What are your most useful tools...

[Tinkley]

Hard call, probably a shortish (not stubby) flat blade screwdriver, wooden handle, my grandfathers and the steel is good.

As usual you tend to get what you pay for, my Kamasa mid 70s' socket set has been good. Equally a good German set of Allen keys. On the woodwork front my old 70s' Record No4 (plane, Made in England, note) has been v good after an initial fettling and perfect shape to the wooden handle, much nicer than the Stanley shape. Most of the 'CK' brand tools I have ever used have been good too, from chisels to Clamps to circlip pliers.

[Vanny]

After the 10mm flexi head ratchet spanner from Halfords (a personal revolution when i bought the first)

the most useful recent purchase is the modern thiefs weapon of choice;

ae235.jpg (7.97 KiB) Viewed 396 times

then probably the alternative method for un seizing bolts;

ae2r35.jpg (6.11 KiB) Viewed 396 times

[mat_fenwick]

I made a tool a few years ago for winding the brake caliper pistons back in, coupled with a ratchet spanner.





Looking at the last photo reminds me of another tip that might be useful - I colour code the most often used (10, 13 and 17 mm) spanners and sockets with a piece of insulation tape. Makes it easier to pick up the right size without reading the numbers.

[maxgreenwood]

I got a sphere removal tool off eBay yeas ago (a Pleaiedes one) which is great. Does everyone have one? Makes an accumulator sphere surrounded by pipes (as in the 19trs with air-con) easy to remove.

Like the look of the flexible head ratchet spanners. Ooo yes

[Vanny]

I colour code the most often used (10, 13 and 17 mm) spanners and sockets with a piece of insulation tape.

Hmmm, i wonder why i've done this at work, but not at home . . . i should use the current down time to get them marked up i guess

[michaelr]

Did you know the German's nickname for the adjustable spanner is the 'English Spanner'!

And is the hammer still widely referred to as the "American Screwdriver" ?

I have a tiny hammer with a long handle as an essential. Tapping, not belting.
Since I bought a Bahco 1/4" socket set I have rarely used bigger tools.

[Tinkley]

Second the Bahco 1/4" socket set, nice tight sockets and good steel. Having just broken a cheapo ratchet trying to get an outboard motor casing undone, it will be put to the test today!.

Mind you trying it in a 35mm socket on the wheel hub nuts.........

[citronut]

you should only use 1/4 drive ( ratchet's ) if you have small nuts, oooooh la la

regards malcolm

[David]

Second the Bahco 1/4" socket set, nice tight sockets and good steel. Having just broken a cheapo ratchet trying to get an outboard motor casing undone, it will be put to the test today!.

Mind you trying it in a 35mm socket on the wheel hub nuts.........

That's too small for undoing wheel or driveshaft nuts.

When undoing drive shafts I use a 3/4" ratchet & a 1,3/8" socket, Then I stand on it. Works every time.