I’m a bit of a tool bargain junkie so once again, if the mods read this perhaps a dedicated tool deals thread (combined with a consumables deals like oil/fluids/cleaners etc) might be a good idea?
You can't beat a power ratchet for getting into a tight space where you can't swing the handle of a manual ratchet. Removing a starter is a good example.
I bought a 1/2" impact and 3/8" ratchet with my first compressor back in the early 90's. The ratchet is still in its unopened box. In over 30 years of working on Japanese and Euro cars and bikes, I've never NEEDED it, although many times once I was already in the middle of loosening/fastening in cramped quarters I realized it wouldn't save enough time to stop and switch. Maybe I've been lucky, but through a combination of wobble extensions and/or universal joints I've always managed with an impact gun or fine-toothed flex ratchet handles.
I bought a 1/2" impact and 3/8" ratchet with my first compressor back in the early 90's. The ratchet is still in its unopened box. In over 30 years of working on Japanese and Euro cars and bikes, I've never NEEDED it, although many times once I was already in the middle of loosening/fastening in cramped quarters I realized it wouldn't save enough time to stop and switch. Maybe I've been lucky, but through a combination of wobble extensions and/or universal joints I've always managed with an impact gun or fine-toothed flex ratchet handles.
My problem with pneumatic stuff was by the time I realized I might need it I had to fight with stupid hoses, maybe oil up the tool, search for a correct fitting if it wasn’t there, fire up the compressor, wait until that was done. Or…slap a battery into the right tool and off to the races.
My problem with pneumatic stuff was by the time I realized I might need it I had to fight with stupid hoses, maybe oil up the tool, search for a correct fitting if it wasn’t there, fire up the compressor, wait until that was done. Or…slap a battery into the right tool and off to the races.
My problem with pneumatic stuff was by the time I realized I might need it I had to fight with stupid hoses, maybe oil up the tool, search for a correct fitting if it wasn’t there, fire up the compressor, wait until that was done. Or…slap a battery into the right tool and off to the races.
I should have clarified that my comments apply equally to air or battery ratchets (and ratchets only - I use my battery impact for lots of stuff, and have been considering investing in a new Thor air impact for even more power). Air and batteries are always ready to go, it's more about not wanting to readjust myself or my tools once I've figured out how to get to a hard-to-reach fastener - by the time I start over because a motorized tool could save me some time, it really doesn't.
Then a bunch of models at various discounts and smaller in size all the way down to this one at $128 reduced from $228 which is an 11 L toolbox stackable model with a dustpan feature where you sweep stuff into the vac.
The last one looks good for me to just have in the garage permanently.
Edit: Got the last one and a rolling toolbox that it locks onto. I’ve been using random clear bins to keep tools in for a bit so this is a bit of a treat.
Irwin quick clamps sale at Rona. Everyone usually needs these at some point. Useful for a range of things. I’ve swapped the ends of clamps like these about before and used them as spreaders. $27 for 4 ($14 off)
Occasionally I have a rummage in Princess Auto when I need to get something else from there. I don’t find much though. One thing they are good for are neodymium magnets with hooks that I use to put stuff around my gazebo (lights etc) that has a steel roof and a lack of hanging options. Years ago I would buy the cheapest tool that I could find but now I’ll pay more for the hex keys that fit and work or the screwdriver that doesn’t shred screws or itself.
Not specifically since Princess Auto started carrying most of the same stuff and it's so much easier to do an exchange/return if there's a problem. But if I'm in the area anyways, I always drop in.
When it’s on sale the Mastercraft Maximum line of tools from Crappy Tire is pretty good I find and then some prices approach the cheaper Princess Auto stuff.
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