you are the tool engineer...

[ex-x-fire]

...what things would you change to tools?
I'd want more sockets to have wrench flats, like spark plug sockets have. I'd like that feature on torx & allen sockets too.
My snap-on sockets won't fit over brake bleeders, thex hex part needs to be deeper.
I'd want to make extra shallow sockets, sometimes clearences are really tight.
A new type of line wrench, a two piece design that has the abilty to completely box a nut.
A electric palm ratchet, even if it has a cord, would be useful.
A ratchet with staggered paws, so lets say a 72 tooth ratchet would have 142 clicks. A ratchet like this would most likely be a one direction only or have a push through square drive.
Maybe some of this stuff is out there already.

 

[tjmonsen5]

...what things would you change to tools?
I'd want more sockets to have wrench flats, like spark plug sockets have. I'd like that feature on torx & allen sockets too.
My snap-on sockets won't fit over brake bleeders, thex hex part needs to be deeper.
I'd want to make extra shallow sockets, sometimes clearences are really tight.
A new type of line wrench, a two piece design that has the abilty to completely box a nut.
A electric palm ratchet, even if it has a cord, would be useful.
A ratchet with staggered paws, so lets say a 72 tooth ratchet would have 142 clicks. A ratchet like this would most likely be a one direction only or have a push through square drive.
Maybe some of this stuff is out there already.

A lot of this stuff is already out there. Full box end line wrenches have been around a long time. Also, I use my deep snap-on sockets all the time on brake bleeders. I think the newest Gearwrench 120xp has the double pawls.

 

[ex-x-fire]

My snap on 1/4 sockets are from the early 90s, the 5/16 socket wont clear the ****** on bleeders.

 

[kunkernator]

I like the idea of full socket sets that have wrench flats.

The staggered pawl ratchet exists as mentioned in an earlier post. Snap On makes extra shallow sockets. I feel like an electric palm ratchet would not have much torque, but maybe in the future when technology advances.

All good ideas, personally I would like to see a modular breaker bar, so you can screw on or take off extensions to make it as long as you want, but still rigid.

 

[marlinspike]

Stahlwille makes extra short sockets.
I think the downside to the wrench flat is it means that part of the socket will only be as strong as the narrowest part (at least I know testing found fluted rifle barrels are only as strong as the thin as the narrower diameter - i.e. the bottom of the flute).

 

[sberry]

When its all said and done any real problems are solved with a pair of straight jaw vise grips.

I will say this, one Snappy tool I have been coveting is a 5/16 fd end wrench but I made it a quite a ways without it.

 

[purplezr2]

When its all said and done any real problems are solved with a pair of straight jaw vise grips.

I will say this, one Snappy tool I have been coveting is a 5/16 fd end wrench but I made it a quite a ways without it.

I sure you hope you don't work on other peoples cars for a living, if I saw you use a vise grips on a brake bleeder I would find a new shop.

 

[Zaylor]

extensions that are easier to grip

breaker bars with threaded handles is a great idea

 

[Airframer]

@ Zaylor: http://www.koken.co/2011/koken-accessories

 

[Carla]

I sure you hope you don't work on other peoples cars for a living, if I saw you use a vise grips on a brake bleeder I would find a new shop.

A not-very-nice 'fact of life' is that clients will bring in cars/light trucks which have had the bleed screws already rounded by some previous 'mechanic' using an ill-fitting open wrench.

If, for whatever reason, you have to bleed brakes and you are not replacing the wheel cylinder, and don't have new bleed screws for that model of wheel cylinder in stock.......and, you are under time-pressure with the client waiting for his/her vehicle.....using a vise-grips will 'get the job out'.

Yes, one really should be replacing the wheel cylinder, or, at the least, having it off, cleaning/honing/inspecting it and...if the bore cleans up alright.... fitting new cups and a new bleed screw.

Should you let the vehicle go out without replacing/rebuilding the wheel cylinders? That's another question entirely.......

cheers

Carla

 

[jfcasey]

I sure you hope you don't work on other peoples cars for a living, if I saw you use a vise grips on a brake bleeder I would find a new shop.

You are probably the same guy who would blow a gasket when he came out to up sell you a wheel cylinder or a caliper because your bleeders were already destroyed. Using a vice grip wouldn't be anybody's first choice, but people are so hard headed and ignorant these days that trying to explain to them they need new brake components when they are expecting to just be buying the consumable parts thanks to the last guy is near impossible these days.

 

[purplezr2]

You are probably the same guy who would blow a gasket when he came out to up sell you a wheel cylinder or a caliper because your bleeders were already destroyed. Using a vice grip wouldn't be anybody's first choice, but people are so hard headed and ignorant these days that trying to explain to them they need new brake components when they are expecting to just be buying the consumable parts thanks to the last guy is near impossible these days.

I do my own work so I guess it won't be an issue. I use to do side work for people and coworkers. I have never ran in to a bleeder that required a vise grip. usually tighten them alittle, then loosen them using a deep socket.
I live in the rust belt also.

 

[sberry]

I sure you hope you don't work on other peoples cars for a living, if I saw you use a vise grips on a brake bleeder I would find a new shop.

How would you propose you remove a damaged bleeder, too rusted or seized by the last guy with thr right tool that jambed it twice as tight as it needed to be? You figure every pepboy or Midas shop does it perfect when you are not looking?

You figure everyone selling a brake special at a tire shop is a golden arm?

And as a matter of fact take particular pride in being very highly skilled with a pair of straight jaw vise grips Usually to the point people that are watching say,,, good fix.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Vise grips on old bleeders isn't a show stopper.
Nobody I know stocks every bleeder found today.

On new bleeders? well that's a diff story....

~~~~~~~

Deep sockets should be broached full depth like shallows.

Wrench flats on sockets could be included in a socket's design minimizing loss of strength....

 

[Danglerb]

...what things would you change to tools?
I'd want more sockets to have wrench flats, like spark plug sockets have. I'd like that feature on torx & allen sockets too.
My snap-on sockets won't fit over brake bleeders, thex hex part needs to be deeper.
I'd want to make extra shallow sockets, sometimes clearences are really tight.
A new type of line wrench, a two piece design that has the abilty to completely box a nut.
A electric palm ratchet, even if it has a cord, would be useful.
A ratchet with staggered paws, so lets say a 72 tooth ratchet would have 142 clicks. A ratchet like this would most likely be a one direction only or have a push through square drive.
Maybe some of this stuff is out there already.

All of those are possible now.

$5 at HF for a set of 3 hex to sq socket adapters. GearWrench sells a set of similar adapters made for there ratchet end wrenches.

Deep sockets.
Shallow sockets.
HF socket and 5 min with a grinder.

Several types of line wrenches that wrap all the way around. Butterfly comes to mind as a keyword.

Ratchets with rollers instead of pawls, works with very tiny angle between steps.

Bad bleeder, check that up front, give the customer the options, ****** it more with visegrips, replace the assembly, wait until you get that bleeder in stock. Maybe ****** it more right now, but come back next week and get new bleeders.

 

[CWP1616L]

If I was an engineer, I'd take the thicker beam of a Snap-on XBM double box wrench and incorporate that into the OEXM combination wrench.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

MO' KNURL! I wish my sockets and extensions had a lot more knurl. Oil and smooth finish slip. I wish I could knurl them myself...I saw the "How Snap On tools are made" video, and they run them through a big hydraulic roller that knurls them. If I ever get a REALLY BIG Dake I'll try to McGyver something.

And as of tonight, a die of sorts that lets you hammer in bent nails to straighten them (May need heat to counter spring-tension)....anyone know of something?

Also, (been discussed on GJ) an electric/corded angle die grinder that has balls. (Size of a pneumatic)

 

[Zaylor]

MO' KNURL!

exactly

 

[greasemonkey44]

i always wanted a magic button so a car would stop messing up long enough to rent it
or trip the tire balancer into all 00
this work stuff is for the birds

 

[Chuck122]

I would put a female square drive on the handle on ratchets and breaker bars so that i can add extensions to the handle for extra leverage

 

[Holt]

I would put a female square drive on the handle on ratchets and breaker bars so that i can add extensions to the handle for extra leverage

I bought a 1/2 breaker bar at a gatagesale that the guy welded a socket to the end.

 

[General Geoff]

Not a tool per se, but i'd see that all wood screws are changed to torx.

 

[InsanePyro]

Deeper deep sockets

Not a tool per se, but i'd see that all wood screws are changed to torx.

Why? Torx screws are pains. I've had more of those stupid things strip out then phillips. And its more **** you have to carry around

 

[InsanePyro]

I bought a 1/2 breaker bar at a gatagesale that the guy welded a socket to the end.

My breaker bar is similar to this

Pretty cool idea if you ask me

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I think I'd put an electronic chip in small sockets so when you drop them into a tight and unseen spot you can whistle and they will start beeping...(Did you ever drop a small socket and never find it? I have.)

 

[Holt]

How about a wrench that you could bend the shaft to any shape the press a button and it locks its shape in. Press the button again and it becomes bendable again.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

How about a wrench that you could bend the shaft to any shape the press a button and it locks its shape in. Press the button again and it becomes bendable again.

I think they are able to do this with *****' these days.......

Why not use it in wrench technology??? Good one...

 

[dirtydogintex]

How about a wrench that you could bend the shaft to any shape the press a button and it locks its shape in. Press the button again and it becomes bendable again.

the wrench does not exist

 

[tribbles]

Sockets with hex flats on them are a good idea, but if they were larger than the diameter of the socket, then maybe the damn things wouldn't roll under the workbench or to the exact middle of the car as soon as they hit the ground.

 

[bcradio]

Not a tool per se, but i'd see that all wood screws are changed to torx.

Why? Torx screws are pains. I've had more of those stupid things strip out then phillips. And its more **** you have to carry around

Exactly, I hate torx for wood screws. That would be an absolutely terrible idea. I just put up a 70ft wood fence this weekend with probably a thousand screws, all phillips. Did not strip a single one. I actually got mad that Lowes only carried the screws in torx and went to HD to buy the standard phillips ones.

 

[RCStocker]

I would put a female square drive on the handle on ratchets and breaker bars so that i can add extensions to the handle for extra leverage

Just use a pipe. LOL
What do you think the breaker bar is for?
Every 12 inches in length on a handle doubles the foot pound

A 12 inch handle with 200 pounds of pull will double to 400 pounds of pull at 2 ft and 800 pounds of pull at 3 ft.

The ratchet will not hold up under that force. That is why they make long handled ratchets and breaker bars. If you need something else make one like I did. I took round steel and and milled a 1/2" square on one end then I rounded the but end to match the same size steel rod I ground it down so I could fill it with weld and have it welded solid. I made it 30 inches long.
It will break anything loose.

There really is a reason ratchets don't come with the ability of using an extention.

 

[babylou]

Just use a pipe. LOL
What do you think the breaker bar is for?
Every 12 inches in length on a handle doubles the foot pound

A 12 inch handle with 200 pounds of pull will double to 400 pounds of pull at 2 ft and 800 pounds of pull at 3 ft.

Um no.

 

[rlitman]

A 12 inch handle with 200 pounds of pull will double to 400 pounds of pull at 2 ft and 800 pounds of pull at 3 ft.

Um no.

Well, the math is wrong, as are the units, but the concept is right.
A 12" handle with 200 lbs of force exerted on it will have 200 ft-lbs of torque on it. Same force but extend the handle to 2', and you get 400 ft-lbs of torque.
However, you need to extend the handle to 4' to get 800 ft-lbs of torque.

 

[InsanePyro]

How about a wrench that you could bend the shaft to any shape the press a button and it locks its shape in. Press the button again and it becomes bendable again.

I have a ratchet similar to that. The shaft extends and retracts and top is flexible

 

[Chuck122]

Just use a pipe. LOL
What do you think the breaker bar is for?
Every 12 inches in length on a handle doubles the foot pound

A 12 inch handle with 200 pounds of pull will double to 400 pounds of pull at 2 ft and 800 pounds of pull at 3 ft.

The ratchet will not hold up under that force. That is why they make long handled ratchets and breaker bars. If you need something else make one like I did. I took round steel and and milled a 1/2" square on one end then I rounded the but end to match the same size steel rod I ground it down so I could fill it with weld and have it welded solid. I made it 30 inches long.
It will break anything loose.

There really is a reason ratchets don't come with the ability of using an extention.

Basically, you are telling me there is no use for such a feature but add that you went out of your way to machine and weld such a contraption. Or did i get you wrong? I'm not sure i follow

 

[General Geoff]

Exactly, I hate torx for wood screws. That would be an absolutely terrible idea. I just put up a 70ft wood fence this weekend with probably a thousand screws, all phillips. Did not strip a single one. I actually got mad that Lowes only carried the screws in torx and went to HD to buy the standard phillips ones.

You guys must be doing something wrong , I've never stripped a torx wood screw, but have stripped plenty of phillips wood screws. Don't like the cam out characteristics of phillips.

 

[theknurl]

i need more torque than my 2' breaker bar or 1/2" CP air impact puts out??????

then its Swench wrench time;
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/CURTIS-WRIGHT-SWENCH-WRENCH-SET-MODEL-750-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/SuUAAOxyA4ZRKseL/$(KGrHqNHJEwFEov3K)PgBRKseKzTf!~~60_1.JPG

yes, my little 1/2" drive Model 500 cranks out 500lbft
my Model 750 goes to 800lbft

if you're working on BIG stuff the Model 1500 goes to 7,000lbft
yes, 1 1/2" drive

 

[nanofrog]

+1 on full broach on deep sockets.

 

[Engineer61]

Hex end on the socket sounds good, but I think it would need to be carefully sized to be intermediate with the body of the socket. If the hex is larger than the body of the socket the socket won't roll, but would be really hard to get on and off the ratchet. If the hex was smaller than the body of the socket, it would be easy to get on and off the ratchet, but then the socket could roll around. Needs to be "just right" in size, enough of the hex points outside the body of the socket to keep it from rolling, but enough of the hex flat being smaller than the body of the socket to give you a "ledge" to grab and get it off the ratchet easily.

And as far as the broaching of deep well sockets - I wish they had two sets, one shallow broached for those of us who like to have the socket hold the nut to start it, and one deep broached for those who want it that way and let us know which way the set we are buying is done.

 

[Jure]

I sure you hope you don't work on other peoples cars for a living, if I saw you use a vise grips on a brake bleeder I would find a new shop.

lol well said