OTC, Lisle, or KD for specialty tools

[scott37300]

I"m going to start buying some specialty tools like line disconnects, seal pullers, fan clutch wrenches, and some others. I usually buy these as needed but thought I would slowly start buying some of them so that when the time comes I need them I will have them instead of having to run around and find one or order one online.

What are the good and bad about each of these brands? Do any of them have a warranty? Looks like the tool trucks use some of them, anyone know which brand the tool trucks use?

Just trying to figure out which is the best tool to get.

Thanks

 

[Tim Cowan]

KD and Lisle tools are more popular than OTC and are easier to find at the parts stores on the revolving tree stand. I have some of them all and all are good for the jobs they perform. You will have to keep a special drawer or drawers for these special use tools.

 

[mrholeshot]

All three have their merits. I like OTC for larger stuff like pullers, slide hammers, Large bearing retainer sockets and such. I like lisle for some of their smaller stuff and some of the KD stuff is pretty good.

 

[scott37300]

Does one have a better warranty than the others?

 

[wafrederick]

I don't use the special wrenches for the fan clutches,use an air hammer instead which is faster than using the clumsy wrenches.Two hits on the trigger and the fan is off.Lisle has the better harmonic balancer puller for the the Chrysler products on the 3.3,3.5,2.7,3.2,2.0 and 2.4 engines including the 360s and the 8.0 V10.Have the OTC puller for this application,does not fit on some of the harmonic balancers.

 

[billymade]

Lisle has a lifetime warranty on their tools; I've sent them in but you are supposed to be able to do it through the store you purchase them from... depends on your store.

 

[Mustangmike]

Lisle and K-D for speciallty tools like fuel line disconnects, bleeders...Definetly OTC for pullers and presses..

 

[KNS Autosport]

Just picked up a KD serpinetine belt tool today.... works amazing

 

[scott37300]

I don't use the special wrenches for the fan clutches,use an air hammer instead which is faster than using the clumsy wrenches.Two hits on the trigger and the fan is off.Lisle has the better harmonic balancer puller for the the Chrysler products on the 3.3,3.5,2.7,3.2,2.0 and 2.4 engines including the 360s and the 8.0 V10.Have the OTC puller for this application,does not fit on some of the harmonic balancers.

Well for the couple of times I will use it I don't think I can justify the 120+ for the pneumatic ones. I think one of the kits at 1/3 the price is what I will end up with.

I want to start buying some of the specialty tools that I don't use that much, the ones that I either rent or buy as needed right now. There have been a few nights that I needed a certain tool and it was after the stores had closed, which is when I get most of my work done. So I want to buy a tool here and there that I can see myself using down the road.

Seems like OTC, lisle, and KD are pretty close to the same quality and each has some tools better than others?

 

[Skyline]

One great diagnostic tool by OTC is their Master Fuel Injection adapter and gauge kit. Works in conjunction with their canister Fuel Injection Cleaner kit. Much more comprehensive than Snap-on's kit, and much less expensive. Better design too.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

kent moore for GM
miller for Chrysler
rotunda for Ford
all spx owned ...or DANAHER !!

 

[chadster1]

I sell all three brands on my truck.

 

[mrshaun]

same here..... they sell well and most hold up to regular use well also.

 

[scott37300]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I ordered an OTC CV joint puller for a slide hammer(not sure how well they work but I had a pain getting one out the other day and think this would have worked pretty good), a lisle inner tie rod tool, and a couple lisle seal pullers from tooltopia last night. Seems like they have the best prices by far on most of these tools and free shipping on orders over 100 bucks.

These are all things I have needed in the past and had to rent or borrow. I like having the right tool when it's needed. Going to keep purchasing a couple of these tools at a time. Even though I don't use them a lot it's really nice having them when you need them!

 

[wafrederick]

My fan clutch wrench is an air hammer with a long bit on it.Position the chiseled end on the flat on the fan clutch nut and hit the trigger,comes off right away and you can spin it off real easy.Do it this way when tightening also.

 

[Griff93]

I've had to replace several fan clutches because of people doing it this way. They hammer on them hard enough they dent the inside causing them to be a royal pain to get off and impossible to get back on.

 

[wafrederick]

One hit is pretty much tight.I do not get in the center.There is one place where the fan clutch wrenches can go: in the scrap metal pile.Too thin,worthless and break

 

[SS5150]

I do the air hammer trick too, to knock the fan clutches loose. Aim carefully. I tighten them by hand.

I have some kd, otc, and lisle in my box.

 

[crewchief888]

most of my pullers are OTC, rest of my bearing splitters are SO, and a lot of fabricated adapters for specific jobs.
i have a KD steering wheel puller that i bought back in 1977 that hasnt failed yet.