Official Tool Thread?

[s13 @ fullboost]

Originally Posted by brndck

yo. i'll pop back in later with actual pix, but if you don't have a set of these, def consider them. I use these things constantly when doing alignments/suspension

knipex pliers and sidecutters are all fantastic, and in 20yrs I've never had a knipex tool fail or break

I have that exact set in my box, would be lost with out them. If you look closely at the plier drawer I posted you will see them in back middle section. Absolutely a must have.

Originally Posted by afishysilvia

+10 for Knipex. Those cobra head pliers will hold on for dear life.

In regards to HF tools, meh. I go there with the sole intention of buying whatever tool i need to either weld it, break it, machine it, or something.

Snap on, Mac, Matco can be over priced but you just have to find a good seller. There’s a reason why the name has a reputation. Even craftsman has become shit lately, with Lowe’s picking up the entire line.

I am with you on the HF stuff with the exception of the ICON line that was recently released. I am extremely impressed with the hand tools & roll cabs. Its basically snap on replicas, but the quality is there & price is right. Give them a look I think you will be surprised.

[mechanicalmoron]

Originally Posted by afishysilvia

+10 for Knipex. Those cobra head pliers will hold on for dear life.

In regards to HF tools, meh. I go there with the sole intention of buying whatever tool i need to either weld it, break it, machine it, or something.

Snap on, Mac, Matco can be over priced but you just have to find a good seller. There’s a reason why the name has a reputation. Even craftsman has become shit lately, with Lowe’s picking up the entire line.

Snap-on mighta invented socket wrenches and all that shit, but she ain't what she used to be.

Specifically, she's stanley. Like all the rest, or at least the rest of the "choices" you normally have as a professional consumer.

In the age of everyone selling the same crap, you can often judge each tool on it's merits, not it's name. For example I've seen cornwell sockets that appear identical to HF.... except that HF has a nicer stamp on theirs. So if you just trust the brand, you'd miss a deal on comparatively high quality at HF, and get screwed on comparatively low quality from cornwell - but they sure look like they came off the same line.

Another similar situation, ingersoll used to be the best, but their (little, mechanic sized, anyway) modern shit is embarrassing garbage, the brands with less pretense mop the floor with ingersoll.

Industrial tools not necessarily meant to be purchased by the individual using them are still something a bit different. Wright much? They don't have a consumer game and bullshit merchandise empire.

As to your profession, when you say "diesel" without "tractor" after it, people think of light duty diesel trucks, which is obviously far from any ability you have. It's a common way for crappier heavy equipment guys to make it sound like they didn't just fail at cars.

[s13 @ fullboost]

Originally Posted by mechanicalmoron

Snap-on mighta invented socket wrenches and all that shit, but she ain't what she used to be.

Specifically, she's stanley

This is incorrect, Stanley owns Mac Tools. Snap-On is still Snap-On.

With that said, yes all the major truck brands do out source some random stuff to third party company's who make it for them. Then change the color of the blow molded box and put whatever brand name on them.

[mechanicalmoron]

Originally Posted by s13 @ fullboost

This is incorrect, Stanley owns Mac Tools. Snap-On is still Snap-On.

With that said, yes all the major truck brands do out source some random stuff to third party company's who make it for them. Then change the color of the blow molded box and put whatever brand name on them.

You're right, it's not stanley - got my tool groups messed up.

*edit*looks like I was thinking mac for stanley. I'm still suspicious of them all.

[andisan]

Originally Posted by brndck

yo. i'll pop back in later with actual pix, but if you don't have a set of these, def consider them. I use these things constantly when doing alignments/suspension



https://chadstoolbox.com/brands/Knip...?sort=alphaasc

knipex pliers and sidecutters are all fantastic, and in 20yrs I've never had a knipex tool fail or break

Man you got me looking this up now and now I want a set, needed some tools to adjust my arms and it looks like these are it

Now I don’t know if I should buy the 3pc set or just the individual

What do you guys think?? A set? Or individual?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mechanicalmoron]

Originally Posted by andisan

Man you got me looking this up now and now I want a set, needed some tools to adjust my arms and it looks like these are it

Now I don’t know if I should buy the 3pc set or just the individual

What do you guys think?? A set? Or individual?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you need one, you need three. A pair lets you back one up, at least.

I think he sold me on them. (Just watch out, on that page the 3 set isn't parallel, just channellocks.)

[brndck]

Originally Posted by andisan

What do you guys think?? A set? Or individual?

I say get this set, then take a pair or 2 and keep em with the toolbox in your trunk
https://chadstoolbox.com/knipex-00-1...roll-up-pouch/

[[240sx]]

Thanks Brndck. Those will probably be the next Plier(s) I'll purchase.

I hope the thread delivers more great tool suggestions.

[SupaDoopa]

Knipex's are a little expensive but they're a great product. I have the set of 5 that someone linked in my box. I will admit that I don't use them very often at all but they do get you out of a lot of shitty spots.

Another tool I HIGHLY recommend are TurboSockets. I got a handful from SK off of Amazon a long time ago [10mm, 12mm, 14mm] and they've come in clutch in a lot of spots. You can get the whole set if you want but with Jap cars, those are the most common. If I find myself in a pickle, I can always get others later but I suggest those three to start with.

[brndck]

Originally Posted by SupaDoopa

Knipex's are a little expensive but they're a great product. I have the set of 5 that someone linked in my box. I will admit that I don't use them very often at all but they do get you out of a lot of shitty spots.

Another tool I HIGHLY recommend are TurboSockets. I got a handful from SK off of Amazon a long time ago [10mm, 12mm, 14mm] and they've come in clutch in a lot of spots. You can get the whole set if you want but with Jap cars, those are the most common. If I find myself in a pickle, I can always get others later but I suggest those three to start with.

knipex is def a pricey tool, but I've been using their cobra pliers, and needle nose pliers for 15+ years and never had one break or get damaged, so I def feel that its good value

Turbosockets are def lifesavers.

[s13 @ fullboost]

Originally Posted by andisan

Man you got me looking this up now and now I want a set, needed some tools to adjust my arms and it looks like these are it

Now I don’t know if I should buy the 3pc set or just the individual

What do you guys think?? A set? Or individual?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Absolutely get the set! Great value on this three piece set.
https://www.amazon.com/KNIPEX-Tools-...9636132&sr=8-3

Originally Posted by SupaDoopa

Knipex's are a little expensive but they're a great product. I have the set of 5 that someone linked in my box. I will admit that I don't use them very often at all but they do get you out of a lot of shitty spots.

Another tool I HIGHLY recommend are TurboSockets. I got a handful from SK off of Amazon a long time ago [10mm, 12mm, 14mm] and they've come in clutch in a lot of spots. You can get the whole set if you want but with Jap cars, those are the most common. If I find myself in a pickle, I can always get others later but I suggest those three to start with.

Turbo sockets are a must have +1

Originally Posted by brndck

knipex is def a pricey tool, but I've been using their cobra pliers, and needle nose pliers for 15+ years and never had one break or get damaged, so I def feel that its good value

Turbosockets are def lifesavers.

German quality you would really have to abuse one to get it to break. I feel like I am ruthless sometimes with my tools & yet the Knipex still look new lol.

[SupaDoopa]

There aren't many that see value in quality tools. Half of our jobs when owning a drift car [the majority of the audience here] is fixing all the shit we break. If we're lucky, the time between repairs is much less than others but regardless, you want a tool that performs and isn't just mediocre - in my opinion at least. Sure, you can get pliers for a tenth of the price but how many of those same pliers do you need to buy in a lifetime to replace it when they break?

I see value even if it's not initial. I'll spend twice as much for something if it's twice the product with a warranty. It's peace of mind.

[s13 @ fullboost]

Originally Posted by SupaDoopa

There aren't many that see value in quality tools. Half of our jobs when owning a drift car [the majority of the audience here] is fixing all the shit we break. If we're lucky, the time between repairs is much less than others but regardless, you want a tool that performs and isn't just mediocre - in my opinion at least. Sure, you can get pliers for a tenth of the price but how many of those same pliers do you need to buy in a lifetime to replace it when they break?

I see value even if it's not initial. I'll spend twice as much for something if it's twice the product with a warranty. It's peace of mind.

100% No doubt about it.



Some morning tool porn

image0 by Hasan Hamade, on Flickr

[brndck]

this is the ratchet I use 95% of the time, and its pretty much the go-to for anything 3/8 drive.
(I have larger breaker bars for 1/2" obv)
https://toolmonger.com/2007/08/01/sn...e-swivel-head/

bad thing is, I think they discontinued it?

HF makes a version that is similar design but I have not tried it. For only $17 i'd def give it a shot.
3/8 drive
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-ei...het-96782.html
1/2" drive
https://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-ha...het-96783.html

I also found this coupon for $5 off any Pittsburgh ratchet.
have not tried it out tho
http://struggleville.net/apphfspecia...sburghratchet/

[s13 @ fullboost]

Originally Posted by brndck

this is the ratchet I use 95% of the time, and its pretty much the go-to for anything 3/8 drive.
(I have larger breaker bars for 1/2" obv)
https://toolmonger.com/2007/08/01/sn...e-swivel-head/

bad thing is, I think they discontinued it?

HF makes a version that is similar design but I have not tried it. For only $17 i'd def give it a shot.
3/8 drive
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-ei...het-96782.html
1/2" drive
https://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-ha...het-96783.html

When the heck are you going to post pics of your personal tools....??? I know you got some fancy ass shit up in your shop lol

It is not discontinued, your Snap-On rep will continue to service yours & you may purchase another one new.

If you go the HF route buy this one.

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-...rip-64698.html

[brndck]

[QUOTE=s13 @ fullboost;6369925]When the heck are you going to post pics of your personal tools....??? I know you got some fancy ass shit up in your shop lol
It is not discontinued, your Snap-On rep will continue to service yours & you may purchase another one new.
[QUOTE]

lol my personal setup isn't very impressive since I don't work on cars for a living anymore. The last 8 years or so the company I worked for supplied all tools so I didn't have to buy shit. I've thinned out a lot of tools i'll never use again (VW 12pt allen sockets? Fuck those things. Paid a grip for em, used once)


Even my IR titanium impact gun collects dust these days since I always use the cordless Ryobi.
( imo this is the best 1/2 impact I've ever used, but TBH I haven't kept up with anything newer )
https://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Ran...0&sr=8-1-fkmr1
just make sure to buy the optional cover

https://www.grainger.com/product/24K...g!663168210952!

since the body is plastic, they DO crack if you drop em a bunch. ask how I know.

the Ryobi obv wont cut it for bigger jobs like crank pulley bolts on 2nd gen v6 4runners but its plenty for lugnuts and the like.

[s13 @ fullboost]

[QUOTE=brndck;6369926][QUOTE=s13 @ fullboost;6369925]When the heck are you going to post pics of your personal tools....??? I know you got some fancy ass shit up in your shop lol
It is not discontinued, your Snap-On rep will continue to service yours & you may purchase another one new.

lol my personal setup isn't very impressive since I don't work on cars for a living anymore. The last 8 years or so the company I worked for supplied all tools so I didn't have to buy shit. I've thinned out a lot of tools i'll never use again (VW 12pt allen sockets? Fuck those things. Paid a grip for em, used once)

Even my IR titanium impact gun collects dust these days since I always use the cordless Ryobi.
( imo this is the best 1/2 impact I've ever used, but TBH I haven't kept up with anything newer )
https://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Ran...0&sr=8-1-fkmr1
just make sure to buy the optional cover

https://www.grainger.com/product/24K...g!663168210952!

since the body is plastic, they DO crack if you drop em a bunch. ask how I know.

lol Word

Yeah the VW triple squares cost a grip, I use them often enough to justify it.

Yes the IR Impacts are gold I have them in 3/8 1/2 & 3/4 all but the 3/4 have the boots on them.

You by chance liquidating any other personal tools? I am always down to go thrift shopping for tools.

[jedi03]

+1 on snapon...I have a box from 92 (purchased secondhand lol) and needed new roller/slides, they sent me some brand new ones for it and its working pretty dang good still! Also is for sale along with my MAC small one, also new slider on one! I have large preference for my snapon boxes I have the KRL7023 and an older version of krbc7tdpcm for my tool cart...worked on auto, heavy, medium and all in between...rarely purchased a tool that I couldn't use on something else and relied on the dealership I worked for to provide the vehicle specific tools...the aforementioned scan tool is freakin awesome and would love to get one if it didn't cost as much as a car lol! I initially relied exclusively on craftsman as all the Chinese junk just broke, about half my tools now are snapon and still kept all my craftsman, have misc everything else depending on if I knew it was going to break a lot or if I needed it to last just about forever and have a warranty to back it...do have harbor 1/2 electric impact and 1/2 impact sockets, not as refined as my craftsman or snapon but they work and work well!

[brndck]

This is what I use now. Not anything spectacular but I can handle most anything hat comes through my doors. Yes my shop is a mess :,(





And I’ve got a bin of random SAE wrenches and sockets to get rid of if anyone needs any.

[[240sx]]

Gloves. What's everybody's preference? Disposable (Nitrile) vs Reusable (fabric)?

Or, are you that manly SOB in the auto parts store commercials, wiping your hands clean with those red shop rag.

[brndck]

Originally Posted by [240sx]

Gloves. What's everybody's preference? Disposable (Nitrile) vs Reusable (fabric)?

Or, are you that manly SOB in the auto parts store commercials, wiping your hands clean with those red shop rag.

if i'm working on anything oily or greasy, these.

https://www.harborfreight.com/5-mil-...lue-68497.html

if i'm working on changing wheels/tires/brakes/heavier stuff where I don't want my knuckles busted,
these

https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...=1579793492157

or these

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...011/22500002-P

[jedi03]

i was using the nitrile when shop provided them, went back to bare hands and my impact gloves when using tools...nitrile rips to easy, the fabric ones either hold all the oil from one spill or deteriorate before I get to use them...my snapon impacts have been doing pretty good so far, Velcro is wearing out but otherwise I keep them out of the oil an other such things!

[s13 @ fullboost]

Originally Posted by jedi03

+1 on snapon...I have a box from 92 (purchased secondhand lol) and needed new roller/slides, they sent me some brand new ones for it and its working pretty dang good still! Also is for sale along with my MAC small one, also new slider on one! I have large preference for my snapon boxes I have the KRL7023 and an older version of krbc7tdpcm for my tool cart...worked on auto, heavy, medium and all in between...rarely purchased a tool that I couldn't use on something else and relied on the dealership I worked for to provide the vehicle specific tools...the aforementioned scan tool is freakin awesome and would love to get one if it didn't cost as much as a car lol! I initially relied exclusively on craftsman as all the Chinese junk just broke, about half my tools now are snapon and still kept all my craftsman, have misc everything else depending on if I knew it was going to break a lot or if I needed it to last just about forever and have a warranty to back it...do have harbor 1/2 electric impact and 1/2 impact sockets, not as refined as my craftsman or snapon but they work and work well!

Snap-On cabs will last a life time if properly maintained and cared for. That is the reason why I can justify the price, it will be with me for life.

Originally Posted by brndck

This is what I use now. Not anything spectacular but I can handle most anything hat comes through my doors. Yes my shop is a mess :,(





And I’ve got a bin of random SAE wrenches and sockets to get rid of if anyone needs any.

Passing no judgment on the shop. Usually a dirty shop means a busy shop. I strive to keep mine clean but when I am slammed it gets messy.

I do sincerely appreciate your contribution. I really want to get this thread slammed with tool photos. If you're a pro & have top of the line stuff or if you're a diy kinda guy I WANNA SEE IT ALL! lol

Especially custom made tools I love that shit.

Originally Posted by [240sx]

Gloves. What's everybody's preference? Disposable (Nitrile) vs Reusable (fabric)?

Or, are you that manly SOB in the auto parts store commercials, wiping your hands clean with those red shop rag.

I use Microfelx Diamond grips for majority of my work.

https://www.ansell.com/us/en/product...nd-grip-mf-300

For anything gasoline related I only use Microflex Dura flock

https://www.ansell.com/us/en/product...-flock-dfk-608

[SupaDoopa]

Milwuakee is 100% the best electric tool out there.
Aircat is the best air impact [I do have both SnapOn and Aircat]

IR and other shit is pretty good but I've had some quality issues in the past. I've phased air out almost completely these days unless it's absolutely necessary.

[s13 @ fullboost]

Originally Posted by SupaDoopa

Milwuakee is 100% the best electric tool out there.
Aircat is the best air impact [I do have both SnapOn and Aircat]

IR and other shit is pretty good but I've had some quality issues in the past. I've phased air out almost completely these days unless it's absolutely necessary.

I would politely disagree with Milwaukee being the best electric tool as far as performance. As far as price sure 100% is best value vs quality.

My Snap-on 14.4 Lithium series electric tools woop Milwaukee's ass in over all performance and battery life. I have Milwaukee for the house & I notice the difference immediately.

[SupaDoopa]

Being someone who has SnapOn electrics, I don't think you use them often enough to know. The Milwaukee 1/2" with the friction ring is fucking insane. Battery life isn't exactly there unless you run a XC series battery like I do. The SnapOn ones are now retired to my race trailer where they only see light amounts of work. The SnapOn batteries are ass, cost a shit ton more and rated for less - granted the TQ ratings for electric tools are fucking stupid.

Long story short: they both work well but this is an instance where you're paying more for less. You're also talking about micro sizes which aren't tremendously practical in the automotive world.

[jedi03]

agreed on them lasting forever, they were both not taken care of but still weren't that bad...have seen an ex's grandfathers (name obscure relative lol) who had his boxes from the 60s...still work perfectly! uncle who has random boxes and they work, but feel more like they are wooden guides than roller slides

[s13 @ fullboost]

Originally Posted by SupaDoopa

Being someone who has SnapOn electrics, I don't think you use them often enough to know. The Milwaukee 1/2" with the friction ring is fucking insane. Battery life isn't exactly there unless you run a XC series battery like I do. The SnapOn ones are now retired to my race trailer where they only see light amounts of work. The SnapOn batteries are ass, cost a shit ton more and rated for less - granted the TQ ratings for electric tools are fucking stupid.

Long story short: they both work well but this is an instance where you're paying more for less. You're also talking about micro sizes which aren't tremendously practical in the automotive world.

Well I will first say that I do not own 1/2 electric from either company, so you are probably right in that comparison. If I am using 1/2 its air.

I have the 1/4 & 3/8 ratchets from both that is where my most of my experience comes from.

As far as use of the Milwaukee you are absolutely correct. I do not use them nearly as much as the Snap-on. Most use is for projects I do at the house & at the race track.

Side note my Snap-on 3/8 14.4 gun will take off lug nuts/bolts all day so I do keep one in my trailer as well as one at work.

Here is a photo of what I own from the 14.4 family. I am really impressed with battery life & performance. It is quite possible that on the bigger 18/24v series the batteries suck ass. I wouldn't know though.

snap on 14.4 by Hasan Hamade, on Flickr

[SupaDoopa]

Like I said - I have both. The value you get with Milwaukee is unheard of. Better batteries, power rating and quality. The SnapOn shit is pretty top notch with air and hand tools but electrical, it sucks. I've had issues with batteries dying after a year with normal use and cycling so I'm not using the same battery each time [I have about 8 in that size] and they just are not as good as their Milwaukee cousin; they're not complete shit but they're not as good. I'm not a brand specific fanboy at all but I will be very hardpressed to buy anything other than what I've had great luck with - within reason. If it's something I'll literally use once, I will either borrow it from someone or go to HF and get it and then give it away when I'm done or can justify spending actual money on something quality.

Side note: I literally own zero HF tools.

[jedi03]

+1 on snapon needing battery help...not sure if its the charger or what...I have the 3/8 14.4 volt and ran through the first set of batteries, replaced them with some on amazon (different company) and they both died shortly after too...I moved it back into its box as 100 per battery set is quite ridiculous as my air reaches everywhere at home that I need to be...