Since I am an avid wrencher, I wanted to start a list of tools that I cannot live without. I am not talking normal sockets, box ends, hammers or standard tools. But tech tools that really help a wrencher out. These are all tools I own personally and have experience with. My always wrenching thread will likely have any tools I add - shown being used. Will be adding tools periodically as I have a very extensive collection - just wanted to get this thread started and this is what I had time to add. Please add in your critical tools to the list!

- Please post a part number and link to whatever you plan to contribute. Pics are great too!

Schley Products 97300 Timing Belt Tensioner Compressor:
This little guy is a LIFESAVER. 5vzfe hydraulic tensioner is not fun to take out. This little guy makes the job take a few minutes vs 20 - 30 minutes and several 4 letter words. You do NOT need to buy the snap-on version which costs a ton. This works the same way and runs about $40 shipped if you shop around.
Notes on using this product:
- This goes between the WP pulley and tensioner pulley. When turning the nut to compress the tensioner, it takes quite a bit of force and GO SLOW
- You want to use this with the old WP and tensioner installed as it can scratch or scar the pulley surfaces. So use this as step 1, then replace the WP and tensioner pulley that you should have already purchased!
Schley Products 97300 Toyota 3 4L Timing Belt Tensioner Tool | eBay


Power Probe:
For electrical testing and troubleshooting and such, one of the best tools for the job (quicker and easier than a multimeter which you should also have) is a power probe. This tool lets you quickly and SAFELY test for positive / negative / gives voltage readouts AND can send positive or negative with the touch of a button. The kit is expandable and has lots of options. I have a version 3 model but the V4 looks pretty nice.
http://www.powerprobe.com/



Hickok - Waekon 76462 Fuel Injector Quick probe:
This little guy helps to quickly identify if a fuel injector is actual firing. Touch the tip to the body of the injector and the mechanical pulses will causes the probe to flash as the injector pulses. If the injector has failed or is stuck, it is quick and easy to identify. They run about $80-90. This company produces the probe for Snap-on at about 1/2 to 1/3rd the price. They also make a voltage tester similar to the powerprobe, but I like the power probe better.
76462 Universal Electronic Fuel Injector Quick Probe from Hickok | Waekon


Goplus Macpherson Spring Compressor:
You will not find a person on this planet that hates a cheap spring compressor more than myself. I actually had a harbor freight unit come apart a few years ago that injured my wrist. I still live with the pain today. This compressor has been one of the best purchases I have ever made. Cost is about $80-100, it is built like a tank and makes compressing a spring quick, easy and safe. Literally a no stress tool.
http://www.amazon.com/Goplus%C2%AE-M...YNS64C63MVW3W3


Endoscope for android or other:
They are CHEAP and can be purchased on ebay. Lets you stick the camera into places normal cameras will not go (please keep it automotive ) They do not come with software, but if you download a free app called CameraFi / works perfectly
1 5 2 3 5M 7mm Android Endoscope Waterproof Borescope USB Inspection Camera USA | eBay


Sealey VS404 200mL Syringe. I use this model specifically for all sorts of things. A MUST HAVE. Just to give you some ideas on how to make use of it:
- Quickly remove and re-fill your power steering reservoir for periodic drain and fills
- Quick change oil on your air compressor / no mess! Just insert the tube down into the compressor, suck it out and put new in
- Inspect fluids for contamination or other reasons
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...+VS404&_sop=15


Harbor Freight MISC wonders:
I have a love / hate relationship with the place. They have some absolute CRAP and they also have some wonderful GEMS. Just have to weed through the terrible smelling stores. Make sure you snag a 25% off coupon before stepping foot in the place! Some of the gems I have found:

Slide hammer PN 60327. Has worked excellent and come in handy a few times.
Heavy Duty Slide Hammer and Puller Set 16 Pc

Their 20T H frame press has done everything I have ever asked of it. Make sure to buy two sets of arbor plates. PN 32879. I have an older orange model - same thing.
20 Ton Shop Press - Hydraulic Shop Presses on Sale

This set serves a totally different purpose than intended. Buy their bearing race and seal driver set to use in conjunction with a 20T press. They are the perfect diameters for driving in wheel bearings or other goodies. They are THICK, strong and do not deform under crazy pressure. PN 95853
10 Piece Bearing Race and Seal Driver Set

Combined with the above... press blocks as I use them... this front OR rear bearing puller & adapter set has been GOLD. PN 66829
FWD Front Wheel Bearing Adapters

Torque sticks for your impact. These are surprisingly accurate! BUT, always use one value lower than the desired torque and then use a torque wrench to properly set. PN 69870
10 Piece 1/2 In. Torque Limiting Extension Bar Set

Disk brake service tool set has come in handy and worked perfectly many times PN 69053
Disc Brake Pad and Caliper Service Tool Kit 18 Pc

They discontinued my favorite set of these BUT this set does the same job. These are a LIFESAVER and one of my most commonly used tools as I am not going for deep or shallow sockets. This set does it all. A go-thru socket set. PN 62305
21 Pc SAE & Metric Go-Thru Socket Set

Impact set specific for lug nuts. Have a rubberized coating so you do not accidentally scratch rims. You can do the same thing by wrapping electrical tape around a socket but these are a nice to have.
1/2 in. Drive Super High Torque Lug Nut Impact Socket Set 11 Pc

1/2" drive breaker bar!

How do you like the torque sticks? Many of the times I need this I don't think there would be room.

I use a torque extension. then can use whatever 1/2" drive socket I require. it works great.

My favorite Harbor Freight tool so far is the step drill bits. Those things changed my life.

I have the Kobalt version of those through-sockets. They're great when you need them, but I haven't needed them since I bought my flexy head GearWrenches. Those are my goto, the only time I reach for a socket now is if I need to use extensions or really put some torque on a nut. I've had to warranty a couple GearWrenches because I cranked on them too hard.

Dewalt Impact Gun

Door trim removal set:

https://store.snapon.com/Trim-Pad-To...t-P826717.aspx

I use mine for clips and also come in very handy when removing small vacuum hoses off of lines and small prying needs because of the shape of them.

Or a 3/8" battery ratchet... Saves time and wrists

Rafal

Dewalt cordless impact.

Been the best tool I've ever bought.

My "Go To" selection. EVERY job.
Thanks for posting links though! Added some to my Amazon which list.

Good stuff! I have an older 1/2" Dewalt 18V impact I have had since new / but using new lithium packs with it. Hell of a tool for quick engine work / interior work / disassembly and with the feather trigger, you can put bolts back in gently without breaking them (start them off by hand first! Then torque properly.)

Ditto on that PB blaster Excellent penetrating oil.

+1 on the Schley 97300 tensioner compressor, 18v cordless Impact, PB Blaster and Nitrile gloves.

I picked up an IR 109xpa Air Ratchet which has been probably my favorite. The 90 degree head has been super helpful, especially in tight spaces where I can't fit in the cordless impact.

A Dremel should be in everyone's collection, IMO.

I have up on Drexel brand. Had 4 of them burn up on me under gentle use. I use a black and decker rotary tool now in its place. Walmart sold them for like 30 bucks. Then threw them on clearance for $15 last year.

I bought 3 more as backups. I'm still on my original tool, it's starting to discolor the orange plastic but it won't die.

Picks, both long and short made by Cornwell and Kobalt.

I had a Snap On 3/8 impact but sold it when I picked up my Dewalt 20v 3/8 impact.

Jewlers screwdrivers.

Labor Saving Devices Wet Noodle. A bendable earth magnet. Can't live without it.

If you don't mind, what part # is your impact? I too, used a 3/8" snap on impact when we did my transmission swap. The snap on impact lacked the torque to loosen/faster much of the job. I did the same work on my truck with my dewalt and it had ZERO issues. Glad to see it wasn't just my imagination that the dewalt tool works better.

I have the 1/4" drive model, I have only had one socket adapter fail in a lot of heavy use, but nonetheless I would prefer to just get the 3/8" drive model, my local lowe's didn't carry or have any available I was told. :shrug"