Tools you can't live without

"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem) 05/12/2016 at 11:16 • Filed to: None

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Ok, so I’ve ~$50 to spend at Lowes and $50 to spend at Home Depot. What are some essential sub $50 tool that you cannot live without? I will be already purchasing a media blaster and what I need to make that chooch.

d15b > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:18

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Rachet set.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:19

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If you’re already well covered for basic tools, get a set of ratcheting wrenches. Change your life.

Party-vi > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:21

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Do you have an automatic center-punch? What about a good crowbar or prybar?

Chariotoflove > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:21

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Second (third?) the ratchet set. Although I’m not a fan of most of the tools at Home Depot and Lowes. But if that’s where you gotta go, you can make do.

Ash78, voting early and often > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:22

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Not tools — but a couple of 8-packs of LED bulbs for under $40 out the door. Home Depot’s ecosmart brand is actually surprisingly good. I like 2700k-3000k (warm white) for interiors. They pay for themselves in 1-2 years, depending on count.

ClassicDatsunDebate > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:23

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channellock pliers, "LAZER" thermometer gun, extendable magnet, ratcheting box end wrenches, pair of coveralls, nice mechanix gloves

CalzoneGolem > Party-vi 05/12/2016 at 11:23

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I don’t have an automatic center punch and only a puny prybar.

CalzoneGolem > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 05/12/2016 at 11:24

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I have ratcheting wrenches 10/10 would reccomend

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:25

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Stickrule, fast orange wipes

CalzoneGolem > Chariotoflove 05/12/2016 at 11:25

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I’ve got giftcards so it’s where I need to go.

Chariotoflove > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:26

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Figured that was it.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:26

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..

CalzoneGolem > Ash78, voting early and often 05/12/2016 at 11:26

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This is a very sensible idea.

PartyPooper2012 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:26

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lol... screw drivers and a hammer. This question should be asked right after you tell us what you already have

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:27

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If you’re doing anything with bearings then a proper bearing puller (not one of those wind-up legged ones).

The hydraulic puller and proper bearing removal tool I bought of eBay for cheap have been revelations.

scoob > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:27

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You’re a tool I can’t live without.

Azrek > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:28

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Channellock firefighter tool. It is in my car and does almost all emergency repairs needed.

Otherewise, a good socket set and allen wrech sets.

kanadanmajava1 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:28

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The name of media blaster always confuses me. This is what pops to my mind when I hear it

Hammerdown > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:29

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My best purchase lately was a good set of allen wrenches, in a pack that doubles as storage. I have a habit of mixing sizes or losing certain ones, this prevents that.

Could 50 bucks get you a battery powered impact? That’s what I’m lusting after now.

crowmolly > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:29

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4.5" angle grinder, with wire wheel and cutoff wheels.

Ash78, voting early and often > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:29

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I get a little bit of buyer's remorse on almost everything (I overthink things), but these are one of the few standout items I was completely proud of.

CalzoneGolem > scoob 05/12/2016 at 11:29

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CalzoneGolem > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 05/12/2016 at 11:30

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Yeah, I could use a pickle fork while we’re talking about it.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:30

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You can never have too many.

CalzoneGolem > PartyPooper2012 05/12/2016 at 11:31

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Well let’s assume that I’ve got all the basics covered. Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches and sockets we’re pretty good on.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:31

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A ratcheting wrench set. Holy crap so many times I have needed a set and not had one (such as refreshing the Miata’s exhaust manifold last night).

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:31

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Six-sided sockets though? That makes a huge difference with those bolts that need more torque. The 12 pt ones strip old bolts too easily.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:32

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If you do any electrical work (home or car) a multi-meter is a must

CalzoneGolem > Azrek 05/12/2016 at 11:32

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That thing is amazing!

CalzoneGolem > kanadanmajava1 05/12/2016 at 11:33

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Yeah, I’ll take one of those.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ash78, voting early and often 05/12/2016 at 11:33

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I saw a sale on LED’s at lowes one day, bought 4 of them for I wanna say 12-14 bucks. Went home and tried out the light warmth of them.....and went right back to lowes and bought 10 more swapped over the whole house.

Great investment and it was all spurred by a random sale.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:33

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Do you have a big ass hammer?

CalzoneGolem > Hammerdown 05/12/2016 at 11:34

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I’ll check into the impact.

shop-teacher > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:34

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For working on cars or houses?

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:34

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I’ve never had much luck with those. I’ve certainly never been able to loosen a balljoint with one that I couldn’t by hitting it from either side with hammers.

What sort of work do you usually do?

tythegeek > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:35

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A workbench vice, is the thing that I have used most in recent weeks that I have said to myself, man I am glad I have that thing. I have used it for car stuff, and woodworking and just all sorts of projects. I have mine screwed to my workbench, and it’s great. I don’t have this exact one, but I did buy it at Home Depot. http://www.homedepot.com/p/OLYMPIA-5-in…

Ash78, voting early and often > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/12/2016 at 11:35

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I was always spooked because the 5000k temperatures were really popular, so I just assumed they hadn’t figured out how to get good warmth yet. I was so happy to replace all those slow, mercury-filled CFLs in the house (and a few incandescents).

CalzoneGolem > crowmolly 05/12/2016 at 11:35

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I’ve got this covered. Just made a tool and used some jb weld to repair my grinder.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:35

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Nix the impact. Saves time, but overtorques everything.

CalzoneGolem > Ash78, voting early and often 05/12/2016 at 11:36

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I think that would just about finish the LED conversion to the house. Only incandescent bulbs left are in the garage.

crowmolly > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:36

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Then the answer is always skookum choocher:

CalzoneGolem > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 05/12/2016 at 11:36

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Good point! I think I need a metric hammer.

CalzoneGolem > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 05/12/2016 at 11:38

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Nope, 12 sided.

CalzoneGolem > crowmolly 05/12/2016 at 11:38

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The ol’ bolt rounder!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ash78, voting early and often 05/12/2016 at 11:39

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Yeah I was psyched to ditch the CFL’s. I think there might be like 2 left, 1 in the garage, and 1 in a very seldom used lamp downstairs.

Other than those we have a couple standard incandescents just because they’re the “funny shaped chandelier” bulbs

CalzoneGolem > tythegeek 05/12/2016 at 11:40

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Oh yeah I’ve got a big ol’ vice already. It is probably the most used tool in my garage.

XJDano > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:41

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Brass hammer if you haven't one.

CalzoneGolem > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 05/12/2016 at 11:41

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All kinds. I love to tinker on all kinds of things.

CalzoneGolem > shop-teacher 05/12/2016 at 11:41

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Yes.

CalzoneGolem > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/12/2016 at 11:42

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Yeah, that is essential for rustbelt wrenching.

CalzoneGolem > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 05/12/2016 at 11:43

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Yeah, I don’t use mine often but when you need it you need it.

CalzoneGolem > XJDano 05/12/2016 at 11:44

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What would a brass hammer be used for?

OPPOsaurus WRX > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:48

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i use this all the time

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:48

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Hmmm, I’m trying to think of the tools I use most often.

I could definitely do with a 3rd and 4th ratchet and socket set as they’re forever going walkabout. Pliers too.

Actually, something I saw that was neat is a little handle that you put hacksaw blades into to make a mini knife-shaped saw. Really bloody useful when trying to cut out rusted bits of metal surrounded by solid stuff.

I wonder if you can get a welder for $50 (or two halves of a welder for $50 from different shops...)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:49

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I got a set from harbor freight for like $10. It’s solid metal, so the HF “quality” doesn’t really matter with these.

CalzoneGolem > OPPOsaurus WRX 05/12/2016 at 11:56

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Yes, I just got new batteries for my old Dewalt. Best money ever spent.

XJDano > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:57

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Brass is softer then steel, will not buger up threads of a bolt or a bolt head.

CalzoneGolem > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 05/12/2016 at 11:57

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Ah, now I know what I need! A reciprocating saw!

CalzoneGolem > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 05/12/2016 at 11:58

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Oh, I thought we were talking about the ratcheting wrenches still. Most of the sockets I have are six sided.

OPPOsaurus WRX > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 11:59

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what other work do u do? I has a belt sander and an orbital sander I use a lot. A saws-all saws all sorts of stuff you may need to saw all the time.

OPPOsaurus WRX > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 12:01

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my brother in law got one from harbor freight. It was weak and broke after 6 months. also it was plug-in not battery so i’d imagine those would be ever weaker

CalzoneGolem > OPPOsaurus WRX 05/12/2016 at 12:01

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I work on the cars, the small engine tools and the house.

I think a saws all is going to be one of the things I buy.

CalzoneGolem > OPPOsaurus WRX 05/12/2016 at 12:02

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I have a plug in impact anyways.

ateamfan42 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 12:16

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Sometimes called a “fits-all” since they are adjustable to any size, imperial or metric. Later called a “strips-all” once you’ve used one to round over a few bolts. (Yes, I know stripping threads is different than rounding bolts/nuts, but the name sticks.)

ateamfan42 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 12:18

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A set of 6-point impact sockets. Not to be used with an impact gun (typically), but to be used with a breaker bar and/or rachet. Much less likely to round over those rusted bolts & nuts than the typical 12-point sockets.

CalzoneGolem > ateamfan42 05/12/2016 at 12:20

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I bought one of these bad mamma jammas awhile back

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 12:20

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Ahh, misread ratcheting wrench as just a normal rachet. Neeever mind....

PartyPooper2012 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 12:36

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well, then I’ll ask what do you do? Do you tinker with cars? Carpentry? Paint? Stone work? It all depends. You don’t need a soldering gun if you’re going to be digging trenches.

Some of the cool tools I have are

Electric jack hammer from amazon for 169 bucks.
Suction cup gizmo. Let’s me hold replacement windows in place while in frame and can’t get a good grip on anything else.
A set of ratchet adapters of all sizes.
36mm wrench

Sneaky Pete > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 12:37

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http://m.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-…

One of these (or similar, they have other cheaper versions.) I have a Craftsman set I bought at Sears...it’s a life saver.

Also, a quality tap and die set.

CalzoneGolem > Sneaky Pete 05/12/2016 at 12:39

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Oooo I like this.

CalzoneGolem > PartyPooper2012 05/12/2016 at 12:41

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36 mm wrench

Damn son! Actually I have a 36mm socket that I bought for work on a car we no longer have.

PartyPooper2012 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 12:46

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Well, I got me a socket... both impact and non... and a wrench... FUCKING MINI COOPAH with their 36mm Oil Filter gizmo!!!

PartyPooper2012 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 12:48

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sounds like you have enough tools. Buy sawzall blades cuz you can never have enough of them. Call it a day

Pickup_man > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 13:01

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Tool organizers. Socket holders, Wrench holders, tool boxes with dedicated drawers etc. Once I learned to organize my tools wrenching got so much easier.

For actual tools things that I love having around are; a bright light - trouble light, work light, LED Larry Light etc. Ratcheting wrenches, do twice the work, in half the time. Multi meter, once you learn to use it, you’ll use it for everything. Some things that I don’t have, that I need to buy, Sawzall, and an angle grinder (don’t buy the cheap ones either, ask me how I know).

ClassicDatsunDebate > Party-vi 05/12/2016 at 13:05

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Like this one

Love my aligning prybar...

CalzoneGolem > PartyPooper2012 05/12/2016 at 13:07

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I need a sawzall for them to work in also.

ateamfan42 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 13:16

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Nice... never used one of those, but I imagine it might be a considerable improvement over the standard version.

PartyPooper2012 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 13:17

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lol. you have a 36mm wrench, but don’t have a sawzall? Then there is the tool you need. That and them blades!

CalzoneGolem > PartyPooper2012 05/12/2016 at 13:21

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Yeah, I think that’s probably a good idea.

CalzoneGolem > ateamfan42 05/12/2016 at 13:22

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I haven’t used it either. I tossed it in my emergency tools in my car. At very least I could bludgeon something pretty good with it.

shop-teacher > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 13:29

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Gotcha. Assuming you have your bases covered on basic hand tools, here are a few suggestions:

- High quality pipe/tubing cutter

- A nice multi-meter

- Pipe wrench

- Angle grinder

I’m sure I’ll think of more later. Particularly with hand tools, I always suggest buying high quality stuff. It’ll last way longer, and do a better job.

CalzoneGolem > shop-teacher 05/12/2016 at 13:30

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I’ve got all of that except my pipe cutter isn’t very nice.

ateamfan42 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 13:40

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All tools are hammers.

Except chisels, which are screwdrivers, and screwdrivers, which are pry-bars.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 13:48

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I love my battery powered Craftsman impact. It was probably around $125.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 13:50

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this is a good idea

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 13:51

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I also use a rubber mallet, If I have a stuck bolt, obviously common for you and I, I’ll hit the wrench or ratchet with the rubber mallet, less chance of breaking something with the rubber.

shop-teacher > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 13:51

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A good pipe cutter is a worthy investment. I’ve got a couple made by Ridgid one, a normal-sized one, and a mini one for tight spaces. They never do any of that spiraling BS that the el-cheapos do, they cut straight and square every time.

CalzoneGolem > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/12/2016 at 13:58

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Essential tools : BFH and 24" length of iron pipe.

CalzoneGolem > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/12/2016 at 13:58

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It looks like anything worth getting is out of my price range and I have a plug in impact so I can make do.

uofime-2 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 15:04

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snap ring pliers, channel-lock makes a decent set

CalzoneGolem > uofime-2 05/12/2016 at 15:04

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Hey, you’re right. I actually needed some of those recently!

uofime-2 > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 15:45

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Trying to make do without is somewhere between a pain and disastrous, I swore never again after my last adventure.... still haven’t bought my own set yet thought. The joy of wrenching with friends is borrowing all their tools!

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > CalzoneGolem 05/12/2016 at 15:49

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Glad I could be of assistance :)

brianbrannon > CalzoneGolem 05/13/2016 at 03:57

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Board stretcher and a sky hook

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > CalzoneGolem 05/13/2016 at 08:21

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Angle grinder