Even though picking our favorite tools can be like trying to pick the favorite child, there are definitely a few items we find ourselves relying on most when elbow-deep in one of our many project cars. Here are some tools we can’t live without.
Did we miss any? What are some tools you swear by?
Presented by CRC Industries.
By Chris Tropea
4/27/21 6:05 p.m.
Readers (magnifying glasses)
Cordless impact
Vise on a stand (old wheel as a base, pipe, 1/4" plate)
Safety glasses and earplugs
Hydraulic lift
Hardware size/thread checker
Markers
WD-40
Propane torch
Punches/drifts of various sizes and materials
Lots of hammers
Extension cord reel
Air hose reel
4/27/21 6:16 p.m.
4/27/21 6:21 p.m.
Cordless impact
Beer frig (to have others come over to do the work)
A white board, if you have a computer, a projector works and enables other options when it comes to masking for projects.
A get out of trouble kit, this consist of extractors sockets, tap and dies, helicoils, acetylene torch, punches and vice. (Note that after this kit is utilized you visit recommendation #2)
A swear jar. This is fueled by recommendation #4 and enables the funding of additional parts (or tools) but also serves as a reminder that maybe you aren't too eager to take on the next aspect of the project or that good enough may in fact be good enough.
4/27/21 6:24 p.m.
Bifocal safety glasses.
Flashlight.
Hydraulic press.
4/27/21 6:58 p.m.
A large, deep pit to push the project into when you have to drop the tranmission for a third time.
4/28/21 3:00 p.m.
Milwaukee M18 1/2" Medium torque impact gun
3/8" Snap On flex head ratchet
Ratchet head wrenches
Milwaukee inflater (set and walk away, great tool when doing winter/summer tire swap overs on multiple cars)
Step drill bits
Honourable mention but higher cost: QuickJack
4/28/21 7:36 p.m.
Cardboard.
Sitting/Laying on.
Organizing parts/bolts/nuts etc on (and being able to write what the item is on).
Making notes and lists.
Making templates.
Making sketches.
4/28/21 10:32 p.m.
I save hotel key cards from travel for making templates, scrapers, or throwaway putty knifes for spreading epoxy.
A sturdy workbench ( homemade or purchased) with a quality 4 inch plus vise preferably older the you are.
12" disc sander or 4" plus bench top belt sander.
bench top or preferably freestanding drill press
Portable bandsaw with SWAG table if you can't afford or have the room for a full size metal cutting bandsaw.
4/29/21 4:06 p.m.
In reply to RichardSIA :
I want to be a person who owns a lathe and/or mill, but I don't see how I would use them working on a challenge car.
What were the last 5 car-related projects that you used yours for?
4/30/21 6:35 a.m.
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