MyChannellockTools
Well-known member
I'm looking to make a tool junkie's top 5 tool list for a promotional mailing. Let us know your favorite hand tool and why!
Whats Your Favorite Tool?
- Thread starter MyChannellockTools
- Start date
Stuey
Well-known member
Binghamton, eh? I lived there during my undergrad years. Tool selection in that area really stunk. =(
Anyways...
1. Leatherman Skeletool
2. Streamlight Stylus Pro
3. Wiha ACO #2 philips screwdriver
4. Park Tool 4,5,6mm Y style ball-end driver
5. Stanley Demolition Driver, #2 philips
Why? Because their use makes tasks either more fun, or easier to accomplish.
Anyways...
1. Leatherman Skeletool
2. Streamlight Stylus Pro
3. Wiha ACO #2 philips screwdriver
4. Park Tool 4,5,6mm Y style ball-end driver
5. Stanley Demolition Driver, #2 philips
Why? Because their use makes tasks either more fun, or easier to accomplish.
Quiksilver
Well-known member
My number one right now is the Irwin Unibit. I really like the one with the large steps that will do thicker metals. The one that I use the most is the Titanium that goes up to 1/2".
Number two is my 1/4" Dewalt 18V Impact Driver.
Number three would be any Gearwrench ratcheting wrench.
I can't think of numbers four and five right now.....
Number two is my 1/4" Dewalt 18V Impact Driver.
Number three would be any Gearwrench ratcheting wrench.
I can't think of numbers four and five right now.....
billymade
Well-known member
Maybe you can answer a Channellock question; someone here was looking for a duckbill plier that was made in the past by Channellock, it had smooth jaws. The currently shipping model has teeth on it; do they make the smooth models anymore?
Phatsub
Well-known member
My fav right now is my DeWalt 18v VSR drill.
then my Craftsman 19.2v 1/4" impact driver.
Third would be my sliding compound miter saw since I got a rolling stand for it.
then my Craftsman 19.2v 1/4" impact driver.
Third would be my sliding compound miter saw since I got a rolling stand for it.
speed bump
Well-known member
1.)Leatherman wave multi-tool. Why? Best multitool ever made, it has a diamond file the knife blades are handy on the outside and the pliers are versitile and comfortable.
2.)Mac XR9F 45° degree flex head 3/8" drive ratchet. why? Much handier than a standard ratchet without being as floppy or as annoying as true flex head. Combined with U-joints, swivels, and extensions I can go almost anywhere.
3.)Various picks, magnets, and prybars. Why? essentials for every job I can think of. You can pick stuff up, pry it out, guide it and 500 other uses you won't think of until you start using them.
4.) Nut drivers. Why? I barely use my 1/4 drive stuff anymore becuase the nut drivers are so much faster.
5.) tape measure. Why? measure thrice cut once, nuff said.
Non hand tools the list would be
Bosch I-driver, air ratchets, impact gun and sawzall.
2.)Mac XR9F 45° degree flex head 3/8" drive ratchet. why? Much handier than a standard ratchet without being as floppy or as annoying as true flex head. Combined with U-joints, swivels, and extensions I can go almost anywhere.
3.)Various picks, magnets, and prybars. Why? essentials for every job I can think of. You can pick stuff up, pry it out, guide it and 500 other uses you won't think of until you start using them.
4.) Nut drivers. Why? I barely use my 1/4 drive stuff anymore becuase the nut drivers are so much faster.
5.) tape measure. Why? measure thrice cut once, nuff said.
Non hand tools the list would be
Bosch I-driver, air ratchets, impact gun and sawzall.
GDA
Well-known member
I really like all my tools but if I had to mention a couple favorites-
1 Snap On techwrench torque wrenches - so easy to use
2 Snap On flank drive wrenches
3 Snap On ratcheting screwdriver - very smooth ratcheting action
4 IR 2115ti - a light and mean impact
Although I dont use it very often I always get a huge grin when I get to use my 3/4 drive SO techwrench... the 48 inch monster that it is.
1 Snap On techwrench torque wrenches - so easy to use
2 Snap On flank drive wrenches
3 Snap On ratcheting screwdriver - very smooth ratcheting action
4 IR 2115ti - a light and mean impact
Although I dont use it very often I always get a huge grin when I get to use my 3/4 drive SO techwrench... the 48 inch monster that it is.
russlaferrera
Well-known member
Air Compressor, O/A torch, Snap-On wrenches, Makitia cordless drill and Gearwrenchs
old salvage
Well-known member
My favs are the ones I use the most I guess.
1. A #2 phillips head screwdriver. It seems to be the most common size .
2. A 1/4" flat blade screwdriver.
3. A pair of slip joint pliers with built in wire cutter. Sometimes you have to twist things or pull, rip bend etc and with wire cutters its 2 tools in one.
4. A claw hammer. I still use nails.
5. Tape measure. Even when I'm not fixing or building things its often necessary to measure.
1. A #2 phillips head screwdriver. It seems to be the most common size .
2. A 1/4" flat blade screwdriver.
3. A pair of slip joint pliers with built in wire cutter. Sometimes you have to twist things or pull, rip bend etc and with wire cutters its 2 tools in one.
4. A claw hammer. I still use nails.
5. Tape measure. Even when I'm not fixing or building things its often necessary to measure.
Favorite tool?
1) My part-time assistant. He is not a "tool", but I use him to put out fires so I can devote my time to larger issues.
2) My old G4 PowerBook. I use it to schedule my day, keep in communication with my 5 supervisors and handle issues remotely. It is a great time saver and I would be lost without it.
3) My cordless drills. Whether I am using the old 9.6V AEG, the 12V BDs, the 14.4V Milwuakee, or the 18V DeWalt, they get the job done. I abuse them terribly and they don't complain.
If I had a FLUKE Optiview Network Analyzer, it would be near the top of the list. They are kind of pricey, though.
1) My part-time assistant. He is not a "tool", but I use him to put out fires so I can devote my time to larger issues.
2) My old G4 PowerBook. I use it to schedule my day, keep in communication with my 5 supervisors and handle issues remotely. It is a great time saver and I would be lost without it.
3) My cordless drills. Whether I am using the old 9.6V AEG, the 12V BDs, the 14.4V Milwuakee, or the 18V DeWalt, they get the job done. I abuse them terribly and they don't complain.
If I had a FLUKE Optiview Network Analyzer, it would be near the top of the list. They are kind of pricey, though.
Just buy the current model and grind the teeth out...JayL
Well-known member
KraftwerkMk1Jetta
Well-known member
In no particular order:
1. Dremel tool. I don't know how I survived before I got one.
2. Leatherman "Kick" multi-tool. I probably use this at least once a day at work. Always have it on my belt.
3. Craftsman offset metric ratcheting wrenches. For the price I don't think they can be beat. Saved me a ton of time recently removing brake light switches on my VW master cylinder when I had a leak around the fitting. Made in the USA and a lifetime warranty to boot.
4. Craftsman adjustable wrench. Still a versatile tool and can get you out of a bind. I always have this in the trunk of my car to accompany my other wrenches. You never know when you'll need it.
5. old skool 3/8 drive SK ratchet. Simple design, smooth action.
1. Dremel tool. I don't know how I survived before I got one.
2. Leatherman "Kick" multi-tool. I probably use this at least once a day at work. Always have it on my belt.
3. Craftsman offset metric ratcheting wrenches. For the price I don't think they can be beat. Saved me a ton of time recently removing brake light switches on my VW master cylinder when I had a leak around the fitting. Made in the USA and a lifetime warranty to boot.
4. Craftsman adjustable wrench. Still a versatile tool and can get you out of a bind. I always have this in the trunk of my car to accompany my other wrenches. You never know when you'll need it.
5. old skool 3/8 drive SK ratchet. Simple design, smooth action.
olds88
Well-known member
Snap-on 3/8 drive long handle ratchet (most used)
My 1/2 inch drive Snap-on torque wrench... I use it several times a day for lug nuts
Any of my Snap-on wrenches
Snap-on "Vacuum-Grip" hose spring clamp plyers, vintage 1955, before I got these I HATED spring clamps, since then I almost like them!
Gilbarco hydraulic in ground lifts, circa 1970... probably the most used/useful, and most under appreciated "tools" in the shop!
My 1/2 inch drive Snap-on torque wrench... I use it several times a day for lug nuts
Any of my Snap-on wrenches
Snap-on "Vacuum-Grip" hose spring clamp plyers, vintage 1955, before I got these I HATED spring clamps, since then I almost like them!
Gilbarco hydraulic in ground lifts, circa 1970... probably the most used/useful, and most under appreciated "tools" in the shop!
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eschoendorff
Well-known member
Also in no particular order:
My Snap On MG725
GearWrenches
Snap On dead-blow ball peen hammer
Facom 180.TE pliers
Snap On FH747
HH 140 welder
MacBook
My Snap On MG725
GearWrenches
Snap On dead-blow ball peen hammer
Facom 180.TE pliers
Snap On FH747
HH 140 welder
MacBook
jcp907
Well-known member
My top 5-tough to select just 5-number 1 was easy though.
1 Matco Deadblow hammer-it's solid when it strikes-whether it's ball joints, the impact driver, or something stubborn, this hammer hits hard and hits on target!
2 SK Bent handle flex head ratchet-It just feels right and is very reliable
3 Impact Driver-Get's the stuck screws loose-less of a need for ez outs with this tool
4 Swivel sockets, 1/4 inch. Once the fastener is broken loose, this will back it out in tight quarters, but more importantly will allow you to start the fastener without cross
threading!
5 1/4 inch long handle flex ratchet with an extension with handle-is awesome for interior work, or starting fasteners to avoid cross threading.
Jay
1 Matco Deadblow hammer-it's solid when it strikes-whether it's ball joints, the impact driver, or something stubborn, this hammer hits hard and hits on target!
2 SK Bent handle flex head ratchet-It just feels right and is very reliable
3 Impact Driver-Get's the stuck screws loose-less of a need for ez outs with this tool
4 Swivel sockets, 1/4 inch. Once the fastener is broken loose, this will back it out in tight quarters, but more importantly will allow you to start the fastener without cross
threading!
5 1/4 inch long handle flex ratchet with an extension with handle-is awesome for interior work, or starting fasteners to avoid cross threading.
Jay
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
fluke 87
snap on 3/8 air ratchet -22 years and counting
ir231 1/2 impact gun -14 years -1 rebuild
snap on 3/8 air ratchet -22 years and counting
ir231 1/2 impact gun -14 years -1 rebuild
DiStOrTiOn
Well-known member
In no particular order:
Craftsman 3/8" flex-head bent-handle ratchet
All my channellock pliers
Snap-on #2 Phillips Screwdriver
Craftsman 25' measuring tape
Ryobi Recip Saw
Craftsman 3/8" flex-head bent-handle ratchet
All my channellock pliers
Snap-on #2 Phillips Screwdriver
Craftsman 25' measuring tape
Ryobi Recip Saw
#1, SK Roto-Head ratchet, 3/8 dr; longer handle and roto-head allows you to get into odd places and still have a decent stroke.
#2. Snapon #2 plillips screwdriver: used for everything from a car interior to .... well, just evrything.
#3. Bent nose needle nose pliers: easy to find in the drawer and besides I have a perfect one that's that is not too loose and not too stiff.
#4. Nice set of long handled SAE combination wrenches, 12pt, chrome (mine are Armstrong): Fit everything on an old car, feel good in your hands, cleans up easily and look good in the drawer.
#5. Angle Grinder: just does it all; grinds, cuts, shave a little off or cut that sucker in half, the angle grinder will free that stuck nut off that bolt real fast.
#2. Snapon #2 plillips screwdriver: used for everything from a car interior to .... well, just evrything.
#3. Bent nose needle nose pliers: easy to find in the drawer and besides I have a perfect one that's that is not too loose and not too stiff.
#4. Nice set of long handled SAE combination wrenches, 12pt, chrome (mine are Armstrong): Fit everything on an old car, feel good in your hands, cleans up easily and look good in the drawer.
#5. Angle Grinder: just does it all; grinds, cuts, shave a little off or cut that sucker in half, the angle grinder will free that stuck nut off that bolt real fast.
Now that my personal motor pool consists of 2 Fords, I don't get to use my mechanics tools as much as I use to.
So bearing this in mind my most used hand tools on the home front lately and some of my favorites are the following:
Klein lineman's pliers
Eswing ripping hammer
Proto heel/toe bar
10" Vise Grips (USA made of course)
10" Gray adjustable
All my tools are my favorites when they are needed. These are just my most recent favorites.
So bearing this in mind my most used hand tools on the home front lately and some of my favorites are the following:Klein lineman's pliers
Eswing ripping hammer
Proto heel/toe bar
10" Vise Grips (USA made of course)
10" Gray adjustable
All my tools are my favorites when they are needed. These are just my most recent favorites.
Number one is my favourite tool by a mile, the rest aren't really in any order.
1) Facom 3/8" Palm control - the best ratchet I have ever used. Immaculately well made, comfortable, and both big enough to put in some serious torque and small enough for tight modern engine compartments
2) Footprint 3/4lb ball pein - I watched mine being made, a proper Sheffield BFH
3) Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches - I think anyone who's used them knows why they make it on the list
4) Spyderco UKPK - the best knife available that passes our stupid everyday carry restrictions
5) Bahco Swedish Clearing Axe - slowly turning my wilderness into a garden
1) Facom 3/8" Palm control - the best ratchet I have ever used. Immaculately well made, comfortable, and both big enough to put in some serious torque and small enough for tight modern engine compartments
2) Footprint 3/4lb ball pein - I watched mine being made, a proper Sheffield BFH
3) Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches - I think anyone who's used them knows why they make it on the list
4) Spyderco UKPK - the best knife available that passes our stupid everyday carry restrictions
5) Bahco Swedish Clearing Axe - slowly turning my wilderness into a garden
Now that my personal motor pool consists of 2 Fords, I don't get to use my mechanics tools as much as I use to.
Yeah, you don't need anything other than that hammer and prybar to work on a Ford.
Yeah, you don't need anything other than that hammer and prybar to work on a Ford.
Just the hammer.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Top 5:
1. Computer. To access factory service information, bulletins, and wiring diagrams.
2. Streamlight Polystinger Flashlight. Nothing is better for turning a dark engine compartment or the area under the dash bright.
3. Pocket screwdriver. It's the perfect tool for removing connectors, some trim, poking at stuff, and best of all, it's free.
4. IR titanium series impacts. Nothing is lighter, more powerful, easier to lug around all day, and offers more bang for the buck.
5. Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. If you're not using an air tool, it's the next easiest wrench to use.
Your results may vary. Have fun while you work.
1. Computer. To access factory service information, bulletins, and wiring diagrams.
2. Streamlight Polystinger Flashlight. Nothing is better for turning a dark engine compartment or the area under the dash bright.
3. Pocket screwdriver. It's the perfect tool for removing connectors, some trim, poking at stuff, and best of all, it's free.
4. IR titanium series impacts. Nothing is lighter, more powerful, easier to lug around all day, and offers more bang for the buck.
5. Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. If you're not using an air tool, it's the next easiest wrench to use.
Your results may vary. Have fun while you work.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
Favorite 5:
1. Knipex 22" Cobra
Nothing else will do what I do with these.
2. Streamlight Stylus
So ****** handy.
3. Snap-on heel bars
Turned 3 cheap sets into noodles before I bought these. I actually bought 2 sets so that I have 2 of each size, which is really nice for pulling off bearings etc.
4. Snap-on 36" pry-bar
Quite a few guys i know have the huge-*** Mayhew, OTC and Mac bars and they **** compared to this IMHO.
5. Mastercraft 3KO cordless impact.
Goes on sale for $134.99. I had a Mac one, same torque rating, with one battery. I paid ~$500 for it. Had a 12 month warranty, died after 13. This one has the same torque rating, is more compact, has two batteries, tons of accessories and a 5 year warranty. Every mechanic I know around here has one.
Most-used 5:
1. Mastercraft 3K0 cordless impact.
2. Pocket screwdriver
3. Blue-Point fixed offset reversible ratchet wrenches.
4. Snap-On F80 3/8" ratchet
5. Laptop
1. Knipex 22" Cobra
Nothing else will do what I do with these.
2. Streamlight Stylus
So ****** handy.
3. Snap-on heel bars
Turned 3 cheap sets into noodles before I bought these. I actually bought 2 sets so that I have 2 of each size, which is really nice for pulling off bearings etc.
4. Snap-on 36" pry-bar
Quite a few guys i know have the huge-*** Mayhew, OTC and Mac bars and they **** compared to this IMHO.
5. Mastercraft 3KO cordless impact.
Goes on sale for $134.99. I had a Mac one, same torque rating, with one battery. I paid ~$500 for it. Had a 12 month warranty, died after 13. This one has the same torque rating, is more compact, has two batteries, tons of accessories and a 5 year warranty. Every mechanic I know around here has one.
Most-used 5:
1. Mastercraft 3K0 cordless impact.
2. Pocket screwdriver
3. Blue-Point fixed offset reversible ratchet wrenches.
4. Snap-On F80 3/8" ratchet
5. Laptop
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WSMC633
Well-known member
As said by others my favorite tool is the one that gets the job done. Day to day though this is what gets used the most.
In no Particular order
1. MacBook Pro
2. 3/8" impact
3. Bosh Impactor
4. T-Handle Hex Keys
5. Gearwrench Ratcheting Wrenches
6. Safety Glasses (They are always on the list since a drill bit shattered in my face a few weeks ago, and they saved me from a chunk of sharp hot metal in the eye!)
In no Particular order
1. MacBook Pro
2. 3/8" impact
3. Bosh Impactor
4. T-Handle Hex Keys
5. Gearwrench Ratcheting Wrenches
6. Safety Glasses (They are always on the list since a drill bit shattered in my face a few weeks ago, and they saved me from a chunk of sharp hot metal in the eye!)
CAT_serviceman927
Well-known member
1. Snap-On 4-way angle head wrench set. Nothing better for getting at hydraulic lines. Also the only company with 30 and 60 degree angles rather than 15 and 60.
2. Fluke meter. I have a 73 which gets the job done. Would love an 87.
3. Knipex 10" high leverage dykes.
4. Vaughn 4lb engineers hammer.
5. All of my Mayhew line-up bars, pinch bars, prybars, and drift punches.
2. Fluke meter. I have a 73 which gets the job done. Would love an 87.
3. Knipex 10" high leverage dykes.
4. Vaughn 4lb engineers hammer.
5. All of my Mayhew line-up bars, pinch bars, prybars, and drift punches.
Nice,
I would replace the hammer with my leather handle Estwing, and replace the prybar with my 18v cordless.
I would replace the hammer with my leather handle Estwing, and replace the prybar with my 18v cordless.
Now that my personal motor pool consists of 2 Fords, I don't get to use my mechanics tools as much as I use to.
Klein lineman's pliers
Eswing ripping hammer
Proto heel/toe bar
10" Vise Grips (USA made of course)
10" Gray adjustable
All my tools are my favorites when they are needed. These are just my most recent favorites.
Frank Elson
Well-known member
15 ins pound through screwdriver - 30 years old
1/2 inch ratchet - 20 plus years old
imperial/metric socket set - 42 years old
wire side-cutters - about a year old
three way metric socket spanner, I must take a pic one day - 20 years old
1/2 inch ratchet - 20 plus years old
imperial/metric socket set - 42 years old
wire side-cutters - about a year old
three way metric socket spanner, I must take a pic one day - 20 years old
Cutch
Well-known member
Uhhh...I'm very fortunate...my favourite tool is my wife's favourite tool
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
I have a lot.
Knipex pliers.
Bosch power tools
Gearwrenches
Streamlight stinger flashlight
Craftsman pro/Snap-On 30/60 wrenches.
Knipex pliers.
Bosch power tools
Gearwrenches
Streamlight stinger flashlight
Craftsman pro/Snap-On 30/60 wrenches.
It really depends on what I'm working on.
Most used automtove tools:
1. HF Impact wrench and sockets
2. Cheapo HF 1/2" torque wrench
3. 3/8" ratchets and sockets (Craftsman)
4. 7" Vise-grip pliers
5. DMM
Around the house projects:
1. drill/driver
2. corded drill
3. claw hammer
4. Skill saw
5. Miter saw and WorkMate sawhorse
6. Jig-saw (used it a lot to build the playhouse)
Gardening (aka tools my wife borrows):
1. A couple of slip-joint pliers to remove sprinkler heads
2. PVC pipe cutter
3. Small screw driver
4. Pruning shears and shovels (ok these are her's)
Most used automtove tools:
1. HF Impact wrench and sockets
2. Cheapo HF 1/2" torque wrench
3. 3/8" ratchets and sockets (Craftsman)
4. 7" Vise-grip pliers
5. DMM
Around the house projects:
1. drill/driver
2. corded drill
3. claw hammer
4. Skill saw
5. Miter saw and WorkMate sawhorse
6. Jig-saw (used it a lot to build the playhouse)
Gardening (aka tools my wife borrows):
1. A couple of slip-joint pliers to remove sprinkler heads
2. PVC pipe cutter
3. Small screw driver
4. Pruning shears and shovels (ok these are her's)
rickairmedic
Well-known member
I do HVAC so my list may vary from most mechanics here but probably not by much .
Tools I carry into every house when I get out of the truck.
1. Supco 6&1 ratcheting screwdriver theres 6 of them in my toolbag .
2. Fluke #16 multimeter
3. Klein no 11055 wire stripper/cutters
4. LED headllight invaluable tool light everywhere I look and both hands free to work.
5. My clipboard so I can write down what I have done and GET PAID.
I also have in my left pocket at all times a small 1/4" ratcheting reversing wrench with one 1/4" & one 5/16" magnetic bitdrivers . On my right pocket is always a husky folding utility knife and in my phone holster is a husky multitool, 2 inkpens,2 sharpies, and 2 precision screwdrivers including one that ratchets all of which have phillups and straight ends on them .
Rick
.Tools I carry into every house when I get out of the truck.
1. Supco 6&1 ratcheting screwdriver theres 6 of them in my toolbag .
2. Fluke #16 multimeter
3. Klein no 11055 wire stripper/cutters
4. LED headllight invaluable tool light everywhere I look and both hands free to work.
5. My clipboard so I can write down what I have done and GET PAID
.I also have in my left pocket at all times a small 1/4" ratcheting reversing wrench with one 1/4" & one 5/16" magnetic bitdrivers . On my right pocket is always a husky folding utility knife and in my phone holster is a husky multitool, 2 inkpens,2 sharpies, and 2 precision screwdrivers including one that ratchets
all of which have phillups and straight ends on them .Rick
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OP
MyChannellockTools
Well-known member
Thanks for your informative feed back!!
OP
MyChannellockTools
Well-known member
There is a tongue and groove style plier that is specifically marked at "smooth jawed" There are some of the bent nose and snipe nose pliers that don't have the teeth as well. I have the latest catalogs if you are interested in one please let me know!
speed bump
Well-known member
I do HVAC so my list may vary from most mechanics here but probably not by much
Tools I carry into every house when I get out of the truck.
1. Supco 6&1 ratcheting screwdriver theres 6 of them in my toolbag .
2. Fluke #16 multimeter
3. Klein no 11055 wire stripper/cutters
4. LED headllight invaluable tool light everywhere I look and both hands free to work.
5. My clipboard so I can write down what I have done and GET PAID
I also have in my left pocket at all times a small 1/4" ratcheting reversing wrench with one 1/4" & one 5/16" magnetic bitdrivers . On my right pocket is always a husky folding utility knife and in my phone holster is a husky multitool, 2 inkpens,2 sharpies, and 2 precision screwdrivers including one that ratchets
Rick
Sounds about right when I was doing refrigeration until here recently my most used were.
1.) Bosch I-driver
2.) Klein 8" dykes
3.) Klein 5/16" and 1/4" long nut drivers
4.) Dewalt 18v snake light.
5.) Fluke 16
Finley
Well-known member
my fathers masonry trowel. he was a bricklayer by family trade. he passed away when i was a month old, and the trowel, along with a handful of pictures, are all i have of him. it stays in plain sight hanging from my workbench at all times.