The Tool You Couldn’t Live Without

[wdfifteen]

A claw hammer. There isn't much you can't fix by beating on it or pulling it apart.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Thanks Shaun! I typically take my control arms to a local shop for any press fit bushings but it would be nice to DIY.

[GH85Carrera]

My Master Gardener wife has a LOT of flowers and plants. Always needs to prune limbs and cut something. She used hand operated pruning shears. If it was a tough plant, I was called to give it a hard squeeze. I teaser her about her weak hand strength.

For Christmas a few years ago I bought her a battery operated shear that she absolutely loved after using it the first time. After a couple of years of heavy use, it gave up the ghost, and it had some internal failure. She ordered a new pair that day.

So even though I don't use it much at all, I would nominate the battery powered pruning shears as a favorite as she can whack through some pretty tough limbs. Crepe Myrtle limbs can get tough and she has to keep them cut back. She can play out there and I am not called on to trim something as often. I still have to dig holes, and remove some things that she does not want anymore.

[MBAtarga]

If you are going to purchase that 20 Ton press (or the 12 Ton model) - you should be aware there are several modifications/enhancements for it covered over on the Garage Journal forum. Here's one thread to start:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/modifications-to-the-hf-12-ton-and-20-ton-shop-press.349032/

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Thanks Shaun! I typically take my control arms to a local shop for any press fit bushings but it would be nice to DIY.

I recommend a proper bearing removal and installation system. I have a Sir Tools kit for 911 but have made new discs for my E92 last summer. For me it's worth it's weight in gold, and it's heavy, you pull a rear hub and then wheel bearing out in a minute and put a new bearing in, in 30 seconds, hub in another. Perfect every time, no struggling, works for bearings on and off a car. There are less expensive sets available on Amazon, etc.

Sir Tools B 90 Master Kit

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

If you are going to purchase that 20 Ton press (or the 12 Ton model) - you should be aware there are several modifications/enhancements for it covered over on the Garage Journal forum. Here's one thread to start:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/modifications-to-the-hf-12-ton-and-20-ton-shop-press.349032/

That I've got to check out, thanks for posting Mark!

[DavidI]

Costco reading glasses for me. I just cannot read the small print anymore!

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by DavidI

Costco reading glasses for me. I just cannot read the small print anymore!

Yes! I have these stupid things scattered everywhere!

It's funny how much better the work is if I can actually see what I'm doing!

[gregpark]

Originally Posted by DavidI

Costco reading glasses for me. I just cannot read the small print anymore!

And led head lamps. I need all the light i can get anymore. All those years of holding a flashlight in my teeth or having someone shine it for me "a little to the left" are history

[brp914]

over-priced frekin' tube beader

[oldE]

The only tool I hesitated to buy, but now just couldn't do without has to be my New Holland TC30 with its front end loader. It allows us to make hay, maintain fences, work fields and move snow.
I think I spend more time using it than any other tool on the place.

Best
Les

[stevej37]

30 inch extendable magnet

[jcwade]

Fujifilm X-T1 IR full spectrum camera with full set of Kolari filters.

[Scott Douglas]

This just about covers it for me:

[stevej37]

^^^ that reminds me of my Grandpa's tool caddy. He was a carpenter and I think he had every tool that you show in it.
The planes and brace/bit aren't as popular now as they were then.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by gregpark

And led head lamps. I need all the light i can get anymore. All those years of holding a flashlight in my teeth or having someone shine it for me "a little to the left" are history

Yea, it is like having a superpower. Light in just what you are looking at, and nothing shining in your eyes. I love mine.

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

This just about covers it for me:

Every now and then, I'll get some ambition and do a wood working project completely using hand tools only. Yates a little more time, but so much more satisfying.

.

[oldE]

Brace and bit: the original cordless drill.

I never hesitated to buy tools I needed. I completed a lot of projects with hand tools when that was what I could afford, (including cutting about 20 2x10 floor joists with a Sandvik hand saw). Eventually I added the tools that made each job easier or faster. I suppose eventually I will sell off the planer and the bandsaw and the lathe and the rest of it.
But for now, they are there when I need them.

Best
Les

[herr_oberst]

The only tool on that 'poster' that i don't own is the yankee screwdriver, and my compass saw and spokeshave are kind of garbage, so they don't really count.

I'm sure I'm not alone here. We 'older gentlemen of a certain mindset' tend to find value in uncommon objects.

[GH85Carrera]

Back in my single days at my bachelor pad I needed to drill a hole up in my attic in the back of my house through the header of one wall to drop a phone line down there. This was in 1980 or so. No cordless equipment, and my extension cords were long enough to reach.

I whipped out my brace and drilled the hole in short order. I finally had a phone next to my bed, and no longer had to run to the hall in the middle of the house.

Now my hand drill and brace hang on the wall next to my dwell meter and timing light. Not much use for them, but I never know when I might need them!