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Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 11:35 am
by Jancoe
Figured I'd start a topic about things we should have in our tool stash that we might not have or think of. Things that make working on stuff easier. I start with my gasket maker/ tube squeezer. I find this tool to be very handy. I get the last drop out of them all. I like this style. There is others out there that just slide up the tube so you can still read the information, but those don't hold the sealant near the nozzle after awhile. The ones branded for the auto industry are more expensive. Look for hair color or toothpaste tube squeezer. Stop into your local hair salon. They probably have a stash of them from the hair color tubes they go through.
https://www.amazon.com/LOVEINUSA-Stainl ... fe1836.jpg[/IMG]
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Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 12:23 pm
by DavidBarkey
telescopic mirrors and magnets for all the bolts, sockets, and wenches we drop in no mans land .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 2:02 pm
by Eugen
Jancoe wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 11:35 am
Figured I'd start a topic about things we should have in our tool stash that we might not have or think of. Things that make working on stuff easier. I start with my gasket maker/ tube squeezer. I find this tool to be very handy. I get the last drop out of them all. I like this style. There is others out there that just slide up the tube so you can still read the information, but those don't hold the sealant near the nozzle after awhile. The ones branded for the auto industry are more expensive. Look for hair color or toothpaste tube squeezer. Stop into your local hair salon. They probably have a stash of them from the hair color tubes they go through.
Someone in our family, I won't name any names, could really use this tube squeezer on the tooth paste tube. I will not dare mention it though, I don't want to sleep in the tent.
Great topic Evan, I like tools. In fact I think my diagnosis is TAS (tool acquisition syndrome).
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 2:27 pm
by DavidBarkey
The most important special tool i need these days is the one Eugen has .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 3:39 pm
by Eugen
DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 2:27 pm
The most important special tool i need these days is the one Eugen has .
yeah right! Listen Dave, I'm officially jealous of your milling machine!
In all seriousness though, you are welcome to borrow any tool I got here Dave, of course.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 4:38 pm
by DavidBarkey
Eugen wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 3:39 pm
DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 2:27 pm
The most important special tool i need these days is the one Eugen has .
yeah right! Listen Dave, I'm officially jealous of your milling machine!
In all seriousness though, you are welcome to borrow any tool I got here Dave, of course.
I don't think your
would let me borrow you and your ambition, energy and ability to work in the cold .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:32 am
by Eugen
@DavidBarkey my wife says it's ok to borrow me to work in the cold if you need help
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2023 10:53 am
by Jancoe
Would really like to have a mill and lathe one day. I browse marketplace here and there to get an idea what I want and found some good deals but not having the room currently makes it hard to get them.
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Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:10 am
by Eugen
Jancoe wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 10:53 am
Would really like to have a mill and lathe one day. I browse marketplace here and there to get an idea what I want and found some good deals but not having the room currently makes it hard to get them.
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Evan, I know that feeling. However, I have also noticed that even the price of used items goes up with time. Now I have decided that even if I don't have a place to put a tool like this such that I can use it, if the right deal comes along I will buy it and simply store it in a tent/portable garage until I may have a proper shop. May not be a good decision for everyone else, but this is what I've resolved myself to do.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:34 am
by thebuildist
My answer to this is based on asking myself:. What have I only recently gotten that I now use very often?
To be fair, each of these three things that I'm about to mention I've had for at least three or four years. But that's still recent in terms of my overall work experience.
1:. A flip driver in a dedicated cordless drill.
https://www.acehardware.com/departments ... ts/2100527
By far the majority of the time I use a cordless drill to either drill a 1/8 in hole, or screw in a Phillips head screw. With the flip driver installed I can do either of those things instantly.
2. A really big, at least 18 in, adjustable wrench
A while back I bought an 18 in adjustable wrench from harbor freight. Since then I've gone back and bought a 24 in as well. I almost never use them to turn nuts. But they're big enough and strong enough and provide enough leverage that you can bend and twist fairly heavy steel with them up to like a quarter inch plate. Or half inch rebar. And there's just a lot of times that you need to twist and tweak something made of metal and one of those big wrenches is perfect for the job! And the hole in the handle is great for bending rods as well. Just slip the hole over the rod and use the leverage of the tool to apply a bend. I find myself reaching for that big wrench all the time.
3. A bench mounted porta-band saw
- PXL_20220114_172012323.jpg (325.33 KiB) Viewed 19691 times
I first saw this tool hack done by Jimmy DiResta. He took a Milwaukee portaband saw and mounted it into a stand so that you can use it as a stationary tool. I did the same thing with the harbor freight version of Saw, just because it was so much more affordable. Fast forward about 8 or 9 years, and I'm still using that harbor freight small band saw. My best estimate literally speaking, is that I use it an average of four times every time I enter the shop. Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of times. Often it's for cutting metal. Copper, brass, aluminum, iron, steel. Pipe, conduit, tubing, all-thread, shafting, rebar, plate as thick as 1" or as thin as sheet metal.
But not only metal. If you need to quickly cut a little chunk of 2x4 or plywood or PVC, or... Anything except glass or tile, just throw it on the bandsaw. Way faster than getting out any other cutting tools.
Once this cheap harbor freight saw dies, I'll have to spend whatever it takes to get some other similar saw, and bench mount it like this one is. I can't live without it now
Bob
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:41 am
by DavidBarkey
That band saw is on my wish list now . Looked up that thing and the bench top mount . Come on lottery show me the money ..
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:52 am
by Eugen
That's a good list Bob. Regarding number 2, about 2 months ago I realized I'm missing a big pipe wrench every time I need to use one. Started to keep an eye on the marketplace and scored a set of vintage ones at a reality good price. They are also useful for everything you said.
About number 3, I so have a portable band saw but don't have the room to bench mount it. Very useful indeed!
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2023 4:37 pm
by Harry
I picked up a Sears old school vertical bandsaw quite some time ago. I made a angle iron steel stand for it and put locking casters on it. I use it mostly for cutting wood. I also found a cheap horizontal bandsaw that needed some tlc. Got it running and put a metal cutting blade on it. I use it for cutting metal and it is handy. Then at a garage sale last summer I found a porta-band saw, for $20 and I put it in my tool cabinet and have not looked at it since. I guess I should dig it out and see how it cuts.
Harry
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2023 5:20 pm
by thebuildist
Harry wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 4:37 pm
I picked up a Sears old school vertical bandsaw quite some time ago. I made a angle iron steel stand for it and put locking casters on it. I use it mostly for cutting wood. I also found a cheap horizontal bandsaw that needed some tlc. Got it running and put a metal cutting blade on it. I use it for cutting metal and it is handy. Then at a garage sale last summer I found a porta-band saw, for $20 and I put it in my tool cabinet and have not looked at it since. I guess I should dig it out and see how it cuts.
Harry
I can only speak for myself, but I was really excited when I found an old Craftsman 18" dual-speed bandsaw a few years back. In high speed it cuts wood, in low speed it does metal. And it's a really nice, big saw. I've resawed a couple small logs with it, and I use it any time I have to cut a large format metal object. Like when I cut the trunions out of a big piece of 1/2" plate for my quick-attach bucket adapter on the loader build. That 3' by 2' sheet of 1/2" plate was just too big to get on my portaband. It hits the rear support after only 5 or 6 inches, and I needed to make 24" long cuts. So I rolled out the big bandsaw and it did the job just fine. And so that big bandsaw is an important tool. And so is the tablesaw, etc.
BUT.
There are just countless times that I'm working at the bench, and I just need "a six inch piece of pipe" or "a 12" long 2x4" or "to trim an inch off of this end" and I just spin around and stick it (whatever it is) into that handy little bandsaw.
Now that I know, I can't live without it.
Bob
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 10:20 am
by thebuildist
I used another "newish to me" tool this morning and thought of this post.
I got one of these a year or so ago, and I use it all the time.
https://www.amazon.com/Nut-Thread-Check ... B09LH877TB
For folks who buy their hardware and parts primarily retail, it's probably not as useful. But for anyone who saves/repurposes/scrounges hardware and parts, this tool is invaluable. It instantly tell the difference between the variety of metric/imperial coarse thread/fine thread fasteners, both male and female.
I find myself using it all the time.
Bob
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 11:57 am
by Jancoe
thebuildist wrote:I used another "newish to me" tool this morning and thought of this post.
I got one of these a year or so ago, and I use it all the time.
https://www.amazon.com/Nut-Thread-Check ... B09LH877TB
For folks who buy their hardware and parts primarily retail, it's probably not as useful. But for anyone who saves/repurposes/scrounges hardware and parts, this tool is invaluable. It instantly tell the difference between the variety of metric/imperial coarse thread/fine thread fasteners, both male and female.
I find myself using it all the time.
Bob
Thanks Bob... that is now in my Amazon shopping cart list.
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Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 12:40 pm
by DavidBarkey
thebuildist wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 10:20 am
I used another "newish to me" tool this morning and thought of this post.
I got one of these a year or so ago, and I use it all the time.
https://www.amazon.com/Nut-Thread-Check ... B09LH877TB
For folks who buy their hardware and parts primarily retail, it's probably not as useful. But for anyone who saves/repurposes/scrounges hardware and parts, this tool is invaluable. It instantly tell the difference between the variety of metric/imperial coarse thread/fine thread fasteners, both male and female.
I find myself using it all the time.
Bob
Nice
Other than thread pitch gauges I have these to . For the same purpose as you . Plus it helps little man
learn sizes .
- image.png (497.81 KiB) Viewed 6693 times
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 1:05 pm
by Eugen
That is a useful tool
@thebuildist !
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 3:40 pm
by Harry
Looks like a great tool, thanks for posting Bob.
Harry
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2023 1:59 pm
by JSinMO
This doesn’t qualify as a tool but something I use constantly is old pill bottles. You guys probably already do this but I use them on almost every project to hold small parts. Easy to mark whats in it and put a lid on it. I found a bucket of them when we started going through my dads stuff. I know that’s why he saved them.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2023 2:08 pm
by DavidBarkey
JSinMO wrote: ↑Sun Feb 26, 2023 1:59 pm
This doesn’t qualify as a tool but something I use constantly is old pill bottles. You guys probably already do this but I use them on almost every project to hold small parts. Easy to mark whats in it and put a lid on it. I found a bucket of them when we started going through my dads stuff. I know that’s why he saved them.
D7506164-6248-4BAD-8A1B-4425840EE9F2.jpeg
Yes , and margarine containers . Or like my grandfather did . Clear glass Jars with the lid screwed to the bottom of the shelf .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2023 2:22 pm
by DavidBarkey
when working on 12v electrical . this tool is my go to . <img src="
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/imag ... p;usqp=CAU" alt="POWER PROBE III Clamshell - Red (PP3CSRED) [Car Automotive Diagnostic Test Tool, Digital Volt Meter, AC/DC Current Resistance, Circuit Tester] : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement"/>
will tell you + or - / voltage digitally / can power or ground a circuit up to 10 amp. with a push of a button . has audio for hard to reach fuse panels when checking an array of fuses .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2023 3:52 pm
by thebuildist
DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Sun Feb 26, 2023 2:08 pm
JSinMO wrote: ↑Sun Feb 26, 2023 1:59 pm
This doesn’t qualify as a tool but something I use constantly is old pill bottles. You guys probably already do this but I use them on almost every project to hold small parts. Easy to mark whats in it and put a lid on it. I found a bucket of them when we started going through my dads stuff. I know that’s why he saved them.
D7506164-6248-4BAD-8A1B-4425840EE9F2.jpeg
Yes , and margarine containers . Or like my grandfather did . Clear glass Jars with the lid screwed to the bottom of the shelf .
This reminds me of a funny thing I saw written recently: I don't remember exactly how it went but it was something like this, "I'm supposedly an adult male now. Where am I supposed to get all the dozens of jars of baby food with nails and screws in them?"
Lol
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2023 5:05 pm
by ras101
For me it is digital calipers, angles, rules. etc. Without these everything else pales into comparison. if we can't measure how can we achieve anything new? I have calipers, angle, thread, hole, length, etc. digital measurement. Why? because I believe in accuracy! I was raised by a design engineer!!!!
Take it or leave it guys I will only use tools that provide the best possible accuracy - want something different you should look elsewhere
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2023 11:26 am
by Gordy
DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Sun Feb 26, 2023 2:08 pm
JSinMO wrote: ↑Sun Feb 26, 2023 1:59 pm
This doesn’t qualify as a tool but something I use constantly is old pill bottles. You guys probably already do this but I use them on almost every project to hold small parts. Easy to mark whats in it and put a lid on it. I found a bucket of them when we started going through my dads stuff. I know that’s why he saved them.
D7506164-6248-4BAD-8A1B-4425840EE9F2.jpeg
Yes , and margarine containers . Or like my grandfather did . Clear glass Jars with the lid screwed to the bottom of the shelf .
My most reused container is the clear deli containers. Heck I paid for them might as well give them a new use, when they break then the recycler can have them
Gordy
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2023 12:10 pm
by Eugen
I use all the 1L yogurt, kefir, and 500mL sour cream containers we get left over, for bolts, parts, etc.. They are not see through so I label them with a black sharpie.
One of the handy tools I use quite often, is a deburring/scraper tool like this. Before discovering this it always annoyed me to use a file after drilling holes.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2023 1:24 pm
by DavidBarkey
Eugen wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 12:10 pm
I use all the 1L yogurt, kefir, and 500mL sour cream containers we get left over, for bolts, parts, etc.. They are not see through so I label them with a black sharpie.
One of the handy tools I use quite often, is a deburring/scraper tool like this. Before discovering this it always annoyed me to use a file after drilling holes.
Screenshot 2023-02-27 at 12.08.50.png
That deburring tool is great tool . I have first hand experience with them . But they can be dangerous too , I have first hand experience there too. Those little tips are NEVER to be resharpened by hand . Doing so removes the safety ball on the end . This Will result in a trip to the ER to have many stitches in your other hand . Don't be cheap like some employers I have worked for with these things , when dull by new ones .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2023 1:40 pm
by Gordy
Eugen wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 12:10 pm
I use all the 1L yogurt, kefir, and 500mL sour cream containers we get left over, for bolts, parts, etc.. They are not see through so I label them with a black sharpie.
One of the handy tools I use quite often, is a deburring/scraper tool like this. Before discovering this it always annoyed me to use a file after drilling holes.
Screenshot 2023-02-27 at 12.08.50.png
Before I got these, I simply used a larger drill bit to deburr drilled holes, sometimes still do
Gordy
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 7:10 am
by TLD89
He is a ideal for those of us with fat fingers. Take a magnet tip holder (apex) Remove the magnet and put it on just about any size bolt. Then use the socket.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 7:59 am
by thebuildist
Eugen wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 12:10 pm
I use all the 1L yogurt, kefir, and 500mL sour cream containers we get left over, for bolts, parts, etc.. They are not see through so I label them with a black sharpie.
One of the handy tools I use quite often, is a deburring/scraper tool like this. Before discovering this it always annoyed me to use a file after drilling holes.
Screenshot 2023-02-27 at 12.08.50.png
I broke two of the plastic ones before I finally broke down and bought an aluminum one.
I guess I have the strength of a gorilla.
LOL
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:08 am
by thebuildist
My deburring tool goes in a drawer in the same slot as:
1: a carbide tipped scribe. Dirt cheap, scribes straight onto steel. If you need a really clean/perfect line, paint the steel with dykem or a permanent marker and then scribe through that, The marker provides excellent contrast. But either way, its way more precise than any kind of pencil or marker or paint pen. And it never runs out.
Cheap versions work just fine.
https://www.amazon.com/Tungsten-Carbide ... B0819GJWX3
2: My automatic centerpunch. Again, pretty cheap. You can punch any spot with one hand. Just put the point where you want it, and push down until you hear, "Ka-CHUNK". And they work good for use as a tiny jackhammer. Seriously. Say you have a broken off tap in a hole: Put the centerpunch at a "rotational" angle and repeatedly punch it, and you may just get that tap to start wiggling/spinning. Or a nut that you can't get a wrench on, put the point rotationally against one face and give it a few punches. It won't undo 100ft-lbs of torque, but it's sometimes surprising what it can do.
But don't waste your money on the Chinese brass versions. They only last a little while. General Tools makes a steel one that's much better, others may as well.
https://generaltools.com/heavy-duty-aut ... nter-punch
Bob
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 11:03 am
by Eugen
I'm quite amazed by the good tips in this thread guys. Thank you
@thebuildist , I have an ok-ish scribe but definitely would like a better one, and found a general tools tungsten carbide scribe on amazon. I have an automatic puncher (brass one) but it's kinda useless, not strong enough to make a good enough indent. I always reach for the one made out of a 5/8 tap. That and the hammer puts a significant indent in anything. I would not mind the general tools puncher you point to, but it's quite pricey
on this side of the border.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 12:08 pm
by RoamingGnome
Another great topic... I'll add some of my accumulated "stuff" as I find it - I'm supposed to be in the middle of a big cleanup / purge this winter
We are getting our house ready to sell in the spring and it's amazing what you can collect living in one place for 30+ years -
Going into Princess or looking online at tools always starts the discussion
with
about what I could possibly need that I don't have already. I think It was easier when I was working and had the weekly visit from tool trucks. The other good/bad thing was being able to drive past Princess Auto on the way home from work.
- Zero Clearance socket adapters
- Socket to Hex "wrench" adapter
- Came as a set of 3 - 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive - lets you get a socket into a tight space and then turn it with a wrench
- Oil filter strap wrenches - Princess has an "ok" substitute that is basically a chunk of square tube with the strap on one end - The deluxe version is an actual CAT tool - part # 185-3630 that works really good - the metal saddle reduces the chance of crushing a filter
- and a couple of handy dandy kits -
- Thread restore kits - they aren't designed for cutting new threads, but work really good for cleaning rust and dirt off threads. Convenient hex drive so you can use them with a ratchet or driver- Includes common sizes/pitches of both Metric and SAE - and also thread files for larger stuff
Stud extractors - really useful to grip the outside of a socket head capscrew when the inner flats get stripped - or when someone tries to remove said capscrew with a ball end allen key and the ball breaks off...
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 4:11 pm
by Eugen
@RoamingGnome you have no idea how much I've been looking for the socket to wrench adapter, and sometimes I really wished to have the zero clearance ones. This was when working on the Honda truck. Never could find any of them at a reasonable price. The CAT filter wrench looks like it's great quality. Wish I had one of those. Ok, thanks for the drool material!
(I like your other tools too)
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 4:42 pm
by RoamingGnome
@Eugen I just had a quick look on the web - from Princess - The zero clearance drive reducers are about $18.00 (SKU: 8642787)
and amazon has the "3 PC Square Drive Socket Caps" for about $23.00 plus fees (think they are coming from out of country)
https://www.amazon.ca/Square-Drive-Sock ... 81&sr=8-59 they had some good deals on copies of the Cat filter wrench too...
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 5:08 pm
by Eugen
Many thanks Gerry! Your search skills
I did search for them and came out empty, just this afternoon!
I'm getting them!
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 6:21 pm
by Harry
thebuildist wrote: ↑Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:08 am
My deburring tool goes in a drawer in the same slot as:
1: a carbide tipped scribe. Dirt cheap, scribes straight onto steel. If you need a really clean/perfect line, paint the steel with dykem or a permanent marker and then scribe through that, The marker provides excellent contrast. But either way, its way more precise than any kind of pencil or marker or paint pen. And it never runs out.
Cheap versions work just fine.
https://www.amazon.com/Tungsten-Carbide ... B0819GJWX3
2: My automatic centerpunch. Again, pretty cheap. You can punch any spot with one hand. Just put the point where you want it, and push down until you hear, "Ka-CHUNK". And they work good for use as a tiny jackhammer. Seriously. Say you have a broken off tap in a hole: Put the centerpunch at a "rotational" angle and repeatedly punch it, and you may just get that tap to start wiggling/spinning. Or a nut that you can't get a wrench on, put the point rotationally against one face and give it a few punches. It won't undo 100ft-lbs of torque, but it's sometimes surprising what it can do.
But don't waste your money on the Chinese brass versions. They only last a little while. General Tools makes a steel one that's much better, others may as well.
https://generaltools.com/heavy-duty-aut ... nter-punch
Bob
My carbide tipped scribes, I made myself by silver brazing a small piece of carbide unto a piece of round stock. Then sharpened them on a diamond wheel that the machinist sharpened their cutting tools on. Bob, that was a good idea for the use if a automatic centerpunch to remove a broken tap. I’ll have to try it. My automatic centerpunch is a Starrett.
Harry
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 6:37 pm
by Harry
This is a handee clamp. I’ve used it to hold a bolt or nut in a difficult to reach area.
Harry
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 6:46 pm
by Harry
I’m sure most of you have tin snips, I like the aviation style. Unusual wrenches help in a pinch sometimes.
Harry
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:59 pm
by thebuildist
Harry wrote: ↑Tue Feb 28, 2023 6:21 pm
thebuildist wrote: ↑Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:08 am
My deburring tool goes in a drawer in the same slot as:
1: a carbide tipped scribe. Dirt cheap, scribes straight onto steel. If you need a really clean/perfect line, paint the steel with dykem or a permanent marker and then scribe through that, The marker provides excellent contrast. But either way, its way more precise than any kind of pencil or marker or paint pen. And it never runs out.
Cheap versions work just fine.
https://www.amazon.com/Tungsten-Carbide ... B0819GJWX3
2: My automatic centerpunch. Again, pretty cheap. You can punch any spot with one hand. Just put the point where you want it, and push down until you hear, "Ka-CHUNK". And they work good for use as a tiny jackhammer. Seriously. Say you have a broken off tap in a hole: Put the centerpunch at a "rotational" angle and repeatedly punch it, and you may just get that tap to start wiggling/spinning. Or a nut that you can't get a wrench on, put the point rotationally against one face and give it a few punches. It won't undo 100ft-lbs of torque, but it's sometimes surprising what it can do.
But don't waste your money on the Chinese brass versions. They only last a little while. General Tools makes a steel one that's much better, others may as well.
https://generaltools.com/heavy-duty-aut ... nter-punch
Bob
My carbide tipped scribes, I made myself by silver brazing a small piece of carbide unto a piece of round stock. Then sharpened them on a diamond wheel that the machinist sharpened their cutting tools on. Bob, that was a good idea for the use if a automatic centerpunch to remove a broken tap. I’ll have to try it. My automatic centerpunch is a Starrett.
Harry
Making a carbide scribe would be a fun project.
And Starrett? Wow. I didn't know I was friends with someone so wealthy!
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 7:50 am
by Harry
Bob actually I picked the centerpunch up at a garage sale for $20!
Harry
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 8:59 am
by DavidBarkey
Harry wrote: ↑Wed Mar 01, 2023 7:50 am
Bob actually I picked the centerpunch up at a garage sale for $20!
Harry
The fact you picked up anything Starrett for under $100 is amasing in its self . High quality and the $$ to go with it .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 10:04 am
by Harry
David, garage sale at a ladies house of a co workers house who passed away. She was selling all of his tools and didn’t know anything about tools.
Harry
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 1:38 pm
by ras101
Guys, this is never a question you should ask an avid tools collector. ALL tools are needed, I mean always! no exceptions! So honey want to go shopping with me? the answer always no - I hate shopping..
But when I go tools shopping - Honey just going to the tool store be back in a minute - yeah right...she knows I might be home that day but don't expect me...
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 2:18 pm
by thebuildist
Harry wrote: ↑Wed Mar 01, 2023 7:50 am
Bob actually I picked the centerpunch up at a garage sale for $20!
Harry
You Lucky Dog!
Bob
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 4:45 pm
by ras101
So guys I really want you drawling here....my father was a design engineer in England! when ha past in 1987 I inherited all his drawing tools, design tools, etc. So I have everything Starrent! not only that but I picked up his brain too... he taught me soo much and that coupled with a attending a Technical Modern school in the UK where we learnt Technical drawing (yeah using a drawing board first before computers) scaling British Locomotives to 1/20th scale and then building these in the metal fab shop too. still ll his design tools, including his mics, etc and have augmented those over the years with digital instruments. I mean, mics, calipers, angle gauges, measures etc. I still , I guess old school in that I design first before building second and visualize everything first.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:36 pm
by keith
This is one of my favorites.
12"extension that I can use in my cordless impact or drill using magnetic bits for screws or with an adapter for 1/4"drive sockets. Available in different lengths.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2023 7:21 am
by Toolslinger
I didn't have much Starrett stuff when I was young. This was during my woodworking phase, so really it just wasn't needed. I'd get the odd piece here and there at an auction. However I did specifically buy their 12" satin chrome combination square. There simply is no comparison to the generic plastic body, or aluminum body combo squares with the polished blades. Far beyond the smooth workings, and great accuracy (far more than I needed), was that you could actually read the rule without having to get the light just right, and they didn't rust up.
I've got 4 of those now, plus a couple 6" units, and then I splurged for a 24" bar as well. They were all pricey, but I'd do it again in an instant.
I've got other top quality units from Lufkin, and B&S, but being vintage, they don't have that satin chrome blade. They get used for sure, particularly when I want to have several squares set to different depths, but they sure aren't as easy as those Starretts.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2023 12:17 am
by Eugen
Here's the caliper is like most from the few I got. It's easy to read, fairly accurate, and most importantly it can switch seemlessly between mm, in, and inch fractions.
When I measured all the o-rings and seals of the 644 cylinders the fractions function was a great help because, assuming the seals and o-rings were standard sizes I was able to quickly zero in to the nominal fraction.
The accuracy as compares to my micrometer is consistently off 50 ten thousands. That's good enough for me. When I want more accuracy I get the micrometer out.
Supposedly it is spill proof. I would not dare test that though.
I got it from amazon about two years ago, brand moock.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2023 6:00 am
by DavidBarkey
Eugen wrote: ↑Sat Mar 04, 2023 12:17 am
Here's the caliper is like most from the few I got. It's easy to read, fairly accurate, and most importantly it can switch seemlessly between mm, in, and inch fractions.
58383732-C282-4D5E-A3F8-866634753444.jpeg
When I measured all the o-rings and seals of the 644 cylinders the fractions function was a great help because, assuming the seals and o-rings were standard sizes I was able to quickly zero in to the nominal fraction.
The accuracy as compares to my micrometer is consistently off 50 ten thousands. That's good enough for me. When I want more accuracy I get the micrometer out.
Supposedly it is spill proof. I would not dare test that though.
I got it from amazon about two years ago, brand moock.
I too have a couple of mics. and verniers along with telescoping gauges . The Digital vernier is my go to as well or i have to get the magnifying glass out to use the old school ones .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2023 6:03 am
by DavidBarkey
I am not sure about the rest of you , but the tool I use the most now is spell check . with out it no one would not be able to understood what I wright .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2023 8:26 am
by Timj
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2023 9:00 am
by Harry
Yes David, spell check is great, but auto correct can be a PITA. Sometimes I go back and proof read my posts.
Then I have to edit then for mistakes.
Harry
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2023 9:33 am
by DavidBarkey
Harry wrote: ↑Sat Mar 04, 2023 9:00 am
Yes David, spell check is great, but auto correct can be a PITA. Sometimes I go back and proof read my posts.
Then I have to edit then for mistakes.
Harry
I tried that once after about 5 min. the computer did this
It couldn't figure out what i was trying to say .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2023 10:05 am
by Eugen
My
turns autocorrect off on all my devices. She says "if anyone corrects you ever that would be ME!"
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2023 12:33 pm
by DavidBarkey
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu May 04, 2023 11:34 am
by Eugen
I don't know if you guys have temu.com in the US, but they are kinda new here in Canada, and I thought I'd give them a try, ordered a few things. It's an online business with very cheap items, obviously coming from China.
This is the tool I ordered, which looked pretty impressive when you look at the video. Drill bits with tungsten carbide tips apparently.
When they arrived I tested one on wood, clearly it worked without a problem. Then I tried it on steel and the sharp tip would not go in, so I thought "lesson learned" I just got some garbage and threw them in the drawer.
A few days ago I was working on the eyelet of one of the hydraulic cylinder rods, the grease zerk was broken in the hole from time immemorial probably, so there I go with a good HSS drill bit at it. The bit gets dull immediately. Hm... ok, sharpen it, go again, dull again. OK, maybe it was a bad bit I tell myself, and get another bit. That gets dull too and makes no progress drilling the hole. Then I remembered about the toy carbide tipped bits from temu.com and thought wth, doesn't hurt to try. Picked the right slightly smaller size than the zerk and the bit went in like through butter.
Whaaat? Turns out, after more testing, that this type of drill bits have a hard time starting the hole. But if there's any way it can catch on the material, like a bit of a hole already, then they really dig in. Now I like them a lot, for those situations when you need to put a hole in very hard metal.
These are the ones I got
https://www.temu.com/goods.html?_bg_fs= ... e_sn=10045
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu May 04, 2023 12:05 pm
by DavidBarkey
Thats good to know . Most bolts are case hardened . So the centre is soft enough for small bit to start a hole , but the outer diameter will dull most bits. That where these would come in really handy.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu May 04, 2023 12:24 pm
by Eugen
One thing I forgot to add about the temu.com business. In the last month and a half I made four orders from them. Shipping is free to Canada, and I've never seen such small prices, for quality that I would say it's at Walmart level. The shipping came three times later by a few days than what they promised, which was about 2 weeks. Every time it was late they added $5 to my account. All orders did come through though.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu May 04, 2023 12:54 pm
by Toolslinger
Eugen wrote: ↑Thu May 04, 2023 11:34 am
I don't know if you guys have temu.com in the US, but they are kinda new here in Canada, and I thought I'd give them a try, ordered a few things. It's an online business with very cheap items, obviously coming from China.
FWIW... I have read some pretty troubling things about Temu's app/interface. It aggressively looks to grant itself access to data it has absolutly no need or right to. While I love a good bargin, I'm not willing to go that far.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu May 04, 2023 1:19 pm
by Eugen
Toolslinger wrote: ↑Thu May 04, 2023 12:54 pm
FWIW... I have read some pretty troubling things about Temu's app/interface. It aggressively looks to grant itself access to data it has absolutly no need or right to. While I love a good bargin, I'm not willing to go that far.
Hm.. this is concerning, thanks, I just looked into that. Also found an article in usatoday about this, it claims the following:
"Temu collects, among other things:
• The info you provide, such as your name, address, and phone number.
• Details you enter, such as your birthday, photo, and social media profiles.
• Your phone or computer’s operating system and version, your IP address, GPS location (if you allowed it), and browsing data."
Elsewhere on twitter some people say that the temu app bypasses your phone security and your firewall and it sends this info to China.
OK guys, if you're worried about being tracked in China, obviously do not install this app. Though the same thing will apply to a lot of apps you install on your phone.
Now here's my 2c about this issues, since it was brought up. My day job has been stuff with computers for many years, and cyber security is something that's not unfamiliar. For an app to bypass, for instance, the iPhone security access, it's very very unlikely; Apple would not be happy about that, and I'm sure they would fix the issue. On my iPhone the temu app does not have access to pretty much anything. It never asked me for my birthday or to gain access to anything concerning such as GPS location. As for my name, address, phone number, I did give it that when I ordered the products, obviously so it gets shipped to me. I paid with Paypal, so they didn't get my credit card. I'm comfortable with that though, and not saying any of you should do the same.
BTW, I don't know what browsers or phones you guys are using, but if you knew how far some of your information gets passed around you would probably stop using a computer or phone altogether. If you do want to do things anonymously on the internet you need to put a lot of effort into it, and you can ask me how to do it. I know it, but don't care much about it, as I can't honestly think of a way it can be used to harm me.
Edit: sorry about the whole temu.com thing, I'm not recommending the site/business to anyone, just wanted to point to the drill bits I got. Looks like the exact same thing is available on amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/Kwokker-Concrete ... =256276011
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 2:00 pm
by Eugen
There's something I've had for years and still use. But first, a demo.
- Half done.
- Half done different angle.
- Whole lens done
- Sample 2, before.
- Samole 2, after.
- Sample 3, before.
- Sample 3, after.
This product is quite unique. It polishes plastic back to almost new. I've used this many times in the past, and got to use it today on some plastic light lenses. You know how at some point the plastic becomes dull and blurry. Well, this restores it as you can see. It's a blueish paste and you only need a little, on a piece of cotton fabric. I use an old t-shirt. And you rub it in well. Then with another part of the same cotton fabric you wipe it and rub it dry. When I first tried it, to me it almost seemed miraculous.
This is called Meguiar's PlastX and I got it for $15 at our local Canadian Tire, and you get 10 fluid oz. I'm not connected to the company or product in any way, of course.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 4:17 pm
by DavidBarkey
Use it all the time . Works great for lexan or plexiglass windows as well . I even buff the
head lights . When they are really bad , I water sand with 1000 then 3000 then polish with low speed polisher and plastic polish .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 5:59 pm
by Harry
Eugen, thanks for posting this. My brother was coming over during the summer and backed into my Jeep. I had a collision shop do the work. It needed a new headlight so now I have a new one on one side and a fogged up one on the other side. I tried some rubbing compound, and it did get better but still a bit foggy. I'll give it a try; I've got nothing to lose.
Harry
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 6:57 pm
by MattA
I did the wet sand with progressively higher grits and then plastic polish on my old car headlights about 15 years ago. Worked pretty good. You might be able to get a new headlight from a 3rd party retailer at a decent price.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 7:55 pm
by JSinMO
Interesting. I’m sure the lenses on my pickup would benefit from this. I’ve never tried it. How often do you have to reapply it?
That bottle says cleaner and polish. Do you guys put any other coating on to make it last longer?
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 8:45 pm
by thebuildist
Some of you may be like me where I'm experiencing full-on arthritis in my hands. In particular squeezing things really hard causes pain.
It's not that I can't do it. It's a question of whether or not I'm willing to pay the price.
So right now I'm building an aluminum tool case as a Christmas present. 1/8-in thick sheet aluminum joined at all the corners with aluminum angle iron. And fastened with rivets.
Well you can guess what the experience of popping dozens of 3/16 rivets is going to be.
So I jumped on Amazon and ordered one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09TSJDHN4
And I have to say, the thing works like a charm. It's not necessarily ideal for access issues, where sometimes you put a right angle rivet gun down into a cavity. But for any rivets that you can reach with the tool it makes it fast and effortless to pop them.
And even though this is the cheapest one on there, it's actually made of what appears to be aluminum. And the quality seems okay. It has certainly worked flawlessly for 20 rivets or so.
Just a heads up if anybody's curious about them.
Bob
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 10:21 pm
by Eugen
JSinMO wrote: ↑Thu Nov 30, 2023 7:55 pm
Interesting. I’m sure the lenses on my pickup would benefit from this. I’ve never tried it. How often do you have to reapply it?
That bottle says cleaner and polish. Do you guys put any other coating on to make it last longer?
Jeff, this paste brings the clarity of the plastic lens back, no coating remains on the surface. I did the truck headlights too, today. I don't think I'll need to do it again before the truck's life's over.
The plastic lenses on the big backhoe instrument panel were so foggy that I could barely tell the dials behind. After polishing them with this paste they're almost like new.
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 5:32 am
by DavidBarkey
JSinMO wrote: ↑Thu Nov 30, 2023 7:55 pm
Interesting. I’m sure the lenses on my pickup would benefit from this. I’ve never tried it. How often do you have to reapply it?
That bottle says cleaner and polish. Do you guys put any other coating on to make it last longer?
Good old fashion car wax will help last a little longer and stay cleaner in the winter . It is the UV rays that etch the surface .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 5:43 am
by DavidBarkey
thebuildist wrote: ↑Thu Nov 30, 2023 8:45 pm
Some of you may be like me where I'm experiencing full-on arthritis in my hands. In particular squeezing things really hard causes pain.
It's not that I can't do it. It's a question of whether or not I'm willing to pay the price.
So right now I'm building an aluminum tool case as a Christmas present. 1/8-in thick sheet aluminum joined at all the corners with aluminum angle iron. And fastened with rivets.
Well you can guess what the experience of popping dozens of 3/16 rivets is going to be.
So I jumped on Amazon and ordered one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09TSJDHN4
And I have to say, the thing works like a charm. It's not necessarily ideal for access issues, where sometimes you put a right angle rivet gun down into a cavity. But for any rivets that you can reach with the tool it makes it fast and effortless to pop them.
And even though this is the cheapest one on there, it's actually made of what appears to be aluminum. And the quality seems okay. It has certainly worked flawlessly for 20 rivets or so.
Just a heads up if anybody's curious about them.
Bob
I have never seen a drill attachment rivet gun , that must be a new thing . Back in the day when building race cars ,this what I used to save my hands as there were thousands to to in a car .
Yes like you and others Aurther and his brother Ittis have taken up residence in various part of my body . A few years back I started drinking a glass a day of our homemade V6 juice . The brouthers have not left my body , but it has kept them in check . Try it , it takes awhile to start working , but is way better for you than anty-inflamitories meds .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 5:53 am
by DavidBarkey
I use a kit like this and finish with the polishing compound for plastic lens . Works best with a small battery drill that does not spin to fast . Remember to tape the edges of the painted surface with masking tape incase you slip off the lens .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 7:32 am
by thebuildist
Thanks Dave. I'll give it a go as soon as soon as I'm back in the vegetable juice business. For now I'm rocking sort of a keto diet, fewer than 20 grams of carbs per day, and that much tomato juice would blow it for me.
I've been doing it since mid-July, and I've lost 22 lbs, so I'm about halfway there.
Once I'm done with strict keto I'll have to work out a new "forever" eating plan, and something like a V8 would fit in nicely there. My general mindset is, "limited carbs, lots of fish/meat/eggs/veggies, moderate dairy and cheese, and avoid seed oils and processed foods as though they'll kill you."
Bob
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 8:19 am
by Harry
DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Fri Dec 01, 2023 5:43 am
thebuildist wrote: ↑Thu Nov 30, 2023 8:45 pm
Some of you may be like me where I'm experiencing full-on arthritis in my hands. In particular squeezing things really hard causes pain.
It's not that I can't do it. It's a question of whether or not I'm willing to pay the price.
So right now I'm building an aluminum tool case as a Christmas present. 1/8-in thick sheet aluminum joined at all the corners with aluminum angle iron. And fastened with rivets.
Well you can guess what the experience of popping dozens of 3/16 rivets is going to be.
So I jumped on Amazon and ordered one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09TSJDHN4
And I have to say, the thing works like a charm. It's not necessarily ideal for access issues, where sometimes you put a right angle rivet gun down into a cavity. But for any rivets that you can reach with the tool it makes it fast and effortless to pop them.
And even though this is the cheapest one on there, it's actually made of what appears to be aluminum. And the quality seems okay. It has certainly worked flawlessly for 20 rivets or so.
Just a heads up if anybody's curious about them.
Bob
I have never seen a drill attachment rivet gun , that must be a new thing . Back in the day when building race cars ,this what I used to save my hands as there were thousands to to in a car .image.png Yes like you and others Aurther and his brother Ittis have taken up residence in various part of my body . A few years back I started drinking a glass a day of our homemade V6 juice . The brouthers have not left my body , but it has kept them in check . Try it , it takes awhile to start working , but is way better for you than anty-inflamitories meds .
I never heard of a drill operated rivet gun either. If I had a lot of rivets to install, I would definitely purchase one of these. I also am starting to experience stiffness in my wrist and fingers. I hand sanded the auger on the snowblower a few days ago before painting. My hands are still revolting.
Harry
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 11:26 am
by Eugen
@DavidBarkey for those squeaky joints!
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 4:16 pm
by DavidBarkey
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 4:56 pm
by Timj
Eugen wrote: ↑Fri Dec 01, 2023 11:26 am
@DavidBarkey for those squeaky joints!
IMG_1431.jpeg
I have drank some stuff that tastes worse than WD40.
just saying
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 5:07 pm
by DavidBarkey
Eugen wrote: ↑Fri Dec 01, 2023 11:26 am
@DavidBarkey for those squeaky joints!
IMG_1431.jpeg
Dude , you have to share that to me on Facebook . I tried
didn't work .
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 6:26 pm
by Eugen
DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Fri Dec 01, 2023 5:07 pm
Eugen wrote: ↑Fri Dec 01, 2023 11:26 am
@DavidBarkey for those squeaky joints!
IMG_1431.jpeg
Dude , you have to share that to me on Facebook . I tried
didn't work .
Sent you the pic
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 7:54 pm
by JSinMO
Eugen wrote: ↑Fri Dec 01, 2023 11:26 am
@DavidBarkey for those squeaky joints!
IMG_1431.jpeg
I’ll be darned! Here I’ve been drinking it from the spray can all this time!
Re: Tools we all need.
Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2023 7:30 am
by Eugen
JSinMO wrote: ↑Fri Dec 01, 2023 7:54 pm
Eugen wrote: ↑Fri Dec 01, 2023 11:26 am
@DavidBarkey for those squeaky joints!
IMG_1431.jpeg
I’ll be darned! Here I’ve been drinking it from the spray can all this time! IMG_4393.png
We don't judge here Jeff. I know what the spray tastes like