Need advise

[PavelK313]

Hi everyone!
I work on anything automotive related in my garage as a hobby and do some work around the house. Been buying tools for past 10 years (I am 26 yo) and generally speaking have most of the tools I need to get any job done that I have encountered so far, however... I feel like I dont have enough tools.
I am not sure if I am just looking for an excuse to spend more money or if I really need more tools.

So far I have pretty standard set up for home mechanic:
Basic sockets, pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, multimeters, ratchets, wrenches, extensions, power tools, air compressor and air tools, measuring tools, etc. Also want to mention that i have multiple quantities of all of my hand tools due to my "just in case" mentality.

So my question to you is: What tool/s should I buy next?

 

[frankush]

So you've got money burning holes in your pocket? If you've got any hobbies, delve into them a little deeper. You'll find something you could use. Do you weld? How about upgrading something you currently have. Tools are all about making your life easier.

 

[marineengineer]

get a welder or a set of oxy-acetylene torches. Go online and do some research as to travel angle and amps to use and the different rods that you can buy. get a 5 lb box of welding rod and Get a stick welder 240 v and just start practicing until you can lay a good bead in all positions then work on a cart for a welder and a fab bench.

 

[signcrafter]

The list goes on forever. I'm sure there are hand tools like gear wrenches in all styles, flex sockets, etc. Tools you don't use much but are nice when you do use them. Then there are the specialty tools like pullers of all shapes and sizes, power steering pump puller, ball joint press, screw extractors, etc. Then there is diagnostic tools like coolant pressure testers, power probe, leak down tester, etc.

I usually buy tools as I need them or look for deals on tools I think I might need down the road. I go threw sites like snap on and tooltopia and amazon just looking at tools and seeing what I might be able to use. Then try and find the best deal on the tool I can.

 

[PavelK313]

So you've got money burning holes in your pocket? If you've got any hobbies, delve into them a little deeper. You'll find something you could use. Do you weld? How about upgrading something you currently have. Tools are all about making your life easier.

No, I dont have money burning holes in my pockets. haha
Cars, bikes, bicycles, snowboarding and powersports are my hobbies. At this point all of them are modified beyond what I ever expected them to be at this point in my life and I dont want to put any more money into "toys". I view tools as investment and money saving. I have never taken any of my cars/toys to mechanic and I am sure that by now my tools paid for themselves. So at this point I am just looking for tools that I possibly dont know about and the ones that can possibly my my life easier.

get a welder or a set of oxy-acetylene torches. Go online and do some research as to travel angle and amps to use and the different rods that you can buy. get a 5 lb box of welding rod and Get a stick welder 240 v and just start practicing until you can lay a good bead in all positions then work on a cart for a welder and a fab bench.

I am still trying to talk myself into getting a welder. I tried welding few times and can honestly say that I did feel like I have it in me. Its not for everyone.

 

[PavelK313]

The list goes on forever. I'm sure there are hand tools like gear wrenches in all styles, flex sockets, etc. Tools you don't use much but are nice when you do use them. Then there are the specialty tools like pullers of all shapes and sizes, power steering pump puller, ball joint press, screw extractors, etc. Then there is diagnostic tools like coolant pressure testers, power probe, leak down tester, etc.

I usually buy tools as I need them or look for deals on tools I think I might need down the road. I go threw sites like snap on and tooltopia and amazon just looking at tools and seeing what I might be able to use. Then try and find the best deal on the tool I can.

Thank you for your advise.

I have few most of the tools you mentioned.
Next on my list are HF press, 3/8 torque wrench.

 

[cheechi]

I feel like I dont have enough tools.

That's just your pulse, don't worry you won't have to deal with it forever.

 

[OHMS LAW]

Get a small angle grinder. I laughed when I heard that, but its so much more professional when you know you have a clean surface.

 

[Garyss.smith]

I bought a HD ryobi tek4 4 volt screwdriver and i think it is the cats meow. Very light great to remove lots of screws. can with hex bits drill. This Christmas I installed over 50 cup hooks into my patio to install lights did this with one charge and wasn't done.
It is really great for taking apart lots of things and wish I had got one long ago.
cant say how light it is.

Gary

 

[FiendFX]

just buy what you think you will need and find useful. instead of just hoarding.

 

[jpickar]

Are you buying a house? If so Work an extra job and pay the sucker off and then you will have money to buy any tool you want to satisfy your disease!

John

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I seem to get tunnel vision. I will begin learning one specific trade/skill and dive into it at a full sprint. Lately it's been machining...which is a very, very large hat to wear. But I take it one step at a time. Right now I am learning about the cutting and drilling of metals. Different metals, different bits, etc. Speeds, heat, ambient temps, a lot of metallurgy...things I have been around for years, but really want to know specifics now. Sharpen a bit on a Darex: Great. Now I must learn how to sharpen by hand. Starting off with 59 degrees. I even got the "Handbook for Drillers" last night.

Thirst for knowledge???...hey, I'm on GJ, right. OCD???...Hey, I'm on GJ, right.

Good luck on your next endeavor whatever it may be.

 

[theoldwizard1]

get a welder or a set of oxy-acetylene torches.

Don't buy new, unless you hit the lottery ! Lot's of good used stuff on CL !

Go online and do some research ...

ABSOLUTELY !

Any purchase over $50-$100 deserves as much time up front as you can spare !



I have been "lusting" for a tire changer for a couple of years ! I know it will not be used very often so the "sensible" part of me is winning this battle !

 

[andywander]

I think a metalworking lathe is a great investment for maintenance and repair of vehicles, etc.

As is a mill....

 

[Danglerb]

I have to have space for it and be getting a great rare good deal to buy something I don't have a use for yet. I know this may sound like "crazy talk" but I have a remodel of bath and kitchen coming up and I plan to buy a few things like a table saw for that project and SELL THEM when its done.

OTOH fair chance I think I need about 10x as many tools as you have, and maybe use less of them then you use of yours.

 

[camarotoolman]

Kitchen/ bath remodel- dry wall tools, paint brushes, rollers, ceramic tile cutter, drill, power saw, pipe wrenches, screw gun, level, square,calk line, step ladder, miter box, hammer, wire strippers, pry bars, scrapers, maybe a sawsall. You probably don't need a table saw to that project. A lot of that stuff you can get at the flee market or Lowes as you need them.

 

[lilscorpion]

I derive my tool desires from my future plans combined with my current need. At this moment in my life I'm replacing my cheapy Harbor Freight stuff with higher quality stuff because my Harbor Freight stuff is beat down. Before that I was buying stuff to improve my storage and optimize my workspace. I think if you walk into your shop, you could easily find the next place to invest. I could easily tell you why you need a lathe, a mill, a bigger toolbox, a heavier duty tool bench, a vise, a shop press, or doodad X but I think you could probably handle it. If your looking for support in your addiction, you are certainly in the right place. If that's the case, you do NEED a welder. I haven't been without one for more than 10 years no. I recommend a Miller autoset. Fantastic machine for all levels. Others will tell you that there are other MFG's that build good machines but I'm Blue through and through due to great experiences with more than a dozen machines throughout the years that have taken a beat down in production welding conditions with little to no service. Migs and Tigs...Miller's are great machines. If you get a welder you'll need a plasma cutter. For a plasma cutter go Hypotherm. I have a Powermax 1000. Tough machine with the perfect capacity. ****, you'll also want an auto darkening helmet for sure, a good set of welding gloves, and a leather apron...and maybe a torch for the bigger dirty cutting jobs. Get a huge tip for like 2" plate so you don't have to spend all your time pre-heating. You'll need welding clamps. The self adjusting ones by LockJaw are pretty sweet because you can operate them truly with one hand. After getting them I rarely use the vice-grips I have. You'll probably need 4 or so. You'll be able to build your own welding bench as long as you have a horizontal bandsaw for cutting tubing and bar-stock. You'll probably want to get a bandsaw with coolant in the 7" range. There, that list should keep you busy for a while.

 

[Carl B]

So my question to you is: What tool/s should I buy next?

Hi Pavelk313:
Several answers come to mind...

First - if you have accumulated hand tools over the past 10 years - you might consider focusing you attention on better tool organization and upgraded replacements. That can be done slowly over a long period of time.. and you'll always have something to search for.. prospecting for great tools can be a hobby in and of itself!

Sometimes MORE is not better. Better is Better.

For example - "Upgraded Replacements" - a Craftsman Raised Panel wrench will do 99% of any job for you - - - but a fully chromed finish on a Snap-On wrench will make doing that job more pleasurable and ease cleanup of the tool afterward. NO - you don't NEED a set of Snap-On wrenches... but if you search/shop and find a very good used set - at the right price - they become more than a tool - they become a proud possession. [then you can resell some of your older tools for someone else to use}.

Maybe buy a set of Snap-On Flair Nut Wrenches for yourself... {shop and buy good used tools}.

Speaking of Flair Nut Wrenches, if you don't already have them - - Irwin aka ViceGrip make a special ViceGrip for Flair Nuts. They grab three sides of the nut - so pressure keeps the nut round rather than smashing it into a oval. These are really great on old rusted/stuck flair nuts.. You won't need them often - but they are a must have when you need them. Not at all expensive either. They come in three different sizes - you'll need at least two {4" and 7"}

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SBBE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

How about spending some money to get a better VISE.. one with good jaws and jaw protectors and/or adaptors.? I also agree that a small portable set of gas welding equipment would be high on my list.. if for nothing else than heating up stuck fasteners..

Just some thoughts...
Carl B.