What tools do you REALLY need duplicates of?

[cptzippy]

I know it's not a proper GJ question but as I build up my tool inventory to meet my needs I need to prioritize - then I can go over board.

What tools do you really need more than one of? What tools are very helpful to have more than one of?

Thought about this when I saw someone talking about getting a second ratchet in the same size as a 'basic'.

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Ratchets in each drive size, combination wrenches, pliers, breaker bars, extensions...

 

[cptzippy]

Thanks for the NinetyTwoFifty. Can you also tell me why it's good to have more than one? Can kinda guess but there is more than likely reasons that I hadn't thought of that would be helpful too.

 

[Toolman12]

All of them !!!!but seriously folks vise grips and what NinetyTwoFifty said and sockets in case you break one on a job

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Thanks for the NinetyTwoFifty. Can you also tell me why it's good to have more than one? Can kinda guess but there is more than likely reasons that I hadn't thought of that would be helpful too.

You're quite welcome. And you'll get plenty more good answers too, I bet!

I have extras just in case something breaks, if I lose a tool, and doubles of wrenches because I frequently need two wrenches, one to hold a nut while I turn the bolt with the other one.

 

[odelay01]

I think you need duplicates in the larger sizes of SAE and Metric. For example I am an alignment tech and I often need 19mm x 2, 22mm x 2 etc. Like others have said sometimes you have to hold a nut and turn a bolt of the same size.

 

[woody 73]

Drill bits why duplicates because sometimes they break and if you are on a job that needs to get done asap you then need to buy more of them.

Taps why duplicates (see above).

Screwdrivers , Sometimes they have a nasty habit of having their tips break off when you are working and having duplicates tends to make your life somewhat easier.

files, nothing like having a bad day if you have a dull file,ever try and get a job done with a dull file it takes forever.

hope that helps.

 

[930dreamer]

I have multiples because I operate in three geographic locations.

 

[mypov]

never bad idea to have a couple different copies of flat screw drivers. I know about proper tool for right job, but I have to admit, I've used a flat blade screw driver a few times as a punch and small prybar...for those I use my cheap blades, and I also have a set of snap on screw drivers (purchased from a fellow GJ member).

so...good screw drivers and cheap ones!

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Oh yes. I have probably 10 of each size screwdriver.

 

[garfunkle24]

Heel bars (or "ladyslippers"). They're generally used in pairs for removing gears and pulleys.

 

[larry_g]

I think you need duplicates in the larger sizes of SAE and Metric. For example I am an alignment tech and I often need 19mm x 2, 22mm x 2 etc. Like others have said sometimes you have to hold a nut and turn a bolt of the same size.

Above is very true. However they do not have to be matching wrenches. If you have a regular or long combo set your second set can be a short set or double box ends. Same with sockets regular set and a deep set. You can end up with a lot of 1/4" screwdrivers but in all different lengths. Think about getting varieties of the same tool. Another item to think about is having a good set of tools as the go to set and having backup or secondary tools of a cheaper brand or used tools. Break your snap-off socket and a c-man will get you through till the warranty replacement arrives.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Need4racin]

atleast four jack stands that can hold a 1 ton truck.

 

[fivespdcat]

Ratchets are nice to have duplicates of so you can load different sizes while working on one job. It eliminates the need to constantly change out the sockets if your switching. I found it especially useful when pulling a Saturn bumper off to replace the lights. Is it a requirement? No, but it sure was handy!

 

[Sh1thead]

1/4" ratchets and common sockets ... why switch sockets when you can just pick up another ratchet

 

[Ken81590]

10mm, 12mm, and 14mm sockets. These are the most commenly used/lost sizes.

 

[Contorted77]

Clamps

 

[venturesomerite]

I'd say the most handy thing to have two of are the common or basic wrench sizes. I usually find myself needing two at once more than one alone.

 

[greasemonkey44]

10mm 1/4" sockets
wrenches
screwdrivers

 

[shoturtle]

wrenches is something you want 2 of each, I have craftsman RP and Pros. Good to have when breaking rustily nuts and bolts.

 

[cptzippy]

I have one set of combo wrenches in metric and sae in standard length. What would be a good compliment to them.

 

[garfunkle24]

I have one set of combo wrenches in metric and sae in standard length. What would be a good compliment to them.

A set of long SAE and metrics, or some ratchet wrenches to match.

 

[Stick Figure]

Above is very true. However they do not have to be matching wrenches. If you have a regular or long combo set your second set can be a short set or double box ends. Same with sockets regular set and a deep set. You can end up with a lot of 1/4" screwdrivers but in all different lengths. Think about getting varieties of the same tool. Another item to think about is having a good set of tools as the go to set and having backup or secondary tools of a cheaper brand or used tools. Break your snap-off socket and a c-man will get you through till the warranty replacement arrives.

lg
no neat sig line

agree 100%

Wrench wise I have a "normal" selection of SAE and Metric combos, but my work box only contains one set of each. I also have plenty of obstruction wrenches, ratcheting, double box, and double open to choose from.

My other suggestion is a good selection of 1/4" drive bits and ways to drive them. I once hated those things, but a decent selection of these along with a couple of drive handles, couple socket adapters and a bit ratchet, and you can back up quite a few tools in case of breakage as well as add more capability to your collection.

 

[gonefirefighting]

bottle openers

 

[shoturtle]

A set of long SAE and metrics, or some ratchet wrenches to match.

+1

In my case, I only need metric, so I have standard, long and ratcheting, and stubby.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

What tools are very helpful to have more than one of?

Combination wrenches; two of each size.

 

[machine_punk]

I suspect you are talking about working on cars, but as I fabricate (with wood or metal), I like to have:

At least 3 electric hand drills (set up with a pilot bit, the final drill size, and a driver bit...or whatever...there are usually several steps and nothing slows you down like constantly swapping drill bits).

At least two (preferably more) angle grinders. One set up for with a cutting wheel and one set up with a grinding wheel. Then one for each special operation you need (welders may have a special disc set up for cleaning up after a weld). One with a wire brush in it. One for paint removal...etc. Whatever processes you routinely use in your shop.

+1 on the wrenches, ratchets, and sockets.

Drill bits...I buy these in bulk (6 to 12 at a time of each size I use routinely) But I do a lot of riveting (drilling holes to fill holes)...and nothing stops my projects like not having the correct bit.

Any clamps you routinely use. The general rule is that you can never have enough clamps.

M_P

 

[dankicksass]

If I only have one of a particular tool, chances are it's a specialty tool.

 

[RECox286]

I try not to anticipate too much, because having a tool fetish is

probably more expensive than keeping a "girlfriend". What I do is

muddle thru a job with what I have on hand, or can borrow, then

go out and buy the items that would have made the job go easier.

That way when that job, or a similar job comes around, I'm tooled

up for the forray. This goes for primary as well as spare tools.

Uncle Bob

 

[markl]

Wrenches for when you have a jam nut, drill bits for when one breaks, vice grips, C-clamps, multiple die grinders setup with different attachments, angle grinders one with wire wheel, one with cutoff disk, one with flap wheel. There are numerous reasons to have duplicates of any tool, this thread could go on for quite a while. I have duplicates of almost everything in my box.

 

[cptzippy]

I try not to anticipate too much, because having a tool fetish is

probably more expensive than keeping a "girlfriend". What I do is

muddle thru a job with what I have on hand, or can borrow, then

go out and buy the items that would have made the job go easier.

That way when that job, or a similar job comes around, I'm tooled

up for the forray. This goes for primary as well as spare tools.

Uncle Bob

That's kind of what I've been doing and what I hope to do in the future. Hopefully though, I can be better anticipate by seeing the answers on here and other noob questions I've been asking.

 

[cptzippy]

There are numerous reasons to have duplicates of any tool, this thread could go on for quite a while.

That would be fine with me

 

[cptzippy]

I know that the nut sizes on the Jag are all over the place but I know for sure I need another good set of Pozidriv as 90 percent on the bolts are that rare beastie. Haven't had to wrench the Acura in anger but I'm guessing it would be torx right?

I'm thinking of getting one of the Wiha Drive-loc with the blades I need as a second set - what do ya think?

 

[shoturtle]

They are really great blade system. They are better then any of the us made ones. And having it where you can adjust the blade length is an added plus

 

[cptzippy]

They are really great blade system. They are better then any of the us made ones. And having it where you can adjust the blade length is an added plus

That's what I was thinking since I don't have stubby or longs in anything. Been very happy with the Wiha's I have - better than the CM or Stanley I have.

 

[shoturtle]

I have allot o wiha tools, almost all vde stuff from Switzerland and Germany. Been very happy with them. I want to add their blade system but I have a good working set. Should sell it and get the wiha, only other good blade set is the PBS Swiss. Wera is number 3.

 

[Outlawmws]

I'd say the most handy thing to have two of are the common or basic wrench sizes. I usually find myself needing two at once more than one alone.

wrenches is something you want 2 of each, I have craftsman RP and Pros. Good to have when breaking rustily nuts and bolts.

I have one set of combo wrenches in metric and sae in standard length. What would be a good compliment to them.

Combination wrenches; two of each size.

on the two sets of wrenches. I started with two sets of craftsman RP std length combination, but would recommend one set std length and one set long pattern (whatever flavor you prefer....), as when you need two of the same size you are likely to need some leverage.

I don't care for the double open end sets, and only have double box in offsets that don't come any other way.

I like having ratchet wrenches in the sizes I use the most, which for me is SAE full set (3/8 - 7/8), and Metric in 10, 12, and 14. If I were still racing I'd have at least one 15/16...

Other tools I "need" 2 (or more) of:

Clamps, you (I) cannot have too many of any type!

If you fabricate, welders, C grip vise grips

Extensions. All too often I need to get to a specific length, so having more than one in the common lengths, as well as shorty 1" extensions, allows a lot of length adjustment.

I don't tend to have copies of the same ratchet, but I do have different lengths from stubby to extra long, and flex head in a couple of lengths in 3/8. I want then in 1/4" drive and one long one in 1/2" as well, but I'm cheap and they don't come up at yard sales often...

Different lengths of the same blade/tip screwdrivers, particularly #2 Phillips and 1/4" straight blade.

Ditto on the Drills, at least for commonly used sizes; Again if you fabricate a lot...

Power hand drills/screw guns, I like to have one setup for drilling and one for screws, or you can get the quick change bit holders, but then you practicably have to stay within a brand, which can be a pain...

Spare bits in the common sizes for the above they do wear out.

Ditto on jack stands - two pair (at least)



Things you probably DON'T need in duplicate: (leaving aside road boxes and other legit second sources locations)

Nut drivers (if not a full set, get 5/16, 3/8, as these are common for hose clamps...
Flair wrenches
Tappet wrenches
Ignition wrenches (why the combo wrench designers never caught on to the different sizes on each end like they did for ignition wrenches makes me wonder...)
Sockets (other than impact vs. non impact, and deep vs std.)
Specialty tools (pullers, Cherry Picker (handy for more than just engines...), probably an engine stand if you are into major rebuilding,
Torque wrenches other than in larger Lb-Ft and Lb-In...
a set of ramps
Pliers other then different styles.

Floor jack are debatable. One is generally sufficient, but having two (or three) can be very handy...

 

[HaroRider]

I am curious, do you guys have both 12 and 6 point wrenhces?

Recently on an engine removal I needed a 13mm 6 point as my 12 point was stripping it out. I am thinking of buying a set of 6 points now. The madness never ends

 

[cptzippy]

So on my list is:

Wiha Drive-loc in the blades I need most
Long Metric wrenches and sae (which since I don't need much is probably waiting to see used)
Some deep sockets to fill in and get duplicates.

 

[Outlawmws]

I am curious, do you guys have both 12 and 6 point wrenhces?

Recently on an engine removal I needed a 13mm 6 point as my 12 point was stripping it out. I am thinking of buying a set of 6 points now. The madness never ends

The question is, why was it stripping out? Rusted solid? crappy quality fasteners? Or a poorly fitting box end? 6 pt is not really going to help on rusted solid...