@AutoMechanic flat out rocks!
New tool thread
- Thread starter jhellwig
- Start date
I know these props are necessary when working on others' cars, but wouldn't it be easier to just replace the struts on your own cars? Cheap knock offs are only about $20 on Amazon and they last a long time.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
Probably. One is on my two page long list of parts I gave to our parts guy to price lol
. The advantage of driving old junk that always needs worked on though most of the parts on that list is for my brother in law lol.
Older cars definitely keep me and parts distributors busy!Probably. One is on my two page long list of parts I gave to our parts guy to price lol
If you are pricing it at a toyota dealer it will cost way more than $20 per pair! At least, the rear struts for my Matrix were $50 each at the dealer vs $18 per pair at Amazon. Even autozone has them for a lot less than a dealer.
Vise grips work just fine for that purpose, no need for a special tool
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
Haha. I work at the dealership so I get everything for net price from any car brand that we sell and any auto parts store. That’s a huge advantage. Now I wish they would bring back the discount on vehicles. I wouldn’t buy anything parts related from work if we didn’t get a discount on it. But I will still compare prices though because I’ve gotten a few things cheaper than what the lowest price I can get at work.
I like the compact M18 3.0Ah high output for the Mid-Torque Impacts, Usually get a full week out of a charge.
The wider footprint (compared to the XC 5.0) is also a plus.
Picked up some new Wiha drivers at Lowe's.
(Another) set for me and a set for my dad.
(Another) set for me and a set for my dad.
I don't know but I really like the concept. I've seen (in videos, not in person) where access is limited and you can't really get at it with an awl or see the clip with a good direct line of sight.
Also if it allows you to leave the clip in place there's near zero chance of losing it. They don't show up well on concrete floors.....not that I would know
I find them faster than popping the clip off
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
Nice Napa haul today. Was waiting on me at home. Only part one of my order haha. Other part should be here tomorrow. I keep losing my number 2 Phillips heads so I bought an extra one again lol. I ordered one from Snap-on about a month ago but he hasn’t been back since so I’ve pretty much written that off. Then a set of metric ball Allen sockets. So for those who asked if I buy sets yes I do. This set I looked at it in person at a very rude Napa store so I chose to use my coupon and order it online instead of that rude store. I managed to get all of this for just $8 more than the entire set so $158 for everything. The Carlyle set appears very well made. I looked at the set at Auto Zone and Advance and they did not seem quality at all and seemed very weak so I chose the middle ground set. It was either this Snap-on or Mac or Matco and they are all priced $110 more than these so since they aren’t an everyday use tool I chose these. I’ve had excellent luck with Carlyle tools just they are expensive which is why I don’t buy them often. Then I got a 12mm socket for one set I need to complete at the house. And the tool coming tomorrow is for Subaru as I’m still a Subaru tech since the Toyota isn’t permanent.
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I was doing something at my non-profit the other day and had to dig into the tools I carry in my truck. I completely exploded a pair of Companion (yes, Craftsman's BluePoint) locking pliers just by -- get this -- locking them on to something.
Either I'm really strong or you get what you pay for. Almost surely the former, right?
So I started down the rabbit hole of looking for some decent but affordable locking pliers to keep in my truck. I settled on Milwaukee's 10" curved jaws. I've had really good luck with their locking pliers for welding. The pair I received was still made in Taiwan although some of their locking clamps have moved to China (which still seem good).
On the rabbit hole journey I stumbled upon the larger 12" "GoSwift" pliers shown here. Reviews are positive and I was curious so I snagged a pair. I haven't actually used them but initial impressions are positive. I think they may complement the ubiquitous 10" pliers nicely
Either I'm really strong or you get what you pay for. Almost surely the former, right?
So I started down the rabbit hole of looking for some decent but affordable locking pliers to keep in my truck. I settled on Milwaukee's 10" curved jaws. I've had really good luck with their locking pliers for welding. The pair I received was still made in Taiwan although some of their locking clamps have moved to China (which still seem good).
On the rabbit hole journey I stumbled upon the larger 12" "GoSwift" pliers shown here. Reviews are positive and I was curious so I snagged a pair. I haven't actually used them but initial impressions are positive. I think they may complement the ubiquitous 10" pliers nicely
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
New tools from eBay and Napa online. Bought the 1 1/2 combination wrench on eBay for $10 old stock Duralast made in Taiwan not China. Really quality made like all their tools. Just hate the blue dots
lol. Red should be SAE but they always had it backwards. I also ordered a Cornwell socket the same day from a different seller and it hasn’t even shipped yet so I’m beyond angry have already reached out to the seller and no response so will be filing a claim shortly. I really needed it this weekend I wanted the 6 point socket as my 12 point 1 1/2 is very sloppy fitment. 1 1/2 is for dads truck multiple places. We have to pull the other drain plug this oil change because the seal formed a leak so instead of just using the quick drain we are gonna pull the other plug this go around. I can’t source a 1 1/2 6 point locally anywhere. I paid almost $30 with shipping for that socket. A better fitting 12 point would probably be ok but I’ve had some bad luck with 12 points so I don’t even like trying them. I will try this wrench but it’s very tight. Auto Zone has since discontinued this big of a wrench. Biggest SAE size I’ve seen lately is 1 inch. Then a Carlyle 13mm square plug socket for Subaru. This is what you need for Subaru differentials. A 1/2 square would probably work but I like tools and like having the right tools. I’m still a Subaru tech and always will be but I’m just helping out at Toyota temporarily. Thankfully it’s only temporary I don’t want to represent that brand any longer. I will be glad to be back to Subaru soon.
Ordered from Amazon.
XtremepowerUS 3CFM 1/4 HP Vacuum Pump HVAC R134a R12 R22 R410a A/C Refrigeration AC Manifold Gauge https://a.co/d/4yK8x7B
XtremepowerUS 3CFM 1/4 HP Vacuum Pump HVAC R134a R12 R22 R410a A/C Refrigeration AC Manifold Gauge https://a.co/d/4yK8x7B
