Tools For The Christmas List

[bigcheez2k3]

Slightly ot, but on the subject of balljoints - smack a wedge in to spread the pinch, then stick a scaffold pole under it, tie it to the arm near the bj with a short length of big chain and level downwards. Assist with lump hammer and conviction if required.

A pair of tin snips is something i always regret not having, then forget to buy. And some good vernier calipers. Not so important if you're not fabricating much i guess though. What will you be doing with the tools over the next couple of years? May seem a daft question, but if you're going much beyond general maintenance and repairs there's some fairly random unexpected stuff that's invaluable.

Some suggestions anyway; basic essentials not listed so far:

Pump grips (can do oil filters with these nicely)
Pipe grips
Lever bars
Hacksaw


...and for the bench:

Lamp and adjustable stand
Selection of files
Impact driver
Picks

Pretty much have all of that except pump grips and the lamp. Seems I have more than I realise. Been buying stuff as and when a job needs it. Impact driver for example I bought to get one screw out on my old moped, however as always has come in useful since. Most of my stuff is bought with a view to using it on vehicles but a lot came in useful when we built the shed/workshop.

I'm surprised no-one has mentioned a Dremel yet, as that's been very useful, especially now I have an actual Dremel and not the cheap Halfords thing.

I'm also always very careful with what I get in terms of quality as I'd hate for something to break while doing a job. Majority of the tools at my old work required some sort of knack to get to work properly, glad to be out of there.