What surprising tools don’t you own...

[jeepinerdeep]

I do not own an extension ladder ( I borrow Dad's), because I get squirrelly on them. No joy.

As much as I have lusted over a heavy 4' brake, I don't seem to ever have the stones to write the check.

 

[jsaw]

Chrome sockets. Other than a couple sets of 1/4" drive sets, and 3/4" drive set that I hardly ever use, as a full time mechanic all of my socket sets are all impact sockets 1/4", 3/8, 1/2inch drive

 

[like2wheel]

I'm embarrassed to say I do not have a proper work bench.
I have 2 vices, use them on the floor not even bolted down.

 

[gtcs]

1/2 inch drive metric deep sockets. Been working on imports since I was 15 and hadn’t noticed I didn’t have them until I bought an organizer last month and that tray was empty.

You think I would have at least noticed?


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

It's not a surprise until I need a tool I didn't realize I needed, and I don't have it!

But, I'll waste an hour trying to improvise before I'll come off the hip!!!

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

1/2 inch drive metric deep sockets. Been working on imports since I was 15 and hadn’t noticed I didn’t have them until I bought an organizer last month and that tray was empty.

You think I would have at least noticed?

It's funny you should mention that- I was working on a project and realized I didn't have deep well metrics in 1/2"dr. I made a mental note to look into finding a good comprehensive set. Two weeks later I'm pulling out the impact to do some suspension work, and low-and-behold there in the drawer is a "comprehensive set" of metric deep wells! Could have kicked myself in the *** for a week not remembering I had those.

But, I also realized that impact sockets are generally a little thicker wall- they maynot fit in some recesses where bolts are. So, the hunt is still kinda on- but not urgent.

 

[gnpenning]

Speculum

I tried to buy one at an auction. Someone wanted more than me.


Oh, I should have mentioned it was for horses.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

A good used stick welder. I have a line on one but it will have to wait till I can play with it outside.

 

[Vahispd]

palm router...recently upgraded my old usa 3/8 fixed cman to a new 1/2 makita w/ a separate plunge base. the versatility is a night and day difference and it causes one to think of all of the things they could / should have done better with a good router. the secondary effect is causing one want a small palm sized router for lighter work that doesnt get done because you dont want to handle the bigger unit and set up.

any recommendations from advanced router users?....makita?

I don't consider myself an "advanced router user" but I haven't touched my fixed base or plunge routers since I picked up a Dewalt DWP611 some 6-7 years ago. The smaller routers are very handy and having multiple routers for different setups during a project saves time and ensures repeatable results.

I haven't tried the Makita, but any decent brand should work fine.

 

[ericlar80]

How does a stacked dado work in your track saw??

I don't have a track saw. While I think they would be better than the clamp down guides I use to cut down larger sheet goods, I haven't decided if it's worth it for me.

Good question. I just used my hand router with a top bearing bit and a straightedge wherever I needed a dado. The tracksaw can easily cut the appropriate depth if you want to.

 

[Jeffh40]

Any tool that I find that I need and don't have, I just go out and buy.

Next on the list is a 12" thickness planer.

 

[lalojamesliz]

Air compressor. Like...a good, large one. I've got a 3 gallon CM that works well airing up tires or occasionally running a brand nailer. Impacts, grinders, air drills, etc... Not so much. Usually when I need a new tool I just go get it (or the set) when the need arises. Have yet to pull the trigger on a compressor so I just suffer along breaking lugnuts free by hand like I'm stuck on the side of the road...

V/R
Bogie

Don't give up searching, I wanted the same thing to replace my loud a** 30 gallon craftsman and one day i woke up, opened the offerup app on my phone and 4 hrs later i now have a 5hp 80 gallon speedaire 4xa59 in my 2 car garage . I still think if I should be buying stuff like this right now but whatever keeps me happy with this plague going around like someone else mentioned here. I worry a lot sometimes

 

[KBigg]

I dont own a 5/8 spark plug socket. I have a 13/16 but no 5/8. I used to own one until i lent it to my brother in law.

 

[FANTM58]

My next large purchase will be a 48” plus Finger brake....

 

[pjcd]

A cutting torch, I have a plasma cutter, but no torch.

 

[lalojamesliz]

1/2 inch drive metric deep sockets. Been working on imports since I was 15 and hadn’t noticed I didn’t have them until I bought an organizer last month and that tray was empty.

You think I would have at least noticed?


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

I have mainly imports (4 Toyota's) and do my own work. All I need to dismantle one or work on one is 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 17mm, 19mm and a 21 for my SUV lug nuts. Sockets and wrenches in those sizes is all I need. I don't really know what other sizes I have in metric besides the ones I listed

 

[930dreamer]

A-frame hoist, scissor lift and a forklift.

 

[930dreamer]

Air compressor. Like...a good, large one. I've got a 3 gallon CM that works well airing up tires or occasionally running a brand nailer. Impacts, grinders, air drills, etc... Not so much. Usually when I need a new tool I just go get it (or the set) when the need arises. Have yet to pull the trigger on a compressor so I just suffer along breaking lugnuts free by hand like I'm stuck on the side of the road...

V/R
Bogie

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/hvo/d/whitewater-quincy-industrial-air/7089594225.html

 

[Slednut]

I need a tig welder.

 

[58Yeoman]

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/hvo/d/whitewater-quincy-industrial-air/7089594225.html

But not everyone has 3 phase.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Backhoe.

 

[speed bump]

Chains and boomers. I have a great selection of straps but I've never bought any chain.

 

[kaymccampbell]

A 3/4" spark plug socket.

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Air compressor. Like...a good, large one. I've got a 3 gallon CM that works well airing up tires or occasionally running a brand nailer. Impacts, grinders, air drills, etc... Not so much. Usually when I need a new tool I just go get it (or the set) when the need arises. Have yet to pull the trigger on a compressor so I just suffer along breaking lugnuts free by hand like I'm stuck on the side of the road...

V/R
Bogie

Tractor Supply on veterans day 15% off they had a 60 gallon 5hp ingersoll rand for $750 marked down to $649. Then 15% off that dropped it down to about $550.

Glen

 

[logical]

A welder.

Sent from my garage.

 

[dffay]

I’m the last guy to the game on this. An Oscillating tool. Just grabbed one at a yard sale. Really impressed at its versatility.

 

[Milton Shaw]

A more accurate question would be. What tools do you own but can't find?? Over the years I have several of those. Some I now have one I can find and one still lost.

 

[jonshonda]

I've got most everything I "need" at this point in my life, with the room and $$ I've got. I want to get into other areas like metal fabrication, but know that even if I bought nothing but used equipment it would be a substantial investment in time and money, both of which are a premium right now.

But what really comes to mind would be the little yet expensive/time consuming things that would make my life easier. For example. I bought a cheap CM 113.xxxx table saw, fixed it up really nice with a Biesemeyer fence and made a nice rolling stand. But I don't have a lot of the things like dust collection, feather boards, and other accessories that would make setup and use much easier and safer.

I have a drill press, but don't have a fence system setup and wish I had a storage cabinet close by for all the accessories. Also wish I had dust collection for it.

So for me, it just comes down to the finishing touches on a lot of projects I have already started.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

Cordless power tools. I dont use a drill or saw very often so corded tools still work for me. Although i have been looking at maybe getting a cordless impact if I cant get my ancient air compressor back up and running (cheaper to buy new impact than new compressor).

 

[logical]

I’m the last guy to the game on this. An Oscillating tool. Just grabbed one at a yard sale. Really impressed at its versatility.

I'm the last one. Every time I think I really need one I manage with this guy...or some kind of cutoff wheel...but sooner or later. I am slowly moving from 18v to 20v dewalt so maybe I'll even go cordless.

Sent from my garage.

 

[chris142]

Picklefork. All they do is ruin whatever ball joint you are trying to remove.

 

[Bogie1632]

I have a drill press, but don't have a fence system setup and wish I had a storage cabinet close by for all the accessories. Also wish I had dust collection for it.

Just saw this thread. Might be a solution to get your accessories closer.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448864

I only have a 12" benchtop DP but it's on a 3 drawer 26" CM bottom box so it keeps all my DP stuff in easy reach and a comfortable work height for the DP. If I had a floor model I'd definitely "borrow" the side box idea.

V/R
Bogie

 

[joel63]

I have mainly imports (4 Toyota's) and do my own work. All I need to dismantle one or work on one is 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 17mm, 19mm and a 21 for my SUV lug nuts. Sockets and wrenches in those sizes is all I need. I don't really know what other sizes I have in metric besides the ones I listed

Same here, but a 16mm for Toyota?

I don't have that one.

Something I really need?

 

[Robinson1]

palm router...recently upgraded my old usa 3/8 fixed cman to a new 1/2 makita w/ a separate plunge base. the versatility is a night and day difference and it causes one to think of all of the things they could / should have done better with a good router. the secondary effect is causing one want a small palm sized router for lighter work that doesnt get done because you dont want to handle the bigger unit and set up.

any recommendations from advanced router users?....makita?

Bosch Colt I havent touched my medium sized router since buying it. Still use the big 3 HP quite a bit but that's a different animal

 

[Robinson1]

Large angle grinder, I've got five 4 1/2" grinders but no 7/9".

Dont have a 3/8" drive breaker bar. With modern long handle ratchets I dont see a purpose.

I dont have any 1/2" drive metric deep well sockets. Keep meaning to order a set from Tekton but havent yet.

 

[bwringer]

I have pretty much everything for metric motorcycles and cars.

Very little for house ****. I hate house ****. Everything's so... approximate.

There's an issue at one end of my house and I don't have a ladder long enough to reach. So maybe I need an extension ladder.

 

[AA/FC]

That's crazy. Not as crazy as Harry Homeowner buying a ball pein to drive nails but crazy.

At one point in my life, all I owned was a few claw hammers. I made it a point to buy MANY new types of hamners over the course of a year or two. Now I have many different sizes and types of ball peins, dead blows, etc. I now probably own sonewhere around 25-30 hammers of all types..... my point is, I rarely do woodworking but I have recently found myself attaching door and window trim with a small ball pein. Lolol. I went from only owning the correct hamners for that job, to now going out of my way to use the wrong hammer for driving small finish nails. Lol.

 

[Dingleburry]

Adjustable wrench.
Lost the couple i owned years ago, never replaced.
Pliers wrench took their spot. I have many of them

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Large angle grinder, I've got five 4 1/2" grinders but no 7/9".

Don't blame ya. I sold mine to a buddy for a few bucks. Unless you are doing some serious plate or pipe beveling, or some other extremely heavy work- no need. I think I am at 10 on the 4.5" though!

 

[Snakebyt]

Dont own a set of SAE sockets, or SAE combination wrenches, sure i have some randoms i picked up along the way, but never bought a complete set.. Metric only here