Tool remorse depository...

[bwringer]

A tool for driving steering stem bearings out of motorcycle frames.

Nope, doesn't work. At all. At least not on the old Suzukis and Kawasakis with steel frames I tend to encounter -- most have a lip just above the lower bearing race that pretty much totally prevents access.

Most of the time I just use a Dremel with a cutting wheel to cut two angled slots. A few thwacks with a cold chisel and the bearing race breaks at the slots and drops right out. (Bike with aluminum frames have handy slots that make it easy to tap the bearing race out.)

Yes, I'm aware of the welding trick. I'm also aware that it's a great way to burn up the paint on the frame...


I also have a lovely gear-driven right-angle screwdriver from Motion Pro for adjusting motorcycle carburetors. Never been used. Tried to use it a few times. Wouldn't reach what I wanted to reach.

Sure is pretty, though.

 

[sberry]

Probably a couple big welding machines I never used to potential. Part of it was the shopping environment back in the day and the model selection is so much better now.

 

[burke1]

-Blackhawk indexing head ratchet. Never used it, but I hang on to it anyway. Not too upset as I bought it for the sockets that it came with.

-Craftsman mini pliers set. Never felt the need to use them; I might transfer the to my gunsmithing box to see if they get use there.

-Whia precision screwdriver set. Once again, I never use them as my Proto screwdriver set seems to handle everything. I hang on to them as I know someday I will need them.

I have a bunch of tools that I bought that I knew would get rarely used, or only used once. I don't regret buying them.
-Seal driver for my Dana 50 front axle shafts
-Kastar power steering pump pully puller
-Eastwood brake line tool (awesome by the way)
-Craftsman hose pinch pliers set
-Craftsman rounded nut removers (never used them........yet).

I used the mini Screwdriver and pliers all time when I worked at a music store. Great for guitars and piano actions.

 

[Murphy4570]

7.5mm IIRC ?

7/32", or 5.5mm

 

[CJM8515]

-2 1/8" socket for toyota wheel bearings. I think it was 10 bucks at sears and I only used it 2x in 10 years

-Mini pliers: I dont think I ever really used them yet I have 2 sets

-Indexable 3/8 ratchet-I used it once maybe?

-Female torx and other assorted things like that. When you need them you got them, but how often do you need them..once in a blue moon? At the shops another story, at home nary a use for them

-Those tiny angled head ratcheting screwdrivers. I used one of them once and it didnt do the job b/c it was to fat so I bought another years later that was thinner profile..nver used it.

 

[rocklobster]

-Blackhawk indexing head ratchet. Never used it, but I hang on to it anyway. Not too upset as I bought it for the sockets that it came with.

I love indexing ratchets, sadly I broke mine...

There have been many tools that fit this thread category... The one tool that comes to mind is a digital Indicator:

When measuring Pinion to ring gear backlash the numbers bounce all over and you are constantly 'zero' ing the gauge. Major frustration point when you pull it out of the box to use it and the battery is dead, and the stores are closed, and the tiny battery cover plate goes flying... Good thing I had a spare battery in the house. Stay away from these and trust analog.

Also accidentally switching Inches to MM has been a problem, and it is hard to notice the little MM or In on the screen. Lets just say I wasted an hour at least on a few pinion shim setups before wondering WTF is going on...

 

[skruft]

Not too many things.

A big welder that I got when a small MIG was what I needed.
Tools that fell apart
Auto body tools that I never used enough.
A few extra woodworking machines.
Porto-Powers that came in handy very rarely
More than one hoist

 

[cheechi]

I have a few tools that I can't really say I 'shouldn't' have bought, but that if I had read GJ more and earlier I wouldn't have bought. For example, I used to work on Habitat houses with some friends from college. We would use whatever tools were supplied, and one thing that I avoided was hammers. I bought a bunch of different sizes and weights from HF to see what would work best for me, and if I had seen all the different options that are still USA I would probably not have done it.

On the one hand, it was helpful as I know what size works best for me, but on the other hand I spent the equivalent of a USA Estwing or Vaughan and could have spent it on a better one hammer.

 

[theoldwizard1]

1/4 inch extension with the screwdriver handle, and a 1/4 square drive on top. Never used it, probably paid about 25 bucks for it too. Snapon.

Wholly **** ! I have the Craftsman version of this and it is probably my MOST USED TOOL with my 1/4" sockets. I own no nut drivers because this works so well ! Just add a 1/4" breaker bar when you need a bit of extra torque.

 

[chicane]

Ditto on the speed wrench:

Ditto on the HF single person brake bleeder, completely worthless.
I could also add about 3/4 of my SAE sockets, most of them I never even used (eventually got rid of the lot when I sold my Truck).

Oh and the HF corded circular saw if absolutely awful.

 

[chicane]

I used the mini Screwdriver and pliers all time when I worked at a music store. Great for guitars and piano actions.

Ditto. I have the small pliers they are awesome and I use the Wihi precision screwdrivers to fix electronics and my son's toys.

 

[dsimatt]

I've got a set of matco twist sockets that i got on a good deal and they aren't really bad but i maybe can use a socket 2 or 3 times before it just slips and spins, were i had a cheap no name brand before that i beat on and they snapped before they cracked.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/p...3-8-DRIVE-TWIST-SOCKET-SET/?source=igodigital

 

[devoncoolman]

One man brake bleeders, mac drain plug socket set never used them, upgrading to a 200amp mig welder and selling my 140amp welder. The small welder worked great. Have had nothing but problems with my big welder. Bought a launch x431gds scan tool. Was the biggest waste of money i ever spent. Hated that scanner was super slow and glitchy. Traded it in and lost my **** on that thing.

Some tools should have never bought because i never used them not bad tools though. 4ton porta-power. Not being a body guy just never used it. Slide a sledge. Very cool tool if ur a body guy. Inductive heat tool always just reach for the flame wrench/ torch.

 

[bcradio]

Wholly **** ! I have the Craftsman version of this and it is probably my MOST USED TOOL with my 1/4" sockets. I own no nut drivers because this works so well ! Just add a 1/4" breaker bar when you need a bit of extra torque.

Definitely agree with you here... I use the **** outta mine and love it. BTW I have Cman T-handle and regular handle nut drivers in SAE and metric as well. The main uses for mine are as a ratchet extension when hand tightening is also needed and for using 1/4" chrome swivels for hand tightening at angles.

 

[Haveblue]

Definitely agree with you here... I use the **** outta mine and love it. BTW I have Cman T-handle and regular handle nut drivers in SAE and metric as well. The main uses for mine are as a ratchet extension when hand tightening is also needed and for using 1/4" chrome swivels for hand tightening at angles.

I agree too. I have the Blackhawk version, and use it alone or as an extension. I don't own any nut drivers either, because it is so versatile. I even use it with my air ratchet. Great tool to have!

 

[quattroJoe]

I'll probably catch some flack for this, but "anything SAE." All of my SAE wrenches are in a roll stashed in my bottom drawer while the metrics are on nice racks. SAE sockets are farming rust in the back of my socket drawer. I swear I deal with more SAE fasteners where someone replaced a lost bolt or nut with something from the hardware dept at Lowes than actual factory spec'ed SAE parts.

Otherwise, here's my remorse list:

I was wary of these strippers, eyed them a few times before pulling the trigger. Figured they'd be good for making uniform length strips when dealing with several wires in one harness. It's not that they don't strip well, but after every 3-4 wires you have to stop and clean out the lengths of stripped insulation to continue working. Ends up not saving any time.

Kobalt Christmas special. 'Nuff said. I should've known better, it usually takes a couple tries to get them to grip. They live at home now, only to be used on large plumbing fittings that I don't mind chewing up, maybe once or twice a year.

Kobalt lighted magnetic pickup tool. Works great for what it is, head is a little bulky though since it houses the three button cell batteries, LED, and magnet. My gripe is that the batteries die too quickly, seems like they drain just sitting in my toolbox. I paid $10 for the tool, it costs more than that to replace the batteries.

All of these flex tools seemed like a good idea, but in reality I never really find a use for them. The 1/4" square drives aren't flexible enough to do much good, the hex bit driver is too flexible to exert any torque. To be fair, the hex driver is actually for adjusting carbs, but I snagged it for $2 with the intention of using it as a normal driver. Makes a nice whip for keeping my trainee in line though [emoji6]

For some reason I can't resist these finger ratchets, but I never end up using them. So far I've staved off the temptation to pick up the Gearwrench gimbal ratchets.

 

[Brians VWss]

Originally Posted by tjmonsen5
1/4 inch extension with the screwdriver handle, and a 1/4 square drive on top. Never used it, probably paid about 25 bucks for it too. Snapon. Also got the stubby version as well, haven't used it either.


Same here...relatively useless.
__________________
Thats funny. I have both 6in and 10 in and love them both. Use them all the time. I like how you can loosen or tighten the fastner then use it as a nut driver with out stopping.

 

[VictorBravo]

Originally Posted by tjmonsen5
1/4 inch extension with the screwdriver handle, and a 1/4 square drive on top. Never used it, probably paid about 25 bucks for it too. Snapon. Also got the stubby version as well, haven't used it either.


Same here...relatively useless.
__________________
Thats funny. I have both 6in and 10 in and love them both. Use them all the time. I like how you can loosen or tighten the fastner then use it as a nut driver with out stopping.

Same here. I usually crack the nut with a ratchet and then spin it off. Putting fasteners back on is easier with it than fingers. I recently used it with a 10mm to remove and replace some 40-50 fasteners on our Audi.

 

[Hephaestus29]

This thread is not much different than one I started called "What is the most dis-liked tool in your shop" ! http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138773

 

[metalhead212121]

Wholly **** ! I have the Craftsman version of this and it is probably my MOST USED TOOL with my 1/4" sockets. I own no nut drivers because this works so well ! Just add a 1/4" breaker bar when you need a bit of extra torque.

Definitely agree with you here... I use the **** outta mine and love it. BTW I have Cman T-handle and regular handle nut drivers in SAE and metric as well. The main uses for mine are as a ratchet extension when hand tightening is also needed and for using 1/4" chrome swivels for hand tightening at angles.

I agree too. I have the Blackhawk version, and use it alone or as an extension. I don't own any nut drivers either, because it is so versatile. I even use it with my air ratchet. Great tool to have!

I'm with you guys. I REALLY like to use mine on hose clamps. At one time I always used to second guess myself if the clamp was over tightened or not tightened enough. Using something like this doesn't allow you to over tighten a clamp IMO.

 

[zkling]

This thread is a bit funny in a way, what one person hates the other can't live without. I guess it all depends on the type of work you do.

Otherwise, here's my remorse list:

I was wary of these strippers, eyed them a few times before pulling the trigger. Figured they'd be good for making uniform length strips when dealing with several wires in one harness. It's not that they don't strip well, but after every 3-4 wires you have to stop and clean out the lengths of stripped insulation to continue working. Ends up not saving any time.

Those things are just bad by design IMHO. They are a cheap copy of the ideal strip masters. But instead of using nice dies for different size wire ($), they use just use a pair of straight blades and rely on spring tension to get to the proper depth, then pull the ( ) edges apart.

 

[chicane]

Oh, I forgot about this. Yes completely worthless, got rid of mine recently.

 

[BFHtime]

Craftsman ratcheting open end wrenches. There is too much resistance to get the ratcheting action to work. Waste of money, I bought them on sale, with the idea they would be good for header bolts and other tight spots. Frustrating to try to use.

 

[Catamount]

I was wary of these strippers, eyed them a few times before pulling the trigger. Figured they'd be good for making uniform length strips when dealing with several wires in one harness. It's not that they don't strip well, but after every 3-4 wires you have to stop and clean out the lengths of stripped insulation to continue working. Ends up not saving any time.

VERY surprised to see these here. These strippers are one of the top 5 tools in my box and gets terrific reviews on Amazon to boot.

 

[Grigg]

Seems this thread is lots of which tool did you buy and not know the correct application for? Or not have a need. Or not know how to use it.

Of the things listed so far many of them are tools I use and like, and many of the complaints are because the person didn't have a need for the tool to start with. Or bought the wrong tool for the job.

I was expecting more examples of buying something that either plain and simple didn't work as advertised and/or was pure **** to start with.

If it is a good tool but not used/appreciated that is "buyer remorse" not "tool remorse"

 

[mrvm]

Got this toolbox 2 years ago for fathers day from sears. I wish I would've went with a harbor freight 44 and saved some money/got more storage

IMO, for home use they are better than the low-end tool boxes. I removed the self-closing feature and the drawers slide nice. Paid under 120 each. PM if needed

 

[mrvm]

Before GJ, I made space in the tool box for adjustables. Well this GW adjustable is NOT a well made adjustable. On par construction with HF adjustables with a nice fancy red handle and fancy price. Relegated to emergency trunk tools

 

[chris142]

Chevy guys Carrie spare 700r4s

and a cam,lifters.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

-Blackhawk indexing head ratchet. Never used it, but I hang on to it anyway. Not too upset as I bought it for the sockets that it came with.

I never understood the idea behind this. although I don't wrench for a living, I work on tons of cars, and can't think of one time where this would ever be useful. just seems like a gimmick to me.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Hmm.. let's see:
Craftsman "ratcheting" open end wrenches
Craftsman 6 point box end wrenches
HF super deluxe plastic welding kit (I've not had any success with it yet)
Those old Craftsman ratcheting box end wrenches (it was all that was available way back then)
Air ratchets. All of them. I just DO NOT like using the things.
Robo Grips
Bosch cordless oscillating tool. (I already had a corded one, why did I buy this, I've never used it.)
I'm sure there are more I can't remember right now. Maybe I should sell some of this stuff.

 

[48RON54]

These. I think I broke one and the other one sees no action other than getting thrown across the garage when i'm frustrated with something. I think tonight the remaining one will make its way into the trashcan.

 

[Voi]

When I was remodeling a few years back I borrowed a M12 Hackzall from a plumber working in our house. I thought it or something like it would be perfect for a bunch of the projects I was working on so I went out shopping for one.

Lowes was having a deal on the Bosch 12V system where if you bought one tool you got a free Pocket Driver so I went with their version of the 12V reciprocating saw and took home the free pocket driver.

The ergonomics are not great for me and neither tool was as useful as I thought. I decided an oscillating tool would be more useful in situations where I thought the reciprocating tool would be used so I went out and bought the Bosch 12V version of that.

Now that tool has proven useful but overall I wish I had bought into the Milwaukee system instead. The good news is that I use them and my 18V Hitachi stuff just enough that I can get by while I wait to see what tools Milwaukee and others come out with over the next year or so.

 

[crerus75]

Years ago I needed an engine crane (cherry picker) and was next to broke. I bought one that had been sitting outside some guy's house for $40. I should've walked away when I saw the condition it was in. It was a typical HF-type shop crane, but he'd welded the legs into place so you couldn't break it down to store it. He'd also trashed the casters, the cylinder, and just about every fastener on it. I replaced the casters with cheap Harbor Freight POS ones (did I mention I was almost broke?) and got it to work-- kind of. The cylinder would bleed halfway down if it had any weight on it and the casters would hardly swivel.

I was unloading a small block Chevy when the cylinder finally let go. The tailgate of my truck caught the exhaust manifold and kept the engine from toppling to the ground. It took a friend with a bucket loader to get the engine out of the truck-- nobody nearby had another crane. I replaced the cylinder after that, and I also ended up making a new hinge pin for the boom because the previous owner was using a bent bolt with a lug nut cross-threaded onto it. By the time I went through all the hassle, I could've bought a new one and been a LOT less aggravated.

Some day, I'm going to rebuild it and keep it around as a testament to my own stubbornness.

 

[jjjrmx5]

These. I think I broke one and the other one sees no action other than getting thrown across the garage when i'm frustrated with something. I think tonight the remaining one will make its way into the trashcan.

No No No.

48RON54, I like to call those "Dammit Tools" for when you break something or s&*t happens and you have to throw a tool across the room and yell "DAMMIT!!!!!!!!".

Works every time.
And I have a small dwr full of them. LOLOLOLOLZZZZZZZZZZZ.
But true.

 

[66HertzClone]

yup, exactly

I thought it was 5.5?

 

[rocklobster]

I never understood the idea behind this. although I don't wrench for a living, I work on tons of cars, and can't think of one time where this would ever be useful. just seems like a gimmick to me.

Sorry off topic but a response to ec

This ratchet works great if you know how it works and use it for that purpose. I does not work well locking the handle at 45 degrees or 90 degrees, it works best spinning a bolt off in a confined space.

How I would use the ratchet:
When you dont have much room to swing a rat handle - say reaching down the back of a radiator to remove a cover bolt or a lower rad bolt.

I would have the ratchet locked straight to break the bolt loose 1/4 to 1/2 turn,
then I would disengage the handle from the head so that the ratchet head will rotate around 360 degrees and spin the bolt all the way out in seconds by pushing and pulling the handle up and down (ratcheting) or around and around.

Picture a steam locomotive drive where the center of the hub is the socket and bolt and the handle is the drive shaft, it is an eccentric rotation.

 

[theoldwizard1]

All of these flex tools seemed like a good idea, but in reality I never really find a use for them. The 1/4" square drives aren't flexible enough to do much good, ...

I twisted mine into a pretzel. Never came back straight. I have and use a 1/4" universal as well as 1/4" 3" and 6" straight extension,

 

[cheechi]

Haha I have one of those flex extensions that Dewalt sold, supposedly to be used by a drill. You can still find them branded Ryobi at HD. Maybe I got a bad one who knows. I wouldn't put much faith into it though I do use them some for hand tools, the drill ones I'm very skeptical now.

Well mine didn't come out even as good as a pretzel. Now I want a pretzel.

 

[burke1]

Wholly **** ! I have the Craftsman version of this and it is probably my MOST USED TOOL with my 1/4" sockets. I own no nut drivers because this works so well ! Just add a 1/4" breaker bar when you need a bit of extra torque.

I have a PowrKraft version and have used this multiple times.

 

[mrvm]

-Blackhawk indexing head ratchet. Never used it, but I hang on to it anyway. Not too upset as I bought it for the sockets that it came with.

Not a true remorse but its unique ratchet. Got a similar rarely used 1/4" indexing ratchet from Husky Pro. Its neat, innovative but rarely used.