1 3/8" Unibit for Reasonable Price

[The New Steve H]

Because I'm new at building amps, I'm getting new tools from time to time, and sometimes I come across something I think may be useful to others.

I found a 1 3/8" unibit for $13. It's made by Neiko. No shipping charge. I know punches are the standard thing for tube socket holes, but if you are crazy and sometimes like to use thick metal for chassis, a unibit will go right through it.

My unibit just arrived. Haven't tried it yet.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 0400008UR5

I found a Klein Tools unibit the same size at Home Depot, and it was around fifty bucks. I love Klein Tools, but...no.

[SoundPerf]

I bought a cheap set of 3 from Harbor Freight and they have been holding up well. I've used them on aluminum and steel. At the time I figured they was so cheap that when them wore out I would just buy new. But it's been lasting longer than I ever expected.

I'm using them right now cutting holes in a steel chassis for a Dumblelator. The only thing that's a pain is they leave burs on the holes and it's harder to clean up than aluminum. Especially in tight spaces. A dremel tool has been the answer to this.

A knock out set would be the best solution, but the $$ factor has kept me from that solution.

[The New Steve H]

People say good things about this $100 hydraulic job from Harbor Freight. It may not last, but the price is really low.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hydraulic- ... 96718.html

I chose not to get one (back when they were on sale) because I like to fool with thick aluminum.

[SoundPerf]

People say good things about this $100 hydraulic job from Harbor Freight. It may not last, but the price is really low.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hydraulic- ... 96718.html

I chose not to get one (back when they were on sale) because I like to fool with thick aluminum.

Hey, that's not a bad looking set. It showing "backorder" right now, but I may consider this. Thanks!

[Gaz]

I've had such bad luck with HF stuff - Step bits dull quickly, and are only single-futed, and I had one of the threaded studs just snap in half from their manual punch set (I'm sure the hydraulic ones are of the same make).

I like to go there for little needle nose pliers for bending leads, but IMHO anything "heavy-duty" from there is ultimately a waste of money. I now have a huge Greelee step-bit from Lowes, Green Slugbuster set, and a 3-piece Irwin Unibit set. None of them were very expensive, but man, I wish I could've used the money from those busted ass HF tools towards them!

[Lonely Raven]

People say good things about this $100 hydraulic job from Harbor Freight. It may not last, but the price is really low.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hydraulic- ... 96718.html

I chose not to get one (back when they were on sale) because I like to fool with thick aluminum.

Those are some really big holes though.

[SoundPerf]

I've had such bad luck with HF stuff - Step bits dull quickly, and are only single-futed, and I had one of the threaded studs just snap in half from their manual punch set (I'm sure the hydraulic ones are of the same make).

I like to go there for little needle nose pliers for bending leads, but IMHO anything "heavy-duty" from there is ultimately a waste of money. I now have a huge Greelee step-bit from Lowes, Green Slugbuster set, and a 3-piece Irwin Unibit set. None of them were very expensive, but man, I wish I could've used the money from those busted ass HF tools towards them!

First, I want to say if you're planning on doing any production level stuff or even more than a few projects a year, Harbor Freight is not the place to go. For the most part the stuff there is not on par with high quality tools. But, I use Lowes a lot (too much) and the stuff there is barely better than anything HF sells. It's all Chinese manufactured, and worse of all you pay premium prices much of the time and never know when your going to get a piece of crap. There hardware (screw,nuts, etc.) is complete crap.

It's all opinion I suppose. I got the same little needle nose pliers at HF and I can't stand them. The rubber handles won't stay in place and slide all over the place. And the spring system they use won't work properly becuase of this. I would sooner spend the money on higher quality and get proper function. But, the step bits I got are holding up. I make sure not to use them on anything that is going to be too much for them. I've used them on about 6 projects so far. I'm sure they won't last forever. I got a grinder at HF that has been holding up as well. I use it for everything from amp and effect projects to sharpening law mower blades. I've had it for two years.

I guess the thing I take issue with is considering Lowes has superior tools for close to the same price. Lowes has angered me far more than HF ever will.

[The New Steve H]

I bought Hitachi drill bits, knowing the reputation their power tools have and assuming the Japanese would not sell crap. The bits are awful. I ended up buying a big US-made cobalt set at Enco.

Some companies with good reputations count on their names to help them sell garbage. It's like printing money; sooner or later it catches up with you.

[surfsup]

I got the same little needle nose pliers at HF and I can't stand them. The rubber handles won't stay in place and slide all over the place. And the spring system they use won't work properly becuase of this.

I bought my needle nose for amp building at a craft/jewelry store. Round nose needle nose. Great pair, and the tapered round nose are nice for bending leads. I can bend the lead to the same diameter as a turret and just pinch it with my fingers afterward. I almost don't need solder...cough...cough....

[M Fowler]

Surfsup,

I got my round jewlry pliers at a craft store as well. They also have long needle nose pliers that are smooth which is good for straightening leads with out making marks.

Try shopping at the City Desk of your local electrical supply distributor as cash sales they have great tools and price break tell them you do electronic repair. Try Grainger as well. Lowe's sells Klein tools.

Mark

[Phil_S]

If you have patience, don't under estimate eBay for brand name tools. I got several Irwin step bits for about 30% of retail price. You just have to stick to your price point and eventually one will pop.