Tools you can't live without.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Shawnee , KS
Tools you can't live without.
Question: What tool do you have, that you can't live without, that the average home mechanic probably does not have in his 155 piece Craftsman tool set?
The more important question: Why should I make this my next tool purchase?
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For me it would be my new flexible head craftsman 1/2" and 3/8" ratchets. The head swivels to +/- 45 degrees (and more). This allow me to reach some bolts with a sturdy ratchet without having to breakout the u-joint adapters. Both can be bought together for around $50. It also allows me to make more of a rotation whereas with a standard ratchet I may only be able to turn 20 degrees. Fairly cheap, reliable, and saves time!
Also on my list of "must haves"
1. A really big breaker bar
2. One of those telescoping rods with a magnet on the end
3. A good shop light.
The more important question: Why should I make this my next tool purchase?
------
For me it would be my new flexible head craftsman 1/2" and 3/8" ratchets. The head swivels to +/- 45 degrees (and more). This allow me to reach some bolts with a sturdy ratchet without having to breakout the u-joint adapters. Both can be bought together for around $50. It also allows me to make more of a rotation whereas with a standard ratchet I may only be able to turn 20 degrees. Fairly cheap, reliable, and saves time!
Also on my list of "must haves"
1. A really big breaker bar
2. One of those telescoping rods with a magnet on the end
3. A good shop light.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2
From: Wallingford, CT
I keep a pair of cheap Chinese needle-nose pliers in my toolbox for no reason other than pulling slivers.
O-ring picks are cheap and have a multitude of uses.
A good tap + die set is always nice to have.
I'm a huge fan of ratcheting wrenches as well.
And you can never have enough hammers or prybars.
A ratchet strap or two can be useful for holding transmissions etc in place too.
O-ring picks are cheap and have a multitude of uses.
A good tap + die set is always nice to have.
I'm a huge fan of ratcheting wrenches as well.
And you can never have enough hammers or prybars.
A ratchet strap or two can be useful for holding transmissions etc in place too.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I would say a 9000# capacity 2 post lift. But maybe I'm the only one that feels they need one. *shrug*
A professional multimeter is essential.
I have a Wavetek MeterMan 34XR true RMS digital, and an older Simpson analog unit.
Both have their place.
Most useful 'go to' hand tool?
A pair of high leverage, angled head, diagonal cutting pliers. Klein, Knipex, Ideal or Channellock ONLY.... and in that order.
Whether pulling a cotter pin, grabbing a panel fastener, snipping a battery cable or just a zip tie. They are very handy and see constant use.
I have a LOT of tools. But other than your basic wrenches, ratchets and screwdrivers this is the one tool I always seem to have out on the tool caddy.
Next, a quality 1/2" drive 150'# capacity torque wrench.
A 4Lb. drilling hammer and a large brass drift would have to be up there too, but that depends on what you're doing.
A professional multimeter is essential.
I have a Wavetek MeterMan 34XR true RMS digital, and an older Simpson analog unit.
Both have their place.
Most useful 'go to' hand tool?
A pair of high leverage, angled head, diagonal cutting pliers. Klein, Knipex, Ideal or Channellock ONLY.... and in that order.
Whether pulling a cotter pin, grabbing a panel fastener, snipping a battery cable or just a zip tie. They are very handy and see constant use.
I have a LOT of tools. But other than your basic wrenches, ratchets and screwdrivers this is the one tool I always seem to have out on the tool caddy.
Next, a quality 1/2" drive 150'# capacity torque wrench.
A 4Lb. drilling hammer and a large brass drift would have to be up there too, but that depends on what you're doing.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2
From: Wallingford, CT
I'd say 12,000lb if you're going to be working on anything substantial, but that's a little much for your average home mechanic.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 602
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
assortment of hammers, regular, the sand filled type, rubber, brass and all differnt weights. 3 foot pry bar, A full air tool set including impact wrenches, air rachets, air chisel, grinder, sander, cutter, saw-zaw type air tool thingy and dont forget a good compressor, lights-type on stands, as well as the magnetic type and the ones that hook to stuff, long magnetic grabber thingy, "claw" grabber thingy-for if you drop a small bolt in a tight space
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 3
From: Kzoo
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 602
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
automotive specific: bearing packer/greaser, steering wheel puller, pully puller set, front end fork/puller set, hose cutter-for a cleaner cut on rad hoses and stuff, batterie charger/maintainer, TQ wrenches-ftlbs and inlbs
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
A BIG hammer!
"If it can't be fixed with a hammer. . . . it ain't broke."
All kidding aside. . . . my good set of gunsmithing screwdrivers. I wouldn't use any other type of screwdriver on a firearm.
"If it can't be fixed with a hammer. . . . it ain't broke."
All kidding aside. . . . my good set of gunsmithing screwdrivers. I wouldn't use any other type of screwdriver on a firearm.