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Except a pry bar is simply a maxi-chisel….Only when it's not being a pry bar.
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Except a pry bar is simply a maxi-chisel….Only when it's not being a pry bar.
Or is a maxi-chisel a pry bar?Except a pry bar is simply a maxi-chisel….
No.Or is a maxi-chisel a pry bar?
I think the hammer came first….. because it then reverts back to a hammer.Or is a maxi-chisel a pry bar?
Did I miss something...again?
Looks like Grace Tools and Tekton may have their punches made at the same place.Did I miss something...again?
Inquiring minds want to know. Grace has been manufacturing in the US since Pearl Harbor.Looks like Grace Tools and Tekton may have their punches made at the same place.
The Tekton site doesn't mention when they were established, so I'm going to guess not anywhere near 1941. Grace may well be the company that makes punches for Tekton. I really have no idea and wasn't able to determine either way in a reasonable amount of time. They look really similar except for the engraving and even then, the font is very similar.Inquiring minds want to know. Grace has been manufacturing in the US since Pearl Harbor.
Somehow I ended up with Grace. Midway USA perhaps...The Tekton site doesn't mention when they were established, so I'm going to guess not anywhere near 1941. Grace may well be the company that makes punches for Tekton. I really have no idea and wasn't able to determine either way in a reasonable amount of time. They look really similar except for the engraving and even then, the font is very similar.
Tekton is also out of Michigan, Grand Rapids in this case. I chose Tekton for three reasons:
1) Not made in China. Prefer made in USA but not going to pay 3 times as much.
2) Good quality/price ratio.
3) Good, well supported warranty.
Grace seems to compete well in each of these categories:
1) The Grace punch set is made in USA. The Tekton punch set is made in USA. Tekton has a lot of tools made in Taiwan but is actively increasing the number of tools made in USA. Currently they are at about 15%. Grace tools seem to be all made in the USA but has a more limited line of tools.
2) The Grace punch set costs $44. The Tekton punch set costs $32. This is not that big a difference, especially considering customer satisfaction. Both companies, per my research, have excellent reputations, but while Grace customers seem to absolutely love their products, Tekton customers are just very happy.
3) Both companies get very good reviews for warrantee service.
Either company would be a great choice for punches and also hammers, hooks and picks. Tekton's hammers, hooks and picks are made in USA. That's all that Grace makes, so if you're looking for rachets, sockets, wrenches, keys, screwdrivers, pliers, chisels, or clamps, Tekton would be a good choice.
When I bought my first set of tools, it seems like most of them, except the very cheapest, were made in USA or Germany.Somehow I ended up with Grace. Midway USA perhaps...
I often forget where "good" tools came from, as I have been using them so long.
Back then (ahem!) Japanese tools were pretty much a joke. Although, I do have a Koken impact driver from 1971 that has held up very well.When I bought my first set of tools, it seems like most of them, except the very cheapest, were made in USA or Germany.
Back then (ahem!) Japanese tools were pretty much a joke. Although, I do have a Koken impact driver from 1971 that has held up very well.
No culture of quality. Window dressing, sure.So funny how "Made in Japan" meant cheap junk back then, and now it's hard to find anything cheap from there anymore. I somehow don't see that happening with China.
China has a few select products that are up there in quality. Holosun, for example.So funny how "Made in Japan" meant cheap junk back then, and now it's hard to find anything cheap from there anymore. I somehow don't see that happening with China.
I have more tools that I know what to do with. Lifelong obsession. 100's of $K worth. IMHO the Starrett punches are awful. Too hard and too brittle. The 3/32 and under punches shatter with a good smack. Ive probably shattered a hundred of them over the years. I most likely have shards of them in both hands. I use punches every day and the Mayhew line is a far better choice than Starrett at least in the smaller sizes.Punches: If it from Starrett, it's gtg. Also...if you're doing a lot of work...a set of sacrificial starter punches is probably worth the small investment. Brownells or Midway for that and any other punches you need.
A set of dental picks...in metal and plastic.
Dawsons Extractor Removal Tool is wonderful if you're working on 9mm 1911's...
Extractor Removal Tool, for 1911 Pistols, Various Calibers, by Dawson Precision
Dawson Precision is the experienced shooter's source for top quality pistols, parts and gear. Our state-of-art facility keeps us on the cutting EDGE of technology, providing you with the highest quality products at the best price.dawsonprecision.com
These little armorer tools are da BombDiggity!
Armorer Tool
www.10-8performance.comTOOL, CHANNEL CLEANING
Remove malfunction causing powder residue, dirt and other contaminates.wilsoncombat.com
And Vibra-Tite VC-3 thread locker is fantastic stuff if you don't know about it. It's designed for screws that may need periodic adjustment from time to time. You can make five adjustments before the screw needs to be recoated. The stuff is great for things like tension adjustment screws on holsters and such. It's a little pricey but a bottle goes a long way
Vibra-Tite VC-3 Threadmate
www.vibra-tite.com
China builds to the quality level they get paid to build at . They can put out incredibly high quality product that are beyond our capabilities to produce or they can put out schlock at the cheapest price point. They dont care. Theyre just concerned with keeping people employed.So funny how "Made in Japan" meant cheap junk back then, and now it's hard to find anything cheap from there anymore. I somehow don't see that happening with China.