Tools you didn't know you needed & can't live without?

[Jaybr]

This weekend I had to pull the intake manifold (again) and dealing with all of the spring clamps on the hoses popped my knuckles several times. After this, I did a search and found out they actually make pliers specifically to deal with these spring clamps; I now own a set of Knipex hose clamp pliers. This got me thinking, what other tools are out there I don't know I need yet?

Are there tools you would recommend everyone working on a bronco should have in their toolbox or garage?

There are probably a few different categories:
Must Have - things like axle nut sockets
Time Savers - got a blast cabinet for Christmas and it's a game changer
Anti-Frustration - like the hose clamp pliers. You can get the job done with regular pliers but these make it so much easier (and pain free)

So lets here it!

 

[Yeller]

Filter pliers has been my latest why did I not do this 30 years ago lol. They fit everything

 

[fluffybunny]

The older I get and the worse my eyes get, I've found that a good LED rechargeable flashlight with a magnetic base is a must have.

 

[gnpenning]

4 post hoist with bridge jacks. Done with crawling on the ground and laying on my back to work on vehicles. No more bending over when I can always adjust it to the perfect height for working.

Had my skid steer, ATV, walk behind weed Wacker, lawnmower and pretty much everything small that needs some maintenance along with every type of vehicle I own. Changing oil or anything else on everything is now a piece of cake. Plus I always have a place for tools and parts.

 

[Jaybr]

The older I get and the worse my eyes get, I've found that a good LED rechargeable flashlight with a magnetic base is a must have.

I'm with you on this one, bought 2 more of them last week.
I'm meeting with a cataract surgeon this week though

 

[ngsd]

Battery impact wrench is so nice to have

 

[NJBronk]

LED headlamp - I use it all the time and it keeps my hands free when working under the hood or crawling around underneath.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B4KJ3MWK/?tag=classicbroncos-20

 

[okie4570]

Fumoto oil drain valves, Dewalt rechargable grease gun for the win though, no more hand cramps when using a tube at a time or more on farm equipment.

 

[Jaybr]

Fumoto oil drain valves, Dewalt rechargable grease gun for the win though, no more hand cramps when using a tube at a time or more on farm equipment.

Rechargable grease gun has been on my list for a while, along with an electronic torque wrench

 

[ssray]

Fumoto oil drain valves, Dewalt rechargable grease gun for the win though, no more hand cramps when using a tube at a time or more on farm equipment.

Those are really a necessity with things like a cultivator. 12 rows with 7or 8 zerks per row would give you carpal tunnel in a hurry!

 

[Jaybr]

Those are really a necessity with things like a cultivator. 12 rows with 7or 8 zerks per row would give you carpal tunnel in a hurry!

I'm sure! I moved to the city a couple years ago and no longer have a tractor and implements, still want the grease gun though.

 

[Torkman66]

All the specialty tools make work so much easier. I use my press for so many things. Can’t see how I would do a full restoration without it.
Also, my large cabinet sand blaster. I can make old parts look new in no time.

 

[Jdgephar]

A rollup holder for my wrenches. No sifting around in the toolbox. Always in order.

Wrench Rollup

 

[FordBronc]

Home made distributor lock down bolt wrench. Some say these do not really work that well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RL9NKK/?tag=classicbroncos-20

I built my own Milwaukie pack out (on a dolly) stacker tool box. I do NOT have to unstack the boxes to get into them, I got the stackable drawer boxes. I also doubled the dolly wheels for more stability.

Shop around to get better pricing, I got a buddy to get them at vendor pricing.
2 wheel cart 48-22-8415 https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Storage-Solutions/PACKOUT
3 drawer 48-22-8443
2 drawer 48-22- 8442
So when the Bronco can not come in the garage, I can easily take the tools to it. Pis in a bit.

Grab and go tool bag. Atlas 46 is $$, but tough. https://www.atlas46.com/products.ht..._wcB#!/Dual-Zip-Tool-Roll-Pouch-XL/p/84788352

There are a lot of versions out there. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...4SY3cAHT13phIk-O_SsQS6JcSbxVQK6EaAoJ3EALw_wcB

 

[blade]

Lathe . mill and a welder.

 

[Bitch'nBronco]

Milwaukee M18 cordless ratchet

 

[bronkenn]

A wife with small hands.

 

[JSBX]

Power Probe 3 for trouble shooting electrical problems. Not only is it a test light but a voltmeter also. It is a lot easier when you can add power or ground to a circuit that you are testing with just a push of a button while you have the probe on the circuit. Plus, it has an audible alarm for when you are working under the dash and can't look at the meter.

 

[carter2772]

A wife with small hands.

makes all the "Parts" look much larger !

 

[LoneRanger]

The greatest tool I own is the brain ontop of my shoulders.

Second to that might be the cherry picker/ engine hoist. I have used this for LOADS of projects that I never would have imagined.




L.R.