Favorite tools? Post up!
 

I just picked up a pair of mechanic's gloves after resisiting for years. How stupid I've been - my hands are spotless (no dirt, no blood, no dangling skin) after swapping out my wheels for next weekend's AX. This new-found treasure got me thinking about the tools I've accumulated over the years - and especially those that make life so dang much easier.

My faves:

• Compressor and impact wrench - 4-wheel swaps take 20 minutes!
• Extendable magnetic tool/part retriever
• LED headlight - looks stupid, but it's really nice to be able to see...
• 12-pound long-handle sledge hammer - there are few things I love better than wrecking stuff
• RotoZip spiral saw with angle grinder attachment
• A _GOOD_ socket set. It's amazing how much better life is after you pitch the crappy set and get a decent one.
• JB Stick - if you can't fix it with epoxy putty, it is not worth saving!

Post up a few of your faves!

I like torque wrenches, and have a few. I tend to over-tighten things so if I can find a torque specification I break out a torque wrench.

My next favorite is the specialty tool I needed most recently to change my alternator pulley. I'll probably never need it again but find it clever.


http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...n0529/016a.jpg

For the car: Good set of english / Metric sockets and a floor jack
For the house: Good hammer, utility knife and a set of wood chisles

Just added recently to my collection the Motive Products pressure bleeder, and a Torin 'Big Red' floor jack. It's very low, all aluminum, and lifts low cars fast. I also really like my cordless impact wrenches.

favvvvvorite tool
 

this thing has made my life so much easier - I'm no longer fumbling to balance a flashlight in just the right spot....it was only 12bucks

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u...Headlight1.jpg

My favorite tools are all the ones I "don't" have to buy :D

i was always a fan of the dewalt 18v impact portable and packs a great punch

I agree, mechanix (or equivalent) gloves are great for changing tires and such. For more involved and dirty automotive work, I use latex gloves. It can make some operations more difficult, but when you've finished a really filthy job, and you can strip off the gloves and throw them away and your hands are clean, it's worth it. I buy 3 or 4 boxes at a time at harbor freight (~$4 per box).

Other favorite tool: Set of Gearwrench wrenches. I don't use them that often, but sometimes they come in Really handy. Just saw them on sale at Sears for $30 (for 8). Reg price is around $60 to $70.

Another favorite tool, although not used much for automotive work, is a GOOD cordless screwdriver. Milwaukee makes the best ones I've used.

Skewdriver!

A two post hoist.

Once you have one, and never have to lie down under a car ever again, you wonder why didnt you do this earlier.

I've got some nice tools but a lift would be the best. Wish I had one of those ;-)

I think my favorite tool to use is my pneumatic grease gun.

the knife from the kitchen drawer.

http://foodservice.oneida.com/resour...SBG.zoom.1.jpg

Six pack of Sam Adams Octoberfest. :cheers:

I always wind up with extra bolts.. JK

Can't really say I have one particular favorite but:

Motive Power Bleeder. What a life saver (and $$$ too).

Rhino Ramps.

A good socket set and an accurate torque wrench

oh.. and a cheapo ($10 iirc) micrometer from either Harbor Freight or Cummins Tools for measuring the rotor thickness

Spaten Octoberfest thank you

Bob

Now how can I convince wifey that I need that lift? hmmmmm

Dremel tool

The tools my friends own. :dance:

I got the same set!! A screw drive will double as a bottle opener.

+1 on the rhino ramps.

UView Airlift Vacuum Tool for refilling coolant.

Only about $100 on Amazon.com.

If you want the SAME tool with the Porsche sticker on it, you can pick it up at the dealer...for $500.

This is far and away one of the best tools I have ever run across:

Excellent, no expense spared quality, and a tremendous time saver!

It just does a stupendous job of giving you total control over refilling the Porsche cooling system and does so with zero air pockets.

Regards, Maurice.

My favorite Boxster related tool is:
http://986forum.com/forums/images/misc/986logonew.jpg
Then there's the Bentley Manual, and a huge number of other great websites.

And since I love electrical stuff these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...6699/66690.gif

Honestly, there are too many great tools! Like this. :D