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What’s your best buy DIY garage tools?
- Thread starter JC220
- Start date
Yeah, trying to pick a charger is a PITA as well. There are a zillion no-name chargers and all of them seem to have mixed reviews. I need to get a charger also, along with some batteries.
LiitoKala is a highly recommended brand of chargers.
Went to Harbor Freight today planning to buy three. There were only four left in the bin, so I decided to buy them all. Is the HF version an older version? Regular price at HF is $30. Amazon is selling them for $55. Amazon.com: 390 Lumen USB Rechargeable Work Light, COB Work Lights with Magnetic Base Ultra Bright LED Flashlight (Newest Version) : Tools & Home ImprovementFYI: The HF Braun slim bar work light is on sale this weekend for $19.99...no IT membership required:
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!www.harborfreight.com
I ended up just picking up one today, plenty of stock in my store. Overall I have two and that worked great today. My new one lasted almost all afternoon and then rotated out to my older one. I hope when the new batteries come they last longer. I just charge them in the flashlight slowly.
I have used these Nitecore units for years for work. They have never failed me and they will recharge many different types of batteries at time in the 4 slots. $34.95
NITECORE New i4 battery Charger For Li-ion / IMR / Ni-MH/ Ni-Cd 18650 18350 16340 RCR123 14500 AA AAA D C w/ Ac and 12V DC (Car) power cords, EdisonBright BBX3 battery box, 2 X AA to D type batteries Amazon.com: NITECORE New i4 battery Charger For Li-ion / IMR / Ni-MH/ Ni-Cd 18650 18350 16340 RCR123 14500 AA AAA D C w/ Ac and 12V DC (Car) power cords, EdisonBright BBX3 battery box, 2 X AA to D type batteries : Electronics
We also use Fenix flashlights exclusively and they never fail to disappoint. They have house branded batteries that very strong and reliable. 3500mah for $25
Batteries (21700, 18650, 16340, 14500 & CR123A)
Looking for rechargeable batteries? You may have came to the right place. If you are looking for an interstate car battery your out of luck, we sell compact batteries for electronic devices like flashlights and security cameras. Here at Fenix-store.com we provide high capacity rechargeable...
www.fenix-store.com
Their headlights are amazing and are great for working on cars. I am quite fond of this 1600 lumen with flood and spot lights.
Fenix HP25R V2.0 Headlamp - 1600 Lumens
The Fenix HP25R V2.0 Headlamp offers unmatched performance with an ultra-long runtime of 400 hours on low mode and a max output of 1600 lumens on the turbo setting. Its 5000mAh Li-ion battery is encased in a unique rear battery feature with a USB Type-C charging port for speedy recharging, while...
www.fenix-store.com
Jon, those lights are from a 3rd party seller. They are buying from HF and re-selling for profit.
When buying from Amazon, be careful any time the item does not say "sold by and ships from Amazon".
These Panasonic Made-in-Japan batteries are back in stock! I picked up a few, along with a 4-slot version the Glen-approved charger: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...
Amazon.com: Universal Smart Battery Charger 4 Slots for Rechargeable Batteries 1.2V Ni-MH Ni-Cd AA AAA C 3.2V LiFePO4 3.7V Li-ion IMR 18650 26650 21700 16340 14500 18500 10440 18350 RCR123A LCD Display UL Listed : Electronics
Amazon.com: Universal Smart Battery Charger 4 Slots for Rechargeable Batteries 1.2V Ni-MH Ni-Cd AA AAA C 3.2V LiFePO4 3.7V Li-ion IMR 18650 26650 21700 16340 14500 18500 10440 18350 RCR123A LCD Display UL Listed : Electronics
smile.amazon.com
So far so good. Thanks guys!
@jhodg5ck I took your recommendation this year and finally bought a set. Very similar - similar pricing, similar quality, the reviews say these and the Mountain and Matcos are all made in the same factory. Love these.
Thanks!
Amazon.com: ATD Tools 99650 XL Ratcheting Wrench Set with 10 Metric Sizes - 5 Piece : Tools & Home Improvement
Buy ATD Tools 99650 XL Ratcheting Wrench Set with 10 Metric Sizes - 5 Piece: Combination Wrenches - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Those extended length metric reversible ratcheting flex head wrenches are the bomb. Jono turned me onto those wrenches when they were EZ-Red brand and they are my most used tools I own. I destroyed the 17mm end of the 17/19 wrench and EZ-Red replaced it gratis with the LT warranty. The extended length is the real winner with these wrenches -gives you all the torque needed to loosen tough nuts.
BTW, the discussion on the real rechargeable batteries for the Braun Slim Lights from the link provided is MUCH appreciated. The batteries that come with the Braun lights don't hold a great charge. With the new batteries, the battery life is excellent.
BTW, the discussion on the real rechargeable batteries for the Braun Slim Lights from the link provided is MUCH appreciated. The batteries that come with the Braun lights don't hold a great charge. With the new batteries, the battery life is excellent.
Back on the Braun lights, I have two of them. The on-off switch for these things is super fragile. I'm nursing both of my lights because the switch is acting up on both. I would have thought that the interwebz would have come up with a DIY replacement for this switch, but I've not been able to find one. Love the lights but hate the switch(es).
I've bought a few of these. Unbeatable for the money:
Admin edit: Foldable version at link below. These don't allow swapping batteries. Read the reviews as well:
Last edited by a moderator:
I have the Braun too and the switches are giving me trouble. I just ordered an ORHOMELIFE from your link to compare. Sounds like you are happy with them.
Yep, the one at the shop has taken quite a beating
My original Braun never had the button fail, but the button did start getting flaky. After many drops to concrete the plastic base where the bar LED connects to the hinge broke and I had to Zip-tie it together. What finally did the light in was something failed internally, where it would drain the battery when turned off. I got tired of removing the battery after each use and pulled a new Braun off the shelf. I'm trying to drop the new one less.
OK, gonna order a couple of those Orhomelights. Those are clearly clones of an Astro Tools light that tons of pro mechanics use.
Just received my Orhomelife Lights. Surprised at how light (in weight) they are. Time will tell if they hold up, but they are basically as bright to my untrained eye as the Braun lights, and they are adjustable to lower light levels. Swivel magnetic base is nice to have, again, time will tell if it holds up. The older I get the more I need a lot of light! They don't have the LED on the end "flashlight-ish" option that the Braun lights have but admittedly I almost never use that on the Braun lights. The price is right for sure!
The first Braun I bought had a failed internal connection within a few months of purchase, meaning I couldn't charge it with the USB cable. No worries, as I had purchased some name brand 18520 batteries with a separate charger and just swapped batteries rather than trying to charge through the light itself.My original Braun never had the button fail, but the button did start getting flaky. After many drops to concrete the plastic base where the bar LED connects to the hinge broke and I had to Zip-tie it together. What finally did the light in was something failed internally, where it would drain the battery when turned off. I got tired of removing the battery after each use and pulled a new Braun off the shelf. I'm trying to drop the new one less.
Otherwise I like it. There's a smaller version they had on sale this weekend that I picked up one of, too. Not sure when I'll use it, but one of the minor gripes I have about the big one is it's weight can sometimes make it difficult to stick to metal surfaces unless they're perfectly flat and have enough surface area for the whole magnet/base.
Dan
If you don't crank up the dial all the way, the charge will last quite a while.
Does anyone have a preferred or recommended XZN Socket set? I feel like every German Car I buy has one or two of these and after dodging needing them for long enough, I figured I might as well pay the $20-50 and buy a set. This OTC set looks nice to have the low profile, but for <half the price this Nieko Kit looks fine for occasional use, though I wonder if I want to take a risk on something as finnicky as a half shaft bolt.
Got one of these Norma flexible hose clamp drivers, man what a game changer! One of those tools you should have gotten a long time ago but never knew you needed
. I got mine from these guys, top notch service BTW for Cohline and related products:
www.cohpro.com
. I got mine from these guys, top notch service BTW for Cohline and related products:
Cohline Hose Clip Flexidriver - 7mm
CohPro, independent sales of Cohline automotive fluid handling components. Buy online today before 2pm for same week day worldwide dispatch.
www.cohpro.com
I second the MAF R&R with these. Makes it soooo much easier.That 7mm flex driver is awesome for hose clamps and makes MAF R&R a breeze. If the MAF boot is soft, I can R&R the MAF in <5 minutes from hood up to hood down.
Dan
Is there one on Amazon which is comparable? Like maybe this one? CTA Tools 1057 Flex Nut Driver - 7mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1Q1OXZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FQ3AGJ5F11A1JV3223QD
Yes, that is similar. I used these all the time, especially for tightening hose clamps in odd locations (t-stat area, P/S hose below reservoir, etc).
If within your budget, I'd get multiple sizes, from roughly 6mm to 10mm. Hazet makes these too, VERY good quality, but if you have to ask the price...
Agreed with Dave - If you have the funds, go ahead and grab the 5 pack of CTA Tools flex drivers. 5,6,7,8,10mm. When you need them, they are great to have around.
Amazon.com: CTA Tools 8608 5-Piece Metric Driver Set : Automotive
Buy CTA Tools 8608 5-Piece Metric Driver Set: Body - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
How about the universal flex nut drivers that take a 1/4” socket at the end? That way one is not filling up the toolbox space with lots of point solutions?
I suppose the biggest challenge would be ensuring that the socket doesn’t fall off. Hows this one?
ARES 51000 - Flexible Screwdriver - 1/4-Inch Drive Quick Release Bit Holder Head - Strong and Flexible Shaft - Allows for Access to Tight and Confined Spaces - Socket Adapter Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082BJ47W9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N7XQEHRXGMQM8V2K3TFE
I suppose the biggest challenge would be ensuring that the socket doesn’t fall off. Hows this one?
ARES 51000 - Flexible Screwdriver - 1/4-Inch Drive Quick Release Bit Holder Head - Strong and Flexible Shaft - Allows for Access to Tight and Confined Spaces - Socket Adapter Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082BJ47W9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N7XQEHRXGMQM8V2K3TFE
Exactly that: ^^^
Ideally you'd get both the set of 5, and also the universal ARES. It's not uncommon to have to struggle to get the flex socket end onto the fastener/clamp, often in a tight location, and if it pops off the end of the universal driver... the swear jar fills up fast. This isn't a concern with the fixed-size drivers.
I feel like I have to give a plug for an accelerometer / vibration analysis tool which is able to isolate and locate vibrations in a car.
In my recent saga of chasing vibrations, I started researching vibration analysis tools through this Audi Technical Service Bulletin (pdf attached to this post at the bottom), which recommend the use of a Vetronix MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer by Audi Dealers.
After researching the above tool for a while, I found a 5-part video series created by John Kelly of the "Weber Auto" youtube channel. Apparently Mr. Kelly works in the Transmission Lab @ Weber State University training professional automotive technicians
Anyways, as I dug into this more, I realized that Mr. Kelly has also been writing vibration diagnosis software since 1994. His original diagnosis software was written for MS DOS 6.0. I know @gsxr can relate to this.
About Us <--- fascinating history!
Then I realized after 2.5 decades of iterating his NVH analysis software from DOS to Windows, his company (NVH Software) finally took advantage of the fact that mobile phones have accelerometers built in, and now they write this NVH app which basically replaces the old clunky Vetronix MTS 4100.
vibratesoftware.com
Anyways I highly recommend this tool. It was only $99 and you can see some sample results here:
This tool helps you quantify vibrations and helps you isolate where vibrations are coming from. i.e. - place the phone on the steering wheel, the dash, the rear deck, etc --- this helps you isolate where vibes are coming from.
As well, as the tool counts the frequency of the vibrations, it is able to tell you if the vibes are related to wheels, drivetrain, engine, etc. Lastly, because the tool quantifies everything, you are able to track what the result of any change you make to the car might be. In this manner, I was able to determine that changing differential mount shims and transmission mount shims didn't do anything.
This tool takes the guesswork out of chasing vibrations.
In my recent saga of chasing vibrations, I started researching vibration analysis tools through this Audi Technical Service Bulletin (pdf attached to this post at the bottom), which recommend the use of a Vetronix MTS 4100 NVH Analyzer by Audi Dealers.
After researching the above tool for a while, I found a 5-part video series created by John Kelly of the "Weber Auto" youtube channel. Apparently Mr. Kelly works in the Transmission Lab @ Weber State University training professional automotive technicians
Anyways, as I dug into this more, I realized that Mr. Kelly has also been writing vibration diagnosis software since 1994. His original diagnosis software was written for MS DOS 6.0. I know @gsxr can relate to this.
About Us <--- fascinating history!Then I realized after 2.5 decades of iterating his NVH analysis software from DOS to Windows, his company (NVH Software) finally took advantage of the fact that mobile phones have accelerometers built in, and now they write this NVH app which basically replaces the old clunky Vetronix MTS 4100.
Noise Vibration Harshness NVH App Vibrate Software Automotive Diagnosis
Vibration diagnosis for cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial trucks using the NVH App. Automotive Technicians can increase their income!
vibratesoftware.com
Anyways I highly recommend this tool. It was only $99 and you can see some sample results here:
Car has the heeby-jeeby shakes (SOLVED - Roadforce + Tires + TieRods) [FIXED] | Wheels and Tires
The rear ride height does not have any effect on driveshaft alignment on cars such as ours with IRS. …The SLS system adjusts the entire frame/unibody. Or said in another way, it only moves the axles. SLS does change the angle of the axles' CV joints which have both upper and lower ranges...
www.500eboard.co
This tool helps you quantify vibrations and helps you isolate where vibrations are coming from. i.e. - place the phone on the steering wheel, the dash, the rear deck, etc --- this helps you isolate where vibes are coming from.
As well, as the tool counts the frequency of the vibrations, it is able to tell you if the vibes are related to wheels, drivetrain, engine, etc. Lastly, because the tool quantifies everything, you are able to track what the result of any change you make to the car might be. In this manner, I was able to determine that changing differential mount shims and transmission mount shims didn't do anything.
This tool takes the guesswork out of chasing vibrations.
I'm going to be $99 poorer in the near future. Thanks, @Jlaa.
Where do you place the phone for measuring vibrations?
I placed the phone anywhere that is not cushioned that I thought I might want to measure to see if vibrations were coming from that area of the car. For example, back deck, on steering wheel above airbag, on dashboard wedged under the windshield, in the door map pocket, etc.In fact this is how I determined in no uncertain terms that the last bit of vibes that I was chasing was *steering* related and not just wheel/tire related. When I wedged the phone above the instrument cluster / below the windshield, I got much much smaller accelerometer magnitude readings than when putting the phone ON the steering wheel right above the airbag.
I would not recommend the socket approach unless you’re planning on adding to the hundreds, if not thousands, of missing sockets in the valley of all the M119s out there.
Dan
FWIW, I am not nearly as capable a wrench as you, but, some time ago I needed a 10mm XZN to hold the magnesium engine fan in place while unbolting various pulleys to replace all the belts on my SportBeetle.
I first bought this XZN driver from Capri tools, but it was too long. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ESMZZHO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
I returned that and then bought this one, from VIM, which was more costly and shorter, and it worked.
Amazon.com: VIM Tools XZN110 XZN 3/8" 10 mm Triple Square Stubby Driver : Tools & Home Improvement
Buy VIM Tools XZN110 XZN 3/8" 10 mm Triple Square Stubby Driver: Carpentry Squares - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Also FWIW I have this small set of 12-pt sockets but I haven't used these much. I pretty much only use it for the little 12-point bolts on a set of 3-piece-wheels that I have. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014ZXV9W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
I'm experiencing socket set scope creep....I bought this Nieko Allen socket set a year ago, has worked well and are sockets I use enough that the full set makes sense. I also grabbed a Torx set that again works fine but is used much less frequently, although the tamper proof bits do come in handy more than I would expect. I'm thinking I'll grab the OTC set of the XZN sockets to keep up with my rule of thumb of taking some of the savings I get by wrenching myself into growing my tool collection. I grabbed my 6 mm XZN at ToolMart and then never used it, so maybe I'll give them a ring and see if they have a full set andother sweet wares in stock to deplete my finances and keep them in business.
Circling back...this OTC set did well on the uber rusty diff cover bolts on a used diff I bought and on the gunky half shaft bolts, so would recommend.
Thanks for the heads up, Ace!
Do you happen to know where these are made? Apparently it isn't Germany anymore, at least for the wenches on sale:
I think all their chromed tools are made in Taiwan.
I have two combo sets, and the finish is excellent. Forging on the jaw is clean.
These show light signs of use.
Wiha still makes all of their micro/precision tools in Germany. These see a lot more use that the mechanic stuff around here.
Attachments
Thanks for the heads up. I've been trying to get wrenches like this for a while, I wish the sale was on some of the smaller (8-20mm) sizes. How strong are the ratchet mechanisms - can they be used to break off tight bolts if needed, or am I better off getting the non ratchet ones? And how would you say they compare to the below ratcheting wrenches which also have gotten some love around here?
Amazon.com: ATD Tools 99650 XL Ratcheting Wrench Set with 10 Metric Sizes - 5 Piece : Tools & Home Improvement
Buy ATD Tools 99650 XL Ratcheting Wrench Set with 10 Metric Sizes - 5 Piece: Combination Wrenches - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
I only have Wiha combo wrenches. No flex, no ratchets. I ordered a couple of these sets to make up for partial sets and gaps.
I'm hoping they're smoother than my mid-90s Craftsman ratcheting combos. If they suck, which I don't expect to be the case, I'm not going to cry too hard as they're only $10 per piece.
I'm hoping they're smoother than my mid-90s Craftsman ratcheting combos. If they suck, which I don't expect to be the case, I'm not going to cry too hard as they're only $10 per piece.
Got mine yesterday, and yup, Hecho in Taiwan. Need to snap a photo of the label. Hard to believe the MSRP is >$150 for EACH ratcheting wench, but that much for a set of 13 big'uns is downright reasonable. Thanks again for the tip, @ace10 !
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