brianh
Well-known member
CNC router, it replaced half the tools in my shop.
Tools that changed everything for you
- Thread starter UncleJoe
- Start date
NoahG
Well-known member
Most recently I'd say its been the 23 gauge headless pinner. Don't know how I lived without it.
I've had a few life changing tools. These have made working on my rental properties significantly nicer.
Purpose built tool bags - I put together tool bags for plumbing, sheet metal, & carpentry. I no longer sort tools, but grab the appropriate bag.
95 Chevy 1 ton extended cargo van - It's rusty and ugly but it will haul or tow anything. It is my self propelled tool box.
Vintage Rockwell door hanging kit - A BIG heavy steel box that carries my hinge template, door planer, router and most of the needed accessories for hanging new slab doors in old frames.
Purpose built tool bags - I put together tool bags for plumbing, sheet metal, & carpentry. I no longer sort tools, but grab the appropriate bag.
95 Chevy 1 ton extended cargo van - It's rusty and ugly but it will haul or tow anything. It is my self propelled tool box.
Vintage Rockwell door hanging kit - A BIG heavy steel box that carries my hinge template, door planer, router and most of the needed accessories for hanging new slab doors in old frames.
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
We did that years ago. It works well.
tjmonsen5
Well-known member
Just impressed the heck out of my friend today changing the brakes on his car. He pulled out his hammer, a claw hammer. Needles to say it didn't work on the hand impact to break the rotor set screws free. I went home and grabbed my snapon 40oz dead blow ball lien hammer. He couldn't believe the force and no bounce back. I do enjoy a nice hammer, it gets work done!
greenbalot
Active member
Wiha precision screwdrivers. Made my job a hell of a lot easier. Actually thinking of buying a spare set incase the ones I have gets "borrowed"
countryroad82
Well-known member
Probably the number one thing that changed it all to me was when I built my garage at 19. Worked my a$$ off to afford to painting cars for $300-$500 each (those were my early days), horse trading around, worked a day job, etc. but when I was able to afford to pull the trigger and have it done I did it. The first time I did a small piddely job in it I was amazed. No dirt floor that was wet, good shade, didn't have to worry about my jack crilling over due to dirt...... I just thought this is the life!!!! I have since spoiled myself with other things but the garage was what made me not ever want to work in the outdoors again!!!
Two Door
Well-known member
Country Road's post about not having to paint outdoors reminded me of how thankful I was when I no longer had to work on cars in my parent's rock-paved driveway. Years after I left home it was eventually repaved with mere gravel and even that was a huge improvement for the few projects I returned to help with, but it was nothing like actually having a smooth concrete floor that didn't jab your backside and swallow small tools and parts.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Cordless impact driver for me, one use and you would not go back to a drill driver for driving screws, oh and a drywall lift, makes doing ceilings on your own a nice job.
abvw
Well-known member
Snap-on hand tools. Just about everything I've bought so far has been superior in comfort, utility and performance to all the cheap tools that my boss kept replacing.
Beefier wrenches and FD+, thinner sockets and selections, Philips drivers with Anti Cam-out Ribs, shot filled hammers, pliers that doesn't flex, ratchets that doesn't backdrag, extensions that won't twist under load, the list goes on and on.
Beefier wrenches and FD+, thinner sockets and selections, Philips drivers with Anti Cam-out Ribs, shot filled hammers, pliers that doesn't flex, ratchets that doesn't backdrag, extensions that won't twist under load, the list goes on and on.
97nismo
Well-known member
Fhl80a has really been a great investment
FullRaceMerc
Well-known member
Cordless angle grinder. Early on I used it to cut out a stainless kitchen sink without disturbing the tile to make room for new drop in sink. Made for a very fast & easy swap. Less time & no tile guy = more profit.
The only drawback is that it smokes thru batteries.
The only drawback is that it smokes thru batteries.
Zapp Branigan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2014
- Messages
- 220
My first air tool was a cut off wheel and that changed everything. Air tools were a game changer. I remember what it was like struggling as a teen back in the early 80s doing exhaust work in the driveway with a hacksaw. Anyone whose been there can relate. Exhaust systems used to last a couple years and start falling apart. Hell, the sides of the roads were littered with tail pipes and mufflers. Everything was a struggle. The system was a patch work of rust repair. 
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
Well said. I agree that its a game changer. Although I could still wrench in the dirt if need be, I'll never do it by choice again.
Beemer533
Well-known member
Stout X Bandsaw... I first saw one on a job many years ago and went out and bought one as soon as I could.. Working with tons of strut, threaded rod, etc it was a game changer; no more crappy sawzall cuts..
I still have mine, but I only use it in the work stand (which works really well) these days. The biggest issue was the batteries were not very good, so I switched to the Dewalt (since all our other tools are Dewalt) as soon as it came out. I don't go anywhere without it..
I think the CNC router I am currently waiting for will be another big change for me..
I still have mine, but I only use it in the work stand (which works really well) these days. The biggest issue was the batteries were not very good, so I switched to the Dewalt (since all our other tools are Dewalt) as soon as it came out. I don't go anywhere without it..
I think the CNC router I am currently waiting for will be another big change for me..
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PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
My top 5:
1. Li-Ion impact driver
2. Pin nailer
3. Vaughn Bear saw- it's pure joy to use one..
4. Porter Cable Saw Boss with blade on the left side- much lighter than my old worm drive Skil
5. Vaughn Finish Pro trim hammer
1. Li-Ion impact driver
2. Pin nailer
3. Vaughn Bear saw- it's pure joy to use one..
4. Porter Cable Saw Boss with blade on the left side- much lighter than my old worm drive Skil
5. Vaughn Finish Pro trim hammer
bwringer
Well-known member
Besides "air compressor", I'd have to say my motorcycle lift. It's absolutely amazing to be able to work on motorcycles on a lift rather than scrabbling around on the floor. Everything goes so much faster and easier and it's not as hard on your knees and back.
When necessary, it also works for lawn mowers, bicycles, and snow throwers, plus it makes a decent bench and sometimes even becomes a picnic table...
When necessary, it also works for lawn mowers, bicycles, and snow throwers, plus it makes a decent bench and sometimes even becomes a picnic table...
Yeah, they are indispensable. Think of it like a car lift to an auto tech, but instead of costing thousands, they are mere hundreds.
Like PugetDude, the cordless impact is a tool that has changed my world for the better. I used my cousin's Dewalt one last year and then ran out and bought one myself.
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