Mechanics: what are your most common tools?

For a shop, you guys should get a few of those tools. First saw south main auto guy using one, was intrigued. Still tempted.

This is getting nuts. Government should nail the fences these guys bring them to, fast.

 

And this is in Tampa?

 

Yup!

 

This eave cleaning kit has worked out real well for me; do everything from the ground. Simplest is to do it all on blow, and prepare to get a little wet and grubby. Safety glasses recommended. I did the whole house (split-level, 2 story) in about an hour. With all the sections installed for second story, it does get a bit unwieldy/flexy, might need to figure out a way to tighten it up. I did tape together pairs already, they’re quite short.

 

Duct tape broom handles to side. Avail cheap on AMZN cool gutter tool!

 

Yeah I came to same conclusion: have a telescoping brush pole, will try that next time. Like a splint.

 

I’ve moved, so the garage got some updates. I started by refinishing the floor, painting the walls and installing LED lighting. Then I added Home Depot Husky heavy duty cabinets. I replaced the clutch on my son’s Mini Cooper, so now my garage has an engine hoist.

 

Mines like the opposite of that.

procrastination clutter occupies half the (2 bay) garage, tool organization is sketchy, informal. I mostly know where stuff is. Entropy at bay…

how’s the ‘12?

 

Love the estwing leather handle hammer I have a whole set of those for the sheet metal industry made by the same company Great stuff I've had mine for I don't know about 47 years Love them Nice layout you got there a little narrow for me but you got to work with what you got.

 

Who me? I'm not sure because I've blocked all the people who are unknowledgeable so at this point it's mostly a blank forum to me LOL there's about 12 people that I can actually see on the threads now

 

Post #427.

 

I'll just throw these in there, I haven't read all 22 pages.

• Headtorch for when your other lights are not quite getting to where that hidden bolt is hiding.
  I can't begin to tell you how much easier stuff is with decent light.
  There are a myriad of torches that attach to various places using various means, you can't have too many.
• Magnets: Especially pick up ones with a long flexible shaft, magnet trays, Neodymium magnets to magnetize screws/screwdriver heads.
  Also a De-magnetizer and even a weak magnet.
• Push out claw tool with a long flexible shaft: because we've all dropped a fastener into some crevice that even a baby wouldn't be able to reach.
• BluTack: To help hold things in a certain position before fastening, collecting dust, dirt from places.
• Permanent Marker Pens: At least a black one (thick tips AND fine tip), also red and green and blue are good to have too.
  Good to mark orientation, label things, green for OK, red for NOK, etc.
• Tip-ex (white)Corrector Fluid: For when you want to paint a white mark on something. Inverse of the above.
• Yellow paint that the Scrapyards put on the second hand things you might buy but don't want you to open up to fix.
  Open it to fix is anyway, if isn't fixable, put it back together, and put your own yellow paint to get that refund.
• Tarpaulin plastic sheet / old rugs/Carpet off-cuts: For working underneath the car comfortably, even on damp ground.
• Beer: To take the edge off your brain at the end.
• Coffee: To add the edge to your brain at the start.
• Burgers and Sweets: To keep you going.
• PriusChat: Can't forget this place can we!

 

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, Brushless, 1/4", 3-Speed, Bare Tool Only (DCF845B), Yellow, Black https://a.co/d/chxB8N1

 

I still have the 2012 Prius. My son drives it at college. Has a few dents now. :-(

 

Did a google search:

are corded power tools dying out, and are they missed

and the AI (Artificial Intelligence) summary seemed balanced, pragmatic:


Corded power tools are not dying out, but their market share is shrinking as cordless technology rapidly advances and dominates store shelves. They are not universally "missed" as much as they remain valued by professionals and DIYers for specific applications where their unique advantages are essential.
Are Corded Tools Dying Out?
The market is clearly shifting towards cordless tools, driven by innovation in lithium-ion batteries and brushless motors that offer "corded-like" performance and unmatched portability.

• Market Trend: Cordless sales and development efforts significantly outweigh those for corded tools. Some major manufacturers, like Milwaukee, have even begun phasing out production of certain classic corded models to focus on their battery platforms.
• Continued Relevance: Despite this trend, corded tools are still highly relevant and in some cases, superior for certain tasks. Manufacturers still produce and update specific corded lines, particularly for heavy-duty or specialized machinery where battery power is not yet a viable substitute.
• User Preference: For many cost-conscious DIY users or professionals in fixed workshops, the lower initial cost and longevity of corded tools make them a practical choice.

Are They Missed?
Corded tools are not so much "missed" as they are actively used and appreciated for their specific benefits. The debate often centers on choosing the right tool for the job, with many users maintaining a mixed inventory of both corded and cordless options.
Professionals and serious DIYers rely on corded tools for:

• Unlimited Runtime: For tasks that require continuous, non-stop operation, like using a large angle grinder, a table saw, or mixing concrete, corded tools eliminate downtime caused by swapping and recharging batteries.
• Consistent, High Power: Corded tools generally provide higher, more consistent torque and power output without the performance drop (voltage sag) that occurs as a cordless battery drains.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Corded models are typically less expensive upfront, as there's no need to invest in a battery and charger infrastructure. They also lack the recurring cost of eventual battery replacements.
• Durability and Simplicity: With fewer complex electronic components than battery systems, corded tools can have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.

In summary, while the overall convenience and flexibility of cordless tools make them the preferred choice for general use and mobile work, corded power tools retain a vital role as reliable workhorses for demanding, stationary, and continuous-use applications.

I’ve resisted the siren-call of lithium-ion so far. For a small scale DIY’r it’s worked out. Still, I think the battery powered impacts and drills have better speed/torque modulation? Or it’s just that manufacturers can’t be bothered much to keep powered units up to date?

 

I don't use air for anything except air hammers and inflating tires

 

Yeah interesting to watch South Main Auto: he uses a mix of air, battery tools, and good ol' wrenches.

Funny, one episode: he was backing out a bolt with an air wrench, backed the wrench into something solid, cracked the wrench irrevocably...

He stopped, hung his head, muttered something about it being his favourite air tool (maybe passed down, his dad was a mechanic), then started misting up, had to shut off the camera for a bit.

Myself, in my garage projects (currently installing built-in exhaust fan and make-up air grill), when I look around it's a morass of extension cords, lol. Gotta remember, don't run the space heater AND the table saw at the same time, lol.

 

Well so far I don't think they have electric hammers as chisels etc they may but I've not seen . A few of the euro press tools think hubs have to be plug in so far .

 

I recently discovered a pleasing compromise I could make, given my long-cultivated collection of corded tools.

I do already have a cordless lawnmower, and weed whacker, and leaf blower, etc., that can share a hefty Li-ion battery.

Well, I found out that maker also has a 400-watt-output (800 peak) sinewave inverter that can run from the same battery. Now all my ≤ 400 W corded tools are cordless when I want 'em to be.

A bit bulkier and less convenient than purpose-built cordless tools, and I can't use the tools simultaneously if they'd total > 400 W.

But it's often more convenient than hauling out an extension cord.

The 400 W isn't the largest inverter they offer; you can get bigger, if you want to spend the money.

 

I use a corded heat gun even though a battery and propane version exists. I also like corded fans and work lights capable of making night into day. Belt sanders and table/miter saws rock a cord as well. As does my shop vacuum and air compressor.

The garage has a subpanel fed by a 240v 40 amp dual pole breaker.