💾 Archived View for hackersphere.space › ~powerman72 › GemLog › gemLog4-15.gmi captured on 2023-05-24 at 18:02:17. Gemini links have been rewritten to link to archived content
⬅️ Previous capture (2023-04-26)
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I mentioned in my previous gemlog that I wouldn't mind getting a set of binoculars. They are a nice useful tool use to see things from afar (especially those super shy birds).
As a tradesman, like a programmer, I need a certain set of tools. Unfortunately I can't just import or inlude them when I want to use them. Instead I have to buy them, and boy-howdy are there a lot of them! Especially specialty tools. Then there's the problem when they eventually wear out, or worse: get stolen, and you need to replace them. The silver lining is "Yay, a new tool!"
Needless to say, I've drank the Milwaukee Kool-aid. They make great power tools, their non-USA-made hand tools are of reasonable quality to stand up to the rigor of professional use. I'm waiting to get ahold of their USA-made line of hand tools that are to be released soon(tm). Basically if it's red and says Milwaukee, I want it.
I used to only have Klein tools. Unfortunately, in my short 10 years, I've realized that while they do create some innovative tools, their quality has significantly dropped. Driver heads wear out, diagonal cutter tips snap off, I'm done buying their tools, unless I need it in a pinch of if I know it'll perform well. Case in point: I love their low volt cable tracer!
The other large tool brand that I also can't seem to get enough of is Knipex. They're not that popular, or well distributed in the US, but they really should be! In my opinion, their quality surpasses Milwaukee by a wide margin. The biggest drawback is that their specialty tools are far more expensive than I originally expected. I have purchased a cheaper alternative, only to have it start getting loose. It still works, but I have a feeling that when I replace it, I'll spend the money on the Knipex model. Typically, yes, you get what you pay for.
I also like to buy tools for myself that I will likely use only a few times. I bought a sheet metal crimp tool when I replaced my dryer vent. It made the process much easier and more professional. I didn't think I was going to use it again, then I decided to re-work one of my downspouts. The crimp made short work of the pre-formed ribs and just like with the ductwork, made installation a breeze!
I could go on and on about my tools, but this is just a gemlog and a bit of a rant letting you all know that I love my tools!