Top 10 Favorite Tools you have or use

[jwhelan65]

Not exactly a tool, but a zinc plating kit from Caswell's Plating proves indispensable while rebuilding GS's. Can clean and replate a small batch of hardware in about 20 mins. start to finish.

Which kit did you get Ed?

 

[jwhelan65]

 

[tkent02]

Almost ready for powder coating….

 

[bbjumper]

+1 on this one, I have the same collection. A must have for working on Jap bikes.

 

[tkent02]

Which kit did you get Ed?

+1, I want to do this too.

 

[LarryJ]

Just ordered a set of 6 Vessel HIS screwdrivers off eBay.

 

[SVSooke]

http://www.caswellcanada.ca/shop/copy-cad-zinc-plating/ I think this is the kit.

 

[Burque73]

Kind of an old thread here but tons of cool tools!

I don't have a top ten, but this would be one for sure.

After 20 years of using the same welding hood the lens is finally too buggered up to see what I'm doing. I coughed up a few bucks and bought a new one with the self darkening lens. OMG! Why the heck didn't I get one years ago! My only gripe is while welding in the sun you can catch a glare that suddenly darkens the lens. Otherwise, what a fantastic invention! No more nodding my head to drop the hood trying to remember where my hands and workpiece are.

 

[storm 64]

Ha, I'm the biggest "Tool" in the box!
Let's see, at work it would be my 12" scale (ruler). Because when I lost it for three days I was frantic till I found it!
At home, it would probably be my instant read thermometer for cooking/BBQ.

 

[Rob S.]

Any tool that I remember seeing my father use. Probably most of the tools I own.

 

[Kiwi Canuck]

Wow what a trip down memory lane, just checked my wanted list and I didn't get much of that list ticked off but I did manage to spend a big whack on tools.


(1) Motorcycle Lift, --NOT YET
(2) Bench Top Spray Paint Booth & Spray Equipment --NO
(3) Media Blasting Cabinet --NO
(4) Chain Tool --YES
(5) Parts Washer Station --YES but sold it
(6) Drill Press -- YES very nice used one.
(7) Lathe -- YES, also got a Knee Mill
(8) Better eyesight --NOPE
(9) More Patience --NOPE
(10) A big stash of NOS parts. --Some

Just dropped $$$ on this new vise for my mill, Kurt DX6, amazing compared to the Taiwanese one I was using, I really wanted two of them (for machining longer parts) but just can't justify it.

David.

 

[fastbysuzuki]

Amazingly No one has mentioned a torque wrench

 

[Grimly]

Amazingly No one has mentioned a torque wrench

Two grunts and a fart will do.

 

[Burque73]

Very nice, that's an awesome price.
It's number 3 on my wanted list, so may just have to go for it and go buy one.

I have added an inch pound torque wrench which I don't know how I did without and that wasn't even on my wish list. I thought I had a good feel for how tight a bolt should be, well I was over tightening everything by at least 50% maybe more.

I need to pick up a different inch pound torque wrench that makes it more apparent when proper torque is reached, a loud bell or flashing light would be nice. . This Home Depo (Husky) wrench just goes a little wobbly at the specified setting. I've thrown it in the bottom of the tool box and just use a 1/4" drive ratchet now.

((EDIT))

Amazingly No one has mentioned a torque wrench

Still getting used to the new forum layout and I haven't figured out the multi quote function yet. It was actualy mentioned a while back. I have a larger click type that gets put to good use on axles, cranks and what not, but as mentioned, my in/lbs is useless. I thought I'd stripped out some of the valve cover bolts as they were waaaay overtorqued. Definitely need to add a better one to my list.

 

[slayer61]

Without a doubt, my lift. Gentlemen don't crawl around on the floor (any more!)

 

[Allie]

Boy I guess this thread's been around for a hot minute. I didn't realize I had responded way back when. A little update on my lists:

Well my top two tools are:

1. coffee cup - Still top o' the hill!
2. muffin tin - mostly lies fallow these days

After that the two tools that I went without for years before breaking down and buying are:

1. guitar string winder
2. chromatic tuner.

They save SO much time, especially for someone with several guitars and who hates changing strings. - these are still going strong and I've found you can't have too many of either. I've gotten several clip on tuners to keep in guitar cases - very handy.

Most of my mechanical tools are pretty mundane. The old air compressor that my uncle gave me IS quite handy though. I've retired the old green Sears compressor d/t extreme old age. I really miss the friendly wuffle wuffle of the cast iron lung wheezing air into the tank. The new compressor has more capacity but is loud and angry sounding.

Some tools I really need to get are:

-bench grinder - SCORE
-impact wrench for lug nuts - SCORE
-tap and die set - SCORE (haven't used it much yet. I've had a thread file for many years but it's time to go next-level)
-heat gun - SCORE
-small parts washer - Not Yet

I'll add now and should have added then: those little stainless clamp thingies that look like something doctors use. I've been using them for all kinds of jobs around the house, garage, electronics bench, kitchen, bathroom for the past 30 years - literally 1001+ uses.

 

[Rob S.]

You mean hemostats? Make great roach holders.

 

[Burque73]

Boy I guess this thread's been around for a hot minute. I didn't realize I had responded way back when. A little update on my lists:





I'll add now and should have added then: those little stainless clamp thingies that look like something doctors use. I've been using them for all kinds of jobs around the house, garage, electronics bench, kitchen, bathroom for the past 30 years - literally 1001+ uses.

Yes!! Great shim grabbers. :encouragement:

 

[ensure]

Best $5 I spent was on this Valve Adjustment tool