A reader tipped us off about what looks to be a new USA-made Harbor Freight Icon pry bar.

This new Icon 58″ pry bar with curved tip clearly says “USA” right on its handle, although the online product listing does not talk about this at all.

I reached out to Harbor Freight, asking them to confirm that this new pry bar is made in the USA, and whether additional sizes or styles are planned, but have not yet heard back.

Harbor Freight has been steadily expanding their Icon line of professional mechanics tools, but this would be the first I know of to be labeled as being made in the USA.

They don’t actually say that it’s made in the USA, but “USA” labeling is usually indicative of this. Or rather, I don’t know any tools that are labeled with “USA” that aren’t made here.

Given the $99.99 pricing, it could very well be produced in the USA.

The Icon looks a lot like the Mayhew Dominator Pro 58″ curved pry bar, which can be purchased for ~$96.

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Leatherman’s hugely popular Wave+ multi-tool is on sale right now, with a $20 discount bringing the price down to $99.95 with free shipping.

The Wave+ features 18 tools and functions, and in a relatively compact package that can be carried on your belt, in your pocket, or tool bag, or stored in a junk drawer, vehicle, or cabinet.

I’m most a fan of the Wave+ one-handed locking knife blade, flattened 1/4″ hex screwdriver bit holder (additional bits and standard adapters are available), combo-style pliers jaws, and the removable wire cutting blades.

Hmm, that’s most of the tool, isn’t it.

While I have yet to have to replace the wire cutting blades on any of my multi-tools, I like to know that I can. For the tools I can’t do this with, I shy away from certain tasks, just in case a too-hard wire or nail can permanently mar them.

I bought a pocket clip for my older Wave, but never used it. The Wave+ comes with a sheath, and the newest ones are – in my opinion – much better than the older ones.

This is an extended promotion, giving you plenty of time to think it over.

Sale Price: $99.95
Deal Ends 9/17/23

$99.95 is still quite a bit of money for a multi-tool, but it’s appreciable better than the regular price of $119.95.

My older-style Wave was not my first multi-tool, it was my second, after I bought and enjoyed the use of a Gerber Suspension tool (the latest model is $29 at Amazon).

This is a great all-around multi-tool, with Leatherman describing it as “an international bestseller.” I don’t regret not splurging on my Wave first, as the less expensive Gerber helped me learn what I like and don’t in a multi-tool.

Today of course, I’d go straight to the Wave+ unless I had specific needs or preferences better met by other multi-tool designs. The Leatherman Skeletool, for example, is a minimalist tool I can more comfortably clip to my pocket.

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Amazon has the rOtring 600 mechanical pencil on sale right now, and at a very good price.

It’s the black-barrel 0.5mm pencil that’s on sale, for $17.66 at the time of this posting. This is a steep discount compared to the pencil’s regular price of $29 to $31 at other reputable sellers.

I bought mine for a little more 5 years ago, and it is one of the finest mechanical pencils I have ever used.

In my experience, the rOtring 600 has a comfortably balanced metal barrel and a very satisfying and precise lead advancement mechanism.

Do you need one? Probably not. But maybe you want a fine precision tool at a discount.

Unless something has changed that I didn’t hear about, the rOtring 600 is made in Japan.

Sale Price: $17.66

“I want a great mechanical pencil but that’s too much money.”

I’ve got two recommendations for you – the Staedtler 925 series (~$11-12 at Amazon), and the Pentel GraphGear 1000 (~$8-12 at Amazon).

The Staedtler feels like a finer writing instruments, but the GraphGear 1000 is a more durable and even workshop-friendly mechanical pencil, thanks to its retractable lead tube.

I prefer 0.5mm mechanical pencils for most tasks, and use 0.7mm sizes for rougher markings and such.

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Lowe’s stores have started to put most of their Ideal electrical hand tools on clearance, presumably to make room for Klein tools.

As we reported earlier this year, Klein Tools are coming to Lowe’s, following 14 years of exclusivity at Home Depot.

When the announcement was made, it was said that Lowe’s stores would start selling Klein products in the second half of 2023, which we are now in.

None of the Lowe’s stores near me had any Klein tools on the shelves or pegs. I also checked overhead but didn’t see any Klein-branded boxes.

Lowe’s is labeling the tools as being a special value for a limited time, but that’s likely just a euphemism for the tools being on clearance.

I don’t see how there could be room for both Klein and Ideal electrical tools, but maybe there will be some intermingling. Time will tell.

As of the time of this posting, it looks like the deals are only available in-store, but this could change.

In other news, Home Depot is clearing out Klein tools but have not yet announced which tool brand or brands will take their place.

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Home Depot stores appear to be dumping Klein Tools, and have put nearly all of their Klein electrical tools and accessories on clearance.

There are some great deals to be found, and some of the pegs at my local Home Depot have already been sold-through.

The discounts have only appeared at my local stores. Business is usual on Home Depot’s website, with no Klein tools or products clearanced-priced there yet.

My local Home Depot store has discounted most but not all of their Klein tools yet.

Select hand tools and multimeters have not yet been given sale prices or clearance tags.

All kinds of Klein tools are included in the clear-out, such as screwdrivers, pliers, insulated hand tools, wire strippers, general purpose tools – such a combination square – and specialty electrical tools.

It’s uncertain if any Klein Tools will remain in Home Depot stores, or which brands’ tools will replace them.

We knew that this might be coming.

Lowe’s and Klein Tools announced a new partnership earlier this year, and said that Klein products will be sold at Lowe’s stores and online starting in the second half of 2023, which we’re now in.

This effectively marked the end of Klein’s exclusivity arrangement with Home Depot, which was announced 14 years ago.

Home Depot has not made any announcements about Klein Tool’s exit, but yellow clearance stickers and empty tool pegs speak volumes.

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New Craftsman made in USA mechanics tool sets, advertised as being forged in Texas, are finally available at Lowe’s.

The Craftsman 88pc tool set, CMMT45018, has appeared at Lowe’s stores nationwide and are also available online.

Readers have also reported finding the new USA-made sets at Exchange stores.

At Lowe’s stores, the Craftsman tool sets might be in different locations. My closest store put the 88pc tool set out on the floor – literally – near the usual Craftsman mechanics tool sets.

Another Lowe’s store had a promotional display near the entrance, as shown at the top of the post. I learned of one store that placed their Craftsman tool set promotional display in the lumber aisle.

The 88pc set comes with 1/4″ and 3/8″ ratchets with 90T gearing and quick release feature, shallow and deep sockets (6pt), a couple of drive accessories, a screwdriver handle, screwdriver bits, and hex keys.

According to the packaging, the ratchet, sockets, and wrenches are made in the USA from global materials, and the other tools are made in Taiwan.

Price: $69.98

You might have an easier time ordering online; I had to do a lot of legwork to find the 88pc set in person.

I purchased a test sample, and while not perfect (e.g. the 3/8″ ratchet has a chrome defect), the tool quality seems to be good for the price.

Craftsman also has a smaller 59pc set, CMMT45016, with 3/8″ ratchet, sockets, screwdriver handle, and bits.

Price: $49.98

Lowe’s website reports that my closest store has 7 of the 59pc set available for delivery or free pickup within 3 hours, but I was unable to purchase a set in person.

The Lowe’s associates first told me the sets couldn’t be sold until Q3. When I asked when that would be, they said a quarter is every 3 months. Doesn’t Q3 start in July?

Then, they said that “oh, it’ll take 20 minutes to get it down because it’s on a pallet.” And then, “if we take it down and there’s a store inspection we’ll get in a lot of trouble.”

They told me to “come back in August.”

Both sets can be purchased via Lowe’s website, and so it’s not clear why they wouldn’t sell me the tool set at the store itself. This has never happened to me at Home Depot.

Hopefully you won’t run into the same obstacles.

The two mechanics tool sets – 88pc and 59pc – are both “limited time buys,” in the most literal sense possible. These tools are not being produced anymore, and so once they sell out, they won’t be restocked.

Read Also: Craftsman is Closing its USA Hand Tools Factory

Dozens of these USA-made Craftsman tool sets have already popped up on Ebay, with prices as high as $250.

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The Mayhew Dominator screwdriver pry bar, model 60141, is exactly what it sounds like – part slotted screwdriver, part pry bar.

It has a 12″ overall length, and features a straight blade, bi-material ergonomic handle that’s oil, solvent, and temperature resistant, and a metal striking cap at the end.

The shaft has a square profile, and a black oxide finish for rust protection.

Mayhew knows their way around pry bars. This combination tool looks a little more abusable than construction tool brands’ demolition-style screwdrivers. At the least, its handle should hold up better in certain environments.

Price: $23-25
COO: Made in USA

Mayhew also has curved pry bars and screwdriver pry bars in different sizes and styles. The Dominator series, above, has features these do not, such as the metal striking cap.

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Craftsman’s V-Series ratcheting wrenches dropped in price a couple of days before Prime Day, and they’re still on sale.

I bought a set of the metric wrenches (shown above) and SAE sizes (shown below).

Note: Stanley Black & Decker is a ToolGuyd sponsor, and you’ll see the first of those posts shortly. There will be sponsored posts tied to the Craftsman V-Series, but this is not one of them.

One of the best parts about these sets is the compact holder. The wrenches fit in neatly, and the case halves fold together to create a very packable and grabbable size.

I really like the I-beam-style grip, and the angle of the open head. It’s comfortable, and from earlier experiences, the head angle can engage a fastener in tight spaces.

The design is not new to me; I love my Facom wrenches of a very similar design. (Facom is a pro-grade tool brand that’s more widely known overseas and is also owned by Stanley Black & Decker.)

My experience with Facom tools is part of why I am a big fan of the V-Series. With the Craftsman V-Series, Stanley Black & Decker has greatly improved the availability of their European hand tool designs, and at more affordable prices. Plus I don’t have to go through the hassle of ordering them from international sellers.

I have already used Craftsman V-Series wrenches, but I saw this new sponsorship as an opportunity to get a set of the ratcheting wrenches that I could call my own.

I bought several Proto I-beam-style ratcheting spline wrenches a few years ago – just the sizes I use most often, and then a couple more. I like them a lot, but couldn’t justify a metric set, or a second SAE set I can “grab and go.”

Unfortunately, only the ratcheting wrenches are on sale, and the non-ratcheting combination wrenches are not.

Are these the best ratcheting wrenches on the market today? Probably not. I am a big fan of the design, and the portable sets fill a long-noticed hole in my tool kit.

SAE Sizes: 5/16″ 3/8″ 7/16″ 1/2″ 9/16″ 5/8″ 11/16″ 3/4″

Metric Sizes: 8 10 11 12 13 14 17 19mm

Price: $67.98 for the SAE set, $68.98 for the metric set

Both sets are backordered at the moment, and there’s no indication as to how long they’ll stay at the current deal pricing. Amazon’s “save 20%” claims are accurate – the sets were indeed $84.98 each at the end of June.

Lowe’s has both sets at $84.98 each. I included the links in case you want to see more user reviews.

For those of you that bought a set on Prime Day, what do you think about these wrenches?

Because of the SBD/Craftsman sponsorship, I’m biting my tongue here a bit and masking my extreme enthusiasm for this style of wrench. I haven’t reviewed these ratcheting wrenches yet, but I did review the Facom 440 series non-ratcheting combination wrenches, here.

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1 mil is equal to one thousandth of an inch 0.001″.

I was a bit confused the first time I learned about mils, but it’s something I only had to learn once.

Mils are less cumbersome than decimal points and a bunch of zeros.

What’s easier to read or say? 0.0043″ and 0.0071″, or 4.3 mils and 7.1 mils?

Mils are used in other engineering and manufacturing contexts, and sometimes thousandths are used instead, at least colloquially. I see mils on paper more than thousandths, but hear thousandths verbally more than mils.

I usually encounter specs in mil units when shopping for plastic products.

For example, the food-grade buckets I use are advertised as having a 90 mil wall thickness. One style of disposable nitrile gloves I use has a 4.3 mil palm thickness, and 7.1 mil finger thickness. The plastic pouches I bought for food storage have a 3 mil wall thickness.

Try not to confuse mils with millimeters. That’s probably why thousandths/thou are spoken about more in lieu of mils.

1 mil is equal to 0.0254mm, which is 25.4 microns. That’s pretty far off from 1mm. 1mm is equivalent to 39.37 mils.

If you like the idea of mils, you’d probably love the metric system. Similar to how 1 mil is 0.001 inch, 1 mm is 0.001 meter, and 1 micron (µm) is 0.001 mm.

No – this isn’t an invite for anyone to start an inch/imperial vs metric fight. But if anyone is interested, let me know – that could be tomorrow’s post.

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The Leatherman Curl multi-tool, which launched in mid-2021, is currently on sale with a 15% off discount.

Leatherman designed the Curl around the popular Wave multi-tool, making it somewhat of a “Wave Lite” in my opinion.

It’s kind of a throwback to the older Wave model, which was updated a few years ago to the Wave Plus multi-tool, which currently retails for $119.95.

The Curl has 15 tools and functions:

1. Needlenose pliers
2. Regular pliers
3. Hard wire cutters
4. Wire cutters
5. Wire stripper
6. 420HC stainless steel knife (locking)
7. Large screwdriver bit (Phillips/slotted)
8. Scissors w/ spring action
9. Diamond-coated file (locking)
10. Can opener
11. Bottle opener
12. Awl with thread loop
13. Ruler (8-inch/19 cm)
14. Wood/metal file (same as 9, opposite face)
15. Medium screwdriver

Amazon has the Curl for $69.96 right now (sold by Leatherman), and Leatherman direct has it for $76.46 and free shipping, down from $89.95.

It comes with a removable pocket clip and nylon belt sheath.

Buy Now via Amazon
Buy Now via Leatherman

Read More:

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A reader asked for help finding a new automatic wire stripper. That sounds easy, right? Not quite.

Here’s the tricky part – While I’m familiar with many brands and styles of automatic wire strippers, I can’t say I’ve ever swapped parts on one.

Here’s what they wrote:

Hi, I have a Phoenix Contact Wirefox 6sc automatic wire stripper. After years of faithful service, it broke and I’m looking at a replacement. The PC tools aren’t the easiest to get here in the US and was looking for something easier to source and get blades for. What would you suggest?

Here’s the Phoenix Contact Wirefox 6SC. Note the two-part handle grips, the removable cutter module, and the shape of the wire cutting loop below the lower jaw. This will be important later.

The reader said “After years of faithful service, it broke,” which is good, but they want a model that has more easily available replacement blades.

My first thought was to look at Knipex. I have these automatic wire strippers, and they’re quite good for many types of wire.

They have another style that’s a bit pricier.

I also looked at Jokari, which I believe to be the OEM for some of Knipex’s wire strippers.

Certain Knipex and Jokari automatic wire strippers have replacement parts, but they don’t seem to be widely available.

At this point I should point out that the Phoenix Contact 6SC wire stripper is not a casual use tool. In other words, off-the-shelf wire strippers from the home center, such as by Irwin or Klein Tools, probably won’t work well for the user that wrote in.

Phoenix Contact specializes in industrial wiring components and accessories. When installing these products, such as in control panels and such, you need high repeatability and accuracy.

And, as I learned from this request, some users need replaceable parts to extend the longevity of their tools.

That makes sense. If a control panel requires hundreds of connections, a good wire stripper is necessary and will see heavy use of time.

What about this model from McMaster Carr? It retails for around $76 and replacement blades are available for a little over $23. But… it seems only one style of replacement blade cartridge is available, and it doesn’t quite match the style of the Wirefox 6SC.

I’ve heard good things about Weidmuller Stripax wire strippers, but am not yet familiar with the brand, and aren’t sure how widely available replacement parts would be.

What about this one from Automation Direct? It retails for $63, and there are a couple of different styles of replacement blade assemblies you can buy.

The direct replacement, for 34-8 AWG, is $24.50, and a similar blade as the Wirefox 6SC is $31.

Hold on…

Are these the same tool?

The McMaster and Automation Direct tools are both listed as being made in Sweden.

Here’s an Xcelite version, which is available at Amazon.

Digging deeper, I came across the Pressmaster Embla SBC. There’s also the VBC, which has V-blades as standard.

Pressmaster looks to be the OEM, which would mean they manufacturer tools for Phoenix Contact, Automation Direct, and probably others.

The Embla looks to be available with 3 styles of replacement knives.

Assuming all of the tools are the same but with different labeling, that would suggest that the reader can keep his Wirefox tool and simply load it with compatible replacement knife blades wherever they can find them.

The V-blade cassette has part number 4320-0615, and looks identical to the ones sold by Automation Direct and Phoenix for their respective tools.

Here’s where I hit a snag. Phoenix Contact’s images are swapped for a lot of products.

I can easily find straight and V-blade cartridges for the Pressmaster Embla. However, the Wirefox 6SC looks to have a different blade set, suited for “cables and conductors (especially for cables protected against short circuits and ground leakages) 1.5-6mm².”

I can’t find alternate sources for this SC 1.5-6mm² blade set.

Here are all of the replacement blades for the Pressmaster Embla:

• 4320-0614 – Straight Blades, 0.02-10mm² (34-8 AWG)
• 4320-0615 – V-Blades, 0.1-4mm² (28-12 AWG)
• 4320-0669 – Semicircular Blades, 4-16mm² (10-5 AWG)

It seems that maybe the SC are special shielded cable jaws. I can’t find these anywhere else, and unless it’s simply well-hidden, that could suggest that they’re specially-made for Phoenix Contact, which would explain their high price and limited availability.

Hmm. This is a closeup of the V-blades with 0.1-4mm² wire stripping capacity.

Assuming these product images are accurate, is there truly a difference?

Or is it rated for “cables protected against short circuits and ground leakages” up to 6mm² (~10 AWG) or PTFE-insulated wires up to 4mm² (12 AWG)?

So either the SC blades are blade specially for Phoenix Contact, and the likely OEM doesn’t sell it anywhere else I could find, or they’re labeled so as to match suitability to a specialized wire type.

The images could inaccurately give the impression the two products are identical aside from their markings, but that seems less probable.

The Pressmaster Embla fits the readers’ requirement of an automatic wire stripper that’s easier to source with also-easily-sourced replacement blades. The SC blade part, however, is the only part I’m not 100% convinced on.

That all said, is there a different model wire stripper you might recommend?

It – in any of its forms – looks decent. I have found that some models work well for thinner wires, other for thicker, and that different insulation types can really throw performance and repeatability way off. I’ll pick one up for review, and maybe one or two others based on readers’ suggestions.

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Leatherman has announced their latest Garage Series product, the aptly named 40th Anniversary multi-tool.

Described as their most advanced multi-tool, the Leatherman 40th Anniversary Tool is built on their FREE technology platform and is built with a number of premium features.

As with the other Garage Series special edition tools that came before it, the new Leatherman 40th Anniversary multi-tool will only be available in limited quantities.

Leatherman’s Garage series is a sort of experimental platform, with limited edition tools that feature new materials or design innovations.

The brand says that this Batch #005 tool “pushes the boundaries of what is possible in a multi-tool with innovations that will no doubt be seen in future Leatherman products.”

To start off, the Leatherman 40th Anniversary multi-tool features a premium MagnaCut steel blade, which is an industry first for multi-tools.

MagnaCut has emerged as a premium and high-performing stainless steel alloy for EDC (everyday) folding knives.

Leatherman says:

Regarded as the best all-around steel for everyday carry knives, MagnaCut is first-class in terms of durability, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.

This isn’t just the same typical Leatherman knife blade but made from MagnaCut steel. It’s thicker than their usual blades, by around 20%, has a new thumb stud, and features a Cerakote finish.

All of the tools and features are one-hand operable, thanks to Leatherman’s FREE system pivot design.

Like the Leatherman FREE line of multi-tools, all of the tools and functions – except the pliers – are accessible from the outside of the tool.

I bought a Leatherman FREE multi-tool some time ago, and it’s indeed a fantastic multi-tool platform. In real-world use, it can be awkward to deploy some of the smaller tools with just one hand, but as effortless as can be with two.

Opening the handles deploys the pliers, which features a spring-action mechanism and replaceable wire cutting blades.

The removable pocket clip has also been given a Cerakote finish.

Here’s a full list of the 40th Anniversary Tool’s features:

• MagnaCut straight knife blade
• Spring-action needle nose and regular pliers
• Replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters
• Electrical Crimper
• Saw
• Spring-action scissors
• Package opener
• Awl
• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Wood/metal file
• Diamond-coated file
• Edge file
• Screwdriver bit drivers – small and large
• Small bit driver
• Extra-small screwdriver
• Pry tool
• Impact surface

Specs and Materials

The tool comes with #1-2 and 3/16″ screwdriver bits.

Price and Availability

Price: $275
ETA: July 5th, 2023
COO: Made in the USA

Note: The 40th Anniversary Tool will appear at the Leatherman Garage page after it launches.

Leatherman Garage Details

Name: 40th Anniversary Tool
Garage Series 005
Launch Date and Time: 7/5/2023 at 9am PST
Sold out at around 9:16am PST
Announced Quantity: 1983 units

Discussion

Even if you’re not a fan of Leatherman’s Garage series, or how the limited editions sell out very quickly, the 40th Anniversary tool paints a very exciting picture of Leatherman’s future.

I’m loving the look of the white Cerakote-finished handles and the contrast of the Cerakote-finished MagnaCut knife blade and belt clip.

The Leatherman FREE multi-tools are excellent, and I would expect no different from this one.

I bought two Leatherman Garage series tools so far – the Darkside and the Parts. The Darkside is okay, but I didn’t like the Parts and ultimately returned it to Leatherman for a refund.

If Leatherman’s 40th Anniversary multi-tool is as good as the FREE, it’ll surely be a top performer.

The latest Garage tool is undoubtedly going to cost a premium, like the four other special limited editions that came before it. We’ll find out the price when it launches next week.

Overview Video

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Milwaukee came out with a new compact knife sharpener, model 48-22-1590.

It’s a simple tool accessory with a very user-friendly-seeming design.

There are two v-shaped pull-through sharpening slots, one with coarse carbide blades, and the other with fine ceramic blades, and also a fixed diamond rod for specialty blade sharpening.

A large finger loop helps provide for a secure grip, and there’s also a lanyard loop for tethering.

Milwaukee also built the sharpener with a magnet for an additional and convenient storage option.

The sharpener can be carried in a pocket, or attached to gear via a lanyard or tether.

Milwaukee says that the sharpener is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

The sharpener measures 3.625″ long x 1.5″ wide x 0.5″ thick, and weighs around 1 oz.

Price: $12.99
ETA: August 2023

Discussion

It’s for products like this that I wish I had a window into the design process and decisions.

A compact knife sharpener? Milwaukee Tool?

I wouldn’t have guessed that something like this would be on their roadmap, but at the same time the sharpener looks like a compelling buy.

There are plenty of pocket sharpeners out there, but this one’s different.

None of the other popular models I’m familiar with have finger loops. Or a magnetic for pointing purposes. Some have lanyard holes, but they’re itty bitty.

It’s almost as if someone on Milwaukee’s product team is a backpacker and wanted some useful on-the-go features, and then someone else who’s avid in the workshop, yard, or garden expressed interest in added storage options.

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I came across this Gearwrench special edition mechanics tool set, and it warranted a closer look.

This Geawrench 115pc set, model 88001, is on sale right now for $99, or less if you can manage a coupon. With Acme Tool’s July 4th 10% promo, it’s just a little over $89.

Gearwrench advertises that this is “a great set for either the DIYer who wants quality tools in an organized portable box or for the professional who wants a tool set to bring to different jobs.”

This Gearwrench mechanics tool set comes with 1/4″ and 3/8″ ratchets, 6pt sockets in inch sizes from 5/32″ to 3/4″ and metric sizes from 4mm to 19mm.

By my count, it comes with 78 sockets, 30 screwdriver bits, 2 ratchets, 2 extensions, 2 adapters, and a 1/4″ hex bit screwdriver handle.

Here’s the list of socket sizes:

1/4″ Shallow Inch Sockets: 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″

1/4″ Shallow Metric Sockets: 4mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm

1/4″ Deep Inch Sockets: 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″

1/4″ Deep Metric Sockets: 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm

3/8″ Shallow Inch Sockets: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″

3/8″ Shallow Metric Sockets: 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm

3/8″ Deep Inch Sockets: 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″

3/8″ Deep Metric Sockets: 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm

3/8″ Spark Plug Sockets: 5/8″, 13/16″

Gearwrench’s socket list only has 77 sizes, but I counted 78 in the images. 78 plus 30 bits and 7 drive tools and accessories adds up to the 115pc part count.

The ratchets both have 72-tooth gearing for a 5° minimal swing arc, and the sockets are said to have engraved markings for easy identification.

Price: $99, less with coupon

Is this a Good Deal?

Acme Tools and Home Depot are both listing this as a new product. I can’t tell what’s special or “limited edition” about this set – is it just the Stewart-Haas Racing sticker on the tool case?

7 drive tools and 78 sockets for $99 makes this seem like a decent “special buy.” Is it? Let’s look at some other options before getting into it.

Dewalt Alternatives

Amazon has this Dewalt 108pc 1/4″ and 3/8″ mechanics tool set for just under $70.

There’s also this 142pc set that’s currently $103.

Husky Alternative

If you don’t mind the case – I didn’t like it – Husky has their 270pc mechanics tool set at its $99 promo price again.

You get 117 sockets, 7 combination wrenches, 3 extensions, and “142 more tools.”

This is a 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ tool set whereas the others above only come with 1/4″ and 3/8″ ratchets and sockets.

Another Gearwrench Option

The closest-in-price Gearwrench mechanics tool set I could find is this 57pc 3/8″ set, which is priced at $109 and change at Amazon.

This makes the 115pc seem like a fair buy.

The ratchets are a bit different, though. This set comes with 90T ratchets whereas the 115pc set comes with 72T ratchets.

Come to think of it, the ratchets in the 115pc set don’t have Gearwrench’s typical handle shape; those ratchets look a bit like Crescent’s, such as this 3/8″ 72 tooth ratchet at Amazon.

Shown here are Crescent’s 3/8″ 72T ratchet (top) and a close-up cropped image of the Gearwrench 3/8″ and 1/4″ 72T ratchets included in the 115pc set. Interesting.

One More Gearwrench Option

While this Gearwrench 68pc set isn’t advertised as a Stewart-Haas Racing limited edition, it looks to be a better buy.

It comes with 90T 3/8″ and 1/4″ ratchets, 4 extensions, and 62 sockets – a mix of 12pt (shallow) and 6pt (deep).

The product description advertises this as having 90 tooth ratchets, but also mentions 84 tooth gearing and a 4.3° swing arc. Either way, the price seems compelling – $58.48 at the time of this posting.

For less than $60, this looks to be a decent 1/4″ and 3/8″ socket set, and there are no fillers such as insert bits.

Thoughts and Hesitations About the Gearwrench 115pc Set

This set is a lot less expensive than any Gearwrench set I’ve seen with similar part counts.

Why?

To start, you get more fillers. Most Gearwrench mechanics tool sets have different drive tools and accessories, but only a few look to have 1/4″ hex screwdriver insert bits. “Fillers” are a fact of life when shopping for consumer mechanics tool sets and “special buys.”

The ratchets have 72 tooth gearing compared to the 90T ratchets included in what looks to be most of Gearwrench’s other current mechanics tool sets.

They look nearly identical to Crescent ratchets, which makes sense as Crescent and Gearwrench are both Apex Tool Group brands. (Apex Tool Group is a Bain Capital company.)

The special/limited edition part is unusual, but not really for the mechanics tool industry. I just wish Gearwrench was clear about how this is a special set.

I also noticed the part where Gearwrench advertises this as “a great set for either the DIYer who wants quality tools…”

DIYer? Since when does Gearwrench market to DIYers? In my opinion, Gearwrench often seems positioned as the value-priced pro option.

This set looks to be a good buy, but I’m not sure it’s what I’d buy. I think that Husky would be my high value pick, Dewalt my mid-quality pick, and the smaller but regular line Gearwrench sets would be my pick for better ratchets and less fillers.

Oh there are plenty more options out there, such as Tekton and Milwaukee, but I wanted to limit my focus on like-priced or category alternative options.

The Gearwrench 115pc set looks to have all 6pt sockets – a plus in my book. It doesn’t come with as many drive accessories as I’d prefer.

Kobalt has a 257pc set for $99 at Lowe’s right now, and Craftsman has a 230pc set for $129. I tend to consider Gearwrench a step above, but perhaps not in the case of their 115pc tool set.

Does the Gearwrench set come with a relabeled Crescent ratchet? If that’s the case, what about the sockets?

On Home Depot’s Q&A section, here’s what someone said about the limited edition 179pc set, which also has a Steward-Haas Racing sticker on the case:

Why are these not the normal GW sockets pictured in the marketing photos? These sockets are very cheap and have none of the features of the normal GW sockets.

A Gearwrench rep replied to them:

The only change for these sockets is the identification ring at the bottom of the socket. They still feature a full polish chrome finish, Hard stamped markings, Chamfered openings, and an off-corner loading design.

The customer then said:

Thanks for the response GW, but it is simply not true of the “only difference” being the stamping. Any socket will have the other features you mentioned. These are deep broach, supposed to be shallow, deceptive.

To that, Gearwrench simply replied:

We are sorry you are disappointed with this set.

The “these sockets are very cheap and have none of the features of the normal GW sockets” part concerns me a little. The ratchets are similar – more closely resembling Crescent-branded ratchets than Gearwrench’s typical ones. It’s possible for the Crescent and limited edition sets’ Gearwrench ratchets to be built to Gearwrench’s typical standards.

So if this customer’s observations are true, does it mean you’re not getting Gearwrench’s typical ratchets or their typical sockets? Is that what makes these limited edition tool sets?

When I started writing this post, I saw the Gearwrench set as a very good bargain. Frankly, after taking a closer look, I’m not sure what to think.

This 115pc Gearwrench tool set could be a very good deal, but I feel enough hesitation where I’d sooner go with a different Gearwrench set or even a competing option.

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Benchmade recently launched their popular Mini Bugout folding pocket knife in new colors.

In addition to the usual black and blue handles, the Benchmade Mini Bugout is now available with red, purple, and light blue handle scales.

Specifically, the new colors are Mesa Red, Alpine Glow, and Sea Foam.

The Benchmade Bugout is a popular EDC knife that’s prized for its… well, I’m actually not sure why it’s so extremely bestselling. I have a Bugout, and it is a good knife, but I like the Mini Bugout better. I’d really prefer something in the middle.

The Mini Bugout has a 2.82″ blade length, 6.49″ open length, and 3.7″ closed length. It weighs 1.5 oz.

The CPM S30V stainless steel blade material is a premium powdered steel alloy, the handle is grippy and comfortable, and the Axis lock is as good as the Benchmade mini Griptilians I’ve owned for years.

It’s a very average knife. I’d prefer it with a thumb hole like my mini-Grip, but the thumb studs on both Bugout sizes are alright.

Maybe that’s why it’s so popular with others – the Bugout is a somewhat utilitarian design. Personally I think I’d prefer a little more flair for what it costs, which is something I don’t believe I’ve ever said about a folding knife before.

If you’ve been looking to buy a Bugout, more color options are always good.

The full-size Bugout is available in different color options at KnivesShipFree and other dealers.

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Milwaukee Tool’s scissors are quite possibly the only tool in their entire product catalog that can serve everyone’s needs.

I had to open some packaging last week, and my Milwaukee scissors were the go-to.

Cutting rubber sheet material? Twine in the garden? Twist ties holding a bunch of wire together? Cardboard? Milwaukee scissors got it done.

They’re plenty durable, too.

I used my scissors in a way I’m not proud of yesterday, to tap a garden stake a little deeper into the soil. I should have walked back to the garage and grabbed a mallet, but the scissors were already in my hand.

It was kind of asking for it, with the exposed metal through-tang part of the handle all exposed like that.

The scissors are comfortable to use, and after several years they’re still easy to open.

It also turns out that the scissors are 100% true to Milwaukee’s claims, that the “bolt lock technology” prevents the blades from loosening over time.

There are two versions – straight scissors, and offset.

Technically the title should be “the two Milwaukee tools for every tool box,” but I consider them to be variations of the same tool.

I have found that either one will do the job maybe 95% of the time. If I had to pick one over the other, it might be the straight scissors.

The straight scissors are more compact, and I tend to favor them for this if given the choice.

The offset scissors keeps my hand a bit further away from whatever I’m cutting, which can make a difference when cutting sheets of something.

So, I will generally use whichever is closest to me, but will grab the straight scissors when moving around or on the go, and the offset scissors when making longer cuts.

The straight scissors look to be more popular, judging by the review count for the new version on Home Depot’s website. They’re also less expensive by a few dollars.

Milwaukee calls these jobsite scissors, and while I don’t doubt their usefulness in a construction setting, they’re definitely highly versatile, convenient, and well-performing beyond pro usage environments.

I have bought quite a few of these scissors over the years, and like to give them as gifts. Everyone can use strong high quality scissors, right?

Price: $15.97 (straight), $18.97 (offset)

Home Depot is offering free shipping for either model right now, with no minimum order amount required. Both styles can usually be found at most stores.

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Lowe’s has a neat-looking Kobalt cutting tool – 8″ serrated molded grip scissors.

Kobalt calls these scissors, but the tool has more of an aviation snips-type geometry.

The Kobalt scissors are advertised as being suited for cutting a wide range of material, such as paper, fabric, canvas, rubber. leather, and steel sheets up to 0.8mm thick.

The tool features a drop forged steel blade and full-length steel tang that extends into the handle.

There’s a jaw locking feature, suggesting the scissors have a spring-action handle.

Lowe’s lists the Kobalt scissors as a new product, but there are reviews going back to 2018.

I don’t recall seeing this Kobalt tool before, but the design reminds me of my much-loved MidWest Tool Knifti-Cut snips.

The user reviews seem positive, with customers reporting good experiences cutting things like vinyl lattice, dowel rods, thin steel cable, and plastic clamshell packaging.

Price: $12.98
Model 57373

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My local Home Depot has “new lower price” flags for some of the Milwaukee Tool pliers and cutters on the hooks.

A closer inspection showed that many of the other models also have reduced pricing, with differences of $2 to $3 depending on the tool.

Given the timing, this could have to do with the new USA-made hand tools that Milwaukee is set to launch just a few weeks from now.

The “new lower prices” are not too far off from where they were, and not every pliers or cutting tool looks to has been reduced.

Interestingly, the aviation snips also have “new lower price” flags.

This has me wondering if the advertised price changes are connected to the launch of the upcoming USA-made screwdrivers and pliers, or if there are other strategies at play.

For example, Apex Tool Group has pushed more tools onto Home Depot’s pegs and shelves, such as in how they took the place of Estwing hammers and striking tools.

Wiss has always enjoyed a regular presence at Home Depot. There are some Crescent SKUs at Home Depot, but only a couple of pliers sizes and styles.

The lower prices could potentially be a strategy by Milwaukee to ensure they command a strong presence in the pliers aisle, especially as pricier USA-made hand tools head for the electrical tool aisle.

Looking online, standard straight-cutting Wiss aviation snips are now $16.97 at Home Depot. Milwaukee’s are now $14.97, from $16.97.

Placements for Milwaukee’s USA-made tools have not yet been made public, but we do know that Lowe’s and Klein Tools announced a new partnership earlier this year.

So, lower prices on Milwaukee pliers and cutters could potentially have been done to widen the difference between import and USA-made models, as a strategic move to counter competitive efforts, or some other completely unrelated reason.

Whatever the reasons, the lower prices seemed noteworthy.

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The fantastic Knipex TwinGrip pliers are on sale at the lowest price I’ve ever seen them sold for.

The Knipex TwinGrip is both specialty and everyday pliers. I bought a pair when they first came out, and it’s a good problem-solver that I use on general tasks as well.

They have multiple opening widths and a button adjustment mechanism that works without issue.

The jaws have aggressive teeth in horizontal and vertical orientations for gripping fasteners and other materials.

Over at KC Tool, the dipped handle version is on sale for $24.99 plus shipping. Orders over $75 ship for free.

Obviously, what you’ve got to do is pad your order to get free shipping. KC Tool’s deal of the day might help with that. Or, look at Halder hammers to upgrade from your current rubber mallets or dead blow hammers.

Sale Price: $24.99

As this is a Father’s Day promo, the deal ends on 6/17/23 (or while supplies last).

If you want the comfort grip-style version, 3rd party sellers on Amazon have them at $30, which is the same price as a December 2022 deal of the day.

Do You Need These Pliers?

I’ll simply repeat what I said for the last deal post on these:

If the Knipex TwinGrip pliers hasn’t been on your wishlist or shopping list, following are some reasons why you might want to consider it.

Legendary Knipex quality – “well-made” would be an understatement.

Unique and aggressively grippy jaw design – securely grab even stripped fasteners.

Comfortable handles.

Adjustable jaw opening width – 5-setting push-button design.

Jaws with 3 contact points – gripping capacity of 4 to 22mm in diameter (5/32″ – 7/8″)

Knipex TwinGrip pliers are made in Germany.

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I’ve been looking to buy a microscope that can capture images of small tool edges and features with decent resolution and quality. Here’s the big question I’m looking to have answered – are digital microscopes any good yet?

I last shopped around for a microscope in 2019, and at that time I was discouraged by the poor quality of consumer models and the astronomical prices of professional equipment.

It seemed that there was no middle ground between toy-like mini digital microscopes and professional optical microscopes with pricey cameras attached.

Looking around a bit recently, I found that there are brand new models, some of which look good, at least on paper.

I all but dismissed this category, based on the couple of demos I’ve seen over the years, and so I wasn’t prepared for all of the many new options.

In shopping around, I noticed a few things.

First, there seem to be very few manufacturers. AmScope, shown above, has many different models but from what I have seen only a few have unique-looking designs. To AmScope’s credit, they provide greater details and specs about their scopes than most other brands.

A lot of the other brands I’ve looked at have very appealing marketing materials, but my optimism falls apart when I realize several other imaging brands offer the same or nearly identical product for less.

I’ve also been seeing exaggerated claims.

Andonstar, for example, boasts that their digital microscope can deliver more than 4000X magnification.

Maybe, if you’re looking at say a 1/64 object on a 65″ TV. But what kind of quality can one expect?

There are plenty of $100 to $150 options, and then features and capabilities vary wildly between $150 and $1500 price points.

I’m looking for something with better image quality than the average webcam.

Some look to offer built-in measurement and annotation features, which I suppose can be nice since I’m loath to deal with software that might not be supported down the road.

I have been looking at the higher end of the spectrum as well.

My goal is to examine things that are incredibly difficult to photograph with a camera – sandpaper grit, knife edges, drill bit wear, screwdriver tip wear – things like that.

Being able to measure features is going to be the difference between consumer and professional models.

OC White has an interesting product line, but it doesn’t look like they’ve updated any of their models in a few years.

The Leica Emspira 3 looks fantastic, from what I’ve seen so far, but likely has an industrial-grade price tag.

I’ve requested a pricing quote.

That’s how you know something is going to be extremely expensive, when a company won’t disclose pricing until a salesperson is assigned to talk with you.

The Olympus DSX1000 is likely an order of magnitude greater than what I could reasonably hope to budget for.

Looking at the spectrum, from $100 models to “let’s talk about your needs and budget” industrial and institutional options, it seems to me that the big difference is whether we’re talking about a webcam sensor with Barlow lens or focusing tubes, or an integrated optical and digital microscope system.

The Zeiss Visioner 1 looks good too, and has special tech to expand the depth of field. It likely costs more than my car, which puts it out of the realm of imagination.

Here’s another AmScope, an HDMI model that can capture images and video to MicroSD cards. It’s under $900.

Depth of field is going to be a challenge for many microscopes, where not much will be in focus unless something is flat. This is partially why most digital microscopes show off circuit board components in their sample images, aside from this being a key target user application. Circuit boards are relatively flat with short components. With good lighting, it’s easy to make them look good.

Something like a Phillips screwdriver tip is going to be a blurry mess. With a standard digital camera, capturing closeups of items with depth often requires focus stacking, where multiple images are taken at slightly different distances and stacked together in software. It’s extremely tedious and impractical.

All of these consumer models, whether $90 or $900, seem limited to very flat objects, such as stamps, coins, and circuit boards with surface-mount components.

I want something that can look at a screwdriver or drill bit tip with full depth of field, and in seconds rather than the many minutes it takes to set up lights for a camera with macro lens. If it can do that, it can examine pliers jaws, punch points and other such things was similar ease.

The image shown here isn’t very good, and takes an inordinate amount of time to capture.

If I could take a better image and in seconds, that would be great.

Measurement features are likely baked into proprietary (read extremely expensive) software. I can do without that if it makes the difference between affordable and “yeah right” pricing.

Shown here is higher quality diamond abrasive particle that I imaged back in grad school.

Every couple of years, I look at metallurgical microscopes and check benchtop SEM pricing just in case the tech has become affordable for individuals (it hasn’t). I’ve looked at inspection scopes as well, but I haven’t had much need for one without good imaging capabilities.

One brand – Keyence – claims that their latest digital microscope is “delivering images that rival an SEM” thanks to their “optical shadow effect mode.” That might be true, but I’m sure their prices are well out of reach.

There doesn’t seem to be much between consumer models and true digital microscopes at “I’d better skip lunch for 10 years” prices.

Even at the $1000 and up price points, everything I’m seeing short of institutional research and industrial microscopes – but not inspection scopes – are designed around small and flat objects.

That brings me back to the big question. Are digital microscopes good yet?

Or rather, are the affordable ones not too bad?

I feel as though I might be missing something.

And yes, I know this is not a typical tool, but I’m hoping there are enough ToolGuyd readers in industrial or high precision fields who can point me in the right direction.

Plus, in looking into digital microscopes, I’ve seen a number of popular tool-related applications, such as inspecting wood and metal cutters for damage. It might make sense for me to start off with one while I decide whether or not to shelve the idea of a “real” microscope again.

I am eager for any pointers regarding digital microscope brands or tech!

At the higher end of the spectrum, I can think of dozens of ways to use a professional scope for ToolGuyd purposes, but that could just be wishful thinking. The scientist in me likes to be let out.

Before anyone says “just try extension tubes/macro lens/so-and-so phone attachments,” I have tried different techniques over the years and looked into others. There’s a broad spectrum of other things I could try, most of which are expensive, time-consuming, or both.

I’m looking for something I can just turn on and use.

Are digital microscopes good? Which ones? I’ve got ToolGuyd’s credit card at the ready.

Is there reader interest in extreme closeups of tools such as drill bits, screwdriver bits, pliers jaws, tool wear, abrasives, saw teeth, and so forth, on an ongoing basis?

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