It’s been a while since we had a general tools discussion and
prompted me to post:
yet again, so I thought we might try for the community wisdom/commentary.
One tool which I have recently begun using on my machine is:
https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-5222-6-Piece-Ratchet/dp/B00DTEDYAM
w/ a 4mm hex bit in it for tightening/loosening work holding.
Despite current eBay prices, it was a lot more affordable when it was sold under the Craftsman brandname.
Another consideration is the trim routers/spindles — the stamped wrenches included with them are intended just to hold one over until one can source a quality tool. The community has the following notes:
Carbide Compact Router/Makita RT0700/0700 shaft and collet/nut wrench sizes:
- 13mm — note that this must be low profile.
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0791ZS89G
- Bicycle cone wrenches work as well such as the 13mm Park Tool PT-09 Shop Cone Wrench
- Asahi low profile 11/13mm wrench
- McMaster-Carr Tight-Clearance Open-End Wrench with Black Finish, 13 mm Size, 4" Overall Length (sourced from Martin as of mid-2020)
- 22mm — a stubby wrench is well-suited for this, and handier due to the low torque requirements
ER-11 spindle collet shaft and collet/nut wrench sizes:
- 12mm (note that some machines may accepted 13 mm (see above) or 1/2"), possibly needs to be low profile.
- 17mm open-end wrench — specialty ER-11 collet wrenches such as: ER11 Collet Wrench for ER11 Collet Nuts MariTool are available.
and of course, some folks just buy complete sets:
Thin Profile Wrench Sets:
- https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Thin-Head-Access-Wrench-Set-6-Piece-H100THCW6PCSM/305713153
- https://www.amazon.com/DURATECH-Super-Thin-Wrench-8-Piece-Rolling/dp/B08CVC5BDL *
(or see the previous discussion at: Good wrenches for the carbide compact router )
Anyone else find some gems recently?
I have a question on the Finger Ratchet, does it cause wrist or finger fatigue after prolonged use?