To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Your Best Tool Purchase in 2025?

F

Fedwrench

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
14,952
Location
Valley of the sun
What was the best tool purchase you made in 2025?

Mine was the Ko-Ken 3/8 drive locking wobble extension set.

kokenusa.com

3/8 Sq. Dr. Locking Wobble-Fix Extension Bar 3 Piece Set

3/8" Sq. Dr. Locking Wobble-Fix Extension Bar Set – 3 Piece The Wobble-Fix Extension Bar Set combines precision engineering with enhanced versatility, offering two distinct modes for secure socket control. Designed for demanding workshop conditions, these extension bars ensure both stability and...
kokenusa.com kokenusa.com
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
M

micromind

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 24, 2023
Messages
3,033
Location
Fernley, Nevada, about 30 miles east of Reno.
Not a specific tool but rather a tool company.

For many years, I bought Armstrong tools. Tough, complete line, not too many $$$, etc.

After they closed up, I went to Wright. Again, tough and affordable but not as complete of a line. Plus, odd as it may seem, I like my sockets to be the same length, within reason and Wright are different lengths. Armstrong was all the same length.

So while I will still but Wright wrenches, I started to look at other manufacturers for sockets. Based largely on what I read here on GJ, in 2025, I took a good hard look at Tekton. I bought one of their 1/2" ratchets, used it hard (yes, a bit of abuse........lol) and it held up well. Plus, I like the feel of it.

So I've bought several of their ratchets and sockets and am completely satisfied with them.

The only drawback is I like to buy stuff that's made in the USA and a lot of their stuff is made in Taiwan.

So I guess to answer the question, it'd be Tekton ratchets and sockets.
 
S

Superdavey

Active member
Joined
Apr 23, 2016
Messages
44
Location
Canada
I bought this maybe a couple of years ago but only started using it last year and it’s been a total game changer. That tool is a cordless plastic stapler gun. I’ve been fixing all sorts of broken plastic stuff I normally would have chucked in the garbage. Anything I would have super glued before gets a few staples now
 
1

1Bad55Chevy

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 20, 2025
Messages
623
This topside creeper.
https://www.northerntool.com/produc...|PLA|GOOG|STND|m|SITEWIDE|INTRADE|AutoRepair|{adgroup}||857740998|42214669823&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=857740998&gbraid=0AAAAADpPfbMPJ7PUA3FTgkcK5EgwhTZfH&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvOjKBhC9ARIsAFvz5lhfbyhHldOaQR0U2hh1_te8cBtYd-jOJRHfYTORoJEGUaqzN-29JZwaAmowEALw_wcB

Seems like every cam, timing chain, or head gasket job i do is on a leveled truck with a grill guard! This thing has been a game changer for me! No more killing myself climbing on top of the grill guards trying to work on that ****!
 
6

682bear

Well-known member
Joined
May 20, 2024
Messages
235
Location
West GA
1Bad55Chevy said:
This topside creeper.
https://www.northerntool.com/products/traxion-topside-creeper-nxt-position-the-topside-creeper-nxt-into-the-desired-place-around-your-vehicle-and-secure-with-two-casters-with-brakes-for-added-safety-model-3-200-6757160?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Automotive > Mechanics Creepers&utm_campaign=Traxion&utm_content=6757160&ogmap=SHP|PLA|GOOG|STND|m|SITEWIDE|INTRADE|AutoRepair|{adgroup}||857740998|42214669823&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=857740998&gbraid=0AAAAADpPfbMPJ7PUA3FTgkcK5EgwhTZfH&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvOjKBhC9ARIsAFvz5lhfbyhHldOaQR0U2hh1_te8cBtYd-jOJRHfYTORoJEGUaqzN-29JZwaAmowEALw_wcB

Seems like every cam, timing chain, or head gasket job i do is on a leveled truck with a grill guard! This thing has been a game changer for me! No more killing myself climbing on top of the grill guards trying to work on that ****!
Click to expand...

I've been strongly considering one of those... but didn't know if they are really as good as advertised...

I'd like to get a thorough review on it if you don't mind?

-Bear
 
6

682bear

Well-known member
Joined
May 20, 2024
Messages
235
Location
West GA
gregs71 said:
Look forward to thoughts on it after you use it a while.
Click to expand...

I ordered it back in April, assembled it by myself in early May... I recommend having some help.

I ordered the 4500 pound capacity rolling bridge jack and the optional lighting kit at the same time.

This lift is very stout... very well designed and well built. I've been very happy with it so far. My only regret is in not buying the XLT lift... it's longer and wider than my standard size. My lift is capable of doing anything I need, but it is TIGHT fitting my F150 supercrew on it... I have to fold both mirrors in and be very careful pulling onto the lift.

The bridge jack is a game changer... I'm glad I ordered it at the same time. It makes wheel, brake, and axle jobs so much easier. I can set the lift at waist height and do brake jobs with no bending or contorting my neck into the fenderwells.

The last major job I did on the lift was replacing the left rear axle shaft in my 2006 Tacoma... being able to do the entire job at a comfortable height was really nice.

I am really enjoying this lift...

-Bear
 
L

larry4406

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
19,174
Location
Northern Virginia
682bear said:
20250826_111511.jpg

Wildfire 9000 4 post lift... I should have bought one years ago...

-Bear
Click to expand...

682bear said:
I ordered it back in April, assembled it by myself in early May... I recommend having some help.

I ordered the 4500 pound capacity rolling bridge jack and the optional lighting kit at the same time.

This lift is very stout... very well designed and well built. I've been very happy with it so far. My only regret is in not buying the XLT lift... it's longer and wider than my standard size. My lift is capable of doing anything I need, but it is TIGHT fitting my F150 supercrew on it... I have to fold both mirrors in and be very careful pulling onto the lift.

The bridge jack is a game changer... I'm glad I ordered it at the same time. It makes wheel, brake, and axle jobs so much easier. I can set the lift at waist height and do brake jobs with no bending or contorting my neck into the fenderwells.

The last major job I did on the lift was replacing the left rear axle shaft in my 2006 Tacoma... being able to do the entire job at a comfortable height was really nice.

I am really enjoying this lift...

-Bear
Click to expand...
That is a nice looking lift! I bookmarked their site for future study.

I hope one day I can have a shop with adequate head height for a lift. Current attached garage is only 9' tall and has a 7' tall garage door.
 
S

Steve_P

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
5,182
Ego string trimmer. Not sure of the model, but it's the aluminum shaft version with the auto-load head. It came with a 2.5AH battery, which is plenty- it's enough to do my trimming and edging, which takes 30+ minutes, all on one battery bar out of the five. I had extra 4-5AH batteries when I purchased it, but glad I got the kit with the 2.5AH battery as it's obviously more than enough; no sense carrying extra weight around.

My second choice would be the Mellif air blower for the DeWalt batteries.

I have a monster air compressor, but I use this all the time. So much easier to carry this outside to blow out the filter for the vacuum, filters for the cars, all the small dirt and junk in the hatch of the car, dust and lint on car seats.... than dragging out the air hose. I've used this much more than I imagined and between this, a cordless tire inflator, and battery tools, I rarely turn on my compressor anymore.

Otherwise, I didn't buy a lot of tools this year because I already have so much- I just added a few Matco ratchets, Snap-On hammers.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
C

Crazyjake8493

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 26, 2014
Messages
3,955
Location
Upstate NY
whateg01 said:
Wait until you need to cut something away from AC! Then you get a cordless bandsaw and you feel so free!
Click to expand...
I wanted an M18 portaband and probably should've just sprung for one, but $100 was easier to stomach than $300+ for something I don't use at home all that often. I wouldn't mind a smaller M12 portaband for conduit. The corded saw is pretty much used in the garage for now.
 
W

whateg01

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 13, 2006
Messages
11,252
Location
doo dah, kansas, usa
Crazyjake8493 said:
I wanted an M18 portaband and probably should've just sprung for one, but $100 was easier to stomach than $300+ for something I don't use at home all that often. I wouldn't mind a smaller M12 portaband for conduit. The corded saw is pretty much used in the garage for now.
Click to expand...
If you ever get the M12, you'll want the bigger battery. The little 3 cell batteries don't last long at all, even when new.
 
C

cody1325

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2024
Messages
1,089
Location
Southwest Virginia
2025 was the year I went cordless with outdoor power equipment (still haven't chosen a chainsaw--currently torn between Husqvarna and EGO--plus DeWalt as I have the batteries). If Walmart puts a hefty clearance discount (or possibly Ollie's), I'll get the Hart chainsaw when they're ditching the Hart brand.

Hart 21" mower. Bought on sale back in August for less than $200 (it's $600 MSRP at Walmart). I had some charger issues, but I made it work. It was much easier with a lighter mower that honestly outperformed the Craftsman M220 it replaced. With two 6.0Ah batteries, it can mow the 3 acre yard with power to spare. No refueling needed.

Hart 40V trimmer with brush cutter (I need to get a Ryobi sweeper and pole saw for it) and trimmer attachments. It's fairly light, has plenty of power, and as a powerhead--I can grab multiple attachments and not have to carry a motor for each. Also, it's my only brush cutter.

EGO trimmer and blower as the secondary (my grandmother mostly uses the trimmer, the Hart is mine). The blower is great for getting leaves and such out of the garage and shop. The EGO takes .090 line, and it's a beast. Also, it has an auto-load feature that makes that one less of a headache.

I have a Husqvarna 36V trimmer that constantly had head issues. It's going to a well-respected standalone dealership instead of the Rural King that sold it to me as a trade-in to get a new head fitted. I put one on myself and it ended up not working right. They are actually better than my Stihl dealership at stocking and servicing battery stuff. I'll probably get a Husqvarna Rancher in battery while I'm there as I already have the Husqvarna fast charger and a battery.

2026 has a Honda cordless mower on the purchasing list as well.
 
W

whateg01

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 13, 2006
Messages
11,252
Location
doo dah, kansas, usa
cody1325 said:
Hart 21" mower.

(I need to get a Ryobi sweeper and pole saw for it)

EGO trimmer and blower as the secondary

I have a Husqvarna 36V trimmer that constantly had head issues.

2026 has a Honda cordless mower on the purchasing list as well.
Click to expand...
Kinda backwards from the usual advice of sticking with a single battery platform. What's the reason for so much variation?

Also, on the mower, you may know this already since you did have a cordless before, but if you let the grass get a little taller, it can really eat batteries. Nbd with multiple batteries but if you only have one battery it can kill your momentum having to finish another day.
 
K

KwikFab

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 27, 2024
Messages
1,188
Location
Central Valley, CA
For 2025, it was going from my Langmuir Crossfire Pro to my STV CNC.

It worked well, and I used two different ones for over +2 years but they are practically toys in comparison.

20240920_120941.jpg

20250528_160851.jpg

I think I already found my best tool purchase for 2026 last night, a tube bender with stand and die for only $400.

20260104_172620.jpg

We'll see if I can top it since we've got another 360 days left.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom