Most useful tool in your garage

[Planter91C2]

i used to keep my sockets in a regular steel craftsman toolbox with the drawers and thought that was fine. then for a gift, my dad got me a craftsman black plastic chest which has removeable red drawers, one for each drive ratchet with molded organizers for sockets, ratchets, and extensions. at first i thought it wouldn't be that useful as i already had a box. but what i found was that it is great because instead of taking a handful of sockets, or walking back to the toolbox you just pop out the drawer and take the whole set right to the worksight.

i like my ceiling mounted retractable trouble light to. and was thinking about getting one of those roll around seats, now i sit on a wooden box.

i use a giant c-clamp to compress calipers.

i am in the process of setting up a good garage area, any day i should get my order from harborfreight, hanging tool cabinets, and a steel workbench, (already have a vise). any suggestions for additions are appreciated.

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Daryl 964 Targa

[Steve F]

It has to be my 6" Starret flex scale and my
beer cold cup.Both are indespensible when it comes to working on just about anything!I do wish I had the Jenny poster,that could be very helpful.

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1967 912 "in progress"

First of all, I'd say my favorite item would have to be the fridge full of cold golden beverages. Next would have to be the stereo. Have to have good music while tinkering on the anything. My last purchase and probably the best recently, was a pair of Mechanix Gloves. I find these do a better job of preventing cuts on the knuckles then rubber gloves.


Steve Anderson
76 Targa

[Pillow]

My additions are pretty simple but very effective for my needs:

1. A 1/2" breaker bar for the stuck nuts and bolts. Also get a steal pipe for a super cheater. Do not try this with a big rachet because they break and that leaves you falling on the floor busting your ass somehow.
2. A torque wrench. Ideally one for small stuff and then a heavy duty one for flywheel nuts and lug nuts.
3. Carpet pieces for crawling around on the concrete. Soft and warm... I have fallen asleep under cars before on a good carpet, lame but true.
4. A vise. I only wish I got a bigger one. I have a 4" but want an 8", realisically 6" is perfrect for 99% of your needs.
5. The biggest ass saver I have is a great set of vice-grips. There is a neddle nose one I have that is priceless.
6. A beer fridge in the garage is also very important Also the wife will not ***** about getting grease on the "good" kitchen fridge.
7. Sam's Club has a gallon jug of Go-Jo hand cleaner which has been a great investment. Also for some stuff the latex gloves work but they tend to tear easily.

The whiteboard is a great idea and I am going to put one up next week. I have one in the basement going unused so that is perfect.

Keep the good ideas rolling in guys!!!



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Adrian Pillow
1979 911 SC
1966 VW Microbus
PCA - Peachstate Region

[kamikazepilot]

Well, I'd have to say the following....

1. Computer, (I have two in the Garage)
2. Mini Fridge
3. My son... Whose small hands come in handy at times, and who, when I need someting, is a great go-fer.
4. The radio, 'cause I need tunes.

Randy

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Friends don't let friends drive RICE!

1978 911 SC

[Decolliber]

An old stereo shelf system on wheels, minus the stereo. I have put nails in all three sides and use it to hang wrenches, etc. I can just wheel it over to wherever I am working, so I don't have to get up and go to the work bench every time I need a new tool.

[KTL]

Crappy, beat-up, old standard size flathead screwdriver. It's been used so much that the edges are blunted and doesn't scratch things up too much anymore. It has become a universal tool for poking and prying on small things.

Needle nose and mini-size Vise-Grip pliers are pretty handy.

I'll second the magnetic pick-up tool. How I did without this thing years ago is beyond me.

Stubby wrenches have helped on occasion also.

I've found that if I put the special tools away from the regular tools, I tend to forget I have them. I need to see what I have available when some creativity is needed for a job. That's why my tool box is really full of tools.

The fluorescent trouble light has been a good one to have. It can handle a few drops and bumps. The standard bulb light seems to eat bulbs like crazy when it gets bumped just the slightest bit. Man, is that irritating!

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Kevin
87 Carrera coupe

[howie944]

My garage door opener! Works great when I'm done using all those other neato tools. The Snap-on 3/8 flex handle stubby ratchet is great too. Tight spots, break it loose, flip the handle straight up and spin the nut off.

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Howie
79SC

[SteveStromberg]

The neighborhood girls who are always ready to lend a hand, so they can go for a ride, Nothing better than to be seen with Big Steve cruising down PCH with the top off. Steve

[Superman]

I forgot to mention how deeply I love my stubby (about 4" long), flex-handle 3/8 ratchet. Today I assembled a barbecue and "ported" my catalytic converter. The ratchet got used, and so did the cordless drill, huge screwdriver, vise, vice, latex gloves and two of the hammers I mentioned earlier.

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'83 SC