Tools

[Craigrrr]

Yep tools, tell me what tool or tools you find invaluable.

I just bought the multi-tool oscillating tool, I gotta say I will be keeping this tool. I am remodeling the guest bath and this has been my #1 go to tool so far, it has scrapper blades to help get up the old thinset, abrasive disk for clearing out grout, etc

 

[LoveToCamp-TMO]

Bandsaw, both wood and metal blades.
Powerful, cordless drill.
Reciprocating saw.

In that order.

 

[RogerR]

I am doing a bath, old iron tub that I could not break with a sledge. Got out my inexpensive angle grinder and slowly cut it up into 4 pieces. I also used it to cut off bolts on my old TM that were rusted. My son used it to cut an old lock off his trailer. Most important tools are eye and ear protection and a good dust mask.

 

[Craigrrr]

Roger that on the eye and ear protection. Also a good pair of gloves as I know first hand when you let the DW hold a tool and she makes you get stiches
they come out this Thursday

 

[Padgett]

Have a lot of tools but the hydraulics are the ones I can't do without, jacks, press, and a lift.

 

[oldstick-TMO]

This one falls into the category of basic hand tools, you can't do without any of them, but one item that has proved worth it's weight many times is a pair of the LARGE sized channel lock pliers.

The jumbo size that is a couple feet long and can double as a pipe wrench and all kinds of other heavy duty tasks that require a little "persuasion".

 

[Padgett]

Agree with the big channel locks particularly if you have big hands. But the proper tool is better (and have from 5mm to 36mm wrenches and sockets plus same in SAE and a smaller range of Whitworth.

However for me air, electric, or hydraulic tools are preferred. Not changing a big V8 clutch on an oak tree root anymore, no way, no how.

Just sometimes wish I had then what I have now but always managed to get'r'done even just with a carport. These are the good old days.

 

[RottieMom-TMO]

I'm pretty fond of air compressor and nail guns. Although, I haven't had any need for these with TM, except to use air compressor for tires.

 

[tentcamper]

The one tool i'm always using is my Black and Decker cordless screwdriver. Im on the forth one in 25 years. I have a roll up tool bag that holds 100 or so bits.

Unlike my cordless drill, its light.

 

[Padgett]

For the TM the two essentials are a big hitch ball box wrench to adjust the torsion bars and a 3/8" Hitachi cordless to run the levelling jacks up and down and to extend/retract the awning.

 

[Craigrrr]

Well my other tool I liked very well was my 18 volt Ryobi drill/driver and sawzall

the drill driver took a dump today, motor gone I expected it to be a bad switch or hoped it to be anyway as well as the battery packs have been in need of replacement for a while now. I could not even get the stabilizer jacks on the TM all four down with one battery charge. So I broke down and bought the Yellow tool
at Orange box store 99 bucks DEWALT DCD771C2 20-Volt Max Lithium Ion compact drill driver Two batteries , charge , soft case and drill driver I dont usually spend a benjamin for a drill

So far I like it very powerful for what I need to use it for.

 

[tentcamper]

Ryobi tools 18V tools, don't have enough of them. Lot better then the old 14.4V tools.

But that rechargeable black and decker screwdriver is my go to screwdriver.

For the TM I have a bag of tools for emergency repairs, and an Ryobi 18v drill for the stabs. I think the other thing to have is a good assortment of electrical connectors, fasteners, tape, ti-wraps, wires, etc...

 

[Padgett]

The orange & black one with a swivel handle ? I have one also. Can drive a #12 screw into a 2x4. Lithium is lots better than NiCad.

But these just make a job easier. Have other tools (like a skinny 18" serpentine belt relief tool) that life would be impossible without.

 

[oldstick-TMO]

other tools (like a skinny 18" serpentine belt relief tool) that life would be impossible without.

That sounds like something that would be handy. I have had to do it before on sideways motors and only a slim combination wrench would go in there due to little side clearance, then you had to hook a piece of chain or extension pipe to the other end to pull it, being too short to get a good grip on.

 

[Padgett]

See here.. 20% off coupons are everywhere.

 

[Craigrrr]

Since I can not carry around my 60 gallon Air compressor I picked up a 1 day old ? used pancake compressor 3 gal. 100psi this guy bought it a few days ago has all the paper work and 20 piece acc. kit. said it was not what he needed and he put it on craigslist today had it for $50 or make offer. I just shot out 20 bucks cash, he accepted. So now I have a travel compressor, it even works my staple gun.

 

[Padgett]

Have to be careful about those pancakes, some have tiny motors and take forever to fill. Have a big compressor in the back garage and a hot dog in the front, both Craftsman. For travel I have the previous version of one of these. Will get to 65 psi at about the same speed as the electric tongue jack, glacial.

 

[Craigrrr]

Yep, it takes about 3-4 mins to fill from empty but I am ok with that.

 

[tentcamper]

I use one for staples and nails. Don't think it would work well for wrenches and sockets.

I travel light. I have a garage full of tools, but don't take much on trips. Maybe; I carry 25 lbs of tools and spare parts, I use my TV tire iron and jack. Many years ago, it use to be 100 lbs+.

But it seems to be enough tools. Never needed to fix something that I, my camping neighbor, auto-part store, or hardware didn't have the tool for.

 

[Logman-TMO]

For the TM in the microwave drawer I keep a Leatherman Crunch w/ extension bits and a very basic electric test tool. Use them both all the time.