# Hand Tools **URL:** https://fireball.discourse.group/c/hand-tools/8.md [Latest](https://fireball.discourse.group/latest.md) · [Categories](https://fireball.discourse.group/categories.md) · [Tags](https://fireball.discourse.group/tags.md) --- ## [About the Hand Tools category](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/about-the-hand-tools-category/25)
**Author:** [@Fireball\_Filmmaker](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Fireball_Filmmaker)\ **Replies:** 0
Welding squares, clamps, you name it! Here is the place to discuss all hand tools, whether they are Fireball’s or any other brand. This is the place to ask questions, rave, complain, or just show off your hand tools. Thi… --- ## [Just a heads up for those that may not realize](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/just-a-heads-up-for-those-that-may-not-realize/3261)
**Author:** [@wheelz](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/wheelz)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2026, 8:54pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/just-a-heads-up-for-those-that-may-not-realize/3261 "2026-08-04T20:54:25Z")
Maybe it is just me being dense (which is always possible) and I’m the only one. However in case I’m not, always make sure your swivel base is tight before using your bullseye clamps. I didn’t realize when I got mine tha… --- ## [1826 Combination Square Problem](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/1826-combination-square-problem/4386)
**Author:** [@Bib\_Overalls](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Bib_Overalls)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2026, 4:10pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/1826-combination-square-problem/4386 "2026-07-31T16:10:22Z")
I have a number of Fireball Tool products and I am impressed with their quality and functionality. But, my 1826 Combination Square is a disappointment. Actually, I spent $75 for a tool that I can not use. Why, because… --- ## [Mystic Square 16" location tabs](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/mystic-square-16-location-tabs/4338)
**Author:** [@benjohnanderson](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/benjohnanderson)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2026, 4:58pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/mystic-square-16-location-tabs/4338 "2026-06-24T16:58:26Z")
I just got my Mystic Square 16". It came with a right angle location tab that I don’t understand what it is for. Why the several holes in corner? I think other squares come with them too but first time I have seen one… --- ## [Mini Maximus Bar & Dog (suggestion)](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/mini-maximus-bar-dog-suggestion/4333)
**Author:** [@JoshP](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/JoshP)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/mini-maximus-bar-dog-suggestion/4333 "2026-06-23T13:52:10Z")
Hello, I’m a millwright for a steel company have a set of Maximus/Mini Maximus bar & dog enjoy the clamps very handy would like to see you offer them in a version that would accommodate 1x1 key stock we use this a lot ar… --- ## [Fireball squares being resold!](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/fireball-squares-being-resold/4312)
**Author:** [@MBSwelding](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/MBSwelding)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2026, 2:01pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/fireball-squares-being-resold/4312 "2026-05-24T14:01:54Z")
I just came across this link on Facebook: These people are making some cash from Fireball Tools @Fireball\_Jason --- ## [Question about dragon scale finish - inconsistency?](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/question-about-dragon-scale-finish-inconsistency/3600)
**Author:** [@realdocBBQ](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/realdocBBQ)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2026, 8:37pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/question-about-dragon-scale-finish-inconsistency/3600 "2026-05-04T20:37:15Z")
I made my first order of Fireball tools recently - for me, it’s a big purchase, over $400 worth of stuff. I’m slowly SLOWLY trying to accumulate better tools to be able to do a better job, work faster, safer and more acc… --- ## [What other tools should fireball tool make?](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/what-other-tools-should-fireball-tool-make/2196)
**Author:** [@Whitesteel](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Whitesteel)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2026, 3:18pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/what-other-tools-should-fireball-tool-make/2196 "2026-04-04T15:18:40Z")
I think Jason should start a fab design Part of this forum and people can give him ideas for new tools that welders would use in the shop. And if he picks your idea that person gets one of the tools for free or a few f… --- ## [Fireball tool toolbox](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/fireball-tool-toolbox/4245)
**Author:** [@IronWrench](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/IronWrench)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2026, 3:00pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/fireball-tool-toolbox/4245 "2026-04-04T15:00:48Z")
@jason I watched the video where you do a tour of the workshop and right at the beginning you talk about your Snap-On toolbox. I wanted to know what tools you bought when you started working with mechanics. --- ## [New kind of ruler for combination square](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/new-kind-of-ruler-for-combination-square/4030)
**Author:** [@RedTurtle](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/RedTurtle)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2025, 8:30pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/new-kind-of-ruler-for-combination-square/4030 "2025-11-24T20:30:29Z")
Hello, I work in an industrial steel fab shop. As many on this forum probably know, in industrial fabrication many of the measurements are to the center of holes. Because of this much of my layout whenever I start a ne… --- ## [Can Your Speed Square Do This? New tool Alert!](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/can-your-speed-square-do-this-new-tool-alert/3978)
**Author:** [@Fireball-Tool](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Fireball-Tool)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 6:58pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/can-your-speed-square-do-this-new-tool-alert/3978 "2025-11-10T18:58:01Z")
Can your speed square do this? Today is a new tool birthday: the brand-new Fireball Miter squares. The speed square is one of our favorite tools in the workshop. Nothing’s ever going to replace it, but it has weakne… --- ## [Issue with combination square?](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/issue-with-combination-square/3944)
**Author:** [@DotEXE](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/DotEXE)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2025, 11:28am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/issue-with-combination-square/3944 "2025-10-01T11:28:09Z")
I just received a cast iron combination square that I ordered. After putting the blade in and admiring it for a few minutes I’ve noticed a problem. It’s made so the groove on the blade can be inserted from either side, b… --- ## [Maximus Clamps Adaptor](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/maximus-clamps-adaptor/3946)
**Author:** [@theguyfromengland157](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/theguyfromengland157)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2025, 2:32pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/maximus-clamps-adaptor/3946 "2025-09-14T14:32:47Z")
Just bought the Maximus and Minis. Has anybody made an adaptor for the swivel pad to provide a wider surface area and stop it swivelling or to hook on to an outside corner? I’ve been using a trusty 6ft sash clamp to sque… --- ## [New red fireball combination squares](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/new-red-fireball-combination-squares/3895)
**Author:** [@Andrew56](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Andrew56)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2025, 10:48pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/new-red-fireball-combination-squares/3895 "2025-08-21T22:48:22Z")
I purchased both new red fireball combination squares. After using them both for a few days I noticed both were not square. After they I started checking both of them and both are out of square about 0.5mm - 1mm, most n… --- ## [Tool Sales](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/tool-sales/3786)
**Author:** [@Logan\_S](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Logan_S)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2025, 2:07am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/tool-sales/3786 "2025-07-20T02:07:19Z")
Hey Jason , I think creating an Amazon Store front would get you more industrial business. Speaking from experience ordering tools through the company’s account can be difficult for small businesses like Fireball Tool … --- ## [New Fireball Tool 2x4 Bar Clamp](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/new-fireball-tool-2x4-bar-clamp/3438)
**Author:** [@Fireball\_Jason](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Fireball_Jason)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2025, 4:04pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/new-fireball-tool-2x4-bar-clamp/3438 "2025-07-06T16:04:05Z")
Here’s a first look at the new 2x4 clamp. This is an alternate to the popular 2x1 maximus clamp. This uses a 2x4 to make a long bar clamp. The 2x4 is easy to source around the shop or jobsite. You can push or pull with … --- ## [These are the new Lumber Maximus Clamps! Here's how they work](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/these-are-the-new-lumber-maximus-clamps-heres-how-they-work/3690)
**Author:** [@Fireball-Tool](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Fireball-Tool)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2025, 6:07pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/these-are-the-new-lumber-maximus-clamps-heres-how-they-work/3690 "2025-07-02T18:07:15Z")
Have you guys seen this new video where Jason showcases the new Fireball Tool Lumber Maximus Clamps? (Video releases 7/5/25 at 6 A.M. PDT) Introducing the Lumber Maximus Clamp — a heavy-duty wood clamp that uses a st… --- ## [I Tested Clamp Rigidity with the Maximus Clamp on 3 Types of Tubing](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/i-tested-clamp-rigidity-with-the-maximus-clamp-on-3-types-of-tubing/3609)
**Author:** [@Fireball\_Jason](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Fireball_Jason)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2025, 4:58am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/i-tested-clamp-rigidity-with-the-maximus-clamp-on-3-types-of-tubing/3609 "2025-05-18T04:58:25Z")
I recently ran a clamp force test using the Maximus Clamp and thought I’d share the results here for anyone curious about how different tubing options hold up under real pressure. This clamp is designed to work with sta… --- ## [I tested the Maximus Clamp vs Standard Pipe Clamp to find which delivered The Most Force](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/i-tested-the-maximus-clamp-vs-standard-pipe-clamp-to-find-which-delivered-the-most-force/3613)
**Author:** [@Fireball\_Jason](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Fireball_Jason)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2025, 5:26pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/i-tested-the-maximus-clamp-vs-standard-pipe-clamp-to-find-which-delivered-the-most-force/3613 "2025-05-13T17:26:11Z")
I just wrapped up a head-to-head test between the Maximus clamp and the classic 3/4" pipe clamp, and I thought you all might find the results as eye-opening as I did. I was working on a project that required squeezing s… --- ## [Maximus Bar Clamps](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/maximus-bar-clamps/2638)
**Author:** [@MBSwelding](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/MBSwelding)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 2:03pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/maximus-bar-clamps/2638 "2025-03-31T14:03:06Z")
I just received my Mini Maximus Clamps and I see they have a set screw to hold them in place on the bar stock I will use them with. My question is: Can I drill and tap my Maximus Bar Clamps in a similar fashion without c… --- ## [Fireball combination square isn’t the largest on the market](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/fireball-combination-square-isn-t-the-largest-on-the-market/3485)
**Author:** [@Andrew56](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Andrew56)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2025, 7:08pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/fireball-combination-square-isn-t-the-largest-on-the-market/3485 "2025-03-30T19:08:06Z")
I recently received my ultimate combination square kit. I got a cast iron and aluminum set, with metric blade. Over all I am happy with the set. My only complaints isn’t not the largest combination square on the market … --- ## [What's a good value in a tube notcher?](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/whats-a-good-value-in-a-tube-notcher/3340)
**Author:** [@tcat](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/tcat)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 12:27am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/whats-a-good-value-in-a-tube-notcher/3340 "2025-02-21T00:27:18Z")
I’m not interested in the bottom end Amazon/Hobo Freight tier. My minimum requirements are the cutting axis centered on the clamp without shimming, bearings that aren’t going to beat themselves to death, and vise or benc… --- ## [5/8 & 16mm tool conversion to 3/4](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/5-8-16mm-tool-conversion-to-3-4/3387)
**Author:** [@DonQ](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/DonQ)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2025, 3:06am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/5-8-16mm-tool-conversion-to-3-4/3387 "2025-02-20T03:06:32Z")
Jason, Could you make a simple tool to convert 5/8 & 16mm fixture tools so that they are compatible with your 3/4 table system. For example, maybe just make a sleeve with an Inside Diameter of 5/8, and an Outside Diame… --- ## [Niche 'clamping' option from another industry that sucks](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/niche-clamping-option-from-another-industry-that-sucks/3188)
**Author:** [@AfreakanHobbyist](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/AfreakanHobbyist)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 1:21am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/niche-clamping-option-from-another-industry-that-sucks/3188 "2025-01-02T01:21:38Z")
Niche, yes. Spenciver as frig, yes. But i think an interesting approach if nothing else. Suction fixture to hold sheet in place. Meant for building glass boxes (with UV adhesives). But gives nice full access to th… --- ## [Imperial scales for UK combination squares](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/imperial-scales-for-uk-combination-squares/3047)
**Author:** [@HM36001](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/HM36001)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2024, 8:21pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/imperial-scales-for-uk-combination-squares/3047 "2024-12-15T20:21:13Z")
Hi Jason and co. I really like your tools and instructional videos and bit the bullet and ordered a combination square and some fabrication squares. I didn’t realise at the time that the imperial scales aren’t available… --- ## [Question about Mantis pack](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/question-about-mantis-pack/2948)
**Author:** [@Z-95](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Z-95)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2024, 4:35pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/question-about-mantis-pack/2948 "2024-11-16T16:35:45Z")
Does the Square / Mantis Pack SKU: F5-FSM006-AL-BDK come with 2 clamps (as in the description) or 4 (as shown in the photo)? Thanks! --- ## [Maximus Clamp](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/maximus-clamp/1213)
**Author:** [@DOMI](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/DOMI)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2024, 10:58am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/maximus-clamp/1213 "2024-09-06T10:58:13Z")
Hey there i am one of the Metric guys and i am wondering if the Maximus Clamps also work on 25x 50 mm Material size? Or is there to mutch slack? Tanks for the answer. And sorry for my bad writing… --- ## [Hex key holder for Wera?](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/hex-key-holder-for-wera/2795)
**Author:** [@scuba\_man\_999](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/scuba_man_999)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2024, 5:28pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/hex-key-holder-for-wera/2795 "2024-08-12T17:28:09Z")
I just got mine and I absolutely love it. I would really enjoy a holder that works for the Wera hex plus keys. They have the plastic sleeve so they won’t fit. I don’t think there is enough material to bore out the existi… --- ## [Welding tool holder](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/welding-tool-holder/2809)
**Author:** [@Ornan](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/Ornan)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2024, 9:33pm UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/welding-tool-holder/2809 "2024-08-08T21:33:02Z")
I’m the guy that sent pics of my welding tool holder on Monday 8/5. I tried to see if I had a reply from you just now and my account had disappeared along with our discussion thread. Let me know if you recall, or if I n… --- ## [Rebuildable, stubby, flex-head ratcheting wrench recommendations?](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/rebuildable-stubby-flex-head-ratcheting-wrench-recommendations/2645)
**Author:** [@HenrysWorkshop](https://fireball.discourse.group/u/HenrysWorkshop)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2024, 8:28am UTC](https://fireball.discourse.group/t/rebuildable-stubby-flex-head-ratcheting-wrench-recommendations/2645 "2024-07-12T08:28:57Z")
I’d like to pick up some individual ratcheting wrenches in some common SAE sizes of fasteners I use on a lot of projects and wanted to hear what y’all have to say. I’m not buying a full set so I wouldn’t shy away from mo… [Next page](https://fireball.discourse.group/c/hand-tools/8.md?page=1)