Hand Tools – Page 2 – TOOLANDPROJECT.COM

Hilti is known for their quality powder actuated tools (PAT). The Hilti DX2 is a great all around tool that will fit the bill for most homeowners and contractors. If you are familiar with the Hilti DX350 and appreciate what a real workhorse that tool was, you will love the DX2. This review will give you a brief overview of the tool and help you find a good deal on the tool. You typically won’t find the Hilti DX2 in a big box store. Hilti really gears there business towards contractors. First let’s take a look at the tool and then take a look at how buy one.

Without getting into a bunch of details, let’s take a look at what most users would use the tool for. The most common application for PAT tools is fastening wood to concrete. 2x material to concrete to be specific. There are more trade specific applications but for the homeowner and small contractor, fastening 2×4’s to concrete is the main use. FYI, PAT tools including the Hilti DX2 does a great job of fastening 2x material to I-beams and columns as well. The DX2 is a .27 caliber strip tool. Of course Hilti would prefer you use their loads but the .27 caliber strip loads you find in big box store fit the tool. The tool does not have power adjustment. To adjust power, you use different color loads. Start with green, then move to yellow and finally red until you are setting the nail completely. As for nail size it will handle a 2-1/2” pin with a washer which is perfect for 2×4’s to concrete.

So if you can’t get a DX2 in the big box store, where can you buy one? You may be surprised but Ebay really can be a good place to find them used and even new. I would have no problem buying a used Hilti DX2 online from a reputable seller. You need be a little caution though as some sellers just list tools without even knowing what they are or if they work or not. They may say they work or are in good working order but l have seen more than one PAT that is claimed to be in good working order when it is obviously missing the front of the tool. Check the picture and make sure it is a reputable seller that will stand behind the tool. If the tool comes with some pins and loads that’s a plus. If the tool comes with an extra drive piston, that’s a nice plus as well. You can buy the tool from Hilti and if you do a bunch of shooting, they will likely cut you a better deal. For most of us, we can get a used tool that will serve us for many years at a good price on Ebay.

So there you have it. If you are looking for a quality PAT that is built for everyday use consider the Hilti DX2. Buying one used is a great way to buy a true contractor grade tool that will outlast many of the lower quality tools you may find at the big box stores.

Hilti DX2 Tools On Ebay

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An extension for a drill chuck can mean different things. If you are looking for just an extension for a drill bit, bit tip or nut setter that is one thing. If you are looking for an extension for your drill that has a chuck on the end, well that is something altogether different. The Chuck Extender is an extension pole that is available in 3 different sizes and has all kinds of uses. It’s such a simple tool but one that can be hard to find simply because it may be hard to describe what exactly you are looking for to someone. Hopefully this post will help out.

As mentioned above, the Chuck Extender is an extension pole for your drill. It has a stud on one end that will chuck into your drill and on the other end of the pole is a chuck. So ultimately as the name indicates, it extends the reach of your drill. The tool is available in 3 different sizes. The CE-2 has a fixed 27.5” length and is typically used for drilling holes from above as well as drilling screws from above. This is a great back saver! The CE-6 version is telescopic from 40.5″- 64.5 and the CE-12 extends from 77″ – 139.5″. The longer versions are typically used for overhead work. Because they have the keyless chuck on the end, they are a true drill chuck extension tool. You can chuck in anything you would chuck in your drill.

I have heard of all types of uses for the Chuck Extender extension tool. They include cleaning brushes, magnetic sockets for adding more screws to overhead track, and trailer deck repair. My favorite application and I wish I had a picture, is a customer who was installing a polished DC-3 wing half on end as a chimney for his fireplace. He was going to use the drill chuck extension with a hole saw to drill through the ribs of the wing. By the way if you are reading this and you are that person, send me a picture please!

This is such a neat tool, but it can be hard to find as it really can be hard to search for and find. All three sizes of the Chuck Extender drill chuck extension are currently available here on Amazon. I posted a video below with a nice overview of the tool as well.

If you landed here, you have been searching for .25 caliber disc loads for your Ramset Disc tool. Well, I have some good news and some bad news. First the bad news. Ramset discontinued disc loads years ago. The good news is you can still find some here and there you if know where and what to look for. Many don’t know it but Powers, now owned by DeWalt had a .25 caliber disc PAT tool as well. The Powers P-60 was basically a clone of the popular Ramset D-60 tool. So Powers/DeWalt manufactured disc loads as well. Even though they are not currently making the disc loads, you can also find them here and there. Below you will find a conversion chart so you can see the part numbers for the Ramset and the Powers/DeWalt disc loads. So where can you find them?

Finding the loads for the Ramset Disc tools in the power level you are looking for may take a little patience. I have found ebay a good source. I know, you may hate ebay but this probably is your best bet to find the loads. There may be a few dealers that have a few laying around but sadly you will have a hard time finding someone who even knows that a disc load tool ever existed. I have a few listings below to get you started. Having the Powers/DeWalt part number from the chart above may help you as well. First search for Ramset .25 Disc Loads then maybe try searching the Powers number. The most common you will find is the yellow Powers 50536.

Disc Loads

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Disc Loads

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I would always tell my son while he was growing up, “there is a trick to everything”. A right angle drill attachment is one of those tricks. There are instances where you are fighting so hard to get into a spot to turn a screw or drill a hole that you really would find a right angle attachment will make your life so much easier. There are few different types and styles depending what you are looking to do. Most are a true 90 degree right angle and you will even find some that have a flexible shaft. You will also find them in a few different sizes for lack of a better term. Here are a few considerations.

You will find some right angle drill adapters or attachments are quite small. While your first thought maybe the smaller the better for tight areas, you may want to consider how you will hold on to the attachment to keep it from spinning. One of my favorites over all is the DeWalt right angle drill attachment part number DWARA120. It is small enough to get in tight places but has enough of a body to hold on to. It is built well and will stand up to your impact driver. It is one of the top sellers. You can find larger and smaller units to suite you application. There are really so many to choose from. I always start with what I really want and start working backwards. I always seem to have expensive taste. Just do yourself a favor and spend a few minutes to see what is out there to make sure you find something that will do the job for you.

Most of the right angle drill attachments you see are designed to accept bit tips or a magnetic socket which is great if you are using the tool to drive screws and nuts. If you want to drill consider a right angle chuck attachment that has a standard chuck on it. As this is typically used for drilling applications, you may want to consider a unit with a side handle especially if you are drilling larger holes or using a hole saw.

As a right angle drill attachment is a “problem solver”, you will note most of the reviews are very positive across the selection. Most of the time right angle attachments are bought for a specific application, used once or twice and then spend most of their time in the bottom of the tool box. If you are going to use the adapter on a regular basis, by all means, spend a little more and shop a little more.

Should I just buy a right angle drill? Well that’s a good question. Most of the major tool suppliers make corded and cordless right angle drills. Every plumber and electrician likely has a few on his truck. Many cabinet makers and installers usually have a dedicated right angle drill. If you already have a cordless drill, you can likely buy a right angle drill body without any batteries and charger for a reasonable price and then you are set. Either way a right angle drill attachment is one of those little tools that you may not use often but when you do you will be glad you have it!

The Wera adjustable wrench may be dismissed at first glance by some as just another gimmicking one size do it all tool. All of us have adjustable spanner wrenches in our tool boxes and we sometimes have a love hate relationship with them. After getting my hands on the Wera adjustable wrench I can tell you that you will love these tools. Read on and see why.

The Wera adjustable wrench is part of the Joker series, part number 6004. How can a spanner wrench that is self-adjusting be anything more than a gimmick sold on late night TV. Again, until you try it you won’t believe it. While most adjustable spanner wrenches are somewhat sloppy by design, the Wera self-adjusting wrench clamps on to the nut and actually tightens even more as you apply pressure. You will have no slop what so ever like you have with a typical spanner. Some people will tell you an adjustable wrench is a good way to round nuts. I really don’t think you will have that happen with the Wera tool!

The Wera adjustable wrench comes in 6 sizes: XS (7-10mm 1/4″-3/8″), S (10-13mm 7/16″-1/2″), M (13-16mm 1/2″-5/8″), L (16-19mm 5/8″-3/4″), XL (19-24mm 3/4″-15/16″) and XXL (24-32mm 15/16″-1 1/4″). The wrenches are also available in a four piece set that comes with an XS, S, M, & XL joker wrench. I think this is the best buy but then again I love sets. I seem to loose fewer tools if I have a set with a holder.

Wera tools are top quality tools period. You can feel the quality in the “heft” of the tool. These things are very well engineered and finished. I had opportunity to meet with the Wera rep and I just couldn’t get over the feel of the tools. You know quality when you hold it in your hand. Every tool he showed me just screamed quality. Well then if they are so good, what is the warranty? Well the warranty is very simple, it’s a lifetime warranty. If you have never heard of Wera tools, you can learn more about them here.

Well, you can ask that question on just about any given tool and get a variety of answers. The Wera Joker 6004 series of adjustable wrenches may be a little more than a standard quality adjustable wrench but they really are a totally different concept. Give them a try I think you will find them a great addition to your tool box. Check the video below for more info on the tool.

The adjustable Joker 6004 covers all Imperial and Metric sizes within it’s size range
Automatic and continuous grip of hex bolts and nuts
Lever mechanism while grabbing avoids slipping and damage
Fast and consistent fastening without removing the wrench thanks to the mechanical ratchet action
Return angle of only 30 degrees by placement in the corner-width rectangular prisms in the mouth

If you are looking for a really good quality bit set, remember you get what you pay for! That is especially true of drill bits. If you search amazon you will see a ton of drill bit indexes so how do you know which is a good one? One line that I can vouch for is Norseman. They also produce Viking drill bit sets and indexes. The bits are made in the USA, in my home state of MN. I have been selling tools and fasteners to the trades for 25 plus years and have moved a bunch of bits. Believe me, they let us know fi something isn’t up to their standards. Norseman has always been our choice for quality drill bits and indexes.

My favorite bits are the Norseman Type 190AG bits. These are what Norseman calls their super premium black and gold bit. These are simply an excellent bit that holds up well and features a 135 degree split point that keeps the bit from wandering at start up. The type 190AG series is what is considered a jobbers length bit which is most common. Shorter versions of the bit are also available.

There are a few different bit sets or indexes available. You will find a 21 piece that ranges in sizes from 1/16” to 3/8” by 64ths. This set is in a metal index. The 29 piece set goes from 1/16” to ½” by 64ths. This set is available in a metal index or in a plastic index. To me the plastic index is the only way to go. Unlike the metal indexes, the bits are easy to slide in and out and the index never rusts or dents. It also seals up tight to keep moisture out of the set.

You can find cheaper bits online but you are looking for the best quality bits or you likely wouldn’t be here reading this post! I embedded a video below showing the Norseman Type 190AG bit drilling through a grade 8 bolt. Now this may not be your typical application but you get the point. One word of caution when searching on Amazon for Norseman bit sets. You will see sponsored ads that pop up with showing very similar bits. If you want a quality drill bit set, stick to the Norseman and Viking drill bit indexes.

Special Hi-Molybdenum tool steel.
135° split point for fast penetration and accurate starting without a center punch.
Precision ground point, body, clearance and drill diameter for the ultimate in accuracy and performance.
Body and clearance are gold surface treated for maximum lubricity.
Drills are heat treated at 2185° F and then nitro-carburize finished at 950° F to be measurably harder than high speed steel.
Space aged nitro-carburized steel withstands substantially higher drilling temperatures while maintaining sharpness.
Recommended for use in work hardening grades of stainless steel and other hard metal drilling applications.

What is a stud ball magnetic stud finder? Well the name says it all. The stud ball magnetic stud finder from Rack-A-Tiers is simply a powerful magnet with 27 lbs of pull encased in a rubber holder that you dangle on the wall until it finds a nail or screw head to stick to. It can find the screw head in drywall up to 5/8” thick and plywood up to ¾” thick. Most drywall screws are only ¼” deep so even if covered with drywall mud in a joint, the magnetic ball stud finder will grab them.

I have used battery powered stud finders and I have used the stud ball. The first thing I like, and it’s fairly obvious is that no batteries are required. Usually when I need a stud finder, it’s not something I plan on. Usually it takes me longer to find the stud finder than it does to use it! Well when I find it, the batteries may or may not be good. I have a stud finder that is battery operated and it does have a nice feature to help me find live wires but when I find it and if the batteries are good, I have to remember how to use it! And then I don’t always trust it. With a magnetic ball stud finder, it’s always on always calibrated and it is fool proof. It sticks to the metal and it does it now. As for finding the stud finder, I actually just stick it on my metal rack in my garage. I see it every day. Mine is red so it’s even easier.

You can check the video below, it’s pretty simple. If you have trouble with a magnetic ball stud finder, well, you maybe should put that saw down partner. Simply dangle the tool until it grabs a nail or screw head. You can then make a mark and transfer the mark up the wall with a level. I had a situation where I used the tool in a demo project. I wanted to take the drywall out in big sheets rather than just breaking it out. I cut the tape joints in the corner and ceiling and used the tool to find the screws and back them out, removing big chunks of drywall for a little less clean up.

The magnetic ball stud finder from Rack-A-Tiers is a simple little gadget that you will appreciate for years to come. It will always work and it’s always on! There are times when you need a more complicated stud finder but this Is a great little tool you won’t regret buying.

The Klein Flip Socket System at least one thing in common with all Klein products, quality! The flip socket system is really a great idea and the Klein version is top quality. Let’s take a quick look at what it is and some of the advantages of the system. The basic set up is the Klein Tools 32900 Impact Driver, 7-in-1 Impact Flip Socket Set. There are other sets available that may be better suited to your application with bigger sockets. Individual sockets are also available so if you do loose one you can replace it. The basic set has the driver, bit holder and three double end sockets. You end up with 6 socket sizes, 1/4″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″ and 1/2″ so you have a nice range. The smallest size, 1/4″ doubles as a bit tip holder. I embedded the factory video below, check it out. Below that you will find a review of what I like about the set up.

There are a few things that I really appreciate about the Klein flip socket system. The quality mentioned above is a given with Klein. These are solid 6 point sockets that will hold up even when used with your impact driver. Besides being able to flip the socket and having the next size up driver right there, removing the socket allows you to clean the metal shavings out of the socket. If you set many self drilling screws, you know it doesn’t take long to get the socket full of shavings. I am a big fan of the color coding as well for the different sizes. The fact that all of the sockets are stored on the bit holder is a bit plus. The fact that you can stack them on the shaft in any order is just plain smart! To use the sockets on an impact driver, just pull the bit holder out of the handle and place it in the driver.

Really the better question here is “who wants the Klein Flip Socket?” Many of Klein tools are made for the electrical trades. The flip socket has so many applications. I can’t think of many building tradesman that couldn’t find a use for the tool. Beyond that I can see having one of these in my glove box, in the boat, in the top drawer of my tool chest and maybe one in my garden shed. To have all of the sockets together in one place is just so handy. The price point for the basic set is very reasonable so it makes a great gift as well.