What’s your best buy DIY garage tools?

[JC220]

Joe, I can see why you need that tool. The amount of rust you deal with is unbelievable.

When I did my tie rod joints I used a pickle fork. One good smack and they were off but I had no rust to contend with. After reinstalling the new parts I did get a four wheel alignment. Which is still holding up

About the only good thing left in SoCal “The Perfect Weather”

lol

Hi Terry, yes indeed my old foe rust is always around!

I have pickle forks also and I use them if I am going to be replacing a bunch of parts anyway (which my OCD makes me do).

But the pickle fork method can damage the runner boots. Whereas this hydraulic one can exert very high force in a controlled safe manner.

I have never tried just replacing a boot before actually. There is a tiny hole in this steering joint boot but the joint itself is still 100% so I'll order a boot kit from the dealer if they have em and re grease it when at it.

 

[TerryA]

Hi Terry, yes indeed my old foe rust is always around!

I have pickle forks also and I use them if I am going to be replacing a bunch of parts anyway (which my OCD makes me do).

But the pickle fork method can damage the runner boots. Whereas this hydraulic one can exert very high force in a controlled safe manner.

I have never tried just replacing a boot before actually. There is a tiny hole in this steering joint boot but the joint itself is still 100% so I'll order a boot kit from the dealer if they have em and re grease it when at it.

Hi Joe, I can understand using your tool to prevent damage to the boots. In my case all of that was replaced with the new tie rod ends

 

[Merso_AMG]

Today i bought this type of Jack - tool and i think this is the best factory jack for W124 and other Benzes of that era. This Jack is made for Vito W639 and can hold way too much than OE Jacks.

 

[chicky]

Today i bought this type of Jack - tool and i think this is the best factory jack for W124 and other Benzes of that era. This Jack is made for Vito W639 and can hold way too much than OE Jacks.

Hello Merso_AMG,
May I trouble you for the part number? Thank you in advance

 

[altezza]

Hello Merso_AMG,
May I trouble you for the part number? Thank you in advance

A6395800218​

 

[chicky]

A6395800218​

Thank you very much altezza

 

[sheward]

Scissor jacks are very safe, light, and useful in applications besides cars as well. I like them for their low profile.

 

[LWB250]

Scissor jacks are very safe, light, and useful in applications besides cars as well. I like them for their low profile.

I was pleased to see that the ML (W163) has a scissor jack. That's a really big vehicle to be lifting with anything else.

Dan

 

[emerydc8]

Terminal Ejector Tool

I received this today. I don't know if any of these tools can be used on Mercedes terminals but for the money I figured one of these tools might come in handy someday.

Amazon.com: 18/26/36/59/76/146PCS Terminal Ejector kit Removal,Terminal Removal Tool kit Wiring Connector pin Release Extractor,Terminal Ejector kit for Most Connector Terminal (146PCS) : Automotive

Buy 18/26/36/59/76/146PCS Terminal Ejector kit Removal,Terminal Removal Tool kit Wiring Connector pin Release Extractor,Terminal Ejector kit for Most Connector Terminal (146PCS): Electrical System Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[TerryA]

Terminal Ejector Tool

I received this today. I don't know if any of these tools can be used on Mercedes terminals but for the money I figured one of these tools might come in handy someday.

Amazon.com: 18/26/36/59/76/146PCS Terminal Ejector kit Removal,Terminal Removal Tool kit Wiring Connector pin Release Extractor,Terminal Ejector kit for Most Connector Terminal (146PCS) : Automotive

Buy 18/26/36/59/76/146PCS Terminal Ejector kit Removal,Terminal Removal Tool kit Wiring Connector pin Release Extractor,Terminal Ejector kit for Most Connector Terminal (146PCS): Electrical System Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Looks useful. It’s cheap enough that if it’s useless you can throw it away.

Reminds me of the interior upholstery removal kit I bought about a year ago from Amazon. It has about everything you can imagine in it. I have used about 6 or 7 of the tools.

 

[Jlaa]

Terminal Ejector Tool

I received this today. I don't know if any of these tools can be used on Mercedes terminals but for the money I figured one of these tools might come in handy someday.

Amazon.com: 18/26/36/59/76/146PCS Terminal Ejector kit Removal,Terminal Removal Tool kit Wiring Connector pin Release Extractor,Terminal Ejector kit for Most Connector Terminal (146PCS) : Automotive

Buy 18/26/36/59/76/146PCS Terminal Ejector kit Removal,Terminal Removal Tool kit Wiring Connector pin Release Extractor,Terminal Ejector kit for Most Connector Terminal (146PCS): Electrical System Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

This is a very useful tool. I used it to take out terminals while repairing a sport-beetle headlamp electrical connector. I am sure you will get your money's worth out of it.

 

[northNH]

Many hours I’ve spent over many years working around not having something like this set…
And I’m tired of it.
Ordered; thanks to both of you.

 

[emerydc8]

Knowing which tool to use for the job is the hard part. Too bad they don't have a chart that specifies by make of vehicle. I suppose you just keep trying them until you find one that fits.

 

[Jlaa]

Knowing which tool to use for the job is the hard part. Too bad they don't have a chart that specifies by make of vehicle. I suppose you just keep trying them until you find one that fits.

Exactly. In practice, probably 3 or 4 in the set work for whatever terminals you are looking to remove.

 

[JC220]

I have a cheapie 6 inch bench grinder that jumps all over the place and is pretty crap for wire wheel use.

So I have eventually just treated myself to a proper 8 inch bench grinder with a full metal polishing kit:

Draper 8" 550W Bench Grinder Polisher With Pro-Max 8" Deluxe Metal Pol

Our best-selling Draper 8" 550W bench grinder converts into a metal polishing machine as it comes complete with a 8" deluxe metal polishing buffing kit including polishing wheels, polishing compounds, a flexi drive shaft and an assortment of polishing accessories which are ideal for polishing...

metalpolishingsupplies.co.uk

I have done some metal polishing before with drill attachments so this should work much better and faster. And for wire wheel use to clean up rusty brackets and bolts this larger pro grade bench grinder should work much better.

 

[alabbasi]

I used one of those to polish a pair of SU carbs, they came out pretty nicely

 

[TerryA]

@JC220, Joe I polished a lot of aluminum engine parts on my long gone 190SL using an 8” bench grinder. The valve cover and the intake tube were the largest parts. Unfortunately, it was before the digital picture age so no pics. After polishing I got them powder coated. They came out great.

Couple lot suggestions. Buffing wheels really shed and create a lot of lint and dust. Eventually they reduce to nothing. Mount the grinder on a post stand outside in the open air. Either set the post in concrete or some kind of heavy base you won’t trip over. The grinder on a post gives you better access from all sides.

Make sure you wear safety glasses and a mask.

Be careful how you handle parts you are polishing. Only place the part so if the wheel grabs it that it tosses it away from you and not in your face (very important).

In a previous life in the early 70s I worked for an aerospace company that made aircraft windows, windshields and canopies. For a while I polished about 50 or 60 Boeing 707 passenger windows a day on a large buffing wheel. They had to be perfect without scratches or burns just as clear as glass. The wheel was around 18” in diameter and 6” wide spinning quit fast. If you hooked the window with the wheel it would throw it against the wall if front of you. Then it would bounce back at you usually over your head and end up on the other side of the room up to 20’ behind you. When this happened everybody ducked

Anyway, I did this for about a year before they let me touch anything more expensive like a fighter jet canopy. So I got pretty good a polishing stuff other than aircraft parts.

Probably TMI but just be careful

lol

 

[JC220]

@JC220, Joe I polished a lot of aluminum engine parts on my long gone 190SL using an 8” bench grinder. The valve cover and the intake tube were the largest parts. Unfortunately, it was before the digital picture age so no pics. After polishing I got them powder coated. They came out great.

Couple lot suggestions. Buffing wheels really shed and create a lot of lint and dust. Eventually they reduce to nothing. Mount the grinder on a post stand outside in the open air. Either set the post in concrete or some kind of heavy base you won’t trip over. The grinder on a post gives you better access from all sides.

Make sure you wear safety glasses and a mask.

Be careful how you handle parts you are polishing. Only place the part so if the wheel grabs it that it tosses it away from you and not in your face (very important).

In a previous life in the early 70s I worked for an aerospace company that made aircraft windows, windshields and canopies. For a while I polished about 50 or 60 Boeing 707 passenger windows a day on a large buffing wheel. They had to be perfect without scratches or burns just as clear as glass. The wheel was around 18” in diameter and 6” wide spinning quit fast. If you hooked the window with the wheel it would throw it against the wall if front of you. Then it would bounce back at you usually over your head and end up on the other side of the room up to 20’ behind you. When this happened everybody ducked

Anyway, I did this for about a year before they let me touch anything more expensive like a fighter jet canopy. So I got pretty good a polishing stuff other than aircraft parts.

Probably TMI but just be careful

lol

Very interesting work you did Terry I picture the window going flying and everyone taking cover

Yes you are absolutely correct to be careful with wire wheels and Grinders. Having experienced steel in my eyes before I always wear a full face sheild now when using any grinder. (Goggles are not enough and steel bounced into my eye before requiring removal at a hospital)

I got the new 8 inch Draper grinder set up on a grinder stand inside my garage bolted to the floor. I Initially had problems with an unbalanced Draper wire wheel so changed that to a German Sonnenflex wire wheel which arrived today and spins smooth as silk. Very fast and thorough rust removal, I de rusted w140 wheel hubs tonight and very pleased with it.



Have all the metal polishing stuff too just haven't had to use it yet. Will use it soon on the w140 original alloy wheel bolts

 

[gsxr]

Based on the specs, this seems like a really good deal at $99 with 3-year warranty. The equivalent Harbor Fright (link) compressor is $170 list, $130-$140 on sale with 90-day warranty. Free shipping to your home if you don't want to make a trip to the Depot:

RIDGID 6 Gal. Portable Electric Pancake Air Compressor OF60150HB - The Home Depot

Support small framing, roofing, blowing and other general inflation tasks with this RIDGID Portable Electric Pancake Air Compressor.

www.homedepot.com

• 6-gallon tank
• 150psi max
• 3.5 SCFM @ 40PSI
• 2.6 SCFM @ 90PSI
• 120 VAC / 12A
• 35 lbs

Thanks to @Jlaa for discovering this deal!

 

[dreaming.haze]

Solid deal on that compressor. The compact size / psi / volume is great. Can even take it with you to a friends house to help with some projects (if you like them enough).

I would recommend thinking of the active Decibel levels when looking at compressors. The rigid looks like it is a 80 dBA level which ,depending on proximity, can get loud enough to be annoying and over power environments.

Last year I picked up the "ultra quiet" Fortress 2 Gal unit form Harbor Freight (2 Gallon 135 PSI Ultra Quiet Hand Carry Jobsite Air Compressor) / The 60 dBA level makes it so I don't even think of it running as often, nor does it over power the garage as much when active. Perfect for my usage of random air usage times (airing up tires / using it to blow out or clean areas / nailer for framing / etc.)

 

[Alphasud40]

I bought one of these a few months ago. Works really well and I don’t have to drag my air compressor out whenever I need to air up tires. If you already own the M18 battery platform it’s a must have.

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

 

[gsxr]

I bought one of these a few months ago. Works really well and I don’t have to drag my air compressor out whenever I need to air up tires. If you already own the M18 battery platform it’s a must have.

Nice! What did you pay for yours? Guessing it might have been a BF/CM sale?

 

[Alphasud40]

I purchased it at Home Depot. It was one of those spontaneous decisions and I have always been skeptical of small battery operated air compressors but this one works pretty quickly and I like how it overshoots and bleeds the pressure to the set point. My hearing is shot from air tools in the shop. With the new cordless impacts I got rid of most of my air tools. Also liberating not having to pull a hose around. Instead of filling a air tank to air up a flat I take this with me.

 

[LWB250]

Looks like Home Despot is offering them as a "freebie" with some of the packages. While this is nice, it's a single-use tool, which I can see being convenient, but for the price I would rather have the pancake compressor which provides for numerous other applications.

In an effort to provide transparency, I own a similar Porter-Cable pancake compressor that I have been really impressed with as far as functionality and ease of use/value. I do, however, support the Milwaukee M18 environment and have a number of it's tools.

Dan

 

[Glen]

re: small air compressors. I highly recommend Harbor Freight's line of Ultra Quiet models. I personally have this one: 2 Gallon 135 PSI Ultra Quiet Hand Carry Jobsite Air Compressor

It's quite a bit more expensive than the Ridgid model noted above but has similar (but slightly lower) specs. The key though is that it's really quiet by comparison. So, while it will come on more frequently than the Ridgid, it's not obnoxiously noisy. Just my opinion.

 

[JC220]

Just something to bear in mind regarding air compressors. The size / rating really limits what you can do so when buying one you need to consider first what you intend to do with it and ensure is sufficiently sized for your needs going forward. Here is my interpretation based on my own compressors and experience:

50L 1.5 HP sizes will work well for only the following uses:

Portability
Tyre Inflation
Air nail guns for interior wood work.
That's it.

100L 3HP twin cylinder size

Tyre inflation
Air blow guns for detailing etc
Nearly all Air tools (not intensive use but good enough)
Small areas of spraying- such as a bumper.
That's it.

150 - 200L 4HP+

All of the above +
Intensive Air tool use
Sand blast cabinets
Spraying whole car

The above is a pretty accurate assessment IMO and hence why I have a 50L and a 110L twin piston 3HP compressor. But it is still undersized for my blast cabinet and spraying. It will blast for say 60 seconds max then the power drops off and I have to wait until it fully charges up again.

For my personal needs (each person will vary of course) I will be needing to upgrade to a scroll compressor or similar when I eventually get to upgrading my garage including piped air lines etc. Sandblasting cabinets consume alot of air that would be my main consumer.

Just a heads up that's all. Get the biggest one you have space for and are likely to require at any point in time. The small ones are still handy to have but their uses are severally limited IMO.

 

[Alphasud40]

My friend just bought a vapor hone machine which I found out is a serious air hog. He was looking for a large compressor with over 20CFM delivery. We were talking about options and I mentioned a screw compressor because he was going to install the compressor inside his shop area. A large 2 stage compressor gets old real quick when you have to work around one. I look forward taking my parts to him to clean up for me. I will post pictures when he gets it up and running.

 

[Jlaa]

I bought one of these a few months ago. Works really well and I don’t have to drag my air compressor out whenever I need to air up tires. If you already own the M18 battery platform it’s a must have.

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

I totally want one of these things since I have M18 batteries but I feel like the price is insane. $180? As a “special buy”??

 

[gsxr]

I totally want one of these things since I have M18 batteries but I feel like the price is insane. $180? As a “special buy”??

Same here. This could come in handy, but for that price, I'll live without it. Wonder how low it goes when on sale.

Home Despot uses that "Special Buy" label on some items, like this one, where Inigo Montoya might have a relevant question for their marketing department. Inconceivable!

 

[dreaming.haze]

I've got the M12 small air compressor. Been a great add to the road trip / car buying kit. Nice to know of weather changes or the need is there, it's around. The M18 charger price is a bit too spendy for me at current.

 

[northNH]

I totally want one of these things since I have M18 batteries but I feel like the price is insane. $180? As a “special buy”??

Amazon had this for $137 several weeks ago for ~3 days…

 

[oaklandw124]

Amazon had this for $137 several weeks ago for ~3 days…

It’s $142 on Amazon right now:

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-2848-20-M18-Inflator/dp/B0B1VHG484/r

 

[mikeym]

Talking about tools, I need to chase vacuum leaks on the 124 and f-150. Do you recommend getting China special smoke machines from
Bezos or make my mason jar concoction?

 

[LWB250]

Talking about tools, I need to chase vacuum leaks on the 124 and f-150. Do you recommend getting China special smoke machines from
Bezos or make my mason jar concoction?

I made a mason jar "concoction" with an old soldering iron, a tube sock, and some fittings and mounted it in a Piroulene can. I rarely need it, but it works great.

Dan

 

[JC220]

I eventually treated myself to a TIG welder which has full functionality. AC DC HF for aluminium and stainless etc.

I just need to learn how to use it now! Minor detail.



Top tip - don't tell the truth when your other half asks how much you spent on tools. Don't ask how I know

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I just need to learn how to use it now! Minor detail.

A few days gone by, and results are? I too, really want to learn these tools so I can produce the boatful welds!

About a year ago, I purchased a basic air pressure regulator for one of the paint guns, inexpensive, but appeared to be well built. Now, you get 2 for the price of 1, so I ordered a set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B56JRF12?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Very well built imo for what it is, the adjuster knob is well dampened, gasket/seal included, and all metal parts! Added to the detail gun, perfect, small, the gun is still well balanced, and for the price - quite happy with these









The only thing, I don't use their fitting, all of our tools - we use A style...

Regards,
D

 

[LWB250]

I eventually treated myself to a TIG welder which has full functionality. AC DC HF for aluminium and stainless etc.

I just need to learn how to use it now! Minor detail.

View attachment 159820

Top tip - dont tell the truth when your other half asks how much you spent on tools. Dont ask how I know

I'm sure there's something similar in the UK, but here in the States there are local "community colleges" that have programs for the trades like auto body, welding, etc., and will often let you attend for little or nothing if you're not going through the whole program or looking for a certification.

I've got a buddy in South Carolina who is doing a welding program right now at his local community college. Since he's retired it's free, as they don't require retirees to pay tuition.

I used to stick weld structural steel years ago, but I have no experience in wire feed or shielded arc processes. One of my coworkers did, and he used to win bar bets welding aluminum foil.

Dan

 

[JC220]

A few days gone by, and results are? I too, really want to learn these tools so I can produce the boatful welds!

I had a few things to sort and not got the TIG fully set up yet.

First i bought a new Argon bottle and regulator. Then discovered the gauge showed the new bottle empty! (£203) so I went back and tried another bottle and new reg in the shop and same results! They could not understand it and were as perplexed as me.



So I got a full refund, ordered another brand of gauge for good measure and found a closer and cheaper Argon bottle source so I'll go there next and test the bottle before I leave to make sure it has the 137 ish bar charge.

Then the TIG requires a 32 amp plug. Which is something I already needed to use my Plasma in my back garage. So I went ahead and ordered all the supplies to bring a new heavy duty 6mm2 welder power supply from my main home consumer to my back garage. And when doing that i have also added 5x more double sockets around my garage.

So in about a week I'll be all set up and will be back to practice on the TIG. The project i have planned for jt is the m119 crank lock tools. I think the TIG will be much nicer than the MIG finish wise and yellow zinc platting will give them a pro finish.

Im sure theres something similar in the UK, but here in the States there are local community colleges that have programs for the trades like auto body, welding, etc., and will often let you attend for little or nothing if youre not going through the whole program or looking for a certification.

Ive got a buddy in South Carolina who is doing a welding program right now at his local community college. Since hes retired its free, as they dont require retirees to pay tuition.

I used to stick weld structural steel years ago, but I have no experience in wire feed or shielded arc processes. One of my coworkers did, and he used to win bar bets welding aluminum foil.

Dan

Good idea, I may look into evening classes if the timetable and location works.

But with you tube nowadays we are spoiled really. Practice makes perfect!

 

[JC220]

I finished installing my new 32amp heavy duty welder power supply to my garage today. I also got an Argon cylinder sorted locally which has more gas also being charged to 200 bar @ 10L vs the hobbyweld 137 bar @ 9L. Refills are also half the price so it worked out well.

These are my first test beads with the TIG. Didn't dip the tungsten once actually! Need lots more practice of course this was just making sure the welder was working and all seems perfect. Just the guy behind the torch needs seat time now!!

 

[Jlaa]

Bear with me for a sec .... I am not the king of domesticity --- but this does in fact have a garage content ......

If you have a Dyson v8 vacuum, this is a game changer.



The regular Dyson v8 is a great vacuum EXCEPT the standard battery pack is weak sauce because it has only 2.5 AH capacity. This means you get, at best, 20-30 mins or so of vacuum time until you are done. UNLESS you are using "EXTRA POWER" mode, which causes you to get LESS vacuum time. As well, if you use a power-head attachment like the Fluffy Hardwood Floor Attachment or the Carpet Beater Bar attachment --- you get LESS vacuum time.

Furthermore, what's worse is that the Dyson battery is designed to remain fixed onto the unit. It is secured by three screws. You can't just buy more Dyson batteries and swap them in/out easily. Nosireeeee.

Enter a $20 battery adapter: MIL18V8 Adapter for Milwaukee M18 18V Battery Convert to Dyson V8 Series Vacuum | eBay

Now instead of a measly 2.5AH of capacity. I have SIXTEEN AH of capacity! Virtually unlimited vacuum time! But you know the best part of this is?

This is a trojan horse for spousal acceptance of purchasing more Milwaukee batteries.

And you know what that means! More batteries == more reason to have tools to use those batteries lest they go to waste! Hackzall? Yes! Sawzall? Yes! Ratcheting wrench? Yes! Power adhesive-tube dispenser? Yes! Nail gun? Yes!

 

[nocfn]

the other spousal option would be to replace you us with batteries..... good book and warm bath

 

[Jlaa]

the other spousal option would be to replace you us with batteries..... good book and warm bath

That would be win-lose, not win-win!

 

[JC220]

I recently bought a Ridgid Peddinghaus 35kg Anvil from amazon. These are forged anvils produced in Germany.



Finally received it and got it onto my garage. I'll make a steel stand for it to keep space at a premium.

I'm not taking up blacksmithing! I will be using this to help shape sheetmetal repairs for my cars. Overkill? Most definitely. But sure will beat kneeling outside using bits of timber to beat metal into shape.

 

[gsxr]

Joe, is it this item?

Amazon.co.uk

https://www.amazon.com/RIDGID-69622-model-Forged-Peddinghaus/dp/B0015BC3GC

 

[LWB250]

Your Prime membership was just paid for on that purchase. 77 pounds!

While it's not an anvil, I've got a 12" piece of railroad track my Dad got years ago. The running joke was that you didn't want to ride the B&O between Indianapolis and Louisville...

Dan

 

[JC220]

Joe, is it this item?

Amazon.co.uk

https://www.amazon.com/RIDGID-69622-model-Forged-Peddinghaus/dp/B0015BC3GC

It's the same brand and weight Dave not sure why that one has a different model number. 35kg model 5.

They are premium Anvils and rrp for £439 - £500 here.

HOWEVER for some bizarre reason when I looked at it on amazon at the time it was only £139 with the free prime shipping So I bought it and the price immediately went back to £439.

RIDGID 14165 Model 5 Forged Anvil with 2 Horns RIDGID 14165 Model 5 Forged Anvil with 2 Horns : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools



At that price that's near the shipping cost alone! £300 off means they probably lost money on this. Hence you can see why I jumped on it. Being Peddinghaus it's a German made fully forged from tool steel. Super quality, the ring from it when hit hurts your ears almost! Cool item to have in the garage and I will get my use out of it on the repair sections.

 

[JC220]

When I have my garage extended I'll have space to make a proper stand for it. I have lots of big Beech tree stumps laying around I can use

As a footnote people are asking silly money for Anvils these days. Like £350 for one laying outside and cracked!

 

[Jlaa]

This tool looks totally useful ---- allows you to "mount" a tire onto it as a "wheel fitment tool" and then know EXACTLY what kind of offset you need for whatever wheel application you are trying to make fit. Clever!!

Wheel Fitment Tool for Tire Fit Testing Size Measuring Mockup

Easily determine proper wheel fitment backspacing specs for custom applications Mounts inside tire so that actual tire size desired can be test fitted to vehicle Allows user to confirm wheel and tire clearance to body, frame, and suspension Laser cut and press bent from 10 gauge steel in house...

www.speedwaymotors.com

 

[LWB250]

I believe @Jlaa turned me onto this brake fluid tester tool:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B076SC377J?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Works great! Just tested the brake fluid on the 2003 ML350 at the Flagstaff house. Above 4%, not good. With another snowstorm in the works for Tuesday and Wednesday, I'm not about to be changing brake fluid. That and my only pressure bleeder is in Florida right now. This coming summer when I do the annual oil change, maybe...

Thanks, @Jlaa !

Dan

 

[Stegel]

I finished installing my new 32amp heavy duty welder power supply to my garage today. I also got an Argon cylinder sorted locally which has more gas also being charged to 200 bar @ 10L vs the hobbyweld 137 bar @ 9L. Refills are also half the price so it worked out well.

These are my first test beads with the TIG. Didnt dip the tungsten once actually! Need lots more practice of course this was just making sure the welder was working and all seems perfect. Just the guy behind the torch needs seat time now!!

View attachment 160613

JC - where did you get the “better value” Argon - is it a nationwide operation like Hobbyweld? I currently rent a BOC cylinder for my MIG welder, but use so little gas it’s not really viable so I am planning on going for a rent-free cylinder and Hobbyweld was the obvious alternative. I am planning on a TIG welder too - I was able to produce decent bodywork welding with oxy-acetylene in my 20s and to my eyes TIG is comparable, certainly in the malleability of the welds.