Your favorite tools for wrenching / tech tools for special applications

[firemanj92]

The flexible hose clamp tool is indeed a life saver, though the one thing the ABN tool doesn't have is a ratchet lock, which, if one needs to walk away monetarily or lock, can be very helpful in certain situations.

The Mayhew, for more $$$ of course, has a ratchet lock.
https://www.jbtoolsales.com/mayhew-...MImMC34q3u1wIV1DaBCh1zYgW0EAQYBCABEgLNevD_BwE

Matco and SO both offer ones that have ratchet locks as well......

I may have actually bought a different brand but mine does have a ratcheting lock although I wish it would/could lock in a tighter position. It looks like it has a thumb lock on it. Anyhow, I saw the tool after watching one of those weekend car repair shows and told myself, "I have to have that tool". :dancin:

 

[mtbtim]

Hi Tim, its John. And no, I don't use the tools anymore in my profession (used to own a low voltage company for sound and lighting). I am an internal auditor for a rather large company. My brother though is a co-owner of a marine boatyard in North Carolina, and the Snap On truck comes by to see him twice a month, so that is the vice for my wallet, though my GF told my brother to keep it a secret when his SO driver comes by so my wallet only aches periodically through the year. Having handles tools for 25 years one comes to realize good and bad ones quickly, which have merit for one job or many.

I really enjoy helping out people with repair issues I am well voiced in so they don't get bent over by others for nothing more than to increase their bottom dollar. Just helped a neighbor's daughter's boyfriend yesterday with his Altima. The dealer and others were going to charge him $600+ for AC repair work. With just parts and a little sweat his bill was $64. When you are making $15/hr, that savings goes far, especially this time of year.

If I had the space for a lift, I'd love to do the 2uz swap. Maybe for the next house.

Hey John, thanks for sharing all that. It's cool to get to know you better. I know Snap On is good stuff but I'd have a really hard time parting with the money they want for their tools. My goto tool shop is Amazon. When I do a search for tools I need, I usually just go by the the reviews to help me chose which one to buy or I take your suggestion.

I could tell you're really good dude. That's cool you're willing to help people out for free. I've helped out quite a few people with the videos [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I have made. I don't know what the total count is anymore of how many people's rigs we've worked on making our videos. Most of the people have been pretty cool and I felt good about helping them. There have been people hitting me up for repair help that we already have made videos of, and I was at first turning them down, but now I've been offering my services at a rate much more affordable than shops charge. Many people have asked for help with the rear axle seal job and I'm currently charging $200 labor for my time. I do the whole job, including replacing the rear brake shoes, so I figure that's a super fair price knowing most shops would probably bill 4-5 hours labor for that job at a rate of $100-$150/hr. I recently did the Tundra Brake Upgrade for a guy and just asked for a $100 donation to our party fund. We had to visit a parts store because he didn't have the springs for the brake pads so that turned into a 4 hour repair. I'm going to use the money I make to cover expenses for the parties Sean and I throw at my place. The last party we had included people from this forum, Tacoma World and the Facebook page 3rd Gen Mafia. I'm thinking the next party will be even better attended so the food expense might get pretty high.

Talk to you later John.

 

[firemanj92]

Would love to try this but I don't have a MAC dealer close by:
https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Powe...MAX-3-8-Drive-BL-Spec-Brushless-Impact-Wrench

I still love my Dewalt 883b, they now offer the same impact in a brushless model now:
20V MAX* XR 3/8" Compact Impact Wrench (Bare) - DCF890B | DEWALT

I have both 3/8 and 1/2 mac impact and cordless ratchet-Mactools. But I was already heavily vested in Dewalt 20v cordless tools and they hadn't released the 899 when I in the market (which Mactools uses). The Mactools are very similar to Dewalt DCF899 that [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] uses. Otherwise, I would have ended up with the Ingersall Cordless. Nothing against Milwaukee but I was able to get 15-20 years out of my 18v dewalt stuff. I had a hard time choosing between Red or Yellow.

Cordless what a game changer!!

 

[fourfive]

[MENTION=116877]fourfive[/MENTION]: Sorry I am a good four months late here but the Metabo is the king of grinders; I have one made in Germany that has been put through the ringer for the last decade. Considering you don't cut rebar or work fencing on a daily basis, really anything above $60 should work well.

I picked up the Dewalt 413 cordless, brushless grinder and love it, the portability makes life easier though I will keep the Metabo for heavy duty work......

Thanks for your input. Like [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] mentioned, I value your suggestions because you've yet to steer me wrong with the tools that I've bought based off your recommendations. I've read good things about the Metabo grinders & considering this one, Metabo WEV15-125 Quick Lock-On 13.5 Amp 2,800-11,000 rpm Angle Grinder with Electronics, 5", because it has a few extra features that sounded useful. I considered getting a simple/cheap one but I've learned years ago that if I buy a cheaper version of something, I end up getting the better/pricier version down the line. I've gone back & forth about getting a corded or cordless grinder. Leaning towards a corded one because I don't have any experience with a cordless one but open to both.

 

[mtbtim]

Thanks for your input. Like [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] mentioned, I value your suggestions because you've yet to steer me wrong with the tools that I've bought based off your recommendations. I've read good things about the Metabo grinders & considering this one, Metabo WEV15-125 Quick Lock-On 13.5 Amp 2,800-11,000 rpm Angle Grinder with Electronics, 5", because it has a few extra features that sounded useful. I considered getting a simple/cheap one but I've learned years ago that if I buy a cheaper version of something, I end up getting the better/pricier version down the line. I've gone back & forth about getting a corded or cordless grinder. Leaning towards a corded one because I don't have any experience with a cordless one but open to both.

I just ordered a Dewalt cordless grinder because I already own the 20V batteries and charger for their impact guns.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07457BXJW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I figured the cordless would give me more flexibility in case I needed to bring it somewhere like the local PickNPull to cut something out. I'm hoping it ends up being a good purchase. I'm going to try it out on [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] new used 3rd Gen because he just got an ARB bumper for it and we need to do a little cutting on the frame rails so it fits.

 

[fourfive]

I just ordered a Dewalt cordless grinder because I already own the 20V batteries and charger for their impact guns.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07457BXJW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I figured the cordless would give me more flexibility in case I needed to bring it somewhere like the local PickNPull to cut something out. I'm hoping it ends up being a good purchase. I'm going to try it out on [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] new used 3rd Gen because he just got an ARB bumper for it and we need to do a little cutting on the frame rails so it fits.

I think a cordless grinder is definitely a good purchase especially since you have other tools that use the same battery. Let me know how the battery holds up with extended use.

 

[Bumbo]

Those gloves are great but my arthritic hands don't like them. They are so tough it actually hurts trying to put them on! The 7 mil blue gloves are perfect to me. They last and don't hurt to put on.

For gloves for non-greasy work (like hand soaked oil)... try something like these.

I can wear them all day, breath great so no puddle of sweat or raisin ringers, very good for small parts like screws or bolts and great protection.

$2.90 / pair

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EW6RABA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is my heavier duty "general purpose" glove. Very good abrasion protection.
https://www.amazon.com/Ansell-Dynee...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W2JT9A4T68D5SDERTT1D


Ansell HyFlex gloves are some of the best I have ever used... and I have various types of various things. With my Level 5 cut protection gloves (not the ones I linked), I am comfortable dipping my hands into a bin of razor blades.

 

[MN4runnerman]

Ordered a Mighty Seven NC-4256q from one of the suppliers at my work today. 1100ftlbs and comes with a free 4pc crankshaft socket set. I can't find it on Amazon or ebay so here's the manufacturer's link
M7 - MIGHTY SEVEN - Complete air tool solutions

I have the NC-4232Q Stubby 1/2" impact and that thing is a life saver. I also have their stubby SAE and Metric Impact sockets. Those two combined make jobs way easier

https://www.amazon.com/King-Tony-Im...1513056852&sr=8-1&keywords=mighty+seven+4232Q

They're made in Taiwan but these impacts are some of the best I've used and their sockets fit snugly on the hog ring and do not come off unless you want it to. The stubby I have took all the abuse I could give when I lifted my trucks last winter.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Bought this cordless grinder at Lowes the other day:
4.5" (115 mm) 20V MAX* XR® Brushless Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder with Kickback Brake - DCG413B | DEWALT

Plenty of power. No cord. Doesn't get hot like some of Dewalt's brushed 20v line up. The only caveat is that it is power hungry itself and needs at least a 5AH battery behind it.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Thanks for your input. Like [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] mentioned, I value your suggestions because you've yet to steer me wrong with the tools that I've bought based off your recommendations. I've read good things about the Metabo grinders & considering this one, Metabo WEV15-125 Quick Lock-On 13.5 Amp 2,800-11,000 rpm Angle Grinder with Electronics, 5", because it has a few extra features that sounded useful. I considered getting a simple/cheap one but I've learned years ago that if I buy a cheaper version of something, I end up getting the better/pricier version down the line. I've gone back & forth about getting a corded or cordless grinder. Leaning towards a corded one because I don't have any experience with a cordless one but open to both.

Unless you are grinding down rebar for a living, smoothing down welds, or working in a body shop I'd opt for a cordless one all day. Go brushless as well. My corded Metabo and Dewalt will probably just be a dust collectors for the future.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Hey John, thanks for sharing all that. It's cool to get to know you better. I know Snap On is good stuff but I'd have a really hard time parting with the money they want for their tools. My goto tool shop is Amazon. When I do a search for tools I need, I usually just go by the the reviews to help me chose which one to buy or I take your suggestion.

I could tell you're really good dude. That's cool you're willing to help people out for free. I've helped out quite a few people with the videos [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I have made. I don't know what the total count is anymore of how many people's rigs we've worked on making our videos. Most of the people have been pretty cool and I felt good about helping them. There have been people hitting me up for repair help that we already have made videos of, and I was at first turning them down, but now I've been offering my services at a rate much more affordable than shops charge. Many people have asked for help with the rear axle seal job and I'm currently charging $200 labor for my time. I do the whole job, including replacing the rear brake shoes, so I figure that's a super fair price knowing most shops would probably bill 4-5 hours labor for that job at a rate of $100-$150/hr. I recently did the Tundra Brake Upgrade for a guy and just asked for a $100 donation to our party fund. We had to visit a parts store because he didn't have the springs for the brake pads so that turned into a 4 hour repair. I'm going to use the money I make to cover expenses for the parties Sean and I throw at my place. The last party we had included people from this forum, Tacoma World and the Facebook page 3rd Gen Mafia. I'm thinking the next party will be even better attended so the food expense might get pretty high.

Talk to you later John.

That is a very fair price Tim. At least the folks know they are getting a job well done.

Snap On tools, at least their hand tools and ratchets, are some of the best out there, at least for my application. Buy once, cry once is my motto. For example, this little guy is hard to beat:
https://store.snapon.com/Compact-Shop-Lights-Shop-Light-Rechargeable-Mini-350-Lumens-P824394.aspx

If you have a NAPA close by, their Carlyle tool line is hard to beat. The mechanics who work at my brother's marine boat yard use them over box truck tools. Just keep the receipt for warranty work.

 

[mtbtim]

That is a very fair price Tim. At least the folks know they are getting a job well done.

Snap On tools, at least their hand tools and ratchets, are some of the best out there, at least for my application. Buy once, cry once is my motto. For example, this little guy is hard to beat:
https://store.snapon.com/Compact-Shop-Lights-Shop-Light-Rechargeable-Mini-350-Lumens-P824394.aspx

If you have a NAPA close by, their Carlyle tool line is hard to beat. The mechanics who work at my brother's marine boat yard use them over box truck tools. Just keep the receipt for warranty work.

Lighting is a constant issue for the videos Sean and I make so maybe I'll pick up that Snap-on light. Thanks for the suggestion John.

 

[fourfive]

Unless you are grinding down rebar for a living, smoothing down welds, or working in a body shop I'd opt for a cordless one all day. Go brushless as well. My corded Metabo and Dewalt will probably just be a dust collectors for the future.

Learning how to weld, possibly fabricating a set of sliders & grinding off old paint from my skid plates are some of the reasons I've been looking into getting an angle grinder. For those projects it sounds like a corded one would be better right?

I've also been reading up on mig welders. I was initially wanting to learn tig welding because from my initial research it sounded like it was better for welding thinner metal (example: sheet metal doing a firewall tub or filling in holes in body panels) but after talking to my body shop friend, it sounded like mig welding had more advantages for automotive stuff especially if the welds were going to be smoothed down with a grinder.

Speaking of removing paint from skid plates or sliders, do you have any recommendations for electric sanders that would be equivalent to an air palm sander or die grinder? I know there are electric palm sanders but don't know how they compare to the air versions. I purchased disc sanding adapters for my dremel but because it doesn't have much torque it tends to bind if slightly too much pressure is applied at slow speeds and when I use sanding disc attachments on my cheap ryobi drill, it skips around unless I bear down on it with a fair amount of pressure. I don't have any experience with air die grinders but whenever I've seen them used for stripping down paint or rust they seem to work much better and had a smoothness in how it operated compared to my dremel. I've seen electric die grinders that look like beefed up versions of my dremel but wondering how they compare to an air grinder....although I've never seen an electric die grinder that has the right angled head like an air grinder.

 

[LittleCaesar]

In order to get the results I believe you are looking for, air with working space, and lots of it, will be your best friend here and that starts with a 60 gallon air tank at least. Then air tools.

I'd browse the Metabo line for the corded tools wanted. I know most of their mid to high level stuff is still made in Germany. It is a buy once, cry once deal or buy before the baby comes for you. I have used electric Dewalt stuff without any problem, but it gets hot after time with continual use, yet has never failed me.

I would invest in an AHP welder, for it will do everything you are looking for. Good quality. My brother in law has one; in three years he has had zero problems. He is an artist on the side and fabs iron sculpture pieces.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EL8UQH4/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_2_w

I have this one, fantastic, but honestly I don't do enough of this type of work to warrant having it, but my brother was able to get it for dirt cheap through his ESAB dealer poker buddy:
https://store.cyberweld.com/esreemp21mip.html

 

[96RedRunner]

I would invest in an AHP welder, for it will do everything you are looking for. Good quality. My brother in law has one; in three years he has had zero problems. He is an artist on the side and fabs iron sculpture pieces.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EL8UQH4/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_2_w

I have this one, fantastic, but honestly I don't do enough of this type of work to warrant having it, but my brother was able to get it for dirt cheap through his ESAB dealer poker buddy:
https://store.cyberweld.com/esreemp21mip.html

Both these welders cover alot of welding applications. Didn't read all info on them, do either go high frequency for welding aluminum ?

 

[MN4runnerman]

Both these welders cover alot of welding applications. Didn't read all info on them, do either go high frequency for welding aluminum ?

ESAB does. Edit: I read more about the ESAB, it can only mig weld aluminum. I haven’t read up on AHP so I don’t know. I would think it’s capable of tig aluminum.

 

[LittleCaesar]

ESAB does. Edit: I read more about the ESAB, it can only mig weld aluminum. I haven’t read up on AHP so I don’t know. I would think it’s capable of tig aluminum.

Yep, the ESAB does. But honestly I just don't have the space needed for such applications. Heck, my welding table is outside under a tarp at the moment. The GF says I need a 3 or 4 car garage for all my "stuff". Couldn't agree more.

I think the AHP can do as many functions as the Rebel; it just doesn't come with the name. But my BIL has put it through some serious work and it hasn't failed him yet.:thumb:

If I were in the market for one, the AHP would be on the top of my list......

 

[MN4runnerman]

Yep, the ESAB does. But honestly I just don't have the space needed for such applications. Heck, my welding table is outside under a tarp at the moment. The GF says I need a 3 or 4 car garage for all my "stuff". Couldn't agree more.

I think the AHP can do as many functions as the Rebel; it just doesn't come with the name. But my BIL has put it through some serious work and it hasn't failed him yet.:thumb:

If I were in the market for one, the AHP would be on the top of my list......

I have a Lincoln 210 power mig MP and love it. I rarely do tig or aluminum with it but everything else is great. If I can ever find a decent project muscle car then I’ll really put it through the paces. Otherwise for now I just build deer stands and do general repairs.

I just went through the AHP website, for that price and what it’s capable of that’s an awesome welder. For the tig one.

 

[Scramble]

Learning how to weld, possibly fabricating a set of sliders & grinding off old paint from my skid plates are some of the reasons I've been looking into getting an angle grinder. For those projects it sounds like a corded one would be better right?

I've also been reading up on mig welders. I was initially wanting to learn tig welding because from my initial research it sounded like it was better for welding thinner metal (example: sheet metal doing a firewall tub or filling in holes in body panels) but after talking to my body shop friend, it sounded like mig welding had more advantages for automotive stuff especially if the welds were going to be smoothed down with a grinder.

Speaking of removing paint from skid plates or sliders, do you have any recommendations for electric sanders that would be equivalent to an air palm sander or die grinder? I know there are electric palm sanders but don't know how they compare to the air versions. I purchased disc sanding adapters for my dremel but because it doesn't have much torque it tends to bind if slightly too much pressure is applied at slow speeds and when I use sanding disc attachments on my cheap ryobi drill, it skips around unless I bear down on it with a fair amount of pressure. I don't have any experience with air die grinders but whenever I've seen them used for stripping down paint or rust they seem to work much better and had a smoothness in how it operated compared to my dremel. I've seen electric die grinders that look like beefed up versions of my dremel but wondering how they compare to an air grinder....although I've never seen an electric die grinder that has the right angled head like an air grinder.

Angle grinders are great. I bought one to cut my frame rails to install the SW FB. I bought the corded Hitachi for $30 from Lowes, came with 5 grinding disks. No problems with it after 2 years & I use it for other things like sanding, rust removal & cutting. The amount of specialist disks you can get for it off Amazon are endless.
Electric sanders are ok for sliders, bumpers etc. I hate sanding disks for my drill, they suck. I like them on my Dremel for small areas. Wire wheels on drills are great & sanding or scuff pads on the angle grinder work better & faster for big areas but have too much torque for smaller area's & can jump.

 

[fourfive]

In order to get the results I believe you are looking for, air with working space, and lots of it, will be your best friend here and that starts with a 60 gallon air tank at least. Then air tools.

I'd browse the Metabo line for the corded tools wanted. I know most of their mid to high level stuff is still made in Germany. It is a buy once, cry once deal or buy before the baby comes for you. I have used electric Dewalt stuff without any problem, but it gets hot after time with continual use, yet has never failed me.

I would invest in an AHP welder, for it will do everything you are looking for. Good quality. My brother in law has one; in three years he has had zero problems. He is an artist on the side and fabs iron sculpture pieces.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EL8UQH4/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_2_w

I have this one, fantastic, but honestly I don't do enough of this type of work to warrant having it, but my brother was able to get it for dirt cheap through his ESAB dealer poker buddy:
https://store.cyberweld.com/esreemp21mip.html

Would be nice if there was an electric die grinder that was the size & had the functionality of the air version. That ESAB you have looks nice. Based on the description I'm assuming it welds up to 1/4 steel?

After a handful of failed purchases in an attempt to save a few $, I've learned my lesson and have adopted the buy once cry once thought process too. And believe me, I'm trying to put as big of a dent in my guns, knives and tools list that I can before March....& I still need to get my wife a new ride. Still pretty much set on the 2018 TRD pro but have recently been looking at a few 2015 land cruisers since some of the ones I've looked at were in the similar price range as a 2018 pro. I think the J200 land cruisers rate similar on the ugly scale as the 5th gens :laugh: but it has a 3rd row just in case my fight camp grows, jk. Briefly considered the 5th gens with the 3rd row option & the sequoia but the 5th gen lacked cargo space with an extra row & the sequoia seemed slightly too big.