New Tool Day

[ColoJeep]

Really? I have no problem with using my old ratchet wrenches, which is why I consider a battery powered one more of a luxury. However, when I see videos of guys disassembling things so quickly with one, it kinda messes with my mind. I don't know if I think it'd be more efficient, or if'n I'm just getting lazier in my old age.

Sometimes slower is faster , especially if your not trying to beat flat rate . Enjoy what you're doing !

 

[sab]

I have three of the M12 ratchets (1/4", 3/8", and the "Insider"), and they are the least used of all my powered drive tools. They're handy once in a while. I only used them to loosen fasteners because I like to tighten with more control to avoid over-tightening. I just never warmed up to them. To me, they are most used when I have a lot of similar fasteners to remove, like on an oil pan or the valve cover.

 

[Squatch]

I have three of the M12 ratchets (1/4", 3/8", and the "Insider"), and they are the least used of all my powered drive tools. They're handy once in a while. I only used them to loosen fasteners because I like to tighten with more control to avoid over-tightening. I just never warmed up to them. To me, they are most used when I have a lot of similar fasteners to remove, like on an oil pan or the valve cover.

This is exactly the way I approach the thought of owning one, and why I struggle to justify the cost of the Milwaukee version. The control issue during tightening is crucial, in my mind. I could see using it willingly for disassembly, and sparingly for reassembly. The oil pan, valve cover(s), and fenders would be prime candidates for using one, as I see it.

 

[GATORB8]

M12 3/8” ratchet is one of my most used tools in normal maintenance. Not any where near what I’d call powerful, but it spins way faster than I can run a ratchet.

 

[GATORB8]

This is exactly the way I approach the thought of owning one, and why I struggle to justify the cost of the Milwaukee version. The control issue during tightening is crucial, in my mind. I could see using it willingly for disassembly, and sparingly for reassembly. The oil pan, valve cover(s), and fenders would be prime candidates for using one, as I see it.

It’s actually a benifit of its lack of power, the non fuel M12 is capable of like 35 ft lbs. Unless it’s tiny, it pretty much can’t strip or crossthread.

 

[Squatch]

Not any where near what I’d call powerful, but it spins way faster than I can run a ratchet.

Yeah, I'm not this guy, either...

 

[Squatch]

It’s actually a benifit of its lack of power, the non fuel M12 is capable of like 35 ft lbs. Unless it’s tiny, it pretty much can’t strip or crossthread.

Never considered it from that point of view. See? This is why I appreciate the input of others. Thanks, man.

 

[GATORB8]

Never considered it from that point of view. See? This is why I appreciate the input of others. Thanks, man.

FYI. I wouldn’t do it with control arm bolts, but untriggered it does work like a ratchet, so you can break by hand and spin off with power.

 

[Abendage]

M12 3/8” ratchet is one of my most used tools in normal maintenance. Not any where near what I’d call powerful, but it spins way faster than I can run a ratchet.

I agree, I use it a on almost everything that’s small. Assembly or disassembly. The “feel” with it is fantastic and you can really modulate power with the trigger. As you say, it isn’t very powerful so I start using it like a normal ratchet, then when it’s time to make rev’s fast, I hit the trigger. If tightening, I ease off the trigger till just barely snug and finish by hand. I have 3/8 regular one and the 1/4 high speed. They both get used a ton depending on the socket I need.

Just used the 3/8 tonight to put my diff cover back on. 10 bolts, just a minute or two with the electrics. Get them started by hand, electric ratchet to get them almost snug, then finish by hand manually with the electric ratchet.

 

[NWPA Jeepy T]

Well y'all know me the Harbor Freight prostitute.. .. been looking at the Icon tools and picked up a set of metric stubby ratchet wrenches. While there I also picked up the Hercules 20v 1/2 compact impact, because the 3/8 is have has continued to impress me.

Then I saw a new Bauer stackable box. This one has 2 drawers in it. So now I have 3 of these and can mix and match how I carry them.

View attachment 682133View attachment 682134

When you get time, John, could you measure the dimensions on that new box? I'm looking for something different and easier to access for behind the backseat when we go wheeling. We had to access tools on good Saturday and my stacked Ridgid boxed are heavy and unruly. TIA

 

[John Cooper]

When you get time, John, could you measure the dimensions on that new box? I'm looking for something different and easier to access for behind the backseat when we go wheeling. We had to access tools on good Saturday and my stacked Ridgid boxed are heavy and unruly. TIA

I will, they look the same size as most of the Milwaukee, Dewalt etc boxes.

I probably won't be able to measure till tomorrow, working today.

 

[John Cooper]

When you get time, John, could you measure the dimensions on that new box? I'm looking for something different and easier to access for behind the backseat when we go wheeling. We had to access tools on good Saturday and my stacked Ridgid boxed are heavy and unruly. TIA

It was on the tag.....

 

[NWPA Jeepy T]

It was on the tag.....

View attachment 682281

Thanks!!

 

[Danarch]

Picked up a couple of tools. The brake caliper kit I’ve used a couple of times so far and it works really well.

The extractor kit it’s only been used once so far but it did a great job on some torx bolts.

 

[Weasellee]

I'm looking for some input from you guys, if'n you wouldn't mind. All of my battery powered tools are of the Milwaukee 18V variety. I've always been extremely satisfied with the brand and the format. One of the tools that I've resisted getting is a 3/8" drive ratchet, as I've always considered that particular tool more of a luxury than a necessity. Milwaukee makes 'em in a 12V format, which would make that tool the only one I have in 12V. To be honest, I'm hesitant mostly because of the cost, and again, I view it as a luxury item. Harbor Freight has 'em for far cheaper, but I've never bought a HF battery powered tool before. Would it be worth it to acquire one (affordable luxury), or do you think I'd be disappointed in their product? I know that ultimately, it'll be up to me, but I would appreciate the input from folks who actually have used a HF version before. Thanks!

I’m a little late on this but I love my 12v Milwaukee tools. That said I encourage my son who is not a daily tool user to stick with the Harbor Freight stuff. It works well.

 

[Apparition]

I have three of the M12 ratchets (1/4", 3/8", and the "Insider"), and they are the least used of all my powered drive tools. They're handy once in a while. I only used them to loosen fasteners because I like to tighten with more control to avoid over-tightening. I just never warmed up to them. To me, they are most used when I have a lot of similar fasteners to remove, like on an oil pan or the valve cover.

I’m in this boat with a 3/8” fuel ratchet. I rarely use it. I see no need to buy more of them.

Much prefer the snubby. Use them a lot.

I generally only disassemble with electric tools and reassemble with hand tools. If that makes any difference.

 

[bucky]

I picked up a gas auger from HF this weekend. Funny thing is I already have one but I loaned it to a buddy to use. He was putting in a fence around the house he’s building in Idaho and I had no projects coming up where I needed it. The key word is Idaho, he was supposed to bring it back down this winter but it didn’t make it on the truck.
I have 17 posts to install for my 36’x52’ carport I’m building and 12 split rail fence posts for a fence at one of my rentals. At least it was on sale at $170.

 

[red02tj]

I agree, I use it a on almost everything that’s small. Assembly or disassembly. The “feel” with it is fantastic and you can really modulate power with the trigger. As you say, it isn’t very powerful so I start using it like a normal ratchet, then when it’s time to make rev’s fast, I hit the trigger. If tightening, I ease off the trigger till just barely snug and finish by hand. I have 3/8 regular one and the 1/4 high speed. They both get used a ton depending on the socket I need.

Just used the 3/8 tonight to put my diff cover back on. 10 bolts, just a minute or two with the electrics. Get them started by hand, electric ratchet to get them almost snug, then finish by hand manually with the electric ratchet.

This…bought mine when I did the TJ radiator swap and was great for the fan shroud bolts, replaced my fender flares, although the 1/4 is longer and smaller and would have been a better fit.

I’m also still in the building kids toys and desks stage, so it’s my #1 goto for assembly.

 

[NWPA Jeepy T]

I picked up a gas auger from HF this weekend. Funny thing is I already have one but I loaned it to a buddy to use. He was putting in a fence around the house he’s building in Idaho and I had no projects coming up where I needed it. The key word is Idaho, he was supposed to bring it back down this winter but it didn’t make it on the truck.
I have 17 posts to install for my 36’x52’ carport I’m building and 12 split rail fence posts for a fence at one of my rentals. At least it was on sale at $170.

View attachment 682753

I've had one for years with the 8" auger. Great, cost effective tool. Hasn't let me down yet. Sure, takes more muscle than I dingo, but inexpensive & convenient when you're not sinking anything load bearing

 

[bucky]

I got my PHD early in life. My Dad installed fencing for Sears back in the 60s. I spent 10 yrs in the sign business and dug thousands of holes for signs and flags.
The HF auger’s cutting tip is not replaceable but I put hard facing on it so it wears OK. I also have a gas t-post driver. That thing will drive a post through blacktop.
Tools I don’t use much, but boy are they great to have when needed.