| Automotive Tools |
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This page is a collection of tools that I have found useful, or are trick in some way. These typically are things that are
problem solvers and out of the norm. Typically tools like screwdrivers, open end wrenches, sockets, etc are not going
to be here, but tools that save your a$$ are. A collection of other odd tools will be here too. Also tools that Suck Might
find their way here at some point, but later after I get the good ones up first!
problem solvers and out of the norm. Typically tools like screwdrivers, open end wrenches, sockets, etc are not going
to be here, but tools that save your a$$ are. A collection of other odd tools will be here too. Also tools that Suck Might
find their way here at some point, but later after I get the good ones up first!
| Well here is the first tool that has saved my a$$. I was mounting the tires on my Excursion. The problem was the truck tires sidewalls would not catch the sides of the rims. The "bead blast" option on my Ranger R26EX Tire mounting systems would not help either. So options include the Quick Start (Ether) approach to exploding the tire to the rim, the Cheetah Tire bead seating tool (about 350 bucks) or the Tire O-Ring which was about 20 bucks. I also has suggestions that as strap around the tire might help but it didn't work for me (almost did). The thing was essentially a really thick inner tube that stretched over the rim. I did the deed, and filled the tire up, seated the bottom bead then let the air out, pulled the Tire O-Ring and did the normal lift and fill. All good. So the Tire O-Ring is a solid tool and added to the list of "Save your A$$ Tools" They are sometimes called Doughnut Style Bead Seater Purchased these from www.priertiresupply.com |
| Mastercool 71475 Universal Hydraulic Flaring Tool Set This was another good tool, while I have not used it much this is one of the only tools that seems to be able to easily flare stainless steel brake line. The tool is well built and comes with a nice assortment of flaring accessories. The Mastercool kit also does the following -
Purchased from www.tooltopia.com |
| Bead Form a nice small Bead Roller For doing cooling and other pipes, this is a really trick tool. It was way too expensive for what it is, but still a cool way to do the pipe beads. Bead Form I HD (5/8" - 2" OD) is designed for .050" wall tubing.Produces a bead approximately .050" tall x .185" wide. 4140 heat treated upper shaft and replaceable bushings for heavy use applications. Purchased from www.tricktools.com |
| Drilling Bolts for Safety Wire is a pain in the A$$. These simple tools will help make the job really easy once you figure out how they work! The blocks will hold hex head or allen (Socket) head bolts. The smaller socket head has a small hole in the middle and the 0.0625" bit fits right through. The Drilling jigs are available in Metric and Imperial (Inches) and are about 30 bucks. They come with 2 drill bits and I would recommend getting a few more if you plan on drilling a lot of holes. The trick I found was to drill very slowly and make sure you tighten down the smaller bolt with as much force as you can with your fingers so it doesn't move. I drilled out 30 bolts each with 6 holes and it tool a while with the drill press. Key is to go slow and if the bit starts chattering it may be time for a new one. I did NOT use oil as I found it to clog the pilot so did them dry. The bolts were 12.9 rated and hard. I think other lesser grade bolts would have been much easier and not as taxing on the drill bits. I used Cobalt bits from ENCO and they were about $3 each. Remember go SLOW! I purchased these on Ebay, but easily found from Pegasus and others. |
| The Nutsert Kit This is one of the best 'Save your A$$' tools you can have. It is essentially a pop-rivet like device that is threaded so you can put a bolt in it after you insert it. After insertion the head is almost flush with the surface (slight bulge) and holds tight once affixed. I have used this for thin sheet metal where I have no back access in the VSE Cobra for mounting various things. I fixed the Porsche Boxster's convertable top latch which has broken sheet metal threaded inserts and saved welding and a HUGE bill at the dealer. Skip the exercise on cheep Nutsert/Rivnut* tools that use a pop-rivet like gun. They are very light duty and don't give a good feeling of confidance when using them. The Kit from Aircraft Spruce is solid and had a good feel when using it. It also includes a good starter assortment of Nutserts. The Nutsert kit was a bit pricey at about $220 but you will not mind as they will save you time, work and A$$! Purchased from www.aircraftspruce.com * 'Rivnuts' are similar but not quite the same. |
