In this section we provide reviews of screwdrivers, pliers, drivers and wrenches. We’ve also reviewed larger systems like the Sonic Tools S10 toolbox and the new GearWrench air impact wrenches. Our reviews also include specialty tools like the Ridgid telescoping basin wrench and the Milwaukee Cheater pipe wrench. Of course, socket sets make up part of the mix as well. Drivers and Wrenches on the Jobsite While at first you won’t think about sockets on a construction jobsite, the truth is there’s a lot of crossover. From driving lag bolts to performing maintenance on OPE equipment, sockets and wrenches play an important role. Drivers and wrenches take on a particularly important role when you factor in the needs of electricians. We try, whenever possible to draw distinctions between commonly-popular features and those particularly relevant to electricians. Case in point: the use of insulated screwdrivers for high voltage or similar applications.
Milwaukee Flexible Head Ratcheting Wrenches Save Knuckles Several years ago Milwaukee mechanics tools hit the market—including cordless ratchets, large impact wrenches, hand tools, and storage solutions. Now, Milwaukee Tool is once again branching out with new Flexible Head Ratcheting Combination Wrenches. Tell Us About It… We love—and really prefer—using flex head ratcheting wrenches. It’s like […]
How do take an already excellent ratcheting combination wrench and make it even better? Add a flexible joint! We got our hands on the Wurth Zebra PowerDriv Ratcheting Flex Head Wrench Set to see how it compares to the dual-ratcheting wrenches we fell in love with. Pros Ratcheting closed end Slim profile fits into tight […]
GearWrench Unleashes Pitbull Pliers on the Trades Auto mechanics and tradesmen prize the best pliers that can grip, turn, and cut well. However, it isn’t often that we get all three at once. The Gearwrench PitBull Pliers look like a pretty compelling option. Not only do they seem to grip, turn, and cut well, but […]
Knipex Pipe and Connector Pliers Feature Plastic Inserts For Gentler Loosening Knipex Tools has introduced some pretty fancy-looking inserts for the Pipe and Connector Pliers series. However, it’s not all about the eye-catching looks. These inserts feature a soft blue outer layer and a firm red inner layer that apply a firm yet gentle pressure […]
A few years back, Milwaukee launched a line of sockets and ratchets covering 1/4″ and 3/8″ drives. Then, Milwaukee expanded the lineup to include 1/2″ drives, including a couple of breaker bars. Now, the Milwaukee mechanics tools lineup has been fleshed out even further with Extended Handle Ratchets and Stubby Ratchet models. Milwaukee Extended Handle […]
We Tested Several Wera Screwdriver Sets to See if You Should Rebel Against Tradition Ask nearly any Pro what their favorite screwdriver and there’s a good chance they won’t have to think more than a second before answering. For several years, my answer has been Wurth Zebra series. However, there are a lot of people […]
As we’ve said before, not every socket set has to fall in the master mechanics set category. Sometimes you just need the basics. Having run into my fair share of impromptu projects and breakdowns over the years, the Wurth Zebra 1/2-inch Socket Assortment Set looked like a handy set to keep in my truck. It […]
Auto mechanics know the value of a decent T-handle screwdriver set. We typically have them in Allen and Torx head styles. If you’re looking to get the same control in a smaller-sized nutdriver, however, something like the Wurth Zebra T-Handle Socket Head Screwdriver set works really well. We used these drivers in a variety of […]
Wrenches are designed to tighten and loosen nuts, bolts, screws and other treaded items. Typically wrenches are well suited for tight areas where a lot of torque is needed. There are a number of different types of wrenches, each with special uses. Make sure that you have both metric and standard (SAE) measurement wrenches in the kit you buy since there is no telling what kind of fasteners you will encounter.
LENOX Tools Gets Further Involved In the Hand Tool Game with Cast Iron Pipe Wrench We’ve been taking a look at the most recent line of Lenox hand tool offerings, most of which revolve around the plumbing trade. The Lenox Cast Iron Pipe Wrench doesn’t break from that trend either. It carries a near-identical design […]
