Tiny tools!

[littletoes]

Ok, so maybe not quite that small, but how many have been adding to the "small stuff" in their tool box, just 'cause its easier to get to those tight to reach spots?

I've been adding to my 1/4" drive stuff more these days than just about anything, that and stubby wrenches.

Heck, even bought a new 1/4" drive stubby ratchet from Snap-On to help.

Anyone else?
Whats your favorite "little" tool?

 

[gordsgarage]

I pull wrenched for a living and have my fair share of pro tools however I bought this cheap little multi screwdriver set years ago. This little set has turned into one of the most used tools I go for on a daily basis.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...aft%2B29-pc%2BScrewdriver%2BSet.jsp?locale=en

Gord

 

[littletoes]

Just borrowed a similar set from a co-worker, and it worked great....now I think I need one!

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/WIHA-TOOLS-Security-Bit-Set-5LX17?Pid=search

 

[superautobacs]

From the Far East:

From Asahi's Lightool line: the super midget combi wrenches.

They look like tools for kids, but they are the real deal. I've actually used the 12mm a few times.

 

[Danglerb]

Don't they have crowsfoot wrenches?

Pretty rare for me to need to get out the stubby wrenches, but I also have obstruction wrenches.

OTOH I do buy all the little tools I find, ignition wrenches, that sort of thing, as well as practical shallow sockets.

 

[aspera]

Topeak Ratchet Rocket is #1.

This thing is even smaller than the 1/4" GearRatchet wrench.

 

[Clarifixer]

I use small tools almost exclusively and have to make many of them because it's such an obscure field of work--woodwind musical instrument repairing.

Here is the screwdriver I use hundreds of times a day for screws going down to 0-80 as shown in the picture. I made it from scratch to fit my hand, with brass, nickel silver, bronze and copper in the turned sections, African Blackwood for the center wood and hardened drill rod for the shaft. The handle end pivots for comfort, and the tip is gunmaker style which needs to be dressed about twice a year.

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

go look at a watch maker's tools if you want to see some tiny stuff ...

 

[crewchief888]

i thought this thread was gonna feature the wifes exhusband

 

[matthew]

I bought this cheap little multi screwdriver set years ago. This little set has turned into one of the most used tools I go for on a daily basis.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...aft%2B29-pc%2BScrewdriver%2BSet.jsp?locale=en

+1 on that. Best $10 I ever spent on tools. Not using it professionally, but it's been the only thing that would work for me a couple of times now. I've been tempted to buy a higher-end one (Wera), but honestly that would be pretty self-indulgent considering my use. I also recently picked up this for $2.99 to keep in my car Kinchrome 5014


I'm generally a big fan of 1/4" drive tools, as well. You can do a lot with a decent set of 1/4" drive sockets, and it really keeps one from going crazy overtorquing things, particularly household type stuff or trim fasteners, electrical, etc.

 

[littletoes]

Superautobacs, where did you find those wrenches? They look like they would fit into some tight spots, do you use 'em? I've never heard of that line before!

 

[wxm]

Topeak Ratchet Rocket is #1.

This thing is even smaller than the 1/4" GearRatchet wrench.

Got that one too. It is very useful if you ride touring...

 

[therealwormey]

From the Far East:

From Asahi's Lightool line: the super midget combi wrenches.

They look like tools for kids, but they are the real deal. I've actually used the 12mm a few times.

i would like a set of those,where'd you find them

 

[superautobacs]

therealwormey,

I purchased them from Japan, and AFAIK, Asahi is not available here in NA: http://item.rakuten.co.jp/i-tools/596041

Company website: Asahi Tools

 

[littletoes]

Found them here, and American Supplier;

http://www.ewins.com.my/catalog/asahi?sort=pd.name&order=DESC


What other 1/4" drive stuff can't you guys live without???

 

[therealwormey]

Found them here, and American Supplier;

http://www.ewins.com.my/catalog/asahi?sort=pd.name&order=DESC

QUOTE]

i found that one too but cant figure how to order,i click the enquire button,i assume thats how you add to a shopping cart but it doesnt do anything.if you figure it out let me know

 

[HaChayalBoded]

Thought I'd bump this to see what else is out there.

We're trying to get a group order going for Asahi tools on a motorcycle forum I belong too. (ADVrider.com). Lightweight and small packed size tools are ideal for carrying on a motorcycle, especially for off roading where you do not have saddlebags and a big trunk as you would if you were going on an extended on road trip or tour. These are usually strapped on you in a fanny pack.

 

[canuckian]

bought a little SO TK60 1/4 ratchet a little while ago. great little fella for under dash and other tight little crevasses. Have it's longer handled brother, the T80 on it's way to me shortly. Finding myself picking up quite a bit of 1/4 stuff lately (crowsfeet, ratchets). also picked up the set of 12 SO mini screwdrivers/picks and a miniature Wera handle/bit set. Think I may start looking for a nice set of 1/4 extensions in the near future.

those Asahi tools look nice...may have to look at some of those for my bike.

 

[dirtrider]

I use 1/4 tools almost exclusively on my bike. The newest addition to my collection is a Cman premium 1/4 ratchet 84 tooth and it's nice.

 

[Jason Ga]

check with frankstools for asahi... I "think" he can get them. He does have access to more than Koken and he is great to deal with. I have made a few different orders with him. He may be slow (couple of days) to respond right now, with all that is going on in Japan.

 

[bart1]

Few pics.

Stubby bit driver:

Little pliers:

Little wrenches:

Little ratcheting bit driver:

Those are all just kinda random, but sometimes the shorter or smaller tools just make a lot of sense. In the US, I thik typical car guys (including me) have mostlt 3/8" drive stuff, but I had read in Europe, they use little 3/8" and most 1/4" and 1/2". Makes a lot of sense!

 

[bchee]

Garfunkle's tiny 5" knipex cobras
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45810

 

[Monte]

 

[Krokodil]

@Monte, I've got the same Wiha driver, but it is yellow. Mine is ESD, yours?

 

[Monte]

@Monte, I've got the same Wiha driver, but it is yellow. Mine is ESD, yours?

Mine is the normal version with integrated bits inside the handle. There are several versions available:


regular versions: (normal + ESD)

with bit storage

 

[ourkid2000]

I pull wrenched for a living and have my fair share of pro tools however I bought this cheap little multi screwdriver set years ago. This little set has turned into one of the most used tools I go for on a daily basis.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...aft%2B29-pc%2BScrewdriver%2BSet.jsp?locale=en

Gord

Seriously......two thumbs way up on this tool. I use it professionally (along with every other mechanic in our hangar) every day. I cannot say enough good things about it.

 

[chopper1]

13/64 x 3/16 Proto 6pt

 

[superautobacs]

Thought I'd bump this to see what else is out there.

We're trying to get a group order going for Asahi tools on a motorcycle forum I belong too. (ADVrider.com). Lightweight and small packed size tools are ideal for carrying on a motorcycle, especially for off roading where you do not have saddlebags and a big trunk as you would if you were going on an extended on road trip or tour. These are usually strapped on you in a fanny pack.

Are you guys planning to do a groupbuy from Level Chrome? Here's a link to their site: http://www.levelchrome.com/Wrench-Sets_c_38.html

 

[american lockpicker]

go look at a watch maker's tools if you want to see some tiny stuff ...

Good answer.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Just got the Topeak ratchet...this thread is likely to cost me some money, clearly!
It is very nicely made a looks sturdy...I think it said Taiwan on packet. It's a real ratchet with something going clickety-click inside, not one of those mystery things that wear out in two uses. Maybe this weekend I'll get brave and take it apart to see what sort of mechanism is in there.
It'll get a 1/4" square plug. Maybe I'll adapt it to serve with the Snap-on 1/8" drive set...Snap-on never provided a ratchet for that size!
My vote for my favorite and most used small tools: The 4" size long nose vise grip, perhaps the best pocket tool you can get, and the similar sized ignition pliers by any good tool company...I use Plomb, naturally.

 

[HandyManny]

I have a 1/4 inch drive socket set. Not sure how many pieces, but it's plenty, both metric and SAE, a ratchet, extention, and driver handle. I use it from time to time on fasteners up to 1/2 inch, in fact 1/2 inch is the largest socket in the set.

With some exceptions, for fasteners 1/2 inch or smaller I'm usually able to loosen or tighten with the right sized nutdriver or the driver handle that came with the set. Stuff that small rarely requires much else.

Also have a Champman Tool mini ratchet set. Came with various sized screwdriver bits, hex bits, and torx bits. Very handy.

Have a set of mini combo wrenches from Armstrong. They **** badly, terrible tools for the price. Mis-shaped, warpped, and edges finished bad. Worst part is most don't even fit that well on many fasteners. A few in the set are worthwhile though.