Favorite Hand Tools in the Shop

Peter Atwood

Peter Atwood

Joined
Oct 26, 2000
Messages
2,468
Everybody has small tools that they are used to using and are attached to. Even if it sometimes isn't the best tool for the job, it's the one you love! For me, I think my favorite tool is an old pair of German pliers. They have smooth jaws so they don't leave teeth marks and they are just wicked handy. Other than that, I would say my French Locksmith hammers run a close second.

What are some of your favorites? Pics please! :)
 
I never really thought about it, and whether they're my favorite, I don't know, but I use the heck out of a couple of old 'chest drills'.

They are very handy, have no cords getting in the way, and I use them for many small drilling jobs.

I like them. :D
 
Hey Peter just finished watching your video for the second time, and it is OUTSTANDING!! After building slipjoint & Lockbacks for several years I am ready for something new. If only there would have been something like this for folders when I started way back there.:D



Glenn Dykes
Louisiana



Any of you guys want GREAT information on framelocks get his video !
 
Well, I wasn't going to post this but since Mike mentioned chest drills I figured it would qualify.

Last year I converted my electric floor stand drill press to a hand crank model. It's an old drill but it had seen very little use. I've cut myself a few times on that electric one and busted more bits than who'd have thought. I just love that hand crank drill! It has the auto click advance notched wheel and arm and manual advance mode as well. One notch for steel, two for non-ferrous and hard plastic and three for wood and other soft material. And it has the same advance depth as the electric model.

Since I started using this hand crank drill press I haven't busted the first bit. And there's no chance of dying the death of a thousand cuts when a bit gets stuck in a knife tang while drilling the pin holes. If the bit hangs all I have to do is stop and reverse the drill by turning the handle the other way. Try that with an electric drill! It also has an automatic speed control built right into it. If you want to drill fast, you turn the handle fast. The thing works on mind control! He he.

Anyway, if you think I'm goofy you should try one out yourself. It absolutely revolutionized my drilling process.
 
Hey that is agreat Idea. I have 2 old Dawn 500 bench drills. They have a hand winder and a hand screw for the top. I broke a 1/16 drill going through the edge of a guard today with the electric brill press. Theold hand winde may have been the answer
I will try one day. But back to the thread I think my favourit tool is acutally a little oil can I got for a present. I had wanted one for years. I also have a favourigte 32 oz hammer.
 
Hand crank drill presses! I've never seen one but I like the idea. After all, the slower the drill speed the better the bits cut. Nifty!

Glen, glad you like the video! Tell us about your favorite tools in the shop. ;)
 
I have some Nicholson Black Diamond 6" half round bastard files that are so handy and cut like crazy. Unless I'm draw filing a blade I generally reach for these little files even when a bigger file might be more appropriate. With the wooden handle it has a nice balance in the hand too. I really like all of my files however.
 
Man do I feel low tech. I have a whole coffee can full of 3 cornered files. Some have been modified to safe edge, some thinned but most are stock and I use them every day!:confused:
 
Cresant brand locking pliers (small). You can unlock them by pulling up on the lever instead of pushing. I bought them several years ago at a building supply store and have never seen anymore since. Orginally had four but lost one set on the tractor the other day.
 
I have an old wooden handled 4 lb. sledge type solid copper hammer that hangs in my shop. When things aren't going right, I look at the hammer for a while and relax, then have a go at it again. The hammer would be a "final solution" to a difficult piece or part. P.S.,I have not used it, yet.
 
Spring loaded center punch,if I lost it would have to close the shop till I got another one.
 
I am trying to build the small shop up so as to elimanate as many hand tools needed as possible. Right now it would be between my files and the dremel, for buffing tight spots. Before too long I hope to have a Fordom for more than just buffing. Then that, I hope, will be my favorite.

RL
 
My favorite tool is my Starrett Model C316R Flexible 12" Rule. I love the way it fits in my hands. It reads 32nds and 64ths on one side, and 50ths and 100ths on the other. INDISPENSIBLE!
 
Well the most used tool for me is a set of dial calipers my (now ex) brother-in-law gave me.

They are hardly ever back in the case. I'm constantly using them to line up and space pin holes, measure drill bits, scribe parallel lines, check consistency on edge thickness, mark the center line, .....

Second would be the old dish towel over a cheap rubber door mat I use for a work surface. There is something about clearing the bench, shaking out the towel, replacing it, and smoothing it out, just before I start the finishing work. Just feels like all is right with the world.


Steve
 
I have a black walnut handled scribe that I made using and old chaisaw file and my shop knife is a chisel ground blade that resembles a big X acto knife. It is about 3.5inces overall and sees almost as much use as the Bader BIII :) It is for me the ultimate epoxy clean up tool.
 
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