jps
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| posted on 22/12/20 at 10:51 AM |
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Present ideas (for ME!)
I'm lucky in that my wider family (in-laws) get together and spend a few quid on me for my birthday which is a couple of weeks after Christmas.
I'm always short of ideas - so am after some suggestions of things I could suggest they add to my tool/workshop collection...
I've already done my best to line up my "secret" (not so secret in our family) santa for the 25th to get me some imperial ratchet
spanners, for the 1/2" bolts in my suspension and the 7/16" bolts for my harnesses.
Over the years i've built up a decent tool collection, so at this point i'm really after suggestions for 'nice to have' rather
than 'have to have' - items up to about £40. The only area i've never invested in is anything to do with the electrics, still being
a way off that stage in my build...
EDIT: Links to recommended items appreciated!
[Edited on 22/12/20 by jps]
[Edited on 22/12/20 by jps]
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Fred W B
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| posted on 22/12/20 at 11:09 AM |
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The one tool I've had for years, that every time I use it it think that it was money so well spent is a decent automatic wire stripper. Also the
ratchet tool for crimping connectors.
Cheers
You can do it quickly. You can do it cheap. You can do it right. – Pick any two.
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nick205
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| posted on 22/12/20 at 11:23 AM |
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If you're after tools for vehicle electrics I'd agree with Fred W B, a proper set of wire strippers and ratcheting crimp tools are well
worth having. When you use them you invariably make better (more reliable) electrical joints/connections.
The crimp tools in particular. I used to "borrow" a set from work to use at home over the weekend. In the end I just got on and bought
myself some. Money well spent and if it's a gift then it'll be a gift well received.
I'd also suggest a multimeter as well. Very useful for automotive electrics, but I've used mine a surprising amount for domestic
electrics (checking fuses etc.). £40 will get you a perfectly good multimeter.
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 22/12/20 at 01:10 PM |
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A wet and dry hoover.
Seriously I love it, it's just a simple stainless steel one but what a huge difference it makes have one in the garage. Forget stupid sweeping
brushes that just throw dirt in the air and all over your car, engine and your lungs.
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nick205
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| posted on 22/12/20 at 02:15 PM |
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Another fine suggestion.
I don't have a wet n' dry vacuum, but the old household one did find it's way into my garage. It makes cleaning up faster and more
effective.
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steve m
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| posted on 22/12/20 at 03:14 PM |
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I agree, with the decent wire strippers and crimping tool, plus a multi meter, once using the right tools for the job, life is so much easier
As for ratchet spanners, i bought a set a few years ago, and ive NEVER used them!
steve
Thats was probably spelt wrong, or had some grammer, that the "grammer police have to have a moan at
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Charlie_Zetec
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| posted on 22/12/20 at 05:09 PM |
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Ratchet crimping tool is the best suggestion yet - and one that I would always recommend (the normal ones just don't cut the mustard - and
you'll see why when you get a set). All I'd say is consider a set with removable/interchangeable heads for different connectors;
I've got fixed ones for the garage, but my portable set with 6 sets of jaws is a godsend when out and about.
Also a good multimeter (as already suggested).
Auto wire-strippers are good, as are a set of proper electrical/crescent cutters in the right hands (not to be confused with side cutters).
Set of VDE electrical screwdrivers, maybe? Although that's more domestic use than car related, but still.
Soldering iron? Not that I use mine a lot, but still worth a tool in the collection for that "just in case" moment.
Set of electrical "keys" for removing pins from connector blocks?
Haynes auto electrical manual (if you're not "au fait" with lx systems)?
Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity!
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harmchar
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| posted on 22/12/20 at 05:19 PM |
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I got a set of Knipex auto wire strippers early this year, wish I had them years ago. Time saving and consistent ends every time. Not to mention safer
than trimming with a Stanley bladed knife.
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gremlin1234
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| posted on 22/12/20 at 05:28 PM |
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if you don't have one already, a little lithium jump start pack
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Paul W
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| posted on 22/12/20 at 10:18 PM |
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decent rechargeable head torch
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JC
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| posted on 23/12/20 at 06:22 AM |
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A space heater for the workshop/garage.. totally transformed my working regime!
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nick205
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| posted on 23/12/20 at 09:48 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Paul W
decent rechargeable head torch
Another cracking suggestion here!
I've got a battery one and it's so useful. I use it working on cars, night hiking with my scout group, fixing things around the house.
Being able to light an area and work with both hands is a revelation. Gone are the days of dribbling down a torch you're trying to hold in your
mouth.
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peter030371
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| posted on 23/12/20 at 09:56 AM |
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Hot air gun for heatshrink work, we have various at work but they can cost hundreds. I recently used one of these and it seemed quite good for the
money https://www.blackanddecker.co.uk/products/painting-and-decorating/decorating-tools/2000w-high-performance-heat-gun/kx2200k
Trying to do heatshrink without a decent hot air gun us very hit and miss and you may end up damaging wires inside it without realising.
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02GF74
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| posted on 23/12/20 at 11:11 PM |
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depending on your budget, £ 5 gets you one of these, useful side lamp.
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jps
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| posted on 29/12/20 at 05:20 PM |
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Cheers guys, I reckon I’ll go for the wire strippers, ratchet crimpers and heat gun.
An old Henry hoover has already been saved from the tip and is proving indestructible, despite hoovering up all sorts of junk, but I’ll look at the
wet and dry ones when it finally expires. On the lighting front I’ve got a couple of sets of Cree led bike lights which include headstraps, so sorted
on the lighting front!
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