Here is an item that is on my “want to buy” list. However, there are several considerations—and therefore reasons I haven’t bought it yet—including my lack of clarity for a specific purpose.

First, it runs on Propane. If I want to add this in to our RV’s generator compartment, this is a definite plus. All I need to do is run a propane cable or pipe 15–20 feet up to the side-slung propane tank on the RV, and there already is a quick-connect fitting where I could plug it in.

However, in order to run a propane generator (or any generator) in that compartment I will have to do extensive modifications, including (1) an air intake, (2) a long exhaust pipe running out the back of the RV, (3) A/C wiring to redirect the power into the RV, and it still will not be remote start (with this model of generator) so I will have to pull over, get out, and start up this generator manually.

I am not sure if it is a good fit for that application, despite the quick-connect, and that it has approximately the right power capacity for the RV. I may just decide to go with solar instead (and I will post about that later).

If I wanted to keep it as a backup power supply, well, it doesn’t produce 220V, so it may not be useful for running the clothes dryer in a power outage, or if I wanted to keep it to run tools remotely, it may not be able to power 220V compressors, welders, and so on. So I’m not sure how useful it would be for that. In a survival situation, propane is not a good choice for fuel dependency—unless propane systems can be adapted to run off woodgas. I will have to research that later.

So, that is why I have not purchased this generator yet, despite it’s low cost. Also, I do have concerns about how durable it would be when exposed to long term use, given it’s low price point. I suspect the gas-powered, more expensive, Honda generators would be superior in that respect.

And here is a link to the manufacturer’s site: http://easterntools.com/product_generator_tg3500.html

Wow, that’s a mouthful of a tool description!

I recently picked these up from ACE Hardware as sort of a reward for all the work I have been doing on my 1975 Ford F350. They sure do come in handy when trying to get a good hold on hard-to-reach bolt heads.

However, the flex head does have some drawbacks. It is a bit harder to put torque on the wrench, because unless the force is applied perfectly, the flex head can move. The flex part is somewhat stiff, as if to combat this, but I think I would be happier with 45 degree flex in each direction (90 degree overall).

Having the engraved arrows showing you which way to rotate the ratchet properly is a big bonus though.

Summary:

+ Flex head easy to use

+ Arrows show ratchet direction

- Flex head can throw off torque application

Rating:  ★★★/✩✩     (3.5 out of 5)

Price: I paid about $54 retail in a physical store.