Tool Review Time

[Adieu]

Amazon product ASIN B0002SR7TC
When it works, I love it. When it doesn't...

Mityvac somehow is the big name in fluid transfer tools. I don't understand how, because of the three Mityvac tools I've owned, three were troublesome.

When the 7201 works, it's amazing. It makes changing the oil in outboard motors, engines that have both a dipstick tube and top-mounted oil filter (most Subarus, Toyota 4.0, Chrysler Pentastar, many Mercedes) a breeze and mess-free. When it doesn't? It's difficult to diagnose, Mityvac is no help, and replacing the two most common failure points costs all of $30 less than buying a new one.

I also owned one of these:
Amazon product ASIN B00MPQ8RBGEven though they say it can be used for various fluids, including brake fluid... don't ever actually use one on brake fluid... the o-rings swell up and it becomes useless, as well as nearly impossible to disassemble to replace them. Just buy a few dollar store turkey basters that you can throw away guilt free when the bulb fails and move on. If you want one of these for coolant, go for it, they'll work fine for that indefinitely.

But the same company that makes those pieces of crap? They also make this:

Amazon product ASIN B0002SQYUA
Mine's worked flawlessly for 7 years, used as a vacuum pump, pressure pump, and even as a vacuum gauge in a pinch. The clear door inside the case that contains the small parts broke 6 years ago, but that's the only complaint I have. It works, and works well. If only their quality control on their whole lineup was this good.

 

[Adieu]

Amazon product ASIN B09ZKYRG4P
I've got big feet. Size 13-13.5 depending on what brand we're talking about. The shop I work for now (and also worked for from 2016-2020) requires safety toe boots, and with my big, unusually shaped feet with flat arches? I was in pure agony for over three years, through over a dozen different pairs of boots from Bates, Keen, Wolverine, SnapOn, Reebok, RedWing, Skechers, and others. NOTHING was comfortable.

When I went back to that company this year, I used Amazon Wardrobe to try out as many as possible at one time, sending 18 pairs back before finding these Andanda fiberglass-toe boots with a puncture-proof Kevlar footbed in European size 48. To my amazement, they don't hurt at all unless I walk more than a few miles a day in them or wear them for more than 12 hours at a time, and even then, unlike all other safety-toe boots I've tried, I don't have to soak my feet for hours afterwards to get rid of the pain, they stop hurting the moment the boots are off. I've worn them daily for six months, and they're so comfortable I wear them when working on cars at home as well. The insoles were a little thin, but installing upgrade insoles is a day one thing for me since I have plantar fascitis, so that didn't really bother me (and even with their how thin they were, they were still pretty damned comfortable). I get an allowance for a new pair of boots every six months at work, and I already have another, identical pair in my cart on Amazon for when I become eligible again next week.

 

[Ronin38]

I hear ya on the safety toe shoes. The Redwing boots I had were okay (with Dr. Scholls gel Work insoles), but I wear an 11 Wide, and the pair of safety toe shoes I got for warehouse work apparently had an 11 Regular toe cap. My big toe would be half numb by the end of the day.

 

[Noobz347]

Battery operated impact guns:

I will say that we currently live in a life of plenty. The last two Harbor Freight iterations rate neck-in-neck with the latest guns from Milwaukee, Snap-On , etc...

If you've been putting off buying one, this may be the year. The guns themselves have gotten so good that the various producers are cutting prices to sell ahead of the other guy. You'd have to go out of your way to buy a junk one (Ryobi cough).

 

[Ronin38]

Speaking of air tools, how much torque is an air wrench good for? I changed the blades on my riding mower the other day, but couldn't jack it up high enough to get the impact gun under it, so I used the breaker bar and 1/2" drive handle. It takes 50lbs. of torque to tighten or remove the blade bolts.
Would the air wrench have worked? I hardly use it, tbh..

 

[Noobz347]

An air "wrench". maybe not. An air "Impact Wrench", more than likely.

I mean, I've had blade bolts on my diesel tractor that defied an impact before but some heat and a little penetrating oil usually finishes it.

 

[LILCBRA]

Amazon product ASIN B09ZKYRG4P
I've got big feet. Size 13-13.5 depending on what brand we're talking about. The shop I work for now (and also worked for from 2016-2020) requires safety toe boots, and with my big, unusually shaped feet with flat arches? I was in pure agony for over three years, through over a dozen different pairs of boots from Bates, Keen, Wolverine, SnapOn, Reebok, RedWing, Skechers, and others. NOTHING was comfortable.

When I went back to that company this year, I used Amazon Wardrobe to try out as many as possible at one time, sending 18 pairs back before finding these Andanda fiberglass-toe boots with a puncture-proof Kevlar footbed in European size 48. To my amazement, they don't hurt at all unless I walk more than a few miles a day in them or wear them for more than 12 hours at a time, and even then, unlike all other safety-toe boots I've tried, I don't have to soak my feet for hours afterwards to get rid of the pain, they stop hurting the moment the boots are off. I've worn them daily for six months, and they're so comfortable I wear them when working on cars at home as well. The insoles were a little thin, but installing upgrade insoles is a day one thing for me since I have plantar fascitis, so that didn't really bother me (and even with their how thin they were, they were still pretty damned comfortable). I get an allowance for a new pair of boots every six months at work, and I already have another, identical pair in my cart on Amazon for when I become eligible again next week.

I don't have plantar fasciitis but I bought these a couple years ago to try for my reconstructed foot. They cup the heel and offer support in that area which I needed after reconstructive surgery on my heel. They almost completely corrected my limp the first time I used them. My girlfriend has plantar fasciitis so I suggested these to her, she likes them as well. They might be worth a shot for you....

Amazon product ASIN B07B8NMJDM

 

[Adieu]

Speaking of air tools, how much torque is an air wrench good for? I changed the blades on my riding mower the other day, but couldn't jack it up high enough to get the impact gun under it, so I used the breaker bar and 1/2" drive handle. It takes 50lbs. of torque to tighten or remove the blade bolts.
Would the air wrench have worked? I hardly use it, tbh..

A pneumatic impact wrench is good for somewhere between 100 and 2500 lb/ft depending on drive size, design, air supply, etc.

The NitroCat 1250K in my toolbox is rated for 1300 lb/ft of torque. My big Mac (relabeled DeWalt) cordless is it's equal and more convenient, but there are times a good pneumatic will do what a good cordless won't and vice-versa.

 

[Adieu]

Battery operated impact guns:

I will say that we currently live in a life of plenty. The last two Harbor Freight iterations rate neck-in-neck with the latest guns from Milwaukee, Snap-On , etc...

If you've been putting off buying one, this may be the year. The guns themselves have gotten so good that the various producers are cutting prices to sell ahead of the other guy. You'd have to go out of your way to buy a junk one (Ryobi cough).

20V MAX* 1/2" Drive BL-Spec™ High-Torque Brushless Impact Wrench Kit

65.5% Torque increase when compared to the previous brushed model (½” cordless impact BWP050) .Can remove up to 37% more bolts per charge vs previous brushed tool (BWP050) .Glass-filled nylon body to withstand automotive fluids .1/2" Drive anvil with hog-ring for easy socket changes...

www.mactools.com

That is what I currently have. I bought it over two years ago, bundled with the flashlight and the drill for what the impact usually costs alone when they had a sale.

That thing is an absolute beast, easily being my Nitrocat 1250K's equal. Due to the differences in how they work, there are times each will be able to take something loose that the other won't, but between the two, there's virtually nothing I can't tackle.

The two greatest features of the Mac impacts (I also have the smaller, mid-torque impact) are "Impact Assist" mode, and the fact that they can run off-the-rack DeWalt batteries from your favorite home improvement stores or websites instead of needing a proprietary tool-truck-only battery like SnapOn or Matco.

Impact Assist is a setting for suspension work and lug nuts. What it does is the following: When tightening, it runs the fastener in gently, but quickly, until resistance is felt, stops, then hammers down at a pre-set torque level. When loosening, it applies the full torque until it senses it breaking loose, then slows down so it doesn't fling a bolt or nut on you. Both features are fully automatic, no need to feather the trigger or stop-and-go, just grip and rip.

But... don't buy it.

Why?

Because you can get essentially the same gun cheaper under the DeWalt and Craftsman names when Mac doesn't have it on sale in a bundle. Torque Test Channel on Youtube proved it.

On sale in a bundle for $650 with a drill, flashlight, charger, and two batteries? Absolute bargain. Full price? Screw that.

Craftsman's version can be found for less than $200 at Lowe's. The specs are slightly lower than the Mac and DeWalt, but when Torque Test Channel tested it, they were all three right there together, which isn't surprising since they're all from Stanley Black & Decker. https://www.craftsman.com/collections/impact-wrenches/products/cmcf940m1

The DeWalt version may actually be superior now. It used to have three power settings without Impact Assist, but now it has three AND "Precision Torque" which is the same feature under a different name. It can be ordered from Amazon or Acme for $499 right now.

20V MAX* XR® Brushless Cordless 1/2 In High Torque Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil Kit | DEWALT

Complete tough jobs utilizing the power of the DEWALT 20V MAX* XR® 1/2 in. High Torque Impact Wrench. Our highest rated torque 1/2 in. impact wrench** delivers up to 71% more torque***, making it ...

www.dewalt.com

All of that said, Harbor Freight's Bauer and Hercules line are so damned impressive that in a decade or two I may switch again when tools start to wear out. Switching from SnapOn cordless in 14.4 and 18v to Milwaukee 12v and DeWalt/Mac 20v has been the best decision I could've made.

 

[Ronin38]

 

[General karthief]

Legos are more my speed

 

[Ronin38]

hahaha- Now we just have to wait for the brands I posted above to come out with their own Lego Line tool sets!
I'm surprised they've so far missed this opportunity!

 

[Mustang5L5]

I’m definitely in the Dewalt camp

 

[Adieu]

False, I own all but Makita from that picture. Milwaukee M12 is superior to DeWalt 12v. DeWalt 20v is better than Milwaukee M18, and Ryobi 18v One+ is hard to beat for home use.

 

[2000xp8]

What is the largest size standard and metric socket that at home mechanics really ever need?
I'm revamping my socket sets and am going to buy 2 sets of milwaukee impact sockets in cases. The one set i like goes to 36mm (it's a bit pricey) and the standard goes to 1 7/16.
I'm going to guess the largest size we need is for spindle/axle nuts.
I have a really nice 1/2 and 3/8 packout set i love, but my larger socket collection is a disaster.
I'm on a less is more and neatness kick lately and i think i'm done with loose sockets.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I beleive the strut bolts and control arm bolts on the Fox/SN95 are 22mm and 24mm. So I have sockets/wrenches up to that size. Any larger I buy them individually, like the Sn95 spindle nut which I think is 26MM?

I think one of my cars used a 36mm nut for the axle shaft, but I used that once.

 

[manicmechanic007]

Once you get a 3/4 drive set that goes up to around 3 inches you are set
Some Honda crank bolts are so tight I use a 1 inch semi truck wacky packy with a 3/4 by 1 inch drive socket
You can never have enough sockets
I have 4 drawers of sockets. Here is my big socket drawer

 

[2000xp8]

Thanks guys, maniac, keep in mind i'm not a professional mechanic, lol. I don't have any interest in deep diving into the 3/4 territory.
I certainly don't want to buy another milwaukee impact (i have the 1/2) wrench and i already gave away most of my air tools (other than chisel and sander). I also really like storage cases.

I have this set. I can complete at least 75% of tasks with it. It's easy to read, goes back nicely in the case and i never realized how nice it would be that sockets don't roll away. I've also found that with a case, i'm much more likely to put the tools away where they belong.

Milwaukee 3/8 in. and 1/4 in. Drive SAE/Metric Ratchet and Socket Mechanics Tool Set with PACKOUT Case (106-Piece) 48-22-9486 - The Home Depot

Ensure swing and a slim profile for work in tighter spaces by choosing Milwaukee Drive SAE or Metric Ratchet and Socket Mechanics Tool Set with PACKOUT Case.

www.homedepot.com

This socket set is reasonable, so i will likely buy it.

Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE 1/2 in. Drive SAE Deep Well 6 Point Impact Socket Set (18-Piece) 49-66-7093 - The Home Depot

Tackle the fasteners on all your home projects with the selection of this Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Drive SAE Deep Well Impact Socket Set lasting durability.

www.homedepot.com

This one, not so reasonable, i'm on the fence here.

Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE 1/2 in. Drive Metric 6 Point Impact Socket Set (29-Piece) 49-66-7015 - The Home Depot

Accomplish all your difficult drilling tasks effortlessly with the choice of this amazing Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Drive Metric Impact Socket Set

www.homedepot.com

And if you can't already tell, i like all my tools to match. No not sensible, but it's just how it is.

Edit: Maybe i can just get away with this set and buy the spindle nut sockets separately. I also like the clear packout case better because you can see what's in there.

SHOCKWAVE Impact-Duty 1/2 in. Drive Metric and SAE Deep Well Impact PACKOUT Socket Set (31-Piece)

 

[Adieu]

What is the largest size standard and metric socket that at home mechanics really ever need?
I'm revamping my socket sets and am going to buy 2 sets of milwaukee impact sockets in cases. The one set i like goes to 36mm (it's a bit pricey) and the standard goes to 1 7/16.
I'm going to guess the largest size we need is for spindle/axle nuts.
I have a really nice 1/2 and 3/8 packout set i love, but my larger socket collection is a disaster.
I'm on a less is more and neatness kick lately and i think i'm done with loose sockets.

It depends entirely on what you're working on. If you have a 3/4 or bigger pickup you'll need bigger stuff. If you had an F150 you'd be able to stop at 28mm. If you have a FWD car you'll need up to whatever the CV axle nut is.

My advice is get as complete of a set as you can for the dollar, then buy the individual sockets you need for oddball stuff as needed.

Besides, matching sockets are over-rated, I'm a professional, and my sockets are a blend of Matco, SnapOn, Cornwell, Mac, Gearwrench, Diehard, Kobalt, Husky, Pittsburgh, Hazet, Grey Pneumatic, Neiko, Sunex, Stahlwille, Duralast, Craftsman, Assenmacher, Carlyle, Klutch, Cal-Hawk, Capri, Bluepoint, Blue Power, Silver Eagle, Expert, ADV, Williams, Astro Pneumatic, VIM, OEM Tool, and Performance Tool.

If you're dead-set on matching sockets, start with the Sunex 3/8 master metric set. It's an insane value and holds up incredibly well.

 

[2000xp8]

F150 will likely be as much vehicle as i ever own.
Remember, as i suggested, i'm not a professional mechanic that needs to be prepared for every situation, i also don't own a 10ft wide by 5ft tall tool box (nor do i want to).
I like my things neat and organized. Matching is nice too.
I've almost never broken a 1/2 socket.
I've gotten by the last 25 years with a random collection of misfits, i've just over digging through them.