The best "special" tools in your toolbox?
#1
09-21-2010, 08:26 PM
The best "special" tools in your toolbox?
As I was working on my DX this past weekend, I realized how much I love the "special" tools in my toolbox and was wondering what some of your favorites are.
The things that I have that come in handy on a regular basis are:
A butane soldering iron - portable, lightweight, wireless, and adjustable heat (that can get really hot for those big wires) has helped me tremendously.
A "hammer-style" impact wrench for those tough-to-remove-without-stripping screws.
The smallest size crochet needle they make - this thing is awesome for removing clips (like from the manual window handle), gaskets, etc. I have used this more than you would possibly think. (I will always remember this one too because I was in WalMart buying it to get out a tiny seat gasket out of a lawnmower carb when my wife called me to tell me that she was in labor with our daughter, now 3. And yes I still waited in line and bought it before I left - she was pretty T.O.'d but it all worked out)
Multimeter - if you do not know how to use one and do not have one - it is easy and cheap and helps with loads of applications.
A dremel with an exteded flexible attachment for greater access to tight spaces.
One of those little LED headband light things - I have worked in plenty of engines with just this light bc I do not usually get home from work before it gets dark and I do not have a garage, sadly.
A broken 3 ft torque wrench someone gave me. The head no longer turns at all, but I use it as a breaker - it has great leverage.
So what about everyone else? Surely there are some secret weapons in your arsenal that others can benefit from?
The things that I have that come in handy on a regular basis are:
A butane soldering iron - portable, lightweight, wireless, and adjustable heat (that can get really hot for those big wires) has helped me tremendously.
A "hammer-style" impact wrench for those tough-to-remove-without-stripping screws.
The smallest size crochet needle they make - this thing is awesome for removing clips (like from the manual window handle), gaskets, etc. I have used this more than you would possibly think. (I will always remember this one too because I was in WalMart buying it to get out a tiny seat gasket out of a lawnmower carb when my wife called me to tell me that she was in labor with our daughter, now 3. And yes I still waited in line and bought it before I left - she was pretty T.O.'d but it all worked out)
Multimeter - if you do not know how to use one and do not have one - it is easy and cheap and helps with loads of applications.
A dremel with an exteded flexible attachment for greater access to tight spaces.
One of those little LED headband light things - I have worked in plenty of engines with just this light bc I do not usually get home from work before it gets dark and I do not have a garage, sadly.
A broken 3 ft torque wrench someone gave me. The head no longer turns at all, but I use it as a breaker - it has great leverage.
So what about everyone else? Surely there are some secret weapons in your arsenal that others can benefit from?
#3
09-21-2010, 10:39 PM
four foot pipe with a hollow 2 inch or so diameter, super long breaker bar so my weak skinny asian muscles can loosen bolts.
came in handy when replacing exhaust, coilovers, and swaybars the most
came in handy when replacing exhaust, coilovers, and swaybars the most
#4
09-30-2010, 04:30 AM
My favorite garage tools:
Air tools-- a big air impact wrench for big bolts, a 3/8 drive ratchet, and a simple nossle for blowing out passages, hoses, etc.
Wash tank for cleaning grease and grime.
Bench grinder with a wire brush for more cleaning and rust removal.
Tap and die set for refreshing and cutting new threads.
Good lights and cords. I have four 8' flourescent fixtures each with four 4 ft bulbs, a hanging retractable work light, a couple flashlights and a LED light on a head strap. I also have three hanging extension cords.
A Blitz drip pan to keep the floor clean.
Cardboard for working under cars.
Overhauls I can slip on and strip off to keep the dirt out of the house.
An old laptop to store reference materials or do a quick search.
A nice stereo and IPOD.
Still need a better A/C though--the window unit I have is just too small.
Kontoboy
Air tools-- a big air impact wrench for big bolts, a 3/8 drive ratchet, and a simple nossle for blowing out passages, hoses, etc.
Wash tank for cleaning grease and grime.
Bench grinder with a wire brush for more cleaning and rust removal.
Tap and die set for refreshing and cutting new threads.
Good lights and cords. I have four 8' flourescent fixtures each with four 4 ft bulbs, a hanging retractable work light, a couple flashlights and a LED light on a head strap. I also have three hanging extension cords.
A Blitz drip pan to keep the floor clean.
Cardboard for working under cars.
Overhauls I can slip on and strip off to keep the dirt out of the house.
An old laptop to store reference materials or do a quick search.
A nice stereo and IPOD.
Still need a better A/C though--the window unit I have is just too small.
Kontoboy
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