Tools that every man should own

[dustoffer]

YOu hook up with one of those and you never quit paying--oh yeah, the nail gun. Sorry!

[JGreen31]

A good tap and die set. Tap wrench, cutting fluid. Emory cloth.

Tri-square, angle finder, digital slide caliper.

0-6" micrometer set.

[CM Sackett]

I also have a kennedy roll away that is full of machining tools that I know very little about, it was my granddads.

TONS of useful, time/work/experience-proven items in THAT BOX, I'd wager.

I've seen most of the 'essentials' listed. But SEVERAL pairs of DIFFERENT TYPES of Vise-Grips... at least TWO of every "common" wrench you'll ever use (5/16" - 1"... and their metric kin)... set of tubing wrenches (box, with a cut-out)... small/medium AND large extending magnets (and get one of the quality shirt pocket small telescoping magnets... works wonders).

I didn't notice one mentioned, but a magnetic TRAY (Blue-Point makes a stainless one that's a good fit for most under-car type projects) for bolts, screws, WRENCHES, etc. comes in awfully handy too many times.


-Sackett-

BTW, if you like working with tools... get some top of the line models of commonly used items - a set of wrenches you've admired from afar, etc.

Working with tools you're proud of, when you work with them daily... DOES make a difference.

NOTE: I would NOT suggest buying, or using the "Collector Edition" white-handled screwdrivers from Snap-On. Had a mechanic at one of the Midas shops I ran years ago get those, and use them... once.

He cried (literally) when the #1 Flat slipped out of his greasy fingers and was nicked as it bounced across the concrete. He was mad for two days.

[COPPERHEAD]

[QUOTE=CM Sackett;5226661]TONS of useful, time/work/experience-proven items in THAT BOX, I'd wager.

That box of tools made him a good living. I wish I had half the intelligence that man had. I remember as a boy watching him work. They had a laithe with a 48" chuck, it would blow your hat off when turning a part. My dad followed in his footsteps and makes a good living. I chose to go another route. I know he hoped I would learn the trade or he wouldnt have left the tools to me.

[RobinBradbery]

A well made ratcheting screwdriver. I wish I had two because my husband is always borrowing mine. Mine is made by Snap-on.

That and , might I suggest, Gorilla Tape instead of Duct Tape. It is much stronger and sticks five time better in my opinion.

[30-30]

Cheater bar.

[HEADHUNTER71]

Cheater bar fer the stubborn one that wont break w/o killin yourself trying to break it loose , tap outs, and some WD40.

[Drichter1011]

Duck tape everything. And maybe a few tools ....,

[TyWebb]

Get a good fencing tool, they are handy around the lease or ranch!

[tx07]

OBD2 tester and a timing light.
Pulley puller & harmonic balancer puller if you work on engines.
Tubing bender, flaring tool and tubing cutter.
Hammer driver/ hammer screwdriver basically.
Easy out set
Tap & die set
Couple C clamps large and small

That's about all I can think of right now in the way of specialty tools.

[jathomas437]

We're getting him ready to fill up a pole barn So much for just a tool box

[CM Sackett]

A well made ratcheting screwdriver.

ABSOLUTELY! Spot ON!

...I have one from the '40s that I love.

[texag93]

Ive got a couple already, very handy when you need just a little more muscle. I also cary one in the floorboard of the pickup.

So you bring a cheater pipe to a gun fight?

[cosmiccowboy]

36" boltcutters

[glpoe1]

Cordless drill, impact and anything else cordless you can afford.

This and: Good Quality Lithium batter 1/2" Hammer, Drill, Screw gun combo. I have a Makita and a Makita impact gun or screw gun. The impact is one of my favorite tools and the batteries last a long time and charge in about 20 min. Another good "cheaper" brand of tool that works pretty good is the Ryobi tools. I do a lot of work for the Texas Ramp Project and they bought Ryobi tools and they are pretty good for the money.