What tools do you own, use the most, wish you had, etc.

[Bishop]

So, I've just recently in the past couple months started collecting and building my own set of tools instead of having to constantly borrow from people and what not.... I'm wondering what tools you guys have that you love, can't work on your car without, wish you had on a constant basis, etc.... This isn't limited to like wrenches, sockets, jacks, stands, etc.... No need to mention an in-ground lift cause well, we'd all love one but I'm trying to think of things to add to the list of what to pick up down the road... Like volt meters, brake bleeder stuff, drain pans, magnetic pans, universal joints, etc...

[b*saint]

Im surprised we don't have a garage or toolset sticky thread.

I have a lot of tools relative to a home mechanic, maybe what an entry level tech would have at a dealer. Now the majority is snapon but I've been buying tools for a long time from different brands. My never let me down ratchet is my NAPA pear head. These are NOT napa evercraft brand, the tools from napa I have you have to special order. But the two most invaluable tools to me have been:

Snapon FBF80 - $110

Lately its the only ratchet I can get in some spots.

Mac Tools XR110 - $118

If the FBF80 can't contort itself to fit, this ratchet will. Also since its has 11 positions, it is as versatile as the FBF80. It has a long handle so its got a lot of nut to to it.

Some tools I want are from the italian maker Beta, but they don't really sell in the states. I've had a metric wrench set from a german company stahlwille. Very nice, I gave them to my brother as a gift after I picked up two (chrome and industrial finish) snapon wrench sets.

[Atreus]

well, aside from having 3/4" drive for most of my stuff, i have the norm:

sockets - 6 point of course
torx/etorx
allen wrenches
screwdriver sets for ratchet

panel poppers ( plastic ones, but that interior is MINE! bwahahaha)
pick tools
multimeter
metric caliper
soldering iron
electrician tools (crimping/stripping/connectors/plugs/heatshrink) - speaking of which, i gotta rewire my maplight mirror, this is gonna be fun.
and some random stuff i can't find right now. but between all of that, i get along fine...

things in my forseeable future are:

pickle fork
spring compressor
own breaker bar
bolt/stud removal kit
tap and die kit, again....

[KenC]

Funk has a 4' impact extension with a locking tip on it. You can get the upper tranny bolts in/out with an impact. It's been deemed the "God Tool."

[Todd Black 88]

An actual proper ball joint splitter. pickle forks suck IMHO.

[jlevie]

Special tools that I have include:

BMW ball joint press (pricey at ~$200, but worth every penny)
Sir Tools BMW rear bearing kit
Industrial 5hp compressor w/100% duty cycle
A full assortment of air tools
Milwaukee 18v impact wrench
Miller mig welder
Oxy-acetylene torch
Camber gage
Hoist & load leveler
Engine brace
Parts washer
1" through 3" tenth reading micrometers
tenth reading bore gage
Metric drill/tap/die set
A couple of DMM's
3-in-1 sheet metal tool
4x6" metal cutting band saw
8" pedestal grinder fitted with a wire brush wheel (great for cleaning rusty fasteners)

Current wants include a media blaster and a blast cabinet.

[spanishflea]

there should be a 'links' thread as well.

[SeriousBusiness]

I can't believe no one has mentioned this one:

High quality 3/8" and 1/2" torque wrenches. Invaluable when replacing/tightening pretty much any nut and bolt on a car.

[nrubenstein]

I can't believe no one has mentioned this one:

High quality 3/8" and 1/2" torque wrenches. Invaluable when replacing/tightening pretty much any nut and bolt on a car.

1/4" is important too when you've got the engine open.

[jlevie]

I can't believe no one has mentioned this one:

High quality 3/8" and 1/2" torque wrenches. Invaluable when replacing/tightening pretty much any nut and bolt on a car.

I'd consider those to be ordinary and mandatory tools, like sockets & wrenches.

[SeriousBusiness]

I'd consider those to be ordinary and mandatory tools, like sockets & wrenches.

You would be surprised. Every week I have people walk into my work and ask me about engine building procedures and special tools needed for xxxx engine components. I always mention using a tq wrench and usually get the same answer; "you know where I can rent one at?" :???:

[Bishop]

Ok, this is awesome, I didn't expect the thread to take off like this. You guys keep making contributions, as well as suggestions as to formatting the original post? Or leaving it as is... I'll contact someone about possible sticky.

[Kershaw]

a full set of metric allen wrenches are invaluable.
and a full set of metric ratcheting wrenches make life so much easier.

[Farbin Kaiber]

A two post lift and a 200 gal compressor.

[Kershaw]

^ hah!