Most Useful Tool In Your Garage/shop

[terrawombat]

I've always been a big fan of $25 Gearwrench ratcheting combination wrench set I bought several years ago because I use them on absolutely everything, but I think they're going to have to take a backseat to my new favorite/most useful tool in my shop:

 

 

I'm not sure how I was able to ever get by working in my unheated, drafty shop when I lived in NJ because this wood stove is basically paradise...and it makes hot chocolate, too!

 

And yes, my shop is carpeted...that's what happens when a couple buys a house, get divorced, Mommy gets all of Daddy's money and Daddy can't afford an apartment...so he moves into the detached garage, insulates it (thank you!), puts a bathroom in (BIG thank you!) and lays down a carpet (no thank you).

 

So, what's your most useful tool? (sexual innuendos aside)

[sinkrun]

My propane wall heater I just put in damn state farm will not allow me a wood burner in the garage the house which we do. They said no since its attached someday a bathroom is in order.

[dasbulliwagen]

Gearwrenches are great, but so is my Bosch Impactor handheld cordless impact gun. Another is a windup three wire gatorclipped test lead set. My little butane torch also comes in handy alot more than I ever thought it would. And playing Pandora at my toolbox through my laptop and a stereo sytem is the best ever!

[jimoshel]

Vice grips. About the only thing they can't remove is a flat head screw. To cold to work in the garage? Then work outside.

[neohic]

At my old shop, my beloved Syncrowave 300 was my favorite tool by far!

 

 

Flip the switch and let her sing! I love the output of an older transformer style welder any day over an inverter. Granted, they're awesome for the space saving and power draw, but there just isn't any soul behind a digital screen. Now, I don't have power for it where we moved to. I'd run a proper breaker for it, but I hardly have the floor space for it either.

 

http://stcloud.craig...3448967525.html :(

[jimoshel]

Neighborhood light dimmer.

[Sir Sam]

10mm, 1/4" drive deep socket. Most commonly used socket, I love that thing, perfect amount of extension, deep, etc

[JeepcoMJ]

Air compressor, followed very very closely by the parts washer and bead blast cabinet

[Harley]

Beer fridge :cheers:

[Stacks]

Plasma cutter without a doubt!!!!! :banana:

[HOrnbrod]

My best "tool" is above the garage. Fully independently heated/cooled 24'x20' loft, bathroom, bedroom, w. Internet, satellite TV, and the all-important beer fridge. Keeps me away from the never-ending female drama in the main house. Gus the Cocker Spaniel lives here too and covers my back. :yes:

 

Best real tool down below? My chainfall on tracks. Helps with the bikes.

[Pete M]

not including the BFH, I'll go with the 12" long piece of 3/4" conduit that fits over ratchet handles and smaller wrenches. :yes:

[87Warrior]

This cheap socket set from Home Depot has been the most used tool/time saver in my garage or on the trail. It disassembled 90% of my '92 MJ and comes with me on every trail run I do. Being cheap I don't have to worry about losing a piece or getting sand in the ratchet. That said, I have only had to replace a cracked 13mm socket once. The tools also have a great feel to them, nice and sturdy.

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[86customanche]

not including the BFH, I'll go with the 12" long piece of 3/4" conduit that fits over ratchet handles and smaller wrenches. :yes:

ahhh the life saving breaker bar :bowdown: .

Definitely very useful, that and my air compressor would be the most useful.

[jeepsouth]

My lincoln wire welder ,and my 60 gal.coleman black max air compressor and air tools.

[neohic]

Neighborhood light dimmer.

 

Got that right. Makes the meter spin like a top!

[64 Cheyenne]

Air compressor by far, once I started using air tools it was like getting a big screen TV, thought of saying somethin witty here but changed my mind :yes:

you know the deal...lol

[terrawombat]

So, what's your most useful tool? (sexual innuendos aside)

 

...thought of saying somethin witty here but changed my mind :yes:

you know the deal...lol

 

Read the disclaimer! :rotf:

[neohic]

...thought of saying somethin witty here but changed my mind :yes:

you know the deal...lol

Read the disclaimer! :rotf:

 

I know, right? Who here already thought about posting a picture of their hands? :idea: ... or is that too borderline? :laughin:

[jimoshel]

How about the brain? Properly used can handle pretty much what ever comes along.

[SW86]

ratcheting wrenches have been my new favorite for awhile but the ole stand by, of course, the 3lb baby sledge. i use that thing for everything and anything more times then i realize

[64 Cheyenne]

How about the brain? Properly used can handle pretty much what ever comes along.

 

Like a #40 Torx screw driver for a crowbar that your other most useful tool said was a good idea. :rotf:

 

 

[jimoshel]

What part of "properly used" you missed? :D

[64 Cheyenne]

Touche

[mvusse]

Most useful has go to be the forklift truck. And no, it's not the most expensive. That would be a 36" wide belt sander followed by a 10hp shaper.