Don Foreman wrote:
On Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:22:16 +0000, Christopher Tidy
wrote:



I get the impression that some of the best products from the past are
unbeaten, and that some of the craftsmanship required to build these
products has been lost. But some people may disagree.


One example might be the Vise-Grip, made by Petersen Mfg Co of
Nebraska. The patent expired in 1941 and there are plenty of
knockoffs available -- but the knockoffs never seem to work as well as
the real thing.

http://www.asktooltalk.com/articles/.../vise-grip.php

I don't own a genuine pair of Vise-Grips. The best have always been sold
under the "Mole" brand here in England, and are often generically known
as "mole wrenches".

Actually, I think this is one case in which you can often buy an
imitation and have it work satisfactorily (although I doubt they'll be
as durable). Compare this with cheap screwdrivers and adjustable
spanners, which are never okay, and destroy everything you try to turn
with them.

Personally I've yet to find a better adjustable spanner than the Bahco.

Best wishes,

Chris