Tools you always had but never used

[dwasifar]

Those are the areas of the brain that control body sensation and language.

Not gonna ask what you do all day.

 

[yatg]

Craftsman crowfoot wrenches. Bought them in the 80's. Used one last year to install the remote oil filter on the Dodge, there was no way to get a standard wrench on the fittings. If I didn't have the crowfoot, I'd have been screwed.

 

[ZRX61]

1/2" drive Mid Depth impacts.

In 45 years of wrenching I can't think of a single time when I would have needed a mid-depth socket instead of the regular or deep socket.

 

[yrly]

While I can’t think of specifics off the top of my head it’s typically always those weird gimmick tools I buy which for me are more because I find them interesting but not because I use them I favor of something else. I remember working in some lawnmower earlier this spring and using one some weird auto adjuster wrench socket thing I have. I remember was it was in a bunch of leftover clearance tools I bought on an ill advised cold snowy night trip to Sears at night during the recession In like 2009. So I commented to my son something like “I can’t believe I finally used this”.

 

[JMToolCo]

another vote for crowsfoot wrenches. but the one time I used them nothing else would have done the job

 

[2ndGearRubber]

IMO middepth sockets in 1/2 drive and crowsfeet are must haves. Middepth in general is a must have.

Ford f150 upper ball joint. A shallow on a swivel wont engage the nut, and a deep wont fit with the swivel due to length. Thus, mid depth. Fits perfect.


Crowsfeet and torque adapters are the tools you need to get out of jams. I can see the DIY market not needing them, but god can they save you. You can be very clever with those and long extensions.

 

[wreckdiver1321]

I have a small list of stuff that doesn't get used regularly. I try not to get stuff I know or think I won't use much. I don't need a bunch of **** I don't use lying around.

1. Adjustable wrench. I don't even use this for putting furniture together or anything. If I need a specific size wrench, I use that size wrench. Unless I don't have it, which rarely happens.

2. Nut drivers. I know a lot of guys use these all the time, but I end up just using my 1/4" drive stuff rather than a nut driver.

3. Oil pressure tester. I used this once to confirm adequate oil pressure in my Nissan, which had a wonky oil pressure sender. It's been sitting in the box ever since.

4. Timing light. It's 2021. I gave it away.

5. Tubing cutter. I don't cut much tubing, but when you need it...

 

[Mallen]

I was just going through a big lot of old tools and I realized one of the things I never used. Speed handles. I have a proto 3/8" that I never use. I also have a Proamerica that I got with the Proto that I threw in the junk tools box. I just found another Proto, this one is a 1/2". I realized, I've never once in my life ever used a speed handle. They seem awkward.

 

[dwasifar]

I was just going through a big lot of old tools and I realized one of the things I never used. Speed handles. I have a proto 3/8" that I never use. I also have a Proamerica that I got with the Proto that I threw in the junk tools box. I just found another Proto, this one is a 1/2". I realized, I've never once in my life ever used a speed handle. They seem awkward.

You mean this?

Funny, I use mine regularly. I find it useful for lug nuts.

 

[Nick Danger]

A speeder came with my first set of Craftsman sockets in the early 1980s. I have never used it.

 

[wreckdiver1321]

See, I keep meaning to pick up a speed handle. That would be something I'd use a lot.

 

[metaldad]

another purchase during my ratchet craze. and again, thanks gj!
kobalt 3/8 & 1/2 drive, lit ratchets.
bought, never used.

 

[dscheidt]

Yea but it's not a tool. It's an apparatus.

what's the difference between a tool and an apparatus? How is an apparatus not a tool?

 

[DAustin]

A 1/2" drive speeder handle. I remember seeing them being used on race cars so I was sure I would need one for my 64 Rambler 6cyl.

 

[ZRX61]

I was just going through a big lot of old tools and I realized one of the things I never used. Speed handles. I have a proto 3/8" that I never use. I also have a Proamerica that I got with the Proto that I threw in the junk tools box. I just found another Proto, this one is a 1/2". I realized, I've never once in my life ever used a speed handle. They seem awkward.

You'd be using it a lot if you worked on aircraft & had to remove a skin that was held in place by 237 tri-wing screws...

 

[ZRX61]

another purchase during my ratchet craze. and again, thanks gj!
kobalt 3/8 & 1/2 drive, lit ratchets.
bought, never used.

Just as well. I have a Kobalt 1/4 in ratchet & it feels like it's full of gravel.

 

[nadogail]

Clutch Head Screwdrivers, I bought them in the '50s and about 30 years ago loaned one to a neighbor to work on his Chevrolet; he promptly returned it.

 

[Odd-job]

Surprised everyone with unused crows feet haven't used them to loosen a nut underneath the kitchen sink yet.

Have a power probe thanks to Amazon warehouse that I haven't motivated myself to use yet. Eventually will get motivated enough to troubleshoot a trunk wiring harness.

 

[Ricky Joe]

Probably the most handy tool I’ve never used is a Blue Point Jack made for raising the V8 Ford engine to remove the crankcase in late 1930s Fords without removing the hood. I’ve always had the engine out of the car when I’ve done any work that might would have needed it.

 

[Compressed]

Fuel filter removal cascading disconnect tool kit, seems i've used it twice in twenty years.

 

[Jweebothee]

It's not really a tool tho.

A fire extinguisher, If and when it’s needed, it’s a very important tool,

 

[supra90turbo]

My snap on low profile 3/8 sockets and ratchets. It's a lovely set, beautifully made but pretty much unused...if access is tight enough to need it, I go for a wrench. I think I've used the 10mm twice as a hex bit holder for really awkward access on a VW.

Is this the new version or the old black handled version?

 

[JAYoung]

Except for the pliers function, all of the other tools that came with my 20-year-old Gerber multi-tool.
(I might have used the Phillips bit when I was up on a ladder, but I'm not certain.)

 

[f121]

Is this the new version or the old black handled version?

I think it's the current version: https://shop.snapon.com/product/Low...rive-Low-Profile-Ratchet/Socket-Set/210RAFSMA

 

[ambenz]

Security allen wrenches, Conduit bender, wood chisel, metric dye set, soft metal tubing bender, wood plains, heat gun, tire tread wear gauge, IC chip remover, chalk line holder, alligator clip jumpers, Feeler gauge, instruction manuals, metal files, and my engraver.
But the minute I sell or give them away, I am gonna need it!!!!!

 

[PoorUB]

I use vice grips almost every day. For me it's ratcheting wrenches. I have several sets and never use any of them

About two years ago a good friend on mine that we exchange birthday and Christmas gifts gave me a nice set of ratcheting combination end wrenches, metric and SAE. I still haven't opened them. Perhaps some day I will have a use for one of them.

 

[PoorUB]

Surprised everyone with unused crows feet haven't used them to loosen a nut underneath the kitchen sink yet.

That is because we own one of these, basin wrench

 

[Odd-job]

That is because we own one of these, basin wrench

I have one of those adjustable ones too, but didn't like how its basically using a pipe wrench on a nut. Not that I should probably care about marking up a nut under a sink...

Also find it interesting some folks don't use ratcheting wrenches. Guess we all have different tool use habits. Would be interested in watching how some of you guys work. My sets of dewalt reversibles and mountain reversible flex heads have probably significantly reduced my use of ratchets + sockets and traditional 12 pt combination wrenches. They are just quicker and tend to allow me to get into certain tighter areas if I can't go with my first choice of an impact. That being said I do worry about breaking them in high torque situations and sometimes nothing can beat a long extension with a swivel.

 

[DSS]

About two years ago a good friend on mine that we exchange birthday and Christmas gifts gave me a nice set of ratcheting combination end wrenches, metric and SAE. I still haven't opened them. Perhaps some day I will have a use for one of them.

I think every time I've tried, the head has been too big to fit wherever. There just always seems to be a better tool

 

[jh87]

Those right angle screwdrivers with a Phillips on one end and a slotted on the other. I have probably a half dozen, I don’t know where they came from, and I’ve never used them.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Those right angle screwdrivers with a Phillips on one end and a slotted on the other. I have probably a half dozen, I don’t know where they came from, and I’ve never used them.

I dont understand those. You cant put any meaningful down pressure on the head due to the design. Thus if the screw is at all tight the driver just cams out.

What can they actually be used for successfully?

 

[lardy1]

Hand held laser level. It was a gift from Mom and I was a builder. There just had to be a use for it in my work. I don't remember ever using it other than playing around to see how it worked. It got kicked around in the basement before I built my shop and I don't remember seeing it after that. Pretty much a Mom gimmick gift, in my opinion. I never found a use for it.

I don't trust builder level accuracy, I'm sure not going to trust a little plastic hand held thing.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

CM crowsfoot set, used it once. Glad I had them, less than $50 per set at Lowes. The SO set is nice but would not use them often.

 

[budget76]

Those right angle screwdrivers with a Phillips on one end and a slotted on the other. I have probably a half dozen, I don’t know where they came from, and I’ve never used them.

I used mine for the first time in a LONG time. Had to pull the fuel bowl off my wood chipper with an old industrial Ford 300 in it. The bowl faces the valve cover and you can't get a normal screwdriver in that place. The weird right angle screwdriver was perfect. Guess I could have used a 1/4" ratchet and phillips socket too...


One I think of is the little thumbwheel ratchets https://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-thumbwheel-ratchet-set-94011.html . bought a set, don't think any have ever had a socket on them. Maybe one day

 

[mv213]

When I was restoring my ‘70 Cutlass Supreme, I thought I needed a lock plate removal tool when I was working on the steering column. My local Knechts had one in stock and I bought it. Never used it. Not even sure where it is now, maybe with my steering wheel puller.

 

[ChaseDE]

I've had a pass-thru socket set for years that has never been used.

Same here although it did work a treat a few weeks ago when replacing the suspension on the wagon. struts have an allen key on the top that needs to be held when cranking the bolt down, having a ratchet was nice.

 

[Maui]

I have a 3/4” Snap On ratchet that I bought at a garage sale dirt cheap, and a bunch of big 3/4” sockets. I have yet to use any of them more than a couple of times (at most) since they were purchased, but I’m still glad that I have them. When you need that big wrench and socket, there really is no alternative.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I’ve thought of buying a pressure bleeder. I have 6 vehicles that I maintain and changing brake fluid is one of those jobs that prefer to be faster. One piece of advice I was given was to use either use some Teflon tape or brake lube to seal the threads on the bleeder screw. It’s probable that I was sucking air in through the bleeder screw. I’m going to try it on the next brake fluid change.

I take the bleeder out and either add grease or anti-seize. Helps makes a good seal and helps prevent them from getting stuck.

I have a 3/8 and 1/2 speed wrench. The 3/8 I use all the time when rebuilding motors and running down bolts. The 1/2 I don't think I have ever used.

 

[DSS]

I could probably count the times I have used my 3/8 SO speeder.

I have about 5, only one of them is So, only time I've used them was running head bolts down but I don't do much engine work anymore. I don't even have them in a drawer, they hang on the wall

 

[DSS]

I use crows feet wrenches not on a regular basis..... But I doubt if there are any in either of my sets that have never been used. I try not to buy any of the gimmick tools that look like a good idea at the time but will undoubtedly only collect dust