The 90 is made with a cheap, 3 size tubing bender. The 180, with my new Ridgid 1/4 inch tubing bender. $266cdn, but worth it.
The 90 is made with a cheap, 3 size tubing bender. The 180, with my new Ridgid 1/4 inch tubing bender. $266cdn, but worth it.
I have only ever had regrets after buying cheap tools.
All of them?
Notably:
MaxJax M6 lift.
Milling machine. Not just the cost of the machine but all of the tooling.
Lathes, times 3. Again, not just the cost of the machine but all of the tooling.
Welding machines.
Plasma cutter.
Probably most important is buying all of the oddball tools I've needed over the years. That probably adds up to more than the above machines.
I agree - all of them.
From the used set of Snap-On mid-length universal joint sockets (rarely used, but when I do it's because they are the only ones that can fit into a space) to any of the rarely used special BMW tools I've bought for working on MINIs. They are usually developed to make a job faster for a professional, but "faster" is almost always "easier" and can turn a 3 hour job into a 30 minute one.
I imported a set of stahlwille ratchets from german amazon. more expensive than craftsman, less expensive than snap-on but a joy to work with. I also bought fancy braided fuel line cutters rather than trying to use a grinder and it makes the whole process less awful. and not a tool, but I got the kaizen foam to go in my portable tool box. It keeps things from sliding around in the box while its in the truck and seeing an unfilled hole in the foam lets me know before I leave somewhere without gathering all my tools
I am fine with cheap hand tools and the occasional use stuff. But if I use it a ton or break it I upgrade after buying the cheap tool.
For me the things I really spent money on.
The highest priced steel floor Jack from Harbor Freight.
As a VW/Audi guy, VCDS is worth every penny. And it pays for itself after one DSG service.
Tire changing equipment and a lift. I absolutely regret the cnc plasma table that cost as much as the lift and tire machines combined
In reply to Patrick :
I forgot about the tire changer and balancer. Those are worth every penny as well.
Patrick said:I absolutely regret the cnc plasma table that cost as much as the lift and tire machines combined
I'm curious as to why that is.
For me, the 220v plasma cutter and welder. They're the most expensive tools I own pretty much, I don't use them often, but they're great to have when I need them.
Paco hubstands.
Tire machine and balancer.
big ass air compressor.
Good tap and die set
Big air
3 gallon ultrasonic cleaner
No compromise flare tool
wvumtnbkr said:Paco hubstands.
I am seriously considering these and would love feedback. I can align my Miata, and Subaru myself and even my silly truck. Finding shops to work on stuff here ain't easy. Tire shops even cry about non OEM wheels.
Nothing I've bought off the Snap-On truck.
Most of my every day use tools are S-K, Proto, Knipex, etc.
Most of my Snap-On tools are specialty items that I've seen and thought "That is a great idea and I'm sure it's going to save my butt one day". I've never been wrong about any of those.
AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) said:wvumtnbkr said:Paco hubstands.
I am seriously considering these and would love feedback. I can align my Miata, and Subaru myself and even my silly truck. Finding shops to work on stuff here ain't easy. Tire shops even cry about non OEM wheels.
Soooo easy to do alignments. Keep your floor clean and they roll very nicely. Built well.
I usually store my racecar on them (I don't think you are supposed to). They work frickin awesome.
They are the best tool I own.
I got mine during a black Friday sale. Hint hint.
wvumtnbkr said:AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) said:wvumtnbkr said:Paco hubstands.
I am seriously considering these and would love feedback. I can align my Miata, and Subaru myself and even my silly truck. Finding shops to work on stuff here ain't easy. Tire shops even cry about non OEM wheels.
Soooo easy to do alignments. Keep your floor clean and they roll very nicely. Built well.
I usually store my racecar on them (I don't think you are supposed to). They work frickin awesome.
They are the best tool I own.
I got mine during a black Friday sale. Hint hint.
Man, I think you just spent a lot of my money. Trying to align the 62 Midget (Miata suspension) is challenging using mason string. These guys might be the absolute answer since there likely isn't anyone within 100 miles who would take a stab at alignment.
I can't tell you how many times I bought a pricey tool that cost less than 20% of what the job would have cost if I paid a mechanic to do the work. Plus I have the tool if there is a next time.
Teh E36 M3 said:wvumtnbkr said:AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) said:wvumtnbkr said:Paco hubstands.
I am seriously considering these and would love feedback. I can align my Miata, and Subaru myself and even my silly truck. Finding shops to work on stuff here ain't easy. Tire shops even cry about non OEM wheels.
Soooo easy to do alignments. Keep your floor clean and they roll very nicely. Built well.
I usually store my racecar on them (I don't think you are supposed to). They work frickin awesome.
They are the best tool I own.
I got mine during a black Friday sale. Hint hint.
Man, I think you just spent a lot of my money. Trying to align the 62 Midget (Miata suspension) is challenging using mason string. These guys might be the absolute answer since there likely isn't anyone within 100 miles who would take a stab at alignment.
I got rid of my racecar.... and kept the hubstands. I like them that much.
My Hobart welder has paid for itself many times over. It's over 30 years old and still working. For me, it's the equipment that just keeps giving. Fixing parts in 10 minutes instead of spending $$$ on new/used ones makes me feel happy.
Ones I can think of off the top of my head:
In reply to wvumtnbkr :
I will watch for BF then! I am going to lower the Miata soon and do not want factory alignment specs! The Subaru race car needs an alignment before I sell it too. The new Subie will need an alignment to improve performance as well. 3 performance alignments probably comes close to paying for them.
You can never have enough good torque wrenches.
Cousin_Eddie (Forum Supporter) said:Big air
I used to sell hoses to Champion - they were quality compressors made in the USA - Princeton, Illinois.
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