So I'm making this thread to give reviews on some of the common and uncommon tools that I have bought over the years and had good luck with them, some good finds that might help others, feel free to post up some of your own
to start:
SK spline drive ratcheting xxl boxed wrenches, 1 set flex heads 1 set 0 offset non flex
Pros: super long, flex heads are good at working in confined spaces and the spline drive doesn't strip bolts. great for like bellhousing bolts, etc
Cons: the flex head set are 2x taller than the non flex version, makes it harder to get to.
super short impact adapter
Pros: magnetic, only adds about 1/4"
flex hex keys
Pro: nice for confined spaces
nylon wire wheel
Pros: great for cleaning gasket material and doesnt damage surface like steel wire wheels, great for aluminum heads, oil pans, etc
1/4 bit driver ratchets
pros: also great for confined spaces like tight engine bays
craftsman/matco pinless swivels
Pros: extra few degrees more bend than the pin type, seems smoother and suppose to be stronger
Cons: craftsman set is missing some few sizes vs the matco one, like the 3/8" set is missing 19mm, and the matco 1/2" set has the bigger sizes (metric didnt check SAE)
impact swivel hex sockets
Pros: fits in hard to reach places
Cons: pin design swivel
long triple square sockets
Pros: great for axle bolts on euro cars where the reach really helps
stubby hex
Pros: sometimes you just need that extra 1/2" clearance
speed tie rod tool
pros: really works!
Cons: no impact use, the inner locking mechanism is plastic, but has held up so far
piston snap ring installer
Pro: doesnt knick up the pistons and variety of sizes available
quickmike
Pros: very accurate, gets the measurement in 1/4 the time, does in/mm
Cons: pricy
rod bolt stretch gauge
Pros: i have found alot of variences in using torque wrench on rod bolts, even using manufacture lube, torquing 3x, on a calibrated wrench. this takes the guess work out of the most important engine bolt
mitutoyo dial indicator
pros: very accurate, fits 3/8" stem mounts to replace other non digital dial indicators, does in/mm, easy to read digital
con: stem spring is very soft
seal remover/installer
Pros: covers alot of seal sizes, works well
cons: cant be used in confined spaces
sp bushing remover set
Pros: big kit., alot of attachments, works with press with included adapter
cons: using the acme bolt will not push out stubborn siezed bushings, still needed to press it out
mg725
Pros: best 1/2" impact period
Cons: a little heavier than my old 2135timax, but then this thing took out a siezed 2jz crankbolt out of a junkyard engine that the ir couldnt touch I was sold. on paper both guns have about the same torque rating, in your hands its wayyyyy different.
makita btw253
Pros: about ~150 ft/lbs, cordless, 3/8" drive,
to start:
SK spline drive ratcheting xxl boxed wrenches, 1 set flex heads 1 set 0 offset non flex
Pros: super long, flex heads are good at working in confined spaces and the spline drive doesn't strip bolts. great for like bellhousing bolts, etc
Cons: the flex head set are 2x taller than the non flex version, makes it harder to get to.
super short impact adapter
Pros: magnetic, only adds about 1/4"
flex hex keys
Pro: nice for confined spaces
nylon wire wheel
Pros: great for cleaning gasket material and doesnt damage surface like steel wire wheels, great for aluminum heads, oil pans, etc
1/4 bit driver ratchets
pros: also great for confined spaces like tight engine bays
craftsman/matco pinless swivels
Pros: extra few degrees more bend than the pin type, seems smoother and suppose to be stronger
Cons: craftsman set is missing some few sizes vs the matco one, like the 3/8" set is missing 19mm, and the matco 1/2" set has the bigger sizes (metric didnt check SAE)
impact swivel hex sockets
Pros: fits in hard to reach places
Cons: pin design swivel
long triple square sockets
Pros: great for axle bolts on euro cars where the reach really helps
stubby hex
Pros: sometimes you just need that extra 1/2" clearance
speed tie rod tool
pros: really works!
Cons: no impact use, the inner locking mechanism is plastic, but has held up so far
piston snap ring installer
Pro: doesnt knick up the pistons and variety of sizes available
quickmike
Pros: very accurate, gets the measurement in 1/4 the time, does in/mm
Cons: pricy
rod bolt stretch gauge
Pros: i have found alot of variences in using torque wrench on rod bolts, even using manufacture lube, torquing 3x, on a calibrated wrench. this takes the guess work out of the most important engine bolt
mitutoyo dial indicator
pros: very accurate, fits 3/8" stem mounts to replace other non digital dial indicators, does in/mm, easy to read digital
con: stem spring is very soft
seal remover/installer
Pros: covers alot of seal sizes, works well
cons: cant be used in confined spaces
sp bushing remover set
Pros: big kit., alot of attachments, works with press with included adapter
cons: using the acme bolt will not push out stubborn siezed bushings, still needed to press it out
mg725
Pros: best 1/2" impact period
Cons: a little heavier than my old 2135timax, but then this thing took out a siezed 2jz crankbolt out of a junkyard engine that the ir couldnt touch I was sold. on paper both guns have about the same torque rating, in your hands its wayyyyy different.
makita btw253
Pros: about ~150 ft/lbs, cordless, 3/8" drive,