What’s your best buy DIY garage tools?

[dionphaneuf]

I have this one and have had no issues despite my above poor experience with Nieko ball end sockets.

Amazon.com

I'd look on eBay/CL/fbMarketplace for a good high quality set used.

 

[dionphaneuf]

I'm seeing/hearing a lot of shade thrown at Craftsman and while they certainly seem to have taken a step back from their glory days, I've had positive experiences recently.

I bought this tool set on Black Friday 10+ years ago on my first 'big' DIY job (engine swapping a Miata motor that had badly overheated) and it's never let me down - the sockets aren't Snap On but they're much higher quality than Pittsburg, same with the ratchets. It also has the only multi bit screwdriver I've ever had that actually works well - it feels high quality and the bits aren't made of metal with the hardness of room temperature butter like all the other ones from Ace that your Aunt gave you for Christmas because you 'like tools'.

I wish it came with more box end wrenches, I hate loose Allen keys (though these ones are pretty high quality), and the ratchets had a higher tooth count, but it's hard to beat for the price if you need a starter set.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-230-piece-mechanic-s-tool-set/p-00999920000P

 

[dionphaneuf]

Can anyone recommend a good seal puller? I had this listle one but it's complete and total crap.
I get by fine by other means (trim tools, picks, or probably the most reliable but also most nerve racking drilling a small hole in the seal and putting in a small self tapping screw) but would love an upgrade.

 

[gerryvz]

Yep — not a fan of Lisle tools.

 

[emerydc8]

+1. I have the Lisle puller but I haven’t found a use for it after many years. I’ve found the Harbor Freight seal puller is more useful.

 

[gsxr]

FYI, for Red tool lovers... I'm fully vested in the M18 FUEL platform, but mostly have larger 4.0-5.0Ah batteries. I have one dinky 2.0Ah battery but LOVE that little thing, because it makes the tools so light and easy to handle. And for most intermittent-use tools, specifically impact wrenches or impact drivers, a small battery has plenty of capacity. You really only need the bigger batteries for something that runs continuously like a grinder or oscillating tool (those can burn up battery power FAST).

Anyway: The 2.0Ah batteries ain't cheap, but there's a BFCM deal on the "High Output" version of the 3.0Ah which appears to be identical size/dimensions, and only a few ounces heavier. I ordered them from Home Despot, $99 with free delivery for a TWO pack.

UPDATE: I received the HO CP 3.0 Ah batteries. They are physically larger than the 2.0, but not much. The 2.0 battery weighs 0.95 lbs, the 3.0 weighs 1.30 lbs, or +0.35 lbs / +5.3 ounces.

• 2.0 Ah CP = 0.95 lbs
• 3.0 Ah CP HO = 1.30 lbs
• 4.0 Ah XC = 1.60 lbs <-- ???
• 5.0 Ah XC = 1.60 lbs <-- ???
• 6.0 Ah XC HO = 2.35 lbs
• 8.0 Ah XC HO = 2.42 lbs

Milwaukee M18 18V Lithium-Ion HIGH OUTPUT CP 3.0Ah Battery Pack (2-Pack) 48-11-1837 - The Home Depot

Procure a skillful and magnificent update to your jobsite with the addition of this amazing Milwaukee M18 Lithium-Ion HIGH OUTPUT CP Battery Pack.

www.homedepot.com

 

[northNH]

For me the sweet spot for HO M18s is <$15/Ah, which I can usually find.
The 8Ah I use with my trimming chainsaw was $92…
Re: small batteries…I agree, I have a pair of 2Ah and together they’re perfect for everything else.
As you say, 3Ah would be better still.

 

[AMG5PT4]

Harbor Freight has the Braun LED light on sale until Dec 24 for $19.99. This light is now updated so the light bar can lay flat for storage. Many of us on this site use these lights regularly, especially with upgraded quality batteries posted a couple years ago by Dave (@gsxr can you provide a link to the batteries post?). I will buy a couple more of these lights before Xmas.

 

[gsxr]

Here you go! The Panasonic mentioned is sold out, but a different Panasonic is available, along with a bunch of other options (click here).

Previous post:

What’s your best buy DIY garage tools? | Tools and Shop Equipment

Probably worth buying a standalone LiOn charger as well so that you can keep one battery charged...in case you need to change it in the middle of a job. They also have better protection circuitry versus the ones in the flashlight.

www.500eboard.co

 

[LWB250]

Harbor Freight has the Braun LED light on sale until Dec 24 for $19.99. This light is now updated so the light bar can lay flat for storage. Many of us on this site use these lights regularly, especially with upgraded quality batteries posted a couple years ago by Dave (@gsxr can you provide a link to the batteries post?). I will buy a couple more of these lights before Xmas.

View attachment 180233

I have one of the original design of these, and it got run over in the garage a few months ago. Amazingly, the only thing that broke was the bracket at the base of the LED part. I was able to remove the screws, realign everything, and despite some permanent damage to that part, put it back together.

I've been using it since without any issues. Gotta get another.

Dan

 

[gerryvz]

Here’s my latest tool acquisition — a Hazet brake bleeder wrench.

 

[AMG5PT4]

@gerryvz the "-9" ending I assume is because each end is 9mm? Can you verify this is correct? By chance is the bleeder fitting on W124 and W126 calipers the same size? Thanks for posting this - I will want to get this wrench! Doing a search for this P/N for Hazet I see 4968-10 pictured and want to make sure the size is correct.

Here is one search result showing 4968-10 on the tool but the description says 9mm size

Hazet 4968-9 Hex Brake Bleeding Wrench, 9 mm

Buy Hazet 4968-9 Hex Brake Bleeding Wrench, 9 mm with fast shipping and top-rated customer service Haus of Tools is your home for Tools

hausoftools.com

 

[gerryvz]

As I mentioned & demonstrated in this HOW-TO, the size for the W124 (E500E) is 9mm:

HOW-TO: Replacing 500E/E500 Brake Fluid | "HOW-TO" Tutorial Articles

Background I'm embarrassed to admit how many years it's been since I replaced my brake fluid on my E500, but it's probably been triple the MB-specified maintenance interval. Seeing as I had my Motive Power Bleeder out recently to do my 560SEC brake fluid change, it made sense to leave it out in...

www.500eboard.co

For E500E, from above thread:




For the W126, I believe the bleeder valve is the same diameter (9mm), as indicated here:

HOW-TO: Bleeding 560SEC/560SEL Brakes with Power Bleeder | "HOW-TO" Tutorial Articles

Background Recently, going through my C126 maintenance records, I realized that I had not changed the brake fluid since September, 2013 on my SEC. The specified interval for the C126 (although NOT for the E500E, R129 and W140) is to change the brake fluid annually. [The factory specified...

126board.com

For 560SEC, from above thread:




You can purchase the bleeder wrench via Amazon, with link here (the photo is incorrect):

Amazon.com

 

[AMG5PT4]

Thanks, Gerry. Will buy one of these wrenches.

 

[albdentist]

https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/hazet/brake-bleeding-wrench/49133.html

 

[Jlaa]

This is not one tool in particular, but more a collection of tools acquired over the years that make simple tasks easier.
I had 2.5 ton hybrid steel/aluminum jack that I bought 15 years ago. A seal failed on it. I could not find a rebuild kit for the jack, which had been discontinued many years ago, so I junked it (it was a $99 Costco special so many years ago) and upgraded to a 3 ton hybrid steel/aluminum jack from Amazon a few days ago. (This was only $185 when I bought it but I digress....)

The new jack has a higher capacity and a lower minimum height than my old jack, so I was pleased. However, the new jack is just a tad too wide to fit in the nook in my garage that I have designated for jack-storage. So, I decided to cut 3/4 inch off the handle on both sides as the handles are the widest part of the jack. This is where having the right tools:

• Cordless Milwaukee M12 rotary cutter w steel cutoff tool
• Craftsman vice picked up off Craigslist
• Nut and bolt identification tool from Amazon
• Metric tap and die set from Sears Craftsman circa 1998

made this little task really pleasant and easy to accomplish. That is all.

 

[emerydc8]

The nut and bolt identifier tool is handy to have. When I went looking for the type you have I couldn't find it. I got this instead: Amazon.com

I liked it so much that I have been giving them away as inexpensive holiday/birthday gifts because most people don't have one.

 

[Jlaa]

The nut and bolt identifier tool is handy to have. When I went looking for the type you have I couldn't find it. I got this instead: Amazon.com

I liked it so much that I have been giving them away as inexpensive holiday/birthday gifts because most people don't have one.

That's a nice gift! I'll have to remember that during the next round of gifting season!

 

[northNH]

Pre-Amazon…

 

[gerryvz]

This is a part that I'm sure @alabbasi has plenty of, in his garage parts stash. It is an important replacement for British cars.

 

[daantjie]

This is a part that I'm sure @alabbasi has plenty of, in his garage parts stash. It is an important replacement for British cars.

View attachment 183903

Omg yes we had a Leyland Austin that was constantly in the shop with electrical issues, what a POS that was...

 

[alabbasi]

This is a part that I'm sure @alabbasi has plenty of, in his garage parts stash. It is an important replacement for British cars.

I own the factory

 

[sheward]

That V12 looks very nice.

 

[northNH]

Cable Tie Guns And Zip Tie Tension Tools

Cable tie guns are designed to make life a little easier by tightening and cutting the excess of your zip ties. Save your hands and your time when installing.

www.cabletiesandmore.com

Amazon.com

 

[Glen]

Need a new shop vac?
I've had a Craftsman 5HP/5gal wall mount shop vac for nearly 20 years and it still sucks like new. Some years ago, I mod'd it to use bags to catch fine dust which keeps the main filter from clogging up. Nice vacuum overall but it's fairly loud.

Recently, my garage projects have been creating more dust so I began looking for something with wheels and more capacity. Enter DeWalt's newish StealthSonic line of shop vacs. These things are fantastic. They claim it's 50% quieter than competing vacs with no sacrifice in power and I believe it. Check YouTube for reviews, everyone seems to love it.

There are three sizes, 9, 12, and 16 gallon. The 9 and 12 use the same power head rated at 5.5 HP. The 9 only has a 10 foot cord and a 1 7/8" diameter hose. The 12 steps up to a 2 1/2" hose and 20 foot cord. I purchased the 12 gallon model and couldn't be happier.

Lowe's has the 12 gallon version on sale for $129 (normally $139) until March 13.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-12Gal-5-5-PHP-Quiet-Vac/5013026391

Anyone else have one of these?

 

[Jlaa]

I've noticed that of the hundreds (thousands?) of tools in my garage, there are a handful of tools that I gravitate towards to get myself out of a head scratching condition. One of these are the pair of MB instrument cluster tools that I have.

I have found soooooo many uses for the cluster tools, aside from pulling instrument clusters. Earlier in the year, they were super helpful to assist in pulling the rubber boot over the steering rack flange while doing a tie-rod replacement on my sport-beetle.



More recently, they helped me pull out the AC vent in my sport-beetle (after using nylon zip-ties to compress the latching top bent-metal spring tabs)



This post does indeed have Mercedes-Benz vehicular content, as this same AC vent is shared by certain W463 Gelandewagens!!!!

 

[gerryvz]

Yes, that vent was used on all G-wagens for most of the 1990s....

HOW-TO: Replace Early W463 Headlight Switch | G-Wagen Models

Early W463 G-wagen models, from 1990 through about 2000, share their headlight switches with MB sedan models such as the W124, 202, and so forth. This is the standard round switch with the pull-off knob, foglight indicator light in the center, and so forth. With age and sometimes use, these...

www.500eboard.co

 

[Jlaa]

Yes, that vent was used on all G-wagens for most of the 1990s....

HOW-TO: Replace Early W463 Headlight Switch | G-Wagen Models

Early W463 G-wagen models, from 1990 through about 2000, share their headlight switches with MB sedan models such as the W124, 202, and so forth. This is the standard round switch with the pull-off knob, foglight indicator light in the center, and so forth. With age and sometimes use, these...

www.500eboard.co

Oh dear! Is it possible that this is a dreaded Porsche part that MB sourced for installation into an MB product?

 

[JC220]

I have been buying ALOT of tools the past few months. This was a good find locally - a good used Bluepoint tool trolley for my front garage when servicing my cars on my front street on occasion. Snap on fold shelf came with it.



I also got a new Bluepoint quality set for this trolley which is super quality.





Talking of trolleys - this hydraulic lift table was another recent purchase.

Goes up nice and tall for me working on transmissions etc. I will likely add a non slip covering onto its surface like heavy duty tool roll glued down.

 

[gsxr]

For anyone who is married to the Red tool platform... the cordless inflator is REALLY nice. Currently on sale for $199 if purchased with a pair of 5.0 batteries & charger. If you don't need the batteries/charger, you can return those at the store and keep the inflator for $95 (assuming HD hasn't closed this loophole yet).

Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Portable Inflator (Tool-Only) 2848-20 - The Home Depot

Offer a great, versatile addition to your work station with the selection of this extra ordinary Milwaukee M LithiumIon Cordless Inflator

www.homedepot.com

Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion XC Starter Kit with Two 5.0Ah Batteries and Charger 48-59-1852B - The Home Depot

Polish your concrete floor to spectacular beauty and abrasion with this Milwaukee M LithiumIon XC Extended Capacity Battery Pack.

www.homedepot.com

 

[DerFuror]

All perspectives Induction headlamp
This item has been a real game changer for me; a lightweight, non-cumbersome, high-powered, multifunctional headlamp. AND it came in a two-pack!

Going hands free in dark or low light situations is a comfortable & hassle free experience. Two lighting options (each with a high/low setting) provide optimal lighting for any project or situational requirement. The two-pack ensures minimal downtime (If one headlamp finally loses power, I put the second one on while recharging the first).

I use these things everywhere I find myself in the dark.

 

[gsxr]

Derf, looks like this might be what's shown above?

https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Flashlight-Perspectives-Waterproof-Accessories/dp/B09VGLT9XM

 

[DerFuror]

That is similar but not quite the same. I bought mine awhile ago, so that’s probably a newer model. Fairly certain mine was an amazon purchase

 

[gerryvz]

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

I'll be interested to see how this changes with your new garage setup.

 

[gsxr]

PSA, for those of you married to the Red tool platform.

Walmart is clearing out Milwaukee battery-powered tools for spring

Whether you need a new set of impact-grade sockets, a standalone tool, or even an extra Milwaukee battery, they're all on sale right now.

www.popsci.com

Double check pricing elsewhere before buying! For example:

Milwaukee 3050-21 M12 FUEL INSIDER Box Ratchet Set, Extended Reach​

Was $451 at Walmart​

Now $353 at Walmart​

But $299 at Home Despot (with larger battery, but NO charger)​

YMMV, etc.

 

[Merso_AMG]

Gedore & Stahlwille & Heuer Front and So On...

 

[Glen]

For almost ten years I have standardized on Milwaukee's M12 and M18 platforms for cordless tools (drill, driver, impact, ratchet, etc) and will continue to buy tools as needed but I couldn't resist Harbor Freight's latest 1/4" right angle die grinder in their Hercules line. With judicious use of coupons, I got the tool, small 2AH battery and entry level charger for $100. So far I'm really loving it, good build quality, ample power and nice ergonomics. Hercules tools have a 5 year warranty on the tool and 3 year on the battery and charger, same as other top-tier brands. Based on reviews, it's as good as Milwaukee's gen1 Fuel grinder at roughly 1/3 the price. I will probably buy Milwaukee's just released gen2 grinder when it goes on sale or for Black Friday because who doesn't need another die grinder
Now that I have another battery platform, I have no reason not to try other tools in the Hercules line...the 3/8" extended reach ratchet looks pretty nice, hmm.

Here's what I got:
Die grinder, regular price:

https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-brushless-cordless-14-in-right-angle-die-grinder-tool-only-59610.html

12V, 2AH battery, regular price:

https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-2-ah-lithium-ion-compact-lightweight-battery-57367.html

Entry level, dual voltage charger, regular price:

https://www.harborfreight.com/20v12v-lithium-ion-multivoltage-charger-56559.html

And here's the extended reach ratchet, not brushless but...

https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-cordless-38-in-extended-reach-ratchet-tool-only-57276.html

 

[Merso_AMG]

Vigor (Hazet Brand) Double Flex head. Got these from Gr many 1 week ago. They are awesome. As i know cornwell also makes (rebrands) them.

 

[Merso_AMG]

Gedore 7XL
IMHO The best long pattern combination wrenches.

 

[alabbasi]

For almost ten years I have standardized on Milwaukee's MI couldn't resist Harbor Freight

I just bought their drill driver starter kit which came with 2 5ah batteries for the shop. It was a killer deal for $219 and the 5 year warranty swung it. My Makita stuff will stay at home as I have a blower and inflator at the house that uses the same batteries. When my gas strimmer craps out, I'll probably get a Makita one.

I also got to warranty the flex head head ratchet which I had about 10 years and it was hassle free. I think it would have lasted forever if not for me forgetting to turn it off before putting it away.

 

[Glen]

I also got to warranty the flex head head ratchet which I had about 10 years and it was hassle free.

Yep, their warranty process is great, always hassle free!

 

[JC220]

I recently got a good used mini ductor like this



It's a great job for heating up fasteners for removal. I used it today on my current project 124 coupe and got the exhaust bolts heated red before removal and all came out without a problem.





This is going to be a very useful tool!

 

[gsxr]

Neat stuff, Joe! What is the cost over in Ireland? It's spendy in the USA ($600-$800 USD depending on the model).

Bundle: Mini-Ductor Venom HP + Standard Coil Kit

Our Standard Bundle is a combination of our highest-powered Mini-Ductor®, the Venom® HP, and our most popular coil kit, Standard Coil Kit, all bundled into one. This bundle has everything you need to get started on removing seized or corroded parts. This bundle is an online exclusive only.

www.theinductor.com

 

[JC220]

Neat stuff, Joe! What is the cost over in Ireland? It's spendy in the USA ($600-$800 USD depending on the model).

This Sykes branded one is around £800 gbp here Dave.

It says made in USA on it so I think obviously Sykes Pickavant don't make them themselves. (Sykes is a very well respected tool brand here) It is an induction innovations tool.

This one is the "delux" kit which comes with a variety of coils. But it's possible and easy to make your own coils too.



I won this tool on an eBay auction for £290. (It is good used condition and no one else bid!)

 

[emerydc8]

That is really interesting. I wasn’t even aware that such a tool existed. Compared to a bottle of MAP gas, does it take about the same amount of time to heat an exhaust manifold bolt?

 

[sheward]

Neither did I. The nice advantage of induction heating is it only heats inside the loop and not surrounding parts.

 

[JC220]

That is really interesting. I wasn’t even aware that such a tool existed. Compared to a bottle of MAP gas, does it take about the same amount of time to heat an exhaust manifold bolt?

I think the induction heater would be a little quicker overall. It takes about 10 - 15 seconds for the bolt to start smoking and say a 20 - 25 second run overall for it to turn red. Its quite fast and as @sheward mentioned it puts the heat precisely where you need it. No open flame or heat blasting off other surfaces which can shine / melt plastic trim and damage wiring harnesses etc.

 

[emerydc8]

Impressive and definitely on my tools-to-get list now.

 

[JC220]

Another entry for me are these Snap On Talon grip pliers. Really precise grip on them I use them for all sorts now pretty much reach for them every day I'm working on my cars. The larger 9 inch pair I thought would be too big hence the 7 inch pair also but in reality I'm using the larger pair the most.

 

[dreaming.haze]

I've always been curious about those induction coil tools. Feels like a much faster and safer way to get some rusty bolts loose vs. my normal MAP gas usage. Have caught a few things on fire that I shouldn't have over the years...

Looks like amazon has one (likely chinese made) for cheap: Amazon.com