Show your new tool arrivals

[Dibiase77]

Strut springs have preload on them. If you try to just zip the nut off things go bang. Shops don't use them quite as often as they use to since cheap aftermarket quick struts became so common (its the whole assembly-spring and all).

Thats solid info. Thank you. Something I won't ever forget. If I ever attempt to replace struts I will definitely remember what you said.

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[HotWire]

I’m on a roll this week!

$200 locally.





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[ChrisLS8]

Not a big haul today.

Estwing 24" Kneecap buster
Milwaukee Chalk box

Not pictured-
Midwest Pwr Cutter snips
M12 Fuel hammer drill
Lennox Metalmax saw blades
Knipex 10" cobras

 

[zmotorsports]

We have the otc and the branick at work. I always opt for the branick

Good to hear. The OTC Strut Tamer was the other one I was looking at but I have heard more positive comments about the Branick. I have had my old OTC clamshell style for many years now and should have just bought the Branick back then but I was tight on money and just settled on the clamshell style. Thanks for the feedback between the two professional series compressors.

Otc makes a stand for their Strut tamer compressor that’s pretty ingenious. It makes the job a lot better when it’s directly next to your work space and you don’t have to walk back for tools.

Agreed. Branick also makes a stand or cart for theirs that makes it mobile but I figured I would build one vs. spending $350.00 on a stand. I also don't want to give up the wall space in the shop or the storage bay so a cart will make it where I can do just what you said, move it over next to the car I'm working on.

 

[zmotorsports]

Obviously a strut compressor compresses struts but why do that? Sorry if my question sounds stupid..just curious is all. I shouldn't assume but I figured if your ordered struts you could just remove the old ones and put the new ones in. Thanks in advance...just trying to learn.

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No problem asking questions, that's how we all learn and what we're here for.

Looks like others have already answered, sorry for the late response.

The strut springs need to be compressed in order to replace the struts as they are under a great deal of stress with the spring retained on the strut. Care must be taken when changing out struts from springs or serious injury up to and including death if you're not careful so a good quality spring compressor and knowing exactly what you are doing and taking the necessary precautions is key.

Please be safe if you are new to working with struts and never just release the tension by removing the retainer/fastener without having the spring retained and compressed.

 

[protegeV]

Good to hear. The OTC Strut Tamer was the other one I was looking at but I have heard more positive comments about the Branick. I have had my old OTC clamshell style for many years now and should have just bought the Branick back then but I was tight on money and just settled on the clamshell style. Thanks for the feedback between the two professional series compressors.

The otc strut tamer is the one we have. Not a a fan. It likes to twist and get cockeyed if you don't set it up Just RIGHT. It has the nuts that secure the clamps onto the spring but even then I don't feel it is as secure as the branick.

 

[Dibiase77]

Thanks. I fully intend to have my buddy who is a mechanic show me how to replace struts if they ever need done on my vehicle. I don't like peppering him with questions all day long because I don't think he would get any work done. So thank you all for taking the time to answer. Really appreciate it.

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[PelicanPines]

HOLY **** that thing is a lot bigger than I thought it would be.

 

[zmotorsports]

The otc strut tamer is the one we have. Not a a fan. It likes to twist and get cockeyed if you don't set it up Just RIGHT. It has the nuts that secure the clamps onto the spring but even then I don't feel it is as secure as the branick.

Thank you very much for the responses. That has been the general consensus I have gotten from others who have used both which is why I went with the Branick. There have been a few negative comments about the Branick but the couple of guys I talked to are the type of guys that no matter what they are never happy so I had to take that into account.

HOLY **** that thing is a lot bigger than I thought it would be.

Yes, it is rather large and it weighs 98 pounds so securely mounting it is important let alone using it.

 

[SpannerMonkey]

Here's a video demonstration of hydraulic spring compressors:

I gotta say, I haven't seen too many garages where the mechanics dress like that!!!

 

[protegeV]

Here's a video demonstration of hydraulic spring compressors:

I gotta say, I haven't seen too many garages where the mechanics dress like that!!!

Truth in advertising, my ***!!

 

[njc41980]

Here's a video demonstration of hydraulic spring compressors:

I gotta say, I haven't seen too many garages where the mechanics dress like that!!!

All of a sudden struts just became much more interesting.

 

[Mr. Tool]

All of a sudden struts just became much more interesting.

.....no ****!.....

 

[L.Cheapo]

All of a sudden struts just became much more interesting.

I have the sudden urge to buy a strut compressor.

I don't even own any vehicles with struts.

 

[stonesfan68]

Here's a video demonstration of hydraulic spring compressors:

I gotta say, I haven't seen too many garages where the mechanics dress like that!!!

That video belongs in the thread of awesome.

 

[zmotorsports]

I don't remember what brand they were, but we had those style of strut/spring compressors in most, if not all, the shops I worked at. This is the type I have, but I will only use it if there is no other option. Those damn things scare me. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CMDPLM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But yes, use caution and take your time. When I was working at a local Ford dealership, there was a dent in the ceiling some 30-feet up where a spring somehow released under tension and hit the ceiling. It was before my time, so I don't know if they had a different compressor mounted on the wall when that happen or what damage it caused besides the dent.

Another interesting dent in the ceiling was above the tire machines. At some point, again before I worked there, a tire blew up and hit the ceiling. After that, they installed a tire cage. I guess the tech walked away or just was not paying attention to the tire pressure.

I have a set similar to that but don't like using them.

Here is the OTC 6494 that I have had for the past 10 years or so and it works but I still don't get the warm & fuzzies and just preferred to get the professional tool and be safe about it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRHU6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[protegeV]

I have a set similar to that but don't like using them.

Here is the OTC 6494 that I have had for the past 10 years or so and it works but I still don't get the warm & fuzzies and just preferred to get the professional tool and be safe about it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRHU6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Big hell no on that one. Second only to these

 

[Spacey_G]

Inspired by jimmyin3D, I indulged in some Keiba pro-hobby pliers. They seem pretty nice.

 

[04chase]

Upgraded my older snap on flank drive plus ratchet wrenches for the slimmer head . Swapped all of them 1/4"-3/4" sae and 6mm-19mm .

Also got the marine green standard screwdriver and some new shay spec tig back caps with a couple tig torch handles on the way.

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[Strouty]

Here's a video demonstration of hydraulic spring compressors:

I gotta say, I haven't seen too many garages where the mechanics dress like that!!!

No safety glasses or gloves, then you have the jewelry hanging down, OSHA would be all over that, so to speak.........

 

[Wamsutta]

Big hell no on that one. Second only to these

I used those last weekend. It took me forever to figure out, but I finally got them figured out. They work best by staggering them. Set one side with the nut side facing up and the other side with the nut side facing down. That way you can get them to clear that giant flange on the strut. Having the strut in the upright position is extremely important.

 

[CR888]

I bought this set of strut clamps/compressors off EBay for about $10 delivered. Basic strut clamps are very simple H/Duty tools that should not fail. The human element is where the 'danger' factor rises, your dealing with a LOT of pre-load energy to have within a foot or two of your face. Care and proper safe technique is all that's required to do the job. Some will use impacts guns etc, to speed things up which is increases the potential danger opposed to taking your time & tightening the clamps by hand with a proper length ratchet in 1/2". Used correctly they are great simple tools that make the job possible for the home mechanic. Sure suspension shops have ultra safe cages that prevent serious injury but they are expensive & not a realistic option for DIY.

 

[Skin]

I had a stuck lug bolt on a Smart Fortwo so I went to the local HF and bought an impact wrench for $32.77 after coupon. I brought it back and it wouldn't loosen the bolt! Then I called up a local industrial supplier and told them to sell me something a little stronger and they sent this over

2 seconds of hammering and it broke the entire hub off which is a victory in my book. I will never deal with another stuck lug again!

 

[M.Bryant]

Been getting so many generators in for repair ordered a load bank tester from Honda. It's been a life saver and made adjusting generator output a breeze.

I got tired of spending so much time sharpening lawn mower, chipper, and tile scraper blades. So got this bad boy. It's already paid for itself in labor alone.

MAG-8000 Blade Sharpener

 

[Flyordie]

Went ahead and picked up a "new"* torque wrench. Didn't have a 3/8" drive torque wrench that I could trust. My dads he leaves his under tension between uses.. (like for weeks or months on end..)

Ordered this on the 4th at 5PM.. it arrived at my door 11AM the next morning on the 5th. USPS Priority Mail.

Also got a few other items enroute.. Overhead valve spring puller.. Made by Cal-Van tools but its a KD Deluxe design with the removable handle and such so you can use a socket or wrench to turn it. My dad kept saying he was gonna have to get one for doing the valve work on the chevy 350.. well, now he don't have to. lol.

*New being, used but well taken care of. Calibrated then thrown in storage till the company replaced them with CDI ones because they can't use foreign made products under their contracts. Apex dropped Armstrong so they had no way to get parts etc or new ones to match inventory. So since Apex ceased making Torque Wrenches in the USA.. inventory dump. lol

 

[jmhinkle]

Went ahead and picked up a "new"* torque wrench. Didn't have a 3/8" drive torque wrench that I could trust. My dads he leaves his under tension between uses.. (like for weeks or months on end..)

Ordered this on the 4th at 5PM.. it arrived at my door 11AM the next morning on the 5th. USPS Priority Mail.

Also got a few other items enroute.. Overhead valve spring puller.. Made by Cal-Van tools but its a KD Deluxe design with the removable handle and such so you can use a socket or wrench to turn it. My dad kept saying he was gonna have to get one for doing the valve work on the chevy 350.. well, now he don't have to. lol.

*New being, used but well taken care of. Calibrated then thrown in storage till the company replaced them with CDI ones because they can't use foreign made products under their contracts. Apex dropped Armstrong so they had no way to get parts etc or new ones to match inventory. So since Apex ceased making Torque Wrenches in the USA.. inventory dump. lol

I have the 1/2" version of that Armstrong and it's been great. Replaced a plastic handle Craftsman that the lock broke on. Speaking of the whole keeping the tension released on the spring style wrenches I had never heard that until maybe 10 years after I got the Craftsman one. I kept it under whatever the last tension was. When I was building a motor in 2013 I sent all my torque wrenches in for calibration and the only one out of whack was my Proto 3/8" that I inherited from work that had always had the tension released on it. The Pittsburgh ones I bought in 1/4 and 3/8 were dead nuts accurate out of the box. That old Craftsman was on the money too. Personal experience says it really doesn't matter, but I release them now just because you are supposed to.

 

[PelicanPines]

Took a WEEK to arrive. Must have vacuum chip adapter for Dewalt's hand held power planer. Seriously... if you don't have this and a really SUCKING vacuum... forget sweeping up the carnage... you will need a barn shovel. Remember... planers don't make sawdust... they make 2 to 4" wooden HAIR that sticks to everything.

 

[Flyordie]

I have the 1/2" version of that Armstrong and it's been great. Replaced a plastic handle Craftsman that the lock broke on. Speaking of the whole keeping the tension released on the spring style wrenches I had never heard that until maybe 10 years after I got the Craftsman one. I kept it under whatever the last tension was. When I was building a motor in 2013 I sent all my torque wrenches in for calibration and the only one out of whack was my Proto 3/8" that I inherited from work that had always had the tension released on it. The Pittsburgh ones I bought in 1/4 and 3/8 were dead nuts accurate out of the box. That old Craftsman was on the money too. Personal experience says it really doesn't matter, but I release them now just because you are supposed to.

Yea, they can hold their calibration well but its not a risk I'd take on a vital component. So I wanted a verified torque wrench.

It is cool that there is some long term usage that verifies they can hold calibration well even when loaded.

 

[Steve_P]

My new strut compressor arrived today.

I’m tired of my OTC clamshell compressor as it doesn’t give me the warm & fuzzies when using it.

Branick Model 7600.




I think I’m going to build a cart/stand for it so I don’t lose wall space that’s already at a premium.

This is absolutely the safest compressor. I'd love to have one but just can't justify it vs very occasionally paying to have it done - with that at a shop. The guy I use has it mounted to a bar that he clamps in a vise.

 

[fang123]

I had a stuck lug bolt on a Smart Fortwo so I went to the local HF and bought an impact wrench for $32.77 after coupon. I brought it back and it wouldn't loosen the bolt! Then I called up a local industrial supplier and told them to sell me something a little stronger and they sent this over

2 seconds of hammering and it broke the entire hub off which is a victory in my book. I will never deal with another stuck lug again!

Nice. Is it full power foward and reverse? My CP 3/4" gun only does full power in reverse. Not the best for International trucks with the reverse threaded lugs on one side.

 

[IMStuner]

My new Furick tube bead roller.






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[Farmall450]

All of a sudden struts just became much more interesting.

What he said.

 

[toolaholic]

$44.95 plus 12.95 shipping. Brand new eBay. 368 inch pounds of torque. Bosch 1101vsr 7.5 amp 0-1100tpm

 

[Skin]

Nice. Is it full power foward and reverse? My CP 3/4" gun only does full power in reverse. Not the best for International trucks with the reverse threaded lugs on one side.

No but its not really meant for lugs, or anything else on a road vehicle. Reverse is biased at 5900 foot pounds, only 4000 foot pounds forward. Scooped it up at a business liquidation sale for about the cost of an iPhone.

 

[PelicanPines]

Care Package from Amazon and eBay...

1. Collet setup for the M12 Polisher... 1/4" & 1/8"... well made
2. New Lanyard with metal latch that mimics an airplane seat belt
3. Box of Mucinex (I have a cough due to cold)

 

[Real_PhillBert]

I got myself some Westling Machine socket trays to try out.

1/2" metric double row for some new impact sockets, 1/2" Large universal for axle nut sockets, 3/8" universal for hex drive sockets and 8pt sockets, and a Torx tray.

Time to load them up!

 

[Magnum440d100]

While my Actron timing light works, I’ve been wanting one with a tach...

Also picked up another vacuum gauge/fuel PSI gauge. Mine works but doesn’t rest at zero when not in use....

 

[raskal]

my first red tool

 

[jimmyin3D]

my first red tool

I love the mid torque ! It does 95% of what you need done with an impact wrench.


I got my last ratchets in the FHfD80 and the THLFD72 to complete my ratchet drawer. Also cleaned and lubed all my ratchets while I was at it. I love it.

My Facom JXL wasn’t working right but an overnight dunk in ATF really smoothed it out(thanks to the tip I received On GJ)



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[sweet victory]

Few new things.

I was so happy with my Tech-MCT bag for home use, that I ended up getting a Tech Pac MC-LT for work when I go on field engineering calls. Falling in love with the Veto Pro Pac product line!




Also got a set of Bondu's flex head allen wrenches to try out. Was always curious about them, and the tool trucks have a huge mark up on them.



And last but not least my free set of stubby torx impact socket set from the Astro BOGO promo.