OK, I admit it, but I bet I’m not the only one (my other major weakness used to be books, but I’ve more or less got over that now, especially since the advent of the internet).

I love all those ¼” hex bits, plus the multitude of stuff that goes with them. You know, right-angle drives, flexible drives, electric drivers and all the rest. Phillips, Posidriv, Robertson, Torx, "Security", etc., etc.

Since having all my tools and test equipment stolen a couple of years ago, I’ve eased off a bit in buying tools. But I really like to use the right tool for the job, and can’t tolerate it when I see "colleagues" using a pair of pliers as a spanner (for example). Having said that, you can’t lug a whole workshop around with you, can you? So (like everyone else I should imagine), I have a little pocket-sized (well, almost) box that I carry around containing stuff I use every day.

Here are two of my all-time favourites, and ones that I do still use every day, too. First is my 4 inch Kinki (yes, that’s the brand name - Hozan is also good) reversible screwdriver (Phillips No.2 and 6 mm flat blade), and the second is my long-jawed No.4 Vise-Grip ("The Original") locking pliers. I was first introduced to these by my Old Buddy Tony Grimmett at Edgware back in 1992, and a good recommendation it was, too (where are you now, grimm reaper? – we don’t hear from you very often, Matey)!

Yeah, there are some nice tools around. On the High Street, Halfords is a great place to while away the hours. Some of their stuff is indeed "competitively priced" and of excellent quality. And they do some nice special deals from time to time.

So, what are your favourites? I think we can allow service consumables and test equipment here too, if you like.

Hi Geoff,
I know the Hozan reversible stubby screwdriver well as they were provided with the toolkits for ge prospeed and Sytec CT scanners (if you are passing I have one with your name on it!).

I find snap on tools to be the best. Alright they cost an arm and a leg but they will be with you for life.

Test equipment wise, you cant beat a QA80 for safety testing or a Fluke 77 as a DMM. In the protective case they are indestructible and I know as I used to sell them! When asked why they cost so much by the customer I simply bunged them across the room into the nearest wall!!!!!
Once picked up it functioned perfectly. Money well spent if you want my opinion.

All the best
Ed Bennett

Southwest Medical Ltd

Mornin’ Ed,

Did you get good results with the same technique on the Laerdal Heartstart 911, I wonder?

Yeah, Snap-on tools are probably the best available. But which one is your favourite?

Both the well-known Japanese tool companies supply good stuff. That's Engineer, as well as Hozan (not only "Bicycle Tools")!

You're right about collecting nice tools that come with new equipment. I once picked up a small set of genuine Allen keys that way (can't remember what the kit was now).

Hi Geoff,
Strangely enough the 911 didn't fare so well! I have tried this technique with several bits of medical kit with varying degrees of "success".
Back onto tools my favourite tool of all time was my wirelocking pliers from my days of trying to fix aeroplanes. I dont have them anymore as there is not much wirelocking to be done on medical kit (which is a pity in some instances). If your not sure what these are I'll find a link for you to marvel at.
These days my most used would be my long (8 inch) philips screwdriver. Just right for getting at front panel screws from the back and for those deep recessed case screws. Length does matter.
As for tool kits that come with equipment my favourite must be the titanium set I have for working on MR kit, beautifully machined, featherlite and worth a fortune.
Take a look next time you are passing,

Here is the link: Wire locking pliers
All the best

Ed Bennett
Southwest Medical Ltd

Eh up Ed, that sounds like the Middle East " Rolex " Watch Test to me. Ha Ha

Yes, I’ve seen your Titanium spanners. Beautiful, and literally weightless. I would lock them away in the showcase, if I were you, Ed.

I’ve got a pair of 18 inch screwdrivers (Phillips and flat). Useful for working on Thetford Cassette Toilets, you know (as in caravans). So, yes, length does indeed matter. You can’t get a whole lot of torque behind a stubby, now can you?

I’ve done a bit of wire locking myself (in one of my previous lives). You sometimes encounter wire-locked electrical connectors on military vehicles, as you know. But we just used ordinary pliers, I seem to recall.

And, there is medical kit that has wire-locking. I’ll leave you to guess.

You’re right about those Rolexes, Tony. How many did you buy over the years, Mate?

Quite a few Buddy, plus Gucci,s Tag Heur,Omega, all supplied from that Clothes Shop down Ruwi Highstreet !! Ha Ha.
Kept the kids Happy

Old one-eyed Ali must have rubbed his scrawny hands with glee when he squinted out from the souk and saw you coming, then, Mate? Ha, ha!

Looks like I'm not the only one who loves his Mole-grips!

Warning: it's not a pretty sight (site)!

Wasn't it the Blacksmith that used to be the dentist in the old days
Perhaps some still are?