got any cool tools?
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TECH Apprentice
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: somewhere sliding sideways
got any cool tools? 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?
On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 189
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From: Trenton NJ
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.
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.
Buy a nice box, even as just a weekend warrior (like me). You won't regret it.
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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)
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)
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TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: somewhere sliding sideways
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?
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Ont Canada
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.
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Ont Canada
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).
Originally Posted by aw01m6t\a
my favorite tool : miller 180sd tig welder
Lincoln Precison tig 185
Lincoln Pro Cut 25
Lincoln Sp 135 plus
Originally Posted by 98SS1LWEE
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
That is a great idea using the impact for the scissor jack, never thought of that, thanks for the idea
