Re: [T2] cheap tools

["Jake Raby" <rabysvw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Cheap tools are good to throw in the spare parts boix in the VW, but when
you twist them all day, the "Paws" begin to feel it...

IO have ATLEAST 50 K$ in tools of all kinds, and I will tell you that
nothing beats the grip of a snap on screwdriver, and nothing is easier on a
tired set of hands than a good feeling wrench...

Backyard mechs can get by with cheaper tools, but I have goofed up way more
bolts/nuts with ill fitting tools than any other reason..

My favorite tool is a factory supplied 17mm Box wrench from a Honda
Motorcycle..Nothing breaks bell bolts loose like this thing..I have had it
for near 20 years and use it everytime I pull/install an engine..
Jake Raby
Raby's Aircooled Technology
http://www.aircooledtechnology.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Arnott" <jrasite@xxxxxxxx>
To: "Ken Hooper" <bighouse@xxxxxxxxx>
Cc: "Stan Wilder" <wilden1@xxxxxxxx>; <type2@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2001 12:48 AM
Subject: Re: [T2] cheap tools


> What Hoop said.
>
> I have an eclectic collection of tools gathered over the years.
> Snap-on, Mac, Bonney, a few Craftsman, a few Harbor Freight. Most of the
> former live in my tool box.  In the VWs there lives a small tackle box
> with the tools necessary to emergency repair each of them.  Included in
> that tackle box is a 17 piece HF Pittsburg Forge combination end wrench
> set.  The quality of these wrenches is 80% of my Snap-ons.  The cost?
> $19.95 for the set.  I buy them by the half dozen. If I loose a wrench
> on the road, so what.  The set is cheaper than a 13mm Snap-on.
>
> Additionally in each box I carry 5" genuine ViseGrips, a couple
> screwdrivers, a plug socket with the correct extension(s) for that motor
> and a decent (read Craftsman or swap meet Snap-on) ratchet. A 10mm 1/4
> drive socket and ratchet completes the hard tools.  I also carry a $10
> multimeter in the FI buses and a test light in the carb'd VWs. Total
> expense for each tacklebox? Less that $50 new.
>
> For a timing light, I use an old non-inductive pickup Balkamp.  Metal
> case and nearly indestructible. Cost $5 at the swap meet. I've owned
> inductive pickup lights and they are waaaaay to fragile for me. This one
> works. Though sometimes it'll knock you on your a$$.
>
> I also own a 3/4" drive socket set that I paid the princely sum of $29
> for twenty years ago.  Chinese, Indian, I don't remember... Some third
> world country. The sockets have survived just fine behind my CP 3/4
> drive impact. (850 lbs ft torque).
>
> On a budget?  Home use? Buy the mid priced Harbor Freight stuff. The
> cheap stuff (40pc socket set @ $3.99) will ruin fasteners.  Their
> Pittsburg Forge stuff is better than Craftsman. Buy the $20 wrench set,
> the $30 socket set and a selection of their faux Craftsman screwdrivers
> and they pay the shipping. Buy your multimeter and your timing light at
> the local pawn/second-hand store.
>
> You'll have everything you need except the special "use once" tools* for
> less than $75.
>
> * and I can tell you how to fake a few of those...
>
> Jim Arnott
> WetWesties
> (and semi-pro automotive technician for thirty-five years.)
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>   To UNSUBSCRIBE send any e-mail to: type2-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>   To email the admin for list help only: type2-admin@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>  For additional commands send any e-mail to: type2-help@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>