Your other tools besides the usual ratchets and wrenches

[stioc]

The ratchets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers have been beaten to death here I know some of you guys are obssessed with them but how about discussing misc tools that make your lives easier for a change?

How about the OTC4521 radiator hose removal tool

or the Lisle vaccum hose pliers

or the Bone tool for removing interior pieces

or:

- the hose pinch off tool
- Gearwrench serpentine belt tool
- the hose clamp tool
- CV boot banding tool
- Power Probe III
- Leak detection kit
- SafeGrip MicroFlex gloves

You get the idea...just tools and supplies that make working on cars easier especially from the real mechanics here (Krusty, DeafAutoTech etc).

I don't know about you guys but I yawn when I see another ratchet, wrench or screwdriver thread - OK I said yawn when I really meant

 

[Joe H]

Gearwrench serpentine belt kit is a big one for me. So is my Snap-on re-threading kit.

 

[krusty the clown]

gee.....they all make my life worth living

 

[RLRRLRLL]

mmmmm the gearwrench belt tool.....i love that thing..sadly i dont have one my self...but we got one at the shop!

 

[Fedwrench]

Not a fan of the OTC hose pick pictured. I had one come apart in my hand once while using it. The blade literally came out of the handle. Hose picks are great tools though. You need least two a regular sized one and a long bladed one. The reversed hook model is real handy at times when space is an issue. I would recommend the Snap on models as they seem to have the best working angles but, the new instinct handle is a bit large though. The Mayhew ones are pretty good too. Old forge, Matco, and others make good ones too.
As for the other auto service tools you want to talk about, why don't you post a particular type of tool in a new thread daily to stimulate discussion and so one thread doesn't get bogged down with too many tools.

 

[tonydanzah]

hand vaccum pump and long bent needle nose pliers

 

[Joe H]

Where can I get that bone tool for interior pieces.

 

[krusty the clown]

Where can I get that bone tool for interior pieces.

it's hard to tell from the pic with my old worn out eyes and all but it looks like a tucking tool from a glass shop. i have one i used for injector orings on powerstrokes.

 

[stioc]

@Krusty:
Come on Krusty, spill the beans...let's see your fav tools

@FedWrench:
I'd love to start a new thread but if you look at my join date and my post count you'll see that I listen more than I talk (afterall we have 2 ears and one mouth ). Seriously though, one thread with all the misc tools is not a bad idea for future searches.

@JoeH:
I bought mine here, although I think there are others out there now with different shapes and angles (try Googling for Trim removal tool):
http://www.ipdusa.com/prodtype.asp?strPageHistory=category&numSearchStartRecord=0&strParents=202,620&CAT_ID=620

 

[Joe H]

Thanks for the link. Seems like it could be a very useful tool to have in my toolbox.

 

[GDA]

So you want to see my old can/bottle opener?


LOL alot of weekends it gets voted most satisfying tool to use in the garage.

 

[Old Donn]

Actron OBD-2 code reader. Craftsman serpentine belt tool. Extendable magnet pick-up tools and lighted mirrors. Magnetic tool trays & bowls. Craftsman cable operated and swivel jaw hose clamp pliers. 2 Shop-vacs, one big, one small. Flex-head rubber flashlight. 30 gal portable air compressor.

 

[pmohr]

The GW belt tool is commonly referred to as the 'kick *** tool' around the shop, seems to work on pretty much anything (short of the odd euro cars).

My CT4410 is probably the most time saving tool I've got, which makes life seem a lot easier:

Can't imagine going without it now.

If you ever change oil, one of these is invaluable, makes things much easier on most cars, and saves some time:

Parking brake cable pliers:

Inspection light, specifically a pen type:

And one of the simplest things that seem to be missing from most boxes:

Every single car we pull in, we've got to write up on the paperwork. For some reason most everyone at the shop tries to write with the plastic ticket bag as a backer, instead of making their lives easier and getting a $2 clipboard to write on.

 

[Toolhorder]

The Power Probe is pretty useful to me. I've had all three versions. I remember years ago I had techline on the phone and they had me probing for voltage on a couple connectors. They asked how much I had and I told them I just had it. They asked what meter I was using and I told them a power probe and the guy freaked out saying it's not good enough because it doesn't show voltage. I grabbed a meter to finish the problem and later called this 1800 number on the box that asked for suggestions. I told them what happened and asked if they could add an LCD with voltage readings and they kinda blew me off.
Years later it's standard on the version 3. Mother Fer's
It's still a great tool, I power on parts with it usually or work window switches, etc.. It's one of my favorite electrical tools in my box.

 

[Joe H]

And one of the simplest things that seem to be missing from most boxes:

Every single car we pull in, we've got to write up on the paperwork. For some reason most everyone at the shop tries to write with the plastic ticket bag as a backer, instead of making their lives easier and getting a $2 clipboard to write on.

I need to get one. I currently do the same thing you describe and try to use the ticket holder.

 

[rjohnson]

Well, I just got a nice older set of metric Unbrako hex keys in a thick metal case.

 

[krusty the clown]

@Krusty:
Come on Krusty, spill the beans...let's see your fav tools

seriously, i really don't have any favorites. if you want you can ask about a specific tool and i'll tell you which ones i like and give you a pic of what i use.

 

[toolmutt]

Well, I don't use these to work on cars but they are my go to tools at work. The first is called a roof hook, a type of fire department pike pole. Useful for pulling up roof decking when cutting a ventilation hole or pulling down sheetrock from the ceiling to get at fire in the attic. Also useful for a variety of prying tasks. The second is called a TNT tool. Primarily for striking and chopping but also for prying or as a short pike pole with the hook at the handle end. The bottom one in the photo is called a Halligan tool, my favorite. It is named for Hugh Halligan, a Deputy Fire Chief in the FDNY in the 40's. It is useful for a multitude of prying tasks, striking, twisting, punching and whatever else you can think of. Commonly used in conjuction with a striking tool such as a flat head ax or sledge. They're a little dirty in the pics because we just got back from using them. And yes, Merk, they're all made in USA.

 

[kwhitelaw]

Where can I get that bone tool for interior pieces.

not the exact one posted, but same concept and alot more styles..

https://bojoinc.authsecure.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=27_1

 

[Snappy]

seriously, i really don't have any favorites. if you want you can ask about a specific tool and i'll tell you which ones i like and give you a pic of what i use.

Which rad hose pic do you use? A couple were mentioned above. I use Snap-on myself.

 

[Joe69]

My favorite tool is my air hammer with a hammer head type bit. You would be amazed at what all I use it for. Vibration will free up the most stubborn fasteners. I have removed countersunk machine screws with it. I stuck an allen wrench in the screw, and placed the air hammer a foot away, lightly pulled the trigger while putting light pressure on the allen wrench. The screw backet right out. Any other way, and I would have stripped the screw. This was on a floor plate of an asphalt roller, so I wasn't concerned about marring paint.

I also like my Matco micro code reader. I can carry it in my service truck, and it doesn't take up a lot of space. It's only $69.95.

 

[krusty the clown]

Which rad hose pic do you use? A couple were mentioned above. I use Snap-on myself.

i have set of cornwell's

 

[Fedwrench]

For serpentine belt tools, I prefer this one from Kastar over the Gearwrench model simply because, it's easier to use and fits the vehicles I work on. However, I own both and keep the Gearwrench in case an oddball vehicle comes in.
http://www.aeincorporated.com/Kasta...detail&id=522&qs=cGFnZT1zdG9yZSZjYXRlZ29yeT00

The other item no mechanics tool box should be without is a set of cable operated hose clamp pliers. The Mayhew ones are good as are the rebadged Astro Pneumatic model sold by most tool trucks. I prefer the pairs with a ratcheting lock instead of a single hook lock because they allow you to lock the clamp while you position it with your free hand.
http://www.tooltopia.com/astro-pneumatic-9409.aspx

As for trim tools, a pocket screwdriver is very handy but, its narrow tip can damage pieces. This assortment from SK has served me well and not left too many marks on the trim pieces.

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-90110.aspx

Other tools that I use daily included a laptop computer to access factory service information, a Makita 3/8 drive cordless impact wrench, a midtronics conductance battery tester, and factory scan tool. If you have a specific auto repair tool you have a question about ask, I may have the tool or access to it.

 

[Griff93]

One that is really nice to have it a pressure brake bleeder. For fabrication work blind hole transfer punches, threaded transfer punches, and regular transfer punches are really nice to have.

 

[stioc]

Good idea, let's talk about the brake bleeders. What do you guys have? I have a 8 yr old Mity Vac and a 4 yr old Motive Brake Bleeder. One is a vacuum bleeder the other is a pressure bleeder. The Motive one works great on the BMW because the cap fits perfectly. For the other cars I reach for the Mity Vac.

Another vacuum bleeder I heard about pushes brake fluid through the bleeder screw on the caliper, supposedly driving the air back up to the master cylinder. Anyone know about this one?

Recently I heard about Vacula brake bleeder - anyone have any first hand experience with one? I'd like to keep one brake bleeding tool and I prefer pressure bleeding.

 

[stioc]

@Joe69, agreed, I've used the air hammer to drive out pressed bearings. Great tool and I just have a cheap HF one.

@FedWrench, that SK trim kit looks handy and inexpensive too. Thanks.

@Krusty, how about some tools that look like luxury but you find indespensable? Do you have any recommendations on the leak detector kits (UV or other)? How about tools that help with the newer cars that have cramped engine compartments. When I did the clutch on my E36 the starter bolts were a pain. When I changed the CAS seal on the miata the inspection mirror was a life saver. I'd love to buy a borescope as they are becoming affordable.

 

[Toolhorder]

Good idea, let's talk about the brake bleeders. What do you guys have? I have a 8 yr old Mity Vac and a 4 yr old Motive Brake Bleeder. One is a vacuum bleeder the other is a pressure bleeder. The Motive one works great on the BMW because the cap fits perfectly. For the other cars I reach for the Mity Vac.

Another vacuum bleeder I heard about pushes brake fluid through the bleeder screw on the caliper, supposedly driving the air back up to the master cylinder. Anyone know about this one?

Recently I heard about Vacula brake bleeder - anyone have any first hand experience with one? I'd like to keep one brake bleeding tool and I prefer pressure bleeding.

I have a Vacula brake bleeder. It works great. I wouldn't want to not have it in my box. The tool trucks have a better one with three legs molded into the plastic so it will stand on it's own and a little drain fitting on the bottom. It's all white plastic. That's the one I want next. For now I have the original bucket kind where you unscrew the top to remove the fluid. That ***** cause it's a pain to remove the top. I usually get a co-worker to grab the bottom as I twist the top off. Mity-vacs are only used for vacuum testing stuff now like EGR's.
I've had my original Vacula for about 5 years or so. It's a great tool.

 

[Steve from Socal]

Regarding pressure brake bleeders; make sure the model you buy is rated to bleed the ABS systems you have. I have an old bomb the steel one with a diaphragm, all the plastic pressure bleeders I found could not apply 2 bar 30psi to work with Bosch ABS pumps.

Steve

 

[stioc]

Steve, that's a good point. Even on the ABS equipped cars I still bleed the brakes the same way - at the bleeder screws. Though I do remember seeing a mechanic use a special wrench to turn a nut on the ABS pump during the bleeding process - this apparently bleeds the pump? I wonder if it's necessary to do that because I never do.