Simple tools that work well for you

[goodfellow]

Lets post some simple tools that really make a big difference in your ability to work efficiently.

This is one of those little tools that makes you say "why didn't I think of that". This plug kit is one of the most useful small tools that I have. It's great for plugging vaccum hoses, brake lines, master cylinders, radiator drains, washer fluid reservoirs -- it has hundreds of uses around the shop and house.

A few weeks ago, I lost the last plug kit that I've had for 30 years and was just frustrated because as luck would have it; I needed it when I didn't have it anymore.

Received two new ones this afternoon -- I'm happy again

 

[zapper]

That does look handy to have around. Where did you purchase it?

 

[4x4mike]

When I was a bicycle mechanic my most useful/simple tool was a short, small diameter #1 slotted screwdriver. It was always in my apron and useful on any bike from front to back. Problem with it was that the blade would eat through the pocket and I'd loose one every 3-4 months.

 

[goodfellow]

That does look handy to have around. Where did you purchase it?

Tooltopia

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=32813

 

[Frank]

People may laugh, but those ratcheting multi-wrenches that have been around for ever have been very helpful many times.

 

[jjkrjh]

When I was a bicycle mechanic my most useful/simple tool was a short, small diameter #1 slotted screwdriver. It was always in my apron and useful on any bike from front to back. Problem with it was that the blade would eat through the pocket and I'd loose one every 3-4 months.

That was going to be my choice, the "pocket pal screwdriver". It is probably the most used tool that I have, and they are usually free.


Gear lube bottle caps make nice plugs for hoses ect.

 

[stioc]

There are lots of tools that I couldn't live without but these are the ones I use all the time and after 6 or 7 years they owe me nothing at this point:

1. Cordless drill: I use it for everything from spinning the lug nuts off/on to removing any bolt or screw that requires more than 2 swings with a ratchet. I use it so much that I'm considering buying a good, lightweight, Lithium Ion battery powered one like the BOSCH PS-20.

2. MityVac hand-held pump: I've used it to check vacuum, test vacuum operated valves and most of all to remove old fluid. I just got done using it to remove brake fluid from the power steering reservoir that takes ATF...don't ask.

3. Brake pad spreader: everytime I do a brake job (and you do quite a few when you have 4 cars) it makes the job so much easier, I don't have to mess with C clamps or channel locks etc.

 

[dxdexter]

The very simplest tool I have that works is a wire coat hanger. It has dozens of uses and few tools can replace its versatility.

 

[72chevy]

That was going to be my choice, the "pocket pal screwdriver". It is probably the most used tool that I have, and they are usually free.

That was my first thought too. Before tool-less PCs and servers, the pocket protector and screwdriver were standard issue. Nerd Alert!

 

[stioc]

Are you guys talking about this?

Only if someone made those with a reversible shaft with a phillips head on the other end. And where are you guys getting them for free?

For bikes, lawn mowers and small around the house jobs I would think a small Crescent wrench and a pocket screwdriver with flip out bits like this one would do just about anything.

 

[Merkava_4]

I've got one of these numbers and HIGHLY recommend it!!

http://lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=1238

 

[Red Green]

I use one of these almost every day.

 

[M3Pilot]

Gotta agree with Russell. Also a tube of K-Y jelly is nice to have in the tool box. Not really a tool but it sure makes it easy to slip radiator hoses etc into place. Makes the bride wonder what I'm up to too.

 

[autoace]

Here is a great simple tool, gets where your hands don't fit, for serpentine belts.

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sch94170.html

 

[Jbullfrog]

CeeTee pliers "The Farmer's Friend", a Gerber Gator knife, and my 4" adjustable wrench are always with me.

 

[stioc]

I use one of these almost every day.

Is that a drill bit size tool?

 

[<>Severed<>]

I use this at least 10 times a day I like it better then the stylus type because it only takes one AAA battery

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=144

 

[3 at 8]

The cheap plastic calipers are a must for going to the parts or hardware store. I have one in the glovebox of each car and every toolbox.

 

[Red Green]

Russell

That is a gauge used for checking the thickness metal tubing among other things. My Mig welder came with a chart for the wire speed and amps for each thinkness of metal. I use it alot working on my race cars.

 

[Danglerb]

The very simplest tool I have that works is a wire coat hanger. It has dozens of uses and few tools can replace its versatility.

+1 I like the deluxe set of one thick wire and one thin wire coat hanger.

+1 on the pocket screwdriver as well. Add a mini pair of channellocks to give the screwdriver serious torque, and few things you can't get open.

I also get real used to having some kind of pocket tool with a knife. No knife really *****.

 

[Uncle Buck]

The cheap plastic calipers are a must for going to the parts or hardware store. I have one in the glovebox of each car and every toolbox.

I got to remember that one, I liked it a lot!

 

[Uncle Buck]

I have a simple 3 blade Case knife, and I don't go anywhere without my knife regardless how high brow the event the knife is always riding in my pocket. (I take that back, I cannot go in the county courthouse, through an airport, or the local Fed building carrying my knife)

 

[bayou985]

Prybar...Centerpunch...Ballpeen..And everything else...

 

[81Seca]

1)Victorinox or Wenger SAK or a good multitool.
2)Ratcheting screwdriver with bits
3)A 5 in 1 painters tool

 

[J.A.F.E.]

+1 on a knife. I carry and use a folding utility knife. Most times I carry the Craftsman with the black wood inserts

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00994835000P

Use it a lot; 2 or 3 blades a day.

When going to the junk yard I carry the Harbor Freight version.

~Steve

 

[Bolster]

My most simple-but-useful tool, that gets carried a lot, is a 6" General steel rule with standard and metric.

 

[mkdive]

My most simple-but-useful tool, that gets carried a lot, is a 6" General steel rule with standard and metric.

+1 I make sure the lines are stamped in, not just painted on numbers and lines...Handy as hell little rule.

Also the little 3' CM pocket/keychain tape measure comes in handy.

Every day I carry a Leatherman Charge multi tool, & a surefire light (never leave home without them).

 

[tatra]

golf tees for plugging vac lines.............a 12 inch hunk of multi colored telecommunication cable...........take one strand of wire and cut in half, attach each end to line and corresponding port............run out of colors? no prob, double up wires...............

 

[jjkrjh]

Are you guys talking about this?

Only if someone made those with a reversible shaft with a phillips head on the other end. And where are you guys getting them for free?

It's like that, just smaller handle(the size of a pen). A lot of places give them out for promotions,ect.

 

[87ELC2]

For me, it's magnetic pick up tools. And not just for wrenching on cars - I carry a ~4 foot telescoping Craftsman model in my tool belt at work; it takes up almost no space and weighs next to nothing. Now when I drop a screw or tool while working on a 6 foot ladder, I can pick it up without climbing down, bending or kneeling, and climbing up again. My aging knees and back love it!

 

[Danglerb]

I think I am going to order one of those Thexton THX312 plug alls.

General makes a nice pocket screwdriver with a cap like a pen over the tip.

 

[Rockable]

The simplest tool I own and use regularly is a craft stick or popsicle stick. My wife bought a box of them when my kids were in school and I have a lifetime supply. I use them for pushing rubber seals, scraping off glue and RTV, all sorts of stuff when reassembling a car.

You can cut the round end off with a set of diagonal cutters and you can shape them on the belt sander. They are the best tool going for scraping old RTV off of gasket surfaces. They don't scratch or mar. I have even used them for scraping tar off paint. Think of it as a fingernail that you can throw away.

 

[ctandc72]

The simplest tool I own and use regularly is a craft stick or popsicle stick. My wife bought a box of them when my kids were in school and I have a lifetime supply. I use them for pushing rubber seals, scraping off glue and RTV, all sorts of stuff when reassembling a car.

You can cut the round end off with a set of diagonal cutters and you can shape them on the belt sander. They are the best tool going for scraping old RTV off of gasket surfaces. They don't scratch or mar. I have even used them for scraping tar off paint. Think of it as a fingernail that you can throw away.

I can see where they could be very handy....but for vehicle gasket surfaces?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074SL1MKX/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Started using them years ago - will never be without a set.

 

[Rockable]

I can see where they could be very handy....but for vehicle gasket surfaces?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074SL1MKX/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Started using them years ago - will never be without a set.

After you've scraped the gasket off (I should have said that. I use a single edge razor blade for that), there is always residual RTV or other sealant. It will scrape that stuff right down to clean metal without marring. I just got finished doing a bunch of them.

 

[ctandc72]

After you've scraped the gasket off (I should have said that. I use a single edge razor blade for that), there is always residual RTV or other sealant. It will scrape that stuff right down to clean metal without marring. I just got finished doing a bunch of them.

That's what these do if used correctly - except they do it in ONE shot. Gasket, RTV, residue - gone.

 

[Rockable]

That's what these do if used correctly - except they do it in ONE shot. Gasket, RTV, residue - gone.

I may try those. I can see how those might could dig in, however.