Ballinator Videos

In this video we'll compare two different types of automotive battery testers. An Autool electronic tester from Amazon. And a Chicago Electric carbon pile load tester from Harbor Freight. I'll go over the operation of both, and show some of the different tests they can do. 00:00 Zoomer Overview 00:35 Zoomer Test Setup 01:50 Zoomer Test Results 03:04 Starter & Alternator Tests 04:12 Boomer Overview 04:55 Boomer Tests 06:53 Outro

In this video we take apart the Auto intelliKey AIK5A9488 Spoiler alert: Allegedly a car remote key transmitter, these were a part of a direct mail campaign. There's nothing functional inside. No batteries, no switches. Completely worthless and a waste of resources. A borderline scammy marketing tactic to get you into a car dealership. 00:00 Intro 01:00 Teardown 01:44 Who Made These? 02:17 Marketing Tactics 03:14 LOL they're on eBay

In this video we review the Icon "Made in USA" in-line wire strippers (p/n: 59152) from Harbor Freight. I'll use my tool detective skills to try and figure out who makes these. Similar tools are also being sold by both Snap-On and Southwire. These are in-line wire strippers, so they have four front-holes which you can use to strip wire in an outlet box, where you have limited side access. However, these are limited to four size wires, neither of which is ideal for automotive or 120 volt work... Stride Patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10700500B2 00:00 Intro 00:55 Tool Squad Parody 01:26 Stride Tool 02:06 Testing Wire Strippers 02:35 Testing Screw Cutters 03:14 What are these for? 04:21 Fit in Outlet Boxes 04:50 Pricing & Final Thoughts

Xcelite was the first company to make a plastic handle screwdriver, and also the first to coin the term "nut driver". Their color coded nut drivers were frequently used by electronics technicians and hobbiests from the 1940's all the way to today. An Xcelite screwdriver is believed to have been used by Louis Slotin in the 1946 "Demon Core" incident, at the Los Alamos testing lab. In this video we go over the histroy of Xcelite. From Park Metalware in the 1920's to "Xcelite by Weller" and present day. Demon Core Incident: https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/demon-core-the-strange-death-of-louis-slotin Park Metalware patents: https://patents.google.com/?assignee=PARK+METALWARE+Co+Inc https://patents.google.com/?inventor=Zilliox+John 1924 Wire Connector: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Lineman_s_Handbook/w4xRAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=park+metalware&pg=PA362&printsec=frontcover 1936 Catalog (screwdrivers): https://archive.org/details/park-metalware-co-1936 1960 Catalog: https://archive.org/details/XceliteCatalogNo160 1966 Catalog: https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_xcelite166_11888028 1982 Catalog: https://archive.org/details/XceliteCooper1982 Los Alamos cover: https://archive.org/details/los-alamos-project-y-book-viii-volume-2-technical-29-april-1947 00:00 Demon Core Incident 00:54 Park Metalware 01:44 The Nut Driver 02:22 Xcelite Innovations 03:40 The Cooper Era 04:02 The Apex Era 05:07 Outro 05:38 Moar Demon Core

In this video we'll restore a 1920's K-D Tools Model 99 Hack Saw. These saws could take blades from 12 inches down to 3 inches, for cutting around obstructions. Patented in 1920 by George Wilkins, this saw was made all the way up until 1946, when it was replaced with a new model with a quick change blade system. After the restoration, I'll attempt to dual wield this saw along with the later model version. 1920 Patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US1382448A 00:00 Intro 00:30 History 00:44 Operation 00:53 Restoration Prep 01:24 Wire Wheeling 02:08 After Wire Wheeling 02:56 Dual Wield 03:45 Before/After Shots

This video is on the clamp-on pallet forks that I've been using on my Massey Ferguson GC1705 SCUT since 2017. Since then I've used them for a variety of things, unloading items from the back of my truck, hauling brush, lifting and moving logs, and even sometimes for actually carrying pallets. We'll go over how these work, some of the limitations, and the myths surrounding clamp on pallet forks. 00:00 Intro 00:22 Installation 00:32 Use with Pallets 01:38 Hauling Brush 01:53 Bending the Bucket? 02:56 Use with Ratchet Strap / Chains 03:34 2 by 4 slots 04:00 Outro

In this video we go over the Chicago Electric 130w hotknife tool, p/n: 60313. We'll test the warm up time and maximum temperature, test it out on a variety of materials: styrofoam, squishy foam, nylon webbing & nylon rope. Functionally the tool works fine, it just has a cheap build contruction. 00:00 Unboxing 00:42 Power Knob & Controls 01:22 Warm Up Time & Max Temp 02:21 Styrofoam Cutting Test 02:57 Squishy Foam Test 03:36 Nylon Webbing Test 04:01 Nylon Rope Test 04:26 Depth Guide 05:00 Build Quality 05:26 Pricing & Final Thoughts

In this video we look at a vintage Irwin model 900 Screw Starter. Sometimes referred to as a Gimlet, this is a simple device for creating a pilot hole for a screw, without using a drill. These were common tools for woodworking a long time ago, but have become less common as power tools have taken over. We'll compare the vintage Irwin to a modern Masterforce version, as well as using an awl and a push drill to make the pilot hole. 1968 Ad: https://books.google.com/books?id=FNQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA131&dq=screw+starter&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwinl4_VhLaEAxWl5ckDHZ0lAy8Q6AF6BAgEEAI#v=onepage&q=screw%20starter&f=false 1983 Army Tool Manual: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Use_and_Care_of_Hand_Tools_and_Measuring/neHvgZbUxSoC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=screw+starter&pg=SA22-PA5&printsec=frontcover 00:00 Intro 01:18 Modern Version 01:36 Experiment 04:02 Hardwood Demo 04:27 Outro

In this video we go over the history of the short-lived Popular Mechanics tool brand. These tools were sold at WalMart from 1992 to 2001. Wal-Mart had secured a licensing agreement with Hearst Publications, to license the magazine's name as a tool brand. Hearst required WalMart to submit the tools for testing before they could put the Popular Mechanics name on them. 1992 Article: https://web.archive.org/web/20100204102315/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_n10_v31/ai_12313265 Garage Journal Thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/popular-mechanics-tools-warranty.90248/ 1993 ad: https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_4eMDAAAAMBAJ/page/n33/mode/2up 1994 ad: https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_huMDAAAAMBAJ/page/n15/mode/2up 2000 ad: https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_MxXlKb9wIe0C/page/n123/mode/2up 00:00 Parody Intro 00:42 Overview 01:05 Licensing the Brand 02:01 Testing Lab 02:28 The Tools 04:14 Present Day

This is the computer I set up for out in the workshop. I didn't want to build a full PC for out here, since it would likely get clogged up with dust and get damaged. With this Wyse R90LW Thinn Client, I can remote desktop into my main PC in the house. The Thinn Client doesn't have a fan, so no dust can get sucked into it. They're also under $50, so this is way cheaper than building a second PC. We'll also look at the TG3 mechanical keyboard, with integrated trackpad, that I use out here. 00:00 Overview 00:40 Boot Sequence 01:59 Keyboard 02:35 Thinn Clients

Tekton is bringing back the "L" handle. In both 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive. These feature a wobble end on the long end, and a knurled grip. Part numbers SLH10106 (3/8) and SLH20108 (1/2) Why would you use this in 2024 over a ratchet or a flex-head breaker bar? 00:00 Parody Intro 00:23 Overview 00:55 Square Drive End 01:12 Wobble Drive End 01:35 Maximum Torque 02:01 Outro

In this video we look at the eXtra Short ratchet extension set from Tekton. p/n: SHA99020. This is a three piece set of the shortest extensions, that can legally be referred to as extensions. 00:00 Comedy Intro 00:31 Overview 01:05 Size Comparisons 01:40 Pricing 02:20 Use Case Re-Enactment 02:57 Outro

In this video I make a short 3" blade for this vintage K-D Tools Convertible Model 99 Hacksaw. This saw was designed to use blades from 3 to 12 inches. The shorter blades allow it to cut around obstructions. Since the saw blade is made from hardened steel, we'll spot anneal it to avoid damaging the heat treatment on the cutting edge. 1920 Patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US1382448A 1946 Patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US2531135 1934 KD Catalog: https://archive.org/details/k-d-tools-catalog-no-16-1934/page/6/mode/2up 1948 KD Catalog: https://archive.org/details/k-d-tools-cat-no-24-1948/page/14/mode/2up 1969 KD Catalog: https://archive.org/details/k-d-tools-catalog-69/K-D%20Tools%20Catalog%2069/ 00:00 Intro 00:50 Making a Short Blade 02:35 Cutting Demo 03:11 Saw History 03:44 Other Design Features 04:25 Outro

Today we're looking at a set of Masterforce silicone tool trays from Menards. These appear to be a knock off of the Grypmat. Other than the color, it looks identical to the ones sold at Harbor Freight and the generic ones on Amazon. At under $20 for a set of three, these might be the cheapest knock-offs out there. 00:00 Intro 00:28 Unboxing 00:46 Large Tray 01:10 Slide Test 01:40 Medium Tray 01:53 Small Tray 02:19 Pricing Comparisons 02:48 Outro

In this video we look at a MicroFlame Micronox mini torch. This tiny torch runs on a combination of Butane, and Nitrous Oxide. These were invented by a Leonard Aske in 1962, and were sold by Radio Shack, under their Archer brand, from 1972 through at least 1999. These were even used as movie props in Star Wars and Men in Black. https://patents.google.com/patent/US3246849A 00:00 Intro 00:36 How to Light 01:10 Demonstration 01:54 Swapping Cylinders 02:44 History 03:30 Sourcing Cylinders 04:05 Use as Film Props 04:30 Outro

In this video we look at the SCF100 spring loaded crowsfoot wrenches. These are a variant of the TOP SpeedWrench design, which grips tighter the harder you push on it. VIM shortened them and added a square drive bonus hole so you can add an extension, ratchet or breaker bar. This design is great for loosening rusted and rounded over brake line fittings. This tool is so cool, I had to add a new category for it on the Pliers Tier List. 00:00 Intro 01:08 Demo on Rounded Off Bolt 02:48 Tier List Addition 03:16 Overall Quality 04:07 Foam Insert 04:57 Pricing & Knock Offs 05:29 Outro

In this video, I'll restore an old aluminum handled screwdriver. I believe this was a home made tool, possibly something from a high school shop class. We'll polish up the handle and re-shape the tip on it. 00:00 Overview 01:04 Wire Wheeling the Shank 01:29 Cleaning the Handle 02:00 Polishing the Handle 03:03 Reshaping the Tip 04:15 After Shots Metal Shop Book: https://archive.org/details/machineshopprojectsbysouthbendlatheworks

In this video we go over the history of K-D Tools, and the origin story of GearWrench. How K-D created GearWrench, and then later got replaced by GearWrench. Kulp Patents: https://patents.google.com/?inventor=Harry+W+Kulp KD Patents: https://patents.google.com/?assignee=KD+Manufacturing+Co&country=US GearWrench patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5636557A/en?oq=US5636557 KD Tools History: http://alloy-artifacts.org/k-d-manufacturing.html Apex Factory Closing: https://www.thestate.com/news/business/article126068444.html 1934 KD Catalog: https://archive.org/details/k-d-tools-catalog-no-16-1934/mode/2up 1942 KD Catalog: https://archive.org/details/k-d-tools-catalog-21/K-D%20Tools%20Catalog%2021/page/4/mode/2up 1969 KD Catalog: https://archive.org/details/k-d-tools-catalog-69/K-D%20Tools%20Catalog%2069/ 2006 GearWrench Catalog: https://archive.org/details/gear-wrench-automotive-catalog-2006 2010 KD Catalog: https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-6019350/page/1/mode/2up Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:24 Early Days of K-D 01:10 K-D Gets Bought Out 01:45 The GearWrench is Born 02:37 Apex Era & Closures 03:32 GearWrench Replaces K-D 04:07 Final Thoughts

In this episode of Socket Obscura, "Dale" tells us about the Great Socket Conspiracy of 1953, and we look at 8 point, AKA "Double Square" sockets. These sockets were used for square bolts on old industrial equipment, vintage furniture, furnace fans, garage door springs and semi truck brake adjusters. In a pinch they can be used as a tap socket. They also work great for pipe and drain plugs. 00:00 Parody Intro 00:43 Overview 01:17 Square Bolt History 01:50 Modern Uses 02:28 The Tools 03:26 More Parody 03:55 Modern Options 04:32 Outro

In this video we look at the 806SW Xtra Slim adjustable wrench by Channellock. This is a 6" adjustable wrench, with thin 3/32" jaws, to get into tight spaces. Similar wrenches are made by Irega (92WXS), Bahco (9029-T) and Engineer (TWM-07). 00:00 Parody Intro 00:13 Overview 00:31 Size Comparisons 01:27 Quality 01:58 Other Variations 02:27 Outro

Clutch Head Screws - History & Lore

In this video we look at a 1960's or 1970's era Sears "Carbon Steel" Hex Drive socket set. Hex drive had been made pretty much obsolete by square drive, back in the 1930's. But some manufacturers kept making these sets, positioned as budget alternatives, all the way up through the 1970's. This set has a 1920's style sheet metal ratchet, which was non-reverseable, and had a 18 tooth mechanism. 1960 Sears Craftsman Catalog https://archive.org/details/SearsCraftsmanHandTools1960/page/n9/mode/2up 1969 Sears Craftsman Catalog: https://archive.org/details/SearsCraftsmanPowerAndHandTools1969/page/n89/mode/2up 00:00 The Sockets 01:16 The L Handles 01:51 The Spinner Handle 02:13 The Ratchet 03:23 History 04:20 Use Cases 04:50 Square Drive Adapter 05:16 Outro

In this video we look at the VIM Tools DD2 stubby ratchet. Only around 2.25 inches long, this ratchet has an extra square drive hole at the end, so you can attach an extension, breaker bar, or a second ratchet. These are great for making a psuedo "crow's foot" ratchet, for getting around obstructions. 00:00 Overview 01:09 Ratchet Mechanism 02:13 Size Comparisons 02:34 Pricing 03:02 Final Thoughts

This video is about a 1970's or '80's vintage Russian Pocket keychain alarm clock. It was made by the Luch company in what is now Belarus. Measuring only 2" by 1", it used a mechanical (wind up) watch movement coupled with a battery powered alarm. We'll disasemble it to see what's inside, replace the battery, and test out the alarm feature. 00:00 Intro 00:46 Battery Cover 01:19 Disassembly 02:32 Luch History 03:33 Replacing Battery 04:25 Alarm Testing 05:15 Overall Thoughts

In this video we look at the history of the SK Professional Tools brand. Originally starting out as Sherman Klove, then becoming SK Tools, SK Wayne, and then back to SK Tools. See how SK started out an independant company, was bought out by several other companies, only to become independant again, just to be bought out by China... What does the future hold for SK Tools as a brand? Can they compete with the tool trucks if they're just rebranded import tools? Further Reading: http://alloy-artifacts.org/sherman-klove.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SK_Hand_Tools Theodore Rueb patents: https://patents.google.com/?inventor=Rueb+Theodore 1938 Brazil Tools Catalog: https://archive.org/details/brazil-tools/mode/2up 1938 SK Tools Catalog: https://archive.org/details/s-k-tools-catalog-1938 1943 SK Tools Catalog: https://archive.org/details/sherman-klove-war-issue-catalog-1943 1961 Electrolite Era Catalog: https://archive.org/details/s-k-lectrolite-catalog-no-mc-563/page/8/mode/2up 1964 Wayne Era Catalog: https://archive.org/details/1964skwaynecatalog 1970 Dresser Era Catalog: https://archive.org/details/SKToolsSupplementalCatalog91513 1986 Facom Era Catalog: https://archive.org/details/s-k-tools-catalog-1986 Pre GreatStar catalogs: https://web.archive.org/web/20210810180314/https://sktools.com/resources.html Chapters: 00:00 Parody Intro 00:37 Early Years 01:39 SK Tools is formed 02:37 Theodore Rueb Patents 03:56 Lectrolite Joint Venture 04:24 Symington-Wayne & Dresser Era 05:02 Facom Buyout 05:29 Independence and Ideal Buyout 06:17 Ideal Innovations 06:46 GreatStar Buyout 07:39 Final Thoughts