What’s your best buy DIY garage tools?

[emerydc8]

This has been a really handy tool. I bought it last November anticipating I would use it to cut slots in stripped bolt heads and I’ve used it twice now for other jobs to get into places I couldn’t reach without the flex extension.

It’s like a dental drill. It was definitely worth the $33. I looked for something like this at the local Lowe’s and Home Depot stores but couldn’t find anything. The reviews of knock-off models indicated they were junk. The Dremel I have was made in the USA but the flex shaft is made in Mexico.

https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-225-01-Flex-Shaft-Attachment/dp/B0000302Y8/

 

[Glen]

https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-225-01-Flex-Shaft-Attachment/dp/B0000302Y8/

I could really use one of those, thanks for posting!

 

[JC220]

My Milwaukee M18 angle grinder collection has got slightly out of hand but these are one my favourite and most used tools

 

[Glen]

My Milwaukee M18 angle grinder collection has got slightly out of hand but these are one my favourite and most used tools

View attachment 214005

There’s always room for another angle grinder!

 

[Merso_AMG]

STEEL WILLE!!! All the Extensions are mine

 

[JC220]

A proper roll cab. A Snap on one good used came up locally and I couldn't resist. Plenty of storage space and heavy duty cab weighs about 200 / 250kg empty made of sturdy stuff. USA made I believe

This is a limited edition one no 148 of 500.

(Stuffed in beside a C124 for now until I clear a better spot for it!)

 

[Merso_AMG]

Toptul Air ratchet and Grinder! Superb quality. Have chance? Grab it, will be happy

 

[Merso_AMG]

Called Elora. Made in Germany. That’s how my 12 point 3/8 drive socket set looks

 

[bclifton]

Something new to me which I love - a Hazet 162N Assistent trolley

This model/spec was made between 1982 - 1989 and is stamped "W-GERMANY". Above pictures are from when I was re-assembling it after receiving in the mail from a seller in Poland.

There are tabs on each side you squeeze and the trays collapse nice and neatly. Here's what it looks like stowed away


When you're ready for a job, you just drag it into place and pull the trays up. It's already loaded with special tools, brake bleeding equipment, and oil filters

 

[rayhennig]

I bought an 80€ cooling system pressuriser.

Good news, it identified 3 collars that needed to be tightened.

Bad news, it identified a duff radiator. Nissens to the rescue and all well to date.

And then there's my Fluke Duty Cycle multimeter ...

RayH

 

[Merso_AMG]

View attachment 219273
View attachment 219274

Something new to me which I love - a Hazet 162N Assistent trolley

This model/spec was made between 1982 - 1989 and is stamped "W-GERMANY". Above pictures are from when I was re-assembling it after receiving in the mail from a seller in Poland.

There are tabs on each side you squeeze and the trays collapse nice and neatly. Here's what it looks like stowed away
View attachment 219275

When you're ready for a job, you just drag it into place and pull the trays up. It's already loaded with special tools, brake bleeding equipment, and oil filters
View attachment 219276

Brian Mate that’s cool assistant from Ha ZZZ et!
Regards
W210 Garage

 

[Merso_AMG]

Elora Oder Gedore?
I prefer Gebrüder Dowidat Stuff!

 

[Jlaa]

File this under “self manufactured DIY tool”….. I saw this and felt it was so clever that I have to share. I have never had to deal with the nightmare of a snapped extended head MB wheel bolt or locking wheel hardware sans key ——- but have saved this pic for the future.

 

[R129 UK]

File this under “self manufactured DIY tool”….. I saw this and felt it was so clever that I have to share. I have never had to deal with the nightmare of a snapped extended head MB wheel bolt or locking wheel hardware sans key ——- but have saved this pic for the future.

I've been meaning to create a complementary "Home made DIY tool thread" to this thread because I have a few of my own creations, I just haven't had a chance to take the photos. yet.

 

[Jlaa]

Apparently radio keys can have widely differing quality. I had been trying to remove my w220 instrument cluster with radio keys that I have on hand (to repair the lighting) --- what a PITA!!!

The left side radio key inserts into the slot and pulls out the left side of the cluster.
The right side radio key inserts into the slots and when I yank, the right side of the cluster doesn't budge and the radio key just yanks right out! Argh!
Try again --- key yanks out.
Try again --- key yanks out.
Try again --- key yanks out.
Tried 50 times with the same result ....which forced me to have to disassemble the right side HVAC vent to get to IC plastic tabs and push them in to pull out the IC. UGH.

Then later after I fixed the IC and reinstalled it, I wanted to pull it out again for service .... and NEITHER the left or right side would pull out w my radio keys! UGH.

Enter new radio keys. These work. They don't pull out. The notch is important. Don't use crappy radio keys.

 

[TerryA]

@Jlaa,
Definition of “Insanity” Repeat something 50 times expecting a different outcome but ending with the same result.

Pic 3-6, At first I thought you employed your pet cat to hold the radio assembly.

 

[R129 UK]

Apparently radio keys can have widely differing quality. I had been trying to remove my w220 instrument cluster with radio keys that I have on hand (to repair the lighting) --- what a PITA!!!

The left side radio key inserts into the slot and pulls out the left side of the cluster.
The right side radio key inserts into the slots and when I yank, the right side of the cluster doesn't budge and the radio key just yanks right out! Argh!
Try again --- key yanks out.
Try again --- key yanks out.
Try again --- key yanks out.
Tried 50 times with the same result ....which forced me to have to disassemble the right side HVAC vent to get to IC plastic tabs and push them in to pull out the IC. UGH.

Then later after I fixed the IC and reinstalled it, I wanted to pull it out again for service .... and NEITHER the left or right side would pull out w my radio keys! UGH.

Enter new radio keys. These work. They don't pull out. The notch is important. Don't use crappy radio keys.


View attachment 221914

I'm wondering if the part on the car is also at least partially responsible. I have exactly the same crappy radio release keys and there were no issues removing the AC controller from my car.

 

[lowman]

Elora Oder Gedore?
I prefer Gebrüder Dowidat Stuff!

David my friend

 

[Jlaa]

I'm wondering if the part on the car is also at least partially responsible. I have exactly the same crappy radio release keys and there were no issues removing the AC controller from my car.

Yes I think so. I've had that crappy set of radio keys for about 12 years and it has worked on all manners of radios which are small and light. This is the first time that my crappy keys have failed ---- perhaps because I used it on a large instrument cluster which is heavier and has very stiff friction-fit depress-able finger-tabs on the side.

 

[JC220]

Ive had the opposite problem actually where sometimes my radio keys will not release from the head unit! Usually on old Becker radios.

 

[Jlaa]

Ive had the opposite problem actually where sometimes my radio keys will not release from the head unit! Usually on old Becker radios.

Even you push in the tabs on the radio after pulling the radio out?

 

[luckymike]

I've wondered if keys can get stuck. Like if you slide them in, then change your mind or have to delay the project, can you get them back out again without pulling out the cluster?

 

[JC220]

Even you push in the tabs on the radio after pulling the radio out?

I've wondered if keys can get stuck. Like if you slide them in, then change your mind or have to delay the project, can you get them back out again without pulling out the cluster?

Thinking about it more its been instrument clusters where the keys have got stuck on me. W220 clusters use the same key as old decker stereos. But the clusters dont have easily accessible release tabs. So on w220s my keys got stuck and I had to pull them out very hard whilst prying with a small screwdriver.

 

[JC220]

I have been looking for a good used one of these Sykes Pickavant Master cooling system pressure test kits for a few months now and missed a couple of them. They sell the instant they appear! I snagged this one finally

Super quality and the caps fit all of my cars. Tested it and working perfect, zero loss on known good cars. I will use this on my 190E to test a freeze plug to be replaced.

 

[gsxr]

PSA: The Gerry-approved M18 FUEL PACKOUT 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 2.5 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum is on sale with a free 5.0Ah battery, or free 1/4" hex impact driver, for $200 total. If you don't need either freebie, you can use the "hack" to return the unwanted item and get the vacuum alone for ~$110 or so.

If you don't plan to use the vacuum on anything wet, I'd highly recommend the 3-pack of dust bags, # 49-90-2016 - click here, but currently out of stock.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 2.5 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum (Vacuum-Only) 0970-20 - The Home Depot

Spend hauling tools on and off the jobsite for applications by choosing this durable Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT Lithium-Ion Cordless Wet or Dry Vacuum.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Glen]

I have that vac and love it. We use it around the house mostly and yes, get the bags.

 

[dreaming.haze]

PSA: The Gerry-approved M18 FUEL PACKOUT 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 2.5 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum is on sale with a free 5.0Ah battery, or free 1/4" hex impact driver, for $200 total. If you don't need either freebie, you can use the "hack" to return the unwanted item and get the vacuum alone for ~$110 or so.

If you don't plan to use the vacuum on anything wet, I'd highly recommend the 3-pack of dust bags, # 49-90-2016 - click here, but currently out of stock.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 2.5 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum (Vacuum-Only) 0970-20 - The Home Depot

Spend hauling tools on and off the jobsite for applications by choosing this durable Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT Lithium-Ion Cordless Wet or Dry Vacuum.

www.homedepot.com

View attachment 223264

Picked this guy up today - Haven't put it to much use yet, but it feels well built and has a good suction level. The portability and size should be fantastic for detailing out the car quickly OR just cleaning up as I go on random projects. Will see what the 1/4" hex driver looks like before deciding on returning the item or not. Would be my 5th impact driver around the garage, but would be a great fit for a roadtrip bag / junkyard bag.

 

[gerryvz]

This vac is perfect for carpet and tunk detailing. You can literally do multiple vehicles in like 15 mins with its portability.

I’ve not needed the bag yet, but for dry applications make sure you install the red and white dust filter inside.

For wet applications, REMOVE this dust filter and place with the (extra cost) black foam filter. You CAN get away in wet mode with no filter, too, but it’s best to protect the motor with a filter.

The long reach flexible attachment is also excellent for car detailing work.

 

[gsxr]

The AIR-TIP Automotive Kit (49-90-2019A) has a nice selection of attachments, including the long-reach one Gerry mentioned above. And, it comes with a very nice, very large zippered storage bag, which has room for additional attachments you might buy. Unfortunately it ain't cheap and I've never seen it go on sale (yet). I got this kit as a bundle deal with my vacuum earlier this year.

Milwaukee AIR-TIP 1-1/4 in. - 2-1/2 in. Automotive Kit W/Crevice Tools, Utility Nozzle and Bag For Wet/Dry Shop Vacuums (4-Piece) 49-90-2019A - The Home Depot

The Milwaukee AIR-TIP3-Piece Automotive Vacuum Tool Kit is an ideal mix for interior car detail cleaning. This automotive vacuum kit features three AIR-TIPTrade Focused Vacuum Accessories, including the

www.homedepot.com