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Lassen Forge
Well-known member
Oh God, I WENT through this 3 years ago when we moved,,, I had a ton of tools that, as it turns out, were not only not necessary, but taking up valuable real estate... but I couldn't get rid of them, because, well, "What If?"...
But prune them? Heavens to Betsy, NOOOOOO!~!!!
It was a watershed moment for me... I can still do everything with 33% kess crapola I collected, hoarded, held on to, and somehow thought was irreplaceable. And now - Like above, I have a place to put **** where **** should go. I can FIND it. And I can get jobs done!
But prune them? Heavens to Betsy, NOOOOOO!~!!!
It was a watershed moment for me... I can still do everything with 33% kess crapola I collected, hoarded, held on to, and somehow thought was irreplaceable. And now - Like above, I have a place to put **** where **** should go. I can FIND it. And I can get jobs done!
OP
I'm gonna be moving soon... The square footage will be whatever cruel number the new place decides to offer, and I will make my peace with it. But this list? This list is non-negotiable. Every single thing on it comes with me, no matter what.
JustVicingIt
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 6, 2025
- Messages
- 179
Everything is disposable I guess. Except my workbench I built with Benchcrafted components. It's a piece I hope someone luckily finds in an estate sale after I'm gone and continues to use into oblivion.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
The Makita LXT brushless "sub compact" recip saw really changed the game for me. At the time (long time ago now), the only options for battery recip saws were the traditional "long" style, or the single hand "hackz-all" style. This thing packs a ton of power in a very small and lightweight package. It was a complete game-changer for me for doing "demo" work outside of the house.
Most notably, it made going to the junkyard a much more enjoyable experience. Just toss it in the tool bag and walk in. Trying to get that AC compressor out? This thing just saved you half a days work. Instead of fighting for hours with trying to remove a mangled rusty bumper crash bar blocking your access to the one remaining bolt on the compressor - you take 40 seconds and blast through it with the saw.
Most notably, it made going to the junkyard a much more enjoyable experience. Just toss it in the tool bag and walk in. Trying to get that AC compressor out? This thing just saved you half a days work. Instead of fighting for hours with trying to remove a mangled rusty bumper crash bar blocking your access to the one remaining bolt on the compressor - you take 40 seconds and blast through it with the saw.
willy3486
Well-known member
I have a lot of have to have tools so to speak. One of my favorite posters is Kewi Kev due to his ability to find old stuff and decorate with it, I also likes how he finds uses for stuff. Here are a few items I have that I use a lot and would be lost without them.
A old shopping cart I cut the basket off and turned it into a rolling stool. I use it a lot when I am working on old stuff.
1930s Walker turner drill. My mother in law gave it to me after my FIL passed. I use it on just about every project.
1940s Craftsman bandsaw I got after my dad passed.
1960s powermatic 66 tablesaw. My dad gave this to me years ago.
Miter saw, I use this a lot.
A homemade stroke sander, It was my dads and I got it after my mom passed away. The base was shot and I saved the sanding part and retrofitted a cart to hold it. I use this on a lot of projects.
Milwaukee cordless drill my daughter gave me for Christmas one year.
A old variable power supply. I use this to do electrolytic rust removial. I got it from one of my old mentors.
Old 15 year old computer. I use this to bring up pictures of stuff I am making and also to play music.
Homemade rolling workbench. I found some shipping forms made out of angle iron. I found them after my dad passed. I added a couple of pieces of angle iron and made cabinets for it. For the top I found a long 4 inch x 16 inch by 8 feet piece by dad made by gluing up some oak pieces. I split it into two pieces thick and then cut it in half so I could make a 4 feet by 3 feet wide top.
Spinning tool holder. I made this to hold a lot of my hand tools like draw knives, handsaws, levels,etc. I have a lot of tools in a 3 feet by 3 feet area.
I have lots of tools but this list are the ones I remember using the most.
A old shopping cart I cut the basket off and turned it into a rolling stool. I use it a lot when I am working on old stuff.
1930s Walker turner drill. My mother in law gave it to me after my FIL passed. I use it on just about every project.
1940s Craftsman bandsaw I got after my dad passed.
1960s powermatic 66 tablesaw. My dad gave this to me years ago.
Miter saw, I use this a lot.
A homemade stroke sander, It was my dads and I got it after my mom passed away. The base was shot and I saved the sanding part and retrofitted a cart to hold it. I use this on a lot of projects.
Milwaukee cordless drill my daughter gave me for Christmas one year.
A old variable power supply. I use this to do electrolytic rust removial. I got it from one of my old mentors.
Old 15 year old computer. I use this to bring up pictures of stuff I am making and also to play music.
Homemade rolling workbench. I found some shipping forms made out of angle iron. I found them after my dad passed. I added a couple of pieces of angle iron and made cabinets for it. For the top I found a long 4 inch x 16 inch by 8 feet piece by dad made by gluing up some oak pieces. I split it into two pieces thick and then cut it in half so I could make a 4 feet by 3 feet wide top.
Spinning tool holder. I made this to hold a lot of my hand tools like draw knives, handsaws, levels,etc. I have a lot of tools in a 3 feet by 3 feet area.
I have lots of tools but this list are the ones I remember using the most.
jblnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I’ve been rocking a set of Boutons since they were not cool in high school and love them. I thankfully don’t need correctives so it’s just slap them on the brain box and go to work. I think I’m up to a half dozen pair scattered between the main shop and the vehicles I drive on a regular basis.
Another must have for me is a Leatherman type multi tool. I have a cheap off brand unit that has a full size pliers on it and actual flat and Phillips screwdrivers that fold out from the handle that are large enough to be useful. I have had many different multitools on my hip and they come in very handy on the farm.
Another must have for me is a Leatherman type multi tool. I have a cheap off brand unit that has a full size pliers on it and actual flat and Phillips screwdrivers that fold out from the handle that are large enough to be useful. I have had many different multitools on my hip and they come in very handy on the farm.
goldtang
Well-known member
my current Work bench is made out of aluminium box section, with a 10 mm aluminium top, on wheels , we built it about 8 years a good
my idea was when I can’t or stop playing in the garage then it becomes a table so we can sit around Reminiscing
I didn't know they were cool until today, and now ai have to have them. Do they come in reading glasses? I can only find modern style Boutons in readers.
jblnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You can get lenses made for the “classic” style. Bring a set to your eye guy and they should be able to shove lenses in them. Pops has a couple sets with his lenses in them. Sort of spendy but they beat the **** outta the cheapos over prescription glasses.
I built my 4x8 bable (bench / table) a few years ago and it’s been great. I have a metal vise on one side and a wood vise on the other. The hardest thing is keeping that large horizontal surface from becoming a catch all.
My 2 post lift was a game changer for me and would be tough to live without.
My 2 post lift was a game changer for me and would be tough to live without.
bulletpruf
Well-known member
I ordered the Bouton safety glasses; I'll get my prescription lenses inserted.
Some of my MVP's -
-Milwaukee M18 blower. Compact and powerful and vastly preferred over a broom for a quick shop cleanup.
-On that note, pretty much any Milwaukee M12 or M18 tool, but especially angle grinders and impacts. Sure beats the hell out of using pneumatic stuff.
-Impact screwdriver. I don't use it often, but it's saved my bacon on a number of occasions.
-Small propane torch. Tons of uses and indispensable for heating up stuck fasteners.
-Goodson carbide scrapers. If you do not have these, go buy them now. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Knockoffs are cheap on the jungle site.
-Homemade wheel cribs. Easy to make and very stable. My '72 Javelin road race project has been sitting on these for about a year.
-Also pictured below, Daytona high-lift jack from HF. Not light, but steady and the high lift comes in very handy.
Some of my MVP's -
-Milwaukee M18 blower. Compact and powerful and vastly preferred over a broom for a quick shop cleanup.
-On that note, pretty much any Milwaukee M12 or M18 tool, but especially angle grinders and impacts. Sure beats the hell out of using pneumatic stuff.
-Impact screwdriver. I don't use it often, but it's saved my bacon on a number of occasions.
-Small propane torch. Tons of uses and indispensable for heating up stuck fasteners.
-Goodson carbide scrapers. If you do not have these, go buy them now. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Knockoffs are cheap on the jungle site.
-Homemade wheel cribs. Easy to make and very stable. My '72 Javelin road race project has been sitting on these for about a year.
-Also pictured below, Daytona high-lift jack from HF. Not light, but steady and the high lift comes in very handy.
Knipex Plierswrench is really handy.
The HF Badlands offroad jack can’t be beat for working outside on dirt or gravel.
The small handheld battery blowers are so useful for so many things, I’m always coming up with new uses. I just saw a YT vid where someone was using them to vacuum out drilled holes by putting the intake side down on the hole. Very clever.
The HF Badlands offroad jack can’t be beat for working outside on dirt or gravel.
The small handheld battery blowers are so useful for so many things, I’m always coming up with new uses. I just saw a YT vid where someone was using them to vacuum out drilled holes by putting the intake side down on the hole. Very clever.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Here's my go-to list...
1. Milwaukee M12 Right Angle Die Grinder
2. Estwing 12 ounce rip hammer
3. Porter Cable 7-1/4" Circular Saw with blade on the left.
4. Stanley 99 fixed blade utility knife.
5. Milwaukee Markzall Markers
6. Bosch 1380 Slim 4.5" Angle Grinder
7. Miller 211 Welder
8. Milwaukee Portaband portable bandsaw ( with table)
9. Milwaukee 4" mini speed square
10. PB Swiss Slotted screwdrivers
11. Wiha Philips screwdrivers
12. Knipex mini bolt cutters
13. Vise grip 9" locking pliers.
14. Milwaukee M12 screwdriver
15. 8" Walboard Flexible Drywall taping knife
16. Ryobi 18V Random Orbit Sander
17. Wen Bandfile
18. Midwest brand Snips
19. Eastwood Knockoff Beverly Shear
20. Bosch 10" Table Saw with Gravity Rise Stand.
1. Milwaukee M12 Right Angle Die Grinder
2. Estwing 12 ounce rip hammer
3. Porter Cable 7-1/4" Circular Saw with blade on the left.
4. Stanley 99 fixed blade utility knife.
5. Milwaukee Markzall Markers
6. Bosch 1380 Slim 4.5" Angle Grinder
7. Miller 211 Welder
8. Milwaukee Portaband portable bandsaw ( with table)
9. Milwaukee 4" mini speed square
10. PB Swiss Slotted screwdrivers
11. Wiha Philips screwdrivers
12. Knipex mini bolt cutters
13. Vise grip 9" locking pliers.
14. Milwaukee M12 screwdriver
15. 8" Walboard Flexible Drywall taping knife
16. Ryobi 18V Random Orbit Sander
17. Wen Bandfile
18. Midwest brand Snips
19. Eastwood Knockoff Beverly Shear
20. Bosch 10" Table Saw with Gravity Rise Stand.
BobsYourUncle69
Well-known member
1. I hate to put this on the list but , the 4 and 6 inch Amazon chainsaws I have , a grand total of $32 incl tax for both of them and I use them for everything that doesn't need a straight perfect cut and sometimes for straight cuts too when they're shorter.
They've taken over 50% of the use off of my , Reciprocating saw, jigsaw, circular , and rasp when it comes to rough cuts and sometimes finishing. Such a convenient tool that I'm actually going to get a better self oiling one from Bosch or Makita, but, for now, these soldier on.
I also recently ripped up my step daughters IKEA loft bed with it to make it manageable for garbage day at our co-op . I've lost count how many 2×4s ,2x6s it's cut through , tree branches and the list goes on. It also makes less noise so I manage to to use it after noise work hours.
2.My knipex 10inch Alligator pliers , they do so much too from tightening water fittings to pulling out nails from old hard 1950s 2X4s , they are really good at that and easy to use doing that. Just grip , get some leverage and they pull them right out with minimal effort , easier than using a claw hammer or actual nail pullers.
3. My gedore 1/4 T handle , that's my go to over a ratchet with extension for most of the interior bits for my car.
These are just off the top of my head.
They've taken over 50% of the use off of my , Reciprocating saw, jigsaw, circular , and rasp when it comes to rough cuts and sometimes finishing. Such a convenient tool that I'm actually going to get a better self oiling one from Bosch or Makita, but, for now, these soldier on.
I also recently ripped up my step daughters IKEA loft bed with it to make it manageable for garbage day at our co-op . I've lost count how many 2×4s ,2x6s it's cut through , tree branches and the list goes on. It also makes less noise so I manage to to use it after noise work hours.
2.My knipex 10inch Alligator pliers , they do so much too from tightening water fittings to pulling out nails from old hard 1950s 2X4s , they are really good at that and easy to use doing that. Just grip , get some leverage and they pull them right out with minimal effort , easier than using a claw hammer or actual nail pullers.
3. My gedore 1/4 T handle , that's my go to over a ratchet with extension for most of the interior bits for my car.
These are just off the top of my head.
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drokihazan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2018
- Messages
- 238
1. Mitutoyo Digimatic Absolute Coolant Proof 6" calipers. I use them every day, for everything they fit on. They're the greatest metrology tool ever made. Indestructible, hyper accurate, easy to use, they're even beautiful. I cannot even consider owning any other.
2. Knipex 95-05-185 combination shears. They're irreplaceable. They're unstoppable. They'll cut through the fabric of the universe and stay sharp afterwards.
3. Sureshots. I have 99% IPA, Acetone, WD40, and CRC 3-36 in Sureshots, and aside from WD40 I use them every single day. I barely use WD40 for anything but tapping aluminum and cleaning stainless, but the other 3 are absolute must-haves, and the Sureshot is a total gamechanger for me.
4. Warwood 12 lb sledgehammer head that I put on a 16" handle. You haven't experienced short-handled-sledge until your sledge is 12 lbs. If you have the strength and the space to swing it, whatever you hit *will* move.
5. Parker 434 1/2. It's probably my most prized possession, I know the history of its entire life, I love using it, it's beautiful, it's worn, it's strong. I have a massive Parker 976 too, but I've had the 434 1/2 for many years and have a real emotional connection to it. I use it nearly every day, and don't know how I ever got by before owning a big solid combination vise.
2. Knipex 95-05-185 combination shears. They're irreplaceable. They're unstoppable. They'll cut through the fabric of the universe and stay sharp afterwards.
3. Sureshots. I have 99% IPA, Acetone, WD40, and CRC 3-36 in Sureshots, and aside from WD40 I use them every single day. I barely use WD40 for anything but tapping aluminum and cleaning stainless, but the other 3 are absolute must-haves, and the Sureshot is a total gamechanger for me.
4. Warwood 12 lb sledgehammer head that I put on a 16" handle. You haven't experienced short-handled-sledge until your sledge is 12 lbs. If you have the strength and the space to swing it, whatever you hit *will* move.
5. Parker 434 1/2. It's probably my most prized possession, I know the history of its entire life, I love using it, it's beautiful, it's worn, it's strong. I have a massive Parker 976 too, but I've had the 434 1/2 for many years and have a real emotional connection to it. I use it nearly every day, and don't know how I ever got by before owning a big solid combination vise.
It's hard to name the MVPs, since they vary from job to job. But I'll give it a crack:
1. Hitachi 10.8v 1/4" impact, drill, mini sawsall. I use one of these 3 tools multiple times a day for everything. They are so light and easy on my jacked-up wrists, and the batteries last forever (and fully recharge in under 30 minutes). Sure, it's only 1/4", so you're not busting lug nuts, but it does everything in the electronics and light carpentry realm that I ask it to. If it died today, I would overnight another one. The sawsall is brutal on the battery, but it's nice to have for a quick small cut.
Working on my properties:
1. Miter saw. I didn't know how much I'd use it until I had one. Not just for miters, but just for a quick 90-degree cut.
2. Circular saw, jig saw, oscillating multitool. Gotta have all 3. The OMT was a recent addition, and I don't know how I lived without it. It's become a game-changer
3. Pex tools. I still use the Zurn B-crimpers, but boy-o-boy do they have some mileage on them.
Working on my Vehicles:
1. HF extendable 1/2" ratchet. Love it, use it to death. I assume sockets are a given, so I won't list those here.
2. Earthquake 3/4 Impact. I'm getting old, I'm not grunting and straining on big bolts anymore. The 3/4 impact gets the job done.
3. Craftsman raised-panel ratchets. No, I'm not trolling y'all. My monkey brain always reaches for them. I have 50 other ratchets, but I always seem to grab those old craftsmans first, lol. Well, those and my #1 HF extendable.
Electrical/Electronics work:
1. Fluke Meters. Gotta have them.
2. Non-Fluke Meters. Gotta have them for the things the Flukes don't do, lol.
3. Sunflag JIS Screwdrivers. My go-to philips. nice fit, never rounded a screw
4. Xcelite hand tools. Strippers, dykes, flush cutters, small precision drivers
1. Hitachi 10.8v 1/4" impact, drill, mini sawsall. I use one of these 3 tools multiple times a day for everything. They are so light and easy on my jacked-up wrists, and the batteries last forever (and fully recharge in under 30 minutes). Sure, it's only 1/4", so you're not busting lug nuts, but it does everything in the electronics and light carpentry realm that I ask it to. If it died today, I would overnight another one. The sawsall is brutal on the battery, but it's nice to have for a quick small cut.
Working on my properties:
1. Miter saw. I didn't know how much I'd use it until I had one. Not just for miters, but just for a quick 90-degree cut.
2. Circular saw, jig saw, oscillating multitool. Gotta have all 3. The OMT was a recent addition, and I don't know how I lived without it. It's become a game-changer
3. Pex tools. I still use the Zurn B-crimpers, but boy-o-boy do they have some mileage on them.
Working on my Vehicles:
1. HF extendable 1/2" ratchet. Love it, use it to death. I assume sockets are a given, so I won't list those here.
2. Earthquake 3/4 Impact. I'm getting old, I'm not grunting and straining on big bolts anymore. The 3/4 impact gets the job done.
3. Craftsman raised-panel ratchets. No, I'm not trolling y'all. My monkey brain always reaches for them. I have 50 other ratchets, but I always seem to grab those old craftsmans first, lol. Well, those and my #1 HF extendable.
Electrical/Electronics work:
1. Fluke Meters. Gotta have them.
2. Non-Fluke Meters. Gotta have them for the things the Flukes don't do, lol.
3. Sunflag JIS Screwdrivers. My go-to philips. nice fit, never rounded a screw
4. Xcelite hand tools. Strippers, dykes, flush cutters, small precision drivers
bulletpruf
Well-known member
Man, I grew up with those, but these days I absolutely can't stand the coarse tooth action!
M12 Surge is my go-to driver for everything. Quiet, powerful, has an aftermarket bit storage bolted to it so I rarely need to look for bits, does everything I need. It's the last driver I'd get rid of.
M12 Stubby impact: same as above but for hex fasteners.
Fastback utility knife with the screwdriver: on my person at ALL times unless I'm going somewhere with metal detectors.
Franklin Sensors Prosensor: Best studfinder bar none. Shows edges and center. No more missed studs.
Yost ADI vise: I think I paid like $40 on sale for a bigass, ductile iron vise. It's been a lifesaver. Vintage vises are about on par with gold prices around here, so I can buy and destroy a dozen new vises before wondering if old is better. So far so good.
M12 Stubby impact: same as above but for hex fasteners.
Fastback utility knife with the screwdriver: on my person at ALL times unless I'm going somewhere with metal detectors.
Franklin Sensors Prosensor: Best studfinder bar none. Shows edges and center. No more missed studs.
Yost ADI vise: I think I paid like $40 on sale for a bigass, ductile iron vise. It's been a lifesaver. Vintage vises are about on par with gold prices around here, so I can buy and destroy a dozen new vises before wondering if old is better. So far so good.
BTL-A4
Well-known member
I seem to use this all the time (heavy duty X-Acto blade). I use it with a straight blade, not an angled one:
OP
I seem to use this all the time (heavy duty X-Acto blade). I use it with a straight blade, not an angled one:
Dude. Same. I got mine from an antique store… Came in a cigar box with blades of all different shapes and sizes - all dull… But I love that blade holder.
stsmytherie
Well-known member
- Makita cordless track saw - by far the biggest game changer purchase and worth every penny
- Wera Kraftform screwdrivers - personal choice, but there is no other for me, feels right in the hand every time
- Rennsteig adjustable center punch - used constantly
- Stanley 199 classic utility knife - I will always pick up a surplus 99 or 199, but the classic fixed blade is the king
- Felo 62681 adjustable wire stripper - I use it constantly. Prefer the pistol grip to the Knipex version. Adjustments are key compared to the cheaper Felo model.
I take some on vacation!
There are teeth in there?
PlanB
Well-known member
Estwing cats paw pry bar for home project. Vessel jis/ph screwdrivers. Possibly a set of FatMax (made in France) combination pliers
My Hultafors TALMETER tape measure.
I feared it was gonna be a gimmick, but I needed to spend money on 'a proper one' (after the freebies had let me down one too many times) and all the other 'proper ones' costed roughly the same, so I took the gamble, and, well, there's no going back now.
I feared it was gonna be a gimmick, but I needed to spend money on 'a proper one' (after the freebies had let me down one too many times) and all the other 'proper ones' costed roughly the same, so I took the gamble, and, well, there's no going back now.
dv8customs
Well-known member
One of the best items in my shop is a homemade rolling gantry. Its not an every day item but when you need it, it is awesome to have, especially when you generally work alone like I do.
Side note - I have two ceiling mount roboreels I got at lowes on clearance for $150 each. They have been solid units for years. One malfunctioned due to a power outage in a storm and they replaced it for free.
Side note - I have two ceiling mount roboreels I got at lowes on clearance for $150 each. They have been solid units for years. One malfunctioned due to a power outage in a storm and they replaced it for free.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Can't believe I left my rolling gantry crane off my list...
bp460
Well-known member
PugetDude,
That gantry looks to be the perfect size for me. Did you buy it or build it?
That gantry looks to be the perfect size for me. Did you buy it or build it?
drokihazan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2018
- Messages
- 238
Man, I wish I had space for a crane. What an awesome thing to have.Can't believe I left my rolling gantry crane off my list...
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I built it, details starting with post #528 in my project thread.