Always meant to get 6 point spanners, finally did. The sort of tool you don't need until you REALLY need em! Sealey premier lock on type - I swear by the lock on sockets. Designed to grip even rounded off bolts. Works 50% of the time - all the time
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What’s your best buy DIY garage tools?
- Thread starter JC220
- Start date
For those on the Milwaukee M12 system, this is a great deal:
I have all 3 of the M12 lights (rocket, rover and trouble) and they all are great!
Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 1000-Lumen Rover LED Compact Flood Light with M12 2.0Ah Battery 2364-20-48-11-2420 - The Home Depot
Milwaukee Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Flood Light gives its users the ultimate flood light all use. Easily adapts and survives to any work environment.
www.homedepot.com
I have all 3 of the M12 lights (rocket, rover and trouble) and they all are great!
Where did you get your set?
That is a brand called Sealey. And their Premier range. Not snap on level but for a DIYr like me its very high quality stuff and I would not pay fap off prices anyway.
I got them on ebay UK. You may not have this brand your side of the pond
Does anyone have the new Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT wet/dry vacuum yet? How do you like it?
www.milwaukeetool.com
Or, how about it's little brother, the M12 version?
M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum | Milwaukee Tool
MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ PACKOUT™ 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is the most portable and versatile cordless wet/dry vacuum. It can be used and stored on and off the PACKOUT™ stack
www.milwaukeetool.com
Or, how about it's little brother, the M12 version?
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I recently got fed up with my hack-job of using a hair dryer to heat-shrink electrical connections and apply heat for bending cast magnesium parts. I wanted a basic heat gun with the following features:
It works great. I promptly use it to heat up and bend some cast magnesium headlight parts that had been warped by heat so that I could fit a stainless steel repair bracket that would hold the H1 bulb wire retaining clip properly.
And then I used it to properly heatshrink some electrical repairs that I performed to undo the damage a previous owner inflicted on my sport beetle when he jury-rigged lame electrical "connections."
1 (below) - me crimping on spade and bullet connector to the brown and yellow wire:
2 (below) - me heat shrinking the ends of the crimped connections for stress relief (shrinks so fast and effectively with a heat gun!)
3 (below) - me heat shrinking clear heat shrink on top of the whole connection for extra protection:
By the way I should also mention that I recently got a pair of RATCHETING crimp pliers for insulated nylon connectors ---
This works 10000000x better than any of those cheap non-ratcheting non-double-crimping tools. I hate those kind. This works way better. All the wire ends in your car have connectors that are professionally crimped onto them for durability --- I like to follow the same formula ---- no ridiculous vamp taps or scotch loks or any such lameness here .....
- Adjustable air speed
- Adjustable analog temperature control (no need for digital controls)
- Can stand up and point upwards without me holding it there --- for safety reasons when I want it to cool down
- Non-adjustable temp control
- Analog adjustable temp control except the temperature dial graphics are printed backwards (hot is cold and cold is hot) <---- many of them are this way!!!!
- Inability to stand up by itself with the nozzle pointing straight up (dangerous if it falls over while hot)
- Even worse -- ability to stand up but reliant on a flimsy POS wire retainer that will break off of it's plastic "holding tab" the first time it will be used ---- thus being extra dangerous!
It works great. I promptly use it to heat up and bend some cast magnesium headlight parts that had been warped by heat so that I could fit a stainless steel repair bracket that would hold the H1 bulb wire retaining clip properly.
And then I used it to properly heatshrink some electrical repairs that I performed to undo the damage a previous owner inflicted on my sport beetle when he jury-rigged lame electrical "connections."
1 (below) - me crimping on spade and bullet connector to the brown and yellow wire:
2 (below) - me heat shrinking the ends of the crimped connections for stress relief (shrinks so fast and effectively with a heat gun!)
3 (below) - me heat shrinking clear heat shrink on top of the whole connection for extra protection:
By the way I should also mention that I recently got a pair of RATCHETING crimp pliers for insulated nylon connectors ---
This works 10000000x better than any of those cheap non-ratcheting non-double-crimping tools. I hate those kind. This works way better. All the wire ends in your car have connectors that are professionally crimped onto them for durability --- I like to follow the same formula ---- no ridiculous vamp taps or scotch loks or any such lameness here .....
Titan (Tighten)? Oh, Jlaa... go Panduit Controlled Cycle, or go home:
www.panduit.com
Crimping Tools, Pumps & Accessories - Panduit
www.panduit.com
OK OK, that's a nice tool. But, it is also approximately 10X the cost of the "Titan" tool that I bought!!!!!!!!
Only $190? That's a deal! A lot of their platinum-plated, white-glove crimpers are in the $300+ range. The Maybach of crimpers:
I got a heat gun last year for the Top-End job I did because I knew I would be re-doing some wiring and connections. No substitute for a proper heat gun -- hair dryers are a lame substitute. I think I got a Black and Decker unit and it was good enough for what I needed to use it for - had adjustable heat setting, etc. and was around $30-35. I didn't go super cheap but didn't go deluxe, either.
Speaking of wire tools, I got the Knipex wire stripper unit and every time I use it, I am over the moon with how sweet it is.
Speaking of wire tools, I got the Knipex wire stripper unit and every time I use it, I am over the moon with how sweet it is.
KNIPEX Tools - Automatic Wire Stripper, 10-24 AWG (1262180) - Wire Strippers - Amazon.com
KNIPEX Tools - Automatic Wire Stripper, 10-24 AWG (1262180) - Wire Strippers - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
Just ordered one. It's payday too. I also threw into my cart this Lisle 58430 shaft type seal puller. Don't know if it will do much more than the hook type, but it looked cool.
Amazon.com: Lisle 58430 Shaft Type Seal Puller : Automotive
Buy Lisle 58430 Shaft Type Seal Puller: Special Application Pullers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
To all have a nice day.Markus
$4 AliExpress magnetic oil drain bolt spinner tool. Loosen bolt with wrench / ratchet, then spin it off with the tool to keep your gloves pristine.
www.aliexpress.com
0.01US $ 99% OFF|Clearance Oil Sump Drain Plug Key Socket Set With Magnetic Sump Removal Tool - Special Disassembly Tool - AliExpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com
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This is the dumbest tool I didn't know I needed!$4 AliExpress magnetic oil drain bolt spinner tool. Loosen bolt with wrench / ratchet, then spin it off with the tool to keep your gloves pristine.
0.01US $ 99% OFF|Clearance Oil Sump Drain Plug Key Socket Set With Magnetic Sump Removal Tool - Special Disassembly Tool - AliExpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
I have this seal puller and am not crazy about it. It's too big and awkward to be useful for most applications, esp cam seals.
Glad it was only $15. Thanks.
Just as others have found within this thread, Milwaukee M12 / M18 battery powered tools have replaced pretty much all need for air around a shop. So much easier to tote about and also know you can use those same tools stripping down a junk yard car or pack them up and take them to a friends house to assist in house / car repairs.
To the above, the only thing I feel missing from the garage is a method to use "shop air" and blow out crud and debris. Currently going through a top end refresh similar to 777, Gerry, Jlaa and I want to blow out the valve area to get all debris out + do some cleaning. I'd also be tempted to use the compressor with a smoke machine in the future to find vacuum leaks.
Been trying to figure out if a small air compressor is the best bet for some shop air or if there were other solutions / ideas. Here was the brand I was looking at / one of their smaller (or smallest) units: https://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-1P1060S-Compressor/dp/B01LYHYHEA/
To the above, the only thing I feel missing from the garage is a method to use "shop air" and blow out crud and debris. Currently going through a top end refresh similar to 777, Gerry, Jlaa and I want to blow out the valve area to get all debris out + do some cleaning. I'd also be tempted to use the compressor with a smoke machine in the future to find vacuum leaks.
Been trying to figure out if a small air compressor is the best bet for some shop air or if there were other solutions / ideas. Here was the brand I was looking at / one of their smaller (or smallest) units: https://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-1P1060S-Compressor/dp/B01LYHYHEA/
Also, if using a cooling system vacuum refill tool that requires shop air, make sure the compressor you buy can supply enough to feed the venturi vacuum system. In general you want the largest compressor that you can fit in your garage, and have electrical supply for, adjusting for portability needs.
Good point on the Vacuum system - Mityvac 7201 is what I have which has the manual pump version.Also, if using a cooling system vacuum refill tool that requires shop air, make sure the compressor you buy can supply enough to feed the venturi vacuum system. In general you want the largest compressor that you can fit in your garage, and have electrical supply for, adjusting for portability needs.
For the garage at current it is a long one car - so not a super large amount of space to have a compressor going. Could rig up a larger one in the attic area above the garage, but that would be a different effort vs. just having something for the random shop air needs.
Looks like a bit of a larger unit such as: https://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-8010A-Lightweight/dp/B07N528213/ could provide that increase in size / volume.
Coincidentally just bought the same wire stripper as El Honch (without knowing of his purchase). May I echo his sentiment that this is one nifty tool - I wish I had it 30 years ago....
I ended up buying the the M18 FUEL PACKOUT wet/dry vac a few months ago. Very nice tool, a little pricy but like all cordless tools, it's so convenient to use. Small vac jobs that I would put off in the past now I just grab this vac and suck up even the most minor debris. With a 6 Ah battery on high speed you only get about 15 minutes or so, but on low speed it's still very effective and can go for about 30 minutes. This isn't necessarily a recommendation if your aren't invested in the M18 system but if you are and are still on the fence, I think it's a great addition.Does anyone have the new Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT wet/dry vacuum yet? How do you like it?
M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum | Milwaukee Tool
MILWAUKEE® M18 FUEL™ PACKOUT™ 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is the most portable and versatile cordless wet/dry vacuum. It can be used and stored on and off the PACKOUT™ stack
Or, how about it's little brother, the M12 version?
I just used the wire strippers yesterday to create a harness so I could (using my 12V motorcycle battery) move my 560SEC seat back and forth on the rails to get to the six screws that affix the bottom plate to the seat bottom. Just love those wire strippers !!
I need to memorize the wire pinout on the seat harness so I can use my 12V jump pack to move seats at pick n pulls to get at B pillar trim and the like
Japanese made magnetic oil drain bolt holder / spinner tool.
Video of the tool in action:
Video of the tool in action:
Do yourself a favor and replace the stock no-name 18650 battery with a 3000mah Panasonic, Samsung, or LG unit.
Does Harbor Freight still do the 20pc off one item coupon? I cannot find it anymore?
Can anybody perhaps recommend a shears/cutter that can easily cut up to 1 inch steel braided hydraulic hoses? I know you can use a chop saw and such but looking for a hand tool option. Most cutters only cut copper and aluminum cable and are woefully out of depth to cut high psi rated hoses. I looked at Felco but they are super pricey and lack the range that would be required. Any tips appreciated.
No, they have changed their model and no longer print coupons at all. Everything is online via their app.
Thanks! Ohhh that kinda sucks. I previously used all kinds of great/free coupons, but now it looks like to get access to all the good deals, like the $19.99 Braun LED light that @speedy300dturbo mentions, you need to pay $30 for a year of inside track membership. Ugh.
Oh, so that is the trick. Thanks, wish I got more life out of mine, now I can upgrade.
Didn‘t realize they changed their coupon model, that explains the ITC pricing I am seeing, $30 a year, urgh
@speedy300dturbo , I've been looking for good-quality name-brand replacement batteries but I'm having a hard time finding a reputable vendor. Almost everything on Amazon is off-brand stuff (including chargers, which I also need). Do you have a preferred source for the good 3000mAh (or similar) 18650 batteries?
They had changed to "instant rebates" on select items, instead of qpons. The last time the Braun LED bar light was on sale for $20, no membership was required to buy online at that price, although I'm not sure what would happen if you went to a store. If they are forcing a $30/yr IT membership, that's not cool.
$30 regular price:
Harbor Freight | Whatever You Do, Do It For Less
Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!
$20 for IT members:
BRAUN 390 Lumen Magnetic Slim Bar Folding LED Work Light for $19.99
Inside Track Club members can buy the BRAUN 390 Lumen Magnetic Slim Bar Folding LED Work Light (Item 56329) for $19.99, valid through May 31, 2021.Compare our price of $19.99 to ASTRO PNEUMATIC TOO…
Price history of the bar light:
Harbor Freight Coupon DB - BRAUN 390 LUMEN SLIM BAR FOLDING LED WORKLIGHT - $ 0
The best Harbor Freight coupons, at your fingertips.
www.hfqpdb.com
You can get the good (Panasonic, protected button-top) cells here: Panasonic NCR 18650B 3400mAh 4.9A - Protected Button Top Battery
Reputable seller, genuine stuff.
EDIT: Ack, looks like they're sold out. Wouldn't be surprised if there's production issues with 18650 cells thanks to Uncle 'Rona...
Thanks!! It shows "sold out" at the moment. Hopefully they will come back in stock... actually all of their protected-top batteries are sold out except two BAK and one Epoch. Hope it's not a long-term supply issue:
https://www.18650batterystore.com/collections/button-top-18650-batteries
UPDATE: Received this from the seller: "Hello - there has been a worldwide supply shortage in recent months so we've been unable to restock inventory. We hope to have some available by mid fall."
CHOMP Pull it Out Oil Stain Remover
I recently embraced my inner dumbass and knocked over my oil extractor WHILE IT HAD 8.8 QTS OF OIL IN IT so I had to clean up a massive oil slick in my garage. Hence, I am reminded of this product. Silly brand name, but I swear by CHOMP. Specifically, CPIOOSR. I have been using it for 10+ years. Also note - it only works on oil based stains. Not on non-oil based stains. Also, only use it on concrete, not asphalt, because asphalt is basically one big oil stain.
The 32 qt [EDIT - I mean oz] bottle of Chomp Pull it Out OIL STAIN REMOVER is fantastic. It is around 16 bucks at Amazon. Home Dept used to sell it, but in the past 2 years they stopped selling it and now sell a Goof Off Branded version for $10. DO NOT BUY THE GOOF OFF stuff. It’s cheaper, but doesn’t work as well, and the fumes are horribly noxious and they irritate my lungs. Chomp Pull it Out OIL STAIN REMOVER is worth the 60% Premium.
Also do not get the gallon sized Chomp Pull It Out DEGREASER. This is not the same stuff. The CPIOOSR was such a great product that they did a brand extension and made a new product called CPIOD but it is not the same stuff.
Here is a picture of CPIOOSR at work on some kind of oil-based stain that was in my garage when I first moved in ~15 years ago. I just decided to use CPIOOSR on this stain now, in August/Sept 2021, because I was using CPIOOSR on an adjacent fresh oil spill. I poured CPIOOSR on the 15+ year old stain, full strength ...... waited about 36 hours for it to fully dry, swept up the white stuff which turned into a powder when sweeping, and rinsed w/ water. You can tell that the white liquid is working because it turns yellow-ish as it pulls out the oil from the concrete.
I recently embraced my inner dumbass and knocked over my oil extractor WHILE IT HAD 8.8 QTS OF OIL IN IT so I had to clean up a massive oil slick in my garage. Hence, I am reminded of this product. Silly brand name, but I swear by CHOMP. Specifically, CPIOOSR. I have been using it for 10+ years. Also note - it only works on oil based stains. Not on non-oil based stains. Also, only use it on concrete, not asphalt, because asphalt is basically one big oil stain.
The 32 qt [EDIT - I mean oz] bottle of Chomp Pull it Out OIL STAIN REMOVER is fantastic. It is around 16 bucks at Amazon. Home Dept used to sell it, but in the past 2 years they stopped selling it and now sell a Goof Off Branded version for $10. DO NOT BUY THE GOOF OFF stuff. It’s cheaper, but doesn’t work as well, and the fumes are horribly noxious and they irritate my lungs. Chomp Pull it Out OIL STAIN REMOVER is worth the 60% Premium.
Also do not get the gallon sized Chomp Pull It Out DEGREASER. This is not the same stuff. The CPIOOSR was such a great product that they did a brand extension and made a new product called CPIOD but it is not the same stuff.
Here is a picture of CPIOOSR at work on some kind of oil-based stain that was in my garage when I first moved in ~15 years ago. I just decided to use CPIOOSR on this stain now, in August/Sept 2021, because I was using CPIOOSR on an adjacent fresh oil spill. I poured CPIOOSR on the 15+ year old stain, full strength ...... waited about 36 hours for it to fully dry, swept up the white stuff which turned into a powder when sweeping, and rinsed w/ water. You can tell that the white liquid is working because it turns yellow-ish as it pulls out the oil from the concrete.
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I've had opened containers around for 2-3 years and still used the rest --- works fine.
In the past, I have ordered 18650 batteries from IMRbatteries.com and Liion wholesale. Both are reputable brands on various flashlight forums (that I used to frequent in my past life).@speedy300dturbo , I've been looking for good-quality name-brand replacement batteries but I'm having a hard time finding a reputable vendor. Almost everything on Amazon is off-brand stuff (including chargers, which I also need). Do you have a preferred source for the good 3000mAh (or similar) 18650 batteries?
They had changed to "instant rebates" on select items, instead of qpons. The last time the Braun LED bar light was on sale for $20, no membership was required to buy online at that price, although I'm not sure what would happen if you went to a store. If they are forcing a $30/yr IT membership, that's not cool.
$30 regular price:
Harbor Freight | Whatever You Do, Do It For Less
Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!www.harborfreight.com
$20 for IT members:
BRAUN 390 Lumen Magnetic Slim Bar Folding LED Work Light for $19.99
Inside Track Club members can buy the BRAUN 390 Lumen Magnetic Slim Bar Folding LED Work Light (Item 56329) for $19.99, valid through May 31, 2021.Compare our price of $19.99 to ASTRO PNEUMATIC TOO…go.harborfreight.com
Price history of the bar light:
Harbor Freight Coupon DB - BRAUN 390 LUMEN SLIM BAR FOLDING LED WORKLIGHT - $ 0
The best Harbor Freight coupons, at your fingertips.www.hfqpdb.com
FYI: The HF Braun slim bar work light is on sale this weekend for $19.99...no IT membership required:
www.harborfreight.com
Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977
Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!
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