Odd ball or 'gimmick' tools that ACTUALLY ever worked for you

[gtermini]

These Stanley crescent wrenches combined with vise grips work damn well. Seems stupid, but it hangs on and doesn't round bolts off. And they're on like $15.

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-85-610-10-Inch-MaxGrip-Adjustable/dp/B00009OYGZ

Greyson

 

[71Datsun510Wagon]

This became a favorite real quick and i bought it just because it was interesting and looked semi quality like more than the average harbor freight tools. Turned to be an awesome tool.

I have the Princess Auto version of this. The same manufacturer I would imagine. It has been great for some low clearance jobs, very handy!

Cheers,

Rob

 

[papabil]

When metrinch first came out 20 or so years ago, I was given a "behind the truck seat" set of sockets and wrenches in a plastic case.

Never touched them until trying to remove rusted exhaust manifold bolts out of a small black chevy. Neither the SAE or metric 6 point snappy sockets would work. One was too loose and the other wouldn't really fit on the hex (not enough room to hammer it). Being desperate, why not try it? Damn thing worked. Fit the hex snug and took the bolts out without stripping them.

Have I used the set since? Once, on the side of the road changing a fuel pump.

bob

I have the same set. got me out of trouble more than once. bill

 

[BirdMobile]

This became a favorite real quick and i bought it just because it was interesting and looked semi quality like more than the average harbor freight tools. Turned to be an awesome tool.

I bought one of those, nearly choked at the price of it, even with a 20% off coupon. However, it is GREAT for automotive work pulling fans on Subarus... a true dream tool! Nice low profile head and plenty of reach. It's a winner.

 

[Shadowdog500]

This $20 tool from HF is one of those tools that I only reach for when I'm in a bind, but it has saved the day a few times.

Chris

 

[lbperry]

OK, I'm going to be the ******* that doesn't know what the ClampRight tool does and how it works. Even after looking at the link that someone posted I couldn't figure out what it does and how it works.
Can someone enlighten me?
Thanks

 

[Gmonkee]

I have 5 lbs of gimmick miracle 234-in-1 tools and only the stamped steel bike wrenches with odd shapes and 12 sizes seem to really work decent. The more ambitious attempts are all pretty useless at every task and bolt size.

That said I have the B+D electric 10" adjustable. I'll give a 50% good rating because where there is no grit that thing is great. Get some sand and oil mess and its ****. It locks up easily.
Its in the bike repair kit where it shines the brightest, I really like that thing.

 

[Regnar]

OK, I'm going to be the ******* that doesn't know what the ClampRight tool does and how it works. Even after looking at the link that someone posted I couldn't figure out what it does and how it works.
Can someone enlighten me?
Thanks

 

[wild cowboy]

If anyone has a spare set of those extreme grip Craftsmans...I'd be interested.

Thanks.

No, but I just posted a set of the Snap-On version on ebay
www.ebay.com/itm/131312690044

if you want them I will knock an extra $10 for GJ members and list them here on the classifieds

 

[Tronyadorable]

looks silly right?
Works wonders on broken off studs.
I bought it on a lark working on a suburban that broke several exhaust manifold bolts. Made me a believer. Must've used it 100 times since, it's never done me wrong.

Great. Who makes the thing

 

[dlcwent]

I guess I'll sent greasemonkey a PM. I too need one of these things.

 

[Lhead]

I always wondered about the sidewinder ratchets?? Anybody?

Got a Sidewinder in 1/4 inch many years ago and just recently used it to spin in the alternator to block bolts on a 2003? Grand Am. Worked like a charm with a deep socket. But...that's the only time I remember using it for anything.

 

[todd_fuller]

looks silly right?
Works wonders on broken off studs.
I bought it on a lark working on a suburban that broke several exhaust manifold bolts. Made me a believer. Must've used it 100 times since, it's never done me wrong.

For those asking, this is a Mayhew stud extractor.

I've been eying this on Amazon and the camel says it's ~50% off the typical price. Ususally ~$45.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XSCDEA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bcradio]

The Wonder Winder looks like it would be a gimmick, but it actually works pretty well.

Is this portable or is it permanently mounted to the wall?

If it is permanently mounted to the wall then that would be totally useless to me as my extension cords go where I need them, otherwise it would be cool to be able to take that with you.

 

[ecotec]

It is mounted to the wall at my in-laws.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

No, but I just posted a set of the Snap-On version on ebay
www.ebay.com/itm/131312690044

if you want them I will knock an extra $10 for GJ members and list them here on the classifieds

The Snappy's were ratcheting wrenches, like the MAC snake bites.... The Craftsman extremes were for grip only... no ratcheting action. Those SO wrenches you have listed look nice.... collector item, not sure they make them anymore. Good luck

 

[Nananooknak]

I think I used a 12" wrench for quick struts.that was it. It doubled as a hammer too! It'll do the same for my grand am considering they are oval headed bolts... really?

 

[G_P]

Another one that I got years ago that is actually very handy is the Stanley Hex-A-Matic. It's pretty effective on some rounded off bolts or nuts.

GJ thread on it from 2010:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59990

I have a box of silly-goofy-gimmicky tools that are seemingly useless, but occasionally do come in handy.

~Chris

I just picked up one of the Hex-A-Matic drivers a few weeks ago at a yard sale. It seems to be well made and not your average POS. I guess time will tell!