New tools
 

Seems like every year there are more and more inventions for new all in one tools. I used to carry a pretty good set in my truck consisting of sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammer, pliers (several kinds) a pipe wrench and some metal shears.

That plus tape, wire and other misc stuff.

I think I've seen enough of the new batch that I could do all the nuts and bolts type of work with 2 tools. A combo screwdriver and a pair of ViseGrips should make the tool box a lot lighter. Throw in a good Leatherman and you cold carry it all in a sock.

How would you build your "new" take-it-with-you tool box?

I think I've got enough tools to pretty much last me. I've always found out I had a need for specific tools to do specific things. So I think my tool box will stay heavy. Wish I could get by with just a couple of general tools, but it never works out that way. The tool I use most is the knife I keep clipped on my pants.

I'm too much of a worry wart...carry tools in every rig we have. The usual stuff...combo wrenches, ratchet, extensions, sockets, screwdriver set, etc.

One thing I have in all rigs is a 1/2" drive breaker bar, an extension with length depending on wheel depth, and a deep socket to fit the wheel lugs. Much better than any factory supplied lug wrench.

Here's one:
http://cache1.smarthome.com/images/89085.jpg

Another:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

http://loggerheadtools.com/images/3-bionic-wrenches.png

Neat gadgets...but I see these as not really "tools"...especially the "bionic wrench" pliers set...they'd only work for very accessible nuts & bolts.

Sometimes reinventing the wheel doesn't work out so well...

I once had a nut driver that had all the common sizes spring loaded and stacked concentrically so the nut slipped into the appropriate hex shape.

Unfortunately, a painter appropriated it from me. Never seen another.

Now that seems useful! I'm always losing screwdriver bits & small 1/4" sockets...

Gotta admit, whenever we go to the local mall that has SEARS as an anchor store, I usually hang out in the tools dept. I'm a tool junkie.

Milt,

One of these? Called the screwer, 909-599-6663



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290975620.jpg

The ones that (only sorta) anger me are the ones I buy to do one specific thing that I know I'm never going to do again...

Same here, but I'm always the optimist. I've got a few of those I think I might need in the future. The tool to rethread the spark plug hole in a Porsche head by inserting it through the hole and repairing the threads from the bottom up comes to mind.

[QUOTE=Joe Bob;5697402]


Imagine all of these as sleeves inside one another.

http://www.best-b2b.com/userimg/896/...-driver-33.jpg

Push down over the nut and the ones too small push up out of the way.

Close.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290985239.jpg

MMmmmm, bolt ons....

Nutdriver


This?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1290985992.jpg

The nut driver in post #12 would drive me nuts.
I'd probably get all frustrated and start thinking, "screw it".

I guess that could be a version. Only if you don't have to remove any of the pieces. That was the beauty of the thing, you couldn't lose a size, they were all housed in the same handle. So, I lost the whole tool to a "borrower."

Here is part of a patent application:
http://www.wikipatents.com/multiple-...S6732615-3.jpg
You are looking at the business end and before use, all the hex shapes are flush with the end of the holder.
This guy is looking for a patent in 2004, I had the thing in my bags in the 70's.

Those are great, as long as you have clearance around the nut.

I find myself changing methods of operation from time to time. I get tired of lugging stuff around, try a 'multi use' tool, then it breaks or won't do the job I need to get done and I go back to the tool box with imperial and metric sockets, etc. etc.

Sometimes though, you are reduced to whatever you have at hand. As Milt said, you can do a lot with a set of vice grips and a screwdriver.

Les

You are correct in that it takes a lot of tools to do every job. Clearance around the nut is a must for a combo tool of many designs.

As a carpenter, I find myself having to deal with mechanics tools all too infrequently. Yet when there's a nut to be tightened, I need a wrench. I just wonder why I carry 30 lbs. of non construction type of tools around every day just to be able to do some ODD JOB UNO.

I'm gonna see if I can assemble the minimum amount of multi use tools and have everything I have in that 30 lb. box. This dog bone wrench looks like a good place to start.

http://www.northerntool.com/images/p...s/25400_lg.jpg

Lowes has a very nice looking version..

Shop Kobalt Multi Drive Wrench at Lowes.com

As a kid, Vise Grips were the tool of choice, even worked as a seat clamp for our bikes...

My brother gave me a "bionic wrench" for Christmas about 5 years ago. I think I've used it three times. I've tried using it many more times but it's a PITA.