Products that Work

Jay Honeck

Jay Honeck

Touchdown! Greaser!
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Jun 6, 2008
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Ingleside, TX
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Jay Honeck
We are all always bitching about customer service, and cheap junk that breaks too easily. We've all bought ladders that sucked, tools that didn't work, etc., and you usually hear about them quickly -- but not quickly enough!

I'd like to start a thread where we list the products we REALLY like, and have had good luck with. Quality, durability, value -- all those things count, and are awfully hard to find nowadays. Let's share our success stories.

I will start.

Black & Decker 36 volt cordless rechargeable lawn mower.
After going through three gas mowers in three years, I finally figured that I had nothing to lose by trying a cordless electric mower.

I've had it for four months now, and results have been spectacular. The thing is powerful, recharges overnight, has enough range to do the ENTIRE hotel property, has a quickly removable battery, and -- best of all -- is quiet enough that I can mow the lawn after check-in time. Mowing the lawn doesn't disturb the guests anymore!

Oh, and to start it, you push a button. No more yanking a pull cord!

SodaStream
This is the "make it yourself" soda pop maker. It comes with a CO2 cartridge, several bottles, and a few of the syrups.

We've had this thing for three months, and it's terrific. There are a bazillion different flavors, lot of diet choices, and the thing just WORKS. It saves about 50% off the price of soda pop, but the best part is you simply don't have tons of soda filling your fridge, or tons of empty aluminum cans (or liter bottles) to deal with in the trash.

It's fun to experiment, too. You can add your own flavors -- and some adult mixes -- to see what happens. Results vary. :lol:

Asus Nexus 7
This has been beaten to death in other threads, but this thing is like a Swiss Army knife, and I use it EVERYWHERE. In the plane, at the coffee shop, in the office, at the pool -- it's durable, inexpensive, and it works.

Samsung Galaxy S3
This cell phone/camera has been the best phone I've ever owned. It does EVERYTHING well, and has been extremely durable. Now that the S4 is out, you can buy them for a song.

Meguilar's Spray & Wipe Wax
When they stopped making Lemon Pledge in pump bottles, we tried all sorts of "after flight" spray waxes for the leading edges. This stuff comes in a BIG pump bottle that lasts a long time, and works extremely well.

Next! What products have impressed you lately?
 
I first bought a Black and Decker cordless rechargeable lawn mower in 1997, and I only replaced it last year with a new B& D cordless lawn mower. The battery wouldn't charge enough after 15 years to mow the entire lawn. Those lawn mowers are great and worth the money.
 
1966 McIntosh MC240 amp. I've had it 28 years, and it won't fail. There was a little scratchy on one of the pots, but I sprayed some contact cleaner in it and good as new.

BOSCH sawzall(repcip saw). I use if for all kinds of stuff, and treat it pretty rough. Metal, wood, trees, no prob. It's heavy, but man, it'll cut.
 
Craftsman adjustable saw horses.

These are made of heavy PVC and extruded aluminum, each leg is adjustable to match the terrain. They fold flat to hang on the shop wall when not in use and are tough as nails.
 
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My wife bought a Swiss Army Knife for her dad while in Switzerland 14 years ago. He left it in my car when I dropped him off for a flight. I noticed it was worn down to a nub. I call the Mfgr's of it and was told to send it in. Two weeks later they send me a new one and the old one back with a note. The note said "thanks for sending in your worn knife, he had a good time passing it around and laughing how worn it was, usually they are lost or destroyed before they get this bad. We replaced it free of charge and we will wait another decade to see if the new one is warn as bad."
 
2nd on the Sodastream. With the nieces and nephews, we can keep a half a dozen soda mixes around, instead of half a dozen cases of soda. My wife and I each have one at our respective offices as well.

Logitech Harmony universal remote:
Different remotes for flat screen, TV, dish receiver, Apple TV... No good, confusing for the wife.
The Harmony uses a small touch screen to activate different functions (like switching from sat to Apple TV). When you hit the button for Apple TV, it turns off the sat, turns on the Apple TV, changes the input on the TV to the right input, and you're ready to go.
When you hit the power-off button, it turns everything off, all at once. Hit the power on, and it starts up everything where you left off.

ZaggFolio IPad keyboard case:
Just the best IPad keyboard case made. A charge lasts a month. They are darn near indestructible. I bought them for my incident management team, and the police department, they were used in heat, snow, ice, dirt, you name it. They just don't quit.
Plus it's the only keyboard case that covers the CORNERS, which is where most damage occurs.

Field Notes brand notepads:
I keep one in my pocket everywhere I go. Yes, you can find generic ones a little cheaper. But the Field Notes brand, gel ink or rollerballs don't bleed through, the grid is nice for keeping bulleted lists organized, the staple binding sits flat in your pocket as opposed to spiral.
And they're tough, the don't wear down or wear out.
 
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Bose A20 Headset

Expensive but makes a huge difference in comfort and clarity.


Yaesu FTA-230 portable transceiver ( used to be Vertex Standard ):

Sturdy and reliable


Serengeti Sunglasses

I just love the Serengeti sunglasses - the polarized models might not be recommended for people who fly behind glass panels - but they do provide excellent protection and superior optical quality...

Marmot Gore-Tex light raincoat

Rather expensive, but will REALLY keep you dry under heavy rain ( and the sweat can evaporate through the fabric ).

Merrell Chameleon Waterproof hiking shoes

The most comfortable shoes I ever owned...

Apple iPad

Without a doubt, the best piece of hardware I ever purchased...
Reliable, functional, versatile, lightweight...
I'm anxiously waiting for the next iPad-mini...

Leatherman Wave

Very useful tool...
 
My collection of iThingies. Even my technophobe wife uses her iPad

BMW X3 approaching 100K miles, 10 years and only routine maintenance through Ohio Summers and CO Winters

Anything Goretex

Global Entry Bypass Custom and Immigration lines when returning to the USA. Never taken more than five minutes and bypassed lines of several 767's worth of passengers snaking thru the terminal.

ForeFlight + Bad Elf / Dual GPS Best Aviation expense ever

Cheers
 
HJC Snell-certified full-face motorcycle helmet
 
Every Stihl product I've ever owned and there's been a bunch of them. Four chainsaws over the years, from 017 to 056, a huge cut-off saw (072, I think), weed eaters, leaf blowers, & pole chainsaws.

Everything's been rock solid even though they're worked hard and abused. And they'll all start without complaint even after sitting for long stretches without proper pickling (though I do put Stabil in all my equipment fuel, year round).

Oh, and Stabil seems to be a good product also. Some of my equipment sits for nearly a year between uses (the garden tiller comes to mind) and I don't have carb issues. I have over 20 small engines sitting in my shop and barn.
 
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FrogTogs- the best rain gear I have ever used. Lightweight, breathable, and surprisingly comfortable.
 
Leather Man Tool
Comes in very handy every day. Tighten a screw here, open a package, rewire a light fixture, all in one too that folds up into my pocket.

Dodge Ram 1500
Dependable, smooth riding, Ram Boxes hold all my stuff keeping the box open and free of tool boxes. This fall they are coming out with a 1/2 ton diesel. :D

Dewalt Power Tool
I have 2 drills, angle drill, cut off saw, circular saw, laser level, all work and are very dependable and rugged.

RV Aircraft
Great flying plane, cheap parts, great support, exceptional community of people who fly them. :D
 
Geico266 said:
Leather Man Tool
Comes in very handy every day. Tighten a screw here, open a package, rewire a light fixture, all in one too that folds up into my pocket. loose several to TSA at checkpoints
Click to expand...

FTFY ;)

Cheers
 
My Kirkland (Costco house brand) 22" suitcase has lasted far longer than I ever expected. About 600,000 air miles, three continents, and over 7 years. And if it ever did break, thanks to Costco's no-nonsense warranty I can just bring it in to any store and swap it for a brand new one.

Apple MacBook Pro. Pricy, yes, but it's the only laptop I've ever had that just works, every time.

My Wife uses my Grandmother's Kitchen-Aid stand mixer, which has been handed down through the generations, several times a week. Thing's got to be 50 years old and it keeps on mixing. Dunno if the new ones are still as good quality, but I imagine they are.
 
SeaFoam. One of my hobbies is old cars and motorcycles. I pour SeaFoam in the gas tanks of all my vintage stuff every once in a while, especially if they have been sitting, and I think that it really works. I also have a mixture of SeaFoam and Marvel Mystery Oil that I use as a last ditch effort before I start tearing things apart, and I think it works as well. I don't pour the stuff in any of my newer vehicles, but they don't need it.

Also, a lot of battery powered tools work really well anymore. I have a lot of them and they all are great. Some greater than others.:D
 
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Claritin. They aren't kidding when they say "non-drowsy". Kinda like drinking 30 coffs of cuppee, but man, if you suffer from allergies this stuff is the cat's ass. Saves my behind during hay season.
 
A few more I thought of whilst reading these posts:

Lexus
Our ES350 is coming up on 12 years old, with 120K miles on it. It STILL has needed no maintenance other than consumables. Hell, the dashboard doesn't even squeak or rattle. Just an amazing, rock-solid car.

Super Clean
By Castrol. We've tried all the cheaper copies. Nothing else will do. The stuff cleans everything. Our housekeepers love it, too.

Kitchen-Aid Artisan Mixer
Mary and Becca use this thing constantly. It's got power takeoffs like an old John Deere tractor. Not cheap, but it's tough and durable.

Breadman Bread Maker
We bought this thing on clearance at a Black & Decker outlet store, on a whim. (Store-bought "bread" in South Texas is basically sawdust, formed into a loaf. We were desperate.) It was marked all the way down to $49.95, from $249.95.

Mary has literally made a loaf of bread in it every other day for two years. It is terrific, and durable.
 
Schrade Tool. Unfortunately, mine is of the vintage that was made in the USA, while the new ones are Asian and not nearly so robust. Been carrying it every day for 14 or 15 years. Comes in very handy when stuck somewhere (like the belly of an airplane) without the necessary tool to finish some job.

E5135600.jpg


Dan
 
2003 Toyota Corolla S
Manual transmission. I have driven the wheels off of this thing. It's at 202k miles and climbing, the vast majority highway miles in Florida driving coast to coast. Still original clutch, original rear drum brakes, original spark plugs. I've had no major maintenance issues with it.

Sharp Microwave
This microwave is over 25 years old and is used daily. We've had no issues except the compartment light bulb, which we've changed a couple times.

Older Honda Mowers - Gas Powered
Our older Honda gas powered lawn mower lasted 18ish years, mowing twice a week in the Florida summers and once every other week in the winter. We replaced it with the modern version and the build quality is markedly worse. We're not as impressed with the newer version.
 
Maxmosbey said:
SeaFoam. One of my hobbies is old cars and motorcycles. I pour SeaFoam in the gas tanks of all my vintage stuff every once in a while, especially if they have been sitting, and I think that it really works. I also have a mixture of SeaFoam and Marvel Mystery Oil that I use as a last ditch effort before I start tearing things apart, and I think it works as well. I don't pour the stuff in any of my newer vehicles, but they don't need it.

Also, a lot of battery powered tools work really well anymore. I have a lot of them and they all are great. Some greater than others.:D
Click to expand...

I second SeaFoam. I buy it by the gallon.
 
Little giant ladder! Yea, I know their expensive but this thing continues to amze me! It's stable, folds in to every position I need it for and it's built like brick ***** house!
 
Preparation H Suppositories

They really work very well. Once you plug one instant relief. I always plug one myself for long flights. Strongly recommend them.

José
 
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Works very well on just about anything.
 
DuPont Multi Use Teflon Lube - the shizz for motorcycle chains, cleans and lubes. Great for lubing most other hinges and cables. Even door locks. Dries and doesn't attract grit.

Park Tool bicycle chain cleaner and citrus degreaser - Does a perfect job removing all the grunge from the chain, particularly in preparation for using a dry Teflon lube like Finish Line.

iPhone - yeah there are lots of smart phones out there now but this is the first one that really WORKED for email/shared calendaring/shared contacts and web access in a telephone. it's been indispensable to me.

Foreflight/iPad - this does a better job at nav ops in many respects than a $10,000 panel mount GPS. Plus I can use it to send email and view porn. Try that on your Garmin 430.

Zylyss can opener - holy crap that thing works well. I posted a thread on bad can openers a while back and got one. It's effortless, and works perfectly, every time. Need to open a dozen cans in a couple minutes? No problemo.

Pro Foil professional foil shaver - I don't actually have one but my LBS (local barber shop) does. That works five times as good as the best Remington or Panasonic foil shaver you will find at your local electronics store. It does things I CAN'T do with my personal foil shaver.

Joe Blow tire pump - sounds mundane but this thing will elevate your Presta or Shraeder valved bike tires to up to about 140 psi in a few strokes. No leakage. Fairly durable. Nice big adjustable red gauge bug if you have bad eyes.

2000 - 2003 Toyota Corolla - I second the recommendation on this vehicle. 40 mpg, lasted 210,000 miles of my driving (constant engine redline, shifting without the clutch) and was still going strong. Only put gas, oil, tires and a change of plugs in to it. Not even brakes. Not that I use them much anyway.

Pam high temperature grilling spray - OMFG it's the shizz for spraying on your barbecue grill. Vulcanized chewing gum won't stick to that crap.
 
asechrest said:
2003 Toyota Corolla S
Manual transmission. I have driven the wheels off of this thing. It's at 202k miles and climbing, the vast majority highway miles in Florida driving coast to coast. Still original clutch, original rear drum brakes, original spark plugs. I've had no major maintenance issues with it.

Sharp Microwave
This microwave is over 25 years old and is used daily. We've had no issues except the compartment light bulb, which we've changed a couple times.

Older Honda Mowers - Gas Powered
Our older Honda gas powered lawn mower lasted 18ish years, mowing twice a week in the Florida summers and once every other week in the winter. We replaced it with the modern version and the build quality is markedly worse. We're not as impressed with the newer version.
Click to expand...


I just paid extra to get the same lawn mower with a Honda engine versus brand x. I was hoping for that older quality you mention, I guess I will be disappointed.
 
Craftsman Nextec cordless drill
Small lightweight, great battery life and plenty of power. Being cheap is icing on the cake. My go to screw gun at work
 
My 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid with 5-speed manual transmission has been a great car, and Honda's braking and maneuverability saved my life one night. They even extended the warranty on the battery so that I didn't have to pay for a replacement.

I find that Cold-Eeze spray is the first product that makes my cold symptoms milder without side effects (as long as I don't use it on an empty stomach).

My Garmin GPSmap 296 has been reliable and easy to use, and I usually don't even need to put an antenna on the windscreen.
 
Aleve (naproxin sodium) pain reliever.
This stuff works wonders. Two pills last 10-12 hours, and the pain just goes away. No dopiness, no stomach issues, nothing.
I have arthritis in my back, hip, knee, and shoulder. Bad days or airline flights are very, very rough. Two pills in the morning and no pain all day. Two pills before leaving for the airport makes travel days pain-free.
There's a bottle in my travel bag, one in the medicine chest, one in the car, and one at the office.
 
Braun 3D Excel electric toothbrush from Costco Longetivity is the ultimate test. Picked a pair of these up around 1998. I can't kill it, used it this morning. Around 2005 we lost one on a train and bought Braun replacements since the remaining Braun was getting "old". However, the remaining unit had plenty of life after 7 years of more than daily use. Because it had a travel case, it became my travel toothbrush and remains so today. The battery lost some zip over 15 years but it has two speeds. Normal speed is now too slow but the "too high" speed is now normal and it continues to soldier on. It will brush teeth for up to 10 days sans charger. Nice. My Dad was a dentist and we first used electric toothbrushes in the mid-60s when the heavy nicads could barely last long enough for a single brushing.

Northface Goretex raincoat vintage 1993 Longitivity is the ultimate test. Picked up a pair on the way to a rainy glider race. Winced at the roughly $100 per cost but never a regret. The double hood works as designed. Fished and camped all over the place and they still look new. If I could only figure out how to get the sand out of the lining, life would be perfect.

(a writeup on a superior Phillips head screwdriver to follow)
 
Jay Honeck said:
We are all always bitching about customer service, and cheap junk that breaks too easily. We've all bought ladders that sucked, tools that didn't work, etc., and you usually hear about them quickly -- but not quickly enough!

I'd like to start a thread where we list the products we REALLY like, and have had good luck with. Quality, durability, value -- all those things count, and are awfully hard to find nowadays. Let's share our success stories.

I will start.

Black & Decker 36 volt cordless rechargeable lawn mower.
After going through three gas mowers in three years, I finally figured that I had nothing to lose by trying a cordless electric mower.

I've had it for four months now, and results have been spectacular. The thing is powerful, recharges overnight, has enough range to do the ENTIRE hotel property, has a quickly removable battery, and -- best of all -- is quiet enough that I can mow the lawn after check-in time. Mowing the lawn doesn't disturb the guests anymore!

Oh, and to start it, you push a button. No more yanking a pull cord!

SodaStream
This is the "make it yourself" soda pop maker. It comes with a CO2 cartridge, several bottles, and a few of the syrups.

We've had this thing for three months, and it's terrific. There are a bazillion different flavors, lot of diet choices, and the thing just WORKS. It saves about 50% off the price of soda pop, but the best part is you simply don't have tons of soda filling your fridge, or tons of empty aluminum cans (or liter bottles) to deal with in the trash.

It's fun to experiment, too. You can add your own flavors -- and some adult mixes -- to see what happens. Results vary. :lol:

Asus Nexus 7
This has been beaten to death in other threads, but this thing is like a Swiss Army knife, and I use it EVERYWHERE. In the plane, at the coffee shop, in the office, at the pool -- it's durable, inexpensive, and it works.

Samsung Galaxy S3
This cell phone/camera has been the best phone I've ever owned. It does EVERYTHING well, and has been extremely durable. Now that the S4 is out, you can buy them for a song.

Meguilar's Spray & Wipe Wax
When they stopped making Lemon Pledge in pump bottles, we tried all sorts of "after flight" spray waxes for the leading edges. This stuff comes in a BIG pump bottle that lasts a long time, and works extremely well.

Next! What products have impressed you lately?
Click to expand...

Nothing new about it, but I have carried a Victorinox Electrician Swiss Army Knife (Item 53781) for at least the last 30 years. I use it every day for all sorts of things and wouldn't be without one.

Dave
 
Leatherman Micra tool. They are the perfect size and function. I have probably given up a dozen of them to the TSA goons and just keep replacing it with the same model.

I will say that my iPad Mini is probably the best tool I own. Not just for ForeFlight, but is a great size to carry around for business. The iPad 2 I had was just a little too big.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
KitchenAid dishwasher.
15+ years and won't quit.
My wife would like an excuse to buy a new one that has a stainless-steel finish and is looking for first sign of failure but to no avail.

Toyota Corolla 1996 - 240 K miles, original clutch. Except brakes, oil changes, batteries this car needed no expensive fixes, never took it to a dealer for any schedules maintenance.
 
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Lucas Speed wax

Leatherman

Maratac

most any watch with a Valjoux 7750 movement

TJ Jeep Wrangler.

Zulu headset

Scott 3200 tailwheel
 
Second on the Frog Togs. They do well on and off the motorcycle.

Leatherman Micra... wonderful little tool.

Older Canon printers... My IP4500 has put up with a lot, and I'm paying less than $4 per ink cartridge. My even older Canon was happily past the 12,000 page mark when I sent it to college with my son, along with a box of $2 aftermarket ink cartridges.

Our stainless Bosch dishwasher has outlasted the previous two GEs already, and we can put plastic "top rack only" stuff in the bottom rack if we want.

And I have several Crafstman tools from the 1950s and 1960s that are still serviceable, if a little heavy. A circular saw, two belt sanders (one floor standing, one handheld), a jigsaw and a router all working just fine, thanks.
 
DaleB said:
And I have several Crafstman tools from the 1950s and 1960s that are still serviceable, if a little heavy. A circular saw, two belt sanders (one floor standing, one handheld), a jigsaw and a router all working just fine, thanks.
Click to expand...

I have my dad's Craftsman radial arm saw. The thing is built like a tank, and the owner's manual is an absolute hoot.

It's 60 years old, and works great. Nothing like stuff made by those WWII guys.
 
Simple Green - stuff works great on all that it is intended to be used on.

Maui Jim sunglasses - incredible distortion free optics with flat temple pieces.
 
Kaboom!

I had some staining in my tub that wouldn't come off with any, or a combination of any, of your household cleaners. I tried pretty much everything to no avail. I saw the Billy Mays ad for Kaboom!, and I thought what the hell. Holy crap it worked. Also had a calcium/lime ring in the toilet that was not going anywhere, and this stuff broke that loose as well. The toilet looked new.
 
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