• Wera Zyklop ratchet

    From Bob Davis@21:1/5 to All on Wed Dec 14 03:55:50 2022
    https://amazon.com/stores/page/345D019C-47DA-4F20-BC98-55620B3C4321?ingress=2&visitId=262a7e4b-8ea5-4c22-a6fa-bdb2232b0993&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_nofrnas_sto&ref_=ast_dp_bln_nofrnas_sto

    Any comments on this tool? Is it genius or Rube Goldberg?

    Bob

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Leon@21:1/5 to Bob Davis on Wed Dec 14 10:56:43 2022
    On 12/14/2022 5:55 AM, Bob Davis wrote:
    https://amazon.com/stores/page/345D019C-47DA-4F20-BC98-55620B3C4321?ingress=2&visitId=262a7e4b-8ea5-4c22-a6fa-bdb2232b0993&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_nofrnas_sto&ref_=ast_dp_bln_nofrnas_sto

    Any comments on this tool? Is it genius or Rube Goldberg?

    Bob


    I cannot say. But I do have about 6 Wera screwdrivers and I love them.
    They seem to make a quality product.

    You should take a look at their catalog. Interesting.

    https://www-us.wera.de/en/downloads/catalogue-download/

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Scott Lurndal@21:1/5 to krw@notreal.com on Wed Dec 14 18:02:44 2022
    krw@notreal.com writes:
    On Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:55:50 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis
    <wrobertdavis@gmail.com> wrote:

    https://amazon.com/stores/page/345D019C-47DA-4F20-BC98-55620B3C4321?ingress=2&visitId=262a7e4b-8ea5-4c22-a6fa-bdb2232b0993&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_nofrnas_sto&ref_=ast_dp_bln_nofrnas_sto

    Any comments on this tool? Is it genius or Rube Goldberg?

    I dislike any of those multi-drivers. I have one in the kitchen junk
    drawer but mostly for my wife's use. I usually need more than one >screwdriver at a time (often three, it seems). Changing bits would be
    a pain.

    I have a 4-in-1 that I tend to reach for first; and a nice set of
    Vermont American as backup.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From krw@notreal.com@21:1/5 to wrobertdavis@gmail.com on Wed Dec 14 12:56:29 2022
    On Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:55:50 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis
    <wrobertdavis@gmail.com> wrote:

    https://amazon.com/stores/page/345D019C-47DA-4F20-BC98-55620B3C4321?ingress=2&visitId=262a7e4b-8ea5-4c22-a6fa-bdb2232b0993&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_nofrnas_sto&ref_=ast_dp_bln_nofrnas_sto

    Any comments on this tool? Is it genius or Rube Goldberg?

    I dislike any of those multi-drivers. I have one in the kitchen junk
    drawer but mostly for my wife's use. I usually need more than one
    screwdriver at a time (often three, it seems). Changing bits would be
    a pain.

    Socket wrenches typically need more torque than you can get with a
    screwdriver handle and there are many 1/4" drive sockets around that
    copular be put in a handle (but mainly used for cordless
    screwdrivers).

    Wera makes rather strange screwdrivers. I broke down and bought them,
    even though they don't really fit my hand (that's changed somewhat).
    It's really hard to find good screwdrivers anymore so I did buy Wera
    sets.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Markem618@21:1/5 to wrobertdavis@gmail.com on Wed Dec 14 11:52:31 2022
    On Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:55:50 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis
    <wrobertdavis@gmail.com> wrote:

    https://amazon.com/stores/page/345D019C-47DA-4F20-BC98-55620B3C4321?ingress=2&visitId=262a7e4b-8ea5-4c22-a6fa-bdb2232b0993&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_nofrnas_sto&ref_=ast_dp_bln_nofrnas_sto

    Any comments on this tool? Is it genius or Rube Goldberg?

    Bob

    A christmas present for the man of the house?

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From DerbyDad03@21:1/5 to Scott Lurndal on Wed Dec 14 15:29:06 2022
    On Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 1:02:49 PM UTC-5, Scott Lurndal wrote:
    k...@notreal.com writes:
    On Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:55:50 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis
    <wrober...@gmail.com> wrote:

    https://amazon.com/stores/page/345D019C-47DA-4F20-BC98-55620B3C4321?ingress=2&visitId=262a7e4b-8ea5-4c22-a6fa-bdb2232b0993&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_nofrnas_sto&ref_=ast_dp_bln_nofrnas_sto

    Any comments on this tool? Is it genius or Rube Goldberg?

    I dislike any of those multi-drivers. I have one in the kitchen junk
    drawer but mostly for my wife's use. I usually need more than one >screwdriver at a time (often three, it seems). Changing bits would be
    a pain.
    I have a 4-in-1 that I tend to reach for first; and a nice set of
    Vermont American as backup.

    I'm never been a fan of "all-in-one, multi-use" tools. In general, they tend to be barely passable for
    *any* of their intended functions. IOW "fair" (at best) at everything, not "good" at anything.

    That said, I have 2 of these, one in the garage and one in the shop. It's my 99% go-to screwdriver.
    It's the exception to the "multi-use is bad" rule.

    https://www.grainger.com/product/406R66

    My only major complaint is that the shaft is sometimes too thick for some jobs, like screws deep
    in a hole.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Bob Davis@21:1/5 to All on Wed Dec 14 21:13:48 2022
    On Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 5:29:09 PM UTC-6, DerbyDad03 wrote:
    On Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 1:02:49 PM UTC-5, Scott Lurndal wrote:
    k...@notreal.com writes:
    On Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:55:50 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis ><wrober...@gmail.com> wrote:

    https://amazon.com/stores/page/345D019C-47DA-4F20-BC98-55620B3C4321?ingress=2&visitId=262a7e4b-8ea5-4c22-a6fa-bdb2232b0993&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_nofrnas_sto&ref_=ast_dp_bln_nofrnas_sto

    Any comments on this tool? Is it genius or Rube Goldberg?

    I dislike any of those multi-drivers. I have one in the kitchen junk >drawer but mostly for my wife's use. I usually need more than one >screwdriver at a time (often three, it seems). Changing bits would be
    a pain.
    I have a 4-in-1 that I tend to reach for first; and a nice set of
    Vermont American as backup.
    I'm never been a fan of "all-in-one, multi-use" tools. In general, they tend to be barely passable for
    *any* of their intended functions. IOW "fair" (at best) at everything, not "good" at anything.

    That said, I have 2 of these, one in the garage and one in the shop. It's my 99% go-to screwdriver.
    It's the exception to the "multi-use is bad" rule.

    https://www.grainger.com/product/406R66

    My only major complaint is that the shaft is sometimes too thick for some jobs, like screws deep
    in a hole.

    In addition to woodworking, I am a cyclist and do lots of cycle mechanics, as well as bicycle touring, Many bicycles with accessories require torx, hex, phillips, and metric nuts. When I work on these, my work table looks like the layout to support a
    fine surgical operation. I carry a robust toolkit on bicycle tours because I ship my bike partially disassembled and have to assemble it at the start of the tour. My daughter gave me a wera multibit screwdriver last year and I have used it a lot for
    bicycle work and like it a lot. It saves having a set of torx screwdrivers for those rare accessories that require it. Another fact is that a small low range bicycle torque wrench only comes with a 1/4" or 3/8" socket drive. So multibits for torx and
    hex applications must be torqued with adaptors and separate bits - I have to have those bits, so might as well have a slick rube goldberg handle to make use of them.

    The attraction for me about the driver I asked about are several features:
    - It accepts 1/4" hex bits without an adaptor
    - it accepts 3/8" socket drive without an adaptor
    - The handle can be rotated to use as a straight screwdriver or as a right angle screwdriver
    - It has fine tooth reversible ratchet.

    The two drawbacks I see are:
    - for those who hate multibit tools, you will hate this one
    - It will not work in tiny cramped spaces - Wera does sell special tiny handles for screws and sockets in tight places

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Leon@21:1/5 to krw@notreal.com on Thu Dec 15 10:54:15 2022
    On 12/14/2022 11:56 AM, krw@notreal.com wrote:
    On Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:55:50 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis
    <wrobertdavis@gmail.com> wrote:

    https://amazon.com/stores/page/345D019C-47DA-4F20-BC98-55620B3C4321?ingress=2&visitId=262a7e4b-8ea5-4c22-a6fa-bdb2232b0993&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_nofrnas_sto&ref_=ast_dp_bln_nofrnas_sto

    Any comments on this tool? Is it genius or Rube Goldberg?

    I dislike any of those multi-drivers. I have one in the kitchen junk
    drawer but mostly for my wife's use. I usually need more than one screwdriver at a time (often three, it seems). Changing bits would be
    a pain.

    Socket wrenches typically need more torque than you can get with a screwdriver handle and there are many 1/4" drive sockets around that
    copular be put in a handle (but mainly used for cordless
    screwdrivers).

    On this tool the handle will bend/clock 90 degree and work like a normal ratchet so you would have leverage.


    Wera makes rather strange screwdrivers. I broke down and bought them,
    even though they don't really fit my hand (that's changed somewhat).
    It's really hard to find good screwdrivers anymore so I did buy Wera
    sets.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From John Grossbohlin@21:1/5 to wrober...@gmail.com on Thu Dec 15 18:29:33 2022
    On Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 12:13:51 AM UTC-5, wrober...@gmail.com wrote:

    In addition to woodworking, I am a cyclist and do lots of cycle mechanics, as well as bicycle touring, Many bicycles with accessories require torx, hex, phillips, and metric nuts. When I work on these, my work table looks like the layout to support a
    fine surgical operation. I carry a robust toolkit on bicycle tours because I ship my bike partially disassembled and have to assemble it at the start of the tour. My daughter gave me a wera multibit screwdriver last year and I have used it a lot for
    bicycle work and like it a lot. It saves having a set of torx screwdrivers for those rare accessories that require it. Another fact is that a small low range bicycle torque wrench only comes with a 1/4" or 3/8" socket drive. So multibits for torx and hex
    applications must be torqued with adaptors and separate bits - I have to have those bits, so might as well have a slick rube goldberg handle to make use of them.

    The attraction for me about the driver I asked about are several features:
    - It accepts 1/4" hex bits without an adaptor
    - it accepts 3/8" socket drive without an adaptor
    - The handle can be rotated to use as a straight screwdriver or as a right angle screwdriver
    - It has fine tooth reversible ratchet.

    The two drawbacks I see are:
    - for those who hate multibit tools, you will hate this one
    - It will not work in tiny cramped spaces - Wera does sell special tiny handles for screws and sockets in tight places

    I changed out a lot of the fasteners on my touring bicycles to purposely get rid of the big tool kit... !! I also stick with robust components and sizes that are available almost everywhere. Being in remote and rural areas of the U.S. has adequately
    demonstrated to me that having all the latest gear and lots of different fastener sizes is a problem!

    If asked, I tend to recommend that folks buy some decent basic tools and forego the big sets that contain tools of dubious utility (and often are of dubious quality)... This under the premise that if they are asking they probably don't have the knowledge
    and skill to use more than basic tools anyway.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Jay Pique@21:1/5 to All on Fri Dec 16 04:01:39 2022
    On Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 9:29:36 PM UTC-5, gros...@gmail.com wrote: ... if they are asking they probably don't have the knowledge and skill to use more than basic tools anyway.

    How rude. Purchasing and using tools well beyond one's need or ability is the hallmark of this usegroup.
    Good day, sir. <sniff>

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From John Grossbohlin@21:1/5 to Jay Pique on Fri Dec 16 08:46:03 2022
    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 7:01:42 AM UTC-5, Jay Pique wrote:
    On Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 9:29:36 PM UTC-5, gros...@gmail.com wrote: ... if they are asking they probably don't have the knowledge and skill to use more than basic tools anyway.

    How rude. Purchasing and using tools well beyond one's need or ability is the hallmark of this usegroup.
    Good day, sir. <sniff>

    After 30 years or so I'm quite familiar with the dynamics of this group... One thing that has been pretty consistent among the veteran participants is they generally read the inquiries with an eye towards assessing the needs and skills of those asking
    questions in the context of their own experiences. Putting the extracted phrase in the context of the entire paragraph, the REC, and my experiences, I stand by it.

    I try to keep need, safety, space, experience, and degree of self confidence in mind when I comment on tools. Same as I don't suggest that everyone take months long bicycle trips I try to be realistic about tools and their use.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From John Grossbohlin@21:1/5 to Leon on Fri Dec 16 10:05:00 2022
    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 12:24:14 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:

    I think you are responding to a tongue in cheek remark.

    As far as the OP is concerned, yes he does take trips that are typically
    long multiple day rides.

    Could be! Reading this group as a diversion from "the real world" has it's down side!

    Multiple day? It takes me a week or more to get my touring legs working and my camping routine ironed out... I never seem to use the same exact equipment on each trip so there are learning curves...

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From krw@notreal.com@21:1/5 to JayPique@hotmail.com on Fri Dec 16 13:08:46 2022
    On Fri, 16 Dec 2022 04:01:39 -0800 (PST), Jay Pique
    <JayPique@hotmail.com> wrote:

    On Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 9:29:36 PM UTC-5, gros...@gmail.com wrote: >... if they are asking they probably don't have the knowledge and skill to use more than basic tools anyway.

    How rude. Purchasing and using tools well beyond one's need or ability is the hallmark of this usegroup.
    Good day, sir. <sniff>

    True but what's the point of doing something that you're good at. Once
    you get there, it's time for something new.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Bob Davis@21:1/5 to gros...@gmail.com on Fri Dec 16 09:39:52 2022
    On Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 8:29:36 PM UTC-6, gros...@gmail.com wrote:

    I changed out a lot of the fasteners on my touring bicycles to purposely get rid of the big tool kit... !! I also stick with robust components and sizes that are available almost everywhere. Being in remote and rural areas of the U.S. has adequately
    demonstrated to me that having all the latest gear and lots of different fastener sizes is a problem!

    I prefer to carry spare nuts and bolts. Virtually everything is metric and may not be available in a country hardware store. Likewise, the quality of bike fasteners is usually higher grade stainless steel and not likely be found in small towns either.
    Lastly, I am not trusting any locally sourced fasteners for the rotors on my disc brakes.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Leon@21:1/5 to John Grossbohlin on Fri Dec 16 11:24:05 2022
    On 12/16/2022 10:46 AM, John Grossbohlin wrote:
    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 7:01:42 AM UTC-5, Jay Pique wrote:
    On Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 9:29:36 PM UTC-5, gros...@gmail.com wrote: >> ... if they are asking they probably don't have the knowledge and skill to use more than basic tools anyway.

    How rude. Purchasing and using tools well beyond one's need or ability is the hallmark of this usegroup.
    Good day, sir. <sniff>

    After 30 years or so I'm quite familiar with the dynamics of this group... One thing that has been pretty consistent among the veteran participants is they generally read the inquiries with an eye towards assessing the needs and skills of those asking
    questions in the context of their own experiences. Putting the extracted phrase in the context of the entire paragraph, the REC, and my experiences, I stand by it.

    I try to keep need, safety, space, experience, and degree of self confidence in mind when I comment on tools. Same as I don't suggest that everyone take months long bicycle trips I try to be realistic about tools and their use.


    I think you are responding to a tongue in cheek remark.

    As far as the OP is concerned, yes he does take trips that are typically
    long multiple day rides.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From krw@notreal.com@21:1/5 to grossboj@gmail.com on Fri Dec 16 13:11:18 2022
    On Fri, 16 Dec 2022 10:05:00 -0800 (PST), John Grossbohlin
    <grossboj@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 12:24:14 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:

    I think you are responding to a tongue in cheek remark.

    As far as the OP is concerned, yes he does take trips that are typically
    long multiple day rides.

    Could be! Reading this group as a diversion from "the real world" has it's down side!

    Multiple day? It takes me a week or more to get my touring legs working and my camping routine ironed out... I never seem to use the same exact equipment on each trip so there are learning curves...

    Ah! Thus my point of moving on to new worlds! ;-)

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From John Grossbohlin@21:1/5 to k...@notreal.com on Fri Dec 16 10:48:31 2022
    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 1:11:21 PM UTC-5, k...@notreal.com wrote:
    On Fri, 16 Dec 2022 10:05:00 -0800 (PST), John Grossbohlin <gros...@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 12:24:14 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:

    I think you are responding to a tongue in cheek remark.

    As far as the OP is concerned, yes he does take trips that are typically >> long multiple day rides.

    Could be! Reading this group as a diversion from "the real world" has it's down side!

    Multiple day? It takes me a week or more to get my touring legs working and my camping routine ironed out... I never seem to use the same exact equipment on each trip so there are learning curves...
    Ah! Thus my point of moving on to new worlds! ;-)

    I've been thinking about requesting "Adventurer" on my gravestone as an epitaph... Other potential ones are "The worst days make for the best stories" and "If you go looking for adventure don't complain when you find it." ;~)

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From John Grossbohlin@21:1/5 to wrober...@gmail.com on Fri Dec 16 10:42:44 2022
    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 12:39:55 PM UTC-5, wrober...@gmail.com wrote:
    On Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 8:29:36 PM UTC-6, gros...@gmail.com wrote:

    I changed out a lot of the fasteners on my touring bicycles to purposely get rid of the big tool kit... !! I also stick with robust components and sizes that are available almost everywhere. Being in remote and rural areas of the U.S. has adequately
    demonstrated to me that having all the latest gear and lots of different fastener sizes is a problem!
    I prefer to carry spare nuts and bolts. Virtually everything is metric and may not be available in a country hardware store. Likewise, the quality of bike fasteners is usually higher grade stainless steel and not likely be found in small towns either.
    Lastly, I am not trusting any locally sourced fasteners for the rotors on my disc brakes.

    True on the fasteners. Since I standardized as many as possible I only bring two extras... something I neglected to list. They were easy to forget as I've never needed them. I do my "local sourcing" in the bins at my local bicycle shop. ;~) In a few
    months it will be celebrating it's 50th anniversary. I stumbled in there while the original location was under construction! The owner and I became friends and I wrenched there years ago too. The second owner of the shop was wrenching there when I did
    and he bought to shop as a retirement gig after a career in law enforcement.

    My local hardware store carries different grades of fasteners and one has to pay attention to which they are putting their hands on for sure! I learned that lesson well when I picked up some bolts to attach new spindles to a mower deck. I apparently
    didn't pay attention to the grade indicator on the bin. Within a few months they started shearing off. At that point all 12 bolts were replaced with grade 8. Oops! LOL

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From DerbyDad03@21:1/5 to gros...@gmail.com on Fri Dec 16 14:07:18 2022
    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 1:48:34 PM UTC-5, gros...@gmail.com wrote:
    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 1:11:21 PM UTC-5, k...@notreal.com wrote:
    On Fri, 16 Dec 2022 10:05:00 -0800 (PST), John Grossbohlin <gros...@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 12:24:14 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:

    I think you are responding to a tongue in cheek remark.

    As far as the OP is concerned, yes he does take trips that are typically >> long multiple day rides.

    Could be! Reading this group as a diversion from "the real world" has it's down side!

    Multiple day? It takes me a week or more to get my touring legs working and my camping routine ironed out... I never seem to use the same exact equipment on each trip so there are learning curves...
    Ah! Thus my point of moving on to new worlds! ;-)
    I've been thinking about requesting "Adventurer" on my gravestone as an epitaph... Other potential ones are "The worst days make for the best stories" and "If you go looking for adventure don't complain when you find it." ;~)

    "Scars are like tattoos but with better stories."

    Some of the girls I coached in softball had t-shirts with that saying on it. I'm proud
    to have been associated with them.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From krw@notreal.com@21:1/5 to grossboj@gmail.com on Fri Dec 16 22:36:48 2022
    On Fri, 16 Dec 2022 10:48:31 -0800 (PST), John Grossbohlin
    <grossboj@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 1:11:21 PM UTC-5, k...@notreal.com wrote:
    On Fri, 16 Dec 2022 10:05:00 -0800 (PST), John Grossbohlin
    <gros...@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 12:24:14 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:

    I think you are responding to a tongue in cheek remark.

    As far as the OP is concerned, yes he does take trips that are typically >> >> long multiple day rides.

    Could be! Reading this group as a diversion from "the real world" has it's down side!

    Multiple day? It takes me a week or more to get my touring legs working and my camping routine ironed out... I never seem to use the same exact equipment on each trip so there are learning curves...
    Ah! Thus my point of moving on to new worlds! ;-)

    I've been thinking about requesting "Adventurer" on my gravestone as an epitaph... Other potential ones are "The worst days make for the best stories" and "If you go looking for adventure don't complain when you find it." ;~)

    I like the last one. I may steal it.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From John Grossbohlin@21:1/5 to k...@notreal.com on Fri Dec 16 20:32:55 2022
    On Friday, December 16, 2022 at 10:36:54 PM UTC-5, k...@notreal.com wrote:
    On Fri, 16 Dec 2022 10:48:31 -0800 (PST), John Grossbohlin

    I've been thinking about requesting "Adventurer" on my gravestone as an epitaph... Other potential ones are "The worst days make for the best stories" and "If you go looking for adventure don't complain when you find it." ;~)

    I like the last one. I may steal it.

    Be my guest. I found it on the road somewhere... or in the Everglades backcountry? Rockies? I don't recall exactly. ;~)

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Bob Davis@21:1/5 to Bob Davis on Tue Dec 27 17:03:58 2022
    On Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 11:13:51 PM UTC-6, Bob Davis wrote:
    On Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 5:29:09 PM UTC-6, DerbyDad03 wrote:
    On Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 1:02:49 PM UTC-5, Scott Lurndal wrote:
    k...@notreal.com writes:
    On Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:55:50 -0800 (PST), Bob Davis ><wrober...@gmail.com> wrote:

    https://amazon.com/stores/page/345D019C-47DA-4F20-BC98-55620B3C4321?ingress=2&visitId=262a7e4b-8ea5-4c22-a6fa-bdb2232b0993&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_nofrnas_sto&ref_=ast_dp_bln_nofrnas_sto

    Any comments on this tool? Is it genius or Rube Goldberg?

    I dislike any of those multi-drivers. I have one in the kitchen junk >drawer but mostly for my wife's use. I usually need more than one >screwdriver at a time (often three, it seems). Changing bits would be >a pain.
    I have a 4-in-1 that I tend to reach for first; and a nice set of Vermont American as backup.
    I'm never been a fan of "all-in-one, multi-use" tools. In general, they tend to be barely passable for
    *any* of their intended functions. IOW "fair" (at best) at everything, not "good" at anything.

    That said, I have 2 of these, one in the garage and one in the shop. It's my 99% go-to screwdriver.
    It's the exception to the "multi-use is bad" rule.

    https://www.grainger.com/product/406R66

    My only major complaint is that the shaft is sometimes too thick for some jobs, like screws deep
    in a hole.
    In addition to woodworking, I am a cyclist and do lots of cycle mechanics, as well as bicycle touring, Many bicycles with accessories require torx, hex, phillips, and metric nuts. When I work on these, my work table looks like the layout to support a
    fine surgical operation. I carry a robust toolkit on bicycle tours because I ship my bike partially disassembled and have to assemble it at the start of the tour. My daughter gave me a wera multibit screwdriver last year and I have used it a lot for
    bicycle work and like it a lot. It saves having a set of torx screwdrivers for those rare accessories that require it. Another fact is that a small low range bicycle torque wrench only comes with a 1/4" or 3/8" socket drive. So multibits for torx and hex
    applications must be torqued with adaptors and separate bits - I have to have those bits, so might as well have a slick rube goldberg handle to make use of them.

    The attraction for me about the driver I asked about are several features:
    - It accepts 1/4" hex bits without an adaptor
    - it accepts 3/8" socket drive without an adaptor
    - The handle can be rotated to use as a straight screwdriver or as a right angle screwdriver
    - It has fine tooth reversible ratchet.

    The two drawbacks I see are:
    - for those who hate multibit tools, you will hate this one
    - It will not work in tiny cramped spaces - Wera does sell special tiny handles for screws and sockets in tight places

    I decided to give myself this tool as a Christmas gift. I returned it to Amazon today. Here is why:

    1. Design - The tool does everything advertised and is well made with a very smooth operating fine tooth ratchet. However, for a tool that is supposed to be super flexible, it has one major design flaw. The ratchet mechanism cannot be locked. That
    shortcoming immediately annoyed me when I wanted to back out a screw that I had just screwed in place for a test fit. I had to disengage the screwdriver from the head, turn the ratchetwheel to reverse direction, then insert the screwdriver into the
    screw again.

    2. Weak implementation of handle storage unit - I broke it when I opened it to retrieve a bit.

    For such an expensive tool, this one is a total fail.

    Bob

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