Your favorite tools

Gator

Gator

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Like a lot of you, I like tools, I guess it's a guy thing. What I want to know is what tool is your favorite?

When you have more than one hammer, one ratchet, why do you reach for a particular one over the others? More reliable, more comfort, is the newest one you have, was it your grand-dad's?

We can also expand this a bit. What tool have you bought, maybe for a one time job and then ended up using it more than you thought you would? Also, why not show us all some of the specialty type tools that may not be common knowledge to those of us who are only hobbyists and don't make a living out of a tool box. I love the odd obscure tools.

I know it's too much to ask but try not to turn this thread into a "my tool box is bigger than your".

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Here's one of mine, a Craftsman rethreading set. This was highly recommended on one of the popular Harley-Davidson forums, particularly for engine work where you have steel fasteners, often with an application of Loctite, threading into aluminum. Use of this kit assures you won't strip the threads in the hole.

I know many of you will say that you use your tap & die set but that is made for cutting ( removing ) material. This kit does not do that, just cleans everything up nicely. After using it a few times it is now close by anytime I'm wrenching on anything that is not 100% all new parts. And even then it can be useful, such as things that may have been too heavily plated. This is the tool that I have used waaay more than I ever thought I would. Was it necessary every time I used it? Probably not. But I have no doubt it has saved me from making a mess of things more than once.

Comes with National Coarse, National Fine and metric taps, dies and thread files.

.Thread-1.jpg


Thread-2.jpg
 
One thing I use everywhere is a heat gun! I use it from breaking Loctite parts to loosen bolt via heat expansion to stripping paint. Mine is a decent 2 temperature model (600°/1000°) that I paid less than $30. I also use a little butane MagTouch I use for heat shrink tubing, small soldering stuff and such. A heat tool to me is a must and not a huge cost.
 
That's easy... Irwin Groovelock Pliers. $20 for a set of 2 sizes.
https://smile.amazon.com/IRWIN-VISE-GRIP-GrooveLock-Pliers-2078709/dp/B000FK1R0W/
81tSJlgb8bL._SL1500_.jpg


I've had mine for 6yr, have both the rounded jaw and flat jaw sets. I've bought them as gifts for 3 different people and they all love them. I find them to be one of the most useful tools I have.
 
Had this since 1975, with five cars in my family it has served me well.
cp.jpg
 
Working on heavy equipment I don't really have any favorites, and certainly no sentimental, they all have a high potential of wearing out, breaking, being misused, or lost. I do have brand preferences for certain types of tools.

When I know I'll be away from the box doing a multitude of things I always take my small Knipex Alligator pliers with me, too handy.

Two I don't know how I made it so long without, air hammers and needle scalers.
 
OTC Strut compressor tool, better in the driveway then spending time driving to and from machine shop if springs are not out of spec.
 

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I work as a body man in a dealership.
Its funny,,,,but the tool I use the most is my Leatherman "Surge".
I have worn one on my side for about 25 years. I would be lost without it.....

I also use a Milwaukee battery powered 1/4" ratchet a lot too.

shopping
 
Gator said:
Here's one of mine, a Craftsman rethreading set.View attachment 37670


View attachment 37671
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I have the same kit and love it. Got it when I had a 1975 IH Scout II where almost everything was frozen by the rust.

My favorite tool that winds up in my hands at least once every time I am in the garage is my Hitachi Impact Driver. Might have to step up to a new 18v but this does 99% of the jobs I use it on
 
draco88 said:
Mine must be the 10mm socket. Lord knows I hafta buy enough of them lol.


One of these days Im actually gonna catch that doggone tool fairy in the act lmao
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They must have hit me also, as my 10mm deep socket is missing.
 
HamSlamma said:
I work as a body man in a dealership.
Its funny,,,,but the tool I use the most is my Leatherman "Surge".
I have worn one on my side for about 25 years. I would be lost without it.....

I also use a Milwaukee battery powered 1/4" ratchet a lot too.

shopping
Click to expand...

+1 on the Leatherman. I always carry it and always use it.
 
I bought one of these little Bosch drivers about 4 years ago. It gets used at least 5 days a week. I bought it originally to tote around in a little pouch on my ATV to screw in fencing insulators. I ended up taking it to my job and put it to work building ballistic shields. It is super light and holds a charge for a long time. It started out working on electrical stuff then pretty much everything that attaches with a nut and bolt. Very good purchase on my part.

https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/cordless-drills-ps21-2a-34758-p/
CHRIS
 

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No real long-term favorites, but right now I’m loving a carbide tipped blade for my reciprocating saw.
 
My new favorite tool in the garage, Bendpak MD-6XP 6,000Lb scissor lift.
Wife had a meltdown when my safe was delivered, should have seen her when I came home with this lift.:)
After watching it in action, she knows that it is safer and I can work easier on the family cars.
bendpak.jpg
 
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Most used tool out of all of them.....Streamlight Stinger....And I've got at least 5 of them, so yeah my tool box is bigger than yours.
 
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