There's nothing like looking through tool catalogs to see tools you didn't know existed, but suddenly feel a dire need for.

You've just described "bling".

me? SmileWavy

The new ones I see that I didn't know they existed are usually another form of a tool that I have. How many ways are there to make a try square?

How many tools changed a game like a biscuit joiner?

The cordless drill certainly started a revolution. And the advent of the inexpensive OBD reader sure has helped a lot of shadetrees correct a lot of issues.

But your point isn't lost about the biscuit joiner. Mine's been a part of my repertoire for a long, long time. Way way way better than trying to line up a dowel jig or getting the clean cuts needed for attractive kerfs.

I took a drive today, met up with LWJ, and collected a very nice Snap-On CIS test kit. This will get ample use in my garage - thanks, Larry!

I love old tools and most of mine do get used (even if very infrequently). I look at "tool patina" as a point to start wondering about all the stories those tools could tell if they could talk. Most of my old tools have been handed to me by family and had been used by my father, uncle, and grandfather. My dad and uncle were both car guys (and my uncle had a business doing body work and restoration on things that others wouldn't touch). My grandfather did railroad and logging work (back when steam was big).

And I finally dug through the tool box to get some photos of old tools today. Some of the interesting stuff:

Piston ring groove cleaner (adjustable for different piston diameters and groove widths) -

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1693862082.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1693862082.jpg

Piston ring spreader (used it when I rebuilt my 2.7 - no idea how old this is):

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1693862082.jpg

Very old adjustable wrench from my grandfather's tool box; I remember using this to help him tighten square-head timber bolts in his barn a long time ago (doesn't hold hex nuts so well):

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1693862082.jpg

17mm "Allen wrench" that somebody made for me when I had my first car and needed to get into the transmission case to check oil:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1693862082.jpg

A pair of electrical crimpers (I think for doing ignition wire ferrules). I traced the patent number on the handle and the design patent was issued in 1930:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1693862082.jpg

I actually use this one more frequently than those pictured above - it's an S-K beam-style torque wrench from the '50's - still tests good on the torque tester at work...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1693862082.jpg

I agree with Stijn - There's nothing better than having the right, obscure tool in the tool box when you need it...

Anyone mention the 7/16 socket?
I know I have one - it just keeps vanishing.


All joking aside - brake flaring tools. I have a set. I’ve used them twice.

I am very happy for you. I started this thread, saw that very CIS kit - AND LET IT GET AWAY!!!!

Arghhh!!!!!!!

I feel I was given an opportunity and botched it! If my CIS goes south, I might need a loaner! :D:D:D:D

Yay! Glad to help fill another’s tool chest. And, fun to inspire desire in those who didn’t jump on it!

Pelican Rocks! What a great community!

Also my Tormek T4 sharpener... Maybe twice a year?

I did a complete nut & bolt rebuild on an 4.2 XKE motor in 1980 and have a template tool to clock the camshafts as you install the chains. I am prepared if ever called upon to clock in Jaguar camshafts. Now let's discuss the valve adjustment.

I've got a talk wrench that I've never used. Nice to have it around to give the impression I know what I'm doing.

Fire extinguishers and a fire suppression system.

Hope I never need/use them.


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http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1693963994.jpg

One of the first tools I ever bought. When I was 17 had a summer job in Montgomery Wards display department and got a discount so bought a bunch of hand tools. Still have a lot of them…this is half inch…3/8 long gone.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1694010393.jpg

Don’t synchronize too many carburetors any more but this oldie is still in the same place in my tool chest.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1694010575.jpg

That is actually a very handy tool for bending metals of all types and shapes.

Forgot to mention...timing light taking up space. Obsolete considering the cars we now have.

I've had this for about 50 years now....hate to throw it away.
It was very useful...in it's day. Still works as new.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1694019884.jpg

You sir have a sense of humor. Tailpipe snake cleaners?

Okay, made me laugh

I have a bone saw that is about 100 years old I have not and will probably never use. Unless the zombies come and I need to take something off in a hurry.