I feel like a kid on Christmas day

"Big Bubba Ray" (eganward01) 08/31/2015 at 22:58 • Filed to: None

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I started tech school last week and got my tools today. Good God, I’m ecstatic right now. I already have an obscene amount of tools, but what gear head doesn’t need more?! Here’s the haul, layed out nice and neat on my pool table haha

Screwdrivers. You can never have too many.

Pliers. Same as screwdrivers. Keep on collecting them!

Ratcheting wrenches. I’ve been jonesing for these for years and now I have plenty.

Cute little 52 piece, 1/4 inch drive socket set.

Impact sockets. Yuuuusssssss. Finally a reason to buy an impact gun and air compressor (when tuition stops eating all my money).

A buttload of star sockets.

Last, but not least, A FLUKE!

But really, it’s a multimiter.

I also got a few various ratchets/extentions in 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch drives for impact and regular ratchets. Got a 2 foot breaker bar as well. My tool collection is out of hand now. Can’t wait to use the new stuff!

Nibby > Big Bubba Ray 08/31/2015 at 22:59

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BlythBros. > Big Bubba Ray 08/31/2015 at 23:00

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Is there a tools of Oppo thread/post? I’m just a hobbiest, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t say goodnight to my tools before bed...

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Big Bubba Ray 08/31/2015 at 23:01

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What set is this?

shop-teacher > Big Bubba Ray 08/31/2015 at 23:02

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New tool day is always a great day!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Big Bubba Ray 08/31/2015 at 23:03

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Using that Ranken Matco discount I see!

Big Bubba Ray > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 08/31/2015 at 23:07

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Oh hell ya haha

I’m doing night classes so I don’t get nearly as many tools at the day time people. They get a HUGE box and something like a 40% discount on all Matco tools. It’s a pretty sweet deal if you’re there full time.

Big Bubba Ray > Nibby 08/31/2015 at 23:07

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Exactly how I felt after opening the box with all my tools in it haha

Big Bubba Ray > BlythBros. 08/31/2015 at 23:08

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There should be! I looooove seeing people’s tool collections. Even though mine is quite large, it’s not nearly as big as some people around here. We should start something like that.

Big Bubba Ray > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 08/31/2015 at 23:11

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It’s Matco’s “Silver Eagle” 52 piece 1/4 inch drive socket set. I probably won’t be using it too much outside of school, but there are a few really good pieces inside of it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Big Bubba Ray 08/31/2015 at 23:11

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I’m really looking forward to having my own big-ass fancy tool box, certainly not looking forward to paying for it though, even at the discount price.

That’s still a year away though, no need to really worry yet.

Brickman > Big Bubba Ray 08/31/2015 at 23:23

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Nice stuff :) I need to get me a good volt meter, especially for automotive like this one.

http://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3340-Au…

Big Bubba Ray > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 08/31/2015 at 23:25

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Yep, tools are pricey but they’re discounted for full timers and it’s something you guys will use for the rest of your lives. I got a Matco catalog tonight and plan on picking out a toolbox for home. I just have all these damn tools laying around and it’s time to keep them somewhat organized haha

Spending the money sucks initially, but you’ll have so much to show for it and it will last you a lifetime so keep that in mind!

Big Bubba Ray > Brickman 08/31/2015 at 23:27

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Damn dude that’s fancy! I haven’t used mine yet, but will get to next week. Definitely looking forward to it!

Birddog > Big Bubba Ray 08/31/2015 at 23:31

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Damn! That’s some serious Cash sitting there! Good stuff too.

Toss those “groove joint” pliers out and get real Channellocks ($20 for a 2 pack at Lowes on special).

That’s the only advice I can give. Those Matcos will not serve you properly.

1111111111111111111111 > Big Bubba Ray 08/31/2015 at 23:31

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Great spread. Are there any torque wrenches in the mix?

Big Bubba Ray > 1111111111111111111111 08/31/2015 at 23:37

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Nope no torque wrenches, unfortunately. Not a big deal cause I’ve got a beam torque wrench already and I plan on getting a much beefier one in a week or two here after I get paid!

JGrabowMSt > Big Bubba Ray 08/31/2015 at 23:57

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That Fluke probably costs as much as a couple of those tool boxes together, at least. They’re awesome, but I can’t even justify one for my toolbox, and I work in electronics (it’s certainly not a budget thing, I’m just perfectly fine with my $39.99 Home Depot multimeter).

There’s just one set of tools in there that I think you’re missing that you will absolutely 100% need in the future: Bolt removal sockets. You’ll want to get a full set of them, especially sized for lug nuts.

I would also suggest getting impact rated socket adapters (1/4” to 3/8” and every which way) because you never know when you need a certain size socket and what you have wont work. For example, to do the valve cover gaskets on my HEMI, I had to buy a deep socket 8mm 1/4” drive because my 3/8” deep socket 8mm was way too big to squeeze into place. having a universal and then an adapter means I could still use a 3/8” ratchet for better grip though. It’s almost like playing with legos when you have enough sockets.

Oh, and you will never have enough extensions. Get many of them. Wobble and standard ones.

Last but not least, get a small 40W soldering iron to learn to solder with. Once you’ve gotten very good and can repair wires with ease and do it in the size range you need (splicing higher to lower, or vice versa wire gauges), get a butane soldering iron so you don’t have to worry about the cords. Butane is great for when you don’t have close power or you’re working in a trunk or engine bay. Corded irons are great for when you have a work bench and are not in a rush. Knowing how to solder and doing it well is a highly sought after trait. Strangely enough, I do enjoy doing it, and at my current and previous job, I’m the only person proficient enough to be tasked with high level soldering jobs (at my current job, I’m the only person who solders DB9 connectors in the entire company).

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Big Bubba Ray 09/01/2015 at 01:00

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Don’t put too much torque into the ratcheting part of those wrenches. They don’t like it. We’ve broken a couple of ‘em.

desertdog5051 > Big Bubba Ray 09/01/2015 at 01:51

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Reversible , ratching wrenches. Very nice collection.