o.k. lads, everybody loves their Fein multimaster, their Bosch jigsaw, their electric tape measure, etc. But what about the tools you hate?
the tools you left in the bed of your pick-up, hoping they would either be stolen or jump to their death on the interstate?
The tool that, the moment you first used it, you went “ugh”.
For me, it was a Craftsman jig saw with the scrolling feature. How this “tool” could be in the same gene pool as my Bosch barrel grip is beyond me.
toolman65
Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Any tool you have to press a button to pull the trigger.
Totally agreed !I always remove that button immediately.Sometimes even before I use the tool for the first time.
Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern
I hate those damn "safety" buttons. They're not only inconvenient, but they're DANGEROUS because they make you hold the tool in such a way that you don't have a good grip on it.
So, have you ever disabled the safety button on a Ryobi tool? If yes, then how? I have the cordless circular saw and recip saw that really need to have the safety button disabled.
I have a craftsman circular saw that I broke the button off. Of course it no longer would turn on. I took the handle apart and It was a long time ago, so I don't remember the specifics, but I extracted the remains of the stem, now it works like it should have been built. On the other hand, I had a break in, and a lot of tools were stolen. I hoped it was taken too (in a perverse way) but no luck. I did find my sk/bosch miter saw in the field behind my house and reclaimed it. That thing is so heavy they must have tired of carrying it.They must have liked bostitch, took every last nailer and stapler I had.
Bought the bostitch, gun and compressor kit. figured the whole kit cost as much as the guns would cost by themselves (almost) guns are great, never jam, sinks nails every time. Compressor- it's heavy as #### and the handle is some plastic piece of #### that broke like right away. Did I mention loud? holy jesus it is so loud and it jumos around the room and vibrates so wildly that things are constantly coming loose on it. Besides that it is awesome.
Without a doubt it's my F-150. I still cant wrap my head around the idea of spending $40k on a pickup and having it in the shop pretty much every month. I've have $200 beater cars that are more reliable. Second to that would have to be my Makita handheld planer. Never did like the thing for planing doors. Since I picked up a PC 126 that old planer is on floor leveling duty.
I got the bostitch 3 gun trim kit w/compressor for 150. Can't go wrong w/that. Compressor is loud, but I look at as free in the pkg.Worst purchase was a senco ds200 given to me. Kept it for about 2 years, then sold it for $50, so it wasn't that bad. Just didn't do sheetrock into wood worth a hoot.
disabled the safety button on a Ryobi tool? If yes, then how
Same for all tools with a dummy button - heat up the soldering iron and melt the button into the handle while held down -quick and easy.
You pay the shipping, I'll fix them.=0)
Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern
Don't forget to test it for a year or three before sending the tool back
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
ROFLOLI wouldn't need the entire tool. (And shipping for the whole tool would cost more than the tool is worth.)Just the part of the handle that the switch is in, and the switch itself.There is a bit of surgery involved on the switch itself.And I would send it back immediatelyNo charge, just pay the shipping both ways.=0)
Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern
Oh, that was a serious offer. I didn't realize that at first. Thanks. I've completed the "surgery" myself.
You pay the shipping, I'll fix them
I'm thinking maybe you have a large sledgehammer in mind to "fix" my Ryobi tools. I'll pass, thanks. :-)
super glue the lock button into the unlocked posistion...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Thanks for the suggestions (also thanks to Junkhound and MarkH). I didn't think super glue would hold up so I took the dang things apart and removed the little yellow plastic safety button. Now all 3 tools (circular saw, jig saw and recip saw) work with the press of a button. It's a good thing. Much more convenient and safer.
For anyone else considering this, I must caution you on the jig saw. There are several small parts that will come tumbling out when you pull the case apart. I figured out how to put things back together, but it wasn't easy. The circular saw and recip saw were straightforward.
My F150. Every day I wake up and hope today is the day it gets totaled.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
Ditto..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Bammer, PC detail sander. Prazi glazing chisel...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I have to agree on the PC detail sander. It is probably my least used tool. I hate it when the paper keeps falling off!
Lessee...Dewalt 14.4 screwgun/ 4-1/2 circ saw...with 2 extra batteries... cuz ya need all four batteries to saw thru a 1x4!!The original Delta chop saw circa 1987... 75pounds, electric brake worked for about an hour, saw guard came loose on 2nd day and made contact with spinning blade.
went back next day...Airlite contractors bags from doolooth every time I put them on I remember why I hate them..
if you don't have them tight enuf to cut of circulation to your legs they will fall down every 5 min.Ryobi biscuit joiner... no matter how careful you set the fence or make the cuts the joint won't come out flush...there is probably more but CRS is progressing....
.
"After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
.
.
.
If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
"The original Delta chop saw circa 1987... 75pounds, electric brake worked for about an hour, saw guard came loose on 2nd day and made contact with spinning blade.
went back next day..."That wasn't the original.I had one in '77
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
They made chopsaws in 1877??.
.
"After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
.
.
.
If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
way earlier....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
'cept they were called axes
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
that would be stone axes IIRC.....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
1877 BC??or 1877 BP ??.
.
"After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
.
.
.
If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
BP....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I'll give a ditto on the Detail Sander - seemed like a good idea - my wife bought it for me for Christmas - it just doesn't live up to expectations - the sticky back sandpaper doesn't stay stuck to the profile - I just end up using it as a corner sander.I'll also give a ditto on the Craftsman jig saw - luckily I didn't pay very much for it - rummage sale special - it works, but not very well - I'd love to use a jigsaw that actually works - anyone have any suggestions???
Bosch...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I don't have a lot of experience with high end jig saws. All I can say is that going from frustrating low end saws to the barrel grip Bosch was like a religious conversion. Maybe other high end models are comparable, but you won't be disappointed by the Bosch.
bosch jig saws,barrel grip or handle grip are,imho, still the best out there. cuts everything, from plastic to metal to hardwood and even soaking wet p.t. lumber. variety and quality of bosch blades goes along way in making this one of my 'must have' tools.if you do get one, buy a pack of blades with reverse cutting teeth. allows you to cut laminate countertops from the top w/o tearout.toolman65
Makita's first chop saw, 10 inch blade I believe. Thing weighed a good 50 lbs at a minimum, would only bevel to 45 degrees in one direction and was a dog all around. On off switch went out more than once in the first year of ownership, the blade guard system was an absolute failure from any perspective and because it had a solid cast iron body, it was a pain in the a** to get into the truck. I couldn't give it away so I left it out front on the curb, some kid riding by on his bike saw it and took it home. The most enjoyment I got out of that saw was watching him try to load it on his bike and try to peddle off with it...quite comical to watch. He could barely lift it off the ground let alone attempt to ride home holding on to it.
i was given one of those small delta bench band saws. It was the worst piece of S I ever had. Threw it out in the yard and got more enjoyment running it over with the riding lawn mower.
That reminds m,e of one that might have been my worst tool buy.It was a Delta benchtop band saw with a universal motor so loud that it was painfull with ear protection.I think it is still gathering dust someplace around here.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Was that the one before the days of softstart where the motor would have so much torque that it jumped off the bench every time you pulled the trigger?
I was lucky enough to be able to sell mine used to an electrician on the job
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Way, way before the term "softstart" ever became part of the lexicon. Regardless, that thing weighed so much that no sudden torque jump was strong enough to move that saw once it was set down. Funny you should mention selling yours to an electrician...I brought mine to work for three days straight, trying to give it away to anyone interested, not one taker. I even included a relatively new 40 tooth blade and still no takers.I wonder sometimes about the kid that finally took it away. Would he have taken it if the blade wasn't already in it??? A real piece of cr*p IMHO.
Let me let you in on a little secret about electricians: most of the ones that I work with could probably out-build you!
Hunh??? I have no idea what you are saying or why.But I'm old enough and smart enough that it doesn't take an electrician to out build me.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I would like to see that electrician.
hasn't been built yet...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Take your pick. There is a reason they chose that field. Anybody can build a box, thats why non-English speaking illegals have taken over most other trades.
Second vote: Harbor Freight close quarters drill. Did fine for a one day sill removal, blew up first day on the job.
Did you feel like somehow I slighted you?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Its all good. I think you misinterpreted my post. It wasn't meant as an insult. Most of the commercial electricians I work with do alot of building as well. That is probably true with commercial plumbers. I think anyone who has the danglies to do that type of work wouldn't think twice about throwing up an addition or re-roofing an entire house. Matter of fact, this short fella named Larry that I work with just re-sheathed and roofed his entire house a few weekends ago. He comes back to work with a super tan on a Monday, and to hear him talk it was no big deal, like he had just mowed the lawn or something.
"I think you misinterpreted my post. It wasn't meant as an insult."I was holding back from ANY interpretation because I could not tell. That is why I asked.If I had interpreted it negatively I would not have asked and just jumped right in with the flame thrower.
;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Don't you just LOVE these new guys? I don't know what we did before Arc wandered in.
Just keep muddling along and I'm sure he will correct any of us that have been in the trades for over forty years .
Chuck
My bad, I didn't realize I was talking to the FHB magazine owner and president of Microsoft. And buddy, you don't know a thing about me, so if your trying to impress me with your internet savvy, your not.
<My bad, I didn't realize I was talking to the FHB magazine owner and president of Microsoft.>now you know....no more excuses
Barry E-Remodeler
Guess he thinks this is just another lame forum.
No, I happen to like this website quite a bit. There is quite a bit of good knowledge to be had here. But then again, there are quite a bit of "master builders" in here trying to steer people wrong, and some just have a generally bad attitude. Pi$$es me off.
speaking of attitude...I haven't seen any master builders here.
None that made the claim anyways.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
This is a good forum, never heard anyone calling themselves Master anything. In fact much has been said about Norm Abrams calling himself a master carpenter. Just stay out of the tavern, that's a rough crowd sometimes. Of course, if you want a fight, it's easy to find one there.I find the forum much better without the tavern access. They don't let me in anymore, and I'm grateful.
This thread is so far off track that it may wind up in the tavern.
so what was yur experience with the Prazzie glazing cutter????
and the Ryobie detail sander is worse than the PC version...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Ok, we're back on track. thank you.As an electrician, i have tried to leave all glazing tools to the glaziers , and all sanding to trim carps or painters.
How are you gonna outbuild me then?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I guess that I'm not THAT KIND of electrician!
okay....
so what's in the electrical tool department that has been, shall we say, less than stellar...
how about those strippers/crimpers that come with the sta-kon style elcheapo kits...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I have a preference for T&B crimpers. I have been fortunate enough that I have never had to use those cheapies. They may work OK.I have always tried to purchase good quality tools for my crews. I have found that someone, somewhere, sometime will abuse the tool and good quality tools seemed to last a lot longer under those conditions.I can think of a few tools that could have used some improvement, but for their time were an improvement over the older methods.An example would be the electric conduit bender. When it was first introduced, it was so much faster than using a hydraulic model. We learned to over look the fact that it was hard for a novice to get an accurate bend dur to the fact that there were no brakes on the bender, and it would roll right on past the intended stopping point even after removing power. Later models let the user program the bender for the exact bend required and take the human factor out of the equation.My worst purchase was probably some off brand insulated screw drivers that were being hawked by one of the wholesale houses. They were labeled as being "tested to 10,000 volts".
Just because i could, I tested them with a high potential {Hi-Pot} that I had on the job. After wing them down with cable clean, I could get only 3 out of 5 in the set to test above 5KV. None of them would hold at the rated 10KV.As a side note, if I terminate or splice a 15KV cable{nominal 13.8KV}, I would test it at 30KV for at least 15 minutes. Some jobs speced longer times.
Sorry to be so long winded. I hope to meet up with you at a fest some day.Chuck
I prefer the T&B's also...
also like the Buccannans....
and let's give Klien it's due....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Hope I don't get drug back in with it. I can't think of my worse tool, except for an old skil random orbit sander. It's about 15 years old, when skil still made some good tools. It's not really bad, except it uses 8 hole stick on disks, and it's like an angle grinder, LOUD, heavy hot. It still works, so it's not that bad, I suppose... I have a craftsman reciprocating saw, which is made by dewalt (another old tool). It works good, but shakes me to pieces. I bought it because my sawsall got stolen, no comparison. So I have a super sawsall now. I used the craftsman to saw up some branches today, yup still shakes bad.I have an old craftsman circular saw that I don't like too well because of how it feels to hold, and the sticky guard, and the stiff cord, and the warped base, but I use it occasionally. Still saws. Had an old skil 6 1/2 inch saw, hit a nail and sheared all the teeth off a gear. That one was no good forever after that. Got a worm drive skil77, and a PC mag sidewinder now.Bought a porter cable 3/8 VSR drill years ago. Became a SSR drill after a very short while. It's nice except I had to spend 35 bucks to fix it when it was almost new. Last of the good ones, metal gearcase and all needle and ball bearings. Does not get used anymore, but still looks like new. It's heavy. Just got bad vibes after it crapped out the first time.Are lawn and garden implements tools? Got a bunch of those that are ####, especially hoses. Bought a water flexeel hose, it's sweet. Got some shovels that behave poorly. And my homelite leafblower. That got stolen too. Bought another, it's as hard to start as the old one was.
"about 15 years old, when skil still made some good tools."OK, NOW I have something to flame on!;)Back in about '78 I think it was, I had a a chance at a big job come along. I bought all Skil tools for it, having the imnpression at the time they were pretty good.EVERy single one - circ saw, power plane, belt sander, jigsaw, can't recal what else - they all went down on me with bad bearings, bad windings and armatures, frames that cracked, you name it.Skil rebuilt of replaced every one of them as it was a warantee claim, but when the job was finished I sold them all used, and rebought other tools - ones that I felt I could actually trust to hold up beyond one job.That was thirty years ago and you think they were making good ones fifteen years ago?Well, maybe they improved briefly.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Well, compared to what they make now, they were good. But, as far as I know, they only made a couple of good tools, the skil wormdrive and uh... OK the skil 77, and mag 77 were good tools, and still are. I also have a skil/bosch miter saw that is OK, but what a heavy thing. It got stolen too, but the thieves left it in the field behind my house because there is no way to comfortably move it around. I had to drag it back home, no wonder they left it in the cornfield.
He's young yet.Suppose he'll stick around or be just another flash in the arc?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
ROAR!!!!!
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Time will tell. Perhaps he should lurk for a couple of years to get a feel for this place and then jump in, dispensing his vast knowledge across these pages.
I have learned that people skills are very important if a person wants to be taken seriously.
Chuck
One to talk about "people skills". I'm through with this.I don't think the original poster appreciates the topic change. Save your "newbie" #### for the Super Nintendo website.
I'm through with this.
Best news we've heard in a week.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
ROAR!!!!!
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
There are plenty of "master" electricians out there. Not that it's a matter of pride; it's often a licensing classification. "Bum" electrical-type tools I've encountered have included:- Linesmans' pliers whose cutting jaws were too soft to cut a nail without damage, whose knurl on the jaws was too blunt to grab wire, and joints too stiff to let the pliers open easily;- Hacksaws that failed to place the blade under enough tension to make a good cut, and that held the blade with easily lost / damaged screws;- Knock-out punches (any brand but Greenlee) that capture the slug inside the die - nearly impossible to get out;- Meters -including the particular Fluke I own- that seem to require three hands to operate;- The Greenlee "pipe cutter' that doesn't; and,- The latest Klein tape measures. Three tapes, three great features - and no reason why they can't all be on one tape (magnetic tip, scale on the back of the blade, and 'reverse' operation, where you press a release to retract the blade).
" Hacksaws that failed to place the blade under enough tension to make a good cut, and that held the blade with easily lost / damaged screws"
Hacksaws get my vote for the least improved tool. Most others have either reached a point where they don't require any changes, or have been vastly improved by re-designed in the past few years. To my mind hacksaws are the un-evolved dinosaurs of the tool world. I hate them.
Here's a decent hacksaw:
View Image
Here's a new design:
View Image
I have the Porta-band, and there's a special seat in Heaven for it's inventor. I used to have the Seatec contraption, and it just doesn't deliver. Sorry.
Edited 7/29/2008 9:52 pm ET by renosteinke
Doesn't anyone remember the Wagner power roller? I got one of them.
Narrowly missed buying a power painting stick.
Got a Skill palm sander once. Blew it out, couldn't get parts, bought a Makita.
Still love the Milwaukees.Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada
That Wagner name makes me laugh. They hire some good comedians!
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Ha ! Someone gave me a paint stick.
You know it actually worked OK. The problem was trying to clean it.
That happened exactly once.
I've got one of those power rollers sitting in my basement. I used it once.
Its not bad for getting the paint on, but clean-up takes longer than the actual painting.
You want a spare? For free?
You know, I can't get rid of it even on craigslist!Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada
LOL, One of my customers was doing her own painting and bought one.She painted with it one day and one day only.Then after some time had gone by her husband says to me, "I don't know why she doesn't use this anymore, but I'll sell it to you for half price if you'd be interested"
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
LOL!
What a deal!
Oh! wait a minute. He wanted YOU to pay the 1/2 price? It might just be worth it if he paid you to take it.
On second thought, it wouldn't be. It's too much of a POS.
Edited 8/4/2008 11:13 pm ET by Shep
thought of getting one of those in a former life....
glad that never happen....
got shelf of no preforming junk as it is...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Dinosaur has been added to your ingore list." Best thing I've read all day.
add me to it too....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Kain't we all just get along?( my stars must be in their mellow alignment this week)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Don't go away. Once you figure out who the royalty is around here, you'll have less chance of being piled on.
I like comments from people who don't give a hoot about pecking order.
You'll find out they want a profile filled out so they can decide whether or not your comments are on target. Also, over the years, I have found out that if you spread a few compliments around to the right egos, it will go a long way towards getting you in the club, if that's what your life goal is.
Since I'm not in the club and have no desire to go to a fest to meet anyone, I enjoy reading the comments of mavericks.
I like the mavericks too. They got some energy.I like them more when better than 50% of what they say is right instead of saying whatever pops into their heads.Being right has a lot more to do with respect and pecking order than knowing who to puss up to, just like in real life, you earn more and get more respect by what you do than by what you say.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I'm fixing to be spanked by the electricians because it ticks me off how easy it is for the spring to sproing offa my Klein strippers. Hey, i paid extra...i want springs that don't sproing! Damn you, Mr. Klein!That and i'm really, really upset that not enough bad has been spoken about the DW jigsaw.
I never owned a yellow tool. I borrowed a yellow circular saw once and thought it was light and powerful.
Years ago somebody got me one of those little B&D sandstorm detail(?) sanders...I haven't brought myself to throw it away but I've thrown it once or twice!
Speaking of moments of fury...any of a number of cheapo hacksaws that pop the blade out in the middle of a job.
And as much as I shudder as I watch even a cheap plastic level fall, nothing's worse than watching the vials and the cheapshyt plastic holders pop out and skitter across the floor.
I have quite a crew of DW drills from 9.6V to 14.4V that have done an enormous amount of work, and my little 14.4V trim saw is a gem since i don't try to use it for framing. <rolleyes> I like my DW bisquit joiner very much. I tried a couple of the DW routers - not mine, thankfully - but the plastic window-guards defeated me.
I have the "new,improved" 18v jig saw, as long as it's a Bosch T-shank blade, it's a sweet saw.
I also have the ( all 18V) sheetmetal shears,circ saw, RT ang.drill, hammer drill, recip saw, angle grinder..light..radio. All work just great.
Recently got the plunge/fixed base router kit..took off the excess plastic junk..so far its a decent set up. Haven't pushed it much tho', my Makita came back to life.
Don't know why so many feel the need to trash the name..I've beat the hell outta my stuff and dropped all of them from rooves and boom lifts, and ladders..all that hapened was I bent the saw base, and DW gave me free fix at a trade show. That's partially why I was there to buy the Radio,,and they threw THAT in for free IF I bought the jigsaw..LOL.."wheelin' and dealin" with the rep.
Got the bisquick jointer too last winter,,my Freud was getting clunky, I sent it to Lil' Andy. The DW is nice enough, 'cept the case is odd..gotta flip the fence to get it packed in.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
You gonna play that thing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0
Alas, i am too wimpy to go for the 18V tools until i make the full-on jump to Li-on or nuclear or whatever is next. I have so many DW batts now that i can't run out of juice anyway. The smaller batts can be used in the larger tools, though not vice-versa. I drilled all the holes for my hoophouse ribs, 1-3/8" in wet PT wood, with the 14.4V drill. Took a few battery changes, but...I had the jigsaw into the shop almost as soon as i got it bec it just froze up. It wouldn't hold a line, no matter what i used for blades, which would wander all over the exit side. I finally gave up and returned it when a piece of cast metal just fell off the nose of it and got the Bosch like any sane person would do. I might have had 20 minutes all told trying to use that thing.I've got to start going to trade shows before gravity is finished having its way with me. If you crusty guys can get the royal treatment...
At the risk of endind up in the tavern, they have fixs for that now!
Nah, i still prefer my Bosch. ;^)
Crusty huh?
I'll remember that.( maybe).Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
You gonna play that thing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0
"Don't know why so many feel the need to trash the name.."They are serviceable and a decent value for most of them.But they do fall just a little short of awe inspiring and combined with their occasional orphan tool, they earn a poor rating in th eoverall department. Just an opinion
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I bought that jigsaw. Drove 60 miles to work afterwards, the quick-change blade wouldn't stay in so I took it apart and used a screwdriver to tighten the blade
A POS for sure.
Anybody who can claim to be right more than 50% of the time is doing pretty good, by my reckoning.
I think if you're right, you're right! Pecking order has to do with recognition of how right you are and how well what is right is accepted. The down side of pecking order is that you can get the bennies of being right when you are wrong as long as you fit in.
I'm also not sure about getting more from real life by what you do than what you say either. In any case, I am not talking about what you say or do. I am talking about being right.
I know that you will often not get respect on this site when you are right. I also know that you will get more respect on this site when folks have an image in their mind of how you fit in.
As I get older, I am more convinced that the world moves by what is said more than by what is done.
Yours has been a sad life to have led you to such a conclusion. You have more value than that.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
It had its ups and downs.
so has my third leg and it isn't complaining.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Stop bragging!
Pecking order and reputation are just facts of life no matter how well merited they may be. We inhabit a world where most relationships are superficial hence perception often trumps reality and style beats substance (is that the same thing?). It gets annoying when one has a competitor who does inferior work and survives on charm causing collateral damage to subs and the reputation of the trades in general.
Moral: Deliver the product but don't forget the sizzle.
I appreciate the pep talk. Egos tend to clash in this line of work. Its been several years and I'm starting to come around. The thing about a chat room is that it could be anyone at the other end of the keyboard. There maybe some kind of club here but thats a bit high school for me. I'm just here to talk shop.
Third vote: Ryobi cordless stapler. Returned it same day as well.
"Egos tend to clash in this line of work."I have said similar before here. This is a site that attracts some of the best of the best.In that, it is our nature to have some ego.Top guns and top dogs in any profession or trade have clashes. Testing by peers helps the cream to rise to the top. And pressure makes diamonds out of coal.We are all still a little sooty.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
On top of the cream is 1% scum, has to be removed for the cream to have any value.
LOL
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
somebody PO'd at ya????
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
My first miter saw was a roybi (you know what I mean :) that was all cast iron, wasn't true, etc. When I bought a new Hitachi I would leave the old one on my trailer but couldn't get anyone to steal it. I finally offloaded it on to a cart at HD and drove off.
Mine would have to be the Stanley #4 bench plane I bought at Lowes. What a piece of $h!+! It was a blessing in disguise though...it made me appreciate and led me to collect vintage planes from an era that appreciated the fine art of hand work. I'd love to hear any more stories of epiphanies such as mine.
Regards,Sean
If you were trying to use that plane straight out of the box, you were setting yourself up for disappointment. Consider most planes as kits- they need some work.
Except for very few planes, most need some tuning up ( known as "fettling") to work well- flatten the sole, sharpen the blade, set the chipbreaker. Getting a replacement blade would be a good idea, too.
With an hour's or two of work, you should have a nice plane.
I know that Shep. I fettled endlessly. Hock replacement blade, lapped the sole, dressed the chipbreaker,etc. etc. etc. Polish a turd and it's still a turd. I have 80+ year old Stanley Bedrocks with a Hock blade and chipbreaker that outperform my Lie Neilsen planes. Point is, they don't make them like they used to. Sean
That is why they are junk! I should not have to finish making a tool before I can use it!! I know its standard practice with this tool!! Still sucks.
Just a DIYer commenting on the tools I bought for my basement remodel:
- Ryobi Circular saw. Has actually lasted years, but during the project the plastic locking nut for the guide broke off. I hate plastic.
- Skil jig saw. Plastic guide is fixed and not adjustable, so has always been on a permanent 87 degree angle. Finally got fed up and replaced it. I hate plastic.
- Firestorm Table saw from Lows. For the price, great...except for the non-standard slots making it impossible to buy miter gauges and other accessories that fit.
- Harbor Freight Brad gun. Yea, this is HF, and it was only $20, but wasn't expecting much. Stared misfiring after 1 day of use. Replaced with a much more expensive, but nicer gun not from HF. Knocking on wood that the HF compressor lasts a while.
- RotoZip. This is actually a GREAT tool. BUT, for the price, and given that I'll likely never use it again, was probably a dumb purchase.
Good luck with that compressor, if its the 6 gallon unit, I'll go ahead and send you roses. You could just go ahead and by a pressure switch from them for when the time comes. Those Rotozips are handy. I bought one at a pawn shop for cheap and used it for a day, put it back it the box thinking I wouldn't need it for a while. I just used it to lower some closet wallboard by 1 3/8" to fit a new ceiling with metal furring strips. I couldn't have been more successful with, say a circular saw, and it left a hand free to hold the shop vac nozzle.
My vote? Black and Decker cordless brad nailer. I saw a carpenter using the Dewalt at a job and just had to have one. I didn't have an extra $400 laying around, but I saw the B&D at Big Lots for $80. I was putting up some moulding with it, and it was sinking those brads pretty good, but then something started to rattle inside the tool. I went ahead and finishid the trim, packed up the gun, and took it straight back to the store for a refund.
I like the Paslode Impulse. I had one glued to my hand about three months hanging blocking at work. No problems out of it whatsoever.
Edited 7/27/2008 11:51 am ET by arcflash
My original black Impulse cost me close to six bills to buy and then I spent another six at least for rebuilds and repairs and she still ain't worth the match it would take to light a fuse to blow it up.Th newer orange ones do fine though when maintained.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Nah, just got the 2 gallon for $50. Knowing it was Harbor Freight, thought I wouldn't chance it with anything over $100. That said, they were just fine with the gun I returned, so I'll give them credit for that.
Mine's one that I think lots of people actually like.
I used to have a Bostich coil framing gun - N80 I think. It was old when I got it in the late '90s and weighed a ton and didn't work well in any position other than upright and those wire-collated nail coils were always getting squished out of shape and I was happy to get a Paslode stick framer when I did.
Amen to the F-150, by the way. Any opportunity to get rid of one of those is a good one.
JT
I'll also throw my hat into the ring for the 99% useless Porter Cable detail sander.
gee, I bought one of those as a gift for a guy.Always wondered why he didn't seem too appreciative and never used it.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Amen to the PC detail sander. I bought that thing for a big job with a lot of moldings to be sanded in a short span of time. It helped, but I have never used it since. Occasionally I stumble across it and and ...
Oh, cripes, no contest: The absolute worst has got to be the ultimate POGG*, the D.S.I. Model TC-180 so-called tile saw. You know, one of those tin shoe-boxes wrapped around a $15 electric motor with a $20 diamond blade bolted to it and a stupid plastic water tray underneath that you can't put in or take out without spilling half the water all over yerself? And a piece of the front fender from a 1953 Ford masquerading as the saw-table? With the compound curves still in it?
Can't believe I actually bought that thing....
__________________________
*POGG=Piece Of Galactic Garbage
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
foolish men call Justice....
never have bought a 'bad' tool <G>
Dewalt cordless recip saw. They should just put a toggle switch on the thing since it only has two speeds--stopped and fast.
Duofast framing nailer. My old partner insisted that his bigtime carpenter friend said these were great. Total POS. Weighed about 30 pounds. My partner had confused Duofast and Bostich.
Dewalt cordless circular saws. I find the trigger safety really irritating. They are totally clunky. Every few months I forget and drag one out for a few cuts, then throw the thing back in the van in disgust.
Then there's the long list of garbage hand tools that are out there. I had to buy a pair of snips at a little hardware store and got some "plymouth forge". Wow. They can be used as a hammer in a pinch, but not snips. Anything "Toolshop" (Menard's carries it). I bought a pack of Toolshop utility knife blades. Unbelievable. The tips would break off in one cut.
I dont know what it is about those DW recip saws. I've destroyed mine (I have two) at least twice per tool with in three years.
I guess they're just cheap tools.
I would have to say a 1970's reconditioned Montgomery Wards circular saw.
All metal body, but a 4" cord sticking out the handle. The guard would sometimes stick on it and when you set it down it would take off.
It got tossed out a second story window and everyone got a good laugh out of it anyway, watching it bounce across the yard.
Right now I would say my Paslode Impulse framing nailer. Its a great tool when it works right, but that doesnt happen too often..
Oh yeah, the Paslode Impulse. Lot of people like 'em, and guys I work with have 'em. Every time I borrow it to say hang subfascia, the damn thing doesn't shoot at the most inopportune moment. Gets me in a murderous rage.
Oh yeah, the Paslode Impulse.
Every time I borrow it to say hang subfascia, the damn thing doesn't shoot at the most inopportune moment. Gets me in a murderous rage.
The way I heard it, Satan gets a royalty payment when you stretch just that last little bit so ya dont have to move the ladder in the ankle deep muck and give that final tiny push with your eyes bugging out of your head and then...................nothing.
And Lucifer gets another nickle for giving the idea to the Paslode engineering dept.Naive but refreshing !
"when you set it down it would take off."
I'm still laughing about that one, I can just picture that thing taking off like a dart.
Ryobi portable table saw. Wasn't the same model FHB just reviewed, mine was a
flimsy peice of poop. Had hesitations when I bought it, and the Ryobi decal didn't fail
to disappoint.
-D
Ive been down that road too, my buddy has bts20 and we use that everyday, its the real deal, so I bought the bts21, because thats what they sold now,total dissapointment not even close.
If they still made the one hes got Id buy 2 of them, It really is a great saw, but the bts21 is absolutly nothing like it, I drove fast to the store to return it
so save me some money. i have the bts20 and have talked about how great of sawit's been for 200.00. so good that i have thought about buying the new 21. looks basiclly like the same saw,i can't believe ryobi would screw up what they had.
so what didn't you like on the new one? larryif a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?
Sorry about the lateness of my post, been real busy, DO NOT BUY THE BTS21. I'm pretty sure its not the same motor, just by the way it felt for couple of hours use it seem weaker. The table has that screwy miter part to it where you can move that part of the table, well that's not even flush with the main part of the table. They changed the way you tilt the blade, doesn't have the handle on the side that you turn to tilt, instead you push the one for the depth in and turn it to tilt the blade. That wasn't too bad but the parts seemed a little weak. Bars for the sideways extension were definitely smaller (hold less weight). Out feed extension was similar. Finally the real kick in the balls was they got rid of the big rubber wheels (made it pretty easy to roll up stairs alone if ya wanted) to small plastic wheels that definitely wouldn't roll up stairs.
It really sucks because that bts20 was only 200 and a real great saw, I would buy two of them right now, the bts21 costs 250!!!!! Unbelievable. I'm sure there were more differences but I've forgotten. Why would they do that? If they continued to make the bts20 and gave it time to let enough people try it I think they would have the saw you would see on 75% of jobsites. I bought the dewalt 716 and got the stand with it for like 320.00 or so on an ebay sale, been pleased but would like the bigger table, extensions, and all in one stand the bts20 had. I tried the Hitachi that cost like 250.00-300.00 -- Don't even get me started on that one, save your money and get dewalt or if you need bigger table and extensions get bosch don't settle theres nothing else out there I already been through them all
I'd have to say that the worst tool I ever bought was a Black and Decker jig saw. Yeah, I know, its almost as bad as harbor freight. I hardly ever use a jig saw, so when I needed one, I just bought the cheapest one I could find locally. It had some sort of quick clamp for the blades. Unfortunately, it didn't clamp nearly enough, and wouldn't hold the blades in at all. You'd cut about an inch and it would pull the blade out.I finally gave up, and used my recip with a short blade.
Cheap wheelbarrows. Ran into the HomeyD and they were cleaned out of everything but the $30 wheelbarrows. It didn't take long before it was dented to hell, the axle was bent, the handle broken, etc. etc. Z
A Sears water wheel grinder. Little thing cost about $35 but was absolutely useless.
Some tile wet saw like what Dinosaur is talking about. POS, I don't even remember the name.
Stanley anti-vibe hammer. New spin on an old tool.
Bosch laminate trimmer.
Bosch 3 hp plunge router...I know I know, ya think it woulda been good for what I paid. POS
No more Bosch routers of any kind for me. Their recip saw and hammer drill-demo hammer is pretty good but Bosch is low on my name list anymore.
yeah that bosch colt router sucks- I've seen switches go bad on pretty new ones, the arbor lock slps, and you can't even fit a wrench in there- seen that happen a couple times. Also noticed on the routers they need to use some loctite or something because all sorts of screws and nuts work themselves loose over time (not a lot of time either)
I have both the bosch and the craftsmen you have.The craftsmen scrollsaw is 44 years ols and still running. I use the craftsmen for flush cutting, sink tops near the backsplash, porch flooring at the siding etc. I replaced the brushes once in all this time.
mike
A shovel.
(I just don't dig it.)
"Historic preservation is an essential part of a civil society; historic buildings form the core assets of many communities, and their restoration is key to neighborhood revitalization. Preservation is an essential part of any conservation-minded approach to human settlements. Historic buildings serve as anchors in time, preserving cultural richness and providing essential lessons for contemporary work." Kevin Pierce
Ba-dump-bump ching !
Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. And I know you know the full story.
Lol...
"Historic preservation is an essential part of a civil society; historic buildings form the core assets of many communities, and their restoration is key to neighborhood revitalization. Preservation is an essential part of any conservation-minded approach to human settlements. Historic buildings serve as anchors in time, preserving cultural richness and providing essential lessons for contemporary work." Kevin Pierce
A tie here.
My Milwaukee "Close Quarter" drill broke on the second hole I tried to drill - followed by a nightmare of a warranty claim. The entire circus inspired my purchase of a Makita "saws-it-all" months later.
Then there was the 'top of the line' trenching shovel I got at HD. I quickly learned how they ensured the handle was 'unbreakable;' the blade itself was as soft as putty. Ditto for the pick I bought there too.
I mean, it's bad enough when you buy an 'economy' tool that turns out to be limited; but when you go out of your way to get 'the best,' and it turns out to be junk, the blood boils.
PC Tiger Cub
spent more time in the shop than on the job, finally left it there
1972 vintage Milwaulkee saw, trigger stuck, guard up toes cut off
old steel 6 1/2 skil saw, adjust the heighth and the thing fell like it was flopping in to pieces
Current Ryobi fold up table saw, fence stays straight when ripping 1 foot lengths of lattice , anything bigger and fence moves
Paslode Impulse, looked at home the day i threw it in the trash
dewalt miter saw stand, wont stay locked for cutting deck picketts
Multi master without quick change blade
Milwaulkee sawzall with allan key
Fiberglass step ladders
vampire electronic anything
fat max tapes
diamond back tool pouch
I purchased a jigsaw for work at home. Laser guide, good motor seemed like a quality tool for what I needed it for...until I used it.
Turns out the locking button is in a perfect position for the majority of the right-handed population. However using the tool left handed engages the locking button and turns the saw into one dangerous weapon. I have to switch hands in order to shut it off.
Good tool/Bad purchase
Jon
Russian saying
toolman,
Amazing how often this name has come up: my worst ever was a Ryobi 8" circular saw.
It balanced badly, howled and shrieked right from the start, had a awkward safety switch, the handle was at just the wrong angle (though not as bad as its predecessor, a Bosch) and its worst crime, the one that really drove me mad, was that the switch had a hollow under it that would pinch my second finger every dam time I pulled the trigger.
That was about 13 years ago, so wherever that saw is, it's been worn out for 10 years or so. I always felt like such a fool when I picked it up and looked over at my partner's Milwaukee he bought about the same time for the same price.
Ron
I had a bright orange B&D DIY type circ saw like that once. I'd had my good one stolen and was too short of cassh fgor somehting better, so I figured it would do for a couple months. I think it cost me $19.95
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Skil jigsaws-right up there with craftsman, black and decker and ryobi...
My dad had a skill jig saw I used as a kid - probably 25 years ago, in fact he had two of them. Of all the cheap tools he had it was the jigs saws I hated with a passion. There was no possible way to keep the base from changing angle as you cut.Despite typically buying good quality tools for myself (often based on recommendations from breaktime), I wondered into the evil orange store looking for a jig saw, and in a fit of cheapness passed over the Bosch for the cheapo skill. I hate it - they still haven't fixed the problem with the base (it seemed to hold it's position in the store). And the worst part is I can't going to buy the Bosch while I have the sort of working skill in the basement and I can't find any enemies to give it too as a cruel joke.
Someone wrote a letter to the editor in the recent FHB and praised the "Radiplane" I have one in the box of $h!t I never I use anymore near the Skil Jigsaw and the 32 OZ framing hammer. That thing chips out whenever the grain changes direction. I use a trim router or a block plane to ease an edge. That Radiplane is a genuine POS.
I have plenty more tools in that box that are nice tools but are just plain obsolete like the yankee screwdriver, the brace and bit and the Sandvic handsaw.
Tweak that plane, I love mine. I also use the old fashioned "corner rounders", sharpen w/ a round file and round away.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
You gonna play that thing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0
"Tweak that [Radi-]plane, I love mine."
Second that. I've about worn mine out. (The brass sole plate is starting to come loose.) One of those hand tools that's usually quicker & easier than pulling out a plug-in substitute.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
there are people out there who still buy brace and bits, yankee drivers and all sorts of obsolete stuff. go to the website for lee valley tools and you'll see.....$75 for screwdriver....$300 for a plane...$600 for a pattern makers vice. i'm not making this up.toolman65
my skil jigsaw was great. But when I got a new wider wider blade it wrecked the quick release mechanism because it was just a hair thicker, now I can only use that blade.
The next level is here.... Turning.