Tool Most used
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 491
Likes: 6
From: Eastern Washington
Tool Most used
New to the garage scene. What is the tool you use most? I was thinking of buying a grinder for the bench or possibly getting a compressor but that would cost more money and more time to save. I am restoring a truck and want to have the tool most used for restorations for the buck. What do you all think? Appreciate any help.
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
If you're serious about restoring your truck, then start with the compressor. And you will need air tools. Sure, you could beat your knuckles to death using a wrench or rachet that may slip, and the job will get done, but nothing beats the speed of an impact or air rachet.
Then there are drills, grinders, die grinders, angle die grinders, air sanders, air polishers, air hammers... the list goes on. The bonus to the compressor comes when you get into sand blasting, and applying undercoating. And painting, as long as you know for sure the air coming out of your compressor is dry.
But wait, there's more. If you have a wood shop, you can use the compressor to run your brad nailer. If you ever get a plasma cutter, you'll need compressed air to run that too.
Another bonus: you can fill up your tires, and other inflatables.
Then there are drills, grinders, die grinders, angle die grinders, air sanders, air polishers, air hammers... the list goes on. The bonus to the compressor comes when you get into sand blasting, and applying undercoating. And painting, as long as you know for sure the air coming out of your compressor is dry.
But wait, there's more. If you have a wood shop, you can use the compressor to run your brad nailer. If you ever get a plasma cutter, you'll need compressed air to run that too.
Another bonus: you can fill up your tires, and other inflatables.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,191
Likes: 0
From: WA
I love my compressor. Make sure you get a real good impact wrench. Those cheapo ones that only do 250 ft-lbs of torque are a waste of time. Get something like the Ingersol Rand 2131 or 2135. 600 or 1000 ft-lbs respectively. They are a godsend for getting things apart, especially if your truck has natures threadlocker, rust, holding it all together.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
Best tool
Has to be an air compressor. Of corse I am prejudiced. I have spent a lifetime working on them. All of my power tools are air powered. You can get more work per pound done with air than electricity. They run cooler, you can stall them without harm and they sound cool..
Good luck with your setup
Good luck with your setup
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
ditto the air compressor and the 600 ft*lb impact, anything less isnt worth it. make sure you get a 2 stage air compressor, they have better duty cycles and are generally quieter and will last longer.
as for my most used tool would have to be my cordless dremel, i use the thing ALOT.
as for my most used tool would have to be my cordless dremel, i use the thing ALOT.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: BC, Canada
I agree about the compressor, and use mine all the time, but otherwise my most used is an angle grinder. I have a couple, one with a zip disc and one with a flap wheel. It depends what kind of job you're doing I guess, but for disassembly and cleaning the grinders work well
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 483
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For the money a 4 1/2 electric grinder, not one of the HF cheapies but a good one. Very versatile and has a lot of power. You can cut, wire wheel, polish, grind off nuts or bolts and it plugs in anywhere.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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I think a hand held angle grinder and a vise would be more versatile than a bench grinder. You can put a part in the vise and grind on it, but you can't grind or wire wheel on the vehicle with a bench grinder in your hand.
Problem with the compressor is if you are on a tight budget you'll surely end up with a compressor that isn't big enough for the job down the road. I know, I bought a $300 craftsman compressor last year when I was doing my roof thinking it would power my garage when I was done. Now I wish I had borrowed a portable compressor for the roof and held out for a two stage for the garage.
Matt.
Problem with the compressor is if you are on a tight budget you'll surely end up with a compressor that isn't big enough for the job down the road. I know, I bought a $300 craftsman compressor last year when I was doing my roof thinking it would power my garage when I was done. Now I wish I had borrowed a portable compressor for the roof and held out for a two stage for the garage.
Matt.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 491
Likes: 6
From: Eastern Washington
Thanks for all of the replys. You all had some great ideas that I haven't thought of. I probably will save up for a good compressor then add some air tools like angle grinder, impact wrench. This fixing up is sure expensive but when I get her done it will be worth it.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: BC, Canada
The compressor is probably the cheapest thing you'll purchase in your pursuit of using air tools. By the time you buy all the air tools you mentioned, and hoses, fittings, shop air line plumbing, want to have toys etc. you'll find that all that will surpass the original price of the compressor. But what a way to go.....
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 313
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1st. Air Compressor, but don't go cheap and get a direct drive unit. Spend the $$$ and get a belt drive compressor. The direct drive units are so f#$%^&g loud you'll look for reasons not to use it.
2nd. Angle Grinder
3rd. First Aid Kit
2nd. Angle Grinder
3rd. First Aid Kit
