Tools every mechanic needs

[tw33k2514]

I thought it would be both fun, and informative to start a thread were everyone lists a couple tools they absolutely could not live without. Lets try to keep the list consisting of specialty tools and other unique tools that mechanics use.

After all we all already know that basic hand tools are a must.

 

[onesickastre]

Test Light

Pry Bars

 

[bushhawg73]

A good selection of pullers is a must. I try and buy every puller I can find at garage sales and pawn shops if it is well made and a good price.

 

[Fedwrench]

Cable operated hose clamp pliers. Radiator hose pick. DVOM (knowing how to use it is more important than having it).

 

[doug.j]

A computer with internet access.

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

Thread chasers.... Cleans, repairs and saves you some $$$$

Bolt-Outs-- Got a stripped nut? They grab and get it loose.

-BWP

 

[rsanter]

big hammer and vise grips

bob

 

[c130herc]

-Knipex plier wrenchs
-easy outs

 

[caper]

Pocket flashlight,pocket flathead screwdriver

 

[wrenchr]

I have rebuilt a few small blocks and a torque wrench is close to the top.

 

[Jared]

gotta have a welder and torches

 

[wrenchr]

A big hammer to beat the ****-tard out of something.

 

[SteveU]

Air tools such as Impacts, air hammer, die grinder, etc. Wire wheel & bench grinder for cleaning up rusty threads.

 

[1loudsuv]

heres what I can come up from the top of my head right now


02 sensor sockets
rear piston brake kit
fan clutch kit
spark plug wire puller
1-2" mirror
ball joint removers
hub removers and installer
power steering remover and installer
noid light tester
stethoscope (sp?)

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Scrapers and maroon 3M pads

 

[fordracing200]

crescent wrench, air tools, wobbles, flex heads, swivels, fine tooth ratchets (d80), vice grips, knipex pliers, pry bars, chisels, torchs, welder, vise, sockets, screwdrivers, test light, continuity tester, etc

 

[ossaguy]

Cordless tools. I hardly ever use my air tools now.I love using my SO impacts and my cordless grease gun and die grinder. Makes me wonder how I ever got along without them.


Steve

 

[Chamkila]

leatherman..........................


and as someone said before

computer with internet access

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Plastic head hammers and dead blow hammers. A good solid breaker bar.

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

Thread Jack,

Chamkila, great avatar. Check out www.sleddriver.com, one of the best SR-71 websites.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

 

[-B-]

picks
flashlight
hemostats
razor blades
knife
zip ties
rag
magic marker
white or yellow pencil
tooth brush
paint brush
bull dog clips
automatic center punch
safety pins

 

[Stick]

Powerprobe III
Streamlight stylus pro / streamlight strion or stinger rechargeable flashlight
Snap-on 3/8 cordless impact
Snap-on cordless screwdriver
6" knipex cobra pliers
Thomas & Betts zip tie installer

Lots of others I can't think of right now.

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

Powerprobe III
Streamlight stylus pro / streamlight strion or stinger rechargeable flashlight
Snap-on 3/8 cordless impact
Snap-on cordless screwdriver
6" knipex cobra pliers
Thomas & Betts zip tie installer

Lots of others I can't think of right now.

I got one of the Thomas & Betts zip tie installers in a bag of tools I bought for $15. Sold it for $45 on Ebay.... I had no idea beforehand how much those things cost! Good quality stuff there.

-BWP

 

[vette-kid]

A computer with internet access.

Saved my @$$ a few times!

big hammer and vise grips

bob

This has to be my favorite! Gotta have a BFH!

 

[-B-]

I got one of the Thomas & Betts zip tie installers in a bag of tools I bought for $15. Sold it for $45 on Ebay.... I had no idea beforehand how much those things cost! Good quality stuff there.

-BWP

this is better and far more pulling power http://bicycletutor.com/fasten-zip-ties/

hozans are the best other are imitators

 

[Stick]

this is better and far more pulling power http://bicycletutor.com/fasten-zip-ties/

hozans are the best other are imitators

I have a fourth hand cable puller, and I still prefer my T&B zip tie installers for zip ties. If you use decent quality zip ties, you can run the zip tie tight, twist the installer a quarter turn while pulling, and the zip tie is cut off flush. For the sheer ammount of wiring in the police cars and firetrucks I work on, I'd immediately buy another set if they go missing, and I already own two of the orange ones for small/medium zip ties, and a set of black for the large zip ties.

 

[mik641]

A pad, pen/pencil and your thinking cap.

 

[poorboy]

I think a good work bench is a must have.

 

[dede2897234]

- thread chaser (internal & external threads)
- chain wrench with long handle and chain (great for holding crankshaft pulley in changing timing belt)
- 5 lbs. dead blow hammer
- 3 or 4 lbs. engineer hammer
- 2 lbs. brass hammer
- 24" or longer breaker bar (I own an SK and Matco)
- pickle forks (various width openings)
- pullers (various sizes; types: 2 and 3 jaws, pitman arm, tie rod, hub)
- grease gun
- brake caliper piston set (to push back front disc brake piston or twist back rear disc brake piston)
- drum brake tools
- Macpherson strut spring compressor
- Macpherson strut vise adapter (to allow Macpherson strut to be mounted in a vise for easy access during strut assembly/disassembly; available at Baum Tools in Florida)
- ball joint press
- 3/4" electric (own a Makita, 430 ft./lbs.) impact wrench (for individuals who do not have an air compressor; found it invaluable for loosening both front wheel axle nuts when recently replacing ball joint, tie rod, and wheel bearings on Subaru Forester)
- metal files
- pry bars (various lengths)
- torque wrenches (3/8" drive in in./lbs. and 1/2" drive in ft./lbs.)
- oil filter removers (types: cap, pliers, spring)
- hose grip pliers
- camshaft pulley lock tool
- bearing separator
- seal picks
- hose clamps (ex: to pinch rubber hose fuel line when replacing fuel filter)
- retaining ring pliers (best: Knipex brand with fixed tips and dedicated for external or internal rings)
- cable operated hose clamp pliers
- punches (types: pin, pilot)
- harmonic damper pulley puller
- automotive stethoscope
- bearing race and seal driver set
- Dremel equipped with metal cutting discs
- angle grinder
- plastic clip remover

 

[r0meyrome]

a punching bag...

.to take out your anger when you break a bolt into half from over torquing the **** of it....ugh...(as you can tell this just happened.)

(Beats kicking my toolbox)

 

[Dust]

Electric screwdriver. A godsend for trim work and other small screws and bolts.

 

[LGMechanical]

Working as a truck mechanic, one of the many things needed is an o+a torch!

 

[mooman]

girlie calendar

 

[Chamkila]

Thread Jack,

Chamkila, great avatar. Check out www.sleddriver.com, one of the best SR-71 websites.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

i used to restore those hunks of junks (hehehe) in a volunteer group. I have so far worked on the one on the USS Intrepid, and The national air and space museum. The one in the Air and space musuem is spectaular (it is housed inside) and the one on the uss intrepid is going to start to crack and crumble in the next 10-15 years. NYC weather is very bad, ice, snow, acid rain etc etc


but anyhow if you want high resolution pics (10mp) contact me and i have some.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

DVOM and Test light....

 

[petty4243]

band-aids
ball joint press
ratchet wrenches
long flex and bent handle ratchets
dvom with low current draw capabilities
alligator type pliers
hose picks
long reach pliers
hose pliers

 

[chappys4life]

Depends on type of cars you regularly work on. I tend to work on old stuff so metric doesn't do me much good.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

fluke 87 and a tech 2

 

[TRTOOLSUPPLY]

+3 or +4 ? on the torch!!!

When my Dad owned his garage in the late 60's ,his propane torch saved many hours and several trips to the auto parts stores(parts stores were few & far between back then)

I still have the O & A set ,he bought in the 70's!HEAT R TILL SHE'S RED!!!!!!

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

A tool **** and naked women....... fixing your car.......
I am right?