the test of time for me.
Thank you for the review on the band saw, the high school FRC robotics team I mentor for could use one, I just haven't decided which one to get them yet.
Be well until next time!
You won't be sorry when you get one. It is a really handy tool. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Amazon has the PB Swiss hex wrench set...
Glad to see you back Tom!!
Hey Danny. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
I am not an advocate of Swiss tools, but they also make a cool allen set that is not bent 90 degrees but it is bent 100 degrees, and has a short stickout. I had a lot of allen set cut because the space to put the key in the socket was to narrow. For exactly this they made that tool.
Yeah I have been waiting for them to be in stock on those. Seems like a really useful set to have for those poor access problems. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Glad to see ya' back doing meatloaf. Love some of the stuff you come up with.
For hex keys I like the wera, similar to the set you showed, but the coating is thicker and the body is round, only the ends are hex. They use a ball detent to retain the fastener on the ball end of the hex key, which is nice. Only con for those is a greasy hand, harder to hold onto since it's coated and round.
Hey Tony. I got a set of those as well. I ended up not liking them as they don't fit the available holders and the stock holder has the same retrieval problem the Bondhus has. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
@@oxtoolco understandable. And the rubber holder is pretty awful too.
Great to see youre back! You have too many pliers - there, Ive said it! 🙂
Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
I got a set of SK-11 Allen wrenches with a ball detent that are great. It might not be as important in a machine shop, but on the equipment I work on every bolt is hex and when someone drops one we might need to spend the rest of the day finding it.
I've been drooling over one of those Veto pro bags for a while. Love Knipex and PB swiss tools
I've got a long XXL one for sale 😉👍. Youngstown OH craigslist.
I nearly choked myself. There is a store in San Francisco that has most of the models. A very dangerous place. They even have a wide selection of hand tools so you can try the pocket fit in the store. The temptation is to go large but try to resist if your work is mobile. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
I have to salute you for using the word "whap".
That vice ground clamp is a great idea, it really grinds my gears when my ground clamp pops of. For the next revision I'd recommend adding a ground wire of sorts between the jaws. Otherwise with a bad ground on the copper you might weld the hinge joints stuck while the clamp is in the locked position. Looking forward to the next meatloaf :)
Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Nothing against PB Swiss, they have a stellar reputation - but I personally just can’t handle tools in bright colours. I want them in shades of steel, black and/or wood, I have way more fun using those. Silly, perhaps - but it really makes a difference to me. I’d happily trade the PB Swiss pin punches for the Starrett ones.
They do offer them in a dull nickel color for folks with your aesthetic. The large 3/8 hex wrench in my set is from that family. The long length and the improved ball are worth the price of admission in my opinion. Agreed, the Starrett punched are the much better value. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Great to see you back Tom
Thanks for the meatloaf Mr. Lipton. These episodes are always a treat, and never fail to leave me wondering, “why don’t I have one of those in my toolbox”. Knipex, here I come!
Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Regarding the Makita power bandsaw, like Tom I have committed to Makita to standardize batteries. By far the portable bandsaw is one of my most utilitarian tools. No longer do I reach for a hacksaw, reciprocating saw, or side grinder. Instead it's Makita's XBP02 portable bandsaw (older model?). I cut pipe, conduit, rebar, bolts, rods, et cetera. I was first introduced to portable bandsaws in the architecture support shop at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where they had Milwaukee corded models (it was in the late 1970's, pre-cordless tools). It was great for cutting square steel tubing. Ever since those days I've always wanted one of these tools, and I finally bought one when I started building a house a few years ago. As always, thanks Tom for Monday Meatloaf, good to see you back on TH-cam.
I'm really happy about the Makita bandsaw. I tolerate the small capacity because the weight and balance are optimized. I'm starting to take it over to the metal rack to knock off a little piece that I want instead of dragging the bar to the saw. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Have you seen the CHP-170 small diagonal cutters? Hakko sells them in the US, though CHP is an Italian company. They're small flush-cut diagonal cutters, rated for up to 1.3mm copper wire. They're also great as pliers for very small parts (if used carefully since they're sharp), for ripping apart plastic cases of various cheap electronics, for trimming cuticles, for trimming cable lacing cord and string, for trimming zip ties flush, and more. They're about $5 each in a 10-pack, which is nice if you abuse them like I do!
You haven't lived until you tried Tronex electronics cutters. I will have to do a video on them specially. The absolute pinnacle of cutters in huge variety of configurations. Not cheap but a good value if you do much of that kind of work. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
@@oxtoolco The advantage of the CHP-170s is that they're so cheap they're effectively disposable. Sometimes you want the Knipex/PB Swiss/Tronex/Snap-on sort of tool, other times you want something you can abuse and not worry if it breaks!
Thanks for a update. Have been concerned Danny
because of 15:00 I can tell you one thing Tom: the form of the tool under the handle is there for two reasons, you can get similar punches like these without the grip as well and so that they won't roll off the table or workbench too fast you got these edgy grip areas sticking out (because they are full length under the grip) and the second one is to keep the handle from rotating on the punch as well while using it
by the way the sizes are the single numbers behind the part number after the dot on the handles (2 3 4 5 6 and 8) in millimeters (for example the "PB 758.2" is the 2mm version)
greetings from Austria
Oh I love the Tools by Swiss Tools my absolute favourite is the PB 225, 226 and 227. Very expensive but an absolute joy to use. And thanks for another meatloaf!
Dang it! I got to look those up now. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Good stuff Tom. Maybe in the comments already but you’ll want to get your hands on the Wiha ErgoStar hex key set. The holder solves your problem - quite ingenious - but def does not solve the problem of giving your apprentice a simple-ish shop tool assignment!
Cardboard is my favorite drawer liner
I also love them Knipex pliers!! Ones to definitely give a try; The Knipex TwinGrip 82 01 200 (or with the comfort grip 82 02 200) and the Raptor 87 41 250, I guarantee you will love them!
I've been eyeballing those twin grip pliers. Really would like to put my hands on some to see how they are.
Cheers,
Tom
I have have twin grips in my small work bag that I carry everywhere as an electrician. They are nice but 95% of the time I’ll be grabbing my 10” knipex cobras over the twin grips. I also have linesman pliers in my bag they are functionally between the two. But when the situation calls for it they are great, stripped fasteners, or smaller nuts, ie less than 7/16”. What would be nice would be a set of smaller vise grips with that jaw on them.
Good to hear the rain - you guys need it in CA.
Thank you for the meatloaf!
Nice to see you back! The ground clamp was SO timely for me. Thanks for that!
Hey David. You won't be sorry you spent the time to make one! Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Thanks so much for another serving of oxloaf. It's always a treat to pick your brain and try and convince my boss to buy some of the stuff you show. Those punches are just a bit too luxurious to hit with a hammer.
I know. I can't bring myself to hit them. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
I wasn't expecting meatloaf today but boy I am hungry for a new episode!
Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Thanks for the video
Knipex makes an excellent line of Snap ring or retaining ring pliers also. They retain the rings to keep them from flying off to parts unknown.
Hey Bob. I saw some on Old Iron machine works channel that were ratchet with a lock to hold the ring position. Have to ask Gary what brand they were. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Meatloaf! I was getting hungry!
Wow a meatloaf. I was so excited I almost used exclamation marks there. I hope this returns to a regular feature. Thanks for the video keep on keeping on.
Whoa fella. Exclamation points. Were not dating just yet....Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
@@oxtoolco but they say you got a booty like pow pow pow.
My dog thought I turned into a vegetarian, but tonight he finally got meatloaf for supper! Best wishes Tom!
Hey Andrew. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
Glad you're back and enjoying the new spot. Watch out for coyotes.
If been wanting to make a ground like that for awhile but nowhere near the levels of fancy you went to, very nice. Looking forward to more
Coyotes, meh. We got Mountain lions roaming around here. You won't even see one of those coming. Thanks for the comment!
Cheers,
Tom
good to see you again!