What’s your best buy DIY garage tools?

[LWB250]

When I was building up a tool collection for the Flagstaff house I really wanted to hit the organizational aspect of things hard, as my legacy tool collection pretty much gets tossed in drawers of my homemade roll around cabinet of many decades. I requested appropriate gift cards for the holidays and used those to purchase a very nice set of Craftsman roll-around cabinets that serve the purpose perfectly. As a part of this effort I actually found a lot of good organizational items at Harbor Freight.

The comments about how to store pliers prompted me to respond and expose myself for potential ridicule. I say that because years ago like an A&P mechanic I "shadowed" my tools, but that took a huge amount of toolbox real estate and was really unnecessary.

One of the HF organizational bits I found was for pliers, and as I was a bit skeptical of it at first, I've found it to work quite well in allowing me to organize my pliers while taking up a minimum amount of space.

Wire Pliers Rack

As for my MB-specific tools, I either cart them back and forth between homes as required, or I buy a separate set for each location, as in instrument cluster hooks, for example.

Dan

 

[gerryvz]

This is the company I use that makes excellent socket rails and wrench holders. They also do a nice Pliers organizer:

They are located just outside of Portland, OR. You can get their products via Amazon, or direct from the company. Quality stuff.

Ernst Manufacturing - The Leader in Tool Organization

Ernst tool organizers let the tool user immediately go to and find the tool of choice, saving valuable time. Tool Organization with a good tool storage system helps save time and money for all tool users.

www.ernstmfg.com

The @Jlaa, this is a great option for socket organization, FYI.

 

[Jlaa]

Nice! The Ernst socket organizers and HF pliers rack look like just the ticket - I just need to move my pliers and sockets to one of my taller drawers to make that all work!

(And FWIW I am using the Ernst wrench organizers and like them!)

 

[gerryvz]

I like the Ernst wrench organizers, because you can get them in "coming" and "going" setups, so you can nest them next to each other in the drawer (like in this photo)

Time to up that game!!

 

[Jlaa]

I like the Ernst wrench organizers, because you can get them in "coming" and "going" setups, so you can nest them next to each other in the drawer (like in this photo)

Time to up that game!!

Yes Exactly --- I got the Ernst in Coming and Going setup!

 

[JC220]

Not automotive but still a best buy for me:



We started using an air fryer about a year ago and have been using it increasingly to a point where we needed a double one for say fresh potato wedges in one side and a whole small chicken in the other side which can be set to be ready at the same time.

Very healthy too as fat runs down into the bottom tray separated by a grill. I have found alarming amounts of grease coming out of oven chips for example when cooked in the air fryer!

Are these catching on your side of the pond(?)

 

[LWB250]

Not automotive but still a best buy for me:

View attachment 151595

We started using an air fryer about a year ago and have been using it increasingly to a point where we needed a double one for say fresh potato wedges in one side and a whole small chicken in the other side which can be set to be ready at the same time.

Very healthy too as fat runs down into the bottom tray separated by a grill. I have found alarming amounts of grease coming out of oven chips for example when cooked in the air fryer!

Are these catching on your side of the pond(?)

Quite common, and very nice especially for those of us with few to cook for.

My youngest son who lives in the Flagstaff house has one. I use it quite often when I'm there to prepare lunch. I'm amazed at what you can do with these, as well as how quickly they heat up and cook things.

When I saw your post I was thinking you had found a use for one of these in the shop to heat up parts prior to reassembly!

Dan

 

[LWB250]

Nice! The Ernst socket organizers and HF pliers rack look like just the ticket - I just need to move my pliers and sockets to one of my taller drawers to make that all work!

(And FWIW I am using the Ernst wrench organizers and like them!)

I had one of the Ernst stubby wrench organizers at the Florida house, and when I got the same from HF found little to no difference. Even the design where it "grips" the wrench is much the same.

When I get back out to the Flagstaff house in a couple of weeks I'll grab some pictures of my setup.

Dan

 

[JC220]

When I saw your post I was thinking you had found a use for one of these in the shop to heat up parts prior to reassembly!

Well what it does mean is the oven is freed up now for curing VHT paint on manifolds etc


I just have to make sure the better half is away when I have parts lined up for it

 

[gerryvz]

Ernst = Made in USA (preferable)

Air fryer = great thing to have. We have one on our counter. Great for french fries, reheating last night's pizza and the like

 

[speedy300dturbo]

Tsunoda cable tie pliers:

Two-in-one tool allows you to tension the cable tie and snip it flush.

 

[nocfn]

Pro tip on the air fryer - when cooking salmon or other pungent food - place cookie sheet over the top of the gas stove, leaving 2-4 burners free. (the covered burner grate will not get hot) Place air fryer on cookie sheet, start cooking and turn on exhaust fan (if vented to the outside) That keeps the aroma of dinner contained to the vented shaft for about 10 minutes rather than 2 days. bon apatite

 

[gsxr]

Tsunoda cable tie pliers:

Two-in-one tool allows you to tension the cable tie and snip it flush.

Those are pretty slick! And I bet they cost a fraction of the Panduit cable tie tools, I think ~$150 for the cheapest:

I also never knew this existed. Looks like ~$20k for the system. Patina Collective might have a couple:

 

[TerryA]

Pro tip on the air fryer - when cooking salmon or other pungent food - place cookie sheet over the top of the gas stove, leaving 2-4 burners free. (the covered burner grate will not get hot) Place air fryer on cookie sheet, start cooking and turn on exhaust fan (if vented to the outside) That keeps the aroma of dinner contained to the vented shaft for about 10 minutes rather than 2 days. bon apatite

Louis, I have a better idea. When eating pungent food, Eat Out it solves the problem of stinking up the house.

 

[nocfn]

To quote Jimmy Dugan, "that's good advice!"

 

[nocfn]

to those not movie buffs, Tom Hanks played Jimmy Dugan in the movie; A League of their own. He was autographing a baseball for some kids in the late 1940's and the kids read the ball aloud - Avoid the Clap - Jimmy Dugan, thanks! As they walkeded away he responded "...That's good advice!"

 

[Jlaa]

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

This is the company I use that makes excellent socket rails and wrench holders. They also do a nice Pliers organizer:

They are located just outside of Portland, OR. You can get their products via Amazon, or direct from the company. Quality stuff.

Ernst Manufacturing - The Leader in Tool Organization

Ernst tool organizers let the tool user immediately go to and find the tool of choice, saving valuable time. Tool Organization with a good tool storage system helps save time and money for all tool users.

www.ernstmfg.com

The @Jlaa, this is a great option for socket organization, FYI.

OK I finally got my little tool collection organized! (Not like you ultra OCD pros --- man it is hard to look at that fantastic display of drawer organization @chicky and @gerryvz and not feel intimidated!

I tried a couple of socket organizing approaches and returned all of them except for these which I like a lot:

Socket Rails - from Ares Tool (Taiwan). Aluminum rails (so they won't bend even when loaded down) and ball bearing clips. I tried the twist clips from another vendor as well, and I liked them too, but Ares had the best deal.



Only $23.68 for three 10" rails: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VW265P4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Only $14.98 for three 6" rails: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VRS8YPL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Magnetic Socket Holders - I used these for my metric 3/8" and 1/4" sockets which I use more often. These are faster to remove and replace sockets, but the drawback is that they take a little more space in the drawer. One big benefit is that the stenciling allows me to see what socket is resting in the space. However the big drawback is that having a size-stencil for each size compels one to buy individual socket to fill up the missing blank spaces!!!! I bought whatever is a good value - they are all very similar and I'm not loyal to any brand:

Only $15 w/ coupon for a metric 3/8" holder: Amazon.com: NEIKO 03971A Magnetic Socket Holder | 3/8” Drive | 6mm-20mm | Holds Shallow & Deep Sockets Tray | Metric Socket Organizer | 30 Hole Tool Box Storage | Scratch Free Mounting | High Visibility : Automotive
Only $13 for a metric 1/4" holder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091L3P3TL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

For my screwdrivers, I used these modular and configurable holders. They are OK for the price, which is kind of expensive for what they are. However, they do do a good job, and they are modular --- I couldn't find anything else that was modular that let me reconfigure around my space constraints at will.



$20 for a set of 15 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q4MVC42?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

For everything else, including my pliers, I just used scrap cardboard, which is free. Very economical.

 

[AMG5PT4]

Is there a tool available that helps undo reusable MB zip ties? Those zip ties are really nice that they can be removed and reused, but are a PITA to get undone. Would appreciate any tips/tricks or tool options to help.

 

[JC220]

Is there a tool available that helps undo reusable MB zip ties? Those zip ties are really nice that they can be removed and reused, but are a PITA to get undone. Would appreciate any tips/tricks or tool options to help.

I just use needle nose pliers on them to twist the tab and open them up with my other hand

 

[dionphaneuf]

I just use a pick for those

 

[luckymike]

I just use a pick for those

Picture? I can’t visualize what you mean.

 

[asultan]

Picture? I can’t visualize what you mean.

Either a pick, or a small flat head for glasses I've found to work really well, you want to use either of these tools to compress the plastic clip that wedges itself against the zip-ties ridges to undo them. Helps to actually as your picking the ridge press on them as-if to tighten them to loosen the wedge out of the ridge if that makes sense.

 

[Jlaa]

Having used this for over a year now, I'd recommend it as a general-purpose cordless impact... GREAT for tire swaps and general mechanical work. With the small 2.0 battery it is light weight and has enough capacity to swap multiple wheel sets between charges. I end up charging it every few months. Great deal at $200, IMO.

However, it lacks the power to remove really tight stuff. IMO, the 600 lb-ft rating is... optimistic. I twice encountered fan clutch center bolts that it couldn't break free, and IIRC it also wouldn't budge the crank bolt either. That was with a full charge and at the max-torque setting. In those cases, my trusty old HF Earthquake air impact zipped the stubborn items out without breaking a sweat. So, you still need something bigger for difficult fasteners; either the Milly high-torque, or an air impact.

@gsxr May I ask which generation M18 Fuel Mid torque impact wrench do you have experience with? The 2861 or the 2962?

M18 FUEL™ 1/2" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool Only)

www.milwaukeetool.com

M18 FUEL 1/2" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ 1/2" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring provides 650 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. Offers the most access in tight spaces and a faster removal speed

www.milwaukeetool.com

 

[JC220]

May I ask which generation M18 Fuel Mid torque impact wrench do you have experience with? The 2861 or the 2962?

M18 FUEL™ 1/2" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool Only)

www.milwaukeetool.com

M18 FUEL 1/2" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ 1/2" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring provides 650 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. Offers the most access in tight spaces and a faster removal speed

www.milwaukeetool.com

If the specs are mostly the same I would definitely go for the stubby - opens it up to many more uses in particular brake jobs and the likes.

 

[Jlaa]

May I ask which generation M18 Fuel Mid torque impact wrench do you have experience with? The 2861 or the 2962?

M18 FUEL™ 1/2" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool Only)

www.milwaukeetool.com

M18 FUEL 1/2" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring | Milwaukee Tool

MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ 1/2" Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring provides 650 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. Offers the most access in tight spaces and a faster removal speed

www.milwaukeetool.com

Here is a comparison of the gen 1 2861 vs the gen 2 2962. It seems the gen 2 is quite a bit stronger.


Fwiw @JC220 - Im only thinking about mid torque stuff. The stubby 2555 is a different model … 12v and only 250 lb ft. The above comparison is between gen 1 and gen 2 M18 mid torque impact wrenches.

 

[dreaming.haze]

@Jlaa - I'll be getting that same mid-torque you've noted, 2962, It is the stubby + new generation.

I've used the previous generation mid-torque plus the high-torque model (2767-20). The mid torque did everything I asked of it and I only reached for the big high torque to really get off an air hammered on set of wheel nuts (on a mini cooper of all things).

My primary impact is an M18 2854. Stubby and light. Feels just right for most jobs and can get on / off most things. It stops short once you get into rusted fasteners / large torque items.

 

[JC220]

This is another great one for me, the Extendo-matic 3000 paint brush

 

[gsxr]

@gsxr May I ask which generation M18 Fuel Mid torque impact wrench do you have experience with? The 2861 or the 2962?

I bought my mid-torque in spring 2018 thanks to @Glen's post here. The kit included a 2861 tool (Gen 1), 2.0Ah battery, charger, and plastic hard case for $199+tax from Home Despot.

In Nov-2020, I splurged and bought the Milwaukee M18 1/2" Hi-Torque One-Key Kit with 2863-20 tool, 5.0Ah standard battery, charger, and contractor bag for $299+tax.

Note that there are at least 3 different variants of the M18 Red Lithium batteries, some of which have the same Ah rating, which is very confusing. Be careful when comparing prices and make sure it's apples to apples. At a minimum there are CP, XO, and HD.

I didn't realize there was already a newer, betterer Gen 2 mid-torque making my ancient 4-yr old tool obsolete already. Gaaaaah.

 

[Jlaa]

I didn't realize there was already a newer, betterer Gen 2 mid-torque making my ancient 4-yr old tool obsolete already. Gaaaaah.

Ooooffff. Sorry for bringing this up. ugh.

Note that there are at least 3 different variants of the M18 Red Lithium batteries, some of which have the same Ah rating, which is very confusing. Be careful when comparing prices and make sure it's apples to apples. At a minimum there are CP, XO, and HD.

Well, now I fell into a rat hole. @gsxr What kind of battery are you using for your CIS-grade (as opposed to LH-grade) Mid-Torquer Impact wrench? XC or High Output?
I bought a XC5.0 (coming via Amazon - cheaper than HD @ $72) for My 2962 also coming on Amazon.

I note here (man these videos are even better than Project Farm Guy) on tests with the LH-Grade Mid-Torquer

That the 3.0 HO battery ($64) doesn't really have an appreciable difference in torque than the 5.0 XC battery ($72) but the 6.0 HO battery ($94) does seem to generate 6% more torque than the 5.0 XC battery. Also note that the XC 8.0 battery generates less torque than the XC 6.0 battery in order to gain longer run time (AH) in the same physical dimensions.

Maybe you can upgrade batteries?

 

[Jlaa]

@Jlaa - I'll be getting that same mid-torque you've noted, 2962, It is the stubby + new generation.

I've used the previous generation mid-torque plus the high-torque model (2767-20). The mid torque did everything I asked of it and I only reached for the big high torque to really get off an air hammered on set of wheel nuts (on a mini cooper of all things).

My primary impact is an M18 2854. Stubby and light. Feels just right for most jobs and can get on / off most things. It stops short once you get into rusted fasteners / large torque items.

Ohhh... What M18 batteries are you running?
FWIW the 2962 is not a "Milwaukee Stubby" in the sense that "stubby" is a part of the official product name of the 2854 and 2855. However, I understand your colloquial use of the word "stubby" in describing the 2962 as it is only 6" long.

 

[dionphaneuf]

FWIW - try and go to a local tool vendor and pick these batteries and torque wrenches up. To @JC220 ’s point, I found the 1/2” m18 to be yuge and bulky - not just too big to fit into tight spots but also just heavy and unwieldy in a way that would make me tired when using during a multi hour job.

 

[dreaming.haze]

Ohhh... What M18 batteries are you running?
FWIW the 2962 is not a "Milwaukee Stubby" in the sense that "stubby" is a part of the official product name of the 2854 and 2855. However, I understand your colloquial use of the word "stubby" in describing the 2962 as it is only 6" long.

I've got M18 5.0Ah batteries for the tools on my side. Seems like a nice blend of size / weight / battery life. I use them with yardwork and you can move through 2 batteries doing weedeating around the yard, but that is nothing compared to the quick draw using the leafblower.

Yeah, mixing the terms a bit with "stubby" on my model, for that size, it just has a good head size vs. other models and makes it fit into to some smaller spaces at different times.

I would agree that getting a feel for the various tools would make sense. Hit up Home Depot for the Milwaukee line items.

 

[gsxr]

Ohhh... What M18 batteries are you running?

Great video on the batteries! Nice to know there is minimal difference in torque output with small / medium / large batteries, while there is a difference, the main benefit is longer run time. Anyway:

My first kit came with a standard Red Lithium 2.0Ah (non-XC, non-HO, non-HD). Second kit had standard 5.0Ah.

After the high-torque kit, I later picked up the SURGE 1/4" impact driver (which is REALLY nice!) and that came with two 4.0Ah standard batteries.

Although the little 2.0Ah would last for months of lug bolt duty swapping wheels around, I learned that my oscillating tool would burn through batteries rapidly. So, I also got an 8.0Ah HO XC battery (p/n 48-11-1880), for when I need extended runtime, which is very rarely. The 8.0 HO XC and at the time was on sale for $79+tax/shipping. I now have plenty of batteries & chargers and need to look for deals on bare tools.

Still is confusing to compare the CP, XC, HD, and HO variants... and combinations thereof. And of course all have different price points too.

 

[LWB250]

I've got M18 5.0Ah batteries for the tools on my side. Seems like a nice blend of size / weight / battery life. I use them with yardwork and you can move through 2 batteries doing weedeating around the yard, but that is nothing compared to the quick draw using the leafblower.

Yeah, mixing the terms a bit with "stubby" on my model, for that size, it just has a good head size vs. other models and makes it fit into to some smaller spaces at different times.

I would agree that getting a feel for the various tools would make sense. Hit up Home Depot for the Milwaukee line items.

I have the leaf blower, too. I have yet to find a battery powered tool that saps the charge of a battery faster than it does. This is not a criticism, as I know that axial blower is using a boatload of amps to push all that air, but it's something I have to keep in mind when using - and all of my batteries charged up before I begin!

Dan

 

[LWB250]

Great video on the batteries! Nice to know there is minimal difference in torque output with small / medium / large batteries, while there is a difference, the main benefit is longer run time. Anyway:

My first kit came with a standard Red Lithium 2.0Ah (non-XC, non-HO, non-HD). Second kit had standard 5.0Ah.

After the high-torque kit, I later picked up the SURGE 1/4" impact driver (which is REALLY nice!) and that came with two 4.0Ah standard batteries.

I got the little 1/4" drive impact in one of the "kits" I bought. It's great for disassembly and is amazingly powerful for it's size. I was assembling a set of stairs to go from a deck to the ground this past weekend, and I used it for running 5/16" lag bolts into some pretty wet Douglas Fir with pilot holes, and it ran them down quickly and tight. It also worked well on the nuts for the bolts in the brackets that joined the stair riser sections, too.

Dan

 

[gsxr]

There are a few different Milwaukee 1/4" impact drivers with different designs. The 'SURGE' has a hydraulic impact mechanism which transfers less impact/shock to the wrist of the user. And, it is quieter as well. I was really impressed with the performance vs standard units from Makita & DeWalt.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge Hydraulic Driver

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge Hydraulic Driver is the latest to enter the oil impact driver race and there are some compelling reasons to choose it.

www.protoolreviews.com

 

[sheward]

Nice work on the staircase, Dan

 

[LWB250]

Nice work on the staircase, Dan

Thanks! I'm really impressed with the Pylex stair risers. I can cut a stair riser in a piece of lumber with a speed square, but it's darned easy to mess up and ruin a $100+ piece of wood. The Pylex risers you see on these were about $500 for the set of three with the joiners (two 5 step risers bolted together) and they went together in about 30 minutes. Once done, you put the top and bottom treads on them to connect everything up as a unit and just bolt it to the joist. Then you screw the rest of the treads to the risers, add the middle supports, and you're done for the most part.

Those are 48" treads, which I could have done with two risers but it would have been on the very edge of the weight/design limits, so I added a third one. I prefer my projects over engineered, it's cheap insurance and makes the inspecting authorities happy when necessary. You could run a truck up these things.

Railings go up today and then I'll sawzall open the railing on the deck.

Dan

 

[dionphaneuf]

Anyone have a preferred Jackstand model? I'm seeing a lot of good reviews on these Esco ones and I love the flat tops vs the pinch weld style. Height is 'only' 21.5" but that should be enough for most jobs I do.

https://www.amazon.com/ESCO-10498-Jack-Stands-Capacity/dp/B01J5ZB8K6/

 

[Jlaa]

@Jlaa - I'll be getting that same mid-torque you've noted, 2962, It is the stubby + new generation.

I bought my mid-torque in spring 2018 thanks to @Glen's post here. The kit included a 2861 tool (Gen 1), 2.0Ah battery, charger, and plastic hard case for $199+tax from Home Despot.
....

I didn't realize there was already a newer, betterer Gen 2 mid-torque making my ancient 4-yr old tool obsolete already. Gaaaaah.

Dude, I don't have the world's largest hands by a long shot, and this 2962 mid-torque @ 650 lb-ft is PUNY!!!!
I look forward to making some bolts suffer!!!!



Its amazing how far battery tech has come in 25 years. 25 years ago I had a 26 gallon compressor with Ingersoll Rand airtools and this is sooooo much simpler and easier. No air lines, no noisy compressor, and no tank to drain.

 

[Jlaa]

This appears to be a really good deal for a super-stubby lightweight M18 Fuel 3/8" 250-lb-ft light duty Model 2854 impact wrench (even stubbier than the 1/2" mid-torque impact in the previous post:



Follow these instruction to get the above labor day special pricing:

Milwaukee M18 FUEL GEN-3 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8 in. Compact Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool-Only) $116.52

This is a reverse hack by placing the order for the M18 Fuel Grinder. Select the Impact Wrench as a gift then add both to your cart. The Grinder will then show at $132.48, and the Impact Wrench will d

slickdeals.net

Review Below:

 

[LWB250]

This appears to be a really good deal for a super-stubby lightweight M18 Fuel 3/8" 250-lb-ft light duty Model 2854 impact wrench (even stubbier than the 1/2" mid-torque impact in the previous post:

View attachment 153438

Follow these instruction to get the above labor day special pricing:

Milwaukee M18 FUEL GEN-3 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8 in. Compact Impact Wrench with Friction Ring (Tool-Only) $116.52

This is a reverse hack by placing the order for the M18 Fuel Grinder. Select the Impact Wrench as a gift then add both to your cart. The Grinder will then show at $132.48, and the Impact Wrench will d

slickdeals.net

Review Below:

Thanks!

I just used this to buy the grinder, which I really don't care that much about, and the 3/8 impact, for a total of $255.48 with a $15 discount coupon I had. Both in stock in my store, so I'll be able to pick them up today...

I wish I could have gotten the impact and another battery, but it appears the deal was based on the grinder + one of three other items (impact, hammer drill or battery). Whatever. Can't have enough (good) tools, can you?

Dan

 

[Jlaa]

Thanks!

I just used this to buy the grinder, which I really don't care that much about, and the 3/8 impact, for a total of $255.48 with a $15 discount coupon I had. Both in stock in my store, so I'll be able to pick them up today...

I wish I could have gotten the impact and another battery, but it appears the deal was based on the grinder + one of three other items (impact, hammer drill or battery). Whatever. Can't have enough (good) tools, can you?

Dan

Score!!!! Awesome!

I bought the 3/8 impact and the grinder as well, for $249 + tax, via "web-order and in-store-pickup" and then I returned the grinder in person .... thus netting me the 3/8 impact for $116.52 + tax! It is ultra stubby compared to the mid-torque 1/2 impact, which is already pretty small.

 

[LWB250]

Score!!!! Awesome!

I bought the 3/8 impact and the grinder as well, for $249 + tax, via "web-order and in-store-pickup" and then I returned the grinder in person .... thus netting me the 3/8 impact for $116.52 + tax! It is ultra stubby compared to the mid-torque 1/2 impact, which is already pretty small.

View attachment 153462 View attachment 153463

I like that idea, as I really have no need for the grinder. Guess I'll do the same...

Thanks!

Dan

 

[gsxr]

I like that idea, as I really have no need for the grinder. Guess I'll do the same...

As an FYI... the grinder, when used with a grinding wheel, isn't much use for the casual mechanic (i.e., anyone who isn't JC220 Townshend doing metal wizardry). The grinder does come in handy for sharpening lawn mower blades though.

However, you can buy cutoff discs/wheels and use those with the grinder. These cutoff discs are needed to cut coil springs. I've been using an ancient corded Bosch for something like 20 years with SAIT #23103 cutoff discs, 5" x 0.75 x 7/8. Works great to trim a quarter-coil off a spring when necessary.

 

[LWB250]

As an FYI... the grinder, when used with a grinding wheel, isn't much use for the casual mechanic (i.e., anyone who isn't JC220 Townshend doing metal wizardry). The grinder does come in handy for sharpening lawn mower blades though.

However, you can buy cutoff discs/wheels and use those with the grinder. These cutoff discs are needed to cut coil springs. I've been using an ancient corded Bosch for something like 20 years with SAIT #23103 cutoff discs, 5" x 0.75 x 7/8. Works great to trim a quarter-coil off a spring when necessary.

And that's what I've used the HF grinder for - both times. As a cutoff tool, not a grinder. For the $20 I paid some years back I got my money's worth out of it.

Dan

 

[mikeym]

Milwaukee is running pretty good M12 deals starting today. Buy a charger + 2 battery kit for $129/$199 and get a free tool. I already have too many batteries, so, ended up getting just the tools, m12 inflator and blower.
The m12 blower Is pretty handy around the garage and patio and reduces the need to full power of Crapman electric or Husqvarna gas.

 

[LWB250]

Milwaukee is running pretty good M12 deals starting today. Buy a charger + 2 battery kit for $129/$199 and get a free tool. I already have too many batteries, so, ended up getting just the tools, m12 inflator and blower.
The m12 blower Is pretty handy around the garage and patio and reduces the need to full power of Crapman electric or Husqvarna gas.

I have the M18 axial fan blower and that thing will start a tornado if you run it on high. The only complaint I have is that if you do run it on high, it will drain a 5AH battery in about 10 minutes.

Dan

 

[mikeym]

I have the M18 axial fan blower and that thing will start a tornado if you run it on high. The only complaint I have is that if you do run it on high, it will drain a 5AH battery in about 10 minutes.

Dan

M12 axial blower with 6ah battery is about the same amount of run time but it’s intended use is not continuous. It is one of the things that is readily accessible in garage for quick 1-2 min cleanups which we tend to put out because of hassle of pulling electric or gas options.
I used mine to clean up the area by front door, pine needles and other crap off cars parked in the and general cleanup around the garage.

 

[LWB250]

M12 axial blower with 6ah battery is about the same amount of run time but it’s intended use is not continuous. It is one of the things that is readily accessible in garage for quick 1-2 min cleanups which we tend to put out because of hassle of pulling electric or gas options.
I used mine to clean up the area by front door, pine needles and other crap off cars parked in the and general cleanup around the garage.

Yeah, I know, but once you get that thing going it's tough not to want to start cleaning everything off...I don't want the hassle or expense of a gas blower, so there are times when I'll make multiple runs with mine when cleaning all the droppings from the pine trees. Those things seem to always be dropping something on the ground...

I like the turtle and the rabbit for the speed settings. Reminds me of when I was working with John Deere some years ago at their training center in the Quad Cities, and I asked their training director what they did for similar icons on their equipment when it went to parts of the world that didn't have rabbits or turtles.

Dan