Your favorite tools for wrenching / tech tools for special applications

amalik said:
I have torque wrenches, both ft and in lbs.

So I guess main question then... when is the cordless impact most useful besides wheel lug nuts?

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Lots of things. Just went through my throttle body and intake manifold on my 4Runner and used it on every single bolt to get them off and on. I used it to replace a window regulator and motor in a Lexus ES300. Also used it to rebuild a power steering pump without a vise once the pump was out of the car.

When I did my timing belt, I used it to get all the timing cover bolts off, the backing plate behind the cams, the radiator out, AC compressor loose just to name a few.

I even used it to fix my Honda lawn mower
 
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LittleCaesar said:
If you do get the M12 impact then you can procure a ratchet such as this later on in either 1/4 or 3/8.....
Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4 in. Ratchet (Tool-Only)-2456-20 - The Home Depot

Fellow member mtbtim uses one in his videos.....
Click to expand...
I did see that, yup.

Seems like air tools are a lot cheaper for the same tools, likely the electric are more expensive because of the flexibility. No hoses, no compressor.

Example, for $80 or so...can get a 1/2" impact and a 3/8" ratchet in a case with associated sockets, extensions, and adapters.

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk
 
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my god this thread is gonna cost me a lot $$$

About those go-through sockets, what is the advantage over gear wrenches? I just loosen using the either the open end, or a normal wrench so I don't strip the gears, then I use the gear wrench. What is the advantage here beside having 6 points and less chance to strip?
 
diverscale said:
my god this thread is gonna cost me a lot $$$

About those go-through sockets, what is the advantage over gear wrenches? I just loosen using the either the open end, or a normal wrench so I don't strip the gears, then I use the gear wrench. What is the advantage here beside having 6 points and less chance to strip?
Click to expand...

A nice smooth handle to press on instead of an open end of a wrench? :shrug:

A word of caution about them. Not sure if it's just harbor freight or others but check your sockets to make sure they actually fit the bolt sizes through them. The 3/4 socket in my set does not fit a 1/2 bolt through the hole. So it's basically worthless as a "go thru". I haven't checked the rest as I've never had a reason to use the other sizes.
 
amalik said:
I did see that, yup.

Seems like air tools are a lot cheaper for the same tools, likely the electric are more expensive because of the flexibility. No hoses, no compressor.

Example, for $80 or so...can get a 1/2" impact and a 3/8" ratchet in a case with associated sockets, extensions, and adapters.

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

If I had a nice shop with a couple of bays, a lift, and a dedicated air system plumbed throughout, I would have more air tools for the fact that they have much greater power to loosen bolts. But I don't, and anyone who has had to deal with any PITA air hose for air tools and to get it in the right position for work should tell you honestly that the flexibility the cordless impacts afford them to work more quickly and with less strife is priceless.

I have at least $1200 worth of air impacts that rarely get used anymore for the fact stated above. I probably should list them on Ebay......:bounce:
 
kball said:
A nice smooth handle to press on instead of an open end of a wrench? :shrug:

A word of caution about them. Not sure if it's just harbor freight or others but check your sockets to make sure they actually fit the bolt sizes through them. The 3/4 socket in my set does not fit a 1/2 bolt through the hole. So it's basically worthless as a "go thru". I haven't checked the rest as I've never had a reason to use the other sizes.
Click to expand...

I have a set of the pass-through sockets. I rarely use them. I don't like that they require a certain size ratchet and there are no adapters. The Craftsman ones I have are made in China and it shows. I did buy a locking flex head, long handle 3/8 drive ratchet which makes them more useful.

I love my reversible angled gear wrenches. Those are the best ones to get in my mind, even over the pass through sockets.
 
Stick Figure said:
Cheaper than after they get the Snap on name stamped on them! Yes I've heard several times that they are the manufacturer of the Snap on hammers.
Click to expand...

I cannot say. SO hammers are nice but pricey to say the least. But the hammers are great and their customer service is top notch too...
 
amalik said:
I did see that, yup.

Seems like air tools are a lot cheaper for the same tools, likely the electric are more expensive because of the flexibility. No hoses, no compressor.

Example, for $80 or so...can get a 1/2" impact and a 3/8" ratchet in a case with associated sockets, extensions, and adapters.

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

A friend who is a plumber has the m12 impact for light duty work and his favorite light for under cabinet work is this one, which would probably work well as general lighting under a car....
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...d_t=201&pf_rd_p=1944687762&pf_rd_i=B00DPEQZWK

Milwaukee also makes an extended use m12 battery.....
http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-48-...xgy_469_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0APVF3W8SJ59SHKWYVR1

For someone who owns a lot of Dewalt tools I am not making a good argument for not owning at least some Milwaukee m12 tools myself.....:hand:
 
LittleCaesar said:
I cannot say. SO hammers are nice but pricey to say the least. But the hammers are great and their customer service is top notch too...
Click to expand...

Snap on customer service all depends on the dealer. If you have a good dealer, or tell a bad dealer that you are interested in a box, everything's good. If your dealer sucks then its a pain in the butt to get things fixed. It took 3 months to get a 1/4 drive ratchet fixed for me. Mostly because it took me that long to happen to spot him in the parking lot. He shows up at lunch time and doesn't let anyone know he's even here. In this case I wish I could have just sent the ratchet in.
 
Very true. When I had time to have a mobile detailing business, the SO guy was excellent because I knew he had a serious Starbucks craving and with the help of some gift cards I had his cell number so I could find him anytime. I don't even know the new SO guy in my area so I have to wait until I visit my old neighbor who owns a couple of transmission shops.....
 
Does anyone have any recommendations for a cylinder leak down tester that wont break th bank?
I was gonna go with the hf ones but read that there max output was only 15 psi
And although it shows if theres a leak, the air pressure is not strong enough to hear where the leak is
 
I don't know if anyone has mentioned this little gem of a tool yet but I love my Adjustable Spark Plug Wire Puller. And, I don't even use it to pull spark tube wires. I've been using it to break hoses free off of fittings. The rubberized tips get a good hold on a hose and it allows me to twist hose free without fear of damaging the fitting.

Here's a link to what I'm talking about:
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-51750-...186833&sr=1-3&keywords=spark+plug+wire+puller
 
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