Tools you couldn't live without having
- Thread starter Bunit98
- Start date
diggerrick
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2010
- Messages
- 996
Oscillating multi-tool and cordless tools.
Worsedog
Well-known member
Attachments
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
1/4" SAE socket set with screwdriver spinner handle. Almost all small appliances and small engines (until recently) use SAE fasteners. I use this for most home repairs.
Close second is 3/8" socket set. Mostly metric, shallow and deep, and most of the time my standard length push button Craftsman ratchet that is over 45 years old. I do ocassionally break out the flex head or various extensions.
Close second is 3/8" socket set. Mostly metric, shallow and deep, and most of the time my standard length push button Craftsman ratchet that is over 45 years old. I do ocassionally break out the flex head or various extensions.
doan
Well-known member
I have lots of favorites, but my cordless impact driver makes life easier almost everyday.
Dustin Echoes
Well-known member
My leatherman wave. Never leaves my side.
454cid
Well-known member
5 gallon bucket!
kctyphoon
Banned
My ****
malibu101
Well-known member
A knife.
If I have pants on I have a knife with me.
If I have pants on I have a knife with me.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
quattroJoe
Well-known member
If I think about it in a (nearly) literal sense, the one tool I can't live without is my Fluke multimeter. There is no other tool that can perform as many functions or to the same degree. For example, a test light may tell you if there is voltage present or not, but won't identify a voltage drop or show fluctuations well. And that's only one of the many functions of a multimeter.
Runner up would be my smartphone. Along the same vein as the internet, it makes information so much easier to access and I don't have to run back and forth from my work to a computer monitor. I'm not *that* old, but I do remember doing everything on my first car out of a Haynes manual. Also helps to be able to call/text/email a friend or coworker if I get stuck with a real headscratcher, and to be able to send pics/audio of whatever is going on. Many other uses too, camera flash works as a flashlight, I occasionally reach it in tight places to take a pic of something that isn't visible, numerous apps that I use for work too (thread gauge, electrical reference with calculators, ruler, level, etc.) Not always the best tool for the job, but when quick-and-dirty will suffice it's there.
Excluding specialty tools that I may use once a week or less, I can't think of many tools whose function can't be done by another tool. Many make my job faster or easier, but can be (and in most cases have been) done with lesser tools. The current crop of 12v brushless tools has been a game changer, they've reached a point where their power, run time, compactness, and weight makes them suitable for many jobs and can be used all day comfortably, but I got by without them in the past. Same goes for ratcheting wrenches, a great innovation that saves time and effort, but I lived without them for years.
Runner up would be my smartphone. Along the same vein as the internet, it makes information so much easier to access and I don't have to run back and forth from my work to a computer monitor. I'm not *that* old, but I do remember doing everything on my first car out of a Haynes manual. Also helps to be able to call/text/email a friend or coworker if I get stuck with a real headscratcher, and to be able to send pics/audio of whatever is going on. Many other uses too, camera flash works as a flashlight, I occasionally reach it in tight places to take a pic of something that isn't visible, numerous apps that I use for work too (thread gauge, electrical reference with calculators, ruler, level, etc.) Not always the best tool for the job, but when quick-and-dirty will suffice it's there.
Excluding specialty tools that I may use once a week or less, I can't think of many tools whose function can't be done by another tool. Many make my job faster or easier, but can be (and in most cases have been) done with lesser tools. The current crop of 12v brushless tools has been a game changer, they've reached a point where their power, run time, compactness, and weight makes them suitable for many jobs and can be used all day comfortably, but I got by without them in the past. Same goes for ratcheting wrenches, a great innovation that saves time and effort, but I lived without them for years.
cgv69
Well-known member
That /\ is fair and away my #1 favorite, must have, would not want to be without tool!
btbsandman
Well-known member
Bosch Impact Driver
Dirty Diesels
Well-known member
A tough question, because I'd be lost without any of my tools 
Steevo
Well-known member
Cordless impact for driving everything under the sun what a joy to use.
Drill Gauge for those unreadable drill bits a lifesaver.
Nut & Bolt gauge for both metric and sae also a lifesaver for my old eyes.
Last my special jig to sharpen lathe tools, it took me from an average sharpen job to a pro job overnight.
What jig do you have for sharpening lathe tools?
Max Plavec
New member
Lineman pliers strippers and 11 one screwdriver.
Herod
Banned
Spoon for eating cereal and my television remote control for watching cartoons.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
My key machine!
Bruce57
Well-known member
Ratcheting wrenches and Fluke T5 meter.
chipper
Well-known member
My kitchen drawer Gerber!! .....I have a detached garage and its cold now
Jswain
Well-known member
Mig welder, multimeter, bench grinder, vise - I could & have lived without them, but it is much nicer with them.
muibubbles
Well-known member
metal brake
hellfiretv
Member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2014
- Messages
- 8
My bare, filthy greasy hands
Wright 3/8 long double pawls
Wright 3/8 long double pawls
hellfiretv
Member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2014
- Messages
- 8
Mac bhfm extra long boxed end wrench
TejDarkmoon
Active member
My Leatherman Wave. I use it constantly at work and home.