Tools-good buys, tips and tricks.

(Mods if there is already a tool section move this accordingly.)
I looked around for a minute and didn't see a tool thread. So I decided to start one. Post up whatever tools you just bought/rented/used, hand tools, fabrication tools, welders, etc.. and whatever good deals you find. Also post up any homemade tools and general tips you might have. Given our current inflation rate, in the future, people might be more inclined to work on their own vehicles, homes, toys, etc...

I like my Milwaukee cordless tools but my drill chuck didn't like the abuse I had put it through, and started to have issues. I looked on the Tube, and others have had problems even with warranty chucks so I decided to go this route. There are YT vids detailing how to swap it out.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DD7KUXO?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

The old one is to the left and the Rohm is the one installed. New unit is made in Germany and has a very precision feel to it. The only draw back I see is the head not being chromed could possibly mar or scratch vulnerable surfaces, so I will have to be careful. I use it mostly for drilling metal that will be painted anyway so it wasn't that big of a deal.

 

I seem to use this a lot for interior work


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087ZV91PX?_encoding=UTF8

 

BFH

If you don't have one or used one I don't know what to say.

 

Since I've had good luck w the M18 batteries, I just bought the Milwaukee M18 1/2" impact (tool only) and have been happy with it.

https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200685183_200685183

 

Love my Estwing 28 oz framer. Got a couple smaller ones for light work, two decent size sledges, a dead blow, and a rubber mallet. Cause you never know who or what you might need to hammer.

 

Not familiar w the boot...

 

10mm socket.

 

LMAO, Like the proverbial "lost sock", they are always missing.

 

So far it looks like a decent product.

 

I’ve been wishing for this jack ^^^

 

PLEASE,… if you don’t have a set of jack stands, don’t get under the vehicle!! Never trust just a jack to support your truck

 

Yes, I have 4 of these double locking 6 tons. That was just a test to see how well the jack does.

 

Smart man! I know of several instances where avoidable accidents have happened.

 

I like the adjustable pad on it. What impression do the wheels make on you? Do they look solid and roll well when the jack gets sucked in at max height? Are they steel or plastic?

 

I really don't like buying chinese, but I ain't Freakin rich either.
The Pro Eagle this jack copies is $600. Ridiculous. Does anyone know if that jack is made in America? If they claim that they are, I wonder if the parts are sourced from china and then assembled in the U.S.
In comparison, my old Daytona (23.5" lift height) gave up the other day and I replaced it during their holiday sale, so for WAY LESS than the Pro Eagle, I bought two 3 ton jacks.

The wheels are a hard composite, with good bearings and a very good fit on the spindles. They actually roll too well on concrete, because my driveway is sloped, it wanted to take off when I wheeled it out of the garage. I have two of those rubber chocks to keep the truck stationary, so it won't be a problem during lifting. But, in the dirt or on turf it should roll just fine.

The saddle extension is pretty stout and bolts into the primary saddle with these 10 mm allen heads. I also like the storage slot in the frame, it has a latch and a set screw to keep it secure during transport. Total lift height is 29" with the saddle fully extended, which is a big deal when running 33 to 35" tires.

 

Here is Nate's at Dirt Lifestyle review.
https://youtu.be/Vv_8ooIbaVU

 

Just in case there is any doubt lol. There was a Harbor Freight rep on Nate's comment section that said it was designed here by their R&D team, but produced in china.

 

I'd like to replace my floor jack, also. I'll definitely be looking at Harbor Freight. It seems like the majority of my friends are using HF floor jacks now.

 

Just found this cool little deal for a little more safety if a trail repair has to be done. Wondering if it will extend far enough.
https://agatools.com/products/jack-rod-stand

 

Torque wrench, just a few ratchet wrenches (10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, and 14mm), plastic trim pry tools (cheap Amazon ones work), portable air compressor for tires (more so if you plan offroading), regular ratchet set with extensions. Not necessarily tools, but some lubricants and anti seize grease, and then the opposite … blue loctite. And I’m a newbie, lol.

 

Thought this conversion is pretty cool and that there might be some interest. Storing gasoline in Florida is a given, just not practical. Well this US Carburetion kit might help with that.
https://youtu.be/wP7Po_Hhq4I

 

I agree with previous posters that the Badlands Jack rocks. Besides the fact that I don't have to add blocks to my old jack to properly raise my lifted 4R, I love the urethane wheels, as they don't mar my floor. When I go the new jack I touched up all the scars on my poly-coated garage floor, and now no more scarring.

And I also like that you can lock the handle, which allows you tilt the front wheels off the ground for easy maneuvering of the jack in tight spaces.

I would add to that list of tools, any battery powered impact wrench, along with a good torque wrench for 70 to 150 lbs, and one that can handle 10 to 70 lbs.

 

I just bought a generator capable of taking propane to start from Costco.

I almost never use it and didn't want to keep fuel sitting. It doesn't produce as much watts on propane or so it says but enough to keep the fridge and freezer going.

 

My father-in-law bought me a Milwaukee screw gun probably 8-10 years ago. Since then, so I can switch batteries out and keep everything on the same set, I've gotten several other things Milwaukee like sander, oscillating multi-tool, jig saw, and weed whacker. I've been happy with all of the products - batteries still work great. Only issue was with the sander when I only had the two smaller batteries - it can eat batteries pretty quickly when you have large sanding projects (refinishing teak table and chairs). Now that I have the 3rd larger battery that came with the weed whacker I can usually rotate them on chargers without issue

 

I had all battery operated tools. Makita.

But now that I only use it at home. I go with all 120V. Got tired of charging batteries and stuff like the angle grinder drains batteries quick.