How often do you hit a spot where only a single tool would work and what was it?

[mikey03]

Most of us got lots of overlapping tools. If your dealing with a 10 mm bolt in an easy access spot we prob got a thousand ways to remove that bolt and its just a matter of which tool is closest at hand.

But i'm wondering how often you hit a spot where you got only one possible way of dealing with it. Or maybe you got zero ways and had to order it special and wait.

How often does this come up for you? what are some of the tools that saved your bacon and in those cases what was literally the only tool that worked?

 

[kbuhagiar]

Crows foot (feet?) wrenches.
Indispensible, especially when dealing with power steering & AC lines on my hot rods.

 

[N_Jay]

Just ran into an engine mount bolt that sent me to HF for a set of offset metric box wrenches.

 

[CoogarXR]

I don't know, the older I get, and the more tools I own, I can usually think of several things in my arsenal that could tackle a specific job.

When I used to think "only X tool can do this job!", I didn't know about "Y" and "Z" tools yet. This site is great for discovering those tools, by the way, lol. Now "X" tool may be best for the job, but I can still get it done with "Y" and "Z".

Mixing up tool genres is fun though. I was working on my old turbo-swapped plymouth voyager, and one of my super-long 20" Xcelite magnetic nut drivers was super helpful at hitting a fastener behind the dash. That was an unusual nut driver designed to work on specific console TVs, lol. Sure, I could hit that fastener with a 1/4" socket and a stack of extensions and a spinner handle, but a 20" magnetic nut driver was sturdy and accurate, and just perfect for that specific task.

Similar, is my super-long 3/8" drive extension. I use it to hit my Astro van's spark plugs through the wheel wells. I used it to hit my mustang's starter bolts through the suspension. I don't use it super-often, but when a specific task arises for it, it's so much more satisfying that trying to manage stack of shorter extensions.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Removing the primary cover on my Harley. Has to be done to change the fluid or adjust the clutch.
I use a stubby allen key to access one of the 5 bolts. Alternative is to remove the passenger floorboard.

 

[tez929rr]

I bought one of those based on a GJ recommendation and it sat in my tool chest for a couple of years, and then it was the only tool that worked to easily take some engine mounting bolts off of a motorcycle. Well worth it.

 

[cgrutt]

Can't think of very many situations where there are no alternatives but it would be pretty hard to work on my boat's lower unit without some specialty tools such as this bearing carrier retaining socket.

 

[tez929rr]

Come to think of it, I have two Honda tools that are for taking off swing arm pivots and head bearings. I’ve probably had them for 30 years. You had to order them as Honda (motorcycle) part numbers.

 

[dchawk81]

When I come across a 14mm hex bolt, only a 14mm wrench or socket will do.

 

[SwissMetric]

Most problems I encoutered were more related to massively corroded screws and nuts rather than pure accessibilty issues.
In some cases it's more convenient to make or adapt a new tool, especially as there are often lots of old wrenches and sockets you won't ever use otherwise anyway.

In the U.S. you've easily access to an immensely wider variety of tools than here in Europe, though online sellers make things easier even if prices are usually massively higher in Europe and also some interesting tools are not available in metric sizes.
I don't consider myself as totally tool-ignorant but in this forum I discover many tools that I've never seen in real life.

Overall I'd estimate that 90 % of the time I only use maybe 10 % of the tools I can access but those 10 % can be decisive. The right too can sometimes save up to several hours if available.

Very interesting is that even billion-USD (US $) companies producing series do not always use the optimal tools. Spent 100 millions for a production line but not having some special ratchet and socket for adjustment... Or investing millions in robotics but using the wrong industrial connectors... Just as examples.

 

[SRU1436]

Crows foot (feet?) wrenches.
Indispensible, especially when dealing with power steering & AC lines on my hot rods.

I agree, I put in a new steering box in my c10 and needed the crows feet to torque the hoses.

 

[Fedwrench]

It depends on how long you've been in the trade and what you work on. I think if you're in a dealership working mostly on a single brand of vehicle, it's easier because you're not bouncing from a Hyundai to a Ford, then to a GM Platform, on to a Toyota. Recently, I think improved access through the use of Nano sockets, long flex head ratchets, dual drive sockets and bits, low profile pitman arm puller, strut nut tool sets, etc. As soon as you think you have what you need to do your job, an engineer somewhere will sense that and redesign the engine, or change fasteners, or develop new types of fasteners to keep you on your toes. watch You Tube to get a feel how people get jobs completed.

 

[isb cornbinder]

For Cummins. From SnapOn.

 

[micromind]

Smokewrench...........

Sometimes there's just no substitute!

 

[mrjaw14]

I’ve had situations where a tiny bit ratchet was the only thing that fit without taking a lot of other stuff apart. Come to think of it a lot of what I have is geared towards taking a shortcut that saves time or money and lets me get to the part I need.

 

[Rusted Nut]

Just had to cut down an allen wrench, because the standard length was a 1/2" too long to fit in where I needed it.

 

[MINIz guy]

Lexus front differential fill plug required me to buy a 14mm 45 degree offset box wrench. Ended up at Advance Auto to get the Diehard set. About time I got an offset box wrench set; I've been able to get around it with some struggle but this time it was impossible without

 

[theoldwizard1]

Faucet. Requires a basin wrench.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Faucet. Requires a basin wrench.

Roger that!

 

[dchawk81]

Faucet. Requires a basin wrench.

What's a basin wrench? I replaced several faucets and it sucked so I definitely didn't have one of those.

 

[joel63]

I don't know, the older I get, and the more tools I own, I can usually think of several things in my arsenal that could tackle a specific job.

When I used to think "only X tool can do this job!", I didn't know about "Y" and "Z" tools yet. This site is great for discovering those tools, by the way, lol. Now "X" tool may be best for the job, but I can still get it done with "Y" and "Z".

Mixing up tool genres is fun though. I was working on my old turbo-swapped plymouth voyager, and one of my super-long 20" Xcelite magnetic nut drivers was super helpful at hitting a fastener behind the dash. That was an unusual nut driver designed to work on specific console TVs, lol. Sure, I could hit that fastener with a 1/4" socket and a stack of extensions and a spinner handle, but a 20" magnetic nut driver was sturdy and accurate, and just perfect for that specific task.

Similar, is my super-long 3/8" drive extension. I use it to hit my Astro van's spark plugs through the wheel wells. I used it to hit my mustang's starter bolts through the suspension. I don't use it super-often, but when a specific task arises for it, it's so much more satisfying that trying to manage stack of shorter extensions.

Super long extensions are the cat's meow. I've done that Astro Van plug change. It as perfect for that.

 

[tez929rr]

What's a basin wrench? I replaced several faucets and it sucked so I definitely didn't have one of those.

 

[joel63]

Faucet. Requires a basin wrench.

Once I had to change an oil pressure sending unit on a Suburban and didn't have the special socket for it. .
I was able to change it out using a basin wrench.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I've got one, SOMEWHERE !

Last bathroom faucet I had to replace, I had to remove the sink from the vanity. The nuts were too close even for the basin wrench.

Segue - I shocked my son the other day. While helping him replace a water heater, we needed a couple of tools. Pipe wrench, Teflon tape and twisted wire brush (to clean the inside of pipes). He always complains my garage is a mess (it is MY mess), so he was shocked when I knew exactly where all the items were ! The basin wrench might take a couple more minutes.

 

[The Bean]

Opening a fire hydrant. I've got this crooked wrench that was designed specifically for the task. Unfortunately, the design of hydrant caps has changed since i was a kid and now it is just useless.

 

[The Bean]

Installing grommets? You'll need a special tool set.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Installing grommets? You'll need a special tool set.

Seriously?

I had no idea that there was a special tool for that.
I do a lot of automotive electric repair and installation; I've installed hundreds of grommets with my fingers and a flat screwdriver.

 

[N_Jay]

Thinking of small ratchets look so the GearWrench 85035 1/4'' Drive MicroDriver 35PC Set has pulled my *** out of tbe fire a few times.

Seems it is discontinued.

Not sure if the 41 piece replacement is as good or as handy.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Smokewrench...........

Sometimes there's just no substitute!

Honestly a torch is probably the perfect example. Sometimes things need to be glowing or melted off.

 

[Steven Seagull]

I worked in car audio in the early 2000s for almost eight years. As you can imagine, we did a lot of cd player installs on Hondas. I forget the specific year range and model but removing the factory radio involved taking apart the dash. However, if you have the correct tool and a lot of luck, you could remove the two 8 or 10-mm bolts using the following:

It didn't always work, but when it did, it easily saved 30+ minutes on a 45 minute install.

 

[ChevyEFI]

92-95 4.3 CPI intake mounted FPR w/ security torx. 1/4" roto ratchet, 1/4" socket, and a bit. Roto ratchets are great.

 

[rust in the eye]

"you hit a spot where you got only one possible way of dealing with it."

 

[HannibalLecter]

When I come across a 14mm hex bolt, only a 14mm wrench or socket will do.

Or a Knipex pliers wrench, or an angle grinder, probably

 

[cherrybomb]

I have a penta socket which is 5 point.It fits the water main shut off out by the curb at our house.We have a shut off in the basement.If something really went wrong,I would have a plan.In our town,if you called the City for help on the weekend, you would have to wait till somebody showed.Being GJ.whats one more socket,extension and breaking bar hanging in the front garage

 

[tez929rr]

Opening a fire hydrant. I've got this crooked wrench that was designed specifically for the task. Unfortunately, the design of hydrant caps has changed since i was a kid and now it is just useless.

Most municipal hydrants use this kind of wrench

But I have encountered subdivisions with private water companies where we have to use the spanner we carry on the truck for different tasks

 

[Steve_P]

I have one of those but haven't used it since I got the Ridgid tool. I'm not a plumber, so maybe the Ridgid tool doesn't work for some tasks, but it's worked for me. I have an older model, which seems unnecessarily long; this is the current revision

https://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-57003-Change-Faucet-Wrench/dp/B078YYD66B/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Copymutt]

Two higher tech tools.
The bore-o-scope for hidden inspections, behind walls, down the spark plug hole etc.
The infrared temp gun for which cylinder isn't firing. Just read the exhaust manifold near each cylinder. Also great for heating & cooling appliances.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Lexus front differential fill plug required me to buy a 14mm 45 degree offset box wrench. Ended up at Advance Auto to get the Diehard set. About time I got an offset box wrench set; I've been able to get around it with some struggle but this time it was impossible without

45 degree eh? Wasn't aware of those, I only have 60 degree offset box wrenches, now I need the 45s

 

[WWheeler]

Every single day. I won't describe the spot I hit with it but the tool is a Toto Washlet C5.

 

[AldeanFan]

A lot of tools are not mandatory but make life so much easier.
I just removed the transmission in my ‘54 Country Squire. It could probably be done with a very basic set of wrenches and sockets but having universal joint sockets really made it a breeze.

I have 5 different oil filter wrenches but only one will work easily on the yblock in my wagon. I’m sure there are other ways to get that filter off but they would all **** and result in busted knuckles.