The small stuff everony forgets but needs

[GerMec]

Well I thought we could write down a list of things...or tools, everyone forgets when they are talking about complete tool sets...especially for the DIY folks.

Example 1: Basic set of nuts, washers and bolts could save your as if you dont need to drive to the next hardware store for a lost or broken M5x20 bolt...
Example 2: How do you get your old brake fluid out of the brake fluid reservoir of your motorcycle without a syrenge?...


For me things like that make a complete toolkit...

(No special order or importance):
Nuts, Bolts, Washers, Screws
thread repair kits
Different basic assortments: copper rings, alumunium rings, o-rings, seals, different circlip types, springs, hose clamps
different types of grease, lube, oil, paste
cleaning products
shop cloths (lots!)
different canisters for old fluids
drain pan / storage bins
oil filler can
syrenge
different types of hoses
fill pump
gloves
brushes/broom
tweezers
magnifying glass
measuring cup
sandpaper
steel wool
sponges
heatshrink
tapes
adhesives

I hope you get the idea what this thread is all about


Wow I just found a lot of typos...sorry for that!

 

[larry_g]

Throw in machining, welding, rigging, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, electronic, fence building, firewood cutting, snow removal, and many other jobs around the place and your list starts to represent 1% of what is needed. I'm not even going to attempt to answer or add to your list.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[wolf_from_wv]

Working on organizing something like that. I won't compete with Lowes or Ace Hardware, but sometimes, you have to fix something when the store isn't open.

 

[ChrisLS8]

At that point you are stocking your own store. Threads with super broad questions like this don't have alot of purpose imo

 

[steveo3002]

how ever much i own i still need that little part or the 10,000 washers i have still arent the size i wanted etc

 

[matt_i]

Shims are always useful.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

a few rolls of wire, terminal ends, light bulbs, a few exhaust clamps, body panel clips, mechanic's wire, note pads, rope, grease fittings, pipe fittings.. All these supplies will add up fast.

 

[bczygan]

Gaffers tape and the tool list in my signature.

Bill

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Example 2: How do you get your old brake fluid out of the brake fluid reservoir of your motorcycle without a syrenge?...


Options (some slower than others).
Through the bleader.
Disconnect brake line (either end).
Squeeze bulb (like a turkey baster).
Straw or hose.
Some type of vacuum
Loosen clamp and rotate the cylinder around the handlebars to pour out the fluid. (Or unbold the reservoir and pour it out.
Sponge/towel/rag. Soak, wring, repeat.

The one thing I haven't used is a syringe.
I guess it depends on why you want to take the fluid out and how much you want to remove.

 

[CR888]

Wire, pliers & gaff a tape is all I use.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Well I thought we could write down a list of things...or tools, everyone forgets when they are talking about complete tool sets...especially for the DIY folks.
Example 1: Basic set of nuts, washers and bolts could save your as if you dont need to drive to the next hardware store for a lost or broken M5x20 bolt.
For me things like that make a complete toolkit..

QUOTE:["especially for the DIY folks"]

Even for an apartment dweller who owns a tool pouch; a $1,000 worth of these items are often stored in the kitchen cabinets.

QUOTE:["For me things like that make a complete toolkit"]
..
Tools are tools, and supplies are supplies. Over the next few years; You will likely spend more on dish soap than You spent on the dishes. I often refer to these type of supplies as an unseen or invisible expense. Should $60 be spent on a new ratchet, or 5 gallons of clean fluid for the parts washer?

mmm; that M5x20 bolt.. What strength class, head size and type, and thread pitch are needed? If You want the specific type of bolt used on a Ford; salvage a bunch of easily accessible ones the next time You send a Ford to the scrapper. Also grab some of common stuff like hood bumpers, headlight bulbs and socket pigtails, a gas cap, or anything You are likely to use. I clean this stuff up and put it in the Ford, Chevy, Mopar, John Deere, or whichever proper drawer. Keep this stuff somewhat organized so it is easy to find.

Basically; I suggest only buying supplies that YOU use on a regular basis. But, I do favor those small hardware assortment kits. If one little part is used; that kit likely paid for itself by saving a trip into town.

Trade the "if, perhaps, and maybe" list for a "most likely" list, and add it to Your "paid for salvage" list.. Let the hardware and parts stores handle the rest.

 

[Mikeske]

A good first aid kit in the garage is one thing I always make sure I have. Never know when you will slice yourself open and having it there ready can be very handy

 

[M6erfan]

As a DIY/hobbyist, I find It's endless.

I have drawers of nuts, bolts, washers, screws...M5, M6, M8, yellow zinc, blue zinc, stainless, lock nuts, jam nuts... Cotter pin assortment, grommet assortment, body panel assortments, hose clamps, o-ring assortment... Crush washers in fiber, aluminum and copper, flat and round type... I still sometimes need to order or run out for something that's not in my stash.

Seems like every time I go for a tube of sealant it's dried up. Order another... That can of spray lube I've had for a year or so, out of pressure...

Most of the time though having all that I do saves a lot of time and is convenient.

 

[1/2 Cup]

GerMec great stuff

 

[sberry]

Magnet and mirror.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Measuring cups, spoons, funnels and a variety of cups/containers.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have very limited storage space, but I keep filling it with this type of items.

I do not have space for a full selection of "nuts and bolts", but about 10-15 years ago I got a good deal on some so I bought 100 of each size (USS and SAE) nut, washer and lock washer from 1/4"-1/2". Great investment.

I also have a good assortment of "number" fasteners (#6, #8, #10), various lengths and head styles (I like truss head, but they are hard to find/expensive. I also like hex/slotted washer head screws. Sheet metal screws work better than wood screws in many applications.)

The other thing I have found useful is various ID hoses. Mostly neoprene, but vinyl works in most cases. (FYI - if you work on small engines, 1/4" neoprene fuel hose you buy at an auto parts store actually has a large OD, 5/8" vs 1/2" (?) ! Your spring clamps will not work and you may have problems feeding it through tight areas.)


My son has finally learned to check Dad's Garage before running to the hardware store.

 

[M6erfan]

Measuring cups, spoons, funnels and a variety of cups/containers.

Yeah, I use my measuring cups a lot. I have them from .5L to 4L

 

[bonneyman]

A good first aid kit in the garage is one thing I always make sure I have. Never know when you will slice yourself open and having it there ready can be very handy

And in the work truck and the personal car and.....

I keep a maxipad in my first aid kits. After working with a guy who cut himself almost every day (literally) I started carrying those in case he gashed himself badly. Which he did on occasion.

 

[bonneyman]

Example 2: How do you get your old brake fluid out of the brake fluid reservoir of your motorcycle without a syrenge?...


Options (some slower than others).
Through the bleader.
Disconnect brake line (either end).
Squeeze bulb (like a turkey baster).
Straw or hose.
Some type of vacuum
Loosen clamp and rotate the cylinder around the handlebars to pour out the fluid. (Or unbold the reservoir and pour it out.
Sponge/towel/rag. Soak, wring, repeat.

The one thing I haven't used is a syringe.
I guess it depends on why you want to take the fluid out and how much you want to remove.

How about a turkey baster? Getting the last bit of water out of the toilet tank so you can swap out the fill valve is alot faster and easier than rags. Should work for petroleum fluids as well.

https://www.target.com/p/oxo-turkey-baster-with-cleaning-brush/-/A-13567775

 

[bonneyman]

Measuring cups, spoons, funnels and a variety of cups/containers.

Gotta get a Form-a-Funnel!

https://formafunnel.com

My dad used to use a sheet of lead to channel fluids from inaccessible drains out to where he could catch it in a pan or jar. Could be bent, twisted, shoved against hot engine parts without melting, re-useable. (Though thinking back probably not the safest material to use!)Someone took that idea, coated it with neoprene rubber, and now markets it.

 

[mbshop]

If I use or need something once, I stock up. Doesn't mean I buy thousands, just enough to get by thus not causing me delays or need for that special run to the store. If mail ordered then for sure stock up.

 

[bonneyman]

If I use or need something once, I stock up. Doesn't mean I buy thousands, just enough to get by thus not causing me delays or need for that special run to the store. If mail ordered then for sure stock up.

As they say, "If you find something that fits, buy two!"