game changer

[rmsg0040]

Don't know if there is a similar thread.

What tools have changed the game for you?

For me:

ratcheting wrenches -

my regular combo's rarely gets used now

electric impact wrenches -

used for lug nuts, axle nuts, ball joint presses, etc. Breaker bars have taken a back seat

Cordless ratchet -

some of ratchets have been untouched in a few months

Led headlamps -

I didn't know what I was missing until I got one of these, light where you need it and hands free

These are a few that has really changed the game for me. I probably wouldn't go back after using these.

How about you?

 

[1950mercury]

Dead blow ball pein hammers

Locking extensions

Impact swivels

Acr phillip bits

Semi deep sockets

 

[parnass]

LED flashlights, Donegan Optical OptiVisor, a stereoscopic microscope, and magnifying glasses have been a big help as my eyesight slipped deeper into the "senior citizen" zone.

 

[crewchief888]

impact swivels

they are my "go to" sockets in 3/8" dr

i've been using them for so long, i'd be lost without them now

 

[NUTTSGT]

Impact driver.

 

[StanGetz]

Impact driver 100%

I use it everywhere.

 

[kawtoy]

I work on old motorcycles so I use the impact driver just about every day. Power washer is probably my "can't live without it" tool.

 

[Brownsfan]

For me doing electrical only it has to be the power probe and the load pro test leads for my meter. Has shaved a ton of time off of trouble shooting

 

[Jack Olsen]

Agreed. Impact driver, especially for driving screws into wood.

A good LED Headlamp for just about everything, but especially automotive work.

 

[Farmall450]

Impact driver.

Agreed

 

[GYPSY400]

I use this every day.. handy as f#ck.. and all the guys at work are impressed and want one too.
http://www.ullman-devices.com/Rotating_Spot_light/Rotating_spot_light.html

My other favorite is the 3/8" Dewalt 12v Li-ion impact wrench.. so much so I bought the hex impact driver and 3/8 drill to match.. super light units, 2lbs with the battery in.

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[quattroJoe]

Ratcheting wrenches have been the biggest "game changer" for me too.

Next would be the recent crop of 12v tools, first time a lot of them have been small, light, and powerful enough to be a "go to." I find myself using them often where I'd previously go for a hand tool, places where full size cordless tools are too cumbersome.

Honorable mention to pass-through sockets. They don't get a lot of use, but when I do reach for them they are excellent. Often replaces what would normally be a hodge podge of tools not quite suited to the task, along with a lot of cursing and busted knuckles.

 

[Aberdale]

Getting a good lathe and a mill. I work on a lot of old iron, and parts are becoming more difficult to find and the price is getting unreal. Being able to either make my own parts, or saving the old ones has been a real game changer for me.

'dale

 

[ndoran]

my aircat impact gun - so much better than my previous ones.

long stroke air hammer

impact swivels

 

[Wayfastwhitie440]

20 ton pneumatic shop press
3/8 mac tools mid length wobble sockets
Snap on 3/8 impact gun
Non Ferrous carbide bits

 

[woody 73]

Are we aloud to say ******...being this is also looked at by pre-pubescent children just starting to turn a wrench.

 

[slip knot]

Impact driver. Cordless sawzall. Two of my most used tools nowdays. That and a BFH.

 

[Huron06]

Dead blow ball pein hammers

Just out of curiousity, what/how do you use your ball peen's for that make them such a game changer as opposed to a dead blow or a regular hammer?

 

[raboyto2]

Smartphones.

Being able to take a picture of something

-text it to a friend
-put it up on an automotive/hobby facebook group
-a forum

to ask a question and get replies from all over the world...for free? I think thats a game changer. Also taking pictures of parts for when your looking for something specific at a store. Using the internet to find certain specs. Using the LED or screen as a light in a pinch. Using it as a notepad for part numbers. I think certain tools evolve and get better with time (like cordless tools), but smartphones came so quick and to me at least, changed everything.

 

[Supe]

Don't know if there is a similar thread.

What tools have changed the game for you?

For me:

ratcheting wrenches -

my regular combo's rarely gets

What's the wear and tear like on those ratcheting wrenches after repeatedly using them to break tension on fasteners?

 

[rice rocket]

That's not what they're for.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Smartphones.

Being able to take a picture of something

-text it to a friend
-put it up on an automotive/hobby facebook group
-a forum

to ask a question and get replies from all over the world...for free? I think thats a game changer. Also taking pictures of parts for when your looking for something specific at a store. Using the internet to find certain specs. Using the LED or screen as a light in a pinch. Using it as a notepad for part numbers. I think certain tools evolve and get better with time (like cordless tools), but smartphones came so quick and to me at least, changed everything.

How do you use that without washing your hands (a lot)?

For me:
Heat gun? Didn't use one for a long time, didn't think I needed one. I was wrong.

I'm a meat & potatoes kind of guy. I'll buy varied stuff including gimmicky type stuff but not really a necessity and don't really use it. I like composite ratchets but not a game changer.

 

[amlv20]

Cordless ratchet both snap on & milwakee.

Stream light led stinger

Snap on pwsc7 stripper/crimpers

Scanner danner, diesel tech Ron, and senior master tech YouTube channels.

 

[RivennHewn]

Milwaukee metal cutting saw

Milwaukee mini porta band saw

Fein multi master

 

[mrborohachi]

LED headlight- Streamlight Trident:
Runs up to 150 hours on 3 AAA batteries (included)
http://www.basspro.com/Streamlight-Trident-LED-Headlamp/product/50072/

next model up the ARGO
On high the Argo can run for up to 6.5 hours and nearly 30 hours on the low setting
http://www.basspro.com/Streamlight-Argo-HP-LED-Headlamp/product/73729/

when I purchased my light it was at $40 range and the Argo was at $70's. I made my purchase with regards to run time stats. The HIGH setting is really similar to old NI-Cad flashlight Streamlights. I pick up a pack of alkaline batteries from Big Lots once a month and i'm good

I really have no reason to own a cordless "mechanic's light" now. If I need light I put on the headlamp and i'm "look Ma no hands!!"

 

[rmsg0040]

What's the wear and tear like on those ratcheting wrenches after repeatedly using them to break tension on fasteners?

Not bad, smaller fasteners I could use the ratcheting wrench end,

say suspension bolts, I could use my matco's which are extra long flex, break loose on one end and ratchet on the other

 

[rmsg0040]

LED headlight- Streamlight Trident:
Runs up to 150 hours on 3 AAA batteries (included)
http://www.basspro.com/Streamlight-Trident-LED-Headlamp/product/50072/

next model up the ARGO
On high the Argo can run for up to 6.5 hours and nearly 30 hours on the low setting
http://www.basspro.com/Streamlight-Argo-HP-LED-Headlamp/product/73729/

when I purchased my light it was at $40 range and the Argo was at $70's. I made my purchase with regards to run time stats. The HIGH setting is really similar to old NI-Cad flashlight Streamlights. I pick up a pack of alkaline batteries from Big Lots once a month and i'm good

I really have no reason to own a cordless "mechanic's light" now. If I need light I put on the headlamp and i'm "look Ma no hands!!"

Got myself a streamlight haz-lo yesterday,

I agree 100% with the last statement

 

[Monte]

ratcheting wrenches -

+1

 

[richfinn]

Streamlight knucklehead work light

"Load pro" test leads

DC current probe for DVOM/scope

Nitrile gloves

eBay

You tube

 

[-Brent-]

I'll echo ratcheting wrenches, impact driver, and the Internet.

As well, for me, my Milwaukee Portaband replaced the noisy chop saw, the bone-rattling sawzall, and the spark monster 4.5" grinder. I still use them all but the portable band saw comes out first. I love the clean cuts and how quiet it is.

 

[Packard V8]

Everything going battery, metric and digital has been a game changer.

Working techs have to have what they have to have, but the used market is not driven by their working sets. This new digital/battery bling means on the used market, there's less demand for the AC-powered, inch or analog tools.

Today I can own everything I want of Starrett inch metrology, Snap-on inch-dimensioned wrenches and sockets, AC-powered Ingersoll-Rand, Milwaukee, Hilti, Craftsman drills, saws, impacts and screwguns for short money.

jack vines

 

[Deadhead]

Game Changer tools
Top 5

1. IR W7150 20v cordless impact. I have not used an air gun in 7 - 8 months. Use it on tractor and combine lug nuts all day long.

2. Milwaukee M12 Cordless Ratchet. This probably is tied with the IR gun. Use it every day, numerous times a day. Could not live without it now.

3.. Ratchet wrenchs. It took me a long time to jump into them but now they are a main staple in my box. I will admit that I recently bought the 5 piece set from Harbor Freight that has the flex head end on them. Got both metric and standard that day thinking I was probably wasting my money. I really really like them and found myself reaching for them more and more. Then I considered buying a more expensive name brand set but I am going to wait and see just how much use I can get out of these sets from Taiwan.

4. My Road Box that I built. Along with the 2 Geneva boxes I added on the sides. It holds just about everything I need to make a service call and complete a job without having to make a 2nd trip to get tools that I need.

5. The Internet / Garage Journal Between GJ or your favorite search engine, you can find the answer to your problem. I have learned a lot of things on this very site. So much so that truthfully is should be higher on the list.

Honorable Mentions:

- Magnetic muffin pan that I made and magnetic parts trays in particular.
- Pomona multimeter test lead set. Very expensive but well worth the money.
- Harbor Freight Safety Glasses with the 2 LED lights made into them. Great for using under a vehicle, tractor, big truck, etc. Have used them when looking under the hood of my truck late at night and not have to fuss with trying to hold a flashlight.
- Lisle Tap Socket set
- Cell phone / Digital Camera
- Multi colored zip ties / tie straps Labeling hydraulic connections, injector lines is so much more organized this way.

 

[gtermini]

My Top 3:
FD+ Ratchet Wrenches
Snappy 3/8" cordless impact
Impact wobble sockets

These 3 things have cut my wrenching time in half it seems.

What's the wear and tear like on those ratcheting wrenches after repeatedly using them to break tension on fasteners?

That's not what they're for.

I bought the god awful expensive Flank Drive Plus ones off the truck in both SAE and Metric. I have twisted off bolts, broken frozen ones loose, and generally abused the ratcheting end and the only thing I have found that makes me have to warranty them is using the ratchet end to back up a bolt I'm running with my 2135 air gun. The little ratchet lever blows off into oblivion. Whatever. Swap it on the tool truck, end of story.

Greyson

 

[Tarheelgarage]

King Tony M7 compact 1/2 drive impact: gets into tight areas and has a lot of balls for the size.

IR Hammerhead: Great for removing fasteners with extreme space limitations...

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Lithium Ion Anything
High Tooth Count Ratcheting Wrenches
Nitrile Gloves
Impact Swivels
Ari Hetra Lifts

 

[ATC]

Cordless 3/8" impact. My hand ratchets are collecting dust.

Cordless 1/4" driver.

Ratcheting wrenches.

LED Pen light.

 

[Danglerb]

How do you use that without washing your hands (a lot)?

Something I learned from my mother when I was a kid and she was making chocolate candies, keep one hand clean. Can't always do it, but a lot of the time you can keep one hand at least quickly cleanable with a rag.

Put the cell phone in a sandwich bag. Seal it if you are a total mess, otherwise take picts thru the open end.

Wait and take a batch of picts later, or use a helper.

****************

Game changers for me.

1) Internet support forums. I started working on my Mustang due to http://forums.corral.net/forums/5-0-5-8-engine-tech/ and couldn't own my Porsche 928's without http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/928-forum-69/ and this tool hoarder enabling forum right here.

2) Digital camera's of all kinds. Makes it possible for the unskilled to talk to the skilled.

3) Impact tools, all kinds, love them.

4) Harbor Freight, Sears, GearWrench, Ebay, making it possible for me to buy tools I otherwise couldn't or wouldn't buy.

5) Old age, not all the game changers are good ones.

 

[Zurawskt]

Game changers:

Any thing cordless
Impact driver, 1/2" cordless impacts!
Internet
Ratchet wrenches..... Especially the long EZ Red flex head double box wrenches
Impact swivels.... Really digging the Snap-on impact extension swivel set I bought!
L.E.D. Lights in general
Blue tooth
Mobile phone cameras/smart phones

 

[doan]

Lots of good stuff here. Of my faves, these were mentioned a lot

- Internet
- Cordless impact
- Ratchet wrench

Not mentioned yet. I've been restoring an old car, could not live without these.

- Angle die grinders - wire cup on one, roloc on the other

 

[Unmarked Bill]

Along with what everyone else has said, I'm going to throw in MidKnight black latex gloves as a major advancement over the old ways.