Not the only way to mount a deer butt, kw...

 

There's no way I could narrow it down to one, but for the purpose of this thread I'll say my pocket screwdriver. It is one handy little tool.

 

So many tools that could be on the list, but I'll go with the less common ones...

First tool, since I almost always have one within arms reach, even now at my desk in my office I have one...

Either a Good American made ratcheting screw driver with 4 bits in the handle. 2 Phillips, 2 Flats, different sizes. Or a 4 in 1 screwdriver which is stronger and faster to use, has the different bits in two opposite sides of the shaft. These bits are double headed with a big or small Phillips/Flat combo at each end. Just flip the bits or flip the shaft to turn 90% of the screws you will find. Don't use those cheap Chinese knock offs, the ratchet is plastic and breaks or the rest of the tool will break.
Kind of like this...Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more
I have a Vaco ratcheting driver that has been by my side since the mid 80s. I also have a couple 4 in 1s, I think JB WIlliams that I have used since the 70s. My Chinese knockoffs last a year or two or break right away.


Next, get yourself a good flexible "grabber" type tool. These look like a goosneck with one end having a "claw" and the other having a push button to make the claw open and close. These tools are great to pickup pieces that drop into places you can't get your hands into. I almost have to use this every time I work on my car. ALso handy for retrieving stuff out of the garbage disposal, sink drain, toilet etc. My wife loves it when I use the "Claw".
Kind of like this...Amazon.com: Flexible Claw Pick Up Tool Automotive Mechanic Shop 24": Kitchen & Dining

Last, a 60 gallon or larger compressor. THis is about the minimum size that will continuously drive some of the more air hungry air tools. But I would even have a compressor just so I could use the blow gun to blow dirt, water etc out of hard to reach places. Works much better than wiping things down. A minimum size compressor might be a 20 gallon size. Some air tools like a cutoff or grinder will suck the air out of the 20s in about a minute or two, but otherwise are adequate for most uses.

I got lucky since I "inherited" the shop compressor when it tore up the two pistons and was replaced under warranty by Sears. Sears didn't want the old one back so I bought parts and now have unlimited air in my garage. The broken compressor was oil less. Sears replaced it with a standard oiled cast iron compressor which in my opinion is much more durable than the oiless designs. But for free, less the cost or parts($150), who can complain.


These 3 tools are used by me almost everytime I need to tweak something, and like I said the screwdrivers are always handy.

Jim Henderson

 

that's one heck of a door bell.... rofl

 

Thanks for the input. I'm thinking more for automotive applications.

I would say a bigger set of jack stands are on my list since my smaller car jackstands tend to not be as sufficient for lifting the truck. Also a compressor is on my list at some point.

I have most of the basic tools listed on here but just wanted to see if there was anything unique. I would add that I love using my klein 11 in 1 screwdriver here at work and would highly recommend at least the klein 5 in 1 screwdriver.

 

It sure is nice to have a tow truck in the family!

 

yuppers, comes in handy, that's momma's truck, mine's a tri axel dump

 

Don't know about a 155 piece Craftsman anything but the most important tool in my shop is the security-bit set I got from Northern Tool. It's a set of long-reach security bits (torx, hex, slot-flat, etc.) and so far I have used them on everything from my in-laws' motorhome microwave to my truck and my Harley. Has to be the best tool I ever bought, hands down.

 

I'm surprised no one mentioned THE most important tool for any shade tree mechanic... the bottle opener.

 

#1: 60 gallon or larger air compressor
#2: plasma cutter

 

Dang it, how could I forget that?

 

Duct Tape. Don't leave home without it.

 

I always carry a knife, in fact usually I carry these two. For overall utility, they're hard to beat.

 

knipex alligator pilers, sooo many uses...

 

Only two tools are needed: duct tape and WD-40. If it moves and it's not supposed to, use the duct tape. If it doesn't move and it's supposed to, use the WD-40.

All seriousness aside, there is no way I could limit myself to name just one tool because I'm always using two or more tools every day besides the basics (and they usually aren't the same ones every day) without which I would be high and dry.