Old Man Roger
Well-known member
5.5
Share unique tools others may not know about
- Thread starter signcrafter
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Beerhippie
Well-known member
Fergot that one!5.5
And the 3.5mm Allen key that I need for one set of screws on one piece of equipment in the brewery.
Yesterday I found a John Guest fitting in my box o' pushfits that is metric. 12mm for the nut and fits a metric tube... of which I have none.
5.5
I use my 5.5mm ALL the time. It's the nut size for a 3mm bolt. In fact, I've bought a number of 5.5mm wrenches as singles for just that purpose.
I don't remember ever using a 5mm or 6mm though.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
I can't recall ever needing a 5.5 for anything but a gawddamned metrical hose clamp. I mean, we got away with nothing but 1/4 and 5/16" heads for years, and now it seems every metrical one I come across needs a different tool.
Yes, I'm aware I can use a flat screwdriver, too. I hate and detest flat screwdrivers--even my favorite ones. They do make better prybars than Phillips, Torx or square.
6mm is common in European motor connection boxes--and something else I can't recall but will probably run into tomorrow. Can't really complain about that, as 'Murican motor connection boxes that use nuts are usually some damned 32th size--9 and 11 come to mind.
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I don't think I've ever run across a metric hose clamp. And besides my '92 F250 and '69 F250, basically all of our cars have been German for the last decade or so. They're almost always 5/16 (which an 8mm will substitute for nicely most of the time)
Beerhippie
Well-known member
It seems only a few years ago I first ran into one. Now it's seeming like every other day.
51dueller
Well-known member
5.5mm is the same as 7/32 if you don't have the correct socket.
oldtractors
Well-known member
I just bought a brand new parallel shaft key puller for $50. https://probearingtools.com/product...0Ejotln8v-sc67fUzqGII5whhwXV1UQrrzFAOMRHU0UeU
Beerhippie
Well-known member
So THAT'S how you're supposed to do that!
I always just banged on the end of the shaft with a BFH until it fell out... and then ground the peen off.
Man, I worked in a few electric motor shops (granted, as the machinist, not a mechanic, but still ended up doing a lot of mechanic work) and never found a shaft key that a pair of pliers and/or hammer and dull-ish chisel couldn't get out with relative ease.
MichaelP
Well-known member
They want just $900 for the key puller? It's a steal. I'm sure they cannot keep up with demand.
My fully loaded Bridgeport was about the same 20 years ago. But Bridgeport is nothing when compared with the technological marvel.
My fully loaded Bridgeport was about the same 20 years ago. But Bridgeport is nothing when compared with the technological marvel.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I did a double take thinking that was in Venezuelan Bolivars or something!
Where did you get the pressure gun? Can't make out whats on the tag
You can get the un here or Amazon
Old Man Roger
Well-known member
A lot of ford stuff is 5.5 and some GM ignition stuff.
That things awesome.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Since this is a unique tool thread, I have a ABA Special (made in Sweden) flexible 7mm hose clamp screwdriver for the hose clamps they make (shown with 7mm German made Norma clamp). I have come across them where people attacked and rounded them with 8mm.
Regarding 5.5mm fasteners, I have come across them on GM and Ford. Fairly common. And yes, 7/32 will substitute.
I got mine at an thrift store, but the maker is Diversitec. Probably available at HVAC or plumbing warehouses.
DiversiTech - DRAINGUN
DiversiTech - <p>Blocked drain line - no problem with our DrainGun™. This lightweight, portable tool is designed to unblock condensate drain lines and other pipework instantly. Simply insert a CO2 cartridge in to the DrainGun and with a press of the trigger, SWOOSH, 800 psi of food grade CO2...
diversitech.global
Vinny
Well-known member
I got mine at an thrift store, but the maker is Diversitec. Probably available at HVAC or plumbing warehouses.
DiversiTech - DRAINGUN
DiversiTech - <p>Blocked drain line - no problem with our DrainGun™. This lightweight, portable tool is designed to unblock condensate drain lines and other pipework instantly. Simply insert a CO2 cartridge in to the DrainGun and with a press of the trigger, SWOOSH, 800 psi of food grade CO2...
These things always scared me. I'm worried a clog would be so solid that it would blow up the pipe or the back pressure would break my arm! Probably unfounded fears.
RTM
Well-known member
Seen someone blow apart the fittings under a kitchen sink once. Not a pretty picture. Was using some fancy pump up plunger, had NO IDEA what he was doing. Ever since that, I always empty the cupboard, and manually drain the sink either with buckets or into a pan first, then disassemble all joints before trying to attack any clog.
I like this thread!
I enjoy the fact that yes there are those special tools, that we all know and may have heard of that basically are designed for one specific use, job, etc.
I’ll share in on this thread because I also have a number of “specific-special tools” that I have in my arsenal. Maybe at one point I could have been reluctant to spend the $ on them but the actual use for it out weighs the cost (at least for me) because then I know it’ll get called for later on at some point in my life time.
Yes these “specific-special designed tools” called for to use on the job may not be used on a regular or common basis but I am a true believer that….
1.) Always use the right tool called for the job being performed.
And
2.) Using the right tool makes your life just a bit more easier!
Any way here are just a couple that I was able to quickly get to post here.
The first are for installing and removing RG cables for Cable, Satellite, etc. installations. I purchased these tools when I decided to ditch our cable (was starting to get too damn expensive!) and just use a regular indoor antenna (for each tv, we have 5 total all wall mounted). Though still we’re getting close to 200+ channels plus since we went with newer so called smart tv’s then add in the fact that we also do a lot more streaming, well it’s better than paying the cable company $$$$ monthly! Thing is all our tv’s are flat screens and are mounted up against the wall and let me tell you…reaching to remove or install an RG cable in the back of those flat screen tv’s…with that wall being there doesn’t give a lot of space to work with. Other than taking down the tv to add or remove those cables, etc....heck I'm not about to do that so I made that job easy on myself. These tools are excellent for installing or removing those RG cable connectors not just for tv’s but also antenna connections, amplifiers and filter connections, etc. Especially that long handled one (15’5”) for those tight to reach spaces.
This next tool I purchased years ago. We were given a front loader washer and dryer matching set. At the time they looked practically brand new, hardly used!
They were just sitting in the garage at my friends house and he and his wife just wanted to get rid of them since they had moved into their new house and had purchased a new set. They wanted them out of their garage to make space.
He called me and asked if I wanted them, free! I said sure and drove over to pick them up.
We used them for years! Then one day the washer started acting up, etc….did a bit of research and well decided to fix it myself. Well to make a long story short I was going to need a special tool to remove the front end washers doors massive rubber gasket (is the best as I can describe it) but first needed to remove a massive “tension spring” that helps hold it in place.
So I purchased the following tool as called for and well the job was easy-peasy! After that used them for like another 5-7 years before we decided to buy a new set.
I enjoy the fact that yes there are those special tools, that we all know and may have heard of that basically are designed for one specific use, job, etc.
I’ll share in on this thread because I also have a number of “specific-special tools” that I have in my arsenal. Maybe at one point I could have been reluctant to spend the $ on them but the actual use for it out weighs the cost (at least for me) because then I know it’ll get called for later on at some point in my life time.
Yes these “specific-special designed tools” called for to use on the job may not be used on a regular or common basis but I am a true believer that….
1.) Always use the right tool called for the job being performed.
And
2.) Using the right tool makes your life just a bit more easier!
Any way here are just a couple that I was able to quickly get to post here.
The first are for installing and removing RG cables for Cable, Satellite, etc. installations. I purchased these tools when I decided to ditch our cable (was starting to get too damn expensive!) and just use a regular indoor antenna (for each tv, we have 5 total all wall mounted). Though still we’re getting close to 200+ channels plus since we went with newer so called smart tv’s then add in the fact that we also do a lot more streaming, well it’s better than paying the cable company $$$$ monthly! Thing is all our tv’s are flat screens and are mounted up against the wall and let me tell you…reaching to remove or install an RG cable in the back of those flat screen tv’s…with that wall being there doesn’t give a lot of space to work with. Other than taking down the tv to add or remove those cables, etc....heck I'm not about to do that so I made that job easy on myself. These tools are excellent for installing or removing those RG cable connectors not just for tv’s but also antenna connections, amplifiers and filter connections, etc. Especially that long handled one (15’5”) for those tight to reach spaces.
This next tool I purchased years ago. We were given a front loader washer and dryer matching set. At the time they looked practically brand new, hardly used!
They were just sitting in the garage at my friends house and he and his wife just wanted to get rid of them since they had moved into their new house and had purchased a new set. They wanted them out of their garage to make space.
He called me and asked if I wanted them, free! I said sure and drove over to pick them up.
We used them for years! Then one day the washer started acting up, etc….did a bit of research and well decided to fix it myself. Well to make a long story short I was going to need a special tool to remove the front end washers doors massive rubber gasket (is the best as I can describe it) but first needed to remove a massive “tension spring” that helps hold it in place.
So I purchased the following tool as called for and well the job was easy-peasy! After that used them for like another 5-7 years before we decided to buy a new set.
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KnurledNut
Well-known member
They are for condensate drain lines. I have one. Typically algae buildup or occasionally flying insect nests. Even though its high pressure, they deplete very quickly. I wouldn’t recommend using one on household plumbing drain systems.
Dakotadadv8
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 30, 2021
- Messages
- 1,483
. Need to cut wood but no battery tool or electric available SHTF scenario.
I never actually used it in the field. The cartridges were a bit expensive, and I got it right around the time I left the industry. I thought I might use it as a bicycle tire inflater.
I did use an adapter on the end of a hose powered by a CO2 cylinder. I can't remember what pressure I had the regulator on, but never had a PVC drain line blow. It did clear most restrictions, though. Now i think I'd use a battery powered portable vac and adaptors to **** clogs out rather than blow them clear.
Milwaukee M18 18-Volt 2 Gal. Lithium-Ion Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum (Vacuum-Only) 0880-20 - The Home Depot
Make your daily cleaning an easy task with this wonderful Milwaukee M18 Lithium-Ion Cordless Wet or Dry Vacuum. Reusable wet and dry HEPA filter.
www.homedepot.com
AC Drain Cleaner Tool - Wet Vac Attachment for HVAC Drain Lines Adapter to Unclog and Evacuate 3/4" - 1" Lines - Amazon.com
AC Drain Cleaner Tool - Wet Vac Attachment for HVAC Drain Lines Adapter to Unclog and Evacuate 3/4" - 1" Lines - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
Those would save us so much time at work, but they'll never buy them for us at that price.
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
The press would be nice, I didn't know those existed. I do all our cores and keys at work. Just made up twelve cores the other day, and I've got another ten to do this week for padlocks.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
It is a huge time saver!
Milton Shaw
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2011
- Messages
- 4,838
Some handy screwdrivers that a lot of people could use. Ideal screwdrivers with wire nut wrench in end of handle. Very handy came in Phillips, flat, and ratchet with 1/4" bit. All are handy on both ends. Amazon has them for $20 which is twice what I paid 15 years ago when I bought mine.
RTM
Well-known member
I keep a similar one under the back seat of my truck, for the times I buy wood longer than fits under cover. Saved me 2x before a 400 mile drive in the rain.
Need to cut wood but no battery tool or electric available SHTF scenario.
If I need to hit any of my tools i use a brass hammer.Schley Tools 15900
You can put the male one on the end of a socket you need to hit with a hammer to avoid damaging the socket. or you can put an extension between them for long-distance bonking of things.
Do you have a link?
MichaelP
Well-known member
IDEAL Electrical 35-688 21-in-1 Twist-A-Nut Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
IDEAL Electrical 35-688 21-in-1 Twist-A-Nut Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
www.amazon.com
I just received it. Looks good.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Here are three different version
Amazon has a photo using the wire nut wrench
IDEAL Electrical 35-988 Ratch-A-Nut Screwdriver 9-In-1 Ratcheting Nut Driver with Screwdriver, Driver Bit Sets: Ideal Tools: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
IDEAL Electrical 35-988 Ratch-A-Nut Screwdriver 9-In-1 Ratcheting Nut Driver with Screwdriver, Driver Bit Sets: Ideal Tools: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
a.co
Beerhippie
Well-known member
An electrician's driver that doesn't have any F'in' ECX bits?
MichaelP
Well-known member
That's what I thought too. Also, whoever is going to use the wire nut driving feature should only use it to tighten nuts. Untightening will open the spare tip compartment.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
And to add insult to injury, it uses double sided bits so you cannot just buy bits and use them
From zoro
MILWAUKEE SHOCKWAVE 1" 2PC Impact ECX Combo Kit (48-32-4440) | Zoro https://share.google/lsUthAyfrHGQUhBwQ
Power drive versions that might work...
This includes ecx but I think they are too short for the ideal
I own ail of these linked products... I own a few multiple drivers with double sided bits and I am not a fan.
If you can use one with a ball detent, this might work...
If I need ecx I often just grab my USA made drivers... But my multi-bit ratcheting Milwaukee screwdriver is also a common choice.
I just really like these drivers, but obviously not ratcheting.
And I can use my insert bits in my snap on ratcheting screwdriver.
If you find something that fits, post here. I considered an ideal because of the nut portion, but lately I have been using wagu more often.
So how do you like the ideal otherwise?
Skyman
Well-known member
Skyman
Well-known member
Cheers, thank you
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Here's one I built yesterday:
The silver part is a "faucet adapter" for use in cleaning a draft beer system. The brass is a 1/8" NPT Schrader "tank valve". The stem of the adapter was just the right size to run a 1/8" NPT tap down. As I turn the reg down to 30 psi before using the tool, it's strong enough.
I needed it as nights are starting to get down to freezing here. I was cleaning a couple of our "jockey boxes"
we use for event serving. We store them in an unconditioned Conex, so they need to be blown clean of any water this time of year.
The adapter replaces one of the faucets, allowing me to use our filtered plant air to blow the water out instead of wasting CO2 like I've done in the past. For a little extra insurance, I squirt some ethanol into the lines before closing them up.
The silver part is a "faucet adapter" for use in cleaning a draft beer system. The brass is a 1/8" NPT Schrader "tank valve". The stem of the adapter was just the right size to run a 1/8" NPT tap down. As I turn the reg down to 30 psi before using the tool, it's strong enough.
I needed it as nights are starting to get down to freezing here. I was cleaning a couple of our "jockey boxes"
we use for event serving. We store them in an unconditioned Conex, so they need to be blown clean of any water this time of year.
The adapter replaces one of the faucets, allowing me to use our filtered plant air to blow the water out instead of wasting CO2 like I've done in the past. For a little extra insurance, I squirt some ethanol into the lines before closing them up.