Tools you wish you'd bought sooner...

[Peter911]

S6PNJ said:

I bought one similar to this about 3yrs ago. Seems to work ok and I recently learnt that if you put tin foil in there, it shows whether it is working or not. Yup, it works! It dissolves the tin foil quite quickly. Might be worth also looking on Ali express and doing a proper search on eBay - this was literally the first similar one I saw.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293424721635

I've used mine to clean small engine eg mower carbs and other bits and pieces.

That looks OK. What capacity is the go-to? My gut instinct is saying 6 litres???

[Peter911]

Ian Geary said:

Laser levels - I have found this one to be great

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0BZD5HF8C/ref=ya...

+ Cheaper than a basic Stanley cube one
+ Does vertical and horizontal, from about 1.6mm off the ground
+Mains powered with spare battery
+ Remote control and some other bits and bobs too
- stood up well over the last 4 months of weekend use

- no clamp like the Stanley one


I have a Stanley and parkside red cross type, and whilst they're ok they are far less versatile. Need feeding batteries every few hours too.

I didn’t know I needed one. Its coming this afternoon

[Trustmeimadoctor]

poppopbangbang said:

Trustmeimadoctor said:

Sorry I haven't got anything to hand but yes it's vag it was connecting the door card to the door module, it's 32 way I think grey with purple handle pins are square
Bit more googling MCP?

If it's an MCP then it'll likely be mixed terminal sizes @ 1.6mm and 2.8mm, either way they're power timer terminals. The £20 tool here - https://www.3waycomponents.co.uk/product/rachet-cr... will do the trick for you. Use the 1.5mm and 2.5mm dies respectively.

That tool will also do most VAG related terminals and connectors.

Buy a decent wire stripper too, as that's just as important to decent crimps as the crimping tool (loosing a few strands means you're undersize before you even start). You don't need £300 of automated and certified gear, these "Engineer" ones at £25 will do the trick if you're steady with them - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Precision-Strippers-Profe...

ok bought those need to redo the headlight connectors as the clips broke so while i dont need to re crimp them i do need to depin them

its this connector https://www.ebay.com/itm/133014084561 any ideas what de-pinning tool i should use preferably not the single one for £65 that they sell i hope i have had some luck on other using some i found in a trim removal kit on other connectors they tend to mash up the connectors a bit

[GeneralBanter]

Trustmeimadoctor said:

ok bought those need to redo the headlight connectors as the clips broke so while i dont need to re crimp them i do need to depin them

its this connector https://www.ebay.com/itm/133014084561 any ideas what de-pinning tool i should use preferably not the single one for £65 that they sell i hope i have had some luck on other using some i found in a trim removal kit on other connectors they tend to mash up the connectors a bit

Have you got 14 fingers - one with a slotted end, two with joints that work both ways and at least 4 ending in steel pliers ?

Ah. username checks out yes.

Edited by GeneralBanter on Tuesday 16th April 12:00

[Steve_W]

Peter911 said:

S6PNJ said:

I bought one similar to this about 3yrs ago. Seems to work ok and I recently learnt that if you put tin foil in there, it shows whether it is working or not. Yup, it works! It dissolves the tin foil quite quickly. Might be worth also looking on Ali express and doing a proper search on eBay - this was literally the first similar one I saw.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293424721635

I've used mine to clean small engine eg mower carbs and other bits and pieces.

That looks OK. What capacity is the go-to? My gut instinct is saying 6 litres???

Bear in mind you can extend the tank upwards by putting a larger container in the basket of the ultrasonic cleaner - also saves you having to clean the machine each time as you can just use water in it and whatever solvent/soap in the inserted container.

If that doesn't make sense - imagine standing a 4 pint milk bottle with the top cut off in the basket - the machine linked to only has a 9cm high basket - the milk bottle would stick out the top, effectively giving that machine greater capacity. Or you can just buy a bigger machine from the start!

[poppopbangbang]

Trustmeimadoctor said:

ok bought those need to redo the headlight connectors as the clips broke so while i dont need to re crimp them i do need to depin them

its this connector https://www.ebay.com/itm/133014084561 any ideas what de-pinning tool i should use preferably not the single one for £65 that they sell i hope i have had some luck on other using some i found in a trim removal kit on other connectors they tend to mash up the connectors a bit

These are cheap, nasty, horrible and weak..... but they're 7 quid and they'll work fine for a small job - https://www.amazon.co.uk/QISF-Terminals-Connector-...

The tool you need is one of the double prong ones, a timer depinning tool. Pull forwards (or remove) the purple lock and use the correct sized tool to depress the two tangs on the terminal inside the connector. Push the wire forwards first and wiggle and it should pull out with very little force.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

poppopbangbang said:

These are cheap, nasty, horrible and weak..... but they're 7 quid and they'll work fine for a small job - https://www.amazon.co.uk/QISF-Terminals-Connector-...

The tool you need is one of the double prong ones, a timer depinning tool. Pull forwards (or remove) the purple lock and use the correct sized tool to depress the two tangs on the terminal inside the connector. Push the wire forwards first and wiggle and it should pull out with very little force.

many many thanks you have been a great help

[GeneralBanter]

Steve_W said:

Bear in mind you can extend the tank upwards by putting a larger container in the basket of the ultrasonic cleaner - also saves you having to clean the machine each time as you can just use water in it and whatever solvent/soap in the inserted container.

If that doesn't make sense - imagine standing a 4 pint milk bottle with the top cut off in the basket - the machine linked to only has a 9cm high basket - the milk bottle would stick out the top, effectively giving that machine greater capacity. Or you can just buy a bigger machine from the start!

How does that work wont the ulrasonic waves be muted or stopped by the milk bottle ?

[dickymint]

GeneralBanter said:

Steve_W said:

Bear in mind you can extend the tank upwards by putting a larger container in the basket of the ultrasonic cleaner - also saves you having to clean the machine each time as you can just use water in it and whatever solvent/soap in the inserted container.

If that doesn't make sense - imagine standing a 4 pint milk bottle with the top cut off in the basket - the machine linked to only has a 9cm high basket - the milk bottle would stick out the top, effectively giving that machine greater capacity. Or you can just buy a bigger machine from the start!

How does that work wont the ulrasonic waves be muted or stopped by the milk bottle ?

O it’s standard practice to use a steel or glass container- doesn’t impede the ultra sonic waves at all

[GeneralBanter]

dickymint said:

GeneralBanter said:

Steve_W said:

Bear in mind you can extend the tank upwards by putting a larger container in the basket of the ultrasonic cleaner - also saves you having to clean the machine each time as you can just use water in it and whatever solvent/soap in the inserted container.

If that doesn't make sense - imagine standing a 4 pint milk bottle with the top cut off in the basket - the machine linked to only has a 9cm high basket - the milk bottle would stick out the top, effectively giving that machine greater capacity. Or you can just buy a bigger machine from the start!

How does that work wont the ulrasonic waves be muted or stopped by the milk bottle ?

O it’s standard practice to use a steel or glass container- doesn’t impede the ultra sonic waves at all

I see. More an old paint tin rather than a plastic 4 pint milk bottle then !

[skwdenyer]

GeneralBanter said:

dickymint said:

GeneralBanter said:

Steve_W said:

Bear in mind you can extend the tank upwards by putting a larger container in the basket of the ultrasonic cleaner - also saves you having to clean the machine each time as you can just use water in it and whatever solvent/soap in the inserted container.

If that doesn't make sense - imagine standing a 4 pint milk bottle with the top cut off in the basket - the machine linked to only has a 9cm high basket - the milk bottle would stick out the top, effectively giving that machine greater capacity. Or you can just buy a bigger machine from the start!

How does that work wont the ulrasonic waves be muted or stopped by the milk bottle ?

O it’s standard practice to use a steel or glass container- doesn’t impede the ultra sonic waves at all

I see. More an old paint tin rather than a plastic 4 pint milk bottle then !

Within reason that should work. I’d assume that the larger ultrasonic baths have beefier transducers, so you can’t just extend infinitely. But if you found, say, a stainless steel container approximately the planform size of the basket, but a bit taller, that could work. It probably won’t be quite as effective, but a little longer in the bath may be sufficient to overcome that.

Yes, some of the waves will be reflected by the container, or absorbed, but so long as the container doesn’t significantly dampen them then this is a viable route to not buying the next size up of bath.

[illmonkey]

After some recommendations chaps. I require (honest) a circular saw and guide rail. I’m in the Makita family, so like to stick to it for battery utilisation.

Is there anything worth springing more for? I see depths of 51mm or 57mm, and size does matter…

Anything else? Any deals floating about?

[RedWhiteMonkey]

illmonkey said:

After some recommendations chaps. I require (honest) a circular saw and guide rail. I’m in the Makita family, so like to stick to it for battery utilisation.

Is there anything worth springing more for? I see depths of 51mm or 57mm, and size does matter…

Anything else? Any deals floating about?

If you mean a fully fledged track saw then I can only see one option for a battery powered Makita - the DSP600ZJ.

[illmonkey]

RedWhiteMonkey said:

illmonkey said:

After some recommendations chaps. I require (honest) a circular saw and guide rail. I’m in the Makita family, so like to stick to it for battery utilisation.

Is there anything worth springing more for? I see depths of 51mm or 57mm, and size does matter…

Anything else? Any deals floating about?

If you mean a fully fledged track saw then I can only see one option for a battery powered Makita - the DSP600ZJ.

As lovely as that is, I was thinking more the £1xx circular saws.

Whilst we’re on it, what’s the different and why are plunge saws so expensive?!

[MDT]

illmonkey said:

As lovely as that is, I was thinking more the £1xx circular saws.

Whilst we’re on it, what’s the different and why are plunge saws so expensive?!

I got one of these from Screwfix 3 years ago, got to say it's a game changer when cutting sheet material up. it was about £80 at the time.

https://www.diy.com/departments/mac-allister-1200w...

[Bill]

The main difference apart from extraction and the plunge bit is that you need a track adapter for a circular saw.

I can't find the order for the one I got so no recommendations but a roofing square is very handy for short cuts.

[CrouchingWayne]

This might be the right place to ask!

I’ve a few cheap power tools that have been fine over a number of years, however the batteries are now dead on my hand drill. Most of the others are corded which are functional at least but not particularly great quality.

With a few small-ish DIY projects coming up (false floor in garage, shelving out a few cupboards incl a walk in) I am thinking of getting in to a battery system as it’s easier to use inside than the corded gear I’ve got.

I’m not a super heavy user I don’t need the best of the best so looking for a good value proposition. Compatibility with garden & any other tools would be good if possible (e.g. would like to add a leaf blower later)

I came across the below package locally (can’t find direct link) - 5x tools, 3x batteries, 2 cases but they’re selling it for £660 (possibly clearance)

https://www.costco.co.uk/Home-Improvement/Power-To...

Is this worth it, or is it a poor bundle? Anything you wish you’d known before committing to a battery family?

I’d use all 5x tools on each of the mentioned projects which is why it has caught my eye

Had hoped to spend less initially but equally if it’s a great deal I’d rather bite the bullet and have everything from the start

EDIT: This Ryobi equivalent is cheaper, but only 2x batteries at lower 4ah, case is not as useful:

https://www.diy.com/departments/ryobi-one-plus-18v...

Edited by CrouchingWayne on Friday 19th April 12:50

Edited by CrouchingWayne on Friday 19th April 12:51

[loudlashadjuster]

Don't know much about where those specific DeWalt tools sit in their ranges, but for what you'll need and considering it includes three good batteries and cases, I'd say that was a good deal

[Lefty]

I use Ryobi one+ power tools much to the amusement of my professional mechanic or tradesmen mates but I’ve never had a problem with them. I’ve got a big makita corded drill and an air compressor with various tools when I really need extra waft but none of my Ryobi stuff has ever broken or worn out. Little and big dakdak, drill, two grinders, variety of lights, angle drill, jigsaw etc.

If I was using them all day every day then fair enough but for a hobby mechanic / tinkerer like me with a few evenings a week and the odd day at weekend they’re great.

[The Gauge]

MDT said:

I got one of these from Screwfix 3 years ago, got to say it's a game changer when cutting sheet material up. it was about £80 at the time.

https://www.diy.com/departments/mac-allister-1200w...

I got the same one at the same time, had to remove the anti kick back peg as it prevented smooth movement along the track.

I like that they use the Makita track format and when Amazon were selling 1.5m Makita tracks at a bargain price, I bought two. So I now have 4.4m of track.