Tool Review: Turbo Snake

The Turbo Snake is one of those "As Seen on TV" products that you always see advertised late at night.  It's basically a miniature version of a plumber's snake, designed to wriggle into a drain and grab all the hair, dirt, and other gunk that's clogging it up.  It was my wife's idea to get one, to save on all the Drano we'd been buying recently.  I wasn't sure it would work, but we bought it and I'm glad to say I was wrong.

The Turbo Snake is made up of a head of bristles on the end of a long semi-flexible length of plastic tube.  You force it down into a sink or tub drain, and all the junk clogged up in there catches on the bristles when you pull it out.  It works well, and can unclog a drain in a minute or two.

The Turbo Snake seems to be aimed at homeowners who pay for liquid drain cleaners every time their drain gets clogged because they don't have either the time or the tools to everything apart and clean out the clog.  If you've used the Zip-It before, you'll like Turbo Snake because it's more durable, more flexible, and easier to store.

The downside to the Turbo Snake is that it is very difficult to clean.  The hair and other debris gets so entangled in the bristles that you have to methodically pull it all out by hand in order to get it clean.  I tried soaking the head in warm water (with soap) to loosen the dirt up, but it didn't make a difference.

It's also hard to bend the Turbo Snake back into a circle to hang it on the hook.  It's flexible enough to be useful down a drain, but getting it back into a coil is like trying to bend a paperclip back into its original shape.

Still, the Turbo Snake is nice to have.  The head is so small, you can slide it down a bathroom sink drain without having to remove the stopper.  And it's bendable, so it can twist and turn with the direction of the pipe.

I bought my Turbo Snake kit for $10 in a store.  The kit comes with one snake for the sink, a larger snake for the tub, and a plastic hook with an adhesive back to hang them both on.

I give the Turbo Snake 4 out of 5 stars, and I would recommend it to any non-plumber homeowner.  If you already have a Zip-It, the Turbo Snake is still nice because it's more flexible and it's better at grabbing hair and other gunk.

Amazon.com lists the Turbo Snake kit for $7.67 right now, eligible for free shipping.

(Originally published in slightly different form on Helium.com, Feb 2010)

UPDATE: As of June 26th, 2014, the price has dropped a penny on Amazon, down to $7.66.  Savings!!

Husky tool reviews

Drivers:
- Husky 74460 2-Piece Micro Screwdriver Set
- Husky 74500 7-Piece Nut Driver Set
- Husky HD-74502 8-in-1 Torx Screwdriver Set

Pliers:
- Husky 1066 2-Piece Pistol Grip Pliers Set
- Husky WS-24-10 10" Self-Adjusting Groove Joint Pliers

Socket Sets:
- Husky 179 681 19-Piece 1/4" Mini Socket Set

Tool Reviews: Husky HD-74502 8-in-1 Torx Screwdriver Set

Husky makes a lot of useful tools.  Many of them are low-priced but worth it, and the Husky 8-in-1 Torx Screwdriver Set (part #HD-74502) is one of them.

Torx (star) screws are often used in small electronics, and can be found other places as well -- sometimes even in pocket knives.  If you do a lot of repair work, or you just like taking stuff apart, having a good Torx screwdriver will come in handy at some point.

This screwdriver set from Husky typically costs about $6 or $7, and it comes with a small driver and four double-sided bits.  The sizes include T-4, T-5, T-6, T-7, T-8, T-9, T-10, and T-15.  The bits are sturdy and easy to change, and the size for each bit is clearly marked on its side.

With small bits, keeping track of them can be a problem.  Having the double-sided bits helps, but there is also a storage compartment in the bottom of the screwdriver, with dividers that make storing the three bits not currently being used very convenient.  The swivel cap is easy to remove, and it also makes using the driver with two hands a little easier.  The handle is smooth, and it doesn't have much in the way of grip, but its contour allows for decent manipulation of the driver.

The bits included with this set are good for common electronics as well as tools.  The T-6 bit, for example, is the perfect size for removing the Torx screws in the back of a BlackBerry Bold 9650 smart phone, and the T-8 bit fits the tension screws on a DeWalt MT16 multi tool.  From the T-4 to T-15 sizes, this set is definitely good to have when taking things apart.  The Husky 8-in-1 Torx Screwdriver Set gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.

If you are looking for a precision Torx screwdriver, this Husky set is a solid buy for the $5.97 price it's currently listed for on the Home Depot website.  It is extremely overpriced on Amazon.com right now at $34.99, but hopefully in the future it will be listed for a reasonable price.

(Originally published in slightly different form on Epinions.com, December 2012)

Tekton tool reviews

Screwdrivers:
- Tekton 2740 2-Piece Stubby Screwdriver Set
- Tekton 92518 6-Blade Screwdriver Clip

Tekton 92518 6-Blade Screwdriver Clip

The Tekton 6-blade screwdriver clip (model 92518) is a small tool that combines six different screwdrivers into one portable gadget. It sounds good in theory, but the tool itself is poorly made and awkwardly designed.

The tool consists of a plastic orange case and six pivoting screwdrivers, similar to a fold-out hex key set. There are three slotted blades and three Phillips blades. The screwdrivers themselves are bare metal and seem sturdy enough, but they are not easy to use.

Each driver pivots out for use, but the drivers do not lay parallel next to each other. When you try to pivot out one driver, it sometimes gets caught on another driver and you have to swing that second driver out of the way first. This happens with both the flathead and Phillips drivers. As a byproduct of the drivers not laying straight, the metal pivot end of one of the slotted drivers scrapes against the plastic every time you swing out the driver, resulting in plastic shavings getting stuck to the metal or falling out.

The tension on the drivers is adjustable with a Phillips screwdriver, so you can make it as loose or tight as you want, but the tension screws back themselves out quickly. If you tighten the tension one morning, the tool might be loose and floppy by mid-afternoon.

The backstop for the drivers is placed very far back, so in order for a blade to somewhat lock into place for use, it has to be angled so far back that using the driver to turn a screw more than half a turn is completely impractical. If you only swing the blade out 180 degrees, so it extends straight from the tool, it will fold in on itself the first time you try to apply any pressure to it. You could hold the blade in addition to the plastic case as you try to turn it, but since the blade is bare uncoated metal it isn't comfortable to grip and it doesn't provide any sort of traction for your fingers.

This tool doesn't come with any sort of pouch or case - not even a clip or hole to attach it to something. If you carry it in your pocket, be sure to tighten the tension screws often; otherwise, they will loosen and the blades could swing open inside your pocket.

The Tekton 92518 6-blade screwdriver clip only sells for a couple of bucks or so ($1.77 at StanyMart.com, $2.22 at DiamondTool.net) but it's not worth even half that.  This tool should be passed by, even on a bargain shelf, and it will not leave you with a good impression of the Tekton brand if you try to use it.  I give this tool 0.5 out of 5 stars, and it only gets that half a star because I finally found a decent use for it -- as a block to prop open the side chute of my lawn mower.

(Originally published in slightly different form on Helium.com, March 2013)

Tool Review: Stanley 84-519 12-in-1 Multi-Tool

Stanley makes several multi-tools — tools that are no larger than your hand and fold out into pliers, knives, screwdrivers, and other implements.  Multi-tools are very handy to carry with you, because they give you mobile access to many tools without taking up as much space as all of those tools would individually.  You can't very well carry two types of pliers, three screwdrivers, a saw, and wire cutters around with you, but you can have all of those tools, and more, in your pocket or on your belt with Stanley's 12-in-1 Multi-Tool (model #84-519).

This multi-tool is similar to multi-tools from other brands.  Folded up, it's slightly larger than a pocketknife, not too heavy, and it comes with a pouch that you can attach to your belt.  The tool doesn't open with one hand like some other multi-tools do, but it's not hard to open.

In its most basic form, the Stanley multi-tool opens out into a pair of long nose pliers, which can also be used as curve jaw pliers and wire cutters.  The pliers move freely and have adequate handles and strength, but if you're used to spring-loaded pliers you'll be disappointed with these.  There are no springs and no tension.

In addition to the pliers and wire cutters, the multi-tool folds out into a large knife, a small knife, a Phillips screwdriver, two flathead/slotted screwdrivers, a file that can also be used as a flathead screwdriver, a bottle opener, and a double-serrated saw.  All of these tools function well and are easy to access.  The knives and saw are not razor sharp but are sharp enough for most jobs.  When using any of the screwdrivers, you can fold the tool in such a way that it almost gives you a straight screwdriver shaft to grip and turn, and provides additional leverage.

The tool is made of stainless steel, light gray with a black fabric pouch.  The tension on each of the tools is not adjustable, but they all slide out fairly easily.  Sometimes when folding out the knife, two of the screwdrivers will start to unfold as well, but otherwise the tools all fold out independent of each other.

The Stanley 12-in-1 Multi-Tool is not a top-of-the-line multi-tool, but it certainly holds it own among the many different models available.  It gets a solid 3 out of 5 stars.  It's a good value if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a Leatherman or Gerber multi-tool, though not as heavy duty as a DeWalt multi-tool, and it provides a lot of function without sacrificing appearance.  Amazon.com currently lists this tool for $12.10 (eligible for free shipping) -- a fair price for what you get.

(Originally published in slightly different form on Helium.com, January 2013)

UPDATE:  This multi tool is listed on Amazon by a third-party seller, for just $4.88, plus $4.99 shipping.  Even with the shipping charge, it's still cheaper than the price quoted above, sold from Amazon directly.

Eklind tool reviews

Hex Key Sets:
- Eklind 69207 7-Piece Hex-L Key Set

Tool Review: Eklind 69207 7-Piece Hex-L Key Set

When you go looking for a hex key set, you have about a million different options.  Folding keys, long arm keys, short arm keys, T-handle keys....  You can even get locking hex keys or ratcheting hex keys.  But if you just need a bare-bones set of SAE hex keys, Eklind Tool Company's 7-Piece Hex-L Key Set (model #69207) is an affordable and effective choice.

I bought this hex set when I needed to remove a sink faucet and only had metric hex wrenches.  This 7-piece SAE set was only $2.65 at a local TrueValue hardware store, so I chose it over several other more expensive, more attractive hex sets.

There is nothing fancy about this set of hex keys.  It comes with seven L-shaped hex keys and a red vinyl pouch.  The pouch has a hole at the top so you can hang it, and it is resealable so you can be sure you won't lose any of the keys.  The keys themselves are made in the USA.

The seven sizes included in this set are 5/64", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", and 1/4".  Each key has its size imprinted along the side, though they are hard to see in dim light.  The keys are black metal and so far have proven to be very sturdy, holding up under a strong amount of force.  The paint on the ends of the keys tends to chip off after the first couple of uses, but if that's something that bothers you, then this is not the hex key set for you.  This set is designed for function, not for looks.

Even if you have a fancier set of hex keys, it's always good to have a set of L keys around.  These short arm L keys are great for working in small spaces, plus they give you the benefit of two different leverages.  I had a nice set of folding Husky hex keys at home when I was working on this faucet, but even if I'd thought to bring them, they still wouldn't have worked because they would have been too bulky for the small space behind the faucet.  The Eklind Hex-L keys were the perfect mix of small size and sturdiness.

This is the first purchase I've made of Eklind tools, and I would gladly buy more.  The tools work, even if the company's website doesn't.  (EklindTool.com currently displays "aaaa" and a picture of an eagle in front of the American flag.)

The Eklind 69207 7-Piece Hex-L Key Set gets 3 out of 5 stars.  If you can find it for under $3, it's a great buy.  It currently sells on Amazon.com for $1.14 (plus shipping).

Great Neck tool reviews

Screwdrivers:
- Great Neck Essentials 21011 8-in-1 Precision Screwdriver
- Great Neck FC006 22 Piece Drivemaster Screwdriver Set
- Great Neck NRGN2 2-Piece Stubby Screwdriver Set

Socket Sets:
- Great Neck PSO40H 40-piece ratchet and socket set

Tool Review: Great Neck PSO40H 40-piece ratchet and socket set

Key Features:
 +   Good variety of sockets
 +   Two drive sizes
 -    Spin disc is not very functional


If you walk into a Home Depot, AutoZone, or other hardware store or auto parts store, you can often find a ratchet and socket set for under $10.  If you walk into a Big Lots, the set you'll probably see is the Great Neck PSO40H 40-piece ratchet and socket set, listed for $5.

This set includes one ratchet with 3/8" drive, an adapter for 1/4" drive, a 3" extension bar, and a whole bunch of sockets, for both 3/8" drive and 1/4" drive.  One kind of neat tool that it also comes with is a plastic spin disc -- a small plastic circle with a 3/8" square cut out so you can use it to turn bolts and screws in tight places.  The spin disc is cool in theory, but is very cheaply-made, doesn't fit the sockets well, doesn't give much grip, and won't hold up to high-torque use.  This spin disc is a very cheap alternative to a thumbwheel ratchet.

The ratchet itself is usable but not especially well-made.  It's good to have as an extra ratchet.  There is some grip on the handle, more than you might expect.  It functions as it should, is reversible, and works for both loosening and tightening.  It holds up under a decent amount of force.  It does not look like it was machined very carefully -- the bottom is uneven and something inside wobbles.

The sockets are about what you would expect, nothing spectacular but not too bad either.  There is a good variety, with both SAE and metric sockets included in the set.  Most of the sockets are 1/4" drive sockets.

The set comes in a plastic carrying case that is more useful than cases some other socket sets come in.  Everything fits well in its place, and the case has a handle for easy carrying.

The PSO40H ratchet and socket set is not a high-quality tool set, but for $5 it's not a bad buy.  You get the 3/8" to 1/4" drive adapter, which is always nice to have, and the 3" extension bar, which could come in handy a lot.  Those two pieces alone, purchased separately, would probably cost close to $5 by themselves.

As a bargain, this set is worth around $5.  But if you're shopping for a primary ratchet and socket set, or one that you'll use often, I would spend a little more money and get a nicer set.

This set is currently listed at $9.97 on Amazon.com-- slightly over-priced compared to other sets you could get at that price.  I would not recommend spending more than $5 or $6 on this socket set.  But if you do decide to buy it on Amazon, it is eligible for free shipping.

Tool Review: Performance Tool W54045 Oil Filter Wrench

If you change your own oil, you need an oil filter wrench.  (Or oil filter pliers, or an oil filter socket, or a similar tool.)  There are many different oil filter wrenches on the market, a lot of which are alike in quality.  One wrench that fits in around the middle of the pack is the Performance Tool W54045 Oil Filter Wrench.

The Performance Tool wrench is not expensive at all.  I found it for $6.99 at Advance Auto Parts.  Anyone who has read my tool reviews knows that Performance Tool is not a brand I've come to trust, but this wrench looked okay and had the ability to swivel, and the price was definitely right.

The one feature that makes this wrench stand out is its pivot point.  The wrench can swivel 90 degrees, letting you get into some tight spaces that you might not otherwise be able to reach.  However, its pivoting action is very flimsy, so unless you have a really good grip, the wrench very well might swivel right back to its original position.

Speaking of grip, this wrench comes with a plastic sleeve handle that a middle-schooler could improve upon.  The plastic handle is contoured, making it look like it provides a good grip, until the first time you go to use the wrench and you put any pressure at all on it.  The whole plastic handle slides right off, leaving just the metal frame of the wrench.

The plastic handle is worthless, and without it the metal frame has no grip.  However, if you have some good grip tape, you can wrap the metal handle and give the wrench a much better grip than it had before, even with the plastic.  I used GT-5000 Glock Grip Tape on mine, and the grip is a thousand times better than it was out of the package.

One of the descriptions online says this wrench has a safety button so that it can lock into different positions.  That would be a nice feature, but there is no safety button on my wrench.

This wrench is not a top-of-the-line wrench by any stretch.  If you need an oil filter wrench and this is the only one around, you could do worse.  But if you do a lot of oil changes, I would invest in something sturdier and made with higher quality standards.  I can't afford either of those things, so I'm sticking with this one until it breaks.  I'd give the Performance Tool oil filter wrench 2.5 out of 5 stars.

I got this wrench for $6.99 from Advance Auto Parts, but Amazon.com currently lists it for $6.34, eligible for free shipping (marketed as Wilmar but it's the same wrench).

Tool Review: DeWalt MT8 Multi Tool

Key Features:

 +   Excellent bottle opener
 -   Tools are hard to get at

The DeWalt MT8 multi tool (model #DWHT71842) is typically sold as part of a gift set along with the MT16 multi tool.  (My review of the MT16 can be read here.)  The MT8 -- the smaller of the two tools -- is more of a novelty multi tool than a useful one, and on its own I wouldn't recommend buying it unless you want a cool-looking bottle opener.  There is nothing inherently wrong with the MT8; it just doesn't offer much in the way of functionality.

The MT8 has several small tools, including a knife, a pair of scissors, a double-sided file, a nail pick, and a slotted driver.  The biggest drawback of the MT8 lies in the fact that in order to get to any of these tools, you have to first pull the handles apart.  The only thing the MT8 can be used for without opening it up is a bottle opener.

As a bottle opener, the MT8 works very well.  It's easy to grip, provides plenty of leverage, and pulls bottle caps off smoothly.  Hang it from a nail on the wall in your workshop or garage and it makes a cool novelty bottle opener.  DeWalt bills it as a keychain tool or EDC tool, but it's too heavy to realistically attach to a keychain.

The knife is sharp and well-made, but very small.  Similarly, the scissors work well but are under-sized.  The other tools are average for a multi tool.

The gift set that includes both the MT8 and MT16 (model #DWHT72419L) can be found on Amazon.com for $19.80.  Home Depot sometimes carries it as well, usually for around $20.