What’s your best buy DIY garage tools?

[dionphaneuf]

I just lol'd @ Hecho in Taiwan.
Quite the Markdown on these. I have a hard time buying the 18-30 when I don't have the 8-19mm set, and then I have a hard time explaining to the lady that $350 just went out the door to Angela's best wrenches, but I digress. $1400 marked down to $140 reminded me of this

 

[JC220]

I am back working at my cars finally and whilst I have lots of quality spanners I used to have a ratchet spanner set but it was fixed head and some of them got broken or lost over many years so only a few left.

When working on brake calipers etc space is limited so I bought a set of swivel head ratchet spanners off amazon which get good reviews so will give them a go next weekend

 

[nocfn]

I have a set of those and they are very helpful.

 

[dionphaneuf]

From this weekend...I imagine they'd help on the upp front rear diff mount...that 17mm is impossible to get to.

 

[alabbasi]

Just received my Orhomelife Lights. Surprised at how light (in weight) they are. Time will tell if they hold up, but they are basically as bright to my untrained eye as the Braun lights

What's your feedback after 4 months? The only thing that's failed on mine is the little rubber cover over the USB charging port

 

[mikeym]

Hazard fraud has their famous light on sale again for $20 and that’s what I paid in 2018…. so even with COVID and inflation, it is a great deal.
I have probably way abused the light including using the lighted end to clear clogged gutters of leaves and branches and still going strong.
Getting another one tomorrow….

 

[Allgonquin]

What's your feedback after 4 months? The only thing that's failed on mine is the little rubber cover over the USB charging port

Funny about that cover. I ripped mine out the very first time I opened the charging port..... I did manage to jam it back in however. Well, I have not worked them too hard, but so far so good. I did ball joints on my IS300 last weekend and had one of my two lights going for a couple hours. It got a bit dimmer, but it did keep going. I also had my HF Braun light going and it was starting to twitch/flicker after about the same amount of time. I opened one of the Orhomelights to check if it was an 18650 battery, which it appears to be. There is a shrink wrapped cover on it so I can't tell if it's a decent cell or a chicom no-name. But looks easy enough to replace if you can solder, assuming you can get a new battery with leads on it - or spot weld your own . Otherwise, so far so good for light use (no pun intended).

 

[JC220]

My latest addition to tool box - stubby Hex set:



I found space very tight on a couple of inlet manifold bolts on my S320 so these are not needed often but when they are should be very worthwhile!

These are also impact rated so I can use them in my M12 small impact

 

[gerryvz]

The @gsxr's Uncle Kent (and @nocfn's Mercedes Repair Mentor) recommends this type of special green glove:

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I had a gift card to the Freight... Wasn't sure what to buy, ended up with two ratcheting breaker bars, great addition, every so useful for tight spaces where standard breaker bar just doesn't give you enough room to "swing/swivel" Recently used them on rusty 18 years old bolts on XC70 doing the axles/shafts, perfect for the job!

 

[alabbasi]

I have the ratcheting 1/2". It's pretty useful.

 

[ace10]

The @gsxr's Uncle Kent (and @nocfn's Mercedes Repair Mentor) recommends this type of special green glove:

Holy flock, $1.50.pair on AMZN.

 

[gsxr]

Holy flock, $1.50.pair on AMZN.

Are they available? [My Gerry's] Uncle Kent made it sound like they were NLA.

 

[JC220]

I just bought one of these Die Grinders wanted one for a long time. Particularly interested in the rust removing/ sanding disc capabilities



Will report Back soon when it arrives with accessories and I get to putting it to work

 

[JC220]

I just bought one of these Die Grinders wanted one for a long time. Particularly interested in the rust removing/ sanding disc capabilities

View attachment 146197

Will report Back soon when it arrives with accessories and I get to putting it to work

I have even using this die grinder for a few weeks now and really like it. It is thirsty on batteries but does work well.

I use it for cleaning gasket surfaces rapidly and also with wire brushes for rust removal



It is primarily a surface preparation tool in this configuration rather than for die grinding / fabrication work

 

[LWB250]

Needing to get the air bag off the ML550 to replace one of the telematics control switches, I recalled what a pain it is to get a #30 Torx "T" driver behind the steering wheel and into the bolts that secure the air bag. I've done it on several MB models, but it's always a good 10 minutes of gyrations and trying to get the wrench to fit the space behind the wheel and still be able to get it into the socket on the fastener *and* turn the wench.

I recalled that there was a Mercedes tool for this I had seen some time ago, so I dug out my notes and looked it up.

Socket: 126 589 00 10 00

Roughly $USD 10 at the dealer.

It's a short, 70mm long driver with the Torx #30 bit on one end and a 1/4" hex on the other end.



The real beauty of this driver/wrench is that it's "fat" so that it fills the opening in the back of the steering wheel, effectively centering the driver on the fastener. It lands right in the socket on the fastener, no fumbling around, and it's easily driven using a 1/4" drive breaker bar or ratchet to loosen and tighten the fastener.

Of course, it's a Hazet tool.

Another one of those rarely used but well appreciated special tools. Wish I had bought one of these years ago.

Dan

 

[JC220]

I realised today when cleaning it out that my upcycled oil drain pan is one of my most used oil pans! Have been using this one at least 15 years. It is shorter in height than my store bought drain pan and also holds over 10L so pretty much works on any car for oil changes etc.



Just get an old 25L plastic jar and cut it in half down the middle. Then you have a pour spout and 2no drain pans for free!

I have a translucent distilled water 25L jar I'm going to cut in half next. That will be pretty neat to be able to monitor the waste oil level within the drain pan looking under the car

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I have even using this die grinder for a few weeks now and really like it. It is thirsty on batteries but does work well.

I'm finding this to be pretty standard on all continuous "rotary/spinning" tools, be it a grinder, "dremel" type rotary, polisher or blower. But having multiple extra batteries makes the thirst very manageable. Convenience wise - it is hard to beat cordless tools, isn't it?

 

[LWB250]

I'm finding this to be pretty standard on all continuous "rotary/spinning" tools, be it a grinder, "dremel" type rotary, polisher or blower. But having multiple extra batteries makes the thirst very manageable. Convenience wise - it is hard to beat cordless tools, isn't it?

For goodness sakes, don't buy a cordless leaf blower, then. I've standardized on the Milwaukee M18 series, and the leaf blower I have, while excellent and powerful, will suck a 6 AH battery down in under 10 minutes on the "high" setting.

I do loves my cordless tools, though.

Dan

 

[Duh_Vinci]

For goodness sakes, don't buy a cordless leaf blower, then. I've standardized on the Milwaukee M18 series, and the leaf blower I have, while excellent and powerful, will suck a 6 AH battery down in under 10 minutes on the "high" setting.

I do loves my cordless tools, though.

Dan

10-15 min is about right indeed... I have one and I use is very very frequently (Craftsman V20), it is powerful enough, but I mostly used it as a "sweeper" for the deck and walk way, absolutely had the noise and the smell of the gas powered tool. But for the real work, I do have STIHL tools. Still, the little cordless gest most of the use throughout the year.

Regards,
D

 

[ace10]

Makita 2X18v string trimmer is good for 20-25 mins on full power in tall-ish spring lawn grass. I don't trim after every mow, so it's not a light job. The two big plusses in my book, over my big boy Shindaiwa gas trimmer, is that it starts with the press of a button and the vibration doesn't wreck my hands and forearms. The Makita probably has 50-60% of the power of the gasser, but it's perfectly fine for my usage these days.

This year, I picked up a Makita hedge trimmer that has an adjustable angle head. I'm using it for taming brush, thickets and crap growing along the tree line along the ground. Almost like a powered scythe. For some reason, it's a single battery model, and yes, it does consume batteries quickly.

 

[LWB250]

Makita 2X18v string trimmer is good for 20-25 mins on full power in tall-ish spring lawn grass. I don't trim after every mow, so it's not a light job. The two big plusses in my book, over my big boy Shindaiwa gas trimmer, is that it starts with the press of a button and the vibration doesn't wreck my hands and forearms. The Makita probably has 50-60% of the power of the gasser, but it's perfectly fine for my usage these days.

This year, I picked up a Makita hedge trimmer that has an adjustable angle head. I'm using it for taming brush, thickets and crap growing along the tree line along the ground. Almost like a powered scythe. For some reason, it's a single battery model, and yes, it does consume batteries quickly.

Get some of the trimming line that is square or has edges on it. That stuff is wicked awesome.

-D

 

[ace10]

Get some of the trimming line that is square or has edges on it. That stuff is wicked awesome.

-D

I use gator line. 0.095 on the gasser. Which is too thick for the Makita, even after I binned the rubbish head that came with it. Luckily the Speed-Feed head fit just fine.

Got a small spool of .080 and it works OK. Didn't really notice a huge improvement over the blue stuff that came with the Makita.

 

[gsxr]

I just replaced our 12+ year old Husqy weedhacker with a new Stihl FS-94-R, which AFAICT is their lightest version that includes anti-vibration technology. Haven't gotten to use it much yet but so far I likes it. Have yet to encounter a Stihl product I haven't been happy with - they ain't cheap, but appear to be worth it. Line is .095 but I think it will accept other heads/sizes if desired.

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/professional-trimmers/fs94r/

 

[alabbasi]

I just replaced our 12+ year old Husqy weedhacker with a new Stihl FS-94-R,

I'm pretty sure that this is the one I have at the shop. I've got about 1.5 acres there and the grass gets up there, especially around the cars that are parked outside behind the building. Batteries are novel but if I run out of juice, it's a short walk to the gas station.

 

[ace10]

I'm pretty sure that this is the one I have at the shop. I've got about 1.5 acres there and the grass gets up there, especially around the cars that are parked outside behind the building. Batteries are novel but if I run out of juice, it's a short walk to the gas station.

View attachment 148068

OPE batteries can be user-swapped in seconds.

 

[alabbasi]

OPE batteries can be user-swapped in seconds.

Yep, if I wanted to own $600 worth of batteries to do my yard. it's super convenient

 

[ace10]

Yep, if I wanted to own $600 worth of batteries to do my yard. it's super convenient

Inflation must be worse than previously reported.

 

[dionphaneuf]

The electric yard tool game is allllmost there, but not yet. It's a shame, as most gas tools are so cheap, reliable, and do a great job, but the noise and pollutants (not CO2) are just terrible.

Do people have a multimeter of choice? Particularly something w duty cycle capability? I know there's a certain Fluke model people gravitate to and can be had for <$100 on eBay, just not sure which. I'm getting tired of cheap measurement equipment so thinking I need to grab a Fluke and a pair of Mitutoyo's to eliminate guess work when it comes to trouble shooting other issues.

 

[gsxr]

Battery vs gas largely depends on yard size. Measured in acres, batteries just aren't practical, at least for the weedhacker. I would need ~1.5 hours of run time for ~2 acres. That could require 5 batteries depending on the Ah rating. Only needs a pint or two of dino juice.

DMM's... Fluke, but I don't know which specific model to recommend. Be prepared to dig deep in the ol' piggy bank, but it should last a lifetime.

 

[alabbasi]

Battery vs gas largely depends on yard size. Measured in acres, batteries just aren't practical, at least for the weedhacker.

I'm waiting for Tesla to make a riding mower. The neighbors already freak out watching me in 6th gear going full rabbit mode

 

[ace10]

This kit was $285 when I bought it about yr and half ago. Now it's more.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DTSLWRA

I've used it a few times. Tried the 323 clamp meter to track down a suspected dark draw on the Bronco, but it doesn't go low enough.
The 117 multimeter is a nice all-purpose unit. Only thing missing IMO were alligator clips, which I found a set of real Fluke for $10 on ebay.

Didn't have a good electronic caliper until a couple of years ago. Santa brought me a Mutitoyo from AMZN. I double/triple checked that it was real.
Managed to drop it real good the other day. Seems to work just fine after a reboot.

 

[dionphaneuf]

Interesting. Yeah clamp seems like a nice to have. $$$, but as said I only have to do it once.

I’m tired of crap Pittsburg calipers. The gap to mitutoyo is only like $70 which seems worth it.

 

[LWB250]

This kit was $285 when I bought it about yr and half ago. Now it's more.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DTSLWRA

I've used it a few times. Tried the 323 clamp meter to track down a suspected dark draw on the Bronco, but it doesn't go low enough.
The 117 multimeter is a nice all-purpose unit. Only thing missing IMO were alligator clips, which I found a set of real Fluke for $10 on ebay.

Didn't have a good electronic caliper until a couple of years ago. Santa brought me a Mutitoyo from AMZN. I double/triple checked that it was real.
Managed to drop it real good the other day. Seems to work just fine after a reboot.

That's a nice set for someone who needs it all.

If you're looking for a clamp on ammeter (AC) you can find decently priced vintage Amprobes on places like eBay. They're pretty bulletproof and last forever. I've got one with oversize clamps and a 120V "loop" accessory that makes it nice for checking the current draw on 120VAC connected devices.

Dan

 

[mikeym]

I just replaced our 12+ year old Husqy weedhacker with a new Stihl FS-94-R, which AFAICT is their lightest version that includes anti-vibration technology. Haven't gotten to use it much yet but so far I likes it. Have yet to encounter a Stihl product I haven't been happy with - they ain't cheap, but appear to be worth it. Line is .095 but I think it will accept other heads/sizes if desired.

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/professional-trimmers/fs94r/

View attachment 148055

Been running .095 with Echo SRM-225 available at Home Depot to trim all sort of stuff including Ivey and it has been working great. Great ROI on $250

 

[JC220]

My M18 Grinder does get alot of use, and today it had a party inside and blew up a bearing with zero warning...



Fortunately new bearings appear easy enough to find and I can see no permanent damage so I'll await new bearings in the post and renew both when I'm at it. Then back to the grind again, literally! Again, it gets punished and well used to no shame on it really and quite easy to open up and service.

 

[LWB250]

My M18 Grinder does get alot of use, and today it had a party inside and blew up a bearing with zero warning...

View attachment 150184

Fortunately new bearings appear easy enough to find and I can see no permanent damage so I'll await new bearings in the post and renew both when I'm at it. Then back to the grind again, literally! Again, it gets punished and well used to no shame on it really and quite easy to open up and service.

I've never had to repair a Milwaukee tool. Are parts readily available, and does Milwaukee sell them or are they third party?

Dan

 

[dionphaneuf]

Anyone have a preferred dial gauge for doing things like wheel bearings on a 126, etc? Trying to avoid spending more than $100 but also don't want cheap junk.

https://www.amazon.com/Indicator-Magnetic-Precision-Inspection-NAKAO/dp/B08L77HY82/

I'm also in the market for an impact to make longer jobs easier - caliper bolts, suspension components, etc. I'm in the Milwaukee M12 ecosystem and this one keeps coming up. Not trying to break axle nuts with it fwiw:

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-2555-20-Stubby-Impact-Wrench/dp/B07HCM1HKG/

 

[dionphaneuf]

Found this wrench comparo video interesting. Cheap Husky does quite well all things considered, a set of them is $24 from Home Depot. That said, the equivalent set from Wiha is only $110 so it's not a crazy difference $ wise.

 

[JC220]

Snap On types not going to like the results above FYI

 

[JC220]

This will be a good example of "buy cheap buy twice" or "buy once, cry once".

I used to like McColloch Garden equipment but admittedly it's not the best and gradually I have been moving to Stihl.

I had a McColloch leaf blower which didn't run very well and got tired of working on, cleaning the plug etc to keep it running. I gave it away and bought a newer McColloch leaf blower 2nd time and it too never ran right and eventually after only about 20 hours use (a few years worth for me) the thing is done won't even start. It always needed about 12 pulls to start too which the garden machine guy said was normal for them. Needs a tune up or carb now, more money after bad and ill either toss it or sell it for peanuts to get rid.

I was looking for a Stihl and spotted this one on ebay UK good used, like new actually and bought it. Arrived today, earlier than I expected and I only had old fuel from the S320. Mixed some up anyway and the thing fired right up and runs amazing. Starts at a whiff of the starting cord, smooth and powerful.




Going to replace all my petrol tools with Stihl eventually and looked after, Stihl will run for 30+ years. Again, buy once cry once is the lesson here!!

 

[Jlaa]

I recently discovered wrench/tool organizers and now my tool drawers are better able to utilize space because of them! Small wins. However, I still don't know how to organize pliers in such a way that they don't slide forward/back after repeated openings/closings of the drawer. I cannot store the pliers standing vertically either because the drawer is not tall enough.

Also I don't want to show my socket drawer because I need to figure out a way to organize that still.

Also note below, the long flex head ratcheting wrenches were a suggestion from @Jono --- very much appreciated, thank you.
Also, these are old school USA Crafstman wrenches.

 

[gsxr]

Looks great, Jlaa!

On a related note, I'm tempted to upgrade to a larger toolbox, as my tool collection has long outgrown the available drawer space. Insane-priced Snap/Mac/Matco/ICON are not options of course. Anyone have recommendations for brands that have best bang for the buck from the more-sanely priced US General (Harbor Fright), Husky (Home Despot), or Craftsman (Lowes)? I'm leaning towards something in 56-72" width with matching top box. Just tire- (er, caster-) kicking at the moment but it sure would be nice to replace the narrow, cramped Craftsman.

 

[sheward]

Do you have any boxes advertised in Craigslist tools? I've a good selection of older well-made boxes to choose from. I've also been seeing quality industrial boxes being sold by business closings for Despot, Fright, Lowes, prices. I imagine you have less options in your area.

All mine are older and second hand. I have no opinions on the mentioned options except the last time I looked at Craftsman boxes they were riding on reputation. I did open a US General box recently and it seemed a good value.

 

[chicky]

Gentlemen,

May I share pictures of my tool box ...

 

[gerryvz]

I recently discovered wrench/tool organizers and now my tool drawers are better able to utilize space because of them! Small wins. However, I still don't know how to organize pliers in such a way that they don't slide forward/back after repeated openings/closings of the drawer. I cannot store the pliers standing vertically either because the drawer is not tall enough.

Also I don't want to show my socket drawer because I need to figure out a way to organize that still.

Also note below, the long flex head ratcheting wrenches were a suggestion from @Jono --- very much appreciated, thank you.
Also, these are old school USA Crafstman wrenches.
View attachment 151428


View attachment 151429

Here you go:

 

[Jlaa]

Here you go:

It appears that my organizational chops need up-levelling by some orders of magnitude.

 

[nocfn]

These last posts should come with a Rated R warning

 

[gerryvz]

It appears that my organizational chops need up-levelling by some orders of magnitude.

There's no time like the present.....
What's most important aren't the pedestrian tools, but getting the MB special tools

 

[RicardoD]