sources for auto tools

grumpyvette · Sep 22, 2008

ok, gentlemen, what new tools do you want to buy , or have you purchased recently?

yeah, maybe I'm partly addicted to acquiring tools ,and learning new skills, but I've found that having those tools makes this auto modification, and trouble diagnosis hobby far easier so what new welders, valve spring load testers, plasma cutters, piston ring compressors, engine stands, engine...

garage.grumpysperformance.com

Grumpy · Jul 10, 2017

are there any other people out there with this mental issue... yes his is meant to be a bit of a grin..
I've come to the inexplicable conclusion , that I,m a irredeemable " tool junkie"
I find if I start a repair and don,t know exactly how to do it to better than what most dealerships could accomplish,
my first step is to grab a shop manual, or look for related videos on YouTube ,or I grab a chiltons manual,.. which inevitably ,
seems to lead to either instructions or a video showing how some tool I,ve yet to acquire or some accessory to a tool I do own is,
needed to either complete the job or to make it easier.... now that would not be all that bad in many cases ,
because many people at that point will either farm out the job to a professional who owns the tools required,
or find a place they can rent or borrow the tools they need!
but for some reason my mind absolutely does not work that way......
I feel an absolutely almost totally irresistible , almost overwhelming NEED to both purchase the tooling, or accessories,
and to learn the skills required to use that new tooling. it does not mater a bit if I,m unlikely too need to use that tooling or accessory ,
again for a similar repair project for years, in fact it may be a tool I need to fix a friends car that (you,ll be unlikely to believe this)
and it shows, the depth of mental depravity, it may be a tool thats only required for some car like a ford or Toyota,
that I've never owned or will ever likely own, still I feel the desire to purchase the tool and learn the skills.
yes we all have our metal failings but , this one has been my cross too bare for decades,
I have been forced to mentally step back and ask myself on countless occasions...
whats the likely-hood of you ever really needing that tool again in the next 2-5 years, and if I can honestly,
and objectively appraise , the situation, as "very unlikely" I force myself to ignore that mental " tool junkie" screaming like an insane banshee, in my mental ear,
BUY THE TOOL YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT! and save your limited cash flow for parts and tools you know you'll need on your own cars !
and, yes crap quality tools are usually not worth buying, that's an issue,I've learned long ago, that you tend to get what you pay for, and comparatively cheap prices frequently are a good indication of lower quality in tools of a similar design

now I,m feeling a bit better , I guess that your correct...there's no "shop tool buyers Anonymous" that I know of!

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...needed-for-383-sbc-assembly.16041/#post-96770

Strictly Attitude · Jul 11, 2017

I do that to a point grumpy. I weigh out the costs and whether it would be a 1 time use only. the other thing I take into granted do I trust some one else to do the same job. such as balancing my rods was it necessary to do it to the 100th of a gram no and I knew no machine shop would do that either. So I purchased the balancing stand. I did not purchase the $1000 scale I used for good reason.

rlphvac · Jul 11, 2017

My son asked one time Why do you have 6 full sets of 3/8 drive sockets? I said because I don't have 7

Grumpy · Jul 11, 2017

12 point short
12 point long
12 point extra deep
6 point short
6 point long
6 point extra deep
that seems like a reasonable amount, yes you might pitch all the 12 point sockets , but there are times they work ok

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...tion-of-the-12-point-socket.10769/#post-47103

Strictly Attitude · Jul 11, 2017

Need those 12 pointers for all that wonderful ARP hardware. I used to be that way with airbrush and spray equip though then realized how much money was going out the door but that is different as I was buying tools that did the same job. I know what I like to use now and stick with it.

Grumpy · Jul 20, 2017

I rarely find decent quality tools for free, but you do occasionally find good deals on used tools.
yard and estate sales are good places to visit
but auto shops that may want to up-grade tooling
or change equipment may also be a source for larger and expensive tools,
at discounted pricing if you think to ask.
I've found timing lights for $5 and jack stands for $10 and a few socket sets for $5
I have several friends that have purchased great , condition, and fairly new,lightly used MIG and TIG welders for less than 1/2 the list price

I made the mistake of buying one that worked ok, but it was 40 years old.... it still works but there are and were better deals if you look hard enough

Grumpy · Jul 27, 2017

So then why struggle and get yourself all dirty when you could just have the job done by a professional and drive around with peace of mind?

the problem with that particular line of reasoning ,
that I frequently found, was that many of the "professionals" just did not give a Sh$t"
if the job was done correctly or in a few cases at all, yet they still wanted to get paid for shoddy,
or even work never done or worse screwed up to the point parts were damaged or improperly installed.
all it takes is a few experiences where you find a few very expensive parts damaged and
"a stupid deer in the headlights look"
from some jerk thats responsible but just just did not give a Sh$t to realize you either learn to do the work yourself,
or you must spend a good deal of time and more cash to get things repaired or replaced.
your experiences will be different than mine of course but Id say close too, 1/3rd of the machine shops,
and about 1/2 of the dealership mechanics I've dealt with over the last 50 years,
do less than quality work and many still charged top dollar for work I'd be ashamed to put my name on.
thus I was basically forced into learning the required skills,
and acquiring the tools necessary to do the work myself, in many cases.
yes I was also forced into accepting the fact that theres a great many people in the auto repair and high performance industry,
that either don,t give a crap about quality work or are clueless about how to do quality work,
so I was forced into learning how to do many things myself and along the way,
acquiring the tools that the job mandated.

next I define "professional" as any place of business that is in the auto related,
business expressly ,for the purpose of doing either machine work or repairs or product installations,
like dealerships, auto repair shops and machine shops,
and has a staff that charges money too provide that service, they have agreed to perform.
the fact that the staff members in any business ,may or may not be skilled and knowledgeable or may be scammers,
and incompetent is not something a first time customer will know,
going into any transaction.
as the fact , that the dealerships, auto repair shops and machine shops,
have a building and a staff,
and advertise that they can do, the work,
and have the required skill and tools to do the jobs requested,
gives any customer confidence and impression,
or in some cases, the illusion they know what they are doing,
If you hand the car and keys over to the service order writer at any dealership,
or drop of parts at any machine shop,
your generally under the impression that they can and will do the work your there for them to perform,
and do it correctly....we all know thats not always true!

Grumpy · Jul 27, 2017

what particular tools have you gentlemen purchased over the last few years,
that you have found to be either a big help in making the job easier,
or a big time saver?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Powerbuilt-23-Piece-Ball-Joint-U-Joint-Service-Kit-648617/203120548?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|G|0|G-BASE-PLA-D25T-Garage-Automotive|&gclid=CM7-rI-e-tQCFUa4wAodcnEHfg&gclsrc=aw.ds

I frequently go over to other guys garages to help them out with various projects and repairs ans almost always,
I find I'm forced to make a side trip back to my shop to use a tool I own,
or on a few rare occasions I get rather jealous when I see they own a few tools that I wish I owned.
that can be as simple as retrieving a floor jack,
and several jack stands so I feel reasonably safe under some guys car while ,
doing a clutch replacement in his shop or using my various welders or a mill, or hydraulic press.
(step one is always think things through and don,t do stupid stuff that can get you injured ,
assume that mechanical things like floor jacks can fail and that having decent lighting and a fire extinguisher handy are mandatory)
now obviously I can,t afford to buy every tool Id like to own,
and there's always going to be guys that have better tools and more skills and experience than I have in several areas of expertise,
(but thats also incentive to learn new skills and acquire better tools)
and like everyone else I buy tools and some wear out,
or break and need to be replaced.
(so I may have to buy some tools more than once)
(gives me a great excuse to upgrade quality)
but I'm always amazed at how few guys own what I consider just basic repair tools like..
a decent drill press, a work bench, with a vise,
and diagnostic tools like, a decent 12" caliper, a vacuum/ pressure gauge,
and a multi-meter, and a timing light and,
a factory shop manual for your make year and model car.
not to mention, a basic tool like a decent set of jack stands and a floor jack,
or in some cases just decent quality vise grips and screw drivers
now a a mig or oxy-acetylene welder , and a belt sander, are in my opinion almost mandatory,
but I fully understand that if you don,t regularly do your own repair work,
those tools might not be in your garage
now maybe I'm the one whos got the wrong concept, here,
but I learned early in the process ,of becoming an engineer & mechanic
that making mistakes is both very expensive and wastes time,
Time and cash, you could better spend doing the job correctly,
AFTER asking someone with a great deal more experience for advice,
and doing some research into what any project might require.
and that when your not sure, or might even vaguely suspect your NOT doing something correctly,
or your NOT getting the results you expect,.....
its best to STOP and ASK DETAILED QUESTIONS ,
and follow up those questions with a general question, like
" is there anything I might be over-looking ,
or any bits of related info ,you might think of,
Can, you can tell me about the tools or parts that might be useful, here,
too know about or use or suggest a better way too do this?"
shop carefully the exact same set of mics from the same company can cost $270-$900 depending on where you buy the set
https://www.greatgages.com/products...MIyYigxdnA1QIVU2p-Ch1Z7wX8EAQYASABEgLrvvD_BwE
shop carefully cam bearing tools sell for $40-$300 plus and almost identical tools car vary in price by over $120, and be awre all cam bearings in a single block may be different sizes based on the location, so pay attention as you remove them as to the oil feed hole location(S), how they are indexed or clocked and the outside diameter and be aware in many cases the bearing is beveled on one side to aid installation

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-50-250-ft-lb-Professional-Torque-Wrench-64064.html
well any of you gentlemen looking for anything in the way of new tools?
how about posting your wish lists , maybe someone knows where to get what you want at bargain prices

https://www.walmart.com/ip/0-6-Mach...1808&wl11=online&wl12=332344475&wl13=&veh=sem

https://www.amazon.com/Anytime-Tools-Precision-Hardened-Stainless/dp/B06VXC1FPL/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1512868725&sr=1-3&keywords=12"+dial+calipers

http://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html

http://www.eastwood.com/tig200acdc.html

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mor-62191/overview/

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-67492

https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...sional-steel-floor-jack-super-duty-63183.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-shop-press-32879.html

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66483

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66490

http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-mig-welder-175-amp-with-spool-gun.html

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sxt-8300gb/overview/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/printable-degree-wheel.974/

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-67438

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66514

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66480

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66520

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66838

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-66787

related threads
(DON,T IGNORE THE LINKS AND SUB-LINKS)

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/bare-minimum-tools.11026/#post-48766

http://www.jegs.com/i/INNOVA/336/3555/10002/-1

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/most-versital-shop-welder.1594/#post-50625

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...s-off-under-your-tree.11863/page-2#post-68027

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/tool-boxes-and-chests.10357/page-3#post-69921

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/under-car-safety.26/page-3#post-59431

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/multi-meters.3110/#post-59136

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/first-mig-welder.10392/#post-43002

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/precision-measuring-tools.1390/

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-9901-affordable-engine-building-tools/

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/148-0505-engine-building-tools/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/porting-can-help.462/page-3#post-67176

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/block-prep.125/page-2#post-55610

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/bare-minimum-tools.11026/#post-51843

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...op-needs-a-decent-drill-press.970/#post-50726

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...hen-parts-are-not-available.11371/#post-52007

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-the-correct-tools-helps.12466/#post-62446

Grumpy · Jul 27, 2017

when I was 18 I got a job as a line mechanic at a chevy dealership,working the 5pm-11 pm, shift.
just out of high school, being the "NEW GUY" all I got was brake jobs and muffler replacement jobs,
now admittedly at 18 years old I lacked extensive experience, but even then I knew more than some of the guys I worked with,
and after 3 months, I quit and went back to college to get my engineering degree,
as I was observant enough to understand that it was a rigged game and the mechanics would always be paid ,
just enough to keep them from quitting , while the dealership kept the profits from their work effort.
even if you love working on cars its very hard to make a decent living as a mechanic,
especially if your paid a set fee for a job,
no mater how fast or well, or difficult the work is or what problems are involved.:crazy:

I was very impressed with the few insane customers, like the guy who had his water pump replaced,
and two weeks earlier then insisted we screwed up his rear differential as it only started whining,
about a week later , or the guy who had a brake job done,
who insisted we replace his inside courtesy roof light bulb as it went out the next day.
or my favorite was the woman that insisted we lost her car keys because she could not find them after she drove home!

Indycars · Jul 28, 2017

I have similar stories about Doctors and computers!

It won't play on a website, since it's been disabled for that, but just click on play first then the link and it will take you to YouTube.

Grumpy · Mar 6, 2018

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Powerbuilt-23-Piece-Ball-Joint-U-Joint-Service-Kit-648617/203120548?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|G|0|G-BASE-PLA-D25T-Garage-Automotive|&gclid=CM7-rI-e-tQCFUa4wAodcnEHfg&gclsrc=aw.ds
DORIANL
are these tools available where you are?
they are not sold in the U.S.A.

Grumpy · Jun 6, 2018

has anyone found a good deal on a tool similar to the
blue hydraulic suspension,spring compressor ,
linked above,
or for that matter any great deals on other tool,s that youve found useful?

Maniacmechanic1 · Jun 6, 2018

Everything good expensive Grumpy.
Buy Snap On Hand tools when needed and have the spare money.

Will not buy a $15 k scanner.
Starve the family.

Bought a 4 foot long 1/2 inch drive Extension a few months back.
Purpose to remove the bellhousing bolts to get 900 pound 18-speed Eaton Fuller Transmission out of Semi Trucks.

Maniacmechanic1 · Jun 6, 2018

Never seen one of those hydraulic strut spring compressors.
Have one at work that is wall mounted.
Lead screw handle operated.

Grumpy · Oct 10, 2018

If your like most mechanically inclined car guys you buy tools as you need them, either on the internet or locally.
I have like most guys a mixed set of several brands,
mostly craftsman, snap-on and matco, stanley and husky, gear-wrench,
yes a few cobalt , HF, and northern tool, summit,napa, powerhouse,
What are the deals you guys have found?
the secret of diagnosing most auto related problems lies in careful observation,
and applying logic, knowing HOW the part or component or system is SUPPOSED to function,
and then carefully observing HOW it is or is not currently functioning.
and logically deducing, the reason for any differences,
and potential reasons for that observed difference.
this can and frequently will require tools like meters,
timing lights, vacuum gauges, pressure gauges
and measuring tools like ,dial calipers, but careful observation is critical.
tools like drill presses, clamps, gear pullers,welders, floor jacks, mechanics hand tools,
feeler gauges, multi-meters, etc. will all be helpful at times

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/tool-boxes-and-chests.10357/page-3#post-78587

https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/...tm_campaign=Calipers&infoParam.campaignId=T9Z

http://www.bestmechanictoolset.com/top-10-mechanic-tool-brands/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/precision-measuring-tools.1390/#post-68861

https://www.powerhouseproducts.com/#

https://www.constructionprotips.com/tools-materials/the-top-automotive-tools-every-mechanic-needs/

http://www.bestmechanictoolset.com/5-usa-made-high-quality-mechanic-tool-brands/

https://www.thespruce.com/best-mechanic-tool-sets-4151065

https://mycarneedsthis.com/todays-best-mechanics-tool-sets-and-kits/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ore-clearance-on-your-block.14251/#post-72471

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/NTESearch?N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=mechanics+hand+tool&Nty=1&D=mechanics+hand+tool&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&cmnosearch=PPC&utm_source=google_PPC&utm_medium=HandTools&utm_campaign=generic&utm_content=mechanics hand tool&mkwid=sehoFjD6O&pcrid=227046123284&mtype=b&devicetype=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjbPx55X83QIVA47ICh0IoArCEAMYAyAAEgJm6_D_BwE

Maniacmechanic1 · Oct 10, 2018

Whatever you can find used Grumpy.

Grumpy · Apr 3, 2019

heres a few tools Ive found are decent values, they may not be top quality, but they are a reasonable value for the money spent.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-daytona-professional-steel-floor-jack-super-duty-63183.html

Dial Bore Guage Selections To Purchase 8-22-2021 Grumpy ?

Looking to purchase a New Dial Bore Guage Universal set for 1.000" - 6.000" range Grumpy. 1-5 inches be Ok cover all my own engine building needs and for others I build for. I don't have the funds for a Sunnen Deep reach dial bore guage along with the Sunnen Adjustable Bench standard like Pros...

garage.grumpysperformance.com

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-die-grinder-with-3-inch-extension-99698.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-steel-jack-stands-61599.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?dir=asc&order=EAScore,f,EAFeatured+Weight,f,Sale+Rank,f&q=20+ton

https://www.harborfreight.com/11-pc...long-handle-combination-wrench-set-60548.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/11-pc-fully-polished-sae-long-handle-combination-wrench-set-60538.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/lcd-automotive-multimeter-with-tachometer-kit-95670.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-dial-caliper-63730.html

drcook · Apr 6, 2019

I watch eBay like a hawk when I need a specialty tool HOWEVER, I make sure to do lots of searches (here there everywhere) so that I can make sure that all the pieces are there (if it is a multipart set).

So far I have the tool sets to remove the damper on a LT1, the toolset to service the timing chain cover (et al components there) and the tool set to service a C4 Corvette Dana 44. All were bought at a pittance of what they cost new. The Dana 44 set was never even used.

GM is notorious (as you [the royal you

] ) are well aware of having specialized tools required to do the job.

As I said, take the time to study what is in the kits so you can recognize them and don't get into a bidding war. The person bidding against you NEEDS that tool set in a short time, if not right now, and is willing to get it. Give it a week or two and another will show up and you can get it for cheap.

Nothing is wrong with Harbor Freight for limited use tools. I wouldn't trust their hydraulic cylinders and you have to watch the roll pins that secure the ratchet cog to the handle on their jackstands (I have had 2 that fell apart) (but the jack stand WILL NOT collapse due to the design).

No use paying $200.00 for a SnapOn tool you will only use once or twice.

Maniacmechanic1 · Apr 6, 2019

drcook said:
I watch eBay like a hawk when I need a specialty tool HOWEVER, I make sure to do lots of searches (here there everywhere) so that I can make sure that all the pieces are there (if it is a multipart set).

So far I have the tool sets to remove the damper on a LT1, the toolset to service the timing chain cover (et al components there) and the tool set to service a C4 Corvette Dana 44. All were bought at a pittance of what they cost new. The Dana 44 set was never even used.

GM is notorious (as you [the royal you ] ) are well aware of having specialized tools required to do the job.

As I said, take the time to study what is in the kits so you can recognize them and don't get into a bidding war. The person bidding against you NEEDS that tool set in a short time, if not right now, and is willing to get it. Give it a week or two and another will show up and you can get it for cheap.

Nothing is wrong with Harbor Freight for limited use tools. I wouldn't trust their hydraulic cylinders and you have to watch the roll pins that secure the ratchet cog to the handle on their jackstands (I have had 2 that fell apart) (but the jack stand WILL NOT collapse due to the design).

No use paying $200.00 for a SnapOn tool you will only use once or twice.

I have the Kent Moore Service tools also for C4 Dana 44.
Does Dana 44 C3 Vette Gen also & many Jeep Dodge D44.
Viper also.

Not much going on last 1 year in Vette world so my d44 tools idle.
No Prep Drag Racing is in.
Big 4x4 Trucks too for mud race offroad.
I started off building solid axle diffs for musclecars & drag cars so no biggie.

Snap On has great stuff. You do pay. I have.
Building Race cars for others you need the best.
You can not work for free.

sources for auto tools

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The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.

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solid fixture here in the forum

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.

solid fixture here in the forum

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.

Administrator

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.

solid fixture here in the forum

solid fixture here in the forum

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.

solid fixture here in the forum

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.

Member

solid fixture here in the forum