New tool thread

[Astro14]

I’ve got a dedicated ball joint press for my W220. Standard kits don’t fit that car, but it only has cups for that car.

Needed a ball joint press for an upcoming job on a buddy’s F-150. Hate borrowing them from Advance because they’re always beat up or missing what I need. My last ball joint job (this past summer, on a 1975 Mercedes 450SL) required the use of the borrowed press, a couple parts from my W220 press, and a screwed together jig on the workbench.

So, while I liked the OTC kit, it was more than I wanted to spend. I got this Astro kit, and an Astro XL press clamp. The XL clamp is huge, and weighs nearly 15lbs. Should be able to handle about any job now.

 

[spasm3]

I decided to invest in some good screwdrivers. I have quite a few screwdrivers, and after warrantying two US made Craftsman black handle industrial screwdrivers and getting what I consider junk as replacements, I ordered these on Amazon. View attachment 44591

They have a full tang set I've been thinking about, but not pulled the trigger on yet. Some of my usa craftsman screwdrivers in Phillips head are getting worn.

 

[Astro14]

Needed a new 3/8” drive torque wrench. Old one had a range of 25-250 inch lbs. so, it was good for smaller bolts, and spark plugs. but for nearly all jobs, I was reaching for one of my 1/2”, which are cumbersome in tight places.

This new CDI goes from 10-75 ft lbs. It has a wonderful, smooth feel to the adjustment, a nice nice locking collar, and of course, is made in the USA. It’s far better than the plastic handled old one, that wouldn’t really lock, and never had the torque range I needed.

Just used the new one on a brake job. It was perfect. Very happy.

 

[Astro14]

Don’t know if this counts as a tool, but it’s really made a difference in my shop. 32F outside. 68F inside.

King Electric Garage heater. 10,000 W. I run it on low, which uses 5,000 watts, because of limitations in the shop’s wiring. Since I rent, it was safer to avoid major wiring changes.

Love it. No more freezing in the shop...

 

[demarpaint]

They have a full tang set I've been thinking about, but not pulled the trigger on yet. Some of my usa craftsman screwdrivers in Phillips head are getting worn.

I pondered them for a while. Today i ordered Vessel #2 nd #3 6" impact screwdrivers. They'll come in handy for phillips screws that want to fight coming out.

 

[Astro14]

I decided to invest in some good screwdrivers. I have quite a few screwdrivers, and after warrantying two US made Craftsman black handle industrial screwdrivers and getting what I consider junk as replacements, I ordered these on Amazon. View attachment 44591

Those look very nice!

I went with Williams, which has a much more plain grip. I like them, but I think I would like those Vessel ones more...

 

[Astro14]

This is what was worth keeping of my old set of screwdrivers...I put them out where they are convenient to reach. Most of the sizes are there, but it’s not as complete a set as the Williams.

I also have a set of 80+ gunsmithing screwdrivers if I need a precision fit...

 

[Astro14]

This tool is new - brass hammer. 2.5 lbs. it’s remarkably dense. Quite compact. Gets into smaller spaces easily and works really well for driving. Wilton. A gift from Mrs. Astro.

 

[Astro14]

Another recent gift from Mrs. Astro - a work light. It’s a Makita, and runs on the same 18v Li-ion batteries as the drill and impact in the shop, which are also in the photo (and at home: string trimmer, blower, oscillating multi-tool, drill, driver, flashlight, and reciprocating saw).

It can be plugged in if desired, but it’s great being able to plunk it down where needed, no cord to trip over or even route to it. It’ll run several hours on a 5.0 AH battery with a ton of good strong light. The older I get, the more I need good light.

 

[demarpaint]

Those look very nice!

I went with Williams, which has a much more plain grip. I like them, but I think I would like those Vessel ones more...View attachment 44667

Those look good too! Typically when I'm on the fence about a tool purchase I call my buddy Paul AKA @Trav . I usually get off the fence quick, and with a lighter wallet. lol He also suggested the impact screwdrivers I ordered today.

 

[Astro14]

Every time Trav posts a new tool on BITOG, my tool chest ends up a little heavier, and my wallet ends up lighter...

 

[AutoMechanic]

Don’t think I ever posted this one on this thread yet. Got this almost new at the pawn shop back in December for a super unbelievable low price. Goes for $62 new. It doesn’t have the comfort grip unfortunately but for the price I paid I’m not complaining one bit. Use it all the time when I need a big 1/2 ratchet. Though I still like my Capri ratchet best. Such an improvement over my Craftsman.

 

[Astro14]

Very nice ratchet. Really nice to have a 15 or 18” 1/2 drive. Most bolts will yield to one of those...if not, then out comes the cheater pipe, or impact!

 

[AutoMechanic]

Yes or the hot wrench lol. Had to use that a couple of times too. I think this one is 18 or close to it I think it’s actually like 17 and 7/8. Used it a lot actually.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Got these too. Still haven’t used them but I want too lol. A coworker gave them to me about 2 years ago or so I think.

 

[Trav]

Those look very nice!

I went with Williams, which has a much more plain grip. I like them, but I think I would like those Vessel ones more...View attachment 44667

The Williams are very good, they are the original black handle snap on I learned with in trade school back in the early 70's.
I like a lot of drivers, the Vessel feel great but my favorite are their ball drivers, I would have never believed they would be as nice to use as they are but like ratchets the feel of the tool is a personal thing.

 

[bdcardinal]

View attachment 44682
Don’t think I ever posted this one on this thread yet. Got this almost new at the pawn shop back in December for a super unbelievable low price. Goes for $62 new. It doesn’t have the comfort grip unfortunately but for the price I paid I’m not complaining one bit. Use it all the time when I need a big 1/2 ratchet. Though I still like my Capri ratchet best. Such an improvement over my Craftsman.

Don't forget to leave it on "off" when you go home.

 

[Trav]

View attachment 44682
Don’t think I ever posted this one on this thread yet. Got this almost new at the pawn shop back in December for a super unbelievable low price. Goes for $62 new. It doesn’t have the comfort grip unfortunately but for the price I paid I’m not complaining one bit. Use it all the time when I need a big 1/2 ratchet. Though I still like my Capri ratchet best. Such an improvement over my Craftsman.

Don't feel bad about no comfort grips they are not all they are cracked up to be. They can get pretty ratty over time and it seems only higher end tools offer replacements. With these Icon ones if I were to buy one it would be sans comfort grip.

 

[demarpaint]

Don't feel bad about no comfort grips they are not all they are cracked up to be. They can get pretty ratty over time and it seems only higher end tools offer replacements. With these Icon ones if I were to buy one it would be sans comfort grip.

I agree, the comfort grips are OK, certainly not a deal breaker for me. If I'm wrenching so hard that it's bothering my hand, I'll wear a glove. I have some nice mechanic gloves that act like comfort grips for me. Having said that I don't make a living turning wrenches, so if a job takes a little longer because I have to put a glove on or take one off it doesn't impact my bottom line any.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Don't feel bad about no comfort grips they are not all they are cracked up to be. They can get pretty ratty over time and it seems only higher end tools offer replacements. With these Icon ones if I were to buy one it would be sans comfort grip.

Yes I have found that to be true with my Matco ratchet. And I don’t think they offer replacements. I’m really a fan of the hard plastic grips like that are on the Snap-on screwdrivers because they don’t get sticky or degrade over time. I wish more manufacturers used that style handle.