The Best and Worst Hand Tools I’ve Ever Bought!
As a DIY enthusiast and car tinkerer, I’ve amassed quite the collection of hand tools over the years. Some have become indispensable companions in the garage, while others… well, let’s just say they haven’t seen much action.
The MVPs: Tools I Can’t Live Without
Torque-Multiplying Pliers and Wire Cutters: If your hands have seen better days, like mine, these are a lifesaver. The torque-multiplying action makes gripping and cutting so much easier, reducing strain. I especially love the wire cutters for tackling tough electrical jobs, and being able to confidently hold onto something is essential. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/43c3si8
Ratchet Wrenches: These are my most-used wrenches, hands down. GearWrench is my recommended brand. The ratcheting action speeds up any job, and the reversible flipper makes them incredibly efficient. I also recommend getting a stubby set for those tight spaces. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/4gZswfy
Multi-Jaw Grabber and Magnet: An absolute essential. You’ll be surprised how often these come in handy for picking up dropped parts, retrieving fasteners from hard-to-reach places, and general tidiness. Get a few, because they always seem to disappear! Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/4gWDItw
Feeler Gauges: Especially as a former machinist, I use these for everything, from setting valve lash to gapping spark plugs. The brass ones are great because they don’t mark surfaces. A must-have for precision work! Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/4h0vdxE
Voltmeter & Battery Charger: A good voltmeter is vital for diagnostics. It doesn’t have to be a fancy Fluke, but invest in something reliable. And if you’re working on cars, especially older ones, a battery charger is essential for keeping the juice flowing. Topdon Tools, use SNOW10 and this link to get 10% off: https://topdonusa.com/collections/mid-level-diagnostic-tool/products/artidiag900-bt?ref=SnowFamilyRacing
Tube Cutter: I was hesitant to include this here, but it is a great addition to the toolbox. It is incredibly useful for battery cables, AN fittings, and lines.
The “Never Used” Club: Tools That Didn’t Live Up to the Hype
Universal Socket: You know, those sockets with the pins that supposedly grip any fastener? My kids probably got this for me, and while the thought was appreciated, it’s never left the drawer.
Rounded Fastener Extractors: In theory, these are great for removing stripped bolts. In reality, when a fastener is that far gone, I’m usually resorting to a cut-off wheel or brute force. I just cut the fasteners off, but they may come in handy for other people.
Keychain Allen/Torx Sets: Skip these flimsy sets. The hardware falls apart, and you’re better off investing in socket-based Torx and hex bit sets.
3/8″ to 1/4″ Reversible Ratchet Adapter: In theory, this sounds useful, but the clunky gears and confusing direction changes make it more trouble than it’s worth. It’s probably better to keep this in the truck just in case. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/4bgQyS1
Tite Reach Socket Adapter: I really wanted this tool to work, it seemed like it would work, but I’ve never actually used it! I thought this would be so useful for so many different things, but it’s not. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/4ihlcNF
Tool Organization: Muffin Tins for the Win! Skip the fancy magnetic trays that lose their magnets and rubber trays that collect dust. My favorite solution for sorting hardware? Muffin tins! They’re cheap, easy to clean, and if you break one, it’s no big deal. Just don’t steal your wife’s Wilton pan – trust me on this one. Rubber organizer: https://amzn.to/3DbbfSR Muffin Pan: https://amzn.to/4bfI2me
The Verdict
Every toolbox is a personal reflection of its owner’s needs and experiences. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa. The most important thing is to have the right tools on hand to tackle the jobs you need to do.
So, what are your favorite and least favorite tools? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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