Body working tools

[Mr.Magoo]

Gonna start doing some body work on a pickup. Short of buying a new set and getting imported junk, give me a few notable tool companies other than Proto, SnapOn or Matco as to being reputable or industry standards. Nothing better than a professional tool. Will be looking at local craigslist. Just need some direction of other body tool suppliers so I dont pass up on some of the good ones. Will be purchasing hammers, dollies, slap files, boards and other.Thanks to all

 

[CARS]

Gonna start doing some body work on a pickup.

7 piece kit from Eastwood, Autobody tool mart,... even HF.

If you are just starting, you don't know what is good and what isn't. After 20 years, I can tell the difference, but I can still move metal with a $20.00 set.

Keep an eye out for the good stuff that you have mentioned. But to get going, just get going!!!

Nobody asks Foose what hammers he uses (although I would imagine his dad taught him better than ours did?). Work with what you have!

 

[Hammer1963]

Used USA or European produced tools are your best bet. Forged is the only way to go. I have helped out several GJ members with their first Body tools. One of my odd hobbies is reworking / restoring neglected and abused Forged Body Tools. I always have many extra tools on hand and I can set you up at a very reasonable cost.

I've heard it said that if you don't know what a good Body Hammer is, then you won't know the difference. I totally disagree with that statement. If a guy just wants to beat and fill, then he won't know and doesn't care to know. But If that person really wants to minimize the damage they can/will do with poorly designed tools and keep his material usage on the low end, then yes, well designed tools will make a HUGE difference.

There are a few simple tools you need to get started. A good balanced medium pick hammer, a cross pein hammer, a toe dolly, a good rail dolly, and a small spoon. These tools will take you a long way.

If you would like, shoot me a PM and I will go into more depth. This is what I do and enjoy helping others who are eager to learn panel repair

 

[Boyd]

Martin....

...The End.

 

[54FordPanel]

I bought some cheapo **** 30 years ago, and it worked ok. But in the last 5 years I stepped up to a Martin set, and I love them.

 

[Scout Driver]

7 piece kit from Eastwood, Autobody tool mart,... even HF.

If you are just starting, you don't know what is good and what isn't. After 20 years, I can tell the difference, but I can still move metal with a $20.00 set.

Keep an eye out for the good stuff that you have mentioned. But to get going, just get going!!!

Nobody asks Foose what hammers he uses (although I would imagine his dad taught him better than ours did?). Work with what you have!

This right here ^^^^^^! I started out with a Harbor Freight set. Not bad tools. Your skill with these tools is much more important than the tools themselves. A lot of work can be done with an inexpensive hammers. Are you only doing work on the pickup? Don't break the bank buying body hammers.

Scott

 

[CARS]

I've heard it said that if you don't know what a good Body Hammer is, then you won't know the difference. I totally disagree with that statement. If a guy just wants to beat and fill, then he won't know and doesn't care to know. But If that person really wants to minimize the damage they can/will do with poorly designed tools and keep his material usage on the low end, then yes, well designed tools will make a HUGE difference.

Maybe my post came off wrong. I agree, proper tools for a proper job, but I was reading into the OP's question that he was starting to do body work to his truck. I am assuming he will not metal finish anything, just get it close. Much like all of us did on our first body repair.

I still recommend hunting for good tools (and deals).

 

[zjrog]

Going to ask a dumb question. I was given a set of tools many years ago. Buffalo brand I believe. The dollys don't look bad, but the hammers aren't great. Worst part is the cheap flimsy handles. Would getting better handles make even these crappy hammers better, or just chasing junk? Also, are the cheap dollys workable as is?

 

[buzz4041]

Martin nuff said !!!

 

[BWS]

This is one area where,"get the best you can afford"...applies.Cheap-chit hammers are such a pain to use,but....that may be all you can afford?

If you plan on "keeping with the trade" though,cry once and get the good stuff....Martin is one.Good luck with the truck,BW

 

[fordcragar]

Most of my body tools are either Proto, Snap-on and a couple of other older brands depending on what kind of tool it is. If I were to look for something other than these, I'd probably look at Martin or older used tools. I wouldn't buy any junk. If you compare a quality tool with some of the cheap stuff, you'll see and feel the difference.

 

[Al Bundy]

Fiberglass or hickory handles?

 

[J Persons]

I bought some HF body hammers and dollys several year ago, and the hammers are worthless. The hammers were too light and the heads were always loose on the handles, even with new wedges. The dollys were uneven and rough. I recently got the Eastwood 7 piece set and they are very nice for the price. polished dollys, and the hammers have enough weight to them to be effective. They have fiberglass handles. I would love to have a set of Martin hammers, but the Eastwood set will be fine.

 

[Mr.Magoo]

I saw two other brands on e-bay,, they were Plomb and Fairmount or Fairmont, are they noteworthy as to being a quality hammer??

 

[CARS]

I saw two other brands on e-bay,, they were Plomb and Fairmount or Fairmont, are they noteworthy as to being a quality hammer??

Yes. If used, you may have to tighten the handle or replace it, but all in all they are high quality tools.

 

[countryroad82]

Martin bought out Fairmount out back in the day. My personal favorites are my Martin hammers, and I am one of the few that prefers a fiberglass handle. Cheap hammers can get you by, but a good quality set will help you out by far.

 

[K13]

The biggest problem with the cheap sets is the finish and sharp edges on them tend to do more damage than good and even more so in the hands of someone who is inexperienced with using them. This leads to frustration and not wanting to learn. The other thing is you don't need 7 different tools to start out with. A good hammer and a couple of good dollies (Heel and general purpose) and you will be well on your way.

 

[PCO6]

Martin bought out Fairmount out back in the day. My personal favorites are my Martin hammers, and I am one of the few that prefers a fiberglass handle. Cheap hammers can get you by, but a good quality set will help you out by far.

I have a Fairmount hammer that I like. I think it's about 20 years old. Are the current Martins similar in quality? Thanks.

 

[Zeke]

Just like a good ol' anvil, you can hear the good hammers and dollies ring as you use them. That is if you manage to hit the dolly on the nose when you want to (there's the "off dolly" technique as well). I think they are harder to start with.

 

[countryroad82]

I have a Fairmount hammer that I like. I think it's about 20 years old. Are the current Martins similar in quality? Thanks.

I have a couple old Fairmount hammers, and yes the Martins are the same quality as the Fairmounts.

 

[ZRX61]

I prefer wooden handles, the FG ones will screw up your shoulders eventually from the vibration being carried up your arms.

 

[BradTx]

My best advice is to keep you eyes open on Craigslist and eBay for a decent deal. They're out there.

For example, last year I picked up this new, still-in-the-box, Martin set from eBay for $215. It'll do 99% of anything I'll ever need.

 

[ZRX61]

"Some" of the HF dollies are ok.. & by some, I actually mean one of them... I'm not sure if they still carry this dolly, didn't see it in there on Monday when I swung by...

It doesn't come from the store with this face finished, this was made usable after attacking with the belt sander & fiber deburring wheel...

 

[1948]

id say if you arent doing a show piece and just starting out just get some cheapy stuff. you can do most stuff with simple ones. 6 sided flat dolly(i forget the technical name) and a 2 sided curved dolly, a flat face hammer and a round head doubled sided hammer will do 98% of your stuff.

 

[Beaumont67]

I got my first body hammer over 35 years ago, Snap-On with hickory handle.
- face is still perfect, without dents (used 15 years, on weekends)
- wood handle is still tight (and it took alot of pounding, bending panels on a rail road tie)
- number looks like BF 604 USA (??)
My most favorate tool purchase.

My other body hammer is a Proto.

Two of my dolly's came off the MAC Tool truck - SP Tools, Sykes-Pickavant, Made in England
- nice quality

Question:
- any one know who manufactures the Snap-On body hammers, in the USA ?
- quality is superb