Tools and Shop Talk - Opinions, Thoughts, Reviews, B.S., etc.

KevinK

Probably Drunk
Swiftie
Joined
Oct 26, 2018
Messages
338
Location
AZ and OH
My toolbox is currently the backseat of the 4runner since that's where the majority of my metric stuff lives. I have a toolbox in the garage full of standards but it's not exactly accessible. Realistically I need 2 sets of tools. One for the garage and one for the trail so I'm not constantly losing stuff when I'm working out of the backseat. I have a habit of putting stuff down in the garage instead of back in the 4runner.

Yeah. I finally bought another set of some of the basics to leave in the garage. Every tool I’ve ever used on the truck, stays with the truck. We’re too spontaneous and I’d never remember to pack properly, so I have two canvas bags that hold everything except the breaker bar and the 250lb torque wrench. One bag is for mechanical work and the other is for electrical work. All told, our trails tools weigh 25 lbs.

The problem would arise where I needed some simple tool while at home, and would have to dig the bags out of the bed. They’re not the easiest thing to get to since our space is limited. Our spare tire rides in the front of the bed on the bedslide, face down, so I can put the tools inside the back of the wheel and then shovel, ax, and bow saw strapped over top.

Now we have a handful of garage tools and a complete set of truck tools.
 

KevinK

Probably Drunk
Swiftie
Joined
Oct 26, 2018
Messages
338
Location
AZ and OH
On the topic of opinions - from people who use air tools or battery tools regularly...

What do you think about all the battery operated alternatives? I was an assistant mechanic at a garage like 20 years ago (basic maintenance stuff, no real diagnostic stuff, but I was learning from our lead mechanics before I left for a new career) and of course we used air tools exclusively back then and I loved them.

We just moved to Ohio and I may end up outfitting a new garage (or toy hauler). For personal and friends use - I’m not trying to make a career out of it, just a hobby.

We’ll also be taking our FRS to (hopefully) all the major race tracks east of the Mississippi, and it would be nice to bring power tools with us for trackside use. Our truck has a bottle of nitrogen onboard, and I may add a second, so I could run airtools mobile. We also have a 110 inverter, so I could charge batteries instead.

Would you invest in air or battery power tools?
What brands of either are good?
What brands should I avoid?
Other advice related to shop power tools?


FYI, I’m mostly thinking of ratchets, light and heavy impacts. I have 110v grinder and cut offs.
 

4runner DOA

Hold my beer
Staff member
Joined
Oct 2, 2018
Messages
15,902
Location
OC
On the topic of opinions - from people who use air tools or battery tools regularly...

What do you think about all the battery operated alternatives? I was an assistant mechanic at a garage like 20 years ago (basic maintenance stuff, no real diagnostic stuff, but I was learning from our lead mechanics before I left for a new career) and of course we used air tools exclusively back then and I loved them.

We just moved to Ohio and I may end up outfitting a new garage (or toy hauler). For personal and friends use - I’m not trying to make a career out of it, just a hobby.

We’ll also be taking our FRS to (hopefully) all the major race tracks east of the Mississippi, and it would be nice to bring power tools with us for trackside use. Our truck has a bottle of nitrogen onboard, and I may add a second, so I could run airtools mobile. We also have a 110 inverter, so I could charge batteries instead.

Would you invest in air or battery power tools?
What brands of either are good?
What brands should I avoid?
Other advice related to shop power tools?


FYI, I’m mostly thinking of ratchets, light and heavy impacts. I have 110v grinder and cut offs.

I'd probably invest in battery vs air. Couple extra batteries and you charge as needed but still be able to work. Smaller footprint vs air lines, tanks, nitrogen, etc. It's going to cost a bit more initially but I think it'll be more convenient in the long run. Soon as I have a spare 3 or 400 I'm going to pick up a battery impact. @Tetten and @PermaBan both have one and they've been nice to have around. I can't comment too much on brand, but I know @PermaBan has a Milwaukee.
 

RPS1030

Solid Axles 4 Life
Joined
Oct 4, 2018
Messages
408
Location
Phoenix
On the topic of opinions - from people who use air tools or battery tools regularly...

What do you think about all the battery operated alternatives? I was an assistant mechanic at a garage like 20 years ago (basic maintenance stuff, no real diagnostic stuff, but I was learning from our lead mechanics before I left for a new career) and of course we used air tools exclusively back then and I loved them.

We just moved to Ohio and I may end up outfitting a new garage (or toy hauler). For personal and friends use - I’m not trying to make a career out of it, just a hobby.

We’ll also be taking our FRS to (hopefully) all the major race tracks east of the Mississippi, and it would be nice to bring power tools with us for trackside use. Our truck has a bottle of nitrogen onboard, and I may add a second, so I could run airtools mobile. We also have a 110 inverter, so I could charge batteries instead.

Would you invest in air or battery power tools?
What brands of either are good?
What brands should I avoid?
Other advice related to shop power tools?


FYI, I’m mostly thinking of ratchets, light and heavy impacts. I have 110v grinder and cut offs.

There’s a handful of times that air just has more power based on what I have. Air Impacrs are also quieter when really hammering away.

But unless I’m hitting exhaust underneath or know it’s a big tight bitch, I’m grabbing my Milwaukee stuff.

Before theft:
Fuel 12V 3/8” Impact
12V Ratchet
12V 1/2” Drill
12V LED Light (needs bigger battery as base and life span)

Current:
Fuel 18V Compact 1/2” Impact
Replaced the other 3 items

Wants:
Another 12V 3/8” Impact and would prefer the full-size 18V 1/2” Impact.
 

Hank

Sarcastic asshole
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
669
Location
SF Valley CA / Park City UT
There’s a handful of times that air just has more power based on what I have. Air Impacrs are also quieter when really hammering away.

But unless I’m hitting exhaust underneath or know it’s a big tight bitch, I’m grabbing my Milwaukee stuff.

Before theft:
Fuel 12V 3/8” Impact
12V Ratchet
12V 1/2” Drill
12V LED Light (needs bigger battery as base and life span)

Current:
Fuel 18V Compact 1/2” Impact
Replaced the other 3 items

Wants:
Another 12V 3/8” Impact and would prefer the full-size 18V 1/2” Impact.

Those Milwaukees are good. I gotta get a pair. 3/8s and 1/2.

Any issues or times you wish you had the 3/8's instead of the 1/2?
 

RPS1030

Solid Axles 4 Life
Joined
Oct 4, 2018
Messages
408
Location
Phoenix
Those Milwaukees are good. I gotta get a pair. 3/8s and 1/2.

Any issues or times you wish you had the 3/8's instead of the 1/2?

3/8 is freaking awesome for interior and engine bay type work. The compact 1/2 can feel too strong for that stuff. That’s why I want another 3/8.
 

whippersnapper02

Wheeling without a ladder should be illegal!
Joined
Oct 6, 2018
Messages
528
Age
40
Location
Orange County, CA
On the topic of opinions - from people who use air tools or battery tools regularly...

What do you think about all the battery operated alternatives? I was an assistant mechanic at a garage like 20 years ago (basic maintenance stuff, no real diagnostic stuff, but I was learning from our lead mechanics before I left for a new career) and of course we used air tools exclusively back then and I loved them.

We just moved to Ohio and I may end up outfitting a new garage (or toy hauler). For personal and friends use - I’m not trying to make a career out of it, just a hobby.

We’ll also be taking our FRS to (hopefully) all the major race tracks east of the Mississippi, and it would be nice to bring power tools with us for trackside use. Our truck has a bottle of nitrogen onboard, and I may add a second, so I could run airtools mobile. We also have a 110 inverter, so I could charge batteries instead.

Would you invest in air or battery power tools?
What brands of either are good?
What brands should I avoid?
Other advice related to shop power tools?


FYI, I’m mostly thinking of ratchets, light and heavy impacts. I have 110v grinder and cut offs.


The battery alternatives are getting better but nothing beats air when it comes to power in a small package. I had to move the radiator to fit my Dewalt 20 volt 1/2" inch drive impact and it still couldn't get the crank bolt off. There are small 1/2" drive air tools with massive power.

cat4112__40209.png


I forgot what the rating was but I think 550ftlbs breakway.
 
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
3,443
The 1/2 impact hammer I have is awesome best company money I’ve spent .... I use only Milwaukee and can’t say enough good things about them ... I might grab a few air tools just in case but for now cordless for me
 

Theblackflag

Mall Crawler
Vendor
Joined
Oct 1, 2018
Messages
140
Age
25
Location
Bozeman MT
This will be my next tool I end up buying. I already have the M18 drill and impact driver so I already have the battery system setup. And the specs on this are pretty crazy. 700lbs of fastening torque and 1100lbs of breakaway torque. And it can be programmed with different modes for specific speeds and torques. Should make swapping CVs a breeze
1541204700925.png

They also make a stubby version that is capable of 250lbs of breakaway torque. Which In theory would pull the crank bolt out since its torque spec is less than that
1541204984906.png
 
Last edited:
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
3,443
This will be my next tool I end up buying. I already have the M18 drill and impact driver so I already have the battery system setup. And the specs on this are pretty crazy. 700lbs of fastening torque and 1100lbs of breakaway torque. And it can be programmed with different modes for specific speeds and torques. Should make swapping CVs a breeze
View attachment 1643

They also make a stubby version that is capable of 250lbs of breakaway torque. Which In theory would pull the crank bolt out since its torque spec is less than that
View attachment 1644
That’s the one I have and it is badass
 

theesotericone

Build It Beat It Break It. Repeat
Fredo Baggins
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
3,494
Location
Bishop, CA
I'm a carpenter by trade so to say I have a lot of tools is a bit of an understatement. I use DeWalt for damn near everything. I'm HEAVILY invested in there 20V lineup. I've used Milwaukee in the past but have had to send more of those back then DeWalt. They both make top end tools. In most head to heads the Milwaukee's usually outperform DeWalt by a small margin.

I don't own any air tools for wrenching. All my stuff is cordless. The Dewalt 20V 1/2 Impact has taken my CV axle nut off and out it back on more times than I can count. The 1/4 impact hits hard enough to back out and torque LBJ bolts. The flashlight is a must have. It's nice to be able to see what your doing when it's dark and your still trying to get shit fixed.

My current DeWalt cordless line up goes like this:

12V Line/Dot Laser Level
20V 1/2 Impact
20V 3/8 Impact
3 20V 1/4 impacts
20V Hammer Drill
20V SDS Rotary Hammer
20V Sawzall
20V Jig Saw
20V Oscilating tool
20V 4.5" Angle Grinder
20V LED Flahlight
20V Job Site Radio
20V 15 Degree Finish Nailer
20V Narrow Crown Stapler
20V Chainsaw
60V Hole Hog

Like I said, I'm heavily invested in DeWalt. lol
 
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
3,443
I'm a carpenter by trade so to say I have a lot of tools is a bit of an understatement. I use DeWalt for damn near everything. I'm HEAVILY invested in there 20V lineup. I've used Milwaukee in the past but have had to send more of those back then DeWalt. They both make top end tools. In most head to heads the Milwaukee's usually outperform DeWalt by a small margin.

I don't own any air tools for wrenching. All my stuff is cordless. The Dewalt 20V 1/2 Impact has taken my CV axle nut off and out it back on more times than I can count. The 1/4 impact hits hard enough to back out and torque LBJ bolts. The flashlight is a must have. It's nice to be able to see what your doing when it's dark and your still trying to get shit fixed.

My current DeWalt cordless line up goes like this:

12V Line/Dot Laser Level
20V 1/2 Impact
20V 3/8 Impact
3 20V 1/4 impacts
20V Hammer Drill
20V SDS Rotary Hammer
20V Sawzall
20V Jig Saw
20V Oscilating tool
20V 4.5" Angle Grinder
20V LED Flahlight
20V Job Site Radio
20V 15 Degree Finish Nailer
20V Narrow Crown Stapler
20V Chainsaw
60V Hole Hog

Like I said, I'm heavily invested in DeWalt. lol
You are investing in the wrong brand. Milwaukee is too notche and their warranty out of this world. I’m a sparky by trade so I had a huge list before they got stolen
 

theesotericone

Build It Beat It Break It. Repeat
Fredo Baggins
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
3,494
Location
Bishop, CA
You are investing in the wrong brand. Milwaukee is too notche and their warranty out of this world. I’m a sparky by trade so I had a huge list before they got stolen

I've busted way more Milwaukee the DeWalt. It's funny though, carpenters almost always use DeWalt. Sparky's and plumbers almost always use Milwaukee. Since you in the trades, and a sparky, you'll laugh your ass off at this:

 

Itaro

Seriously, FJB
Joined
Oct 5, 2018
Messages
13,115
Never said I paid for them. Hahaha
Those are straight so you can reverse the direction by flipping it over. The angled ones have a little switch to reverse the ratchet. Or there’s those flex heads. Which probably cost a bit more.

On a side note, is gear wrench a higher end brand? I always saw them on the discount table and their prices seem lower than craftsman stuff so I assumed it’s a budget line :noidea:
 
Joined
Oct 3, 2018
Messages
3,443
I've busted way more Milwaukee the DeWalt. It's funny though, carpenters almost always use DeWalt. Sparky's and plumbers almost always use Milwaukee. Since you in the trades, and a sparky, you'll laugh your ass off at this:

I’ve literally overheated black and decker I mean Dewalt ( same shit ) to where the top part melted off and was hanging by the 2 wires to the motor only
 
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