Everyone has a few tools that are extremely handy to have around and save a lot of time when fixing a car.
(X-post from j-body.org)
I think I’m going to buy one of these because I’m tired of using pliers and clamps.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34304
What others do you guys use.
(Credit Cards do not count)
…for that price, buy a bunch of them. You need a decent cheater bar and some type of penetrating fluid. Also a friend is always handy when working with rusty bolts.
For those brake pistons you have to rotate to release.
Rarely do I work on a car without finding a reason to use one of these:
Got this for Christmas this year and have used it several times in the garage and around the house. Magnetic and adjustable to have light right where you want it, but small enough that it fits everywhere.
That light is pretty nifty.
I like the whole thing … you know the tool box
Gotta have the old moment arm extension device.
not so random but I ALWAYS find myself using a metric socket set when working on my car.
Big ass sheets of cardboard to lay on, and protect the driveway from drippage.
I don’t even know what to call them, but those long flexible grabber things that can pull dropped nuts out of hard to reach places, also works for VW enthusiasts who chew gum.
:fry:
And you always seem to be using a socket extension that’s either 2" too short or 2" too long.
i think the real name is mechanical fingers… those or magnets are always good to have laying around
An aluminum jack. I didn’t realize how nice it would be not lugging that iron brick around until I got a nice lightweight racing jack.
I’ve got this one that I got on sale for $50:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039
I’ve heard they tend to break wheels so I’ve been careful rolling it around and it’s been great for over a year.
Doesn’t your goat weigh like TWICE that capacity ?:mamoru:
ratching open ended wrenches… god damn i don’t know what i was thinking not having those for so long.
Grabby Tool
Others would be:
Hose pinch pliers
cordless impact - I have a 12v Dewalt I use continuously
rotating deburring tool - for those of us that make everything
x’s 923,485,384,102
Seriously. Much better than using a misc. screw driver or tool to try to wedge in the slots and turn while applying pressure.
Fucker. 
Good thing I’ve never tried to put the jack in the center of the car and lift the whole thing. 
I made one when I couldn’t find mine once. Took a big fender washer, cut a square hole in the center for the ratchet, and put two small bolts through the outter edge of the washer to act as the teeth that grab the piston notches. Worked surprisingly well.
Ratcheting wrenches are worth every penny.
I also like universal sockets. Don’t use them that often, but they’re great to have around.
Magnetic dish for bolts.
It’s worth buying a good cold chisel and probably a set of taps and dies.
You actually dont need one of these. 99% of turn in calipers push in if you remove the lever off the back. (and its the proper way to do it)
A full thread tap set
Set of easy outs
Good Lights
a torch
PB blaster…
a good cheater bar
and an organized!!! toolbox