Tools, what do you have.

[blue dog]

i thought since a majority of guys here do there own wrenching, that a tool section would be a good addition. A place to post up good deals on tools, maybe tools that you find to be extra handy in getting the job done, and reviews of tools good or bad.

I will start with the basics and slowly add from there.
Ratchets, i find myself using 3/8 the most, and do use 1/2 drive but rarely find myself using 1/4 drive stuff. My go to ratchet is a 88 tooth armstrong 3.8 ratchet, 3/8" Drive Armstrong Aerospace Ratchet - 88 tooth - Harry J. Epstein Co. This is the best bang for your buck ratchet made and is 100% made in the USA. I as well find myself using the 3/8 flex head of the same brand a lot, and it will make your life much easier in some uses, again, great bang for your buck in a 60 tooth USA ratchet. 3/8" Drive Armstrong Flex Ratchet - Harry J. Epstein Co. And a good indexible ratchet will come handy at some point, and you will be thankful that you have it. Armstrong 3/8" Dr. Indexible Head Ratchet - Harry J. Epstein Co.
You do not need ratchets that have a zillion teeth to be a good quality ratchet, Standard SK ratchets will not break the bank and are real workhorses, Proto and Wright again are quality ratchets that are made in the USA and are not at truck brand prices. The CAMAN 84 tooth ratchet is quality, but is a bit more on the $$ side, yet i do like my 1/2", it is a beast and has a great comfortable handle very similar to Cornwell ratchets
You will want extensions of all lengths for all sizes of ratchets as well, from 1" to 10"s.
Sockets, naturally you will need sockets in 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2", short and long, sockets are standard at 6 point or 12 point, i have both but find 6 point to be the most used. Remember, the more sizes the better. Again, try to find a quality socket that is made in the USA that will not break the bank, I find wright and SK to be the best bang for the buck in this category. Impact sockets is another group needed if you use impact guns. FYI, Crafsman stuff is no longer made in the USA, you can check the packaging at sears before making a purchase, there is still some USA stuff floating around but for the most part, dam near all cman tools have been outsourced to overseas, so buyer beware and do your homework. The CMAN of today is not the same as your grandfather purchased. Now, if you go to Garage sales and find CMAN stuff, you want to look for the stuff with the =v= or -v- code stamped on them, that is good stuff.
I will see how this thread goes. If it turns out that the masses want this info, i will continue on down the rollaway and post pics of tools and suggestions as to what i feel are quality tools that are not out out of the reach of most peoples pay checks, and what is a good collection of tools to make wrenching that much more enjoyable, basically the right tool for the job.
Here are a few pics of my favorite ratchets, 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" sockets in 6 point, 12 point and impact sockets.
Cheers

 

[blue dog]

crickets, all i hear is crickets. Post up some tool pics boys. I know you guys have tools.

wrenches. most used , the old combination wrench, i use 12 point for the most part. Ratcheting wrenches, flex head ratcheting wrenches, offset wrenches, stubby wrenches, flare nut wrenches. All get used for there specialty.
Nothing wrong with CMAN raised panel wrenches, they work just fine and will not break the bank. Some can still be found on the shelves at Sears that are made in the USA, but you will need to check the packaging. I like SK and old Bonney wrenches the best, but have a lot of CMAN professional and industrial stuff as well.

 

[downpour11]

Nice collection you got there :thumb3:

I don't have much. Craftsman socket/ratchet set, small craftsman wrench set, pitman arm fork, breaker bar, tire iron, floor jack, stands, husky impact wrench and air ratchet, impact sockets, prybar set, BFH, screwdrivers, pliers, crescent wrenches, allen set....some extensions and adapters... LOL I know I'm forgetting something.
AND I don't have an air compressor anymore rendering my air tools useless at home haha :violin:

 

[KidVermicious]

Everybody needs a set of the Gearwrench ratcheting box ends, they rock. I have the flexy heads and they're my favorite tool ever.

I picked up one of the new Kobolt double-drive ratchet drivers on an impulse, and it's pretty cool too. It's got a telescoping handle that's a reasonable imitation of a cheater bar, and when you turn the handle like a screwdriver it rotates the driver. I gotta say I'm using it way more than I thought I would be.

 

[mikebontoft]

Don't really want to post up my tools but I have two rolling chests with top chests completely full and spilling over as my cheapo mobile set. All locked up tight of course. Mostly snap on or craftsman... won a few from Ford and Skills competitions (VICA for you old peeps).

 

[IanB]

I had a Mastercraft Maximum set that I liked, I'll likely replace it with another MM set, but might pick up a few higher quality ratchets as those were the weakest links in that set of tools. Most of my tools are from Canadian Tire, they are close to the house, lifetime warranty, decent quality, buy everything when it goes on sale, etc. When I don't make my living off my tools, it's hard to justify Snap-On, etc prices for better stuff.

 

[aha2988]

I have 4 generations of tool collections from great granddad, granddad, my dad and me lol. The questions more like what do I not have or which tool box has that tool? haha.

I will say my top two favorite or most handy has been a flexible headed 1/2in drive long handle ratchet, and a 3/8in drive 18v battery impact driver like this:



It gets in just about anywhere and makes quick work of any bolt.

 

[blue dog]

A good quality torque wrench is a must, 3/8" up to 150 or 200 ft lbs and a beast of a 1/2" and you will be good to tackle most any job.
Lots of choices for hand tools and good bang for the buck is Channellock stuff, made in the USA and will not break the bank, vise grips are always handy, wire strippers, snips, water pump pliers, adjustable wrenches, the list goes on. Buy these as you need them, and in no time you will have any job covered. My stuff ranges from Channellock to knipex to NWS { the best stuff made } to various pieces from the truck brands. The right tool for the job will make the job that much easier.

 

[blue dog]

screwdrivers, Get every one you can get your hands on Phillips 0-3, slotted 1-7, posi drive, jis and torx. I like Pb swiss the best, parallel ground tips seem to fit fasteners better, and i like regular old acetate handles as they wipe off easy and are simple to keep clean. I keep junker screwdrivers around so you can pound on them with a hammer if need be. Quality drivers at descent prices on Amazon are wera, Wiha, Witte, Cman pro drivers if you can find them, williams drivers are USA made and have a good rep. Most of these drivers will not cam out with regular use.
For a good multi driver to keep in the glove box, check out picquic, Canadian made { tips are from Taiwan } good quality multi driver that is very handy with 7 tips and a 1/4 and 5/16 nut driver in the handle.
Amazon.com: pic quick
sometimes you will need longer drivers, and having a #2 phillips and #3-6 slotted with lengths that are longer then 12" will come in handy.
Pry bars are a must for any suspension work and will be useful for a bunch of other jobs, Higher end pry bars with handles will have striking caps on the end so you can pond on them with a hammer. Wilde prybars [ wilde bars - Search - Harry J. Epstein Co. } are a great deal for a quality product. Wilde is a company that makes lots of products badged for other companies like Snap on, sk, armstrong, cman, but there prices will be more then half.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Everybody needs a set of the Gearwrench ratcheting box ends, they rock. I have the flexy heads and they're my favorite tool ever.

I picked up one of the new Kobolt double-drive ratchet drivers on an impulse, and it's pretty cool too. It's got a telescoping handle that's a reasonable imitation of a cheater bar, and when you turn the handle like a screwdriver it rotates the driver. I gotta say I'm using it way more than I thought I would be.

I love my Gearwrenches! I have the 8-19mm XL Locking Flex heads and they are my favorite wrenches! Actually they're the only wrenches I have aside from a set of Snap-on stubby ratcheting wrenches 8-19mm. Between the two sets I actually haven't gotten around to getting a full set of old-fashioned combo wrenches yet (for the toolbox at work, at home I have a ton of craftsman stuff my stepdad used many many years ago.)

 

[Dawg4Runner]

Here are a few.

This set is for the 4Runner.

 

[aha2988]

Here are a few.

aside from tools these plastic socket dividers are a MUST lol. I love them I have the same setup. makes it much easier to find the socket needed and well to tell which one's you've lost or are missing haha.

btw dawg4runner we have the same tool box :rockon: ironically mines organized almost identically to yours except where you keep your allens I have all my punches, and the draw you have the assortment of pliers I have my assortment of ball peen hammers, mallets and mini sledges.

 

[Dawg4Runner]

aside from tools these plastic socket dividers are a MUST lol. I love them I have the same setup. makes it much easier to find the socket needed and well to tell which one's you've lost or are missing haha.

btw dawg4runner we have the same tool box :rockon: ironically mines organized almost identically to yours except where you keep your allens I have all my punches, and the draw you have the assortment of pliers I have my assortment of ball peen hammers, mallets and mini sledges.

Gotta love Costco!:rockon:

Speaking of hammers, mallets and mini sledges, I forgot to post that one.

 

[blue dog]

Going back to wrenches, here is a basic combination of wrenches that are mostly used. In order of pic

standard combination wrench
ratcheting combination wrench
flex head ratcheting wrench
x force wrench
deep offset box end wrench
no off set box end wrench
Flare nut wrench
stubby wrench
offset ignition wrench

Basic combination wrench will be used the most, ratcheting wrenches are awesome to have as well as stubby wrenches for those tight places.

 

[blue dog]

The hammer. Must have hammer, lots o hammers.

Firstly, the carpenters claw or ripping hammer should never be in a mechanics rollaway. Just kidding, do as you please. I do not let mine co mingle in the same box.
Mechanics hammers that all should have.
Ball peen, i like a good 24 oz for just about most things, and you can get a dead blow ball peen as well. sizes used will be from 12 oz's to 36 oz's for the big jobs.
Dead blow is a must have, the cheap ones from harbor freight are a good buy, Nupla is my go to.
Soft blow hammer for the lighter jobs.
A good old sledge, i like a 3 lber.
Brass hammer for jobs hitting stuff you do not want to mar or can not make sparks.
One can get Vaughn or estwing ball peens at home depot, and they are good value. I prefer Nupla and they can be found on amazon easily. Truck brands will all carry dead blow ball peens.
Pic 2 are my most used hammers.

 

[downpour11]

Paul (BlackworksInc) has an awesome write up on tools in the 4th gen section, thought I'd mention it in here too for those who haven't seen it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/132953-toolbox-how-use.html

 

[blue dog]

Here are a few of my favorite adjustable wrenches, thought i would show you my home brewed wrench i call the spammer.
The spammer came about when i was racing a dodge ram 2500 4x4 in the stock full class, the control arms would have a tendency to snap in half under severe pounding, The spammer would allow me to use the adjustable with a ratchet to get the bolts out of the control arm, the drift section of the wrench would help line up the control arm for the bolt, and the hammer head would smack the bolt right into place. Turned out to be a well used tool. This is a 15" spammer. Next is a Nepros adjustable, just to show you the quality of the chrome on Nepros tools. Second to none in the tool industry.

 

[Stick Figure]

I have a few comments on some of the posts so far, but those will have to wait for me to have some more time. For now I'll throw out a few pics of my work boxes:

The remaining drawers are pictured here : work tools |

We are in the process of moving our facility, so I have some stuff at the new office, and some at my shop. Speaking of I'll snap some photos of those tool boxes later

and yes I am fully aware that I have a tool addition problem

 

[riceandpho]

nice tools, all i got is the basic, screw driver, 108 pc socket set stanley from walmart, craftsman test light, irwin auto stripper, klien journeyman crimper, some extensions, bosch 18v impact and drill, harbor frieght plastic tool trim and panel, craftsman hook and pick set. i do mostly radio install and some basic mechanic work, not extremes like you guys.

 

[ndcent]

This thread has a bunch of tools in it.