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Mechanics: what are your most common tools?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by PixelRogue, Sep 3, 2016.

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  1. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Those must be as common as seals in SK.
     
  2. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    flashlight or headlight
    I haven't gotten to the point where I can finish to many jobs with my eyes closed.:cool:
     
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  3. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Ill be honest Mendel i have never used the impacta part. I had heard good things but not used it. But there still the worlds best Phillips screwdrivers.
     
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  4. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    10mm socket for the win.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Not sure if I’ve posted this before; short video on installing a Riv-Nut in tight place, where the official tool couldn’t fit:

     
  6. skorpyo33

    skorpyo33 Junior Member

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    And spark plugs in my 3rd gen.
     
  7. PixelRogue

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    This has been a great discussion!

    If you had to pair that down to an emergency kit to fit in some hidden cavity in the Prius (now the later model Priuses) what tools would you keep handy?
     
  8. sfprankster

    sfprankster Active Member

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    A credit card :p
     
  9. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    In the car, I keep a socket & 1/2" drive breaker bar for lug nuts, a tire plug kit, an adjustable wrench, Phillips & straight screwdrivers, needle nosed and adjustable pliers. That's in a tool bag in the EVSE cable storage area. And I have my Leatherman tool in the armrest console up front.
     
  10. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I looked at a Gen 4 one day at the dealer and walked away shaking my head because its hidden cavities are so skimpy compared to Gen 3, I couldn't imagine getting my customary complement of tools in it anywhere.
     
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  11. PixelRogue

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    I have been noticing the reduction with each new model.... my latest change was from the 2010 Gen 3 to 2012 PIP and lost a good chunk of the trunk, lost spare tire, extra hidden spaces...and the current gen smaller still.
     
  12. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    I carry some fluids, a flashlight, drinking water, air compressor, battery booster, lugnut cross wrench, cell phone with a OBD2 adapter, and a small multi-tool.

    Things are so complex on newer cars that it's futile to carry around 50+ pounds of tools "just in case" when it's highly likely that I can't do anything outside my shop anyway.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  13. Toffer

    Toffer Junior Member

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    My 2010 Prius calls for a #10 twelve point socket for the removal of the connecting rod bolts since I am changing out the pistons and adding new piston rings. A 6 point metric socket will not fit. The main bearing caps also calls for a 12 point metric socket
     
  14. sLick415

    sLick415 Member

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    In the car, I keep a battery jumper, tire plug kit, air compressor and first aid kit.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    A few more in-car items to consider, not mentioned directly above:

    reflective vest
    Gloves
    Flashlight
    Signal cone or triangle
    Heavy/bendable wire (twist tie purpose)
    Tape
     
  16. AW82

    AW82 Member

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    I would edit slightly: 10mm DEEP socket. 1/4 drive.

    I can do a crazy amount of work with just that (plus the ratchet, obviously) on my Honda and Toyota. In fact, it's the first thing I pick up even if it's a new-to-me job. 90% of the time, it's the right tool. Sometimes I need an extension or two...

    I used to have a Canadian-made Pontiac. Not only was every nut and bolt a different size, sometimes the nut would be SAE and the bolt head would be metric :cautious:
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Acquired a Porter Cable impact wrench for birthday:

    7.5 Amp 1/2" Impact Wrench - PCE211 | PORTER CABLE

    I wanted a decent torque corded wrench, and this one had good reviews. Spun torqued lug nuts off the Prius, very easy. Bit of a handful, but meh.

    $130 CDN, can't complain: the high torque battery powered ones are cool, and more portable, but the prices are through the roof. And if you're in a garage with AC outlets, very simple.
     
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  18. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    I was going to ask you... "Is it your first cordless battery-operated power tool in your arsenal?" Then clicked your link, and realized it is corded. Of course, it is. ;)
     
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  19. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Or working on a car with an inverter.
     
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  20. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Harbor Freight (a retail tool shop out here in the U.S.) has this:

    BAUER
    8.5 Amp Corded 1/2 In. Extreme Torque Impact Wrench

    Not sure about the Bauer brand, but it is 79.99. Harbor Freight has a good exchange policy as well.
     
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