Favorite tools? Post up!

[sd_boxster]

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!

[ddb]

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.

[vath2001]

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

[941MXVET]

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.

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

[mptoledo]

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

[Lobo1186]

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

[demick]

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.

[Drewster]

Skewdriver!

[Hawke]

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.

[Dave S.]

Originally Posted by Hawke

A two post hoist.

Once you have one, and never have to lie down under a car ever again, you wonder why didn't 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.

[schoir]

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.

[rick3000]

My favorite Boxster related tool is:

Then there's the Bentley Manual, and a huge number of other great websites.

And since I love electrical stuff these:


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