Official garage and tool thread

Since I now have a decent size garage here in Iowa I figured I'd start an official garage and tool thread to share ideas and show off new toys/tools. I just picked up a new stereo and tool box today as well, a 41" pro series Homak box from Northern. Having it shipped to the store as it's on back order. Will post some pics when I get it all set up.

What you guys have for tool storage, tools, organization and work space etc?

I worked with your Amish tools - ugh!

I was an aircraft mechanic for 10 years and adding tools to my collection for 25 years. Check in when you get a decent set of sockets or wrenches, ;-)

Honestly, some tools need to be high-end, others, not so much. I find that Snap On sockets are needed. Maybe SK or similar are ok, Craftsman don't cut it.

Having said that, my Taiwan impact sockets have held up great for years. Its all in buying, using and learning. Anyone who claims to know it all clearly doesn't.

DiscoSux wrote:

I worked with your Amish tools - ugh!

I was an aircraft mechanic for 10 years and adding tools to my collection for 25 years. Check in when you get a decent set of sockets or wrenches, ;-)

Honestly, some tools need to be high-end, others, not so much. I find that Snap On sockets are needed. Maybe SK or similar are ok, Craftsman don't cut it.

Having said that, my Taiwan impact sockets have held up great for years. Its all in buying, using and learning. Anyone who claims to know it all clearly doesn't.

I am stepping up my game and becoming less amish.. This will include 30 gallon compressor, drill press, plasma cutter and some other stuff on my list. Would like to get a tube bender as well but will probably wait until I end up in a more permanent place so I can drill and anchor it to the floor...

Tonight I made a stand to hold the Toyota v6 third I am working on.. The new 41" box is going where my small box is now and that box will be moved under the 10" table not pictured. The stainless "bench" is a re purposed Ikea table that didnt work in our new place so Hannah let me use it for the garage You can also see my black friday special stereo.. Now I just have to find a place for my bed haha

DiscoSux wrote:

Honestly, some tools need to be high-end, others, not so much. I find that Snap On sockets are needed. Maybe SK or similar are ok, Craftsman don't cut it.

Having said that, my Taiwan impact sockets have held up great for years. Its all in buying, using and learning. Anyone who claims to know it all clearly doesn't.

If I was a mechanic, or used my tools to make a living, I'd be using snap-on. My craftsman sets will have to do for now. Although, this summer, I checked out a couple garage sales looking for used snapon, to no avail.

Jake wrote:

I am stepping up my game and becoming less amish..

Jake has HEAT!!! You are stepping it up!

Nice little press too!!

durt d1ver wrote:

If I was a mechanic, or used my tools to make a living, I'd be using snap-on. My craftsman sets will have to do for now. Although, this summer, I checked out a couple garage sales looking for used snapon, to no avail.

I got new Snap On metric sockets off Ebay for half price. Still significant cost but I was tired of splitting craftsman sockets open. You are right though, Craftsman work 99% of the time.

A bit messy after a project but here is my "shop". Sirius radio and a flat screen TV.

DiscoSux wrote:

Jake wrote:

I am stepping up my game and becoming less amish..

Jake has HEAT!!! You are stepping it up!

Nice little press too!!

Yea although I havent used it yet with the attached garage staying about 20* warmer than outside. The press is used for setting up Diffs mostly. My buddy has a 40 ton press at his shop for bushings it's sweet.

Check out the garage journal forum classifieds for snap on stuff.. Good deals occasionally.

is that an accumulator i see in the vice? lol

Hilltoppersx wrote:

is that an accumulator i see in the vice? lol

I have been recharging Audi brake accumulators for about 10 years.

www.audibombs.com

good eye Edddie...

DiscoSux wrote:

Hilltoppersx wrote:

is that an accumulator i see in the vice? lol

I have been recharging Audi brake accumulators for about 10 years.

www.audibombs.com

good eye Edddie...

you should do the range rover classic and p38 accumulators.

Hilltoppersx wrote:

DiscoSux wrote:

Hilltoppersx wrote:

is that an accumulator i see in the vice? lol

I have been recharging Audi brake accumulators for about 10 years.

www.audibombs.com

good eye Edddie...

you should do the range rover classic and p38 accumulators.

Tried one for Trevor once and he never reported back on how it worked. I am not sure if he used it. I have to add a check valve and it is hard to locate properly on the Rover bombs.

I've tried Bentley suspension accumulators as well.

Couple of cool tools that I've added recently include a Smoke Wizard smoke machine for diagnosing EVAP faults, also good for D2 injector o-ring failures.
An Ingersoll Rand 3/8 drive titanium impact.
A 32mm deep thin wall socket for removing BMW engined Rovers timing chain tensioner control solenoids.
And, I spent Keith's Christmas bonus on a set of bushing removers and installers for the L319 platform lower control arms.
Borrowed a buddy's Matco bore scope. Digital images, either movie or stills, with pc connectivity and a pretty big screen. First use was coolant on top of the #4 piston, but also to view brake pads through the wheels, smoke checking a fuel tank vent tube on top of a RRc tank. Net on the list, but not inexpensive....

Smoke wizard is an awesome unit. Wish I could justify buying one. When you need one it's invaluable

New tool box is in.. Need to organize the garage a bit now to get the most of the space I am running out of.. Never thought I would say this but I think I have a tool box that is too big!