Tool Sets Reviews

I'm sure Irwin tools are great products. I own many Irwin tools including the starter Bolt Grip set. However the problem I am encountering is the Expansion set is apparently not available. I ordered this set back in Aug. I'm still waiting. So before you try to order this set, make sure you don't need it any time soon.

Try and try with other tools that never work...and then use one of these!! Great value for the price. Buy the original five piece set and then add this expansion set for more versatility.....one stuck bolt will never stop your work again!!

Nice to use,easy on the hands, and more leverage because of the soft handle. Everbody knows VICE-GRIP brand is the best, and a very good price.

This set includes 8 soft grip pliers model numbers: 10R, 10WR, 9LN, 7LW, 7R, 7WR, 6LN, and 5WR. It also includes 2 locking clamps: 11R and 6R. They don't come with the soft grips. I'm guessing they're counting the plastic tray as the 11th peice of the set. In the printed catalog, this set is listed as an 8 peice set with two bonus locking clamps. Either way, it's the same 10 peice set with a plastic tray to put in the drawer of your tool box. By the way, the tray is about 17" x 26" x 1 1/2".

All of the pliers are solidly built and the soft grips make them feel nicer than the bare metal ones. They also provide a better grip. If you really want to, you can take the grips off by sliding them off. You can't go wrong with a good set of genuine Vise-Grips like this one.

The reason I bought this terrific, little cordless tool is that it's much better than my Bosch jigsaw at trimming plywood flooring in a tight attic crawlspace. It's great for cutting room subflooring, too, when I'm going around on my knees and don't want to fool with pulling a cord. Now, I reach for this Makita cordless saw instead of dragging out the jigsaw or (gasp) my big, old Black&Decker circular saw, when I only need to trim up small pieces for blocking around plumbing and wiring boxes. I like how it makes bevel cuts, too. This Makita has plenty of power to mow through 7/8 inch sheathing, or 2x wood in two passes, and goes a long way on a single charge. It's great for cutting drywall, too! And the carring case and rip fence make this package a really good buy! Way to go, Makita!

I use this saw a lot. I bought this saw to do "light duty" panel work. But, after ripping and cross-cutting hundreds of sheets of 1/8" & 1/4" paneling and hardboard, I have to say that this makita saw is anything but light duty. I use the 2.2nmh batteries with it and just love the light weight and no cords to hassle with. Lugging out a "big" circular saw with a cord to cut large panels is a real pain. With the makita cordless it's truly painless and MUCH quieter. This saw sold me on the makita brand. Of my cordless tools I only use makita, and I love all of them!

I've owned an Occidental for almost three years now, and it shows almost no significant wear. I've never had a set of bags last more than a year and a half before, and those were falling apart at that. I've read reviews about other belts (bucket boss etc.), and they compare themselves to Occi by saying how much less they cost. This is TRULY a case of getting what you payed for. Yup, I swallowed hard when I plunked down for these, but I couldn't be more satisfied. A belt isn't too expensive at twice the cost, when it is sure to last five times as long.

Occidental tool pouches are number one in my book, As compared to craftsman and CLC. They are built to last. Their leather is professional grade, and can withstand a harsh beating without falling apart. Every set of occidental pouches are different, in the wearing of the leather. That means quality in my book, knowing that the leather has been hand stitched, and not some assembly line garbage. As compared with the competitors. This will be my second set of occidental pouches, and the first set lasted three years. When the competitors pouches lasted me a year,if that. Thank you occidental and I look forward to another 3 to 4 years with you around my waist for 8 hours a day.

I have been using this tool pouch for over six months now, and it has been great. I do home remodeling--framing to finish work-- and need a pouch with some versitility. The belt is comfortable even on those long days, with out any slipping. There is plenty of room for carrying all the basic tools and then some --I find myself periodically cleaning out my bags to reduce the weight.

A couple of things I would change:
-The knife holder is not really big enough for larger knives, like those from Stanley (knife doesn't seat fully in the holder) but I kind of like the way the knife stands up a little higher in my pouch.

-The cavernous main pouches (big enough to hold a couple tubes of caulk or a 12V drill with your basic tools) on either side can swallow tools, sometimes leaving you to fish for that set of pliers. A couple of additional loops on the inside of the main pockets for extra pliers or other tools would be nice.

These bags will make you the envy of the site, if only because you are the one to ask because you always have the right tools and more fasteners than everyone else(e.g., hammer tacker in the front loop and 8 coils of roofing nails in the pouches without dropping any basic tools) . Less trips the the truck mean more work done and more $$.

I've worn, and worn out, a lot of bags. They've all been leather - won't wear nylon bags - but nothing has stood up so heroically to the day-in/day-out work-site stresses like this set of bags. Logical placement of tool pouches, supple leather, comfortable belt - for what more could you ask? My only suggestion is a little more realism regarding sizing - I have a 38" waist and the Large, which they suggest should fit my size, doesn't. The XL is perfect however; take home message: if in doubt don't hesitate to order one size up. (Oh, and as to the suspenders, they're absolutely fantastic, or would be if they'd fit a 6'3" guy...One size fits most in this instance...Come on, Occidental, it would only take another inch or two of leather on those straps...)

First thing I noticed about this tool rig was the weight of it, or should I say lack there of!!! With this full of my tools, hammer, 35' tape, speed square, utility knife, chisel, screwdriver,torpedo level,cats paw, and nails, it stills weighs less than the Dewalt leathers I owned before.

Next thing I liked is the barrel bags feature itself. I am a fan of just dropping my belt and getting to break as quick as possible, and I haven't dumped any nails yet. Big difference in comparison again.

These bags were recommended to me by another carpenter, and I got to admit, great call on his part. The bags are very well made, with plenty of storage spots, and easy to get stuff out of.

The only negative I can even think of is there is no hammer loop in the back of the belt. But you can purchase one seperately, and that problem is solved. Or you can just get used to grabbing your hammer from the loop provided.

A great deal for the price, I STRONGLY recommend them to anyone looking for a new rig.

My first carpenter's apron lasted like fifteen years. When it finally died, I began searching for a framer-style rig that wouldn't spill when I knelt. Been through three in three years; totally unsatisfied.

Til now that is. My standard tools are: pencil,tape,knife,1" chisel,speed square,hammer,chalkline,torpedo level. All of these have a perfect home in this rig. The (right) tool bag has three inner pockets in the main. I use em for 1" chisel, torpedo, and now, a bevel square. Outer pocket above hammer loop for utility knife, pencil outside that. Tape goes in main tool bag. Small outer bag is handy for fasteners on the right. Left side main bag holds a 15.6V Panasonic drill. Front outer holds fasteners on left. Back outer holds chalkline. Rear bag is the ticket for gun nails, at least 300 12d. To top it off, the wife likes it and that sort of says it all.

These chisel tip Sharpies are great to use. The Flat body shape prevents rolling around (perfect for when you lay one down on the ladder). The chisel tip writes with a thin or wide line. And these Sharpies can write on anything. These Sharpies are a must for the workshop!

I own a set of these markers. They mark in red..... and black! I highly recommend them for anyone looking for an affordable solution to their red and black marking needs.

This jamber set was an addition to the 24" Stabila level I already had. The levels are dead on accurate and extremely durable. I only wish Stabila sold their levels with the padded case included instead of having to purchase them seperatly.

I am a contractor for 20 years. I have just recently started using Stabila levels and I must say they are worth the money! Yes, they are a little expensive, but then again the work I do is not "low end" so neither should my tools be. These levels are a pleasure to use, they are easy to read and they are accurate! Yes, you can actually see the bubble. The end caps are removable so you can carry a line tight into a corner. The 78" level is a must if you install doors, I find I use it quite often.

The handles are comprised of the typical abuse hungry polymer plastic resin. I bought this set and threw one to each of the guys on my framing crew. We abuse these things. They are used to cut nails, pry walls, as screwdrivers and sometimes actually used as chisels should be. Fortunately the steel is easilly sharpened. 1 minute on the belt sander to remove the deep nicks and then about 5 minutes on the sharpening stones and we are sharp for another 2 weeks. If you want fine chisels for craftsmanship go buy a set of Marples or 2 Cherries...if you want a set to abuse, drop, clean your nails, pull slivers, play mumbley peg, pry walls, open paint cans, scredriver, pry up backing...etc etc etc. Then get these....and share !

I found the quality of these chisels to be more than satisfactory for my purposes. They come in a hard case which makes them very convenient to store and take to job sites. Each chisel has a plastic cover for the tip, and these are locked in place by the hardcase so they don't get lost.

The handles are made of some kind of polymer which seems VERY rugged. The handles have a metal cap embedded in the handle for a striking surface. The handles are also made of a non-slip material, and are shaped so the are very comfortable to use.

As is to be expected, I had to sharpen them to put a finished edge on each chisel, and I have not used them enought yet to comment on how well they hold their edge.

For the price and my uses, I find these to be a very good value.

I've been using Vise-Grips for decades. These soft handled ones are really nice...far more comfortable than the bare handled ones. They do take a bit of getting used to if you are used to the old style, but its worth it. I've also used many different clones ("locking pliers", etc.) and nothing compares to the original Vise-Grip brand.

This 5 pc set is well worth the money, Irwin is a great brand and these vise grips are a great representation of their quality.