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Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

womp womp womp womp
What's your budget? The Gearwrench 1/4 and 3/8 sets are excellent quality for the price and you can find them for sale with bonus sets. Tekton is another decent budget brand.

Edit: Part number here

http://m.ebay.com/itm/GearWrench-57...a%257Ciid%253A1

Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro line has some gems too, buy what you need from HF and replace it with better quality tools when it breaks.

Bulk Vanderhuge fucked around with this message at 18:16 on Aug 3, 2017

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Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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Colostomy Bag posted:

Edit: As for small format 1/2" if Koken doesn't make one, then no one would. Hell they probably have a 1/2" drive shorty with a 2" handle just because.

http://www.kokenusa.com/products/model/403

SK has a new 90 tooth ratchet out and it's niiiiiiiice

https://www.harryepstein.com/blogs/tag/sk-90-tooth-ratchet/

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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monsterzero posted:

2763-22 or GTFO. I don't see the need for a 3/8" gun after buying a 1/2". For giving up 900ft-lbs they're not that much smaller, and I've generally been able to get a socket on anything that needed persuasion. 900 TORQUES! I do want a hex driver for light duty work in confined spaces though.

powderific posted:

It's the same size as the 3/8" M18 so if you have a bunch of 1/2" impact sockets already but want something more compact than the beastly 1/2" it might make sense. I kinda wish I'd gotten that one instead of the 3/8" for that reason.

http://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-mid-torque-impact-wrenches/

Mid torque impact is rated 450/600 ft/lbs. The high torque wrench is too damned huge to use all the time and the compact is light but lacks power on stubborn suspension bits. I have all three now and they're all handy but if I was to do it all over again I'd just get the mid and a nice breaker bar.




The cordless ratchets are great too, I use mine all the time and the new ones have more power

Bulk Vanderhuge fucked around with this message at 17:18 on Aug 14, 2017

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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nitsuga posted:

I’m considering the Dewalt XR 1/2” impact and found two versions, a 4.0 and a 5.0Ah, $300 or $350 with a charger. Any reason to choose one over the other? I’d say it will get used but not all the time, mostly for my family’s cars and odd jobs around the house.

Likewise, any other recommendations? The power/price of the Dewalt is pretty appealing, but if I could save a bit I wouldn’t mind.

What do plan on using it for? I made a post about Milwaukees offerings, I'd just get their mid torque if I was doing it all over again. The DCF899 and 2763 are comparable and I find mine to be too cumbersome to use unless I really, really need to break something.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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nitsuga posted:

I think everybody here would have a hard time recommending the HF. They haven't been around long enough to prove whether or not they're good. Besides that, there isn't the ecosystem in place that the pro-grade brands do.

Personally, I just bought the Milwaukee 2860 1/2" Mid Torque wrench. I know their tools are more expensive, but I like knowing that it's going to do what I want it to do. There's also a ton of tools that run on the same battery. If you're OK with eBay, you can definitely find good deals on them too.

Nice, I think you'll be ready happy with it. The tough part now is not picking up bare tools when they come on sale.

Right now the issue with HFs new upper tier power tool line is that you can get a DeWalt for a little more money, and buy something that has a good reputation, QC, and ecosystem.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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Rubiks Pubes posted:

I'd like to get a cordless ratchet. I used to have some Skil one back in the day that worked ok until it stopped charging. All my other cordless tools are Ryobi but it doesn't look like they make one. Any recommendations?

I really like my Milwaukee 3/8 cordless ratchet, the speed and size helps a lot for situations like oil pans and diff covers, etc. It's a bit lacking in power but the new Fuel models are coming out soon.

The new HF cordless ratchet is worth a look too if you're ok with being a guinea pig, lots of power for cheap.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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The basic Milwaukee line use brushed motors (brushes will degrade and need to be replaced,) the second one up is Milwaukee Brushless (no brushes or diminished power output to worry about) and the top of the line is FUEL. The FUEL lineup have upgraded brushless motors and a digital controller that helps with heat dissipation and power efficiency. There is a pretty big difference in power and battery life with the FUEL models, even over the regular brushless tools.

The M12 and M18 batteries will work with any tool in its respective family, the only difference being the capacity (1.5Ah, 4Ah, 9Ah, etc.)

Just buy a kit on sale and get bare tools as you need them.

Bulk Vanderhuge fucked around with this message at 21:45 on Nov 23, 2017

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

womp womp womp womp

EightBit posted:

If there are any non-air-powered grease guns worth a poo poo, I would love to know. When my TJ is running again, I need to go hit all 34 (:aaaaa: Curry suspensions have some, err, drawbacks) zerk fittings. Re-priming these bastards even once a year is too loving much.

DeWalt and Milwaukee have cordless grease guns, they seem to have good reviews.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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stgdz posted:

Anyone got a suggestion for a magnetic spark plug socket that articulates.?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0014ZVSVK?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title
I got this one but the socket size seems ofly small

Subaru's suck

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-80546-8-Inch-6-Inch-Swivel/dp/B0014ZVSVK

Koken makes a reaaaaally nice one if nothing else works.

http://www.kokenusa.com/products/product/150

IOwnCalculus posted:

3/8, and get the Fuel version.

The Fuel ratchets are enormous though, the 1/4" Fuel is closer in size to the brushed 3/8 one. It all depends on what you're working on and how much access you have.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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FatCow posted:

Is there any electric that can match a compact air impact (Aircat 1055-TH and similar) in the same general size? Being able to stuff an impact into suspensions and engine bays is pretty drat handy.

I'd imagine die grinders are in the same boat. Air engines are really small for their power output.

No, cordless tools aren't quite there yet when it comes to size and power. It's funny, I've been eyeing the new Milwaukee stubby impact and this video compares the two:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1HanQKdVGA

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Impact-Wrenches/2554-20

250 ft/lbs from a 12V tool is still pretty amazing.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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BraveUlysses posted:

Absolutely, especially since why would you want to waste money on impact rated 3/8in sockets when you could be buying Astro 1/2in low profile sockets instead



How are you liking the Nano sockets? I'm looking at the 3/8 model because I figure if the stubby is coming out (heh) it's because of clearance issues. Why not just go as compact as possible.



1/2" vs 3/8" drive

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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nitsuga posted:

Is it possible or maybe even easy to convert an M18 impact from pin detent to bull ring? It’s a Mid-Torque Fuel for what it’s worth.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-GENUINE-MILWAUKEE-42-06-0128-1-2-SQ-DRIVE-ANVIL-FITS-FUEL-2861-20-H62A/182824122655

What I bought, looks like they're out of stock but you could try ordering from a service centre.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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There's a lot of overlap and intermingling when it comes to tool OEMs:



https://toolguyd.com/tool-brands-corporate-affiliations/

From the comments, although this is outdated now:

quote:

Craftsman’s hand tools come from EVERYWHERE. Apex Tool Group makes a lot of their mechanics tools, Vaughan makes some of their hammers, Stride used to make some of Craftsman’s wire strippers (and Klein’s as well), Knipex made two Craftsman water pump-style adjustable pliers, Keter makes some of Craftsman’s tool boxes, Waterloo makes a lot of Craftsman’s tool chests and cabinets, Bosch produces some of Craftsman’s power tools (e.g. Dremel-style rotary tools) and accessories, Wilde used to make Craftsman’s pry bars, and Western Forge produces (or used to produce) some of Craftsman’s screwdrivers and pliers.

Here's a thread dedicated to finding the OEMs for different tool truck brand tools:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136120


Frank Dillinger posted:

Hard no there, big shoots.

There’s so much snap-on poo poo that’s a giant waste of money, it’s just Gucci for mechanics. They sell most of their tools because they offer direct sales and financing, not because of the quality.

(I own more snap-on stuff than I’d care to admit)

The pricing kind of makes sense if you think of it as paying for a lifetime supply of said tool that gets delivered to you right away. The garagejournal thread does show the the OEM for a lot of Snap-On stuff, so if you don't need a replacement RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW it doesn't make sense to pay the tool truck mark up (unless you want all your stuff to match, in which case I kind of do and also don't understand). For example:

Snap-On Bits = Zephyr
Snap-On Dead Blow Hammer = Trusty Cook
Snap-On Locking Pliers = Grip On

Even Snap-On has subsidiaries that offer the exact same or like 95% identical products; CDI, Bahco, Williams and Sioux are the industrial lines and offer some great value, case in point:

https://shop.snapon.com/product/112TMMY
12 pc 1/4" Drive 6-Point Metric Flank Drive® Shallow Socket Set (5-15 mm)
$194

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-MSM-12HRC-Hand-Tools-Sockets-Drive-Tools-1-4-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Metric-Socket-Sets
Williams MSM-12HRC | 1\4in. Drive Shallow Socket Set 6-Pt 12-Piece (USA Made)
$37.33

More photo comparisons here:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=188250

With that said there are some things worth going to Snap-On for, the used market is the best route for this. Their tool chests, ratchets, Instinct handle screwdrivers, ratcheting screwdrivers, swivel sockets and pliers are definitely right at the top. But even then some competitors offer even higher quality products (PB Swiss screwdrivers and bits, Koken ratchets and sockets are downright beautiful and their extensions have some :black101: knurling).

I could go on and on, I think it pays to shop around and be selective. Even the top brands have duds in their catalogue and some lower tier brands (IE Harbor Freight) have some real gems.

Bulk Vanderhuge fucked around with this message at 15:54 on Sep 2, 2019

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

womp womp womp womp
Powershift, I have you to blame/thank for this:

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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boxen posted:

I want to get some huge wrench and mount it over my workbench like grandpappy's old blunderbuss mounted over the mantelpiece.

That's exactly where it's going. It was only 30 Canuck bucks to boot!

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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The Husky tool bags/totes are great. Lots of space and compartments but they can get really heavy once you start filling them up. There is one with a handle and wheels so that might be a good option.

The stacking boxes on wheels from Rigid/DeWalt, Milwaukee, etc look good but I wonder just how mobile they are. It'd be nice to be able to organize tools and supplies by task though.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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CTA 7030 was recommended on Garagejournal, I picked one up but haven't had the chance to use it yet.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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The HF cases Hypnolobster linked to are pretty popular because they go for for $10 and $6 each with coupons. There are two different SKUs, at least for the shallow case. One is decent and the other should be avoided.

I wouldn't want to carry a fully loaded one like a suitcase but you can make a storage rack for them.



Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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Motronic posted:

Maybe just lack of doing suspension work on cars that have spent their life in the northeast.

This, after a decade everything looks like it's been in the bottom of a lake. That being said the Mid Torque is the one I'd go with as an all around impact wrench, maybe supplement it with a M12 stubby or right angle impact if you work in tight spots.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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Milwaukee released updated versions of the M18 compact and mid torque as well, they're both worth checking out.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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Black oxide is used on a lot of industrial geared tools, I found this neat explanation:

https://hausoftools.com/blogs/news/chrome-finish-vs-black-oxide-finish

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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mobby_6kl posted:

Are normal screwdriver bits some sort of standard imperial socket size? I want to use the hex bit in my ratchet because allen wrenches are a gently caress, but the metric sockets don't fit - one's too small, the next size is too large.

Try a 1/4" socket

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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I just used a TS100 to replace some key switches and it worked fine, the TS80 is supposed to be better for more precise work. You can use it with a battery pack too if you need portability. They go on sale often on gearbest/banggood/etc.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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I have a couple Grip Ons and they're nice but not at the USA Vise Grips level.

The new line of Harbor Freight locking pliers are supposed to be good, under the Bremen line. They're made in Taiwan and look identical to the Milwaukee ones (without the hole in the adjuster) at half the price.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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No arm dimensions listed but would something like this work?

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-long-reach-low-profile-professional-rapid-pump-floor-jack-blue-56641.html

I have the Canadian Tire version of this one and it can reach the the jacking point under the front subframe on my Fit. There's a coupon for it as well on hfqdb.

Edit:

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-eliminator-heavy-duty-low-profile-long-reach-garage-jack-3-ton-0090244p.html

Seems to be pretty much identical, lifting arm length is 19.5".

Bulk Vanderhuge fucked around with this message at 19:44 on Jun 7, 2021

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

womp womp womp womp
I got my NOCO Genius trickle charger on sale and it's been great. I was skeptical about the desulfating mode but it brought my dying 8 year old battery back to life. It's overdue for replacement but it no longer goes flat after a couple of days.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

womp womp womp womp
Seconding Ryobi. They have a large line up, often have sales and HDs are everywhere. I've supplemented my Milwaukee stuff with Ryobi when I need something that's not going to be used often. The Bauer stuff looks decent, but at that price point you're better off spending the extra $30 and going with a name brand.

Milwaukee is expensive but I wouldn't call their line up limited, I am lumping the M12 stuff in as well though.

Bulk Vanderhuge fucked around with this message at 00:50 on Sep 1, 2021

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

womp womp womp womp
The Bauer tools have had good reviews in general. If I recall the main issues are battery warranty length and price. I would also be wary of long term support too, what happens if they start over with another line?

Good news about the mower:

https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-cordless-mower/

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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fatman1683 posted:

Can anyone recommend an OBD-II data logging tool? I have an intermittent code that I think is being caused by a bad O2 sensor, but by the time I can get my scan tool hooked up it's working again. I'm looking for something I can leave plugged in until it throws the code and turns on the CEL, then pull, dump the logs, and see what happened to the sensors before and up to the time that the code was thrown.

Do you have an android device and what kind of car? Torque does data logging, you just need an OBD2 dongle.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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Ryobi has been moving up market recently as well, their HP line up was introduced this year and is definitely worth checking out:

https://toolguyd.com/ryobi-18v-hp-cordless-power-tools-2021/

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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StormDrain posted:

Son of a bitch. Of course it is.

Some good news:

https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage-organization/tool-storage/tool-carts/34-in-full-bank-service-cart-blue-58072.html

Still expensive in comparison to the rest of the US General line up, but a bargain in comparison to what everyone else is charging.

Frank Dillinger posted:

I want a nice big Snap-on box so bad, but the thought of spending something like 12-15k is certainly a mental hurdle.

Same, I shudder when I think about how much tool box neguity people have.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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monsterzero posted:

Anything out there better than this CTA kit (amazon)?

the spyder posted:

I have this USA made kit, which based on the guys over at Garage Journal - is the OEM for the MAC/Snap On.

https://www.searshometownstores.com/product/Craftsman-971-2750-48-pc-SAE-Metric-Thread-Restorer-Kit?preview=3528

poo poo I thought I bought the most complete set, Lang is the OEM if I recall correctly. If it's a US made thread restorer kit it's a rebranded Lang set.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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the spyder posted:

I believe it was Hanson back in the day when I bought them. Lang/Kastar seem to be the most common now (2018+ based on Garage Journal searches).
Everything looks identical now that I've checked a few kits out. 12 brands, 1 OEM.

Ah ok, that's good to know.

monsterzero posted:

Craftsman is OOS, so I'm just going to go with the biggest number and hope that I don't run into a bunch of 8x1.25mm hardware (only thing the craftsman had over it)

The Amazon description for the CTA kit is wrong, it does have 8x1.25 tap and die.

Edit: Fack, this one and the Gray branded one have different poo poo between them.

Bulk Vanderhuge fucked around with this message at 03:07 on Oct 1, 2021

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

womp womp womp womp

The Door Frame posted:

Does anyone have experience with compound miter saws that have the folding armature instead of the sliding rods?
Looking at a 12" Delta Cruzer, but I'm worried that it's a gimmick that isn't as robust as the rods are

I would play around with it in store if you can, but I can see it having the same issues as the Bosch saw.

I really like my Makita 10" compound mitre and the rods are adjustable. The big question is what you'll be doing with it because a compound saw will cost more and weigh more.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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meatpimp posted:

Alternately, buy more of a tool than you need, because you may need it.

I'm on board with this idea as it's pretty much my philosophy, but again what's the intended usage? Are you going to be cutting a lot of 2x stock in a workshop? Or do you need something to lug around for shoe moulding?

I thought I was going to use the mitre saw a lot before I gutted our kitchen but it's sat in the shed for the most part. For one thing it's massive and unwieldy so I don't want to drag it across my backyard everytime. The other thing is that I've been able to use a cordless circular saw and portable tablesaw for almost all of my cutting needs. I think it'll be useful eventually once I have a shop space set up and move onto furniture.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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The Door Frame posted:

It's mostly because my workbench is too short to fit a conventional compound saw, but it definitely is a very niche product or just a weird gimmick

The Makita LS1019 is the one I have and you're able to fit it up against the wall (without the dust bag.) I do think the Bosch has better adjustment ergonomics but I was wary of all the comments about accuracy.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

womp womp womp womp
:honk:

Edit: Looks like any cordless tool will work, you just need to feed 18V to the 12V horn compressor. Now to find a suitable donor...

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

womp womp womp womp
Darn Tough all the way, especially when you get them on clearance for half off.

Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

womp womp womp womp
The high speed M12 ratchet is worth looking at too. The complaints that I've seen have been more about the speed rather than the head size.

I use my non Fuel ratchet whenever I'm removing a lot of long bolts so I can see speed being a bigger factor.

Bulk Vanderhuge fucked around with this message at 15:09 on Jul 4, 2022

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Bulk Vanderhuge
May 2, 2009

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Commodore_64 posted:

I guess think like an efi system? Make sure you can tell if you are lean or rich under any given airflow condition and then make sure you can replicate those conditions. Not real scientific but I’ve tried fixed rpm runs at using a flat stretch of road and a hill as different loads. Combined with pulling a plug to check mixture after. Nowadays I think I’d do the same but use a wideband and note mixture in different conditions and try to bring that back to what carb circuit I was in. Maybe via a welded in bung that I plug when it still not hooked up?

This. A lot of the vintage race cars I've come across have wideband O2 sensors, it's always good to have solid data to work with.

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