The Klein Tool addiction thread! :)
- Thread starter Dennis Leigh Henry
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KnurledNut
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Several different design changes.
-I am glad to see they got rid of that goofy *** yellow. When they released the original, I commented I would have preferred the OG translucent core. Looks like this one may not be, but at least the color looks more like a tool than a dog toy.
-Hopefully its still made in Japan. The original had it molded in the grip in line with the Klein logo. I don’t see it in the few available pictures of this new one, but it might be on the other side since it rotates.
-The provided bit cosmetically looks a little different.
-The release collar looks slightly different too, but again, just based on limited pictures. I could be wrong.
-Which leads to the reason I don’t own the original and have limited interest in this one...the bit release. When you put it in some electrical pouches it’ll drop the bit. Wish they would have redesigned it on this one to be more streamlined with the bit receiver to eliminate this happening.
Steel_Rain
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THIS.
Hopefully, Klein continues it's partnership with Vessel, I can only see that being a good thing.
I'd love to see Klein making everything in the USA, but I know those days are gone. That said, I have zero issues with tools Made in Japan.
I have 2 of those original ball end drivers and as mentioned, it doesn't take much for them to drop the bit. I was carrying one in my hand with a bunch of tools and it dropped the bit on floor twice before I finally put it in my pocket.
I have also bent the flat head tip on one.
It's a nice screwdriver but not the end all/be all some "tool guys" have said with their brand new unused tools in the videos.
Unless there is something special about the ratchet in these I'll pass. I'm not a fan of ratcheting screwdrivers as with my luck they are always going the wrong direction and they introduce play when they are locked.
I have also bent the flat head tip on one.
It's a nice screwdriver but not the end all/be all some "tool guys" have said with their brand new unused tools in the videos.
Unless there is something special about the ratchet in these I'll pass. I'm not a fan of ratcheting screwdrivers as with my luck they are always going the wrong direction and they introduce play when they are locked.
Steel_Rain
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As others may already know, I'm a major tool weirdo and have more screwdrivers, including ratcheting drivers, then myself or the population of my small town would ever need. I was also in the same camp as you a few years ago about hating the play from ratcheting drivers.
One screwdriver stands above all in terms of on center/lock out play and that's the Anex 397, pictured on the left with the gray/black/red color scheme:
I'm SURE someone will dispute this and put a dial indicator on it to prove me wrong, but for a ratcheting screwdriver, it comes as close to fixed driver as I've ever experienced and I have more drivers then brain cells at this point.
It might change your mind about these like it did mine and for $20 bucks, it's worth the money.
four.cycle
Well-known member
Not at all, sir.
That set of Vessel ball-drive ratcheting drivers has never been opened.
They have all seemed to me to be (as @Fedwrench would put it) "fiddly".
Maybe I should put those on the block too.
NoahG
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Vessel has ruined me. Their screwdrivers are incredible, and what I reach for first when I need a cruciform tip.
Steel_Rain
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Klein is coming out with a Ratcheting Fastbit Tru-Grip Ball Screwdriver,
Part #: 32960ARCHT
Ratcheting Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver, Phillips, Slotted Bits - 32960ARCHT | Klein Tools
The Klein Tools Ratcheting Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver enables forward, fixed, and reverse ratcheting for faster driving. The Fastbit collar on the handle quickly releases the double-ended bit, allowing you to flip between the #2 Phillips and the 6 mm slotted-end quickly and easily. Compatible...www.kleintools.com
Credit to @glenng for finding and posting this.
I reached out to Klein and they replied with this ETA:
Put the lift kit to the test today. I REALLY like those 8” wheels oover the stock 6r’s. Both roll like rockstars but the rubber tread is significantly quieter and the locking casters are the **** over those stupid hard to get too lever style.
I‘ve been doing a bunch of motor starter and vfd work the past couple months. I was actually working on some 50 hp drives today so I wanted a nicer Allen set for the lugs.
I was going to buy a set of long Allen sockets but I had a $5 Lowe’s cash coupon so I bought this instead.
I’ve seen the Klein club guys on YouTube review this and it was all the rage. I’d give it a 6 out of 10.
I don’t understand why the bits are held so tightly in a closed case. They are in there so tight I’ve yet to get all the short ones out. I’m hoping since it’s plastic they will loosen up after they are pulled in and out a few times.
One thing Klein could do and wouldn’t cost them a thing would be to simply put the size of the hex bit on this heat shrink or at the least have different colors for metric and SAE. Seems they care more about branding and cementing the color orange to represent Klein.
The sizes are stamped in the shaft and damn near impossible to see easily.
I‘m going to take my label maker and print some wire wrap style labels with the size on them and put them on the shafts. I’m also going to cut the orange heat shrink off all the metric sizes and put red heat shrink on the sizes that are both metric and SAE combo.
This is all stuff Klein could have done to make this a nicer set and wouldn’t have cost them a dime to change.
I was going to buy a set of long Allen sockets but I had a $5 Lowe’s cash coupon so I bought this instead.
I’ve seen the Klein club guys on YouTube review this and it was all the rage. I’d give it a 6 out of 10.
I don’t understand why the bits are held so tightly in a closed case. They are in there so tight I’ve yet to get all the short ones out. I’m hoping since it’s plastic they will loosen up after they are pulled in and out a few times.
One thing Klein could do and wouldn’t cost them a thing would be to simply put the size of the hex bit on this heat shrink or at the least have different colors for metric and SAE. Seems they care more about branding and cementing the color orange to represent Klein.
The sizes are stamped in the shaft and damn near impossible to see easily.
I‘m going to take my label maker and print some wire wrap style labels with the size on them and put them on the shafts. I’m also going to cut the orange heat shrink off all the metric sizes and put red heat shrink on the sizes that are both metric and SAE combo.
This is all stuff Klein could have done to make this a nicer set and wouldn’t have cost them a dime to change.
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KnurledNut
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I don’t normally quote myself, but this video addresses about everything I mentioned.
Edit: ^^ You beat me to it by a minute. Lol.
BZEUG got his hands on one and it's made in Taiwan.
KnurledNut
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I like the improvements, design and function of this ratcheting version much better. Glad I held off on getting the original.
The stronger spring tension is a plus, but I still wish it was a flush design to prevent accidental release. Better yet, nix the locking retention altogether and go with a deep snug tolerance fit like the Anex 397. I use that driver on the job and once it gets broken in, the 72t mechanism has such a great feel. The backdrag when new is a little strong.
Steel_Rain
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Are these still a 6/10 with the size markings you added? Your review was awesome.T handles updated for my old blind ***. The way they should be from the get go. Why was time with heat shrink without putting the size on it.
Got a new work truck so working on Klein modbox revision 3.0
I’m on the fence on this kit. I want it but don’t absolutely need it. More thoughts?
It’s still an unneeded luxury tool. If you have a use for it's good.
It’s hard to judge as I just got it last week and have only used it twice. I used it yesterday assembling the cargo glide for my new work truck.
I prefer a regular T handle set but when you have to carry your tools in with you this makes more sense. I chucked a 3/8" drive to 1/4” hex socket in the case to use with a torque wrench.
If they made the retention of the bits a little lighter and put the sizes blatantly printed on heat shrink the score would bump up to a 8.5 with no added cost to Klein.
If they chucked in 3/8 drive to 1/4" hex and 1/4" drive to 1/4" hex sockets I'd bump it to a 10.
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jeffmoss26
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KnurledNut
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Never knew Klein made these until I came across this pair.
Would have sworn they were Snap-on/Lindstrom/Swanstrom sourced, judging by the thick red cushiony grippy grips.
D366-6C 8" Fatigue-Reducing Spring-Loaded Needle Nose Pliers. Discontinued.
Would have sworn they were Snap-on/Lindstrom/Swanstrom sourced, judging by the thick red cushiony grippy grips.
D366-6C 8" Fatigue-Reducing Spring-Loaded Needle Nose Pliers. Discontinued.
Someone posted a link to some type of archive of tool manufacturers catalogs. I saw a Klein one from the 60s and they made way more and different pliers in the past than they do nowNever knew Klein made these until I came across this pair.
Would have sworn they were Snap-on/Lindstrom/Swanstrom sourced, judging by the thick red cushiony grippy grips.
D366-6C 8" Fatigue-Reducing Spring-Loaded Needle Nose Pliers. Discontinued.
Well in my weekly perusing of Facebook market place today looking for an 1818 bender and tripod vise I see people already trying to resell these.Price: $19.98...from Lowe's....online purchase....plus free shipping.
I paid $114 for the full shebang and the are asking $350 for the set of marketplace. I just looked and the sets are still readily available.
neophyte
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I remember these from tool catalogs from the 1990s, maybe up until the early 2000s.Never knew Klein made these until I came across this pair.
Would have sworn they were Snap-on/Lindstrom/Swanstrom sourced, judging by the thick red cushiony grippy grips.
D366-6C 8" Fatigue-Reducing Spring-Loaded Needle Nose Pliers. Discontinued.
For some annoying reason, I didn’t buy a pair, probably because they cost a bit more than the regular Klein pliers.
Then Klein discontinued the model.
Klein also made replacement plier grips with the same handle material, which have also been discontinued.
One would think with the popularity of pistol grip pliers from Snap-On and the popularity of the red foam grips there might be a market for these pliers nowadays.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Thanks. Good to know the time frame. I did not recall ever seeing them. They are still listed on their website as discontinued, so they can't be terribly old. The Klein name, model and non-insulated warning are marked on the pivot as they typically do. I can pull back the grip enough to see it. I believe the markings are laser etched and very crisp looking. 90-00's seems possible.I remember these from tool catalogs from the 1990s, maybe up until the early 2000s.
For some annoying reason, I didn’t buy a pair, probably because they cost a bit more than the regular Klein pliers.
Then Klein discontinued the model.
Klein also made replacement plier grips with the same handle material, which have also been discontinued.
One would think with the popularity of pistol grip pliers from Snap-On and the popularity of the red foam grips there might be a market for these pliers nowadays.
neophyte
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The pliers were discontinued at least a decade ago as far as I recall.
I used yo see the pliers listed in Industrial Supply catalogs like MSC and Lab Safety Supply, although I would presume McMaster and Grainger also had the pliers.
PowrKraftsman
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I had been thinking about getting the Anex but will now wait for the Klein.
jeffmoss26
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PowrKraftsman
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I see that theycan be preordered from Acme Tools and now also Ohio Power Tools. I wonder how long it will be until they get to the shelves at Lowe’s.Credit to @glenng for finding and posting this.
I reached out to Klein and they replied with this ETA:
Steel_Rain
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Though not yet available, the listing is live on Amazon now:
Klein Tools 32960ARCHT Ratcheting Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver, Ratcheting Ball-Style Handle with Quick-Release Collar, #2 Phillips and 6 mm Slotted Double-Ended Bit, 1/4-Inch Bit Compatible: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
Klein Tools 32960ARCHT Ratcheting Fastbit Tru-Grip Screwdriver, Ratcheting Ball-Style Handle with Quick-Release Collar, #2 Phillips and 6 mm Slotted Double-Ended Bit, 1/4-Inch Bit Compatible: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
www.amazon.com
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
The set is now complete!
Are you actually going to use them?The set is now complete!
I'm contemplating buying a second set, one to use and one to look at.
d.mcfarland
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Better yet, buy all of the items in the commemorative set and use them with pride. They picked some of the tools that are their best offerings.
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PowrKraftsman
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Cool. Thanks.
jeffmoss26
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I plan to buy or have made a shadowbox/display case to hold all my commemorative Klein stuff.
KnurledNut
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Does anyone know how many gear teeth the new Klein ratcheting Fastbit driver has? Not one single review I have seen mentions it, nor does Klein say. But from listening to it, it sounds super crunchy like its pretty coarse. I use the Anex 397 and the fine tooth mechanism works well.
PowrKraftsman
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I’ve seen some of the reviews on YouTube and I don’t recall anyone giving a number. However, Bzeug says it has “very low backdrag” and I think he was at that point comparing it to the Vessel. I’ve not used the Vessel so I don’t know how it is as one to judge others by.
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PowrKraftsman
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Several new reviews have popped up by YouTubers who’ve been sent these new screwdrivers by Klein. A couple have said the tooth count is 24, noting that the action isn’t as smooth and the backdrag is higher than the Anex in particular.
Saw these at Lowe's today. I'll pass on a black plastic box to bake in the sun.
I already saw a guy on YouTube saying he bought the whole pallet Lowe's had and was trying to resell them. I hate people like that.
These modboxes are getting expensive like Milwaukee pack out. I paid $135 for the rolling drawers and it's now on sale and discounted at $200. Also bought 5 sets of varying drawers and the most expensive one was $120. I believe they are now approaching $200.
I guess it was good I went all in when they came out and were on sale.
Black or not that new latch design is a total loser. Having to use two hands to open a lid?, what an engineering brain fart. I access some of my stuff with another box or two already stacked often. Now you’ll have no choice but to unstack. I sure hope they don’t end the original design, that would end my future purchases.
Saw these at Lowe's today. I'll pass on a black plastic box to bake in the sun.
I already saw a guy on YouTube saying he bought the whole pallet Lowe's had and was trying to resell them. I hate people like that.
These modboxes are getting expensive like Milwaukee pack out. I paid $135 for the rolling drawers and it's now on sale and discounted at $200. Also bought 5 sets of varying drawers and the most expensive one was $120. I believe they are now approaching $200.
I guess it was good I went all in when they came out and were on sale.
As for expense, ya it’s getting out of hand. But I also haven’t checked with my wholesaler to see if the increase is across the board or just a retailer issue.
One thing Klein is really missing is an open crate. I have six or seven of the DeWalt crates to stack and move material around. Relatively inexpensive and a good value for the money compared to the pack out crates.
When you're working out of a half ton truck you can't carry everything so I keep material stored in our shop and then bring it on site in these crates and drop it all off in one shot
I literally have to empty my truck to move material.
These just got delivered yesterday. Such a simple concept why weren't these around 20 years ago.
This should cut down on the carnage of broken spools rattling around in a truck.
When you're working out of a half ton truck you can't carry everything so I keep material stored in our shop and then bring it on site in these crates and drop it all off in one shot
I literally have to empty my truck to move material.
These just got delivered yesterday. Such a simple concept why weren't these around 20 years ago.
This should cut down on the carnage of broken spools rattling around in a truck.
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