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What’s your best buy DIY garage tools?
- Thread starter JC220
- Start date
I bought the set you originally posted, Heavy and really long! I have ratchet set with flex head, they get floppy but the pin is actually a 2mm hex bolt and blue loctite sid the trick.
Agreed. I have an 88 and have used it extensively over the years!
...in other areas for other uses as well.
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In 1979 I was pulling the head on the 2000 cc OHC four cylinder engine in my hand me down 1970 Ford Pinto to polish and port it. While torquing the head bolts with a hardened steel star driver, I dropped the driver down the oil return hole in the back of the head. Before I freaked out, I drove over to Sears and bought a pick up magnet similar to this. With it I was able to get down into the oil return hole and pick up the driver.
To this day I still have that pick up tool, and I can’t count the number of times “Mr. Magnet” has saved my *ss by recovering a dropped fastener or tool.
Truly the most important tool I have ever owned, and treated with the reverence it deserves.
Dan
I went on Amazon and got these:
Both 8" and 10" for C$72.46. Kobalt Locking Pliers.
All the best,
Joe
Hazard Fraught is running a sale on this light through next weekend, $20 with coupon. Link below, image attached. I picked up one of these recently and have been pretty happy with it. The thin light bar will slip into narrow areas around the powertrain and rear subframe, and the magnet is strong enough to stick to the wheel housing when working on brakes or suspension items. My only gripe is the USB-only charge port, if you don't want to plug it into your computer, you need to get a separate wall-wart USB charger. I haven't used it enough to comment on battery life, but Glen's suggestion about a battery upgrade sounds like a good idea. I haven't looked into sources for battery replacement.
Qpon link (expires July 8):
http://widgets.harborfreight.com/ws...o?week=2618&campaign=c2&page=sub_coupon1.html
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Anyone try the underhood light bar, or have a recommendation for one like this?
Regular price $40:
https://www.harborfreight.com/845-Lumen-Underhood-Rechargeable-Work-Light-63990.html
On sale through 7/8 for $30:
http://widgets.harborfreight.com/ws...on.do?week=2618&campaign=c2&page=braun_1.html
Regular price $40:
https://www.harborfreight.com/845-Lumen-Underhood-Rechargeable-Work-Light-63990.html
On sale through 7/8 for $30:
http://widgets.harborfreight.com/ws...on.do?week=2618&campaign=c2&page=braun_1.html
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I went with LED shop lights back when it was strongly encouraged. I have 3 of them and its like daylight in the shop. 2 over the engine bays and one over the bench. TBH, I use my IPhone flashlight often, its better than many lights I have tried. Alas, GSXR doesn't use mobile tech 
This is the very best light bar I have ever seen, and I use it extensively now along with my Snap-On unit:
$499 regular price, on sale for $424:
https://www.bigassfans.com/lights/big-ass-light-bar/
[video=youtube;_w3uA9-LS-A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w3uA9-LS-A[/video]
Try THIS with your Harbor Fright Light......
[video=youtube;N1gDuFio9Jw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1gDuFio9Jw[/video]
My pending Annapolis garage shop will be wholly outfitted with these lights ... and fans....
https://www.bigassfans.com/lights/the-garage-light/
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Big-Ass...arage-Light-BAS-SHL3-13050104100900/205745341
I already outfitted my new home with the Haiku residential fans. Best money can buy.
https://www.bigassfans.com/fans/commercial/ceiling-fans/
You Houston guys are in luck! Big Ass Solutions is based in Lexington Kentucky, but their single and only US showroom is in Houston, 1224 N. Post Oak Rd., Houston, 77055. I recommend you visit the showroom ... you'll be blown away and I guarantee you'll buy their product!! They have light bars available for sale there too.
$499 regular price, on sale for $424:
https://www.bigassfans.com/lights/big-ass-light-bar/
[video=youtube;_w3uA9-LS-A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w3uA9-LS-A[/video]
Try THIS with your Harbor Fright Light......
[video=youtube;N1gDuFio9Jw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1gDuFio9Jw[/video]
My pending Annapolis garage shop will be wholly outfitted with these lights ... and fans....
https://www.bigassfans.com/lights/the-garage-light/
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Big-Ass...arage-Light-BAS-SHL3-13050104100900/205745341
I already outfitted my new home with the Haiku residential fans. Best money can buy.
https://www.bigassfans.com/fans/commercial/ceiling-fans/
You Houston guys are in luck! Big Ass Solutions is based in Lexington Kentucky, but their single and only US showroom is in Houston, 1224 N. Post Oak Rd., Houston, 77055. I recommend you visit the showroom ... you'll be blown away and I guarantee you'll buy their product!! They have light bars available for sale there too.
So right, Honch! We installed 5 of those fans when we re-did the Alabama crib a couple years ago. I love them and I'd get them again, but they sure ain't for ballin' on a budget.
I'm sure the lights are absolutely the bomb, too...
What I found is that the built-in USB charger doesn't charge the battery fully. Plus, if the battery dies while you are using it, you're stuck unless you have another battery ready to go. I have some tactical flashlights that use the same batteries, so having an external charger and extra batteries makes sense for me.
I haven't tried the HF underhood light but it looks promising, maybe. My garage has a pair of 6 tube T5 fixtures so lighting isn't a problem...installed years ago before LED fixtures were generally available.
I've long been a fan of those under the hood lights. For decades, I've used one in my emergency kit which uses 12v from the car battery. I've got a tactical flash light.. but maybe HF product line seems to be diversifying to having 2 grades of product. The cheapest and a "pro-line". Batteries, I though they just got the ones which test the least milliamps off the line..
It's funny... my experience with Big Ass and their various brands has been miserable. At best.
And I've promised them on multiple occasions that I would spread my story at every opportunity I was afforded.
So here it goes....
We have a Haiku fan in our MBR. We did a big remodel two years ago. Splurged on the fan to replace a Casablanca which had been spinning nonstop for 15 years. The Haiku goes into fault mode. Randomly. And every time it does, I have to go online to find out the asinine sequence remote control buttons presses to snap it out of its malaise.
Oh, and when it goes into fault mode.... it beeps. And beeps. And beeps. Until you reset it. Seems to always happen overnight.
Then there's the absurdly expensive Haiku ceiling lights we put into our MBR walk in closet. Bought three of the fancy ones. They go beserk all the time. Lose communication with the Haiku hub and one another. Sometimes they blink. Sometimes they don't turn themselves off. Sometimes they refuse to turn on with motion. Sometimes they randomly change settings on their own. Such as light intensity or temperature.
This is an every week occurrence.
If you call for support. You will sit on hold for ages. It wasn't unusual (when I still have a damn) to wait for an hour, only for them to tell me to simply reset the power. Or some other reset procedure. Anything but acknowledge that their products were total and complete crap. They do not stand behind their products on any imaginable level.
And please don't try to use the Android version of the control app. It will blow you away with the level of suck. In fact, they once told me that they didn't care about Android, and that I should switch my phone.
Final word on the matter... along with wasting $K's on the aforementioned crap, we also bought one of their lower priced fans for a guest room. When I opened the box, I pretty much laughed out loud. It was garbage. The thinnest, droopy plastic blades. It had that horrible Made in China smell. I sent it back without even fully deboxing. I think the fan was ~$500... to me it was junkier than a no-name $79 fan from the Orange box.
Sorry to be the contrarian. But my experience with Big Ass/Haiku has been total misery.
I will share an awesome garage lighting story tonight. Low cost. Simple. Mega-lumens.
And I've promised them on multiple occasions that I would spread my story at every opportunity I was afforded.
So here it goes....
We have a Haiku fan in our MBR. We did a big remodel two years ago. Splurged on the fan to replace a Casablanca which had been spinning nonstop for 15 years. The Haiku goes into fault mode. Randomly. And every time it does, I have to go online to find out the asinine sequence remote control buttons presses to snap it out of its malaise.
Oh, and when it goes into fault mode.... it beeps. And beeps. And beeps. Until you reset it. Seems to always happen overnight.
Then there's the absurdly expensive Haiku ceiling lights we put into our MBR walk in closet. Bought three of the fancy ones. They go beserk all the time. Lose communication with the Haiku hub and one another. Sometimes they blink. Sometimes they don't turn themselves off. Sometimes they refuse to turn on with motion. Sometimes they randomly change settings on their own. Such as light intensity or temperature.
This is an every week occurrence.
If you call for support. You will sit on hold for ages. It wasn't unusual (when I still have a damn) to wait for an hour, only for them to tell me to simply reset the power. Or some other reset procedure. Anything but acknowledge that their products were total and complete crap. They do not stand behind their products on any imaginable level.
And please don't try to use the Android version of the control app. It will blow you away with the level of suck. In fact, they once told me that they didn't care about Android, and that I should switch my phone.
Final word on the matter... along with wasting $K's on the aforementioned crap, we also bought one of their lower priced fans for a guest room. When I opened the box, I pretty much laughed out loud. It was garbage. The thinnest, droopy plastic blades. It had that horrible Made in China smell. I sent it back without even fully deboxing. I think the fan was ~$500... to me it was junkier than a no-name $79 fan from the Orange box.
Sorry to be the contrarian. But my experience with Big Ass/Haiku has been total misery.
I will share an awesome garage lighting story tonight. Low cost. Simple. Mega-lumens.
I was visiting the Pacific Aviation Museum restoration workshops at Pearl Harbor during my vacation back in February, and they had them there, too !!So right, Honch! We installed 5 of those fans when we re-did the Alabama crib a couple years ago. I love them and I'd get them again, but they sure ain't for ballin' on a budget.
I'm sure the lights are absolutely the bomb, too...
BaF even did an article on the museum's use of their fans: https://www.bigassfans.com/case-studies/big-ass-airflow-pacific-aviation-museum/
Here's a photo I happened to take.
As well as at the Honolulu Beer Works microbrewery, owned by a friend of Laura's !
I'm quite surprised they didn't just send you a new fan. They have proactively called us several times to check on things and to make sure everything is running great. Our Haiku fan in the den has been running non-stop for the past seven months, no issues. I occasionally use the iPhone app to control it (fans come with a remote control too).
Can't argue with their reasoning about Android - I've had one Samsung Galaxy phone a few years back, and it was my last one.
Ever.I love the small LED "magnetic slim bar LED work light". For the sale price it is a great deal. I bought 2 additional "name" batteries instead of the no-name that comes with it and I have not had issues charging it. Because of my good experience with this, I bought the underhood light. Unfortunately, it only rates a "meh" from me. It's OK, but it does not blow me away with how bright it is or how long it lasts. It is better than nothing, and with a 20% coupon it's reasonably priced. I used it recently for the timing belt change on the 2JZ in my old IS300 daily.
Low cost, High quality LED lighting.
Yes, the units are made in China. Yes, I absolutely try to avoid buying China. But there simply isn't anything approaching a cost-effective domestic solution.
4000K, which I prefer for general/utility space. Not too blue, not too yellow.
There's about 300,000 lumens in this garage. Fully dimmable via 0-10v combo dimmer units from Legrande Adorne.
The picture shows the lights at ~50%. I had to use two zones due to load limits on the 15A 110v runs.
Lights are mounted on short 3/4" threaded conduit, rather than the chain mounts which are standard. Ceilings are 12' and then 17' in the high bay.
Sourced from this site.
https://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc.com/LED-High-Bays-LED-Low-Bays-s/150.htm
If you call and speak to a Sales Rep they will very likely offer even better pricing.
Thirteen fixtures were right around $1400 shipped, including the optional drop mount brackets.
I didn't know what to expect with lighting this "cheap." I expected DOA units, inconsistent color, and/or poor dimming.
The entire order was perfect. I plan to grab some spares and also retrofit my other garage to these same product line, albeit the smaller units.
The ceiling fan is from Minka Air. It's a 72" model.
https://www.minkagroup.net/f887-72-bn.html
I think it was about $600. Installing it was not something I'd want to do again due to the working height. It is definitely not a commercial-grade unit.
Over the past couple years, I've become a complete lighting junkie/geek. I'm all in on LED. One of the best moves I've done is modifying the fluoro lighting in my machine shed to LED tubes. Instant on. And they work in the cold.
Yes, the units are made in China. Yes, I absolutely try to avoid buying China. But there simply isn't anything approaching a cost-effective domestic solution.
4000K, which I prefer for general/utility space. Not too blue, not too yellow.
There's about 300,000 lumens in this garage. Fully dimmable via 0-10v combo dimmer units from Legrande Adorne.
The picture shows the lights at ~50%. I had to use two zones due to load limits on the 15A 110v runs.
Lights are mounted on short 3/4" threaded conduit, rather than the chain mounts which are standard. Ceilings are 12' and then 17' in the high bay.
Sourced from this site.
https://www.ledlightingwholesaleinc.com/LED-High-Bays-LED-Low-Bays-s/150.htm
If you call and speak to a Sales Rep they will very likely offer even better pricing.
Thirteen fixtures were right around $1400 shipped, including the optional drop mount brackets.
I didn't know what to expect with lighting this "cheap." I expected DOA units, inconsistent color, and/or poor dimming.
The entire order was perfect. I plan to grab some spares and also retrofit my other garage to these same product line, albeit the smaller units.
The ceiling fan is from Minka Air. It's a 72" model.
https://www.minkagroup.net/f887-72-bn.html
I think it was about $600. Installing it was not something I'd want to do again due to the working height. It is definitely not a commercial-grade unit.
Over the past couple years, I've become a complete lighting junkie/geek. I'm all in on LED. One of the best moves I've done is modifying the fluoro lighting in my machine shed to LED tubes. Instant on. And they work in the cold.
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Wow, sorry to hear about that. Some of my happiness with them may involve my very intentionally NOT getting them with any kind of "automatic" or "app controlled" or "networked" or "wireless" stuff. Any such thing only causes me to visualize the absolute certainty
of endless trouble that not even the people that design the stuff could ever hope to figure out. There is just FAR too much that can and will go wrong. Just seeing what random phone/app/car incompatibilities can do is enough to make me avoid all that even if it costs more to NOT have it...
Looks great! Thanks!
Wow, sorry to hear about that. Some of my happiness with them may involve my very intentionally NOT getting them with any kind of "automatic" or "app controlled" or "networked" or "wireless" stuff. Any such thing only causes me to visualize the absolute certainty
of endless trouble that not even the people that design the stuff could ever hope to figure out. There is just FAR too much that can and will go wrong. Just seeing what random phone/app/car incompatibilities can do is enough to make me avoid all that even if it costs more to NOT have it...
^THIS^
We're having tech problems with the Legrand Adorne smart switches and gateway, as well. Though not nearly to the extent of the Big Ass stuff. The rest of the Adorne products (the "dumb" stuff) have been perfect.
My general opinion is that these "smart" systems simply aren't ready for mass consumption. Yet. They probably work great in the lab and possibly in new construction, but I'm totally unimpressed with it all on the whole.
I mentioned the Adorne combo dimmers (line and low voltage) used in my garage lighting. It's an absolutely perfect solution. Mechanical slide for the dimmer. One gang slot to handle both voltages. Couldn't ask for more.
https://www.legrand.us/adorne/products/dimmers/adpd4fbl3p2w4.aspx
Priced under $100 isn't even that bad.
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I have the Braun's predecessor, the Luminar WORK. I've had it a couple years & overall, I like it.
The ends are magnetized and have recessed hooks. The ends also unscrew to add a few more inches of breadth. It nicely fits & attaches underneath the 500E hood.
It has two lighting intensity settings. At times I wish it had a bit more intensity. But the fun in the garage playing rock star singer on the microphone, or light sabre warrior with it more than compensate. Plus, I wouldn't feel a major financial loss if I actually bashed someone with it...it wields nicely.
I bought mine using coupon & discount. I would suggest the same if purchasing.
When Jono talks I listen. I bought these in July and am using them constantly now. Thanks for the tip!
Behold all ye who have ever had to drill stainless steel (or pretty much any other kind): The Viking Ultra Bor super premium thin web 135 degree drill bit.
https://www.mokeyinternational.com/item/?id=B001EHLS2M
The 643 UB have a thinner web so the leading edge always cuts below the work hardened part of the chip. They go through stainless like butter with sufficient pressure. Like some kind of magic. Changed my life.
I think I may have bought these through McMaster, but I do not see them now. It was 10 years ago. Worth every penny. I have both metric and inch sets.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
https://www.mokeyinternational.com/item/?id=B001EHLS2M
The 643 UB have a thinner web so the leading edge always cuts below the work hardened part of the chip. They go through stainless like butter with sufficient pressure. Like some kind of magic. Changed my life.
I think I may have bought these through McMaster, but I do not see them now. It was 10 years ago. Worth every penny. I have both metric and inch sets.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
A slightly less that 1/8" hex for those pesky ignition rotor bolts !
? what is the ultimate 589?im Norwegian ..remember
If I may assist, 589 is a part of the designation and part number of (a) special tool.... So yeah you are a 589 a special tool.
Goes like this W xxx 589 xx xx xx I think you remember now...
I picked up one of these for $20 with coupon a few months ago, and for twenty bucks, I've been pleasantly surprised. The magnetic base, thin profile, and angle features are all very useful. Battery life is decent but with more frequent use, I think Glen's recommendation for a separate battery/charger would be a good supplemental purchase. I'm using this far more than my old corded, 120v flourescent work light (which is NLA from HF). Light output is very good as well.
Glen also got me to splurge on the mid-torque FUEL. I got the Home Despot deal with 2.0Ah battery. So far, it's been awesome. I mostly use it for wheel swaps but it has enough power for nearly anything you'd do on the car. It's compact enough to access flex disc bolts and zipped the nuts right off. I'm not sure if it would break free a crank bolt, but if not, I could live with that. I pull crank bolts about once every 3 years and can break out the Earthquake air impact if needed.
I also wasn't sure about the "small" 2.0Ah battery, but it has had excellent life with general use, and the light weight is a bonus. If using all day long, or if you don't want to risk it dying on a major Pick+Pull raid, then a larger capacity battery might be nice. The "friction ring" socket retention is a PITA, IMO... seems that this may have been replaced with the more common pin-detent design? That's a minor nit to pick though. Click here for the current HD deal with pin-detent version, 5Ah battery, and carry bag for $220.
UPDATE: The mid-torque lacks the power to break free large, or frozen, fasteners. Won't do the 27mm crank bolt for example. Still works for 98% of stuff on the car, and is lighter & smaller to fit in tight spaces.
Thanks for the recommendations, Glen! Do you have any other ways to lighten my wallet?
Glen, I find the friction ring makes it much harder to get sockets on & off. Never had issues with pin detent. The friction ring may retain the socket more positively though. I could live with either... potato/tomato, lol.
The current deal at $220 with more than twice the battery capacity looks like an awfully good deal btw, unless prices have dropped on this?
Agree, it is my go to light now. With the hood open in the 90 degree position, the magnetic base attaches well.
Instead of another charger and battery, I am thinking of just getting another light.....
Glen also got me to splurge on the mid-torque FUEL. (snip) Thanks for the recommendations, Glen! Do you have any other ways to lighten my wallet?
Funny, my birthday is coming up, and an early present appeared two nights ago.....
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OK I capitulated under the pressure!!
Based on Glen and Dave’s recommendations I went for a M18 Fuel 2861-20 wrench. The funny thing is M18 tool prices here in UK are batsh*t crazy in comparison to the USA prices. I was quoted $550 (£350+VAT) at a Milwaukee store locally today for a lesser nm rated M18 mid range wrench with charger and 2 batts!!
So I bought a bare 2861-20 wrench from USA for 130 bucks and even with the import duty paid up front + international postage costs this saved me a lot of £££. (I will buy a UK charger and 1x 5.0ah battery separate online in UK)
Based on Glen and Dave’s recommendations I went for a M18 Fuel 2861-20 wrench. The funny thing is M18 tool prices here in UK are batsh*t crazy in comparison to the USA prices. I was quoted $550 (£350+VAT) at a Milwaukee store locally today for a lesser nm rated M18 mid range wrench with charger and 2 batts!!
So I bought a bare 2861-20 wrench from USA for 130 bucks and even with the import duty paid up front + international postage costs this saved me a lot of £££. (I will buy a UK charger and 1x 5.0ah battery separate online in UK)
Will do. I should be using it this coming weekend. It feels like a pretty hefty tool, so I'm not too concerned about it being made in China.Nice! Gerry, post your review after you have some time to play with it. I was slightly nervous about it being made in China (decades ago, all Milwaukee was still made in USA) but so far it's been fine. Check back with me in 10 years though.
Here in the US, the charger + one battery retails for USD $150+, so that would be a significant part of the price. The second battery would retail for $100+, so about half of the total price would be batteries+charger, leaving the actual tool to run around USD $250. They are $220 here at Home Despot, but do come with one battery (but no charger) as a "freebie" when purchasing the M18 impact wrench. So yes, the prices are somewhat higher, but for what you got, the guano isn't TOO TOO thick.
I'd say that here in the US, a well-bought setup like you got would be in the $400-450 range, tax included.
Thanks for the info Gerry – all said & done the impact wrench from USA inc all taxes and shipping was £138. + 1x Milwaukee 5.0 Red lithium battery and Milwaukee UK charger on ebay UK for £88. Total £226 GBP (296USD) which is a saving of £194 GBP (254 USD) compared to the local store bundle price with 2x batteries but a max 610nm wrench although I’m down one battery and case. That’s OK though I think one 5.0 battery will be fine for my use levels and I don’t require the case sitting around taking up garage shelf space
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