Seldom used tools that you're glad to have when you need them

[gungatim]

JIS screwdrivers
oscilloscope
36" 3/8 drive extension
36" long screwdriver
shower valve socket set
manual trailer jack you put under an axle and pull forward to lift the trailer up on a tandem axle.
big magnet on a string (for when people drop their keys down the storm drain)
slim-jim and wedges when someone locks their keys in the car (usually when its running)
flywheel holder
clutch aligning tool
OPS socket
AC clutch removal tool, PS pump pulley removal tool,
small engine valve spring compressors
mity-vac

 

[gungatim]

I have a couple brake pressure testers from Waekon that I've only used a handful of times over the last 15 years but, when I needed to diagnose a weird brake concern, they did the trick.

forgot about those, I have this set. used a couple times over the years but invaluable tool when you don't like throwing parts at a car and want to actually determine what is going on.

 

[PelicanPines]

Answers to various problems... found and answered on garage journal forum.

 

[Rockett69]

My grabber tool!! Not often I need it, but I'll be damned if someone is going to leave with my 10mm socket stuck in a crevice of their car

 

[martin666]

Offset screwdriver, just used one this morning for the first time in probably 15 years to loosen the bottom screw on the automatic choke in my car so I can adjust it

 

[gdocktor3]

Those long skinny grabber tools that look like a choke knob and have 3 claws at the bottom. The luxury ones have led lights and magnet. A buddy somehow dropped his key in gas tank of motorcycle and that was the ticket to getting it out.

 

[monkeyspanners]

Compressor tote, fan blade puller. Anything torx. Flag terminal crimper. Fire extinguisher...

 

[Corndoggeh]

25" breaker bar and a 260 LB gorilla. The only time I need this is when literally everything else has failed. Like axle nuts that have been run down so tight you'd think it was a virgin.

 

[Wes J]

25" breaker bar and a 260 LB gorilla. The only time I need this is when literally everything else has failed. Like axle nuts that have been run down so tight you'd think it was a virgin.

I worked in a truck shop and we had a 4x torque multiplier. It was 3/4 drive input and 1" output. With me on the end of a 36" ratchet, you could easily count on 2400 lb-ft.

The biggest problem with it was it was bulky and awkward. The other problem was that our selection of 1" drive sockets was minimal so we were constantly breaking 1"-3/4" adapters.

 

[tab2]

A basin wrench. Getting a hard water corroded faucet off the countertop while you're on your back with the base cabinet digging into your shoulders and water dripping off your face. You only do that once.

 

[Corndoggeh]

I worked in a truck shop and we had a 4x torque multiplier. It was 3/4 drive input and 1" output. With me on the end of a 36" ratchet, you could easily count on 2400 lb-ft.

The biggest problem with it was it was bulky and awkward. The other problem was that our selection of 1" drive sockets was minimal so we were constantly breaking 1"-3/4" adapters.

Id be surprised if anything buy 1" drive could handle that torque, how thick was that bar?

 

[mike528]

Air hammer. Paid for itself on the first set of ram wheel bearings I replaced. My arm was very thankful. And a pneumatic brake bleeder.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Tap set. The stripped out bolt hole is never the one you put a wrench to at 5pm on a Monday, it's always right after everything closes Saturday night.

 

[MoonRise]

toilet plunger

Genius.

Seldom used?



I swear there are times when I have to use the plunger three times. In the same day. Within a half hour. (not all caused by myself Kids. )

Breaker bar? Used pretty regularly.

Grabber tool? Used pretty regularly.

I'd probably have to go with an 'internal' pipe cutter or the 'internal' pipe/****** extractor wrench. Just no way to do those jobs without them (I think I have maybe used them twice, both times they were the RightToolForTheJob No way was I wrecking the wall and tile just to get the dang plumbing pieces out).

 

[ephotrod]

Left handed drill bits, welder, trans jack. ect

 

[abvw]

Snap-on FZ1 90° extension.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/13094227_10205009521911375_1912742994776244705_n.jpg?oh=f87848b409f2a066de2387eda5e4f707&oe=57AFB5E9

Used on a 90s Corvette fuel filter. Easy peasy came off in 5 minutes. My coworkers used to ***** and moan about this particular filter because the catalytic converter is in the way.
https://scontent-yyz1-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13083250_10205009521751371_3593214179756419322_n.jpg?oh=3ce7323d4b67330ef2d1b85797e4d4c4&oe=57B935AA

The possibility is simply endless!

 

[bcradio]

bosch brute turbo

 

[rshadd]

Rivnet tool

 

[DeliveryGuy]

An impact screwdriver.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Snap-on FZ1 90° extension.
The possibility is simply endless!

Thanks for reminding me to get a couple of those. And your avatar makes me laugh every time I see it.

 

[trackwelder]

Plastic welder

 

[gungatim]

Snap-on FZ1 90° extension.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/13094227_10205009521911375_1912742994776244705_n.jpg?oh=f87848b409f2a066de2387eda5e4f707&oe=57AFB5E9

Used on a 90s Corvette fuel filter. Easy peasy came off in 5 minutes. My coworkers used to ***** and moan about this particular filter because the catalytic converter is in the way.
https://scontent-yyz1-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13083250_10205009521751371_3593214179756419322_n.jpg?oh=3ce7323d4b67330ef2d1b85797e4d4c4&oe=57B935AA

The possibility is simply endless!

that's a cool tool. I have a '95 and know what you are talking about, need to change mine but most people take the entire fuel line off at the rail to get to it...

 

[lugnut71]

Those snap on adapters are awesome, I did the same thing to access an oxygen sensor.

 

[pepi]

Mine would be a proto power, very handy .

 

[Bagherra]

I need one of the 3prong grabbers...had one in my Army toolbox...

where can I find them?

 

[WhataTool]

Cable type hose clamp pliers, but some of the brands aren't very good

 

[71Datsun510Wagon]

Snap-on FZ1 90° extension.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/13094227_10205009521911375_1912742994776244705_n.jpg?oh=f87848b409f2a066de2387eda5e4f707&oe=57AFB5E9

Used on a 90s Corvette fuel filter. Easy peasy came off in 5 minutes. My coworkers used to ***** and moan about this particular filter because the catalytic converter is in the way.

That looks awesome! I didn't know there was such a beast!

<add to want list>

Thanks,

Rob

 

[Cruzan80]

Autobody hammers/dollies. Really useful for reshaping, but rarely called for in a day-to-day usage. And the little push-drill. Handy when I need it, but specialized jobs (mostly because the bits are getting almost impossible to find, since mine takes the x shank).

 

[chris142]

Power steering pully puller

 

[Blake150]

I have a terminal puller i use for windshield wiper arms that ain't budge by hand. Use it about once every 5 months but glad i have it when i need it.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

 

[MO-Iron]

1" drive sockets and a torque multiplier for the occasional heavy equipment work.
I know that a lot of members get pissy about loaning tools, but I get some really great return favors form loaning out the above tools. My friends that have a use for the tools, have nice things to use to repay me.

 

[JJThrasher]

Big stuff 3/4" and 1" stuff when somethings really tight.

Specialty tools Dodge ball joint socket and ac service port sockets.

 

[winlinmac]

Impact Swivels and and yes, 12-point sockets

 

[Movin/on]

Pickle bar tie rod/ball joint "wedge" Can't really say how many times I've used it for a separator tool to separate two items with a bolt in between.
Great to have them available. Narrow and wide.
Movin/on

 

[straightcut]

1/4" drive socket handle with 3/8" drive guts. After seeing posts on them here on GJ, I knew I needed one, but realistically thought I'd rarely use it. As soon as I picked up a SO 1/4" drive ratchet and got the 3/8" drive guts installed, I had a real use for it changing an '05 Accord starter. I was glad to have it!

Snap-On 24" 1/2" drive breaker bar. I've used this more than I ever thought I would. This tool was worth it the very first time I used it!

 

[DemoFly]

Basin wrench

 

[texasranger]

This tool I made to change the sending unit in my truck without dropping the tank. Probably will never use it again, but if I do it lives on the peg board just in case!

 

[Mr. Tool]

I am sure there are a number of tools that I have that rarely or seldom get used but strongly agree with the original post subject.

The way I see it, it's better to have it and not need it (as much) than not to have it and needing it when the time calls for it (this always happens, one should always use the right tool for the right job).

With that being said, there are two that come to mind that stand out (very useful too!).

This first one is used to remove the "Boot Seal Retaining Ring" that goes around our LG WM2487HRMA front loading washers "Main Door Boot Seal".

Leave it up to the manufacture to make this spring difficult to remove, unless you've got their "specially designed spring removal tool" (part number 383EER4001A) to accomplish your job. It's not cheap either! Though I have to admit, using this tool makes the job a whole lot easier. Yes you can use an ordinary screwdriver to remove the tool and to place it back on but it's quite difficult doing so, either way, not only that but you also run the risk of badly scratching up the washer's front circular area when doing so.

The second one is used for removing screws that have stripped heads. Again, not used a whole lot but is excellent when needed. I use this mostly when called for, when working on vintage audio equipment.

 

[Cope]

I need one of the 3prong grabbers...had one in my Army toolbox...

where can I find them?

Everywhere from Harbor Freight to the big box stores. Check Amazon.

 

[Cope]

Specialty tools Dodge ball joint socket

They make a large short one for big joints and a smaller tall one for cars like the Dart. I borrowed the large one and later bought a Snap-on which has not been used in thirty years. I bought a new Mac for my parents' Dart and used it one time.