Tools you can't live without

[*$benz_boy$*]

Since we are all wrench monkeys of some level, what are some of everyone's must have tools. You know, the ones you just feel lost without, you take them with you too. Friends garage even when you know they have just as extensive of a collection. We all have those tools that mean have a story and the history or quality makes it very special in our toolbox:

For me these select few have been collected over 2 decades of working on cars, reasearching and fine tuning my tastes, and are tools I cannot live without:
3/8" Armstrong flex head fine gear ratchet, with lock on the flex.
1/2" Armstrong fine tooth ratchet
Flex head Gearwrenches
An old set of duckbill pliers (1/4" wide, about the same size as an average set of needlenose
Snapon #2 hard plastic handled screw driver.
Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" impact gun, with "P" style fitting for max CFM.
Bone Creeper.

Over the last 10years I have really fine tuned my collection and focused on high quality American made tools, and now more recently some German ones to pick up some more pieces now that I work on Mercedes more again.

On my Radar:
Armstrong or Wera pass through socket set
Wera torx set
High end screw drivers (tired of killing the cheap ones, and not totally ready to drink the Snapon Koolaid)

[Alain V.]

Now that I'm in my late 40's, the one thing I always need is LIGHT!
I always have a small LED flashlight in my pocket.

Next is those tiny pocket screwdrivers the snap on guy gives out every Christmas here.

[manwellamg]

It's frustrating that Mercedes uses so many different types of heads= hex, allen, slot, torx, 10 point.....

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[chrisfball12]

Ratcheting wrenches. 1/2 inch impact sockets, extensions, rubber hammer, pry bars, gloves, and overhead self retracting extension cord.

[The Benz Master]

i'm starting to appreciate the cordless 3/8 impact

Milwaukee M18 Fuel

[bkrhgm]

Flare nut wrenches

Trim pry set (plastic pry tools)

Kroil pentrating oil (can, not aerosol)

heavy nitrile gloves

24" long 1/2" drive breaker bar

[FE3tMX5]

+1 on the ⅜" impact. Was just commenting to a friend on how often I work on the car and never pick up an air tool because of it.

I have two sets of gear wrench rachets that have saved me countless times. The larger uses splined sockets and has a hole in the middle. The other is a bit driver that I got specifically for 16v pot install/removal- most recently used for removing an idle valve on my Miata.


The last time I used the big ratchet was not for the hole in the middle, but the reduced profile when removing/installing bolts on custom motor mounts.

[The Benz Master]

Oh yes, that 1/4 bit ratchet is a life saver to reach tight spots. It's great to change carb jets on a motorcycle with the carb still in the bike.

and they often end up at 9.99 on special at canadian tire
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/ma...-0588626p.html

[*$benz_boy$*]

I like that little bit driver!! i need one of those!! I already have a pass through socket set on my wish list!

[MurkBenz]

Harbor Freight has a similar little bit ratchet for a few dollars.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...ver-92630.html

[chardri]

Tire plugs & pump, allen/torx, pliers, wrenches to name a few.

[frankenauto]

Tool girl calendar with prerequisite svelte models -

[stealth1]

Torx and Allen wrench sets.

[Maximb]

A drawer filled with 10mm sockets
1/4" ratchet about size of finger with shaved bits for ultimate low profile
Wet napkins
Beer
Padded creeper with wheels to slide under car
Cordless power tools
Rechargeable led headlamps with various power levels
Gloves. Lots of gloves. Also coveralls, maybe safety boots
Angle drill with stubby bits
Fridge for beer
Mirror flashlight and sharpie markers
Torx with hole in center

[Stevester 500e]

When did you get that bit driver?

+1 on the ⅜" impact. Was just commenting to a friend on how often I work on the car and never pick up an air tool because of it.

I have two sets of gear wrench rachets that have saved me countless times. The larger uses splined sockets and has a hole in the middle. The other is a bit driver that I got specifically for 16v pot install/removal- most recently used for removing an idle valve on my Miata.


The last time I used the big ratchet was not for the hole in the middle, but the reduced profile when removing/installing bolts on custom motor mounts.

[supracrazy]

Bendable head ratchet box wrenches

[FE3tMX5]

@Stevester Picked it up on Eastwood for half price on sale, $20 now: https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-29-...d-bit-set.html
Worth it at regular price imo- it's quality.

[mbolton1990]

3/4" 3/8 extension. Seems minor but so nice for hard to get places

[Wheaton]

Tool girl calendar prerequisite svelte models -

lol, same here.

[2.3euro190]

Just got an AirCat brand 3/4" drive impact and I've been going at the 16v with it like a madman. For those bolts that haven't been touched for 35 years. I've used Bluepoint and craftsman impacts, and they have nothing on this thing. Especially for the axle nuts and that front bolt on the engine on the balancer that's torqued to like 200+ lb/ft.... that and my spring compressor tool are some of the biggest time savers I've bought.