Tools you need multiples of the same exact tool

[oldschoolcraft]

What tools do you duplicates of the exact tool? I don’t mean needing a dozen 10mm sockets because they get lost. I don’t mean needing a dozen Philips head screwdrivers scattered between your garage, work box, trunk, etc.

I mean you need two or more of the same tool at the same time to do the job. Here’s my working list:

• Pipe Wrench for plumbing
• Knipex pliers wrench for bending sheet metal pieces, one to hold, one to bend but might be able to get away with different sized ones that you already have anyway
• Open end wrenches because you might need to secure a nut on one side while turning the bolt with the other and they might be the same size
• Socket extensions if you want to go really far, you might need multiple of the same max-length extensions available for the drive size
• Hose pinching pliers since you might need to pinch off multiple hoses at once

What else should be added to the list?

 

[lolaetype]

For woodworking, lots and lots of clamps. Multiple C-clamps are also useful for a variety of uses.

 

[T45]

For woodworking, lots and lots of clamps. Multiple C-clamps are also useful for a variety of uses.

I got score on some really good ones (forged), then I wished I had like a dozen...

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Tape measures, ratchets, oilers, extension cords

 

[Tools4Me]

In tight areas where I can't get two pipe wrenches to fit I often use two identical chain wrenches or strap wrenches instead.

I often use two identical pry bars at the same time for jobs like pulling off screwdriver handles, slowly separating stuck parts, or for removing wall trim in a home.

Two tire irons at the same time for prying a tire off of a wheel.

Two larger flathead screwdrivers at the same time to get a rusty paint can lid open.

I don't have a 2-post or 4-post lift, so I regularly use two floor jacks at the same time to lift one end or one side of a vehicle off the ground.

I have two identical portable work lights with folding stands. Setting up both with some distance between them allows me to use the second light to illuminate and minimize any shadows left by the first light.

Some items like angle grinders are nice to have in multiples just for convenience purposes even though I will never be using both at the exact same time. One with a flap wheel, one with a grinding wheel, and one with a cutoff wheel, so I don't have to keep flipping discs around while doing a job. Same with 3/8" drills. I often need to use two different drill bits over and over again for the same job, so just grabbing the correct drill is more convenient and saves time. I also like to have duplicates or triplicates of my primary use ratchets. Many jobs only require a couple different socket sizes, so I put a different sized socket on each ratchet so I don't have to change sockets out constantly while fixing something. I have several identical hex insert bit handles for the same reason.

 

[Kuma601]

Pretty much everything X+1.

I've been epoxying up stuff the past 2 weeks and I run out of clamps. Each piece took 3-4 clamps and did 6 of them. Need to go get more if I do that many at once. I'd like to get multiple machines so that I can dedicate each one for a specific task and not have to break it down to switch.

When wrenching the car I have 4 ratchets set up so that I'm not swapping sockets, the extensions, etc.

 

[Meursault74]

I found it convenient and faster to have two drills when doing some decking work. One has the drill bit to drill the hole. The other one has the driver for the deck screws. They're not the exact same drills though, but for that task they function the same. One of them has a switchable function between normal and hammer mode.

 

[cvairwerks]

When I was working the structural assembly side of the plant, I would often have as many as 8 drill motors set up for a job. Even had them laid out in order of need as we drilled, reamed and countersinked hole across the top of the fuselage. Across with one size, pick up the next going back across and so on til 1st batch of holes prepared. Reset clecos and setup hardware and repeat for the remainder of the holes.

 

[f121]

I found it convenient and faster to have two drills when doing some decking work. One has the drill bit to drill the hole. The other one has the driver for the deck screws. They're not the exact same drills though, but for that task they function the same. One of them has a switchable function between normal and hammer mode.

Buy an impact driver. Or preferably a screwdriver gun:

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

I can't find anything in my shop, so I have a dozen of many things, and 1/2 dozen of everything else.

 

[mike93lx]

Cordless tool batteries?

When doing a lot of electrical stuff, I'll generally have multiple screwdrivers so I can avoid switching bits around on my 11 in 1.

Clamps were the first thing that comes to mind, but, I'm struggling to think of anything else. I have multiples of tools so that if anyone else is working with me on a project, they can have stuff to use (nail guns, drills, impacts, hammers, etc), but I can only swing one hammer at a time, so I don't think that meets your criteria.

 

[ecotec]

What tools do you duplicates of the exact tool? I don’t mean needing a dozen 10mm sockets because they get lost. I don’t mean needing a dozen Philips head screwdrivers scattered between your garage, work box, trunk, etc.

I mean you need two or more of the same tool at the same time to do the job. Here’s my working list:

• Pipe Wrench for plumbing
• Knipex pliers wrench for bending sheet metal pieces, one to hold, one to bend but might be able to get away with different sized ones that you already have anyway
• Open end wrenches because you might need to secure a nut on one side while turning the bolt with the other and they might be the same size
• Socket extensions if you want to go really far, you might need multiple of the same max-length extensions available for the drive size
• Hose pinching pliers since you might need to pinch off multiple hoses at once

What else should be added to the list?

As an electrician, when doing threaded pipe, I use Channellocks in pairs.

 

[ecotec]

I also use pipe wrenches in pairs and occasionally torpedo levels.

 

[Radio Flyer]

10 mm

 

[Renegade1LI]

Pretty much everything,.

 

[ecotec]

Clamps have been repeatedly brought up… and, honestly, it can’t be reiterated too much. When you need one clamp, you usually need a lot of clamps.

They are the perfect thing to look for at estate/garage sales. Get picky and cheap fast… and you will still find a lot of them. There are so many designs and sizes of clamps.

 

[GeoBruin]

Angle grinders. Easier to just have multiple loaded up with grinding wheel flap wheel, wire brush, etc than to change wheels all the time. Same goes with die grinders, band files, etc.

 

[desertdog256]

I use two 7/16 wrenches all the time when assembling stuff with 1/4-20 hardware.

 

[Toyo72]

Power tool battery chargers. Need two double chargers ideally.

 

[AEAdam]

What tools do you duplicates of the exact tool? I don’t mean needing a dozen 10mm sockets because they get lost. I don’t mean needing a dozen Philips head screwdrivers scattered between your garage, work box, trunk, etc.

I mean you need two or more of the same tool at the same time to do the job. Here’s my working list:

• Pipe Wrench for plumbing
• Knipex pliers wrench for bending sheet metal pieces, one to hold, one to bend but might be able to get away with different sized ones that you already have anyway
• Open end wrenches because you might need to secure a nut on one side while turning the bolt with the other and they might be the same size
• Socket extensions if you want to go really far, you might need multiple of the same max-length extensions available for the drive size
• Hose pinching pliers since you might need to pinch off multiple hoses at once

What else should be added to the list?

For automotive, I think my answer is very little. You get duplicates naturally like shallow sockets and deep sockets. Having more than one open end wrench is good. I have a set of combos and a set of ratcheting combos and that’s how I do that.

Tools I use a lot and I’d recommend having duplicates and back-ups of are plastic prybars for trim removal. 2 steel prybars can be helpful for removing pulleys and such. Otherwise, some of these sorts of discussions feel a little like solutions in search of a problem.

I have a nice whiteside brake creeper. Wish I had 2 of those, one for each side of the vehicle for brake jobs etc, where I’m going back and forth, bleeding brakes for example.

 

[humber2]

Combo wrenches are a 1st go to item. You may need either end depending on application.

Here’s how mine are laid out waiting, alternate sizes top and tailed.

 

[Toyo72]

- deleted, replied in the wrong thread -

 

[redwrench60]

The tools I most often use in pairs with literally one in each hand are

Pipe wrenches, adjustable wrenches, combo wrenches, Channellocks, spud bars, wrecking bars, weatherstripping tools, tire spoons. I’m sure there’s more I’m not thinking about.

 

[nadogail]

I watched a mechanic assembling new bicycles, he had several, maybe 4 3/8 ratchets each with a different deep socket on it.

It is physically impossible to own too many clamps or pairs of Vise Grips.

 

[Jakemedic]

Tape measures. Seems like someone or something moves mine around and causes me to swear. Oh yes, pencils too.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Most of the time things don't have to be exactly the same. I don't have duplicate pipe wrenches but often use two that fit. Sometimes one steel and the other is aluminum, maybe even different lengths.
Often need multiple clamps and do have duplicates on pipe and C clamps. But if they don't match it isn't a big deal.
Tools that require multiples that are identical are usually sold in pairs (jack stands, ramps).

 

[Walkers]

I don't have a 2-post or 4-post lift, so I regularly use two floor jacks at the same time to lift one end or one side of a vehicle off the ground.

I put in a 2 post lift, then I put in a 2nd one. I still had to jack up my truck to rotate the dang tires the other day.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

At my work: 3/4/5/6mm hex keys/bit sockets/drivers, 0-1” micrometers, and 0-6” calipers.

At home the big ones are #2PH bits, 1/4” socket sets, and picks.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Do people have actual two sets of identical combination wrenches? It seems more efficient and useful to have one set of combo wrenches, and then have 4-way angle wrenches, and long DBE wrenches. If you need two DBE, use one combo wrench and one long DBE, if you need two open end use one combo wrench and one 4-way angle wrench.

Maybe a set of stubby combination wrenches and use that as the other side. But two identical regular length combination wrenches? Are people actually doing that?

 

[ecotec]

Do people have actual two sets of identical combination wrenches? It seems more efficient and useful to have one set of combo wrenches, and then have 4-way angle wrenches, and long DBE wrenches. If you need two DBE, use one combo wrench and one long DBE, if you need two open end use one combo wrench and one 4-way angle wrench.

Maybe a set of stubby combination wrenches and use that as the other side. But two identical regular length combination wrenches? Are people actually doing that?

I have two sets of metric up to 24mm and a third set up to 32mm… but realistically, you could backwrench with any of the other wrench sets in your box… long pattern, short pattern, stubby… it doesn’t take much torque to backwrench.

At work I backwrench with an adjustable or Channellocks. I am not carrying two sets of wrenches in my hand box.

 

[larry_g]

Sawhorses

 

[dnschmidt]

My dad had a saying. A PAIR AND AND A SPARE. Therefore, I have at least three of everything.

 

[Pinemarten]

Jack stands, clamps, felling wedges.

 

[AEAdam]

Do people have actual two sets of identical combination wrenches? It seems more efficient and useful to have one set of combo wrenches, and then have 4-way angle wrenches, and long DBE wrenches. If you need two DBE, use one combo wrench and one long DBE, if you need two open end use one combo wrench and one 4-way angle wrench.

Maybe a set of stubby combination wrenches and use that as the other side. But two identical regular length combination wrenches? Are people actually doing that?

you almost never need 2 open ends. It does happen, tho. Tie rod ends and stuff like that.

My regular combos are longs (FD+) and super nice. My ratchets are normal length. Don’t recommend stubby combos (tho I have them) because when you need 2 wrenches, you need long ones. If stubbies would work, pliers would probably work.

 

[subroc]

All of them. I like redundancy.

 

[cvairwerks]

you almost never need 2 open ends. It does happen, tho. Tie rod ends and stuff like that.

My regular combos are longs (FD+) and super nice. My ratchets are normal length. Don’t recommend stubby combos (tho I have them) because when you need 2 wrenches, you need long ones. If stubbies would work, pliers would probably work.

We run into the need for duplicate open ends pretty often. Hard to get a box end on a fitting in the middle of a tubing run..... There are times it even takes three of them...One on each nut plus one on the union fitting.

 

[oldwino]

BEER

 

[f121]

Do people have actual two sets of identical combination wrenches?

Yes, but only because the roll for the first set fell apart after about 5 years and the easiest option was to buy another set

 

[gtae07]

Clecos. Lots and lots of clecos.

 

[Hannahranga]

RE multiple open ender's I've got a good ratchet spanner set and then a cheap non ratchet set floating around somewhere, I'd imagine that's pretty common. Tho I tend to end up using crows feet spanners as the second spanner most of the time