Need some input on certain tools. Pro alternative.

[AndrewV]

Ok.
I'm tired of grabbing tools from work, to moonlight at home. So im in need of some things.
But not wanting to drop a paycheck on a few things, so requesting the hf gurus, and alternative choices, as i dont know every brand, and quality.

Coolant pressure tester. I don't want to spend more than i really have to. I dont need to spend $200 on a redline(matco/snappy).
Hows hf coolant pressure tester?

Another ball joint press is needed. Im thinking the Astro Pnuematic one. If you have it, hows the c-frame held up?

A caliper rotating kit. Heard good things on the hf, but want the gj groups thoughts.

A scanner, thinking $200 at most. Seen the craftsman one, but unsure of updateabilty, or any freezing issues.

And lastly, some 2-4 jaw pullies. Im leaning twards the Sunex's.


So, some input guys.

 

[Karl_B]

If you have the time, visit your local pawn shops and places like that. I scored a Matco coolant system pressure tester for about $60, and it was the old one with aluminum adapters. I got my BJP1 for $200 with just a couple of scratches on one adapter.

I had the Harbor Freight ball joint press before that and it spread to the point of being unusable after about three jobs. That Snap-On one is much better made and I don't have to be a juggler to get it in place. If I didn't get that deal, though, I would probably be picking up the OTC version. Astro Pnuematic's press looks good as well.

I don't do a lot of brake jobs, so I went without a tool until my last car that needed the pistons turned to go in. I spent the few dollars on the cube that every parts store carries. It got me through that job, but I'm thinking about picking up the Harbor Freight one if I get to driving out of town before I stumble on a better deal.

I am interested in hearing about recommendations about scan tools. I've got a little hand held I got from Matco, but it can't do ABS or get mode 6 data. It's a bit limited, but it does give me codes, a basic data list, and some graphing.

Western Forge makes the Sears pullers that I saw in the store. Last time I was in I picked up a basic two jaw version for a decent price.

 

[fatboy99]

Check tooltopia.com for deals. Sign up for there e mail flyers they have some good deals monthly.

 

[Angry welder]

Innova 3000 scanner. To be honest with you it's the best around for less than a hundred bucks. Plus the thing give you lifetime updates.

I just did a review video on the coolant tester and the brake wind back set from harbor freight and love them both. The wide back tool is great but get the little square drive thing as an extra piece and the coolant tester needs the stand universal piece to complete the set. The stand alone coolant pressure tester has worked fine for me and has fit everything I have used it in so far.

Background, I use to do professional work in a shop years ago, and I have either sold or traded off most of my better tool kits, like these and now that I'm in school fool time (career change) I am supplementing income by running a shop from home, so I have seen a lot of different models lately and both kits have worked on everything I have needed them for.

 

[Angry welder]

Youtube video on the Harbor Freight coolant pressure tester.

 

[Angry welder]

this is the Innova video that I was working on.

 

[justme-]

All the coolent pressure testers look the same to me with the adaptors supplied being different. I've got an old one that is identical to the Stant. they're all over eBay and CL for short money, then buy the adaptors you need as you need them.

Brake tool from HF is fine - same thing as Astro, precision, and almost every other china made brand. Astro is cheapest to purchase I believe, but they are free to borrow from almost every auto parts chain, so why purchase if you have a nearby store?

scanner - Auto Ingenuety for your laptop. they have specific programming available for most manufacturers and support full CAN and OBD. They are also one of only a handful that fully supports Chrysler and Ford in full line (Power stroke codes and DRB3).

 

[AndrewV]

If you have the time, visit your local pawn shops and places like that. I scored a Matco coolant system pressure tester for about $60, and it was the old one with aluminum adapters. I got my BJP1 for $200 with just a couple of scratches on one adapter.

I had the Harbor Freight ball joint press before that and it spread to the point of being unusable after about three jobs. That Snap-On one is much better made and I don't have to be a juggler to get it in place. If I didn't get that deal, though, I would probably be picking up the OTC version. Astro Pnuematic's press looks good as well.

I don't do a lot of brake jobs, so I went without a tool until my last car that needed the pistons turned to go in. I spent the few dollars on the cube that every parts store carries. It got me through that job, but I'm thinking about picking up the Harbor Freight one if I get to driving out of town before I stumble on a better deal.

I am interested in hearing about recommendations about scan tools. I've got a little hand held I got from Matco, but it can't do ABS or get mode 6 data. It's a bit limited, but it does give me codes, a basic data list, and some graphing.

Western Forge makes the Sears pullers that I saw in the store. Last time I was in I picked up a basic two jaw version for a decent price.

Im doing more brake jobs than at work at this point, but will buy the warranty fo the hf one. Just need some more input really. That cube is a life saver at times though lol.
The pawnshops/fleamarkets don't have anything around here really, so can't really in person bargin hunt. Specialy for a SO/Otc ball joint press.
But ty for input. Ill look into the cman pullers.

Check tooltopia.com for deals. Sign up for there e mail flyers they have some good deals monthly.

I've spent around $3k with them, but looking for input on brands mainly, but ty for input.

this is the Innova video that I was working on.

Ill have to check them out later. Currently changing a gauge cluster in a jeep xj today, to busy rightnow. Ty for the help AngryWelder.

 

[AndrewV]

All the coolent pressure testers look the same to me with the adaptors supplied being different. I've got an old one that is identical to the Stant. they're all over eBay and CL for short money, then buy the adaptors you need as you need them.

Brake tool from HF is fine - same thing as Astro, precision, and almost every other china made brand. Astro is cheapest to purchase I believe, but they are free to borrow from almost every auto parts chain, so why purchase if you have a nearby store?

scanner - Auto Ingenuety for your laptop. they have specific programming available for most manufacturers and support full CAN and OBD. They are also one of only a handful that fully supports Chrysler and Ford in full line (Power stroke codes and DRB3).

Yeah, most of the pressure testers look alike, but needing one for once, twice a weeks worth, so looking for one that will hold up for a while, ya know.
You know if there is any quality diff in the astro brake wind back kit by chance, or just a rebrand? I like some of astro's tools, but may have to bight the bullet. On this one.
Most of my friends/family/friends of friends(customers) bring there own parts, so running up to the advance/orylies/autozone is a bigger pia, than just having a second one for at the house.
I'll have to check out that scanner program. Im used to my SO at work. So the laptop would be a more versitile idea. With web, and music in the same area.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Why do you think you "need" these tools at home ? With a little planning you can rent all of them from any major auto parts store for FREE !! I'll bet I have "rented" the disc brake service kit 4-6 time and the front end kit 1-2 time.

Maybe a code reader, because it is hard to plan ahead when you might need one. Several threads around here on that topic.

 

[Karl_B]

I'm sorry, I wasn't clear. I wouldn't buy a used OTC press since they had been selling junk for quite a few years. The ones they sell now are supposed to made with good iron again, so check Tooltopia and places like that for the best prices. Or check Astro Pnuematic suppliers for theirs.

If you are going with either of those above, I have a friend that swears by the adapter set that Harbor freight sells. I think it's a 41, or something like that, piece set with all kinds of adapters. I'll post a link if you have trouble finding it. He uses that for his ball joint press and for the shop press.

 

[roketa36]

Got the pro hf scanner without the abs and downloaded the autotel update. The scanner works great

 

[AndrewV]

Why do you think you "need" these tools at home ? With a little planning you can rent all of them from any major auto parts store for FREE !! I'll bet I have "rented" the disc brake service kit 4-6 time and the front end kit 1-2 time.

Maybe a code reader, because it is hard to plan ahead when you might need one. Several threads around here on that topic.

Think you skipped passed my resonse on it earlier oldwizard. But a pia to head up there, uneeded. Plus a back up can't hurt for work, if my SO goes down.

Got the pro hf scanner without the abs and downloaded the autotel update. The scanner works great

I looked at theres, but want the availability of abs. Any thoughts on the MaxiDAS they carry now?
Even though its a grand.

I'm sorry, I wasn't clear. I wouldn't buy a used OTC press since they had been selling junk for quite a few years. The ones they sell now are supposed to made with good iron again, so check Tooltopia and places like that for the best prices. Or check Astro Pnuematic suppliers for theirs.

If you are going with either of those above, I have a friend that swears by the adapter set that Harbor freight sells. I think it's a 41, or something like that, piece set with all kinds of adapters. I'll post a link if you have trouble finding it. He uses that for his ball joint press and for the shop press.

I haven't liked otc for a while, but yeah, seen a few pics on here of split and bent frames. Have they beefed up the threads to? Have you heard of this brand by chance anyone neiko?
I will most likely get it, i got a buddy at another shop, that uses it daily. Wish i would have got it years ago at work.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Think you skipped passed my resonse on it earlier oldwizard.

Sorry!

For the rear caliper winder, I think I would go with a cheap, generic Chinese from eBay (around $25) or the HF. Both have to be better that thos stupid cubes (tried on once; threw it in the trash). I have seen folks on YouTube do it with needle nose pliers. What a pain !

Have you heard of this brand by chance anyone neiko?

Neiko is a Chinese company out of Singapore and have been in the tool business for some time. They also make drill bit and taps and dies. They are better than the generic Chinese no-name tool companies.

Any thoughts on the MaxiDAS they carry now?

PRICEY !

Several folks around here have bought the INNOVA 3160.