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What are/(were) your most USELESS tools?

Joe69

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Joined
Sep 6, 2009
Messages
2,371
Location
Muncie, Indiana
I bought a Snap-On scraper that uses a razor blade. I've seen other people use them but I think the blade is at the wrong angle and tries to dig in. Every time I grab it, I cuss the stupid thing and put it back in the box.

I've got a Mac scraper similar to that. It works good if you turn it upside down. Use it all the time.

My most useless tool is probably the Snap-on battery load tester. The type with the "toaster" coils in it. It only loads the battery with 100 or so amps. That doesn't tell you much about a 650cca battery. It has sat collecting dust in the bottom of my toolbox ever since I bought my electronic battery tester several years ago.

Joe
 
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FOWLER

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Jun 6, 2013
Messages
68
Location
Smithfield /Suffolk VA.
Noid/test lights are quicker to use, and do something invaluable at a glance that a meter doesnt.....show if the circuits are capable of carrying load. Just because theres B+ and ground at the terminals doesnt mean the circuit will work under load. ;)[/

Quicker for some maybe not myself though. I can load the circuit through my scan-tool if needed. To myself they are useless but to some they probably aren't I get that, but the op title was "what are YOUR most useless tools" . I've thus far had a pretty successful 25+yr career as a Tech (and am pretty well regarded , in my pond anyway lol) and have never needed them not to say I may not though,I'm not dead yet:D
 

coljar

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Joined
Sep 26, 2010
Messages
6,243
Location
Belpre, Ohio
This:
Roto Zip
images


This works better and is more accurate:
images


The Roto-Zip is very hard to control doing drywall - too much torque. It's OK if you have a hard border to guide you, but watch out if you're trying to do something freehand.

I'm glad you guys mentioned this. I can't count the number of times I almost bought one at Lowes.
 

exmaxima

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Joined
Dec 10, 2009
Messages
89
I wouldn't exactly say a mill and lathe are useless. In your scenario it never made any sense to have them. But for some people the lathe and mill are the basis around everything that they do.

+1

I use a lathe most every week for something, and a mill about 1/2 as much.
 

exmaxima

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Joined
Dec 10, 2009
Messages
89
E-torx sockets. Bought a set in 1988 for a job on a Dodge Omni. Haven't owned a vehicle since, that uses these fasteners. But after 26 years, I'll never get rid of them because you know that Murphy would take that opportunity to kick me square in the nuts.:eyecrazy:

Buy a BMW or Volvo built in the last 10 years and you'll need them. Try changing the electric water pump on a BMW and you'll be wishing for a SWIVEL E-torx!
 

pfhWJ

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Joined
Feb 2, 2013
Messages
454
This was the biggest pos I ever bought. Not only that, but I bought one for my FIL. Luckily for me, I've been married to his oldest daughter for 20+ years when I gave it to him or it could have ruined our wedding plans!

Ray
I agree total turd. It didnt even work for me. I remember the led light would change color but that's it. Can believe i bought it, looking back now what 2 AA batteries could create a enough energy to melt solder.
 

exmaxima

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2009
Messages
89
18mm wrench, never used it

Again, buy a BMW....



I should add a few tools I never use:

#4 Phillips--Never found a screw that big

Clutch head screwdriver--not used since selling my Ampeg bass amp (in 1972)

8 point sockets--don't use square nuts

#7 jointer hand plane--way easier to power up the jointer/planer

Sheathing hammer--I honestly have no idea even how to use one

Brace and auger bits--again, never use a hand tool when a power tool will suffice

Dowel pin transfer punches (for wood dowels)--I got a brand new set I bought at a trade show...

Grinding wheel---once you get a belt grinder you will never use a rigid wheel again
 

nicksnothereman

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Oct 19, 2013
Messages
3,608
Location
In the Mojave
Buy a BMW or Volvo built in the last 10 years and you'll need them. Try changing the electric water pump on a BMW and you'll be wishing for a SWIVEL E-torx!

Those aren't in running condition.:bounce:

A joke...(you forgot mercedes)

Anyone seeing 5 year old mercedes on the streets?:headscrat California...maybe. There's only one volvo in nevada, it belongs to my old neighbor and he keeps it together with duct tape.:wtf:
 

e-tek

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Joined
Dec 19, 2007
Messages
10,690
Location
Saskatoon, SK
A lot of this is subjective for sure - I TOTALLY thought the OP was gonna start a riot when he went with a MILL and LATHE right off the top!!! LOL!!

The Mityvac is great for breaks, but even better for vacuum diagnostics.

Mine might leave a few scratching their heads but really, how many of you really use yours? I didn't have one for 30 years and RARELY did I need one. I'm talking about an upright press. The VERY FEW times I did need to press something (trailing arm bushings in my Galaxie), I took it somewhere and got it done for $20 bucks - or less. But like anything, it was on-sale at the Shrine (Princess Auto) so I bought one. I STILL HAVEN'T used the ******* thing - LOL!!
 
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DIC

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Joined
Aug 2, 2009
Messages
698
Craftsman ratcheting wrenches.... I hate these things I finally taped them all together and put them in the back of the drawer so I wouldn't keep grabbing one
spin_prod_242881001.jpg
 

thrillho

Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2010
Messages
17
Location
San Diego, CA
Glad I'm not the only one who detests the Craftsman ratcheting wrenches. Seemed useful, but every time I put one to work, and I mean EVERY TIME, that little plastic plunger thingy fails to engage/disengage and I end up trying to coax the wrench into doing the sole job it exists for, but can't.

And then it goes back into the drawer and I do the job with a combination wrench or socket and ratchet....they look decent in the drawer I suppose...
 

Rickedstyles

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Joined
Feb 7, 2014
Messages
113
Location
Conroe, TX
That swing saw looks like a really awkward motion..would love to see the infomercial for that one..a hacksaw is so hard but jacking this lever around makes it simple!
 

Bob Heine

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Oct 24, 2009
Messages
10,705
Location
Boca Raton, Florida
Flat non-reversible Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. Don't dare touch them where clearance has even a remote chance of being an issue or you'll wind up wasting all your time getting your wrench un-trapped. May as well drop them off at the scrapper, the open ends are too weak to use on anything vaguely tight, they just spread and slip. Absolutely useless tool.

You mean not paying attention to the space as you back the bolt out of the A/C compressor? I cut the bolt off instead of cutting the wrench but that may have been a mistake.... This is a re-enactment picture because I couldn't see straight -- my cheap junk old Craftsman ratcheting box-ends at least were reversible.
TrappedWrench.jpg
 

Bob Heine

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Oct 24, 2009
Messages
10,705
Location
Boca Raton, Florida
Mine might leave a few scratching their heads but really, how many of you really use yours? I didn't have one for 30 years and RARELY did I need one. I'm talking about an upright press. The VERY FEW times I did need to press something (trailing arm bushings in my Galaxie), I took it somewhere and got it done for $20 bucks - or less. But like anything, it was on-sale at the Shrine (Princess Auto) so I bought one. I STILL HAVEN'T used the ******* thing - LOL!!
Ed, I kinda agree. Whenever I needed something pressed, I took it to a shop I trusted. Couple of years ago I took the two rear axle half-shafts from my big block Corvette to Billy's, a shop I trusted, to have the U-joints pressed out. Said he would have them ready next morning but when I arrived at 9:00 am a big burly guy was inside cursing up a storm. Overnight Billy had loaded everything in the shop into a moving van and left town. He even removed the two asymmetric two post lifts and the 15-hp 120 gallon air compressor.

I bought two new half-shafts for $300 and bought a 20-ton HF press for another $100. I've only used it a couple of times but it's a reminder to be careful who I trust. Now, if a shop can't do the job while I sit and wait, I take it somewhere else or buy the tools to do it myself.

The Vette will be painted in my garage and the Satajet 2000 will be for base and the Iwata 400LPH will be for the clear. It'll probably cost me more doing it myself but at least I won't have to sleep in a bodyshop for 18 months.
 
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junkman104

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Apr 5, 2005
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4,561
Location
Cherokee County N.C.
Mine might leave a few scratching their heads but really, how many of you really use yours? I didn't have one for 30 years and RARELY did I need one. I'm talking about an upright press. The VERY FEW times I did need to press something (trailing arm bushings in my Galaxie), I took it somewhere and got it done for $20 bucks - or less. But like anything, it was on-sale at the Shrine (Princess Auto) so I bought one. I STILL HAVEN'T used the ******* thing - LOL!!

I have rebuilt enough rear ends and toyota axle bearings to pay for mine :D
 

Buckgnarly

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Joined
Oct 8, 2010
Messages
7,651
Location
VT
Wow, interesting how some find tools that I love to be useless for them! Guess it depends on what work you do.
 

1grnlwn

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Joined
Jan 19, 2012
Messages
186
Location
Central Illinois
Harbor Freight body hammer and anvil set. Nice and clean in the plastic case. I will trade them for that lathe or mill. I am not greedy!
 

sberry

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Joined
Jun 18, 2005
Messages
35,747
Location
Brethren, Michigan
It isn't that there isn't a use for it but so much equipment is made differently today. parts shopping is easier and I know 2 or 3 guys with them on the rare occasion I really need one. Its been a while since I needed to machine something, to the point that I cant remember anything in the last couple years,,, and I got a lot of stuff.
 

TAftw

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Joined
Feb 2, 2009
Messages
1,727
Location
MA
A lot of this is subjective for sure - I TOTALLY thought the OP was gonna start a riot when he went with a MILL and LATHE right off the top!!! LOL!!

I would kill for a mill or lathe. I can think of tons of stuff I'd use one for. Then again, I want to get into more fab work.
 

kazlx

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Joined
Oct 30, 2012
Messages
2,851
Location
Tustin, CA
A lot of this is subjective for sure - I TOTALLY thought the OP was gonna start a riot when he went with a MILL and LATHE right off the top!!! LOL!!

The Mityvac is great for breaks, but even better for vacuum diagnostics.

Mine might leave a few scratching their heads but really, how many of you really use yours? I didn't have one for 30 years and RARELY did I need one. I'm talking about an upright press. The VERY FEW times I did need to press something (trailing arm bushings in my Galaxie), I took it somewhere and got it done for $20 bucks - or less. But like anything, it was on-sale at the Shrine (Princess Auto) so I bought one. I STILL HAVEN'T used the ******* thing - LOL!!

I don't use my press that much now, but when I do, it's awesome. I know once I buy/build a brake for it, I will definitely use it. Right now, I slot, bend, then weld. What a pain. I like nice crisp edges.

I didn't grow up learning much about tools besides basics. I learned plumbing/electrical/basic auto from the old man, but never really got into welding and fabrication and cars until I was about 18. I think back to all the years where I half assed stuff to get stuff installed and running on my cars where having a mill and lathe would have been fantastic. I wish I had learned to use them 20 years ago, instead of when I was 30.
 
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jahcure

Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2011
Messages
10
Location
Montreal Québec
I don't use my press that much now, but when I do, it's awesome. I know once I buy/build a brake for it, I will definitely use it. Right now, I slot, bend, then weld. What a pain. I like nice crisp edges.

I didn't grow up learning much about tools besides basics. I learned plumbing/electrical/basic auto from the old man, but never really got into welding and fabrication and cars until I was about 18. I think back to all the years where I half assed stuff to get stuff installed and running on my cars where having a mill and lathe would have been fantastic. I wish I had learned to use them 20 years ago, instead of when I was 30.

You are going to build a brake for your press ? How would that work ?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk
 

kazlx

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Oct 30, 2012
Messages
2,851
Location
Tustin, CA
Swag off road makes a nice kit, otherwise they are pretty simple to build. Just search for DIY press brake.
 

Tucko

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Jul 28, 2012
Messages
1,650
Location
Whittier, Ca
I once bought a small "Dust Devil" type of vacuum, forgot who made it, it might have been a Ryobi, but I'm not sure. That piece of **** wouldn't even pick up sawdust. Totally worthless, and straight into the trash.
 

Tucko

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Jul 28, 2012
Messages
1,650
Location
Whittier, Ca
All of the brake fittings on my Audi are 11mm. There are a couple of other places that they used 11mm bolts/nuts. Send yours to me. :D

A couple of years ago, my Father-in-Law gave me one of these for Christmas. I haven't thrown it out because I know that he will look to see if it's in my tool box when he comes over.

HA! My dad bought me the battery powered tape measure. Push a button and it extends. Releases like a normal tape. However, it was the size of a small watermelon....:lol:
 

raceman6135

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Joined
Aug 31, 2013
Messages
65
Location
Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
I should add a few tools I never use:

Clutch head screwdriver--not used since selling my Ampeg bass amp (in 1972)

Some of us that work on Holley carburetors use clutch head screwdrivers: secondary metering plates are often held on with clutch heads :thumbup:


My least used tool is this:
kt20314.jpg



It's a tool for use with Volkswagen exhaust clamps.
 

Charles (in GA)

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Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
12,489
Location
50 mi south of Atlanta
What is a "Triple Square Socket"? Isn't that just a 12 point? :headscrat

No, a 12 pt socket is a double hex, there is a significant difference. Triple square have 90° corners in them, while double hex have 60° (or 120° depending on how you look at it) in the corners. The fasteners ARE different.

I think German engineers like to use triple square.

Charles
 

GYPSY400

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Joined
Mar 21, 2013
Messages
517
Location
Naughton Ontario
This was the biggest pos I ever bought. Not only that, but I bought one for my FIL. Luckily for me, I've been married to his oldest daughter for 20+ years when I gave it to him or it could have ruined our wedding plans!

Ray

Ohhh yes.. I forgot about this one.. tried it once to solder 14ga wire.. didn't work. . Instant dust collector

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e-tek

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Joined
Dec 19, 2007
Messages
10,690
Location
Saskatoon, SK
Flat non-reversible Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. Don't dare touch them where clearance has even a remote chance of being an issue or you'll wind up wasting all your time getting your wrench un-trapped. May as well drop them off at the scrapper, the open ends are too weak to use on anything vaguely tight, they just spread and slip. Absolutely useless tool.

You mean not paying attention to the space as you back the bolt out of the A/C compressor? I cut the bolt off instead of cutting the wrench but that may have been a mistake.... This is a re-enactment picture because I couldn't see straight -- my cheap junk old Craftsman ratcheting box-ends at least were reversible.
TrappedWrench.jpg

^^^ IMPORTANT LESSON :thumbup: ^^^

I do use mine often, but you DO have to be careful: :wtf:
 
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