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

[Toyota mechanic]

Was working, doing head gaskets on a 1997 Subaru 2.5 DOHC motor, here at my house. It had a 17mm flare fitting on the EGR tube. My flare wrenches and open ends failed on all accounts. Just made the rusty thing worse, and I needed the intake manifold off to get to the rest of the job.

I was getting ready for the torch and vise grip routine, but.......... tried out a wrench, until this date, never did anything but take up space in a lonely drawer. My 17/19 mm Craftsman extreme wrench. I had to double nut one or the EGR studs, and remove it, to get a good purchase and swing on the nut, but............. It took the rounded thing off no problem. I was amazed, I finally found a use for the damn things.

Goes to show, no tool goes to complete waste! I also used my Harbor Freight 24 inch long adjustable wrench to hold the large 'nut' on the cam sprockets, so as I could loosen the cam bolt and remove all 4 sprockets.

I was happy to find, some cheap impulse buys from many years ago, paid their way today on a side job.

Just sharing...

 

[Ruger_556]

Gator socket for the wing nuts Kenworth uses on their battery boxes. Complete pain the *** without one. Even brand new from the factory the stupid things are too stiff to spin out by hand.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

Gator socket for the wing nuts Kenworth uses on their battery boxes. Complete pain the *** without one. Even brand new from the factory the stupid things are too stiff to spin out by hand.

I don't have one of those. I will remember that! Might work on radiator drains too then... beats pliers.

I realized today, a modern mechanic needs so many tools! I used to think I had too many, lol...........

 

[rshadd]

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

 

[monomach]

Gator socket for the wing nuts Kenworth uses on their battery boxes. Complete pain the *** without one. Even brand new from the factory the stupid things are too stiff to spin out by hand.

I use that thing for eye screws. Works for those.

Unfortunately, does not work at all on normal nuts and bolts.

 

[dragonballz]

Mighty putty works good. Is there a generic version?

 

[retDAC]

... I was getting ready for the torch and vise grip routine, but.......... tried out a wrench, until this date, never did anything but take up space in a lonely drawer. My 17/19 mm Craftsman extreme wrench. ...

What exactly is that? Ran some searches but nothing found.

 

[MRunabout]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21375

 

[orca8589]

Another vote for the Gatorsocket. I've never used it on a nut or bolt, but it's great for wingnuts, eyehooks, etc. Makes spinning the hooks in for hanging the Christmas light a breeze.

retDAC: I think it's this thing. https://lefthanderchassis.com/v2a/14_viewproduct_product.asp?idproduct=23642512

~Chris

 

[retDAC]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21375

Thanks. So it's Extreme Grip Wrench(es) and they were clearanced years ago.

 

[retDAC]

Another vote for the Gatorsocket. I've never used it on a nut or bolt, but it's great for wingnuts, eyehooks, etc. Makes spinning the hooks in for hanging the Christmas light a breeze.

retDAC: I think it's this thing. https://lefthanderchassis.com/v2a/14_viewproduct_product.asp?idproduct=23642512

~Chris

Thanks Chris. My googling did not turn that up. Odd thing is I see several posts from years ago where guys found these to be useful as the OP did.

 

[aaronrkelly]

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

Yep I love mine.....works great UNLESS

the cord is wet

or its cold out and the cord gets stiff

......but its still super handy.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I use that thing for eye screws. Works for those.

Unfortunately, does not work at all on normal nuts and bolts.

It'll work going on. Low torque coming off would be okay depends on definition of low torque.

I don't remember buying it but I have one in my car. I don't remember what I've used it for but I do remember using it and didn't throw it out after the fact.

 

[Regnar]

Yep I love mine.....works great UNLESS

the cord is wet

or its cold out and the cord gets stiff

......but its still super handy.

How about with a 12 or 14/3 cord. I have almost pulled the trigger a few times but seems to gimmicky.


So for my gimmicky purchase I bought a Clamptite Tool at a state fair. I dont know why I bought it at the time, but when I used it to make clamps for my Dust Collection setup I saved a **** ton by not having to buy 6" hose clamps. After learning on the first 3 it was easy and usefull. BTW I hate hose clamps.
http://www.clamptitetools.net/Plated-Steel-Components-Aluminum-Body-Tool-Wing-Nut

 

[David Jackson]

I bought one of those little lights which are on an elastic band to put around your head. I laughed when I impulse bought it; thought it was just a silly toy and actually have found it quite useful to see and work in dark places; leaves both hands free and allows a focused light on what you want to see.

 

[Tronyadorable]

About 20 years ago there was a "grill" on TV that consisted of 2 tapered boxes, one inside the other. You wadded up newspaper and put it in box one and sat that inside box 2, light it up and put the grate on top. It would do 4 burgers, 2 min in each side with about 12 pieces of newspaper. I imagine the burning newsprint started poisoning people because it vanished shortly after it appeared
At the time between Marlboros, cuban cigars and other tobacco-like unmentionables I didn't much give a damn.

 

[Mk3Mike]

No matter what anyone else says, Robogrips have come in quite handy more than once lol.

Another one that I picked up but never used yet is the "Squeeze Wrench". I got it for resale but if the need ever arises I'll definitely give it a shot!

 

[creativecars]

I always wondered about the sidewinder ratchets?? Anybody?

 

[NewEdgePerf]

Strap wrench came in handy to hold a water pump pulley while I removed the bolts during a "salvage yard run". Belts had been removed previously from this engine.

Also, RoboGrips have come in handy from time to time...they are no Knipex Cobras, but they work.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Back up balls, yep I bought a set, although I don't use them all the time.

Due to the fact that I store my car trailer at an angle in my driveway, it does make it difficult to hook up at times in low light or by myself. When I bought my '08 F150, I found that the bedsides were much taller than my old truck, compounding the problem of "where" the trailer was.

I didn't want to dent my new bumper, so when I saw a set at HF for about $5, I decided to try them.

 

[ecotec]

My father-in-law has every pretty much every one of these. Even a second "Wonder Winder" stashed in his basement for when the one in his garage fails.

I have been sneaking all the gimmick tools that I have gotten in my life into his tool box. I added a couple pairs of "Robogrips" to his tool box and a few other gimmick tools.

I do not have the "Gator Grip" socket. But I know a few people that love them.

My brother-in-law actually bought me the "Bionic Wrench". When I returned it, I did not even take the store credit. I just had them credit his charge card. He probably thinks that I am an ungrateful *******. I probably am one.

 

[Cab037]

I always wondered about the sidewinder ratchets?? Anybody?

Useful for removing and replacing the bearing cap on connecting rods in small briggs and stratton engines. Never seen it used anywhere else.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I'll add Gorilla Tape to this list ! Not too gimmicky really, but it works super. Much more sticky than duct tape and it will stay stuck in place for years, unlike duct tape, which for one thing should never ever be used for any ductwork as it will become brittle and fall right off over time. I no longer purchase duct tape ever. I buy more and more gorilla tape though. Super product. Also love the Gorilla Glues, all made in usa stuff too, and you can even buy from Harbor Freight if you want ! Gasp! USA made at HF! - Paul

 

[wornoutoldman]

So for my gimmicky purchase I bought a Clamptite Tool at a state fair. I dont know why I bought it at the time, but when I used it to make clamps for my Dust Collection setup I saved a **** ton by not having to buy 6" hose clamps. After learning on the first 3 it was easy and usefull. BTW I hate hose clamps.
http://www.clamptitetools.net/Plated-Steel-Components-Aluminum-Body-Tool-Wing-Nut

I too give this tool two thumbs up. I use it everywhere and keep one in car too. Get a roll of safety wire from HF and you'll never have to buy or re-use a hoseclamp.

 

[rusty65]

Mine is a adjusta box wench which is basically a adjustable wrench but made with a box end.


Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

 

[shanny19]

I find the Gator Grip socket way too useful to be a "gimmick". Unfortunately, it was marketed in the gimmicky AS SEEN ON TV style we love to hate so much, and some folks can't get past that.

 

[Zeke]

The paint in the handle roller works pretty well. They have one fed by a remote pump that will wear your *** out. Only for fairly big jobs as clean up is a *****.

 

[Jim C.]

I always wondered about the sidewinder ratchets?? Anybody?

I've had one for years and have never used it once. I'll probably never use it. It was an impulse buy that seemed like a handy tool to have at the time. (What was I thinking?) It seems to work fine, but its head is big and clunky and I've never had a need for it. For me, it was a waste of money.

Jim C.

 

[orca8589]

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

 

[stonesfan68]

I'll add Gorilla Tape to this list ! Not too gimmicky really, but it works super.

I used Gorilla Tape to seal the oil fill cap that I broke on my BMW. The check engine light turned off right after I applied the tape. It held for a couple of months until I remembered to get a new part.

 

[abvw]

Grip Tite sockets. It'll grip as long as there is a bit of flat left of the rounded fasteners. Works much better than the spiral flute style Hansens which only works one way.

 

[bob15]

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

 

[slyonedoofy]

Back up balls, yep I bought a set, although I don't use them all the time.

HEHEHEHEHE.......... I could say it but I'll leave it alone.

 

[Farmall450]

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

Thanks.

 

[greasemonkey44]

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.

 

[aspireguy95]

Ive been trying to find a full set of the craftsman extreme grips for awhile with not much luck

 

[CJM8515]

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.

What's it called?

 

[treblarefils]

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. Pretty much if you work on cars and dont own this you ARE missing out and your life could be a lot easier lol. Some one needs to make a top quality version of this.

 

[erty67]

I always wondered about the sidewinder ratchets?? Anybody?

have had one 8-10 years now. never seen a socket.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

What exactly is that? Ran some searches but nothing found.

It means fire up the acetylene torch, rosie the thing up red hot; then attach the largest vise grips, hard as you can, and hope the damn thing breaks loose! Otherwise last resort would be to cut the tube, and make, or get a new one.....