Tools that save your bacon

[K-Dog]

A scan tool saves time and money for sure.

Those exhaust hanger pliers sure make a difference.

 

[Horsethief]

I recently had to reclaim my tractor. After reading here about cutting grade 70 chain,I went and bought a cordless grinder.It worked much better than bolt cutters plus I was able to remove the steering wheel lock she had put on it.

 

[bczygan]

I recently had to reclaim my tractor. After reading here about cutting grade 70 chain,I went and bought a cordless grinder.It worked much better than bolt cutters plus I was able to remove the steering wheel lock she had put on it.

Great first post and user name!

Tell us more!

Bill

 

[JRC3]

Oscillating tool . invaluable when needed

I use one to undercut existing door jambs and trim. I always wanted a true jamb saw but wasn't willing to spend that much for something I'd only use a half dozen times a year. Instead I used manual hand saws to do the trick, it would sometimes want to blow the trim out. Anyways an oscillating tool is great for the task.

 

[the gypsy]

i am thinking of buying the Straight Flush Saw. I really like the demonstration on you tube. But I think I will wait for someone on the Journal with deeper Pockets try it out . Unless I get a Job that I must have this tool then I will buy it and report back to the Journal with my opinion.

 

[the gypsy]

Sorry wrong thread as it has not saved my bacon yet, but I foresee it being very possible that it will.

 

[crewchief888]

What are line sockets, and how have they saved you?

Bill

similar to these, but yet again quite different.

i cant find pic right now, but the best way to explain them is something simlilar to an O2 sensor socket.

mostly on injection lines on diesels. many times on inline type pumps theres no room to get a wrench or crowsfoot on the nuts. i remember buying several metric ones for the injection return lines on a deutz. i used them one time, ad it's been so long ago i cant really remember

 

[rushmtrsports]

a handheld impact driver.

It's not used very often, but when it is, it's invaluable and often the tool of last resort.

I would never be without one.

agree completely.

 

[homebuilt burner]

Little flexible camera that plugs into my smart phone (sometimes you just need a good look).

Three jaw gear puller

O/A torch

Magnetize/unmagnetizer for those little screws

Flower store phone number

 

[just a noob]

similar to these, but yet again quite different.

i cant find pic right now, but the best way to explain them is something simlilar to an O2 sensor socket.

mostly on injection lines on diesels. many times on inline type pumps theres no room to get a wrench or crowsfoot on the nuts. i remember buying several metric ones for the injection return lines on a deutz. i used them one time, ad it's been so long ago i cant really remember

like this?

I use mine so I don't smash my knuckles on skidloaders

 

[bwringer]

Add left handed drill bits to the list.

 

[kams1973]

Die grinders with flap wheels have saved my bacon numerous times.

 

[jd_1138]

Compound action linesman pliers (with built in cutters). I have the Crescent brand. They also come in needle nose and side cutter variants. You can really generate some grip strength due to the compounding action.

I had to install some curtain brackets at my wife's friend's house tonight, and I could've used some offset screwdrivers because the body of the bracket was in the way of being able to screw the screws straight in. Ugh, I need more tools.

 

[JRC3]

Whose bacon hasn't those offset screwdrivers saved a time or two?

Got one of these in all his old craftman tools my dad gave me a few years ago.

I remember using it once but I can't remember what for.

 

[FigureItOut]

My wife just showed me that she'd ordered this, and then a couple minutes later I saw this thread.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

 

[damnesia]

Borescope, thread files, por15 epoxy putty and a long breaker bar.

Interesting so many people list the hand held impact driver. I have a Klein, but have never been able to break anything loose with it. I was talking with some friends the other night about them. We all have one but hadn't seen one actually work. Maybe I should check out YouTube and see what's up.

 

[MDK22]

I thought of some others not necessarily saving bacon but, huge time savers.

Vim Ball Torx, Allen Bit Set

3pc Miniature bit ratchet 1 straight 2 offset Great for in tight spots that you would need to tear things like (entire dash on international for an actuator) This combined with set above takes a 6hr job and turns it into 1.

Chicago Pnuematic 90 degree air drill. Great for when you break bolts off that you can not get straight on.

USA Made Rubber Tarp Straps - Pull stuff out of the way and hang calipers.

 

[lazer50]

Sk turbo sockets.after someone rounds fasteners off with chinese/taiwan tools lol.

 

[Bessy]

I had to install some curtain brackets at my wife's friend's house tonight, and I could've used some offset screwdrivers because the body of the bracket was in the way of being able to screw the screws straight in. Ugh, I need more tools.

This. Had to change a headlight in my sister's '02 Accord. probably one of the few if only times I've gone with an offset screwdriver vs a traditional one, but it was about all that would fit.

I'd have to say however that one of the best "tools" that has saved my **** in the past is a 12" chunk of 2x4, for jamming lawn mower blades for removal. it's soft enough that you don't ruin a fresh blade, and it holds them from spinning as you are tightening or loosening nuts and bolts.

 

[ex-x-fire]

Those snap on pipe pliers/wrench grip real good.

 

[JeepsAreBuilt]

this tool literally saved my bacon once..

https://store.snapon.com/Special-Purpose-Pistol-Grip-Needle-Nose-Pliers-9-3-4--P636971.aspx

It'll grip a small stripped phillips head screw real good.. nothing else I have came even close.

 

[kblee27]

Tap sockets

Encounter a cross-threaded hole in a valley of obstructions in a car.

The only way I can finished my job of putting back the bolt was to re-tapped the hole.

Put on an extension, a ratchet, a tap, and it's done.

 

[Kev442]

Add left handed drill bits to the list.

Didn't even own any until about six years ago. They have done the job for me on a half dozen occasions, I never fail to giggle like a schoolgirl when a broken bolt walks right out, saving the whole drill and tap exertion.

 

[kneeman]

Interesting so many people list the hand held impact driver. I have a Klein, but have never been able to break anything loose with it. I was talking with some friends the other night about them. We all have one but hadn't seen one actually work. Maybe I should check out YouTube and see what's up.

Do more car work and you'll use it, especially rusted on phillips head screws that hold brake discs on.

 

[crazylunker]

2 and 3 foot long 1/2" drive extensions for transmission work.

I used this when my doctor told me to get away from my work for a while,,,,,,

Didn't help!!

 

[Kev442]

Just remembered my GW serpetine kit. Used it to get at torque convertor bolts that were recessed behind the lip of the flywheel but no wrench, ratchet or socket would fit. The serpentine ratcheting wrench with the supplied 13mm pass through socket was the only thing I own that fit.

 

[md21722]

like this?

I use mine so I don't smash my knuckles on skidloaders

Yeah, my B5.9 liked flare nut sockets like that. Also had a few moon wrenches too, Bosch VE (rotary) pump.