Tool porn

Ask me in 6 months. Mostly all good so far. I need to replace a part on my very new printer, but it's a known fault that's an easy fix.

It's a crazy bit of kit to have in the house.

Space is the biggest problem for me. Will be interesting to see if you feel it's worth it in 6 months. I'd also like a laser cutter and a cnc router if Santa is listening.

I'm lucky in that I have a pretty big bench for bike stuff. It sits on there

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That doesn't look too big. Maybe it's a good time to get one, they've been improving for a while.

A laser will need venting outside, so if space is a concern then make sure you take this into consideration. Lasers are cool though.

If there's a maker space near to you I can higly recommend it.

Access to lots of tools/equipment, people who know how to use them, and no issues with space or an annoyed spouse.

I do have quite a lot of workshop space so it's just a case of prioritising space for another machine.

At a French shop today, buying some spray paint. Lovely choice of the Beta range!

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Dropped an allen key from recent tour. Want to get another set anyway.

Can someone suggest a good set of 'short', ball-ended allen keys? Most sets seem to be long ones.

Like this Dekton set https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363948854584 I've never heard of this brand. I just don't want anything made of cheese.

Wera maybe? Are these the shortest they do?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wera-05133164001-950-Hex-Plus-Multicolour/dp/B07X443PFF/

Can you still get VAR tools easily in France ? I find their specialist tools design and quality to be superb, but pricey. Decathalon used to be a source here, but I guess that's not really their market space.

I was going to suggest Wiha magic ball like I have 2 sets of (they have a C-spring on all but the smallest balls to retain your fastener on the tool) but, they're only available in long, and ~twice the price of the Wera ones you've referenced. I'd go with the Wera if I was buying again. Its quality kit.

ETA - At £4.99 through the till, the Dekton ones will almost certainly be crafted from cheese.

Yeah, I bought a shitty set from a hardware store as an emergency replacement and I couldn't even undo my seatpost without them starting to round off so that was a waste of a 6EU.

I've got that Wera set and it's quite heavy. Could you use their bicycle specific allen keys?

https://products.wera.de/en/tools_by_trade_tool_sets_for_bicycles_and_e-bikes_bicycle_set_4.html

or the Bicycle set 3 which has an extra empty plastic case which you can carry the tiny ratchet and some appropriate bits in. I have that one too and it's pretty useful.

https://products.wera.de/en/tools_by_trade_tool_sets_for_bicycles_and_e-bikes_bicycle_set_3.html

I've got a tiny torque + socket set I take sometimes so I'm more interested in loose allen keys.

That bike set might be an idea although it's like twice the price of the stubby set.

Wera Allen keys are great.

Wera has seemed a bit expensive since Brexit.

Are they German? I'm going to be in Germany in May for an event. Could order a set then.

Yes they are. Should be better value in Germany. There might be better options in Germany without the advertising budget.

In terms of fit and strength they're the best I've ever used though.

Tool draws on wheels, what brands to start looking at? Going against the theme of the thread, mid-range/good value please.

I was also going to get a new set of "workshop" allen keys. I've got a mixed set of old Lifeline that have done pretty well but I've replaced a lost 5mm and I could do with the longer ones.

Any ideas about German retailers that would deliver to a hotel or similar?

Deutschliveroo perhaps? Or AmaZeitgeist?

I had stuff delivered to hotels a few times before, and its never the retailer that has an issue with it (hotel staff order packages to their place of work too :) ), its whether the hotel staff will accept it/sign for it. Had one refuse my package... Since then I always send them an email ahead explaining the situation, and asking for confirmation that the package will be received and kept for me.

I’ve done this a few times, with a call ahead or an email it’s been fine. A nice tip greases the path for the next person that does it.

Chiming in: steeper learning curve, but so much more satisfying and interesting to use.

+1 tipping for this, you're basically paying it forward.

The mid-range Clarke ones will probably be what you’re looking for. I think they’re slightly better than Halfords Pro and definitely stronger-feeling. Find a Machine Mart and have a look because there are a couple of ranges from basic to all the bells, plus there are different widths and drawer layouts.