The Top 5 tools you want to buy next

[strizzy]

1. 10pc Craftsman Pro Screwdriver Set - Bought
3. 26pc Craftsman Pro Wrench Set - Bought
5. Proto 1/2" Long Handle Ratchet - Bought (thinking about a regular length too...)

The screwdrivers aren't that bad. I still feel that the snappy Phillips are the best thing going...

 

[eschoendorff]

1. 10pc Craftsman Pro Screwdriver Set - Bought
3. 26pc Craftsman Pro Wrench Set - Bought
5. Proto 1/2" Long Handle Ratchet - Bought (thinking about a regular length too...)

The screwdrivers aren't that bad. I still feel that the snappy Phillips are the best thing going...

I have both Cman Pro and the Snappys.... I have two of the #2 Snappy screwdrivers and they are definitely my "go to" screwdrivers. BTW... you can get the philips ACR bits for your ratcheting screwdrivers from Snappy too.

As for the wrenches, I cannot really tell that much difference between my Snappys and the Cman Pros

 

[Deafautotech]

the Box end wrenches show me no different between snap on and craftsman but for Open end wrench as craftsman already have little spread. i dont have any snap on open wrench because i have all craftsman comb wrenches (matte and Professional. i have snap on and matco both box end. i had to have Longer pattern box end ratcheting to do timing belt or chain works for chrysler....

 

[strizzy]

BTW... you can get the philips ACR bits for your ratcheting screwdrivers from Snappy too.

You better believe I have a ratcheting Snappy with ACR bits! Like you said, its my go to Phillips.

the Box end wrenches show me no different between snap on and craftsman but for Open end wrench as craftsman already have little spread.

Yeah I am curious to see how they work out for me. I haven't really had anything too tough to "test" them out on.

 

[boiler7904]

All tools for work around the house:

1. Pancake or twin-tank air compressor - leaning towards a Quincy Air Master series)
2. 18 ga brad nailer
3. 15 or 16 ga finish nailer
4. Ladder - can't decide if I want a regular 20' extension ladder or the 17' Werner version of the Little Giant.
5. Floor Jack

Once those are in hand it's:
1. Snowblower
2. Laser Level
3. Sliding Compound Miter Saw
4. A rolling tool box
5. Tile Saw (wet) - my wife has a lot of tile projects in line for me in the next couple of years.

Here's what I ended up with (so far):
1. Porter Cable C2002-WK Compressor
2. Hitachi NT50AE2 2" Brad Nailer
3. Hitachi NT65MA2 2 1/2" Finish Nailer

My father in law bought a small table top style tile saw for a bathroom project at their house. Gave it to me after one day's use. Not a bad deal.

 

[montee]

It is interesting that this question came up, because I actually wrote down a list yesterday. Here it is:

- SK Double Box Wrench Set (SK86198) 6 pt. Metric. Would like to get SAE, but hard to find. From The Tool Warehouse
- Knipex 10" Cobra Plier Comfort Grip (KN8702-10E). From Crawford Tool. Have you checked out Crawford Tool yet? American brands, decent prices. Has anyone used them? (http://www.crawfordtool.com)
- Overdriver Pro. Ratcheting Screwdriver (PG0-5411) It looks like a Crawford Tool house brand, but it is made in Germany. I am really in the need for a ratcheting screwdriver, and while the Snap-On looks nice, I can't justify a nearly $70.00 screwdriver.
- Wiha Cushion Grip Screwdriver Set (Item #30276). A special on wihatools.com. I need to move my Cman screwdrivers to my burgeoning traveling toolkit and leave the good stuff at home on my bench and in my roll-away. Plus my Cman screwdrivers are losing their finish and starting to rust.
- Lisle 1120 Battery Brush. I just need it, all my wire brushes get ruined every time I clean battery posts.

 

[montee]

2: Oil filter pliers, makes removing oil filters on a Subaru a dream come true

Try These:

http://www.channellock.com/acb/stores/1/212_-_12_inch_Oil_Filter_Plier_P20C5.cfm

I ordered them a couple weeks ago, but, did not get the chance to use them because the UPS man dropped them off too late in the day and I had to change the oil in my wife's car that morning. They've got them in 3 sizes 9, 12, and 15 inch. I've got an oil change coming up on my Suburban, I'll report on how they worked on here.

 

[eschoendorff]

the Box end wrenches show me no different between snap on and craftsman but for Open end wrench as craftsman already have little spread. i dont have any snap on open wrench because i have all craftsman comb wrenches (matte and Professional. i have snap on and matco both box end. i had to have Longer pattern box end ratcheting to do timing belt or chain works for chrysler....

Was it the matte or the Cman pros that spread on the open end? Or both?

 

[eschoendorff]

It is interesting that this question came up, because I actually wrote down a list yesterday. Here it is:

- SK Double Box Wrench Set (SK86198) 6 pt. Metric. Would like to get SAE, but hard to find. From The Tool Warehouse
- Knipex 10" Cobra Plier Comfort Grip (KN8702-10E). From Crawford Tool. Have you checked out Crawford Tool yet? American brands, decent prices. Has anyone used them? (http://www.crawfordtool.com)
- Overdriver Pro. Ratcheting Screwdriver (PG0-5411) It looks like a Crawford Tool house brand, but it is made in Germany. I am really in the need for a ratcheting screwdriver, and while the Snap-On looks nice, I can't justify a nearly $70.00 screwdriver.
- Wiha Cushion Grip Screwdriver Set (Item #30276). A special on wihatools.com. I need to move my Cman screwdrivers to my burgeoning traveling toolkit and leave the good stuff at home on my bench and in my roll-away. Plus my Cman screwdrivers are losing their finish and starting to rust.
- Lisle 1120 Battery Brush. I just need it, all my wire brushes get ruined every time I clean battery posts.

I have those Knipex comfort Cobras... really nice pliers. I always reach for my FACOM first, though. I'd buy em....

 

[kartracer55]

1. Impact Swivel Set (Some sort of 8-19 in 3/8 and 17-24 in 1/2 kinda deal) (SK? Snap On? Matco?... Undecided)
2. 12pt metric impacts in 3/8 (Probably SK off a TRUCK)
3. Long 0 or 15* offset metric box wrenches (Matco or Snap On, Matco's are 50$ less)
4. Impact Driver set (or an air hammer with bit adapter... works even better)
5. Kastar/Craftsman/Snap on Thread CHASER set.

1. Almost... Been peicing them together from Snap On. I got like 3 of them used and bought the rest in 3/8. Next is the 1/2 stuff.
2. No
3. No
4. No
5. NO!

Instead I bought matco 3/8 Impact extensions, and Ive been buying Channel Lock brand pliers one at a time and "retiring" some older ones. Car insurance is EXPENSIVE!!! lol

 

[Deafautotech]

Was it the matte or the Cman pros that spread on the open end? Or both?

Matte wrenches that i had first wrenches set in 5 years ago and it is pretty wear on open end when i dont buy flare wrenches sets.... so i had bought flare wrenches set 4 years ago. then same time i bought professional wrenches at sears while it was on sale and 10 percents off with craftsman club cards. then i use professional comb wrenches and open end will not spread much like matte do... that reason why flare wrenches are for ..

 

[Deafautotech]

1. Almost... Been peicing them together from Snap On. I got like 3 of them used and bought the rest in 3/8. Next is the 1/2 stuff.
2. No
3. No
4. No
5. NO!

Instead I bought matco 3/8 Impact extensions, and Ive been buying Channel Lock brand pliers one at a time and "retiring" some older ones. Car insurance is EXPENSIVE!!! lol

I wonder if you see New snap on ratchet FLF80? it have 80 teeth and strongest ratchet in tool industry as it will break loose bolt or nut at 250 ft lbs. i did bought it last day while snap on guy make deal with me.... he know that i pay full total when i want buy to avoid debt....

 

[martell06]

1. tool cart---auction
2. air/nitro cat 3/8" impact and sockets
3. shop press
4. parts washer---started building out of 50 gal drum
5. good floor jack

5 tools i want/need and can't afford
1. GOOD air compressor ( actually got an emglo electric wheelbarrow compressor at a garage sale for cheap)
2. mig welder
3. sand blasting cabinet
4. plasma cutter
5. cherry picker

updated list still includes the first #2 (although not needed and not in my budget), a quality set of metric line wrenches, a double flaring tool and tubing bender and a right angle die grinder.

 

[GDA]

Wants:

1. 3/8 stubby flex ratchet
2. 19 through 22 crowfoot wrenches
3. 10 through 36mm deep impacts
4. 3/8 18, 24 and 36" extensions
5. machinist vise

 

[Coach James]

My list:

1. 3/8 torque wrench for 0-50(or so) pounds.

2. Metric stubby combo wrenches.

3. Plunge router.

4. OBDII scanner/reader.

5. Factory service manuals for all three of my vehicles. Haynes/Chilton are better than nothing(usually) but still not very good.

 

[eschoendorff]

My list:


5. Factory service manuals for all three of my vehicles. Haynes/Chilton are better than nothing(usually) but still not very good.

That's true. Helminc.com is what you want.

 

[Coach James]

Thanks for the link!! They have my Grand Prix manual. Any idea who sells Dodge manuals? I've searched on Google and can't find any.

Coach

 

[Charles (in GA)]

All manuals are pricey, Chrysler is especially so. My '99 Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze manuals only have an 800 number you can call to order, no name. I vaguely recall that Chrysler manuals are handled thru a subsidary of Chrysler. I found mine, like new on Ebay. Came from a dealer that was shutting down. excellent manuals I might add. Patients is the key, set up a search and have it email to you each time there is a listing.

Here is the link to purchase Chrysler manuals. Keep the search simple, something like "Sebring shop manual"

http://www.chrysler.com/owners/manuals.html

Charles

 

[kartracer55]

I wonder if you see New snap on ratchet FLF80? it have 80 teeth and strongest ratchet in tool industry as it will break loose bolt or nut at 250 ft lbs. i did bought it last day while snap on guy make deal with me.... he know that i pay full total when i want buy to avoid debt....

Nope, never seen one yet, But Im going to ask my dealer to get one on the truck so I can check it out! Im interested in it. Interestingly enough, the Pittsburgh HF ratchet is tested to 200ftlbs! lol
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40591

Im curious as to what the Proto big dawgs are, those things are pretty freakin serious.

 

[ImportTuner]

Nope, never seen one yet, But Im going to ask my dealer to get one on the truck so I can check it out! Im interested in it. Interestingly enough, the Pittsburgh HF ratchet is tested to 200ftlbs! lol
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40591

Not bad for a ratchet that only cost $10.99 ...

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

Well I have shifted my next 5 to:

1. Plasma Cutter

2. Cordless Milwaukee 28v Impact Gun

3. Right angle impact wrench (Lisle.. Check it out) good for tight spots!

4. DOHC Cam lock (Lisle more than likely)

5. Ethos (New Snap on Diagnostic tool)


-BWP

1. Plasma Cutter - Never got, still using my torches Thinking about a MILLER!

2. Cordless Milwaukee 28v Impact Gun - Got it for Christmas!!

3. Right angle impact wrench - Got it!

4. DOHC Cam lock (Lisle more than likely) - Had a bid in for $10 for one on EBAY and got sniped at the last second!!

5. Ethos (New Snap on Diagnostic tool) - Got a MODIS!


Next 5

1. Snap on MT2661 Timing gun.

2. Snap on Die Grinder (don't know whether I should get the mini or regular, angled or extended). I will probably buy whatever is cheapest on EBAY!

3. Snap on or Irwin 35 piece extractor set

4. Carbide Burr set

5. Full 4 piece set of Milwaukee 28V tools (Hammerdrill, sawzall etc...)


-BWP

 

[1320stang]

Hmmm, trying to make seperate lists for the top 5 that I need to buy vs. the top 5 that I want to buy. I guess I also ought to include my dream list.

Need:
1. GearWrench sets, 13 piece SAE (9312) & 12 piece metric (9412)Got part of this, two 4 piece sets from Ace Hardware
2. GearWrench 3 piece driver adapter sets in both SAE (9231) and metric (9230)

3. Jackstands 4 ton or 6 ton mainly for the height, I often put 2x12s under my 2 tons.

4. American made 3 1/2 ton floor jack

5. A good 5" or 6" Machinests visePicked up a Made in the USA 4" Craftsman

Want:
1. 10 Gal. blasting pressure part (probably the Clarke at TSC, $109.63)

2. blast cabinet (again, probably the Clarke at TSC, $319.63)

3. Plasma cutter (Miller Spectrum 375, $1095 at Cyberweld)

4. Shrinker/Stretcher (probably the ones from HF, $240)

5. TIG (Lincoln Precision 375, about $5000)

Dream (in my future shop):

1. Rotary SPOA10 10k# assymetrical lift

2. A downdraft paint booth

3. CNC Mill

4. CNC Lathe

5. Water Jet

I've been buying air tools now that I have my filter and regulator for my compressor.

 

[IanF]

My list varies greatly depending on available cash and need. Sometimes what I want to buy doesn't coincide with what I need...

1. BMW Tool: MINI Front Lower Control Arm Bushing R&R tool (may need this very soon)
2. BMW Tool: MINI Crank pulley removal installation tools (will need in a few months)
3. Snap-on SAE Flare wrench set (to match the metric set I have)
4. A/C vacumm pump and guage set (a/c in my truck need work)
5. A new set of screwdrivers would be nice... (current set is a mis-matched jumble of Craftsman red-handle and Easco/K-D)

...as would a hydraulic press, a router table, vacuum press... why all of the wood working tools? Because I'll be making custom dash panels for a Spitfire soon...

 

[Charlie's68]

The last F-body camaro and firebird were great examples of this: 2/3 of the engine is back under the windshield. It's ridiculously hard to pull the engine out through the hood. It comes out the bottom much easier.

i brought the ls1 out the top on my 02 ss...pulled the heads first, because i orginally thought it was a head gasket, but ended up being the block...put the new motor in from the top with the heads on....you just have to angle the motor as close to 90 degrees to drop it in. My hands did look like they were attacked by a rabid house cat from those plastic spikes under the cowel.

 

[tim096]

rotary 10,000 2 post lift (hopefully by spring)
alignment machine 4 wheel (watching 1 on ebay)
plasma cutter
blast cabinet

 

[tim096]

#5 pay off the snap on account (5-15 years)lol

 

[comp]

does a 10'-12' shed count

 

[rsanter]

1 TIG
2 english wheel
3 upgrade current table saw to delta unisaw
4 upgrade current bandsaw to BIG bandsaw
5 indexing head for mill
6 parts to get my cnc table working
7 Bam Bam power hammer
8 strecher-shrinker (actually I could get away with the shrinker, streching I can do)

things to get rid of
some duplicate dewalt 18v stuff
couple of sawsalls (now this I have the dewalt cordless one)
2 workbeches with stainless tops (no room for them)
wireless router
wireless range extender

bob

 

[arkracing]

7 Bam Bam power hammer
bob

I just did a quick google on this and saw it mentioned over on metalmeet. Do you have the plans or a link to something that shows how it was made? I'd be interested in a project like that some day.

 

[Galadrium]

1. A set of SK line wrenches (metric)
2. A set of SK shorty wrenches (SAE)
3. More snap on screwdrivers, I just bought the long shank hard handle ones and they are awesome.
4. SK, or Snap on 1/2 in. drive ratchet
5. A bigger tool box.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I can't say that I usually have a purpose driven hit list of tools if you will. It is more like my radar is up and I am sniffing for the right deal 24 hrs a day ( kinda like lookin for girls when I was younger!) except these days I have to limit my looking(for tools, not girls) more than I did before marraige and the kids. As I have said before I don't know that I ever waited for a need to buy a tool, but rather bought as a tool appeared at the right price. Shoot sometimes I have had a tool in the box for years before the need for the tool comes up! I bet 75% of my tools have been bought used for pennies on the dollar in this fashion.

 

[Danglerb]

How can I know what 5 tools I will buy next before I see the next HF flyer?

 

[Uncle Buck]

How can I know what 5 tools I will buy next before I see the next HF flyer?

You know there is something to be said for moderation, it is a good thing. In particular where cheap tools are concerned. I buy a few bits and pieces there, but I am rather choosey about what I get; no offense intended but you might want to begin exploring the used tool market such as pawn shops, garage sales, auctions and the like a bit more. I seem to notice that you either buy most of your tools at HF, or perhaps are joking around. I hope you are mainly joking around because you will be sorely disappointed on the whole if you make them the cornerstone of your tool set. It is really hard to beat what a knowledgable fellow can find at decent prices used. Rotsa Ruck!

 

[Danglerb]

I'll worry more about my tools when I start breaking a few. For now I buy a variety of types, and price points.

TMSBS8, TUAM6, FLXM10 are on my shopping list, but so is
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47257

and a good used floor jack.

 

[eschoendorff]

I'll worry more about my tools when I start breaking a few. For now I buy a variety of types, and price points.

TMSBS8, TUAM6, FLXM10 are on my shopping list, but so is
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47257

and a good used floor jack.

That caliper is actually one of the decent tools from HF. you can buy it from other companies and pay more for teh same caliper with others' names on it.

 

[rsanter]

I just did a quick google on this and saw it mentioned over on metalmeet. Do you have the plans or a link to something that shows how it was made? I'd be interested in a project like that some day.

I am a regular on metalmeet. for anyone that is not familiar with this group and is interested in metal shaping, you should check it out.

I plan to build my own based off of seeing what other menbers have made, it is not a complex machine but seems to be a very usefull machine.
review all of the threads for the bam bam and you will see a great deal of information on it

bob

 

[Uncle Buck]

That caliper is actually one of the decent tools from HF. you can buy it from other companies and pay more for teh same caliper with others' names on it.

Yup, that is true.

 

[IanF]

does a 10'-12' shed count

Yes it does! We got a 10x10 shed last year to remove all yard-related **** (plus my rarely used engine hoist and ****** jack) from the garage... one of the best garage additions yet! So much more room now!

 

[JMURiz]

My next will be building a lawn storage shed (3'x12'...I know but it's all I can build) and a lift will be the next on the list of wants. I guess those count as some sort of tool.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Yes it does! We got a 10x10 shed last year to remove all yard-related **** (plus my rarely used engine hoist and ****** jack) from the garage... one of the best garage additions yet! So much more room now!

I put up a cheap 10 x 12 last fall for the same reason, what a relief!