favourite workshop tools

[scubasteve]

Gday guys
Im starting to collect some tools to work on the maverick and wanted know what everyone uses the most ect. Ive got the basics spanners and sockets and screwdrvers ect but Im looking more at the specialist stuff ect. I cant weld either unfortunately and I know that would be awesome haha. So what are your favourites? Brands and price ect
Cheers

[threedogs]

Any home workshop should have a fridge in good working order,lol
I find a compressor will do a myriad of jobs.
I'm going to plumb mine in the rear shed and just have outlets in the main shed
nice and quiet too.
A hub socket about $50 on ebay

[paulyg]

That's a tough question, all depends on what kind of things you are going to do.
An air compressor would be a good start, don't buy some cheap brand, get a good quality one.
And maybe a bench grinder with a linisher attachment.

[scubasteve]

That's a tough question, all depends on what kind of things you are going to do.
An air compressor would be a good start, don't buy some cheap brand, get a good quality one.
And maybe a bench grinder with a linisher attachment.

The maverick is a project that needs a bit of work on everything. So wanting to do anything from basic servicing up to front end rebuilds and suspension installs ect

[mudnut]

For the driveline flange nuts, get some large 1/2" drive impact sockets, 30, 32 and buy the deep ones, as I have found that some threads protrude enough to stop the normal sockets from working properly.

Also a good micrometer type torque wrench, that goes up to 170 ft/lb. (if possible as mine only goes to 150 ftl/lb and is not adequate).

A 1/2 inch drive swivel extension. Adapters up to 3/4 drive and down to 1/4 inch. A small 1/4 inch drive socket set (which has extensions as well).

A GOOD name brand breaker bar.

Ratchet ring spanners, again a GOOD name brand.

Also get a good packet of different size split pins.

A good grease gun, with a flexible hose fitting.

Also a long spanner that fits the tow ball nut, so you can change the hitch system easily.

A brass or plastic mallet and a brass drift.

The correct socket for the Hub nuts. 54mm I think. As TD suggested.

This type.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/400534151720?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=107

or this type if you have upgraded:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/271243519519?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=107

A decent heavy hammer to shock the tie rod ends loose.

Also I bought a 1/2" drive 8 mm hex for the locking hub bolts. 10mm hex for the head bolts (RB30).

Circlip pliers.

Good mirror and an extendable magnet, to get the bits that don't hit the ground when you drop them.

Some bluetack to hold fasteners to tool ends. (Eg, screws to screw driver).

Stethoscope.

A decent bit of thick wall pipe. A big bag of rags from an OP shop.

A 20 ton press. Make sure you get a good one as the cheapy I bought has bent like spaghetti.

.

[threedogs]

we should or some one should compile an extensive list of tools,
including any special tools for that special job.
It may already be here but Ive never seen it only the camping list from hell lol
From that list you can make a basic kit for most jobs like breakdowns outback,
or routine maintenance jobs, Id like to see it for one

[mudnut]

Yes, TD, that is a good idea, because about 80% of the tools I listed, I bought just to repair my Patrol. I got caught out with the larger sockets and had to drive to town and get them. Lucky I was only splitting my old transfer case and wasn't stranded. I also forgot to add a decent pry bar to check suspension bushes etc.

[NP99]

Some tools that you will need when you least expect to.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/400684630487?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

KD Gearwrench 10 Pc Metric 6 Pt. Flex Socket Set 3/8" Drive

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/400539582268?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Socket assist


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/400541303535?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Freeze yer nuts off


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/131233090509?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Brake fluid tester

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GRABIT-DRILL-OUT-4-PIECE-KIT-4017P-NEW-SEALED/321471205641?_trksid=p2047675.c100012.m1985&_trkparms=aid%3D444000%26algo%3DSOI.DEFAULT%26ao%3 D1%26asc%3D20140107090229%26meid%3D860495225275204 2726%26pid%3D100012%26prg%3D20140107090229%26rk%3D 4%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D321465690465

Grab it drill outs

Plus auto wire, terminals, fuses, crimped etc.

[Avo]

Some jack stands aswell if you going to be playing with the suspension.

[Hardyards]

My wife made me a creeper from bits at home, amazing how much effort saved scooting around underneath the rig on this trolley compared to wiggling. Recommend one (if you park on concrete).

[mudnut]

Also make yourself a flange spanner as it makes it so easy to do the big stuff.

[AB]

Well I just got some ratchet ring spanners the other day and I am one happy camper!!!

Life is good!!!

[lucus30]

Well I just got some ratchet ring spanners the other day and I am one happy camper!!!

Life is good!!!

What you end up buying ?

[Crate]

Tough choice between the ratcheting ring spanners and my Milwaukee 18v impact gun, think the impact gun wins though! I use it for almost everything possible!

47621

[Cuppa]

A good air compressor & blow gun you can’t live without.
Bench grinder with wire wheel, plus an angle grinder & safety glasses.
A welder (I know you said you can’t weld, but get a small inverter welder & a self darkening face mask - with those & only a little practice you will be able to weld well enough to get you out of trouble. Eg. making special tools when needed, brackets etc etc. Add a couple of flap wheels for your angle grinder & you can make ugly welding look OK.
A decent heavy bench vice.
Air riveter - relatively cheap & beats hand riveting steel rivets any day.

NP99 .... I had never seen those ’Socket assists’ before.... gonna have to get some.

[NP99]

Cuppa, you'll find the knuckle sockets as listed above even better. Muffler shops use them for tight spaces. My son put me on to them when he was working in the muffler shop.

[lucus30]

Tough choice between the ratcheting ring spanners and my Milwaukee 18v impact gun, think the impact gun wins though! I use it for almost everything possible!

47621

I'm going to to get a battery impact wrench also. What ratchet spanners have you got? I'm going to get some but having been uming and aring about what brand to get

[NP99]

The Dewalt is cheap to source.

[Clunk]

Wow I never new anything but hammers existed :D;)

[threedogs]

one of those steps that go over your tyre,and a guard cover,
There is a small "C" clamp I see at a lot of shops that clamp
on the bonnet strut so bonnet wont come down on your head.

[scubasteve]

Tough choice between the ratcheting ring spanners and my Milwaukee 18v impact gun, think the impact gun wins though! I use it for almost everything possible!

47621

I have one of these too and love it. I have one of the new milwaukee 18v tool kits but have barely had to time to use any of it on my week off work. Im looking at the 1/2" impact gun at the moment too which would allow me to do bigger stuff that the 1/4" cant. The list is looking good though guys im liking all the ideas and writing them all down to find prices for. All of those socket accessories look handy as and not too expensive. Im also tossing up whether to get a new socket set as my sidchrome set (12months old) is only 3/8" and only goes up to 19mm.

[Col.T]

Scuba,
what an awesome collection of answers.
It's taken me over 50 years to collect pretty much what I've needed for all the Holdens, Fords, Old Jag, Valiants, B.S.As, Yamahas, Kwakas, lawn bloody mowers and dunny cisterns that I've been asked to fix.
Good news is, saves an mint, you learn stacks and you finally KNOW the standard of work completed.
Bad news (which hasn't been mentioned) is there's always one more special tool needed or the next model you buy uses a totaly different system.
I've had three houses and the ONE thing I reckon has paid off big time is a pit. Had one at each place, dug it, bricked/concreted it myself, and it's made car work a dream. Even 'simple' things like working on brakes or lubing the tail shaft is so much easier and safer if you're down there looking at it.
Don't give up on not welding. I've made my own wheel bearing tool but there's stacks of engineering shops around who can fabricate stuff if you need it. Shop around till you find someone who is helpful. Come across some top fellows over the years.
Probably won't help but one thing you'll really need is a set of wheels to get you to the 'shop' when the wagons half dismantled and you find you're missing that one tool. I'd recommend a large capacity, high performance in line four Japanese bike. I've finally gone Kwaka and have been very, very happy. Get's you there bloody quick too so no time wasted.
Regards,
Col

[scubasteve]

Scuba,
what an awesome collection of answers.
It's taken me over 50 years to collect pretty much what I've needed for all the Holdens, Fords, Old Jag, Valiants, B.S.As, Yamahas, Kwakas, lawn bloody mowers and dunny cisterns that I've been asked to fix.
Good news is, saves an mint, you learn stacks and you finally KNOW the standard of work completed.
Bad news (which hasn't been mentioned) is there's always one more special tool needed or the next model you buy uses a totaly different system.
I've had three houses and the ONE thing I reckon has paid off big time is a pit. Had one at each place, dug it, bricked/concreted it myself, and it's made car work a dream. Even 'simple' things like working on brakes or lubing the tail shaft is so much easier and safer if you're down there looking at it.
Don't give up on not welding. I've made my own wheel bearing tool but there's stacks of engineering shops around who can fabricate stuff if you need it. Shop around till you find someone who is helpful. Come across some top fellows over the years.
Probably won't help but one thing you'll really need is a set of wheels to get you to the 'shop' when the wagons half dismantled and you find you're missing that one tool. I'd recommend a large capacity, high performance in line four Japanese bike. I've finally gone Kwaka and have been very, very happy. Get's you there bloody quick too so no time wasted.
Regards,
Col

Cheers mate im loving the ideas. I havent quite given up on welding yet and since Cuppa suggested a small inverter unit ive been looking all over the place for a reasonable one. Its just one of those things that is super handy to have when you need a quick bracket or something whipped up even if its not on the car, so ill keep at it and hopefully I can teach myself somehow. I know the feeling of missing that one tool or part it always seems to happen to me haha luckily for me the wagon is my side project and my daily driver is 2011 d22 navara so I can chuck even thw biggest tools in the tray. Keep the ideas comin though guys im sure alot of other people will get some use out of it too

[lhurley]

I recently bought a gas/gasless mig welder for a couple hundy. It's my first welder, have not really done much before now. With a bunch of YouTube videos and playing around with settings, my welds actually come out out. Not the prettiest but the are strong. If your interested, it's a cigweld 135 amp mig. Great little unit, easy to control. Will even weld panels if need be.

If I can weld, I'm sure you can too. Practice, practice, practice. Raid some scrap metal bins for chucks and just cut it, weld it, cut it, weld it.

[Cuppa]

This is the one I got. I think 110Amp is about the most you can use with a standard domestic power supply. Works pretty well for me, & have easils welded stuff up to around 6mm thick.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/WeldSmart-110A-IGBT-Inverter-Welder-Arc-MMA-Stick-Tig-/130636967510?pt=AU_Welding&hash=item1e6a91ee56&_uhb=1

The $50 self darkening helmet makes all the difference.

[mudnut]

Have a look at this bloke"s video. Some sound advice about stick welding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akvv4ApYMVE

[NP99]

This is a good info site - http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/mig-welding-videos.html

[gaddy]

I'm all for doing as much as you can yourself , but know your limits , I am currently rebuilding a jayco camper for offroad touring , new chassis new suspension , drawbar etc, and while I am reasonable with the welder , most of these welds need to be top notch , and not having a understanding of metalergy , and proper penatration of welds and metals , I am fortunate to have a mate who has the skills to do it right , I would hate to have it come apart , and the consequences that could arise .

[NP99]

I'm all for doing as much as you can yourself , but know your limits , I am currently rebuilding a jayco camper for offroad touring , new chassis new suspension , drawbar etc, and while I am reasonable with the welder , most of these welds need to be top notch , and not having a understanding of metalergy , and proper penatration of welds and metals , I am fortunate to have a mate who has the skills to do it right , I would hate to have it come apart , and the consequences that could arise .

All my welding has a concrete guarantee. Once it leaves the concrete there is no guarantee :)

[Cuppa]

I'm all for doing as much as you can yourself , but know your limits ,

Absolutely! I personally wouldn’t be trying to arc weld anything which is ‘critical’. (i.e. if it fails it carries a risk of injury or major damage). Nevertheless I still find the small welder a very handy piece of gear, doesn’t get used heaps, but when it’s needed nothing else will do. An example recently was the threaded ‘rod’ with locknut, used to adjust the fit of the tow ball in an old trailer receiver. With the locknut loosened there was no way I could turn the ‘rod’ using the screw driver slot on it’s end. it was a relatively simple job to weld a bar onto it’s end onto which i could put an extension bar, adjusted it up & locked it up. Alternatives were having the tow ball loose in the receiver, or having to buy a complete new receiver.

I do miss the flexibility of my old oxy set though. Just wasn’t an economic proposition to keep the rented bottles on hand ‘just in case’.

[Dave_H]

The main tool i use in the workshop is one of these :)

47675

[NP99]

The main tool i use in the workshop is one of these :)

47675

I'd like to borrow that one second from the left..... :)

[MEGOMONSTER]

The tool that gets used most

[Col.T]

If you're not over 70, you're too young to be tooling around with that gear!!!!!!!
Send a mesage and I'll take it off your hands and save you the years of training you need,
Col

[gaddy]

Had a go at welding stainless with the arc welder yesterday , got a way to go but getting there , what I aspire to 4862248623

[gaddy]

Mine..........48624

[Bob]

Had a go at welding stainless with the arc welder yesterday , got a way to go but getting there , what I aspire to 4862248623

I hope that the Welding Splatter did not drop on your Safety Boots in the Pic LOL

[gaddy]

I hope that the Welding Splatter did not drop on your Safety Boots in the Pic LOL

Nope but kicking the drop saw , while getting a beer , that hurt like hell !