Reviews by AdamO

AdamO says "Good value for occasional use splitting chores" about Steele Steele 5 Ton Capacity, 1500 Watt Log Splitter

AdamO — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:32:17 GMT

This tool is very similar to many other Lawn & Garden electrical tools.

You are going to get a lot more work done, over a longer period of time, than attempting to split the same volume of wood armed with just a splitting maul.

An electric tool also has advantages of speed over a manually "pumped" hydraulic splitter.

This tool is basically ready to go, with a quick connection to a near-by electrical outlet.

If you have a "wood lot" then you will eventually be going gasoline engine powered hydraulic splitter.

But, this model electric splitter is an excellent intermediate use tool.

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AdamO says "I finally found one on Sears.com" about Armstrong 3/4 to 1/2 inch Adaptor

AdamO — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:58:38 GMT

First off, Sears/Craftsman carries all SORTS of socket drive size adaptors.

You got your 3/8 to 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch to 3/8 inch, 1/4 to 3/8, 3/8 to 1/2, 1/2 to 3/4 and as Murphy would have it - no Craftsman 3/4 to 1/2 inch adaptor.

Guess what size Customers come in, almost like clockwork for?

3/4 inch drive female - down to 1/2 inch male adaptors...

I found an Armstrong Industrial tool adaptor, right on Sears.com for only $18.99.

It's a fairly heavly little monster.

Like all adaptors that adapt "down-ward", there are some natural dangers of snapping off of the smaller male bit from the adaptor.

The Armstrong adaptor is clever enough to stamp in the torque limit of 395 FT-LBS for its big adaptor.

This means use a Break-Loose-Bar (that Sears sells) and NOT an impact wrench with the shiny adaptor.

I highly recommend the ordering of this tool for people that need the toughness of a 3/4 inch drive ratchet or BLB on a BIG sized 1/2 inch drive socket.

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AdamO says "Must have accessory" about Range Kleen Reach and Sweep Appliance Brush

AdamO — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:41:38 GMT

One of these long-reach appliance brushes is one of the few preventative maintenance things a fridge owner can do.

Although there are very few refrigerators with "coils in the back" any more, the coils have simply moved to underneath most of the units.

The coils now occupy less space and are closer to the dusty ground than every before.

With two dogs, not even the yearly Preventative Maintenance check our Master Protection Agreement gives us, will probably not be enough to keep the unit running at full efficiency.

So, I got the brush at a nearby Sears store - for under $5.

There are multiple pictures of brushes on the product description bio - But, it comes with just the one brush (all you need).

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AdamO says "This adapter was NOT easy to find" about Armstrong 3/4 to 1/2 inch Adapter

AdamO — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:54:33 GMT

Craftsman carries a large variety of sizes of socket adapters.

You got your 1/4 to 3/8, 3/8 to 1/2, 1/2 to 3/4, 1/2 to 3/8, 3/8 to 1/4 Craftsman adapters.

However, someone did not include the 3/4 to 1/2 inch adaptor in the Craftsman line.

Thanks to Sears.com and the Armstrong Industrial Hand Tool line of tools, there is the Armstrong 13-951 adapter - at only $18.99.

I have had numerous Customers looking for this size, including... me.

So, I was very excited to find, order and receive the tool from Sears.com.

It seems the Craftsman 3/4 inch drive Break-Loose-Bar is quite a bit more cross-sectionally substantial than the same length 18 inch long, 1/2 inch drive BLB, giving the owner of a 3/4 inch drive tool, this adapter and a 1/2 inch drive set of socket just a little... more power to remove those "stubborn" fasteners.

Will it hold up?

Well, stamped right on the tool is the torque limit of 395 FT-LBS.

So, Pneumatic tool use would be a no-no and it will take quite a length of pipe to get...

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AdamO says "An old pattern is back in a modern form" about Craftsman Dog Bone Wrenches

AdamO — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:52:30 GMT

Craftsman Dog Bone wrenches have been sought after collectible and user tools for several decades, often bringing in **** prices of over $100 each.

The wrench is basically an eight-sized wrench, with two rotatable heads - hence the Dog Bone reference.

The original wrench pattern was available in the fractional sized head, with 12 point socket openings, using the standard-finish/ raised panel handle design.

Enter, early this year, the NEW metric and fractional Craftsman, highly-polished, 6 point socket opening Dog Bone wrenches - for only $19.99 each!

These are very handy tools, set up several store displays using them, to own and are collectible tools from the moment you buy/give them.

Like most Craftsman Mechanics' Hand tools; they're lifetime warranted.

The rotating heads allow the sockets to be used in either a right-angle standard socket wrench configuration or the sockets can be rotated in such a way as to use them as really BIG nutdriver tools.

These tools would make fantastic additions...

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AdamO says "I found this in the Holiday Virtual Tool Wishbook" about Woodpeckers Mini Square

AdamO — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:15:53 GMT

It was a LOT of effort to find this item in a non-paper/ virtual Sears Holiday tool catalog.

But, the effort was worth it.

This tool is used for check the "square" of small items, like chisel blades or circular saws to their tables.

It is US made of red anodized aluminum.

Which means, you can not damage sharp edged or carbide tipped tools you're checking for squareness.

It is only 1-1/8 x 2 inchs, on the inside of the square.

It has a relieved inside corner, that will not damage chisel blade corners, while being checked.

Sears number 00980752000 is only $22.99 for a tool that aids your other tools in being accurate.

It's also small enough and decoratively colored enough to be used as an ornament, during the holiday season.

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AdamO says "Should accompany every Drill/Driver" about Craftsman 3 pc. Screw-Out Damaged Screw Remover Set

AdamO — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:40:10 GMT

These Screw Out tools are fantastic!

If there is anything left of the screw head, one of these tools has an excellent chance of backing out the damaged screw.

The important things is to start at low RPM/ high torque, with a good amount of pressure to keep the sharp tip from slipping in the damaged screw head.

This tool can even be used in a simple hex-driver/hand spinner tool.

Anyone who uses a Drill/Driver to install screws should own one of these sets of bits to remove the few inevitable damaged screws.

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AdamO says "Sears has got BOTH sizes" about Gator Grips Universal Socket

AdamO — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:40:10 GMT

The Sears store is carrying both sizes of Gator Grip sockets.

Although I like using the correct socket for the job, I can certainly see how the spring-loaded pins in the Gator Grip Sockets would be very useful in removing odd-shaped or slightly damaged fasteners.

They also look like some fantastic gift idea tools.

What's that?

It's my Gator Grip socket. You got one?

No...

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AdamO says "I love my Weber kettle" about Weber 741001 22-1/2&#34 One-Touch Silver Kettle Charcoal Grill

AdamO — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:40:10 GMT

I've had my Weber kettle grill for some time, with no serious wear to the finish.

They're still made here in the US of A.

Now, they're available in "colors".

I find my basic black original quite nice.

Two great accessories that can be added are a charcoal Chimney lighter (lost some arm hair with the lighter fuel approach) and a set of Craftsman BBQ tools.

I found a great way to increase the longevity of one's BBQ tools - take'm off a the grill when you're done and bring them INSIDE the home.

I got my BBQ tools hang'n off the end of one of my workbenches.

You can even get a replacement top grill screen from the Sears stores.

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AdamO says "Wish I had these years ago" about Craftsman Bolt-Out Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set

AdamO — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:40:09 GMT

I used to do damaged fastener removal jobs constantly, while doing direct support as an Army Machinist.

There have been some really ground-breaking extraction tools introduced by Sears/Craftsman over the last few years.

Everyone is probably familiar with the drill a hole in the broken fastener type Ezy-outs.

These new Bolt-Out sets are GREAT for removing the not quite completely gone fastener heads.

The basic bolt-out set comes in an organizer case with 5 bolt-out tools supplied.

There is room in the case for 5 MORE additional bigger, smaller, in-between size bolt outs, that come as an auxillary set, hanging right near the basic set.

These tools are worth their weight in gold, when you have ONE... ruined fastener head - that even a 6 point socket wont get a grip on.

Of course, once the bolt out is "used" on a fastener, it's time to get a replacement fastener (already needing to be done anyway).

Highly recommended and an excellent gift item.

Man! I wish I had access to these kind of extraction...

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AdamO says "A fantastic specialty tool" about Dead On Exhumer

AdamO — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:37:29 GMT

The Dead On company is one of those companies that can take an average product and turn it into something new and special to own.

Who would believe that another Pry-bar would be "needed"?

However, this specialized "Cats Paw" tool not only pry's out stubborn nails, but has a special punch feature that clears the wood away from the stuck nail, has a socket for your circular saw AND a bottle cap opener for... Lunch time refreshments.

This makes a wonderful tool gift for anyone that likes dead-pan humor.

Dead On tool that Exhumes stubborn nails - buried in wood.

LOL!

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AdamO says "A Craftsman camo bag" about Craftsman 16 in. Tool Bag, Camouflage

AdamO — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:37:28 GMT

I got this rubber-bottomed camo bag at a nearby Sears store.

What a unique design.

I wish I had one of these when I was in the Army. That metal tool box was heavy, when empty.

Only thing is, if you use it outside, ehh... don't put it down too close to ground cover.

Sometimes its a bit hard-to-find.

The rubber-bottom takes away any fear of outside moisture soaking into the bottom of the back, while being used outside.

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AdamO says "Love these folding utility knives" about Craftsman Craftsman Folding Utility Knife

AdamO — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:00:57 GMT

These folding utility knives have been so useful to me to use over the years with Sears.

I've bought just about every model knife Craftsman has come out with.

I didn't realize HOW MUCH I liked these knives, until I organized all the knives I had laying around the house to one of my tool storage cabinet drawers.

Long story - short. They all "didn't fit" in just one drawer.

OK. A tool fanatic working in a tool department is like an alcoholic working in a liquor store.

But, I've used virtually every model of folding utility knife Craftsman has sold.

So, I highly recommend the use of these knives.

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AdamO says "Great for quick jobs" about Craftsman 15 in. Fine 12 Pt. Carpenter Handsaw with Soft Grip Handle

AdamO — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:57:24 GMT

This kind of tool is ideal for quick cut-off jobs, that don't require a power tool.

The short 15 inch length makes this saw an excellent choice for fitting in one's standard tool box.

The comfort-grip handle material is a new feature and will hopefully pass the test of time.

The induction-hardened teeth will stay sharp far longer than a conventional soft-toothed handsaw's teeth.

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AdamO says "Great tool sharpener" about Craftsman 21513 1/3 hp Electric Belt/Disc Sander (21513)

AdamO — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:43:39 GMT

I use my Craftsman sander for restoring old woodworking tools and creating the occasional custom tool.

The belt does a great job of quickly and efficiently leveling mushroomed chisel sockets and reshaping bevel angles on cutting edges, without burning the tool's cutting edge.

Using a belt, or the disk, I can shape flat or convex ground edges for doing tough cutting jobs.

The bench grinders are limited to hollow-ground edges.

Belt change is quick and easy.

This tool is quite a bit more powerful than another belt sander, I once owned (stolen).

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AdamO says "A must have for any MTS kit." about Craftsman Break Loose Bars

AdamO — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 06:01:55 GMT

A long time ago, Sears sold sockets with Break Loose Bars (Breaker bars, Flex-T handles) and the ratchets were purchased SEPARATELY.

Now, the ratchets come with the kits, and the Break-Loose-Bars do NOT.

This is unfortunate for the ratchets and down right painful for many home Mechanics' knuckles.

A simple solution is to include the purchase of a 3/8 and 1/2 inch Break-Loose-Bar with the purchase of about any Craftsman Mechanics' Tool Set (MTS).

Most of the time, the two tools can simply be added to the tool tray of many kits, waiting for use on the tough to loosen fasteners, that eventually end up stripping ratchet teeth.

What are tough fasteners?

Just about anything that's seen one of them Pneumatical Impact Wrench tools, that the Professional Mechanics really love to use.

The tools are sold individually at Sears stores and on the Internet, carrying the same lifetime warranty as the sockets and ratchets.

Sears is up to about the fourth generation of these type of tools and they're TOUGH.

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AdamO says "More powerful than my older Sears charger" about DieHard 10/2/50 Amp Automatic Battery Charger

AdamO — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:30:53 GMT

I used this Craftsman battery charger to both charge my riding tractor's battery and to initially give the tractor a 50 amp jump start.

It has more than enough power to charge an automobile battery, maybe even my old International Step Vans battery!

The pulsing needle, as with the older Sears charger, gave me an idea of what "rate" the battery was being charged at.

It was very nice to see an analog meter being used approapriately in a new piece of equipment.

I expect this charger to be with me, for many years to come.

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AdamO says "Good tool cleaner" about simple green All Purpose Cleaner

AdamO — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:23:25 GMT

I used Simple Green to soak and clean returned Craftsman ratchets for years, while working as a store PMT (Preventative Maintenance Technician).

It works real good and doesn't have flammability issues, being water/soap based, that using other solvents can often involve.

It can get years of grime off of the old tools.

Highly recommended.

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AdamO says "This is a good 1st size Ball Pein hammer" about Craftsman 12 oz. Ball Pein Hammer

AdamO — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 06:11:55 GMT

Craftsman carries (4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32) six sizes of wooden-handled Ball Pein hammers.

The Ball Pein hammers are used for striking other metal tools, like punches and chisels.

A good general purpose size of Ball Pein hammer would be this 12 oz'r.

Once the owner gets a good feel for using their 12 oz BP hammer, they can go either down in weight for more delicate work or UP for the Get'r Done jobs.

Highly recommended.

I've had mine since, err... 8th grade?

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AdamO says "Very good mallet" about Craftsman Dead Blow Hammer

AdamO — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 06:00:40 GMT

Craftsman Dead-blow Mallet

This type of no rebound mallet is an excellent assembly tool.

It delivers a good solid blow, with no rebound and doesn't marr delicate surfaces.

Craftsman offers this tool in 1, 2 and 3 pound head sizes.

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