Even More Toolbox Essentials

"Aaron Vick Starnes" (aaronstarnes) 07/17/2015 at 16:50 • Filed to: Tools, toolbox, essentials, eyeprotection

19

100

This is the third installment of my toolbox essentials series. If you missed them you can read !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Here are 5 more of the tools I reach for almost everyday.

5. Socket tray

Okay, this one isn’t so much a tool as an organization aid but these things rock. I’ve used all sorts of these things, from the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! to the cheap-o !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! models and the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! work best for me.

The Hansen style seems to be the sleekest and offer the smoothest operation. I find the socket rail is a hassle to finagle the sockets on an off, and the Harbor Freight type are unnecessarily large and oddly shaped. This type can fit in a drawer and gives you the size of your sockets at a glance. This saves you the trouble of sorting through a drawer full of loose sockets rolling around willy nilly. Get organized, it helps get your projects done faster and keeps your blood pressure down.

4. Automatic Center Punch

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! saves time and space. You can operate it with one hand in a matter of seconds and is great for tight spaces where swinging a hammer at a punch is not an option.

A center punch is a must for getting that hole drilled in exactly the right spot. Especially if it’s in a material you do not want to scratch up. Punch the spot to be drilled and then place your bit in the tiny dip. This prevents the drill bit from walking around and ensures the hole is where it needs to be. Occasionally these go on sale at Harbor Freight for $2.99 and I grab a handful because they tend to wear out, I guess you get what you pay for.

3. Deburring Tool

After a hole is drilled through material there is usually some junk left over on one side of the other. To clean this off I use one of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . It comes in handy with sheet metal, plastic and aluminum.

This is especially useful if your newly drilled piece has to fit flush against something else. Cleaning the edges of the hole makes for a nice even surface and lends a professional, finished look to your work. One of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! can serve double duty in your tool box as both a deburring tool and a countersink.

2. Ratcheting wrenches

I was late to the game on these things. They’ve been around forever but I couldn’t find any for a decent price. I only got my first set this year.

I can vouch for !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! I found some on sale at Sears and use them constantly. These little gems can be pricey but one you go ratch it’s hard to go back. It is true that you don’t want to break a really stubborn bolt or nut with the ratcheting end, but outside of that I use them like I would a normal wrench. They’re great for getting into spaces too narrow for a ratchet handle and a socket.

1. Eye Protection

Squinting counts as eye protection right? No, sorry, and you can’t look cool wearing it either. However, after going to the doctor to have shrapnel dug out of your eyeball, or doing it at home in front of your girlfriend’s makeup mirror, the discomfort of looking like a goober seems like the better option.

I prefer !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . They’re reasonably priced and are good quality. If they aren’t cool looking enough you can always go for the hipster-chic look of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Or you could go for !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , which may not protect your eyes at all, but you get the added benefit of looking like secondary villain in an 80’s sci-fi movie.

2 years ago Aaron Vick Starnes quit his well paying bank job to pursue inevitable poverty as an automotive writer. He has !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! in automotive restoration, and works at a shop restoring and customizing cars. Follow him on Twitter !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and check out his !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

It's a "Porch-uh" > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 16:57

4

I’ve had two Gearwrenches break so far. Both the smaller ones (8mm and 10mm).

+1 on the deburring tool. I’ve used one enough to wear it out.

I would add a telescoping magnet (if you hadn’t in a previous post). So many fumbled nuts/bolts/parts picked up with mine.

Aaron Vick Starnes > It's a "Porch-uh" 07/17/2015 at 17:01

1

I got the magnet in a previous post. Hopefully my wrenches hold up. I know there are better brands, but I don’t want to have to take out a loan to get my hands on them.

m4ximusprim3 > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:08

9

On the subject of the ratchets, I’ve found that the pass-thru ratchet set is indispensable in some situations, and are dead cheap at HF.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:10

1

I still need to splurge on these. They’re just so expensive.

Aaron Vick Starnes > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/17/2015 at 17:11

0

Find some on sale!

It's a "Porch-uh" > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:15

0

Exactly. I have yet to replace those for that very same reason.

lone_liberal > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/17/2015 at 17:16

1

I got a set of Gear Wrench ratching wrenches and sockets (the center is open so you can work on any length of bolt) for Christmas that were sold by Ace Hardware that weren’t that expensive. They came in a fitted case with an “Ace” logo on the outside. That set is my go-to for carrying around a junk yard.

Earnest Borgwarner > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:17

5

Having your sockets, wrenches and really all of your tools organized is a must. Having a drawer full of loose sockets just doesn’t work. Wrenches too. Organizing your garage tool chest, labeling it, and then keeping that way will make all jobs infinitly easier.

blackhawk > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:21

4

For socket trays you should also mention the Ernst socket organizers. I have them for all my stuff and LOVE them. Granted, they can get a bit pricey if you have a lot of sockets to organize.

The rails come in different colors and lengths so you can separate metric/standard sets. It’s essentially infinitely customizable

Best of all for the OCD folks out there you can add or remove unused socket holders so you don’t have to look at empty slots in the tray (unlike the Hansons).

willmederski > It's a "Porch-uh" 07/17/2015 at 17:22

0

yeah. years ago i heard more stories of them breaking, so i haven’t investing in the ratcheting wrenches yet. but now more buddies swear by them.

Bacon > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:24

3

Everyone seems to bitch about how hard new fandangled electronics are to work on. Yet, no one finds the tools to do so as essential. A cheap oscilloscope and an OBD scanner should be essential to work on modern cars.

willmederski > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:25

0

5. Socket tray

i bought a couple of Sears socket rails a couple months back and honestly they are more hassle than worth... cheap at $5 though.

that Harbor Freight one looks like the sockets actually snap onto tray / stay put.

do the Hansen ones hold the sockets down?

congo > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:26

1

I’m a fan of the socket organizers from westling machine. Similar to Hansens but they have shorter posts, which I prefer since my trays stay in the drawers.

http://www.westlingmachine.com/ToolHolders.ht…

User1312 > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:26

0

http://www.amazon.com/3M-11329-Virtu…

I have a few pairs of those glasses in different places. At that price, there’s no reason not to..

The ratcheting wrenches are great. They can be found on sale at Sears occasionally. Snatch ‘em up.

Aaron Vick Starnes > Bacon 07/17/2015 at 17:27

0

Good call. I’ve seen the OBD II scanners for cheap. I usually run up to the parts store and have them pull my codes for me.

OneMoreTimeAgainandAgain > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:31

8

These are 5 excellent tools, even if the glasses aren’t “useful”.

I love my GearWrenches. However, on my first set, I cheaped out and didn’t get the reversible ones.

They are flat, rather than having a 15 degree (or whatever) offset. That sucks.

If you do it wrong, you can tighten a nut to a point where you can’t remove the wrench except by backing it up, which you can’t do. Either cut the bolt, or the the wrench.

Spend the extra $$ and buy a reversing set the first time.

I hoon, therefore I am > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:32

2

I’ve got everything you’ve posted in this series except the deburring tool. I just use my Dremel. That said, my twins managed to lose my flashlight, and I recently ran out of midsize zip ties. The loss of each has been incredibly tough to take.

Being relatively cheap resourceful, I’ve been able to grab a lot of stuff at work (giant machine shop), and reuse ziplock bags that a lot of parts (especially electrical pieces) come in.

One recommendation for part IV: gloves, both heavy nitrile and textile.

Mike Ramsey > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:34

2

Those machinist glasses were referred to around here as the John Deere issue birth control glasses.

Aaron Vick Starnes > I hoon, therefore I am 07/17/2015 at 17:39

0

I am also that type of resourceful

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:39

2

Have you already said “block of wood”? Never trust a mechanic who doesn’t have a block of wood in with his tools

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > Mike Ramsey 07/17/2015 at 17:41

2

If you’re mating with someone at the mechanic’s shop, may I suggest you are doing it wrong?

Bearded Bastard > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:43

1

Ratcheting wrenches are a godsend, I just got my first set too because of a recent canadian tire sale, 60% off a set of metric/sae sizes. Fantastic time savers.

diego > blackhawk 07/17/2015 at 17:47

0

That makes me feel good inside.

Bearded Bastard > OneMoreTimeAgainandAgain 07/17/2015 at 17:48

0

I like the ones with adjustable angle end, that way it doesn't need to be reversible, and can be used at any angle.

H4N5 GRU83R > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 17:57

0

If you want to be extra extra cheap you can keep resharpening the harbor freight ones on a bench grinder. However since the steel is so soft you will be resharpening every 2-3 punches.

Chris > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 18:00

2

On socket trays: Lowe’s has a very good price on them and they are a lot better quality than Harbor Freight’s junk ones.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_516032-2232…

ly2v8-Brian > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 18:03

0

Socket organizers are the best. I use the clips and trays they came on. Makes finding the right socket a short and simple task.

Aaron Vick Starnes > Chris 07/17/2015 at 18:04

1

Nice find!

Aaron Vick Starnes > H4N5 GRU83R 07/17/2015 at 18:05

1

I resharpen them, not quite that often, but I find that the inner mechanism eventually goes out. Some last a week and others I’ve had for years.

desertdog5051 > blackhawk 07/17/2015 at 18:09

0

I guess I am lucky in that when I bought my socket sets many years ago, they all came with boxes/containers made of steel so they stay organized. That said, why would someone need that many sockets in their box. (I know, it’s an advertising piece). 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” deep and regular metric and SAE are all I need. The specialty sockets are kept in a separate box. After all, I rarely use a 1 and 3/8” socket or larger (but they sure are nice to have when you need it).

ly2v8-Brian > Earnest Borgwarner 07/17/2015 at 18:09

0

For sure. If you have a lot in one drawer it can easily become chaos. Especially wrenches and sockets since they are the same color.

GoesLikeHell > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 18:11

0

Good article. Getting my toolbox organized has helped my productivity a bunch, now I make a point to put tools away and I know where to find things. The Hansen trays are great, but if you are of the OCD nature you’ll go nuts trying to find the sockets to fill all the pegs (I’ve never used a 5/8” 1/4” drive for instance) I have a few of them still, but recently I bought a set of these and love them: http://www.westlingmachine.com/ToolHolders.ht…

Ratcheting wrenches are also the best thing to come out in recent years, love mine.

lone_liberal > m4ximusprim3 07/17/2015 at 18:11

0

Absolutely. Like I mentioned to somebody else I have a combo set of the pass-thru ratchet and ratcheting wrenches that I got for Christmas and it’s my go-to set to carry around junk yards unless I’m hunting something that I know will require a lot of torque.

Bearded Bastard > dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter 07/17/2015 at 18:12

0

Excellent suggestion. But better is- wood stock. Several shapes and length of wood, can be used for anything from under a piece you’re working on, to, padding between jack stands and ground, to, soft pry bar .

I only had wood in the garage from the previous owner, but found immediately how useful it was to have around

Urambo Tauro > It's a "Porch-uh" 07/17/2015 at 18:12

2

Magnets are very handy. But sometimes en route to that fallen part, they like to stick to other things, such as the firewall. That’s when I reach for a claw-type pick up tool.

phDiesel > m4ximusprim3 07/17/2015 at 18:14

0

I got a full set of these at Home Depot on sale for $20 and it was the best money I ever spent.

knyghtryda > m4ximusprim3 07/17/2015 at 18:17

0

Passthroughs are not great at all things (splines are no good for high torque stuff) but man do they have their uses. If you have to tighten a nut down a very long bolt in a awkward location (can anyone say turbo T hose clamps?) Then they are way faster than futzing with the round end of a crescent wrench. Speaking of crescent wrenches... Get yourself a set of LONG handled crescents. I’m talking 1ft+ for sizes bigger than 17mm or so. There will be times when a breaker bar with a socket is not an option, and you’ll be glad you had that extra leverage from the long wrench.

dannyzabolotny > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 18:21

0

I need to get one of these!

dannyzabolotny > Earnest Borgwarner 07/17/2015 at 18:22

0

This! At least 25% of the time I’ve spent on my recent 540i project has been looking for the right socket. The 10mm sockets just keep disappearing!

Active0Schuder > m4ximusprim3 07/17/2015 at 18:23

0

We just got a set of these a few weeks ago, but I haven’t had a chance to play with’em yet. On a related note: have you ever seen ratcheting line wrenches? I SWEAR I saw a set in PTEN, haven’t been able to find them since...

General Purpose > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 18:25

2

Nah, you don’t want the socket tray that makes you push the sockets through holes.

You want the magnetic one. You can grab this by the handle and those sockets aren’t falling out. But then when you need to grab one, it’s removed with the lightest of force.

The tray itself has a magnetic backing. Might not be strong enough to hold up your sockets on a vertical surface, but at least it won’t slide around in your hand toolbox.

http://www.sears.com/lisle-magnetic…

Active0Schuder > Earnest Borgwarner 07/17/2015 at 18:27

0

For Christmas one year I got a toolcart with two drawers, a ~100-piece ratchet/socket set, and a 1/4” - 1-1/8” wrench set that both came in those molded plastic carrying cases; took the tops off (they just snap in and out) and put one in each drawer...works GREAT!

Frenchlicker > Mike Ramsey 07/17/2015 at 18:29

0

Military glasses used to be referred to as bcg’s too, now they are stylish and people don't even question them.

dustynnguyendood > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 18:33

8

An $8 bluetooth dongle from ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-ELM32…

and the $5 Torque app and you can pull so much more with it...

Active0Schuder > Bacon 07/17/2015 at 18:34

0

I lucked out and found a $400 oscilloscope on a street corner. :p. A good alternative to a traditional OBD scanner is a cable for your tablet; for $40 bucks you can get a cable and software that actually tells you the codes in plain English.

Active0Schuder > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 18:37

1

We’ve had a couple higher-quality punches, but in the end, they always get dull...cost of doing business, I guess.

Aaron Vick Starnes > dustynnguyendood 07/17/2015 at 18:42

0

That made my day THANK YOU!

wlb50 > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 18:52

1

That socket tray sounds like a good idea - but the Amazon description doesn’t say whether they have Metric and SAE. For the life of me I don’t know why so many tool manufacturers but the size (10mm, 14mm, etc) in little itty-bitty font so everytime one hunts for a socket you turn the socket around and squint to find the size.

Earnest Borgwarner > dannyzabolotny 07/17/2015 at 18:55

1

Ohbyeah, been there. It'll make a 2 hour job drag into 3, because you're wasting your time digging around looking for the right tool, especially sockets and wrenches. I'm going to have to put up some pics of mine...

Aaron Vick Starnes > wlb50 07/17/2015 at 18:57

1

With the Hansens red = SAE and grey = Metric.

Blair > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 18:59

1

I know not everyone can afford Snap On Tools but I just love the quality of their wrenches. Their ratchet wrenches are magnificent. It’s almost a treat to use their hand tools and you truly have an appreciation for them.

.....but like I said, they are expensive and not everyone can justify them.

Aaron Vick Starnes > Blair 07/17/2015 at 19:18

1

You can find them in pawn shops sometimes. I don’t know if I own any. I’ve always been too cheap/broke.

Blair > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 19:21

0

oh for sure......i try and buy as many used Snap On tools as I can. Its the best deal for them

turbosuperencabulator > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 19:45

0

I cannot stress enough, be SUPER careful with deburring tools. Always be mindful of where your hands are located especially in harder materials like steel and brass. The knives on them are generally carbide or a very hard coated steel and they can break. One of these bad boys gave me 5 stitches one morning at work.

dannyzabolotny > Earnest Borgwarner 07/17/2015 at 19:52

0

My garage right now is just piles of used blue towels, tools everywhere, and BMW parts everywhere. It’s a mess, and next time I work on a project I’ll have to be a lot more organized, because this is a bit of a nightmare.

closed-caption > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 20:04

1

I picked up a set of ratcheting wrenches a few years ago in an after christmas sale for about $15 per metric and standard. Basically the kit you linked to but maybe an older ratcheting mechanism design because I think they were on clearance. Haven’t yet disappointed by them.

1111111111111111111111 > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 20:26

1

#4 AND #3! They are so damn useful. Almost every project I do is better with both.

1111111111111111111111 > m4ximusprim3 07/17/2015 at 20:26

0

I didnt know these existed. Pass thru sockets look like the bomb.

1111111111111111111111 > blackhawk 07/17/2015 at 20:29

0

That’s great. I use a ton of the screw on socket holders from HF. But that’s just pimp.

Thedingo8mybaby > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/17/2015 at 20:31

1

I broke down years ago and bought a set of SAE Craftsman reversible wratchet box wrenches. They were spends but honestly, they are the first tool I usually go to. I’ve used the crap out of them and over the years have had to replace one or 2, which they did for free. When I bought them, I also bought the little set of sockets that go with them. They are not pass through but make for a very low profile socket wrench. Unfortunately, I don’t believe they are made any more. I have sense bought a set of metrics and use those quite often as well along with some large size Gearwrench non reversible SAE large size wrenches (3/4” though 1”) and use those semi regularly. Honestly, they are well worth it.

Scrape > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 21:32

0

Safety glasses are for wimps and commies.

Clown Shoe Pilot > General Purpose 07/17/2015 at 22:08

0

I have both Lisle magnetic trays and the Hansen trays. I strongly prefer the Hansen trays. The only thing I have in my Lisle trays are my 1/2” drive because the Hansen trays are too tall for the drawer in my toolbox.

So, because I’m a rational human being, I’m going to use that as an excuse to buy a new toolbox :)

Lifted79CJ7 > dustynnguyendood 07/17/2015 at 22:13

0

Is that app for Apple, too? I didn’t see it in the app store?

Jeff DelPapa > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 22:25

2

Yes, an auto center punch is a great thing, but for most things, I find myself reaching for my rack(s) of transfer punches. Yes, you can find them for cheap at Harbor Fright, I went with the slightly higher price (and quality) import from a real industrial supplier. (they insist on slightly better heat treatment).

Why use them? Have you ever tried to drill a cover plate for something, and wind up grinding with the side of the drill bit, to oval the hole so you can get the last bolt in? Clamp the two parts together, find the punch that is the size of the thru hole, tap away, and your holes line up without drama. People will think you are a real craftsman....

Jeff DelPapa > desertdog5051 07/17/2015 at 22:40

0

Depends on what all you work on. 6 point sockets are for when the bolt is a touch dodgy, a 12 point can round corners. If you work on older iron, you need a set of 4 and/or 8 point sockets to deal with square nuts. (they will be soft, and while a 12 point will work, you are only in contact with a very small area at the corners). If you are a glutton for punishment, and work on early british iron, you will need the same sort of assortment in Whitworth. (I don’t)

My box now has a 3/4” breaker bar, and ratchet, but I buy the sockets as singletons as needed. Front end stuff runs large, and when I work on hydraulics. 1.5” bolts are pretty common, which really should be 1” drive, but I use an adapter to 3/4 the few times I have needed so far.

Jeff DelPapa > dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter 07/17/2015 at 22:47

1

Even better: a couple of Lead hammers (and if you can, a lead brick or two). Beat dead blow hammers, and even less marring than my old standby, copper. Yes, the hammers turn into mushrooms fairly quickly, but thats why you get the mold and an old plumbers ladle, so you can re-cast them as needed. No, I don’t know where you can get your own mold, I inherited mine.

theRealRealMikeyG > I hoon, therefore I am 07/17/2015 at 22:53

1

i use these gloves

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BC14L5Q/…

they are slightly thicker than many of the cheap ones which means they don’t tear putting them on and they stand up better to mechanical work.

i use them both in the kitchen and in the shop

theRealRealMikeyG > wlb50 07/17/2015 at 22:55

1

craftsman makes “Easy Read” socket sets that have LARGE print sizes on all of the sockets themselves.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-82-p…

theRealRealMikeyG > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/17/2015 at 22:57

2

if you want really good, lightweight safety glasses, go look at shooting glasses.

bonus is you can get them for really cheap and in both clear, tinted and high viz yellow lenses.

desertdog5051 > Jeff DelPapa 07/17/2015 at 22:59

0

6 points are there. Just not in the main tray. 8 points are there, too. Got 1” drive there, too. Just in a different box because I hardly use them. Sockets for that range up to 2.5”. My MG does not require Whitworth. All of their cars exported to the US since the 60’s used SAE bolts. (little known fact).

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > I hoon, therefore I am 07/17/2015 at 22:59

0

I am a sissy who doesn’t like his hands to get dirty so I consider myself a bit of a glove connoisseur. Mechanix quick fit are the best but I will wear through a pair a month when I’m wrenching regularly. My new go to is some off brand sold at home depot. $9.99 for a 3 pack. They’re pretty thin for textile gloves, in a good way. The one thing I hate about mechanix is how thick they are, you lose a lot of tactile sense. These suckers are thin enough its only a step up from nitrile. And for $3/ea., the fact they wear out quick does not matter.

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > Jeff DelPapa 07/17/2015 at 23:28

1

Now I know if I see a couple of lead hammers (and/or a lead brick), I’m dealing with someone who is my superior. I think I might still keep my wood, as I think lead might be more likely to scratch, but I wouldn’t mind having both.

shop-teacher > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/17/2015 at 23:52

1

Worth. Every. Penny.

I hoon, therefore I am > itranthelasttimeiparkedit 07/18/2015 at 01:09

0

That’s great. To be honest, I haven’t used Mechanix in a while on account of the free pairs we get at work (I literally get everything from relatively thin guys, cut-resistant suckers, up to gloves suitable for hot work)). I mainly use the relatively thin pair for the same reason.

I hoon, therefore I am > theRealRealMikeyG 07/18/2015 at 01:11

0

The added thickness is key. I hate putting on the thin guys only to have them rip as soon as you move (or even worse, while putting them on).

Aaron Vick Starnes > Jeff DelPapa 07/18/2015 at 01:33

0

Fancy! In my line of work I’d probably have to weld it up and drill again.

Aaron Vick Starnes > Scrape 07/18/2015 at 01:35

0

Ooo you got me good.

Aaron Vick Starnes > turbosuperencabulator 07/18/2015 at 01:55

0

Ouch!

wlb50 > theRealRealMikeyG 07/18/2015 at 03:02

0

They do now but I have older sets that require a magnifying glass to read :-)

wlb50 > Blair 07/18/2015 at 03:03

0

Stalwille, a German brand, is also excellent

theRealRealMikeyG > wlb50 07/18/2015 at 06:51

1

Get a set or two of these!

http://www.amazon.com/Identification…

i have a degenerative eye condition and these are a life saver

Echo51 > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/18/2015 at 08:25

0

My dad has a set with a direction selector, and then they’re the classic 15degree or so bent. I can imagine them being more expensive, but also easiere to fit in some siturations.

Clown Shoe Pilot > Bacon 07/18/2015 at 09:58

0

Preach!

I don’t work on cars for a living. I work on networks (data and television). The most useful tools I have are test and measurement equipment. My RF/TV test set turns a job that could be 2 hours without it into a a job that’s 10 minutes.

Clown Shoe Pilot > Scrape 07/18/2015 at 10:00

0

go blast yourself in the eye with brake cleaner and get back to me.

A hit is hard to resist and I never miss > Lifted79CJ7 07/18/2015 at 10:16

0

Most of the Bluetooth adapters I looked at don’t work with iOS devices. I ended up repurposing an old Android phone, but you can get cheap tablets from import sites or on black Friday sales.

dapper_otter > theRealRealMikeyG 07/18/2015 at 11:16

0

I’ve got a box of the same brand on my work bench. By far the best nitrile gloves I’ve owned so far.

dapper_otter > Bacon 07/18/2015 at 11:19

0

Agreed on the OBD scanner and I would also add a good multi-meter to the list. As for the oscilloscope, I should really learn how to use one as I really have no idea how/why to use them other than “they somehow magically tell you if something electronic is broken”.

TheWrathofKamm > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/18/2015 at 12:25

1

On the topic of Gearwrench — get the flex head models. INDISPENSABLE.

Autofixation > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/18/2015 at 13:53

0

I can't tell you how much better my life has been since I bought my ratcheting wrenches! Yeah are such a lifesaver. Especially when you put one on a bolt, and a ratchet on the nut. It goes so much faster.

Mike Ramsey > Frenchlicker 07/18/2015 at 14:58

0

Yeah I remember that too. Crazy how things change.

Hawaiicruz > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/18/2015 at 15:03

1

Flex head you’ll wonder how you ever lived without

ToeMotor > dustynnguyendood 07/18/2015 at 22:07

0

I second this!

It also clears the codes super quick too.

Money well spent on the dongle, I keep it in my glovebox, when my check engine light comes on, it takes about 1 minute to hook up the dongle, and pull the code.

A lot quicker than going to your local parts store.

Clown Shoe Pilot > congo 07/18/2015 at 22:47

0

Those are really nice looking. Looks like I’ve got some Hansens for sale soon :)

jacksmash > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/19/2015 at 22:22

1

I have to grab my socket rails and walk out into my shops yard all the time. The metal ones really do suck. I really prefer the plastic matco ones, but the less expensive version from Lowe’s is great too.

Caoska > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/20/2015 at 09:27

0

Why eye protection is important. Also arguably the best part of a great movie.

Bacon > dapper_otter 07/20/2015 at 10:46

1

My post assumed a multi-meter was already in the tool box. Guess I shouldn’t assume.

I use these scopes for quick measurements and diagnosis.

https://www.picotech.com/products/oscil…

They have great instructions and even a ton of example waveforms for comparison. Best part is, they are pretty cheap. ~$150 gets a fairly capable scope. (For comparison, the scopes we use for proper sign-off data cost as much as $20k.

Bacon > Clown Shoe Pilot 07/20/2015 at 10:52

0

You might be surprised to learn how similar modern cars are to data networks. The PCM (powertrain control module) communicates with other modules in the car over CAN, which is serial communication similar to a LAN. In fact, some cars use what they call a LAN, but I don’t know if it’s a proper network with IP addresses and the like, but it might be.

1995droptopz > Aaron Vick Starnes 07/20/2015 at 11:39

1

I have the Gear Wrenches with the flex head. So much more utility and convenience.

Clown Shoe Pilot > Bacon 07/20/2015 at 20:03

0

nope, not surprised :)

CANbus only handles OSI layer 1 and 2, but it’s a real network.

Aaron Vick Starnes > Caoska 07/20/2015 at 21:34

0

lol