So I went and did it. I got the tool collection bug today. My neighbor who has all the extra money and a 25,000 dollar limit with the snap on truck, called me over to brag about his new deep freezer sized tool box and work bench with stainless top, ball bearing, do everything except have s3x with you. So with me starting this new job tomorrow i go to sears and do some window shopping, almost bought me a tool box but decided to wait, so instead i bought about 100 dollars worth of tools that i never seem to have that i always need. now I am here between threads making my christmas list, ahh fu<k it, my next pay day list. so everyone post your favorite and most handy tool so i can add it to my list.

Good quality Battrey tools.
If you work on Older cars, torches are almost essential...

swivel ratchet, wobler extensions, and long wrenches. I know I am forgeting something so I may add more as I think of them.

A good quality socket set in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drives.

Dremel tool with big cutting wheels.
Snake light - always need light. I hate Hot incandescent lights and fluorescent just dont get bright enough.

The Breaker Bar!!! or Impact Driver.

The tool so needed when you need to get those damn salt corroded nuts.

If your getting swivels, make sure they have the ball joints instead of the square shank...

Not automotive related, my Milwaukee SawZall. It has 12 amps of pure demolition power. I love that tool.

Automotive related, would be my Mity Vac brake bleeder. It makes changing brake fluid easy, fast, and fun. I do not want to remember the days before I had it.

Don

Anything in this box. I've bought over 4300 more than when these were taken. I'm gonna have to start thinking about the matching top for it.

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17063&stc=1&d=1146714268

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17064&stc=1&d=1146714268

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17065&stc=1&d=1146714268


The cheapest tool in there is craftsman, and I'm slowly working to replace em. Snap on for 95% of them, and MAC, MATCO, and S&K for the other portion.


IF you can, invest in a set of Snap-on 1/4" midlength sockets. 4MM-15. BEST thing to have.


Mike

I've had trouble trying to Return SnapOn, I actually prefer the Craftsman fine tooth rachets, and you can't beat the conveniance of their warrenty, but they do throw a few cheapo models in now and then...
As for battrey tools, I wouldn't reccomend the plug in style battries, such as Dewalt, I've had nothing but trouble with them...

I've had trouble trying to Return SnapOn, I actually prefer the Craftsman fine tooth rachets, and you can't beat the conveniance of their warrenty, but they do throw a few cheapo models in now and then...
As for battrey tools, I wouldn't reccomend the plug in style battries, such as Dewalt, I've had nothing but trouble with them...



I've NEVER had a problem returning a snap on tool. IF the dealer gives you any slack about it, call the regional manager. He'll be back THAT day to fix it for ya, I promise.


I let one get down the road about 30 minutes before I called the office. he was back within the hour, and not too happy about it either.


Mike

"My fav. tool.." oh, that is sooo hard to resist, but I will ;), my fav tool and the one I use most often is ....
LVC of course!
Smooches!
MsM8

Any suggestions on tool boxes, I need one about 5-8 drawers, and big enough to hold the basic tools. needs to go in my van. not too big, not to small

When i was a machinist, i used a Kennedy tool box, they are good.

Craftsman boxes are made by waterloo.


DO NOT skimp on the quality of the box either. go for heavier steel, and ball bearing slides. If it's for mobile applications, snap on has a VERY nice roadchest with a folding cover.

I just sold mine (VERY used, and at least 15 years old) to a buddy from work for a 150 bucks. thing held up like a rock, and still worked like the day it was new. Check around on E-bay they show up from time to time.


Mike

Show Off!!
I thought you'd post a pic of the Lift you get to use..
Or your Dad!! LOL..

Not bad for someone of your age LOL...



http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17063&stc=1&d=1146714268

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17064&stc=1&d=1146714268

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17065&stc=1&d=1146714268

I've NEVER had a problem returning a snap on tool. IF the dealer gives you any slack about it, call the regional manager. He'll be back THAT day to fix it for ya, I promise.


I let one get down the road about 30 minutes before I called the office. he was back within the hour, and not too happy about it either.


Mike
I've only worked about three shops that had sales reps come in, that's been awhile. I had a ratcheting box wrench that I used with a hammer and they gave me a hard time with that one, but Did actually exchange it, but otherwise, I've had a few tools go bust that I might hang onto for a couple years then finally end up pitching them out, because I don't have any axess to a dealer.
I've had most of my Craftsman for +30yrs. and there good tools for the money. They changed to cheaper tools a couple times, but went back to this style again.
The SnapOn are Elegant, but Very pricey, I've never been able to afford a lot of them. and it's hard to justify the price, let alone I don't have simple access to them.

Don't go Craftsman on anything!!!!!!
years ago, i bought a craftsman ratchet set for the truck, and at the same time, I bought a craftsman 4.5 horse lawnmower. they both were worn out within a year! the only thing that i liked about the experiance was taking off the briggs/stratton motor and sending the rest back to sears.

bought a husky box today, a set of allen wrenches, 1/4 and 3/8 inch drive extensions, screwdriver set, nut driver set, ratchet wrenches. next large wrenches and some good ratchets, have the cheap ones right now.