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Aug 28, 2008 | 09:38 PM

#16

AzBlueWolf

Post Fiend

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 10,418

Likes: 0

From: SpringHill,Fl

Fluke 78 or 88 automotive test meter....get the best you can afford, and you'll never need another...

the 2 jaw puller might remove a tie rod end...but no way will it remove a ball joint...you'll need a ball joint remover kit (harbor freight has a great set of adapters for $50 when on sale)

get a grease gun with an 18 or 24 inch flexible hose...one that you can operate with one hand and hold the hose on the fitting with the other...snap-on,Mac, sears and matco have comparable grease guns

these are my opinions...not forged in steel facts

Aug 28, 2008 | 09:40 PM

#17

Ford_Six

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 18,488

Likes: 22

From: The Big, Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Ford 351W

Can the Craftsman 2 Jaw Small Gear Puller pull balljoints and tire rod?
Craftsman 2 Jaw Small Gear Puller - Model 46905 at Sears.com

No. Get a pickle fork set, they work very well and once you get used to using them, you can take joints apart without any damage.

As far as a grease gun, the $20 pistol grip one at Napa works great, be sure to get the one with the flex hose. There's no point in spending the money on the name for that.

Aug 28, 2008 | 10:16 PM

#18

CheapRanger

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 799

Likes: 0

From: State of Misery (Missouri

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Ford 351W

Would you recommend this meter:
MT592, Digital Multimeter, Autoranging
Are Blue Point hand tools good? Do they carry lifetime warranty?
Are they better than Craftsman?

The Fluke is the common recommendation, although I also like (and own) the OTC 3545.
Blue Point is Snap~On's import line. It is supposed to be the same warranty as Snap~on (see their website) on hand tools I believe, but not air/power tools. A LOT of the Blue Point stuff, can be had cheaper, by the OEM. You just can't finance it off a truck.
Really no better or worse then Craftsman, as both have strong and weak stuff.
I would recommend looking at Snap~on's, open end, flare nut end, wrenches. I have found very few that compare (and they are normally harder to get).

Remember, tools DON'T make the mechanic, they make the mechanics job easier, and don't get yourself screwed up in debt with the tool companies. I've seen tool debt stop a new home sale (would not qualify for as much of mortgage).

Aug 28, 2008 | 10:26 PM

#19

AzBlueWolf

Post Fiend

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 10,418

Likes: 0

From: SpringHill,Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheapRanger

Remember, tools DON'T make the mechanic, they make the mechanics job easier, and don't get yourself screwed up in debt with the tool companies. I've seen tool debt stop a new home sale (would not qualify for as much of mortgage).

I finally got the urge for a new toolbox last year...matco had a sale, free hutch on their 5 series if you purchased thru matco financing...

box with hutch ended up costing me $8000 with finance charges

but I have space for all my tools and a little room to grow.

Aug 29, 2008 | 12:25 AM

#20

rcav8or

If you use it, SUPPORT IT

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,595

Likes: 0

From: Indiana

2nd on the Fluke. Probably more than most people will ever need, but the only one you'll ever have to buy...

R

Aug 29, 2008 | 12:33 AM

#21

CheapRanger

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 799

Likes: 0

From: State of Misery (Missouri

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzBlueWolf

By the tone of your post, it is paid for, Good for you. I've seen to many people try to start out with ALL the stuff, and no realistic expectations.
Seen others that bought THE box, but can't afford to fill it.

Just trying to prevent the kid from doing the same.

Aug 29, 2008 | 01:03 AM

#22

rcav8or

If you use it, SUPPORT IT

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,595

Likes: 0

From: Indiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheapRanger

I can agree with that! I recommend that people start out with a rollaround and chest, then add the mid-box when you can, then maybe a 2nd rollaround, as you can afford it, then add as you go. When you finally have a good position, and a good selection of tools, you can get the big box of your dreams, and take the other boxes home! Here's a pic of the "home" boxes...and you can tell by the tops, could still use another couple! Of course, the most important box, is the white one on the right!! Bubbly pops, for all...

You can never have enough tools, or room, or storage...

R

Sep 10, 2008 | 11:13 AM

#23

Mr.Ford 351W

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 375

Likes: 0

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Sep 10, 2008 | 12:19 PM

#24

bigrigfixer

The Pacifier

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 8,245

Likes: 7

From: Cloverdale, BC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Ford 351W

TQFR100B $91.92 TQFR100B, Torque Wrench, Adj. Click Type, U.S., Flex-Ratchet, 20-100 ft. lb., 3/8" drive

TQFR250E $111.14 TQFR250E, Torque Wrench, Adj. Click Type, U.S., Flex-Ratchet, 40-250 ft. lb., 1/2" drive

These are a waste of money. Newton-meter only torque wrenches are a waste of money.

Unless you are doing a LOT of tranny work, or diesel engine work, lb/in torque wrenches are a waste of money.

I would recommend the 1/2" drive up to 250 lb/ft, and whatever in N/M, and the same in 3/8" drive up to 75 or 100 lb/ft, with a flex head.