Who was it...?

who recommended those fleaBay slip-joint oil filter pliers?

They're sodding brilliant, even when you can barely see the filter. Thank
you.

 

What's the difference between the £4 ones and the £40 ones?

Other than £36 that is

 

It's a very simple difference - I don't have a pair of the £40 ones.

If somebody wishes to give me a set, I shall compare and contrast. I'm
kind like that.

 

The £40 ones are red and have "Snap-On" or "Blue Point" engraved into
them.

 

I shall mention that in my comparison. My email works, if you want to
know my postal address... <grin>

 

money ever so well spent though

 

They're no better than the 4 quid ones. Mine are Snap-On, coz I'm a ****
when I get in the van, but they do the same thing as the 4 quid ones.

 

Well, i've been using them for ages, and got the Sealey ones. I've
recommended them on here before.

Whether this was before or after the ginger tool whore, I dunno. but I
stake a small claim ..

Paul.

 

<waves> But mine weren't 40 quid, nowhere near it

 

Bad form etc.

I'm buying you a new toy for your toolkit next time Snap the Magic
Tool-man comes round to work. In much the same way as you knew I'd
need, want and must have a set of flex-head ratchet spanners when
Halfords were doing them cheap, I've found a tool that you will find a
use for nearly every day and I know you'll love it when you see it.
You'll only owe me 12 quid, so it's no biggie.

 

They're half the Snap-On price when you find them on ebay, like I did.

 

Yeahbut, eBay isn't available in the Snap-on van

 

I know. I dread Mr Snap coming round because I just know I can't resist
the lure of shiny practical things.

 

I avoid the fucker on Fridays for the same reason. I've got a shit load of
Snap-On gear I use only very occasionally, although I did get a spiffing
chain riveter a couple of weeks ago.

I'd broken an ancient one I had so I got this Snap_on one and it's light
years ahead of the old ones. I think it cost around a ton, but if it lasts
as long as my last splitter/riveter, it's a ton well spent. It's got
magnetic bits so when you try to line up the plate holder and 4 "O" rings,
it's a simple grief free job now. And it comes in a pretty box too

 

Oh you ****, I'm going to have to have a look at one next time he comes
round now. <checks current account>

 

I've just been looking on th' net for the same one I got and there's not a
single example. Some are close, but all of them are missing a pretty (very)
useful part.

First off, you know how it can be a **** to get the plates on "just" the
right amount? (I'm sure you've wiggled a screwdriver between the plates to
ease them apart (after squeezing them together). Well the Snap-on (Blue
point actually) tool gives perfect feel and that allows the perfect fit
without pissing about.

Then comes the actual peening of the pins. This thing I've got has a hollow
central riveting screw into which the supplied peening tool (drift with a
"V" type slot in the business end) fits, aligning the drift with the pin. A
weight behind the pin (I use a 24lb sledgemaaer as the "stop") and a single
smack with a nammer and you have the perfect flare on the pin end. All done
single handedly and all with **** all effort.

 

See it and you'll buy it. It's proper tool pr0n for bike spannerists.

 

I've got a nice one: same type as my bike shop uses. Can't remember the
make, but it cost £55 or so. I bet the Snap-On one is better, though.

 

<raises eyebrow>

<closes eyes, holds out hands>

 

The halfords ones are currently online at 40 quid. Well worth it.
http://preview.tinyurl.com/lkxve5

I also managed to pick up a set of four halfords professional half-moon
ratcheting spanners (8 sizes covering 10-17mm)
http://preview.tinyurl.com/3958kps

But I'm sure these were on sale for around 20 quid so even though I
haven't yet used them I'm sure that one day I'll be very glad I have
them.