waterplay

So what was the best tool investment you have made? Working on my 37-year-old car I found a lot of rusted in and rounded off bolts. I am working on replacing all of the suspension parts from the front and rear with the VBP 42000 kit, new offset T-arms and the Steroids rack kit. Man those old suspension bolts are a pain in the @$$ to remove. I decided to try the Damaged Bolt Remover at the advise of some co workers. WOW! I am impressed at how easy it was to remove all the rounded bolts. I even had one bolt that I had ripped the head off earlier and was left with just a stud sticking out. It removed that too. I did use some heat also but without the Damaged Bolt Remover I still would be working on it. Best $60.00 I have spent on a tool in a long time. So again what was your best tool investment?

Craftsman 10 pc. Impact Grade Bolt-Out™ Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Sears item #00952165000Mfr. model #52165 $59.99

MIKER

The damaged bolt remover sounds nice. I'll add that to my list.
It's really hard for me to say what my best tool investment is but I have to lean toward my Dremel tool. That thing has pulled me out of a bind on several occasions.

cptkirk32

Thats sounds like somthing I'll need to get.
So far the best thing I got was the Air Compressor w/ tools.
SGT Kirk

jonny4523

Dito. It seems like every time I take on a project, it has to do with taking some wheels off. An impact wrench is unbelieveably faster than taking them off by hand.

427V8

Oxy / Acetlyene torch.
I just spent a few hours removing about 50 completely rusted on bolts from a '29 dodge in order to pull the body.

Not to mention being able to heat bolts untill they are removeable and being able to weld dang near anything...

dboz

Cheapo Harbor Freight sandblaster. Got it for $60 and have basically blasted every metal part including my frame. Saved hours of sanding and grinding and made most parts look brand new.

SomeSayIllFixIt

Hands down the air compressor. I wouldn't pull the oil drain without air tools.

rosslato

Hvymtlc5

$15.00 harbor electric cutoff.....has been used to death for a variety of projects.

Edzred72

#1) Compressor.
I tend to overtighten and break stuff so...
#2) torque wrench
Eddie

a560156

Hammer

Techno

I'm using it now, the puter and web.

I bought my car in preweb days- pretty much.

NHvette

I'd say it's a toss-up between air tools and 4" grinder.

007-8

PB Blaster.

theesir

Since I own a '69 that seems to have invented rust, this tool sounds GREAT! Can it be used manually (ie, without a compressor)?

waterplay

Yes it can be use w/ or w/o a compressor. I used mine with a ratchet and cheater bar.

I also liked the entry about the hammer and PB Blaster.

My wife is always telling me I have to many tools. Is that even possible? I have the compressor and most of the mechanic and auto body air tools along with PB Blaster and a big and small hammer to use depending on my mood. But these new sockets are my new favorite. Now I have something to sleep with when I am in the doghouse. Oops maybe I shouldn’t tell all of me dirty secrets. I am new to the forum and want to keep my nice, sweet, clean reputation as long as I can. So ignore that last statement about what I do w/ my new tools.

Lee

Best, by far, is a 4 post drive on hoist. With two vettes, (58 fuelie and a '75) and a few other toys its a wonderful thing. Expensive? Nope. I've kept track of all the times and cost saves of not having to send something to a garage for repair. In 20 months, I am a grand to the good. Next best investment was a compressor and air tools.

blackshark82

I'm not into air tools yet, but they sound great. For me it's a 10" random orbital buffer. I like my cars to look good and to be protected, but as I get older the thought of waxing 5 cars has become a turn-off. With the buffer I've put 3 different products on my Vette and polished one son's Volvo. Next is my wife's Subaru and my other son's Chevy. I'm probably getting a new car and I won't do anything to it this year. The buffer applies and removes the various products quickly and effortlessly. The only other cost are the bonnets.

72LS1Vette

Since I'm doing a complete body-off rebuild, so far the 2 most used things are lots of PB Blaster and a $20 grinder/brush. Of course I only resort to those if the hammer fails.

Rick B.

matchframe

sears.com

I will have to get one these!!!



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