How is everyone doing? (6 Viewers)

[Megadoomer]

HF is good for a few things. That 1 off project you want to try but not invest a ton in tools, or an extra set of tools that you put in the rig instead of your garage gear. They are good for abrasives and consumables. There are a few things that I have got from them that was really impressed with. When my Lincoln stopped turning on I got a Vulcan welder. It is big faster stronger than the Lincoln was and for the same price 10 years ago. I also see those guys on utoob using that apex winch for hours and hours in the desert and it doesn't seem to have any problems. So over all I guess I am a fan.

 

[120mm]

HF is good for a few things. That 1 off project you want to try but not invest a ton in tools, or an extra set of tools that you put in the rig instead of your garage gear. They are good for abrasives and consumables. There are a few things that I have got from them that was really impressed with. When my Lincoln stopped turning on I got a Vulcan welder. It is big faster stronger than the Lincoln was and for the same price 10 years ago. I also see those guys on utoob using that apex winch for hours and hours in the desert and it doesn't seem to have any problems. So over all I guess I am a fan.

My Vulcan mig welder is better than any rig I've used.

 

[archie73]

HF is good for a few things. That 1 off project you want to try but not invest a ton in tools, or an extra set of tools that you put in the rig instead of your garage gear. They are good for abrasives and consumables. There are a few things that I have got from them that was really impressed with. When my Lincoln stopped turning on I got a Vulcan welder. It is big faster stronger than the Lincoln was and for the same price 10 years ago. I also see those guys on utoob using that apex winch for hours and hours in the desert and it doesn't seem to have any problems. So over all I guess I am a fan.

I had a derby friend recomend the Badlands(Apex ?) winches. He had to pull the car(s) on the trailer after every event in very bad condition. Never had a problem. I was preparing to buy one when I lucked into my Warn 8724. I run a 1500# atv badlands on my trailer for my other project. Winch is good, remote is garbage.

 

[61twpw]

Been working on making our Sprinter van a tiny home on wheels. Got it close enough to take a trip to Cortez Colorado to see the annular eclipse. Working out well so far. Most folks would do a maiden voyage somewhere close, but not us.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Man, that's awesome! Keep at it.

 

[PabloCruise]

Before it died, Sears/Craftsman was no better than HF and had worse customer service to boot

Well, I still have my Craftsman hand tools I bought in junior high, so I might have to agree to disagree with you on that one!

 

[PabloCruise]

Been working on making our Sprinter van a tiny home on wheels. Got it close enough to take a trip to Cortez Colorado to see the annular eclipse. Working out well so far. Most folks would do a maiden voyage somewhere close, but not us.

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Enjoy the show!

 

[120mm]

Well, I still have my Craftsman hand tools I bought in junior high, so I might have to agree to disagree with you on that one!

You missed my point. The last few years of Sears Craftsman, they were slinging s***ty, cheap tools that just didn't measure up to the old standards.

Unless you are 15 years old, your junior high Craftsman hand tools were of the old, good variety.

I own some older Craftsman that are better than new Snap-On.

 

[scrapdaddy]

You missed my point

I got it and like Pablo, I was collecting Craftsman tools since my brother bought me a tool box in 1966. Craftsman tools were the working man's tools. I'll never forget the feeling I had buying my first set of wrenches. Times changed and Craftsman tools went down the crapper. I need to buy some replacement sockets that have walked off and leaning towards Williams tools.

 

[J Mack]

leaning towards Williams tools.

My Snap-on set of screwdrivers was starting to show it's age and I needed to get a second set so I bought some Williams ( Same as Snap-on for those that don't know) and I have worn the tips in just a week or so of use. A friend of mine is friends with the one of the local Snappy dealers and took my #2 Phillips to get new blades and I have worn both out again in a very short time. The original #2 Phillips lasted 35 years I've gone through the next 4 in two months.


I've recently been on a buy USA kick and found channel lock screw drivers are US made and bought several and so far they are great.
CHANNELLOCK®: High-Quality Hand Tools Made to Last - https://channellock.com/

I also just bought a set of US Made Wright tools wrenches to replace an aging set and they are also great. They make sockets too.

Premium wrenches, ratchets, sockets and attachments | Made in the USA | Wright Tool

Wright forges the most proven and highest quality wrenches, ratchets, sockets and attachments.

www.wrighttool.com

If you really want to treat yourself to something special buy at least one set of the US made "Malco Eagle Grip Curved Jaw Locking Pliers"

Malco Products Locking Pliers at AcmeTools.com

Malco Products Locking Pliers available online at Acme Tools. Acme Tools is the premier Malco Products authorized online retailer. Shop the best selection of Malco Products Locking Pliers today.

www.acmetools.com

 

[scrapdaddy]

I've got an old Wright set of 3/4 drive sockets, rachet, etc. I think I bought them at a estate sale, they work great when needed. I didn't know Channellock even made screwdrivers.

 

[J Mack]

I didn't know Channellock even made screwdrivers.

They even make bottle openers to open your Bud!

Phillips, Slotted, and Torx Screwdrivers | CHANNELLOCK®

Explore screwdrivers including slotted, torx, multi bit, and phillips drivers from Channellock for the precision and power you need for any job.

channellock.com

 

[scrapdaddy]

I got that covered ( Made in USA )

 

[bobm]

Explains it!!!!

 

[61twpw]

I still have a few of my dad’s craftsman wrenches. Had them over 50 years and they’re still great. Trip to see the annular eclipse went great. Went 2180 miles in 5 days for an average of 23.1 mpg average. Not bad for a brick going 60-70 mph. Spent a night on BLM land near the Arkansas river.

 

[scrapdaddy]

So, the van is something you guys can travel with pretty good? Any additional upgrades to it in the future?

 

[Pigeaten]

Mileage a little better than my pig!

 

[Ol Yeller]

Kids are old enough to stay behind so Mrs and I did the fall ranch trip to help M&D with some chores before they drain the water and head home, amazingly warm for the week after our Thanksgiving…I was in a shirt most afternoons.

My brother came up for a day to spend his 55th B day with us so we got on the bikes a bit too.

 

[61twpw]

Any additional upgrades to it in the future?

Before the stroke, my wife had bought 2 100w solar paneis and a 1000 w inverter. Was for a garden shed we were working on. I had an old 4’x5’ Conifer roof rack. Cut it in half and building a roof rack for the solar panels. Also building some steps for easier entry and exit. The trip gave me ideas how to tweak interior to be easier for her to get around. Should be working on the pig, but feel our time together is running out.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Should be working on the pig

The pig can wait, you're doing right.