what 5 hand tools ?

[vettestr]

I have a friend just starting the endless task of stocking his garage. For Xmas his wife wanted to know what 5 tools do I use most ? What would you suggest she buY first?

1. a good VOM = volt -ohm - meter with high impedance so it will not damage the electronics like the cheap meter WILL destroy.
2. a vacuum gauge = can tell many engine faults or tune up needs
3. die grinder = can be used in 100's of ways but buy good carbon burrs even though about 20 /35 bucks each, the $5. ones are a waste of money
4. long needle nose pliers - about 15 inches long so they reach everywhere = 1 set has a curved end and other is straight end
5. fender cover that has a flap built into it that has a magnetic strip inside so little bolts etc.. don't roll off and fall

[acaskie]

Most unusual selection, to say the least. However, on the other matter, I strongly recommend that she not do anything butt first.

[rdorman]

I am assuming he has the basic assortment of mechanics and power tools.

You list a few good ones. I would add:
- A good Dremel and a complete set of accesories. More uses that you imagine.
- A good set of wire strippers. I like the automatic kind.
- A auto stethascope(sp). Where is that noise coming from under the hood?
- A self bleeding kit
- A good bench vise
- A good bench grinder/buffer
- A variety of clamps


Couple of thoughts!
Rick

[vettestr]

Allen,
Thanks , I fixed the yypo . I mean typo

[blykins]

A bearing press. I use it all the stinkin time....$125 at Harbor Freight....12 ton arbor press.

[trularin]

Oil filter pliers - great at getting stuck filters off.
air body saw
air drill, reversible
brass hammer and/or plastic hammer.
2 to 2.5 foot 1/2" breaker bar

And... a 100KV cattle fencer for people who will not keep their fingers off. LOL

Just a few more

[rdorman]

A cattle prod! "son you can get a ______ to do just about anything with a cattle prod. It is a simple matter of voltage"

Personally I like the bang sticks used on sharks. You know, the ones with the shot gun shell in the end. Just poke them with it and BANG! Of course my 9MM is a effective 'keep your hands off' deterant.

Rick

[Jamo]

There are two I use everytime I'm screwing around with the car...

1. Telescoping 2 inch mirror to see where the heck I dropped the freeking bolt.

2. Telescoping magnet to pick up the freeking bolt cuz I can't get my fat a$$ under the car enough to reach it.

[CowtownCobra]

Don't forget the duct tape and bandaids.

[Art Burtt]

Tubing bender
double flaring tool
orbital sander
torque wrench
ratcheting boxed end wrenches
set of tap and dies
1/4 to 2 inch hole saw
These are all things I had to buy while working on my car.

[RedBarchetta]

Any Craftsman flat head screwdriver.

You can use it like a screwdriver.

Or you can use it like a chisel.

Or you can use the handle to beat on things with it.

Or you can use it like a driver and nail it through a stuck oil filter.

And when it breaks from abuse? You simply return it to Sears and they hand you a new one.

[rdorman]

Originally posted by RedBarchetta


Any Craftsman flat head screwdriver.

You can use it like a screwdriver.

Or you can use it like a chisel.

Or you can use the handle to beat on things with it.

Or you can use it like a driver and nail it through a stuck oil filter.

And when it breaks from abuse? You simply return it to Sears and they hand you a new one.

True. So true. Amazing value. Buy them by the set on sale and never buy another screw driver. Same with the rest of their mechanics tools.

Rick

[JoeLafives]

A leak-down tester.
A Bench Grinder
A drill press
A Soldering Iron
A Dremel
A cordless drill


Oh and a Dillion 650 reloader.

[Steve R]

1. Hammer
2. pry bar
3. pliers
4. blow torch
5. Ozzy CD

Steve

[RPRICE]

His very own beer cooler in the garage!

[REDSC400]

Hummm....

1) Hydraulic Jack (I know it is not a hand tool but hey, neither is a drill press)
2) Jack Stands (4)
3) Nice set of wrenches both SAE and Metric
4) Nice set of sockets, wratchets, extensions and universals.
5) Grease Gun + Creeper (ok thats 6 but you gotta have the creeper)

[Tommy]

I agree with RedSC400.

[vettestr]

GREAT IDEAS ALL. I see the beer cooler as the most expensive addition I ever bought cause my buddies stopped bringing a 6 or 12er and claimed the keg tasted better!? I am going to print this list off and try to get in on the deal myself.

[offroadr35]

i would have to agree with RedSC's list except torque wrench instead of grease gun

[acaskie]

Don't forget a nice folding chair so you can sit back and admire your handiwork once you're done( and take a pull on the beer you've just removed from your minifridge).