Stanley tool reviews

Levels:
- Stanley 42-240 Pro I-Beam Level

Multi Tools:
- Stanley 84-519 12-in-1 Multi-Tool
- Stanley T16 FatMax Multi Tool

Pliers:
- Stanley 84-096 5" Needle Nose Pliers

Screwdrivers:
- Stanley 66-344 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver
- Stanley 66-358 Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver
- Stanley 69-189 FatMax Ratcheting Screwdriver

Socket Sets:
- Stanley 85-721 3-Piece 3/8" Drive Professional Grade Spark Plug Socket Set

Utility Knives:
- Stanley 10-099 Classic 99 Retractable Utility Knife
- Stanley 10-788 InstantChange Retractable Knife

Tool Review: Stanley 66-344 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Some people can't leave home without a screwdriver in their pocket. Folding multi tools are nice, but if you use a screwdriver a lot, a multi tool can't compare to a "real" driver. Pocket screwdrivers abound, some better than others, and one good one is the Stanley 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver (model #66-344).

This screwdriver is shaped like a pen and is about the same size — a little over 5" long. It even has a pocket clip like a pen does. There are two caps, one on each end of the driver, and under each cap is a double-sided screwdriver bit. There are two Phillips bits (1 PT and 2 PT) and two slotted bits (5/32" and 1/8"). Each bit can be easily reversed, and either bit will fit in either side of the driver.

One of the features that makes this pocket driver stand out from other similar drivers is the fact that the two bits are magnetic enough to attract (and hold) small screws. It's nice to have a magnetic screwdriver on hand, especially for tiny screws that can easily fall and get lost. The magnets are strong enough to attract most normal-sized screws, though for large screws the attraction may be too weak.

This driver has a nice look to it. It's mostly black, with the yellow Stanley logo on the body and the pocket clip. Except for the bits, the driver is all plastic on the outside, so it doesn't weigh much at all. The body of the driver has a nice grip that makes it easy to apply force when turning a screw. There is a hole toward the tip of each cap that allows you to see which bit is facing out on that side without having to remove the cap.

Since the driver is mostly plastic, the bit holders may stretch out over time, causing the bits to not fit as tightly, and possibly even fall out. This is a common problem with this style of pocket driver, and it affects other brands as well, including the General Tools model 744 pocket screwdriver.

While it's a good driver for turning screws, it's not the best choice to use as a lever or small pry bar, such as for popping off tough covers or removing E-clips. Because the bits are solid metal, they will push against their holders as you apply sideways force, and eventually the plastic slots will stretch, causing the bits to not fit securely. But overall, the Stanley 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver is a well-made tool, superior to many other pocket drivers and a great value for its price.

This driver is -- by far -- the best pocket screwdriver I've used.  I've reviewed about four or five different models, and this one stands head and shoulders above the rest.  The bits are magnetic, the driver is well-designed, and it holds up much better over time than other models.  I give the Stanley 66-344 pocket screwdriver 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This Stanley driver is available on Amazon.com for $4.29.  You can often find other pocket screwdrivers that look similar to this one for less, but the quality difference is easily worth the extra couple of dollars.

(Originally pulished on Helium.com, February 2013)

UPDATE: As of 6/7/14, Amazon has dropped the price of the Stanley 66-344 pocket driver to $2.79, which is an amazing deal.  Most comparable drivers, which are all inferior in quality, sell for about $2 or $3, so to get this driver for under $3 is a steal.

Tool Review: Performance Tool W80521 6 Wire Ford Spark Plug Gauge

The Performance Tool W80521 6 Wire Ford Spark Plug Gauge is flat-out not worth buying.  It looks and feels like a cheaply-made tool, and for one of the wires, you can't even be sure what thickness it is without testing it because the marking on the tool and the marking on the packaging are different.  This gauge is marketed under both the Performance Tool and Wilmar brands.

Here is a link to my full review of the W80521, which gets 1 out of 5 stars (and that 1 star is only because it comes with a cleaning brush):

- Tool Review: Performance Tool W80521 6 Wire Ford Spark Plug Gauge (on DIYLawnMowerRepair.Blogspot.com)

If you don't believe me and want to try out this gauge for yourself, you can find it on Amazon.com for $2.09 plus shipping.  More than likely, you will be disappointed.

Performance Tool tool reviews

Spark Plug Gauges:
- Performance Tool W127C Spark Plug Gauge
- Performance Tool W80521 6 Wire Ford Spark Plug Gauge

Wrenches:
- Performance Tool W54045 Oil Filter Wrench

Tool Review: Performance Tool W127C Spark Plug Gauge

Performance Tool makes different spark plug gauges of varying quality.  The W127C (also marketed as a Wilmar spark plug gauge) wire gauge is not great, but better than at least one other PT gauge.  I'd give it 2 out of 5 stars.

You can read the full review of the W127C gauge here:

- Tool Review: Performance Tool W127C Spark Plug Gauge (on AutoHub360.com)

If you're interested in this gauge, Amazon.com sells it for $1.52.  For that price, it's not a bad buy, as long as you have another gauge to check its accuracy.

Black & Decker tool reviews

Wrenches:
- Black & Decker RRW100 Ratcheting ReadyWrench

Tool Review: Black & Decker RRW100 Ratcheting ReadyWrench

There's something reassuring about holding a dogbone wrench in your hand.  The Black & Decker RRW100 Ratcheting ReadyWrench is a solidly-made dogbone wrench that also features ratcheting capability.  It is a great wrench to have in your tool bag, car, or garage, and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

The RRW100 is the most useful wrench I've ever owned.  It looks like a dogbone-style wrench, with several sockets on each end, but unlike a typical dogbone wrench it ratchets.  There's no switch to flip or anything to adjust to enable ratcheting -- if you hold the wrench one way, it ratchets for loosening, and if you hold it the other way, it ratchets for tightening.  It's simple to use.

There are 16 different size bolts or fasteners this wrench can handle, including both SAE and metric sizes.  Each socket is marked with its size, and switching to a different sized socket is as simple as turning the socket.

This is a sturdy, solid wrench that has held up great so far and looks like it will continue to do so for a long time.  The paint on the wrench is another story, however.  The black paint on the wrench's body started flaking as soon as I took it out of the package, and the orange plastic around the wrench ends are already chipping off.  But neither of those things affects how the wrench works.

The way the sockets are positioned, you can twist the wrench slightly when using to get a little bit of extra leverage, something you can't do with a standard socket wrench.  If anything serious ever happens to the wrench, just contact Black & Decker, because it comes with a lifetime warranty.

The Black & Decker RRW100 Ratcheting ReadyWrench is a great addition to any toolbox.  It's versatile, sturdy, and easy to use, and for around $20 or so, it's a really good deal.  If you do a lot of work on your car or around the house, you won't regret buying this wrench.

The RRW100 is sold in many hardware stores for varying prices. Sellers on Amazon.com currently list it for $18.49 and up.  Under $20 is a steal for this wrench.

(Originally posted on Bubblews.com, April 2014)


UPDATE:  As of 9/28/14, Amazon.com currently lists the RRW100 for $12.99 (eligible for free shipping).  If you were considering buying this wrench, or if you need a holiday/birthday present for anyone who likes tools, this is a GREAT deal.  I don't know how long this price will last, but it is by far the lowest I've ever seen this wrench sold for.

DeWalt Tool Reviews

Multi Tools:
- DeWalt MT16 Multi Tool
- DeWalt MT8 Multi Tool

Tool Review: DeWalt MT16 Multi Tool

Key Features:
 +   Strong pliers
 +   Locking knife blade
 -   Driver tips are rounded


Some multi tools are made to hide out in your pocket, in case you ever need a nail file or a bottle opener. Other multi tools are made to do serious work.  The DeWalt MT16 multi tool (model #DWHT71843) is part of the second group. If you stick the MT16 in your pocket and leave it there, you'll soon feel it getting restless.

The MT16 is similar in its basic design to many other multi tools.  It folds open into a pair of pliers, with other tools and implements built into the handles.  I've never owned a Leatherman or an SOG multi tool, so I don't know how the DeWalt tool compares to them in quality, but for a low-end multi tool it works great. (UPDATE: Since trying the Leatherman Sidekick, I still prefer to carry the MT16.)

This tool is heavy -- heavier than most other similarly-priced multi tools.  The extra weight may be due to the sturdy construction of the pliers; these are solid, well-built pliers that can apply a good deal of force.  The pliers handles are contoured, and provide a decent grip, and the spring action on the pliers is very strong (as are the teeth).  The pliers can function as needle nose pliers (though not very thin at the tip), curved jaw pliers, and wire cutters.

The secondary tools on the MT16 all open from the outside, so you don't need to swing open the pliers in order to get to any of them. The tools pivot out easily, and you can adjust the tension on them (and on the pliers) with a T-8 Torx/star screwdriver if necessary.

The tools built into the MT16 include a Phillips screwdriver, several slotted screwdrivers, a knife, a bottle opener, a can opener, scissors, a file and a ruler. All of these tools are well made and sturdy.

The knife is of good quality, especially for a multi tool. It has a sharp point and a very sharp blade, and half of the blade is serrated.  The knife even has an automatic lock -- a feature uncommon among inexpensive multi tools -- so it won't fold inward on you accidentally. The knife tip is fine enough that you can use it to pop e-clips or do other precision work.

The screwdrivers are more rounded than they should be, but they're usable.  The ruler measures up to two inches, the file is decent, and there is even a lanyard hole if you want to hang the MT16 from a peg or attach it to a key chain (though it is far too heavy to wear on a key chain).  The scissors are okay; they will cut paper easily, but not much else.  The can opener works very well.

The DeWalt MT16 Multi Tool is a versatile and useful tool. The handles have the typical yellow-and-black DeWalt coloring. The pliers are black and silver, and the other tools are all silver.  If you're used to expensive multi tools, the MT16 may not be for you, but it's a good tool that will serve you well for a long time.  It gets a solid 4 out of 5 stars.  (A saw blade, better-machined screwdriver tips, or a little less weight would easily bump it up half a point.)

You can find the MT16 sold by itself -- $23.98 on Amazon.com right now -- or as part of a gift set with a smaller key chain multi tool.  Over $20 is too much for this tool; if you can find it for $15 or $20, it's a good buy.  The MT16 is the same tool as the Stanley T16 FatMax multi tool, with only a few slight variations.