SirDan
Well-Known Member
The mini fridge in the garage is the most important tool. Work would be at a standstill without it.
Let's talk tools! What do you have? What couldn't you live without?
- Thread starter MRGTX
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Bulldozer
free ice cream sandwiches
the one thing i recently found i should have bought a long time ago was a cam bearing installation tool.
The mini fridge in the garage is the most important tool. Work would be at a standstill without it.
I agree with that too. I would do nothing in the garage if it wasn't for the fridge.
seabee
Well-Known Member
The Kegerator, Radio, and stool seem to get the most use. But don't tell my wife because she thinks I'm out there doing actual work.
pettybludart
Well-Known Member
Along with all the tools mentioned,a good brand name pair of vise grips have saved me many times over the last 35 yrs.I,ve always had a good set for anywhere,anytime.
Back home I've got 90% of what I'd consider a very well-rounded Journeyman's body setup, with elements of engine tools, almost completely Snap-On..... My weakness is Snap-On tools. I've been out of the shop world for 3 years now, and just recently spied a Snap-On truck at the gas station PX down the road. It took ALL of my willpower not to step onto that truck and start buying things I couldn't afford.
What I absolutely could not live without are my Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver and my matching sets of these slip-joint pliers:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675116&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
The AWP series of slip-joints are AMAZING, especially for weaving chainmail (yet another of my hobbies). The med-small size (listed) is GREAT for armor-grade mail, and the smaller ones are great for small armor-grade. For really fine jewelry-type mail, I have pairs of fine needlenose (bent and straight) that work beautifully for the job.
I am a hopeless romantic for Snap-Con tools. <3
- CK
What I absolutely could not live without are my Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver and my matching sets of these slip-joint pliers:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675116&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
The AWP series of slip-joints are AMAZING, especially for weaving chainmail (yet another of my hobbies). The med-small size (listed) is GREAT for armor-grade mail, and the smaller ones are great for small armor-grade. For really fine jewelry-type mail, I have pairs of fine needlenose (bent and straight) that work beautifully for the job.
I am a hopeless romantic for Snap-Con tools. <3
- CK
breakstuff
Well-Known Member
I have to agree with you on that. Between a BFH, A welder, and a sawzall there really isn't much you can't accomplish.
seabee
Well-Known Member
inkjunkie
Well-Known Member
I did not know this.....thanks for the education.....
jaimus
Old School ASE Gold
It's really a 12 drawer program,...
I can do almost anything with my BFH, (Its a 4 lbs. hand sledge), the ultimate screwdriver, a pair of vice grips and a stereo...
adriver
Blazing Apostle
Someone "beat" me to a BFH.
But seriously it unbelievable how usefull my American made Dewalt 4 1/2 inch grinder is. Used with a cut off wheel. I went to buy a second one for convienance so I would not have to chance to a wire wheel. NONE were made in USA. So I scrapped the idea.
Also must have a wire feed.
Hand tools?
Ratcheting combo wrenches on the cars.
And at my work my Snap On ratching screw driver.
But seriously it unbelievable how usefull my American made Dewalt 4 1/2 inch grinder is. Used with a cut off wheel. I went to buy a second one for convienance so I would not have to chance to a wire wheel. NONE were made in USA. So I scrapped the idea.
Also must have a wire feed.
Hand tools?
Ratcheting combo wrenches on the cars.
And at my work my Snap On ratching screw driver.
Air tools and Hammers.Even though a lot of my tools are Snap on.
Get some quality air tools and you can not go wrong with Ingersol-Rand air tools.
The orange hammer I bought from Mac Tools 15 years ago and just recently replaced after I finally broke it...Of course they replaced it free...
The 2.5lb baby sledge gets used regularly as well.
Get some quality air tools and you can not go wrong with Ingersol-Rand air tools.
The orange hammer I bought from Mac Tools 15 years ago and just recently replaced after I finally broke it...Of course they replaced it free...
The 2.5lb baby sledge gets used regularly as well.
Nicely organized! Tool storage is a very important part of of you tool arsenal. toolmanmike
67Dart273
Well-Known Member
At 64 and with my arthritis, THIS is the single most important tool I own:
I don't have a shop, so built a steel frame to erect it outdoors
Second most important:
Air, ratchet, 3/8" impact, 1/2" impact, and an old beat-up IR 3/4" impact
DEFINATELY a swivel head ratchet
Then are MIG, torch, plasma cutter
"Handy to have", and I'm no machinist are my lathe(s) and Jet drill/ mill
SB 9"
I don't have a shop, so built a steel frame to erect it outdoors
Second most important:
Air, ratchet, 3/8" impact, 1/2" impact, and an old beat-up IR 3/4" impact
DEFINATELY a swivel head ratchet
Then are MIG, torch, plasma cutter
"Handy to have", and I'm no machinist are my lathe(s) and Jet drill/ mill
SB 9"
pettybludart
Well-Known Member
I,ve boosted many cars,trucks,snowmobiles,ATV,s with my battery pack,I,ve even plugged a trouble light into it for light while fixing a car in a field at night.I own 2 now,one for home and one for in my truck.
seabee
Well-Known Member
What brand do you recommend? I've had a couple (black and decker and energizer?) and they broke after a few uses.
ramenth
Gratis persona
I don't know how many times I've referred to a specialized tool and said "it's the best money I've spent." Even the ones I've built myself because they weren't available at the times I've needed 'em or they were too pricey to do a job just once or twice.
My nephew is just starting out in diesel. I'm keep telling him that the best thing is to make a purchase of quality hand tools and basic quality air tools. Don't waste money on junk even though the price may be better. Then get into the more specialized tools from there as the job requires.
Big boxes are fine - later on, as you have the money. But it's the tools which earn the money. As a kid just starting out, like my nephew, he'd be better off spending the money on tools he needs rather than laying out all that money to buy an empty box with no tools to put in it.
My nephew is just starting out in diesel. I'm keep telling him that the best thing is to make a purchase of quality hand tools and basic quality air tools. Don't waste money on junk even though the price may be better. Then get into the more specialized tools from there as the job requires.
Big boxes are fine - later on, as you have the money. But it's the tools which earn the money. As a kid just starting out, like my nephew, he'd be better off spending the money on tools he needs rather than laying out all that money to buy an empty box with no tools to put in it.
jaimus
Old School ASE Gold
Yep,...start with a used, swap meet, box,...or chec CL,...The BIG NEW SHINY box will come when the time is right and all yer other stuff is paid for...
magnumdust
Well-Known Member
ratchet wrenches are the best thing i've ever bought.
Another recommendation I would make is a tap and die set. This has saved my behind on many occasions. I remember when stores were not open Sundays. Trying to install and engine and the exhaust manifold stud breaks. Tap and die to the rescue.
These....and a RBFH
67Dart273
Well-Known Member
All LOL aside, not just a RBFH, but check out "dead blow" hammers.
These are especially useful when, like me, your arthritis ramps up, or you are in a bad position to swing, or hitting something moveable like a balky tie rod end. These hammers transfer MUCH more energy into the work.
These work by having a hollow head, partially filled with lead? shot. When you swing and hit, the lead comes forward and prevents bounce. You can easily see the difference, by tapping a similar sized standard hammer, and a dead blow on concrete. The standard hammer will bounce, the dead blow will not
i d have to say of all the tools i have...my favorite is the only one thats ever sent me to the hospital. an elctric craftsman grinder-cut off monster. that things never let me down and i m pretty hard on it. it bit me once, with a cut off wheel, but i d still say it s the one tool i like the best. #2 would be my wire welder
My Fiance just got me this for Christmas and it is awesome! It's a 12 volt, handheld impact driver. I got it to replace my old black and decker handheld power driver, and what a difference! I had no idea the impact mechanism would make such a difference in a driver. It's a great tool, I can't recommend it enough.
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