# Examples where old or antique tools work better than their modern counterparts **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 19, 2011, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911 "2011-02-19T14:55:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/41 "2016-02-17T12:54:41Z")
> [@machv5](#): > > I had to use one as a kid and it sucked. But then I used one a few times as an adult. One that had been properly maintained, i.e., rinsed off and patted dry, and lightly oiled after each use, then oiled up a bit more before use. Oh and kept sharp too. It was a heck of a lot easier to use especially if you don’t let the grass get too long it’s hellish if you do. What if you were using that push mower to take out zombies? Interesting old thread. **Le Ministre** spoke about music instruments. It is interesting - for guitars we are in a golden age, where you can get a well made acoustic or electric for a few hundred bucks. By the same token, woods are going through changes as traditional tonewoods are used up - but guitars built out of Sapele or American Walnut can be really good. Regardless, IMHO, an older excellent acoustic guitar sounds and plays better than an equivalent newer excellent acoustic guitars. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/42 "2016-02-17T14:11:31Z")
Needle and thread? What is this “needle” you all speak of? Do you not use hog’s bristles? ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/43 "2016-02-17T14:19:43Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > My drill has variable speeds, and drills quite nice pilot holes. This. a modern cordless drill with a two-speed transmission and variable-speed trigger will let you spin the bit at painfully slow speeds, like 15-20 RPM. I can’t think of any occasion where a hand-operated drill would be better than the cordless drill I’ve got. ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/44 "2016-02-17T15:34:00Z")
The real trick with a modern drill for depth is to use the actual depth guide that comes with the drill. There is usually a handle that can be fitted on the shaft, and a rod that can be fitted on the handle. Set the rod to depth you need. I find the variable speed trigger on a cordless drill to be rather poor, AC motors are usually preferred to DC motor for variable speed control. That being said I only use the corded drills for heavy work, and I usually will just use the trigger and finesse to limit the depth with the cordless for one hole. It is not very efficient to set up the depth guide for a single hole unless it is really critical. There are lots of good old tools that work great for their intended purpose, but the sobering thing to me is how good the old masters must have been at sharpening as carbide, HSS and tool steel are not that old. Carbon steel sharpens quickly to a razor edge, but doesn’t last long. I wouldn’t want to arm wrestle them either. I assume the rec room is well lived in after 5 years? ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/45 "2016-02-17T15:35:10Z")
I have several old/antique tools that I _prefer_ to use over their modern counterparts - a stainless steel electric drill, a wood and brass 4’ level, a steel and brass quick square, for example - but I don’t necessarily think they are better. They are heavier and more durable, for sure, but I prefer them for the look and feel, not superior performance. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/46 "2016-02-17T15:40:19Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > I just finished building a rec room in the basement. There were countless instances when I had to drill a pilot hole (a.k.a. “thread hole”) for a wood screw. In most of those cases, I did not want the hole to go all the way through the wood. So I marked the required depth on the drill bit with a piece of masking tape. This told me when to stop. > > The biggest problem was controlling the drill. I had to be _ **very** _ careful not to push too hard, else the drill bit would go all the way through the wood. ☹ This happened quite a few times, unfortunately. > > So I found an easy solution: do not use a power drill to drill thread holes for wood screws! Instead, use an old-fashion had drill like [this](http://visual.merriam-webster.com/images/house/do-it-yourself/carpentry-drilling-tools/hand-drill.jpg). > > A hand drill is very light, and the rotational speed is slow enough to allow precise control of drill bit depth. 🆒 Very simple, very eloquent. > > After I started using the hand drill, I never accidently drilled all the way through the wood. But a professional would disagree. You found it easy to use the older technology because it takes a bit of skill to use the modern version correctly. So I’m not seeing this as an instance of the older tool being better, just being easier for the beginner in certain instances. We could say the same about a shovel being “better” than a backhoe. ---
**Author:** ![h.sapiens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@h.sapiens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/h.sapiens)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/47 "2016-02-17T15:40:48Z")
I’ve never had the pleasure of owning one, but I hear that old cast-iron skillets are superior to new ones. Not only because they have years of seasoning, but the newer casting method results in a rougher surface that, even when properly seasoned, will always be inferior. ---
**Author:** ![Daylate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9dc877/32.png) [@Daylate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daylate)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/48 "2016-02-17T17:57:28Z")
> [@](#): > > While it was more labor-intensive, the old-style 2-man crosscut saw was faster than a modern chain saw…at least with skilled operators. I wonder why the old-time loggers called the 2-man crosscut a “misery whip”. This is first-hand data from my 91 YO ex-logger friend. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/49 "2016-02-17T18:54:17Z")
OP - Look up “Drill stop” - a collar which locks onto the drill bit at the desired depth - you can push tape through a hole, a steel collar? Not so much. Cast iron - and lots of it - used to be more common on tools. Table saws and drill presses come to mind. One specific point: a drill press needs very different speed for wood vs metal. Certain old Craftsman drill presses had an optional kit which replaced the drive pulleys and belts so it could be set for metal work. If there are still such drill presses being made, I doubt they can be found is stores as comon as Sears was back in the 50’s. If no one has mentioned it: Ink wells and quills could make for some fine calligraphy. But a modern ball point is more than adequate for 99.9% of writing, and forcing children to use ink wells set back writing instruction. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/50 "2016-02-17T20:34:13Z")
> [@Sal\_Ammoniac](#): > > Yes and no. A vintage Stanley is better than a modern Stanley, but it’s not better than a modern Lie-Nielsen. It’s probably fair to say that mid-range tools were probably better generations ago, but that high-end manufacturers today make tools that are as good as any ever made. You’ll pay dearly, of course. Where I think 19th-century tools are superior is in ergonomics, particularly for handsaws and certain planes. But I think 20th-century steel is better and more consistent because of advances in metallurgy. I like my 19th- and early 20th-century planes and saws, in other words, but for chisels, I’m happy with my turn-of-the-millennium Swedish chisels with plastic handles. True that. Many, if not most, woodworkers who use old Stanley planes put modern blades in them. Same with spokeshaves. I wouldn’t trade my Lie-Nielsen #4 for any Stanley, but I really like my old Stanley 51 spokeshave frame, which I don’t think anybody has improved upon. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/51 "2016-02-17T21:08:05Z")
I use draw knives and spoke shaves daily. I prefer the old draw knives, I can sharpen them with a file and go along time between sharpening. Most of my old spoke shaves have been converted to modern blades but I do prefer the older blades when I can find the thicker ones. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/52 "2016-02-17T21:35:35Z")
I use old fashioned pitcher pumps to evaluate well performance on certain styles of wells. Essentially no electric pump can be set up as easily to prime and pull water through a failing screen. The suction you can make with a pitcher pump blows away most powered options. For pipe bursting-pulling a new pipe through and existing underground pipe. If conditions don’t allow me to pull with an excavator, I have a hand powered winch I set up. It’s over a hundred years old. A few guys cranking with it provides much more torque than any portable electric one. It’s geared so low it can be rather tedious though. ---
**Author:** ![Nefario](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/59ef9b/32.png) [@Nefario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nefario)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/53 "2016-02-17T21:58:58Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Back when I was a cobbler … We also used antique treadle and hand powered sewing machines that allowed precise speed and position control. It was a case where accuracy was more important than absolute speed. Exactly. In the 70’s my dad would occasionally work in leather and with denim jeans and overalls. He used my great-grandmothers Singer from the late 1800’s because you could individually place stitches and feel the resistance across seams by turning the handwheel, not using the treadle. Also into the 1970’s his drill press was a blacksmiths hand cranked wall mounted drill with a modern 3-jaw chuck. You got sensitivity to the actual cutting action, precision hand crank feed, optional power feed, and flywheel power to keep it turning through deep holes. Slower but still works great! ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/54 "2016-02-17T21:59:19Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > I use old fashioned pitcher pumps to evaluate well performance on certain styles of wells. Essentially no electric pump can be set up as easily to prime and pull water through a failing screen. The suction you can make with a pitcher pump blows away most powered options. > > For pipe bursting-pulling a new pipe through and existing underground pipe. If conditions don’t allow me to pull with an excavator, I have a hand powered winch I set up. It’s over a hundred years old. A few guys cranking with it provides much more torque than any portable electric one. It’s geared so low it can be rather tedious though. I have one of those winches, in 40 years I have used maybe 3 times. One time I had a large pine tree growing around the corner of my house looking for light, I used the winch to gradually over a period of a few months bend the tree several feet toward straight. Anchored to another tree and just kept it oiled up so it would not rust outside. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/55 "2016-02-17T22:02:27Z")
In a different field: Some surgeons prefer obsidian blade scalpels to stainless steel and such. Much finer cuts. Some evidence of better short term healing. Og cut! ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/56 "2016-02-17T22:10:23Z")
Human powered pipe bursting! Awesome. I would not have guessed. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/57 "2016-02-17T22:44:15Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > In a different field: Some surgeons prefer obsidian blade scalpels to stainless steel and such. Much finer cuts. Some evidence of better short term healing. > > Og cut! Forget that new-fangled obsidian technology. Give me a blunt river rock any day! Og crush!! ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/58 "2016-02-17T23:05:34Z")
I like an old car because I can fix it myself. That doesn’t mean I don’t acknowledge the superiority and better safety features of newer cars. But the electronic components make diagnosis by an amateur difficult until a part fails completely, either taking other parts with it, leaving you stranded, or both, while a computer check could have found an error before the part failed. Also, you need more and more specialized tools to work on cars. And I will be very upset when I can’t find a car with a manual transmission. But my next car will have side airbags, On Star, a jack for my MP[whatever] player, and it will not be possible to drain the battery be leaving the lights on. Old cars don’t work better, they’re just more fun. My husband’s car is much newer than mine, so I borrow his when I’m going on a relatively long trip with our son, and if we’re going on a long trip, like driving eight hours to see my mother, we rent a car. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2016, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911/59 "2016-02-19T10:46:11Z")
What about things such as flying boats such as the Catalina as I don’t believe any are made any longer. Regarding push mowers, I’d rather have a fifty year old one than the cheap Chinese crap these days. Plus I’d sooner run over a dog turd with a push mower than a motor mower. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-where-old-or-antique-tools-work-better-than-their-modern-counterparts/571911.md?page=2)