XLR8N

iTrader: (3)

just wondering whats in everybodys tool box, like specialty tools or what you use the most. im asking cause im trying to build a nice tool box up that everytime i work on a vehicle i dont have to go to the store to get tools to finish the job. and does anyone have any cool organizing tricks? or anything to make life easier in the garage?

99HorseSlayer

iTrader: (1)

hammer, when i'm finished working on somethin I like to hit it with a hammer for good measure

XLR8N

iTrader: (3)

thats it no duct tape?

ICEMAN 31

I love my big torque wrench, I carry it in my back seat, even though its smaller than a bat it just as intimidating

CaseyEaterMach1

My Precision Instruments split-beam torque wrench. This way when I lose my temper while working on something I can leave it there and not have to come back within the next few days and get even more ******* angry when I realize in my haste I forgot to set a micrometer wrench back to zero and have to go get it recalibrated.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Moving to Tools section....

Camaroholic

iTrader: (1)

Buy the deepest and widest box you can. From there, everything is gravy. I went from several 18" deep x 25" wide Craftsmans to a single freight-damaged Matco box, and the difference is amazing. All of my open end wrenches fit in one drawer. All of my sockets in another. It's wonderful. And the drawers are so smooth.

Buy a nice box, even as just a weekend warrior (like me). You won't regret it.

MustangEater82

iTrader: (1)

IMO craftsman are not that bad, IF, you get the ballbearing sliders. I believe its the Craftsman Professional series.

Right now I have a nice topper, was like $300, and a crappy bottom with all drawars I think it was ~$100. Drawars are not too nice but I keep tools I really never use(sledge hammer, specialty tools like Fuel pressure guage, mightyvac, etc...) My nice tools I keep in the topper.



As for tools that are a must have...
-Big *** long handled 1/2 drive breaker bar, I think its 1.5 foot long. I use this thing ALL the time. I got it from a coach I helped do some work at his house, it is one of my greatest tools. I have come across assloads of stubborn bolts, and almost everyone can be broken free with this. I use cheap chinese "impact" reducers(1/2 in, ---> 3/8ths) if I need it. And there have been times its the only thing that has worked. Recently dropping a fuel tank in a 95 Dakota to do the fuel pump, Me and my bro had to pass the wrench off, I would get half turn, he would get a half turn. We had to do this down a 4 in. long bolt.

-some cheap harbourfreight, impact universal joints(only like $5 and have yet to break them with hand tools)

-Pry bars/crow bars. Cheap wood chisels(sometimes these make good prybars in tight spots, also kind of sharp to work them in to cracks)

XLR8N

iTrader: (3)

i have a snap on upper that i got for free ( its a little beat up but hey) its starting to get to small, so im going to go big, i have been looking at a 56" clark, wheni was home i stopped by the hardware store and saw it. i figuered it was a cheep peice of ****. but i started looking at it opening the drawers, checking the casters, the body thickness and overall stoutness, i was very impressed. i looked at a few craftsman boxes and imho i think the clark are better, alot more solid, no shake in the drawers it was definatly sturdy. i can get the cabnet, chest, side box and another box for coveralls and such for around 2200. has any one heard anything about these boxes?

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

Gotta love Air tools

Gear wrenches

Wobbler sockets.

And a Big ******* Hammer.

s10dreamer

I love my gear wrenches, great for tight spots. I've got a tork screwdriver set from SK, I use the T20 all the time to tighten rearview mirrors. I've got a lot of stuff but those I find to be very handy. I also love my angle grinder 22,000 rpm and it is so light.

XLR8N

iTrader: (3)

yeah i have a set of ratchet wrenches, they are the best invention ever. does anyone have any organizing tips for thier drawers?

s10dreamer

I have my combo wrenches in one drawer which are in holders metric and standard. I have a 3/8 drawer with all my ratchets and sockets(on holders), I got prybar draw that also has some files in it. I found a great plastic tray at Sears that drops right in for $20.00, I use it for me screwdrivers because when I opened it they would roll around (rounded handles).

aw01m6t\a

iTrader: (1)

my favorite tool : miller 180sd tig welder

CTSmechanic

iTrader: (2)

Rota broaches.... you'd never use a drill bit again if you had some of these.....

98SS1LWEE

iTrader: (25)

Best thing i got latley, Cordless Electric Impact!!!! Waht a time saver, Throw the scissor jack under, zip it up with impact, off rim, on DR's, Zip jack back down

Speed Density

iTrader: (38)

I have this sweet Craftsman magnetic extender end, so if I drop bolts I can grab em. Its purrdy cool

Tony.

AronZ28

iTrader: (2)

I have this awesome voltage tester my grandpa made out of some wire, a light bulb and a turn signal lever off a big rig. He used to work on those trucks back in the day.

BADD SS

iTrader: (4)

Im with you, but I would group mine together

Lincoln Precison tig 185
Lincoln Pro Cut 25
Lincoln Sp 135 plus

Almostryan3

iTrader: (6)

That is a great idea using the impact for the scissor jack, never thought of that, thanks for the idea