Specialty Tools you're Used More than expected?

[BQuicksilver]

Just curious what specialty tools you've purchased for a specific job and gotten lots of mileage out of?

Mine: This flywheel holding tool has come in handy several times and is a favorite item for friends to borrow:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CO9NU2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[91bronc300]

When I first read your post I thought you were a guy with WAY too much money that bought a flywheel resurface machine.

My favorite 'specialty' tool is probably my oxy/propane torch. I don't have anything truly specialized.

 

[scott37300]

Lisle spill free funnel. This thing is great for filling and bleeding air from the cooling systems. I thought it was just another funnel. I also have a Uview airlift vacuum filler and I grab the lisle funnel most of the time because it's easier.

There are tons more, Fluke DVOM, power probe, pullers of various kinds, lots more that I can't think of off the top of my head.

 

[MrMark]

Have you actually tried the airlift yet?

I can't imagine saying the funnel is easier if you've used the airlift. I have used mine twice in the last month and it is the easiest, fastest, way to evacuate and add coolant. That funnel is far from fool proof. The airlift evacuates in about 30 seconds and fills in about 45. How could it be better than that?

 

[rockchucker]

I bought a SO Flywheel Wrench from a member on here. Just used it yesterday to aid in the installation of a new Flywheel and Clutch! Before I clicked on the link I thought you had bought a Flywheel resurfacing machine too! lol

 

[BQuicksilver]

Okay, maybe I need to rephrase the OP.

 

[83diesel]

My modified coolant air lift that I use on Semis to refill the cooling system. No more low coolant level faults due to an air pocket that would not purge after a day of running.

There are too many specialty tools that I cringed buying at first but would not work without them. Another that comes to mind is OTC HD truck u-joint puller. Saves hours of sledge hammering u-joints out, especially when a customer wants all 5 of them replaced at the same time.

 

[mspecperformance]

Rhino Ramps. Pro use. These things are invaluable!!!

 

[tonydanzah]

my 7ton otc brake drum/rotor puller

 

[Jack Olsen]

Hammer drill. When I bought it, I figured I'd use it once. I've used it more times than I can count.

I also use a couple of cheap little awl/pick-like screwdrivers all the time.

These arent the brand I have, but:

 

[scott37300]

Have you actually tried the airlift yet?

I can't imagine saying the funnel is easier if you've used the airlift. I have used mine twice in the last month and it is the easiest, fastest, way to evacuate and add coolant. That funnel is far from fool proof. The airlift evacuates in about 30 seconds and fills in about 45. How could it be better than that?

I did use it finally. You have to drag hook an air hose to it, have to put fluid in a pail, dump unused fluid back into jugs. It is quick to fill and nice to make sure all the air is out but for 99% of the time the lisle funnel is ten times easier and quicker to use. Especially if you don't need to drain the whole system. I changed a thermostat the other day so only drained part of the system. To fill it and bleed the system I just put the funnel on and added coolant and let the car run for 5 minutes. With the airlift I would have had to drag out an air hose, hook everything up, take all the fluid out, add some extra fluid so it won't run out while filling bac up, then fill back up, then dump the extra fluid back in a jug. I buy unmixed coolant because it's cheaper so the fluid I have to dump back in would be mixed so would need a new container. In some cases the airlift is great, others the funnel is quicker and easier.

 

[justanengineer]

I bought a set of the forked Lisle body/interior push pin grommet pry bars a few years ago so I could remove the bumper covers and fix all of the body gaps on my vehicles. Since then I cant count how many times I have used them.

 

[znowaczyk]

I did use it finally. You have to drag hook an air hose to it, have to put fluid in a pail, dump unused fluid back into jugs. It is quick to fill and nice to make sure all the air is out but for 99% of the time the lisle funnel is ten times easier and quicker to use. Especially if you don't need to drain the whole system. I changed a thermostat the other day so only drained part of the system. To fill it and bleed the system I just put the funnel on and added coolant and let the car run for 5 minutes. With the airlift I would have had to drag out an air hose, hook everything up, take all the fluid out, add some extra fluid so it won't run out while filling bac up, then fill back up, then dump the extra fluid back in a jug. I buy unmixed coolant because it's cheaper so the fluid I have to dump back in would be mixed so would need a new container. In some cases the airlift is great, others the funnel is quicker and easier.

That made my head hurt......I keep 5 gallons in a bucket for just such an occasion, but here is a crazy thought...just put the suction end of the hose into the bottle...it takes all of 5 minutes to drain old coolant, purge system and refill...better yet...send me you air lift...I could use an extra for at home...

 

[scott37300]

That made my head hurt......I keep 5 gallons in a bucket for just such an occasion, but here is a crazy thought...just put the suction end of the hose into the bottle...it takes all of 5 minutes to drain old coolant, purge system and refill...better yet...send me you air lift...I could use an extra for at home...

You sure it was my post or the pabst blue ribbon you're drinking that hurt your head?

And for your crazy thought, you can just put hose in bottle but since it takes more than a gallon to fill the system you have to stop and switch bottles. Like I said the airlift has it's purpose, but most of the time the funnel is quicker and easier. I could keep coolant in five gallon pails but I have cars that take different kinds of fluid, so now I have multiple 5 gallon pails half full of coolant to store.

 

[znowaczyk]

You sure it was my post or the pabst blue ribbon you're drinking that hurt your head?

the pabst takes the pain away! sorry for the rant there...nothing personal against you, and to be honest, I own the spill free funnel too. Simply stated, it has been gathering dust since I bought my airlift.

 

[greasemonkey44]

the pabst takes the pain away! sorry for the rant there...nothing personal against you, and to be honest, I own the spill free funnel too. Simply stated, it has been gathering dust since I bought my airlift.

ill take that funnel

anyway cable operated hoseclamp pliers
and those little screwdrivers....never used them on a screw tho

 

[930dreamer]

Bearing puller, everytime I use it I think how did I do without one of these.

 

[Catalyze]

Snap On Lock Plate Puller Set......after I borrowed someone's I bought it and just love it....makes getting down to the turn signal switch and wiper switch a breeze...
Craig

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=10302&group_ID=1243

 

[nate379]

Roll of "emergency" TP I keep in the glove box of most of my vehicles.

 

[MrMark]

I did use it finally. You have to drag hook an air hose to it, have to put fluid in a pail, dump unused fluid back into jugs. It is quick to fill and nice to make sure all the air is out but for 99% of the time the lisle funnel is ten times easier and quicker to use. Especially if you don't need to drain the whole system. I changed a thermostat the other day so only drained part of the system. To fill it and bleed the system I just put the funnel on and added coolant and let the car run for 5 minutes. With the airlift I would have had to drag out an air hose, hook everything up, take all the fluid out, add some extra fluid so it won't run out while filling bac up, then fill back up, then dump the extra fluid back in a jug. I buy unmixed coolant because it's cheaper so the fluid I have to dump back in would be mixed so would need a new container. In some cases the airlift is great, others the funnel is quicker and easier.

Wow@ Drag out an air hose! You make it sound like you had to get that hose from under your bed. I have my air hose at the ready.

You realize that all the funnel does is keep the coolant from splashing around when you run the motor with the rad cap off? It is no magic to getting air bubbles out. I wouldn't trust it. You could just run the car with the cap off just as easy.

 

[blacK20]

My otc ball joint press. That tool makes me a ton of money.

 

[scott37300]

Wow@ Drag out an air hose! You make it sound like you had to get that hose from under your bed. I have my air hose at the ready.

You realize that all the funnel does is keep the coolant from splashing around when you run the motor with the rad cap off? It is no magic to getting air bubbles out. I wouldn't trust it. You could just run the car with the cap off just as easy.

I think you're missing my point but that's alright, to each their own. Each tool has it's purpose. The lisle funnel raises the coolant level at the radiator. Most vehicles radiator is lower than the engine so by using the lisle funnel it puts the highest part of the cooling system at the funnel. Like I stated each one has it's purpose. Dragging an air hose out isn't a huge deal but everything involved in using an airlift is more time than just grabbing a funnel and pouring some coolant in and running the vehicle. The airlift has it's purpose and I will use it in the future. The funnel also has it's purpose and will continue to use it most of the time. Many benefits over the airlift in certain situations, like when you don't need to drain the whole cooling system. It's more than just a "funnel". And for those that don't have an airlift the lisle 20 dollar funnel is great.

 

[yogitech]

I see your point about the funnel. The one thing about the airlift that annoys me is the need to completely drain the system before refilling. I'm tempted to purchase the funnel system as well. Then again it's just another excuse to buy another tool for "'work".... Hehe

 

[NeilH]

bolt extractors

hub pullers.

irwin bolt grips.

pressure bleeder.

air hammer.

digital vernier caliper.

4' pry bar.

 

[chevy_cowboy]

My modified coolant air lift that I use on Semis to refill the cooling system. No more low coolant level faults due to an air pocket that would not purge after a day of running.

I've always wondered if the Airlift will work on semi's, What modifications did you have to do to make it work?

 

[83diesel]

I see your point about the funnel. The one thing about the airlift that annoys me is the need to completely drain the system before refilling. I'm tempted to purchase the funnel system as well. Then again it's just another excuse to buy another tool for "'work".... Hehe

I have re-filled half filled systems all the time with an airlift. Just needs a vacuum to work.

 

[83diesel]

I've always wondered if the Airlift will work on semi's, What modifications did you have to do to make it work?

Take the coolant refill hose and discard along with the fitting. Put bigger fitting in place with large 5/8" inside diameter hose that is about 10 feet long, along with bigger 1/4" ball valve. The 10 foot hose will allow you to reach the coolant jug on the floor, where most airlifts have a short hose that's only made for cars. The smaller diameter hose creates too much restriction on a longer hose and with the added length increases the the restriction. This restriction does not allow you to pull all the coolant in one shot, two to three shots. With the smaller hose you have to keep the valve slightly cracked and will take a 1/2 hour to fill the system which defeats the purpose of the unit. With the bigger hose and fitting you minimize the restriction and can pull 10-12 gallons in one shot with the valve fully opened.

I also took off the original gauge that broke the first week due to a plastic housing and installed a liquid filled stem mount (not back mount) gauge so I could monitor the vacuum from the shop floor which kept me from climbing up the truck to see how much vacuum was on the system. I also extended the air out hose that's used when vacuuming the system. When filling a half filled system or using the tool as a coolant dam (remove sensors without draining the system) it keeps the mess away from you, the truck and the guy working next to you. I ziptied the hose to the suction hose so if you are working out of a bucket the frothy coolant air mixture goes back into the bucket.

Lastly I but an engine lifting bracket of a Caterpillar onto the suction hose to keep it in the bucket. A large hose that stays coiled up in the tool box tends to get spring loaded and springs right out of the bucket. Hope that helps.

 

[Jim C.]

Yes, I'm with Jack on this one......a hammer drill. I bought a Bosch about ten years ago, and have used it way more than I ever thought I would.

Jim C.

 

[chevy_cowboy]

Take the coolant refill hose and discard along with the fitting. Put bigger fitting in place with large 5/8" inside diameter hose that is about 10 feet long, along with bigger 1/4" ball valve. The 10 foot hose will allow you to reach the coolant jug on the floor, where most airlifts have a short hose that's only made for cars. The smaller diameter hose creates too much restriction on a longer hose and with the added length increases the the restriction. This restriction does not allow you to pull all the coolant in one shot, two to three shots. With the smaller hose you have to keep the valve slightly cracked and will take a 1/2 hour to fill the system which defeats the purpose of the unit. With the bigger hose and fitting you minimize the restriction and can pull 10-12 gallons in one shot with the valve fully opened.

I also took off the original gauge that broke the first week due to a plastic housing and installed a liquid filled stem mount (not back mount) gauge so I could monitor the vacuum from the shop floor which kept me from climbing up the truck to see how much vacuum was on the system. I also extended the air out hose that's used when vacuuming the system. When filling a half filled system or using the tool as a coolant dam (remove sensors without draining the system) it keeps the mess away from you, the truck and the guy working next to you. I ziptied the hose to the suction hose so if you are working out of a bucket the frothy coolant air mixture goes back into the bucket.

Lastly I but an engine lifting bracket of a Caterpillar onto the suction hose to keep it in the bucket. A large hose that stays coiled up in the tool box tends to get spring loaded and springs right out of the bucket. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the quick reply! I've been thinking about it for awhile but I think ya just talked me into buying one now that I'm sure it'll work on our trucks with a few modifications. We've got 2 nearly due for coolant change.

 

[csargents1546]

OTC 6.0L disconnect tool


Before I got this one, used a 19mm 12pt socket.

mini picks,
radiator hose picks
mac hose clamp pliers
electric ratchet 1/4

 

[Moose-LandTran]

OTC 6.0L disconnect tool

What does it disconnect?

 

[shampoop]

I've got this airlift and really like it http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRH5G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Haven't used it a lot yet. My coworker had this one that I used a few times. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O3IGI6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I decided i really liked it, but i didn't want to spend that kind of money on a plastic tool that's going to break. The one i got is all metal. On the plastic one it's simpler and no hose switching which is really convenient, but the slight inconvenience of having to switch the hoses out on the metal one makes it much more compact and much less likely of having clearance issues.

 

[ovilla]

my 7ton otc brake drum/rotor puller

How good does this thing work when the rotor is practically rust-welded on? Is there any danger of bending a hub too?

Either way, I'm thinking I need one now. I didn't even know they made such a tool so thanks for pointing it out.

 

[wafrederick]

Needle scaler and I use it on any rusted up fastner including slides on the caliper brackets to remove the rust and grime.Did this to a pair of front brake caliper brackets coming off a Saturn Vue on Friday and the brake pads went in with no problems.A needle scaler is one tool to buy and gets used a lot.

 

[Dust]

I seem to be the tech everyone comes to for special tools. My heat gun, suction gun, huge assortment of zip ties, serp belt tool, and specialty wrenches are often borrowed.

It's just because the other guys are too cheap to buy their own.

Of course, I usually borrow their Jiffy-Tite tools and flushing equipment, so it's a wash.

 

[tonydanzah]

How good does this thing work when the rotor is practically rust-welded on? Is there any danger of bending a hub too?

Either way, I'm thinking I need one now. I didn't even know they made such a tool so thanks for pointing it out.

i dont see how you could bend the hub, but it will definitly bend a drum or disc beyeond the point of reuse. I helped a buddy use it on his cherokee, all 4 brakes were froze. The drums got bound and both eventually "poped" off with the help of a 3/4 ratchet. The discs were bound up tight to the point that the puller looked like it was starting to bow. We let it sit for a minute or so and then wacked it with a hammer. Then came the gunshot type noise of them popping off.

 

[GoBlue]

That sounds pretty cool...i have always seen them beat senseless with an air hammer. When that didnt work, they got the torch and the air hammer!