Old v New

[Kiwingenuity]

So I went on a site visit today and spied a Maxtor SCSI 170MB harddrive of early 1990's vintage doing some runback signalling, and it got me to thinking of how old some of the gear is that is around us still providing faithful service while the flasher newer gear is failing after only 10 years or so.

What's the oldest piece of technical kit anyone here works with or knows of that is still in service and being regularly used (in terms of "modern age") - I will make a start with this Oerlikon 110kV circuit breaker from 1967 which is still in service (due for replacement in about 5 more years)..

If you want to have a rant about anything new that has failed you when the old equivalent would still be working - just jump right in..

[Paulcet]

I can't think of anything right now, but I'm going to like this thread.

[CgMcKinney]

Craftsman tools... the quality has dropped so much.

Hell, just about ALL tools...

[weedahoe]

Something that failed recently? How-about these cheap phreaking bits. Actually, this was the only one out of the set I used before taking them back. I see where they were on sale

[five hundo]

Craftsman tools... the quality has dropped so much.

Hell, just about ALL tools...

+1

Absolutely.  Thanks Home Depot, LOWES, and Harbor Freight (to name a few).  So many tools are disposable now. 

When will we learn that lower prices means lower quality? 

The only things that aren't lower are corporate profits.  Making money is fine, but make good products while doing it ... please. 

[codajastal]

Something that failed recently? How-about these cheap phreaking bits. Actually, this was the only one out of the set I used before taking them back. I see where they were on sale

Ive never seen one bend like that before? Normally mine just snap in half.

[codajastal]

Well I bought my 200+ piece toolkit and cabinet 20 years ago and its still serving me today (cost me $100). Tools have stood up to everything I have thrown at them and I am still using them on my cars and bikes today.

[codajastal]

Here's a photo

[Kiwingenuity]

Craftsman tools... the quality has dropped so much.

Hell, just about ALL tools...

+1

Absolutely.  Thanks Home Depot, LOWES, and Harbor Freight (to name a few).  So many tools are disposable now. 

When will we learn that lower prices means lower quality? 

The only things that aren't lower are corporate profits.  Making money is fine, but make good products while doing it ... please.

+1 on both those comments - I still have the tools I bought after I completed my trade apprenticeship (sparky) - once I could afford good tools.. hardly ever use them these days, but know they will last me quite some time.

Still got my Klein and Channel Lock hand tools, Wiha Screwdrivers, Stawhille spanners etc.  I usually avoid the Bunnings and Mega outlet stores like the plague.

I also respect a manufacturer that gives you a lifetime replacement warranty - and I mean where no questions asked - at the electrical wholesalers the other week and saw a Wiha flathead that had obviously been used as a Chisel - Rep took it and gave them a new one..

[adidasguy]

Parts of the New York subway system.


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[adidasguy]

A 1952 toy player piano. The Chein company made these. They really use paper rolls and operate on a vacuum. You can play the toy piano by hand or use rolls.


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[john]

No photo, but I have a 25 year old drill press that works like the day it is new.

[jestercinti]

Any Maytag washing machine made in the 1970s.  Today's GE/LG/Roper bull s h i t lasts 5 years then junk.

[pliskin]

weedahoe, I bet those bits are from Ace Hardware? I got some there and they did the exact same thing. I think they are made of tin.
RCA RVM671E AM/FM...who knows how old. Looks like it's from the 70's

86 Trek all original

Old Darda cars from my childhood 25+years and still going.

[steezin_and_wheezin]

33 years old and still kicking. Even in the snow!

Craftsman tools for sure! Still using some of the ones my papa passed down to us.

[Kijona]

Something that failed recently? How-about these cheap phreaking bits. Actually, this was the only one out of the set I used before taking them back. I see where they were on sale

Looks like somebody forgot to temper that drillbit. LOL!

No no...actually..isn't that for drilling in corners??