Tool Discussion and Reviews New Thread Per Request

evilfij

Well-known member
So as to not clutter the tool deals thread, I am starting a new thread.

Tool Deals:


I will still probably post some deals there, but this is for reviews/discussion. All topics are, of course, welcome. For example, what tools you like, which tools you don’t and why. Or what tool works well for a particularly difficult job.

I’d like to start with a project: what you need to fix your defender and how to carry the tools. The focus will be on NAS trucks because that’s what I own, but ROW as well as RRC/D1 etc. would have overlap and be welcome.

Bringing it over from:


[brackets are optional/limited use]

Wrenches: 8, 10, [11, 12], 13, 14, [15], 17, 19, 22, 24, 27, [30], 32mm (LT77 and R380 drain plug, fan clutch, 36mm fan clutch if you have a 97). You will want 10 and 14 (for swivel to axle bolts) in 12 point if you buy 6 point.

[Ratcheting wrenches: 8, 10, 13, 14, 17, 19mm]

Sockets: 6, 8 (12 point 1/4 drive needed for valve covers), 10, [11, 12], 13, 14 (12 point need for rotor bolts), [15], 17, 19, 22, 24, 27, 30, [32]mm. Spark plug socket 21mm or 13/16th.

Not sure what size the oil drain plug actually is (I use a 1 1/8th wrench but it might be 29mm) and you need a way to get the filter off (big channellocks for me)

Hub nut socket: 2 1/16th

Screwdrivers: PZ 1-4, PZ 1-3 stubby, 6 in 1, long, large slotted or prybar type (various uses)

Torx: T20 (computer screws), T50 (cage), T55 (R380 fill)

Allen: 6mm (plenum and starter)

Pliers: locking, needle nose, cutters/strippers, crimper for bullet connectors, assorted water pump style.

BFH and smaller hammer

Chisel and punch set
 

Angus

Well-known member
I’ve gone over 100% to impact capable socket and away from Chromed sockets.
The only issue is that sometimes the increased thickness of the socket wall makes it impossible to get them on the bolt. Otherwise, the impacts are the way to go.
 

evilfij

Well-known member
Just a personal bias on sockets, I’ve gone over 100% to impact capable socket and away from Chromed sockets.

I have to admit old habits die hard and I like the way the chrome feels. I also tend to do mostly small projects and don’t tend to grab an impact unless it’s brakes/suspension/wheels/engine etc. I am not flat rate so time advantage is whatever. I enjoy doing the wrenching and the peace and quiet of hand tools.

That being said, I have every Sunex impact socket imaginable at this point. The 3/8 master impact set with swivels in both SAE and Metric is the best deal going at under $200 (when it’s in stock) and, although I don’t have it, the 1/2 metric master set is equally nice and good value. Waiting on the 1/4 master set with swivels to come back to Amazon as right now the best price is $228.

And frankly, if you are not using them a lot, you can use chrome sockets on impacts :)
 
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jymmiejamz

Founding Member
Callsign: KN4JHI
Two life changing tools I have purchased in the last 6 months have been a pneumatic nutsert installer and an ultrasonic parts cleaner. Both were cheap and available on Amazon.

The nutsert tool is made by Astro Pneumatic, costing around $200. I’ve installed well over 100 nutserts with it since I bought it in February and have had no issues. It has saved be $200 worth of trouble.

8571A904-0CDA-464D-B0CD-13BCD2E5324D.jpeg

The parts washer is a Chinese made Amazon special complete with totally incoherent instructions (probably made with Google translate). I’m truly blown away with this thing. I filled it up with tap water and dumped some Cascade, that we for some reason had in the shop) into it. After 30 minutes a pair of rocker shafts from a strap motor came out looking like new. I can’t believe I’ve wasted money on a normal parts washer or paid the machine shop to clean engine parts for me. The unit I bought is 30L and also is heated.
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WreckITFrank

Technical Excellence Contributor
The parts washer is a Chinese made Amazon special complete with totally incoherent instructions (probably made with Google translate). I’m truly blown away with this thing. I filled it up with tap water and dumped some Cascade, that we for some reason had in the shop) into it. After 30 minutes a pair of rocker shafts from a strap motor came out looking like new. I can’t believe I’ve wasted money on a normal parts washer or paid the machine shop to clean engine parts for me. The unit I bought is 30L and also is heated.
View attachment 19999
Got a link? I need one big enough for car and gun parts.
 

jymmiejamz

Founding Member
Callsign: KN4JHI
Got a link? I need one big enough for car and gun parts.

It seems like it should fit most engine parts with the exception of big stuff like an oil pan. For an oil pan you could just submerge one side at a time.
 

KGH

Well-known member
Going to drop a tip here. Farm auctions. Lots of stuff at these auctions, and some good finds among rusted crap and Pittsburgh HF stuff.
John Deere socket and wrench sets are Matco/Snap-On quality (IMO), and other things can be had a good prices.

This past weekend:
12 gallons 15W40 Delvac, new and unopened, $6/gallon.
1970’s Rockwell drill press. Works great. $80
Lisle seal and bearing set installing tool set, $4
And a random find of 40 2x4x8, new, a little under $3/ea.
 

evilfij

Well-known member
These just showed up. I am on a flex head ratchet kick as the 1/2 and 1/4 Stahlwille ones are on super back order (September it looks like, I ordered in February). What surprised me, and if I had bothered to read the catalog, I would have known, is that the 3/8 and 1/2 are the same size, just a different anvil. They seem nice. Going to give them a try this weekend. The big one seems to be nice for wheel lug nuts (it has a center position on the head to lock the ratchet like a breaker bar).


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evilfij

Well-known member
Just ordered a Koloss by Wera as the KC tool price was too good to pass up (and I have a 10% off code and it’s free shipping at $75).


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For those that don’t know, it is a ratchet and hammer (two hard sides and a replaceable rubber cap) in one and has an extension on the end to use as a breaker bar up to 600nm (and you can get a centering pin to stick in the end too I will probably do that if I like it as it’s like $24).

I will compare with the big Gedore 1993GU-10XL

Cheap bastard me was like “drive to harbor freight, buy a bunch of cheap 1/2 breaker bars for $13 each for the vehicle tool kits you are putting together.”

Then German Tool Addict me got involved and since I have the Stahlwille breaker bar, the Hazet breaker bar, the Gedore breaker bar (and two of the long 1/2 flex head Gedore)), I figured why not complete the set. I mean hammers and 1/2 ratchets are like my favorite things. @JimC I think thought I would like it way back when I started. I don’t know, I will report back when it arrives and I try it out, but it seems like it would be good for a vehicle kit and maybe suspension work (I hate suspension work).
 
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evilfij

Well-known member
So I am sure I am talking to myself, but it’s my thread so that is kind of the point I think. ;)

Best of the best, mostly deals, to fill out your rover tools:

1/2 socket set: $87 (on sale) Gedore blue (I own three of these, sticker is well over $200). Add a 14mm for another $12 or so if you want …


Or get this 12 point Sunex impact 14mm (rotor bolts) for $7


Get a T50 ($8 — or two) while you are at it for the cage bolts. (Get a T55 too if you have an R380).


1/2 torque wrench. $216 Stahlwille. Yes, it’s spendy, and no it is not a snap-on/CDI/Stahlwille electronic angle one, but I have a bunch and the Stahlwille are the best for a lot of reasons, and if you are doing things like head bolts, maybe you don’t want to use the $25 special. These go for $260 and up usually.


Since you are torquing, pick up a hub nut socket ($14):


And for $22, get this PZ4 Wera screwdriver and start banging on your door hinge bolts:


You are going to want a small hammer and chisel set, this can’t be beat for $19.


You want some locking pliers, and these are the absolute best and worth all of $44:


Some pry bars ($80):


And you want the best BFH too to hit everything with ($30):


Now onto the fatherland for some good stuff on deals:

Search Knipex and buy all the pliers you want.

Then get this set of screwdrivers for $70 and, with the PZ4 above, you are set for screwdrivers.


Get these wrenches from Stahlwille which have all the sizes you will want except for 14mm and come in nice pouches


Here is the ratcheting reversible too (add 14mm if you get the 5 piece set).


Pick up a wire stripper for $14 too:


And a little knife for $13:

 

evilfij

Well-known member
Wiha’s new “big deals” are not so big, but I did pick up the metric fold out hex key all in one from KC tool along with the tool of the day (a Felo ergonic 1/4 SAE and metric ratchet and socket for $60 — 20% of the sale price of the Stahlwille similar set that is on back order from mister worker).

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hillstrubl

Founding Member
The only issue is that sometimes the increased thickness of the socket wall makes it impossible to get them on the bolt. Otherwise, the impacts are the way to go.
So my wife's VW, I bought a set of wheels intending to use for winter tires, the ONLY sockets that fit are chrome thin walled deep sockets that you also have to spray some WD40 on because the tolerance is that tight. I hate these wheels.
 

evilfij

Well-known member
If you are shopping for impact sockets, I can recommend these two sunex kits:



Pretty much everything you will ever need except the 1/2 drive 14mm 12 point, the 1/2 drive T50, and maybe 1/2 T55.

It may seem silly to get the full 3/8 kit, but it works out such that you are essentially getting all the SAE for free.
 

Adam

Well-known member
If you are getting the 3/8 impact set - I recommend pairing with sk 46175 - 36 inch, 1/2 inch drive, 3/8 socket impact extension - perfect for those hard to reach trans bolts.
 
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