TOOLS

[chemist]

On tools....I've got more than some, less than others. I want more. Only problem is, other than a really complete metric wrench set, I don't know exactly what to get. So, lets say you had some money for tools--say a grand... What would you add to your collection?

What helps you loosen bolts in impossible spots? What gets your jobs done faster? What do you use for bolts that a standard impact wrench or breaker bar won't budge? What would you get?

[kings-x59]

hmm bolts in impossible spots - a set of crows foot wrenches
http://www.arizonatools.com/tools/searc ... GgodRifTaA

Other favorites of mine, torx bits, allen head sockets
rubber strap wrench for removing the oil filter
nut splitter for nuts that won't turn.
24" breaker bar, 24" long torque wrench, 12" torque wrenches, ft/lb and inch/lb
probably more, I'll have ta think about it some more.

edit: bought a metrinch set, wall drive sockets and wrenches. good for removing f'd up nuts and bolts.

[GEJ]

Along the way one place I rented I met a landlord who lent me his weak day tool.It was a 3/4" breaker bar with a 1/2 adapter.LOL-he called it a weak day tool for those bolts/nuts that he was too weak to break loose.Seems that while I had it,it never failed to do the work.

[kings-x59]

ah, Gary you reminded me, one of my favorites is Rudy Jr., my rubber mallet. Rudy Sr. is my 5 lb sledge hammer.

[Cobra]

i wish i had these today i'm so heading to princess auto today..... damn it's late

[NotDadsW41]

$1K? Hmm. If I didn't already have one, an air compressor and as many impact sockets as a person could buy.

[dunedog]

Sans the AC & tools ,it is always nice to have a small mig welder if you are a fabricator.
Ratchating wenches are a must !!

[Smiliesafari]

As Dune said, a small mig welder and add to that an oxy/acet torch.

[chemist]

Okay. Perhaps it helps if I go through what I do have. I ALREADY OWN this compressor:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... compressor and am not allowed to replace it since it was last year's b-day present from Dad. I also have an IR (425 lb torque) 1/2" impact wrench, a 3/8" impact wrench, a die grinder, a weak air hammer that's getting replaced, 3/8" air rachet.
Many of the basic tools you'd expect to find in a tool chest even some star stuff and smaller racheting wrenches, I have in mine--hey a new and bigger tool chest maybe .

How about these:
The Bone Creeper--does anyone own one of these and how's the padding?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... 000P?mv=rr
Basically I want a creeper that rolls easier has enough padding for my fat old self. I'm ready to replace the casters on mine with huge ones and get some memory foam...

New Air Hammer: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=47868

A complete 6 point wrench set: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... wrench+set

An actual complete metric wrench set for those hard to reach bolts that are torqued to 148 lb http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... h+set#desc

Flare wrench set: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... wrench+set

Racheting Metric Flex wrench set: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... h+set#desc
I hesitate to only get these in place of regular wrenches because torqued bolts will shred these.

Please don't say all. Which of these are most important?

For those who have suggested welding and cutting equipment, help me pic, and tell me when I might use these:
Mig Welder (which of these?)http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisear ... eBottom=15
Acetylene torch setup (would this suffice): http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=65818

[Smiliesafari]

Stay away from Harbor Freight. Most of that stuff is Chinese junk. Buy only good name brand tools. They'll last a lifetime.

[Cobra]

i have that bone creeper works great on my not smooth concrete driveway

[dunedog]

Cardboard is soft and you can slide so much faster on ice.......

[Cobra]

you've got me there the creeper doesn't move to well in the snow (i've actually tried pretty said isn't it....)

[reaper]

1 grand huh....
Well,I'd end up with a new Chicago Pneumatic impact gun
& a few taps & dye's.

[ihatemybike]

Stay away from Harbor Freight. Most of that stuff is Chinese junk. Buy only good name brand tools. They'll last a lifetime.

But I like my HF impact sockets and 28" breaker bar.