Most useful gadget in your toolbox?

List them here....here's my nomination

http://compare.ebay.com.au/like/2512247 ... eItemTypes

 

I like my infrared thermometer, from HF,
but the most useful tools I have end up being Vice-Grips.

They even help other tools do their job.

 

beer, the motivation to dig into any project.

 

I dunno, there are too many to choose from.

Torque wrench?

Compression gauge?

Morgan CarbTune?

ColorTune?

$12 digital caliper that works as good as one that cost 10X as much?

METRIC feeler gauge set?

Whitworth wrench set?

Metric T-handle hex drivers?

Air compressor? It sits next to the toolbox, so I think it counts.

Ceiling-mounted extension cord and/or air hose reels? Do those count?

How about the heater that makes it possible to work in the garage all winter?

Or the (Canon) camera that I use to take pics of rotting brake lines and disassembled carbs?

And of course, beer. Good call.

You pick, too many to choose a favorite.

 

I'd have to pick the slide hammer that my father made. It's not the most versatile tool, but when you need a slide hammer it's because no other tool will do the job. It's my favorite tool: brass and steel from the scrap bins that was turned, threaded, and knurled by a man that I miss dearly. I'll be happy when I can pass it on to my son.
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Hard to top that k-moe. Bigfitz, we want gadgets...quirky tools and stuff

 

You didn't specify, but the tool I use most is a 9/16" combination wrench.

After that, it's HAZMAT, silicone grease.

The tool I couldn't live without? 205 Lumen LED Tactical Flashlight.

With those 3 things, I can do 80% of the work I do. They stay in my pockets, right beside the pen and paper.

 

My pick is the digital caliper. Versatile and amazingly accurate for an inexpensive tool.

 

hmm have to agree with fitz to many to choose from but if i would choose one it would be "trusty" my flathead screewdriver i found in the dirt one day, its so rounded on the edges it wont damage anything when when prying, picking, tapping, coging, scraping, and opening beers....

 

I don't know about you all. But the best gadget in my tool box is the lock, and key. That way the tools stay mine!!

Ghost

 

X2

May not be the tool for the job, but when the tool for the job doesent cut it, the vice grips is always there to give a helping hand

 

definetly my headstrap flashlight! the only time i have to work on my bike is at night, so i use it constantly.

 

good call, i love my petzl

 

Some of all of this...

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this too

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and absolutely this...

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Gary

 

Most of these have been mentioned or pictured already, but aside from the tools that the general to public have, for my motorcycles the following must haves get my vote:

1. torch.
2. impact driver.
3. torque wrench (in-lb and ft-lb)
4. brake vacuum bleed pump.
5. Marvel Mystery Oil.
6. Aircraft Remover
7. Assorted Picks
8. Compresser

and so on....

 

this too

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The battery chargers, or the equivalent fractions on the wall? :lol:

 

Hi bigfitz52, would love to find out what brand/model of caliper you quoted and where it was purchased from. Been wanting one but didn't want to buy junk. And I didn't want spend $80 on one. Love your bikes by the way .

 

the performance tool digital calipers are great from oreilly auto parts. there around $16-$20

 

I got mine off Amazon and I have no idea exactly what brand it is, I'd have to look. It was "on sale" and I paid around $12 for it, about 5 years ago.

Very similar/same as the ones that currently pop up if you Google "digital caliper" and see what it brings up on Amazon in that price range.

 

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precision yamaha ajusting tool

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k-moe,

That's for my son to learn to read a tape measure. I work in building trades construction. I'm no rocket scientist but you'd be amazed at how many people work in the field of construction that can't read a standard tape measure. I can read to 256ths. As we say in the craft...close enough fo' gubment. It's on there, you just can't see it with the naked eye. :lol:

Gary

 

For me so far has been tge combo kroil/impact screw driver.

 

No, that can be used as a Yamaha disassembly tool.

It's a Harley-Davidson precision adjustment tool.

 

I think most Harley's need the 8lbs adjustment tool, not the 3lbs.

 

I keep all my important tools in the same corner

 

Krafty,

Buds good when it's free. MGD is better.

Gary

 

I would have to go with my extendable magnet on a stick. Seems no matter how hard I try I always drop a bolt or two. Sometimes the same bolt twice. And +1 for vice grips...

 

funny story, that bud was free.

 

FLexible neck light, headstrap light, clamp light, I like them all! I even have a very small one that I could clamp on my headcap visor.

And I also like my one-dollar size mirror on a telescoping stem.

 

Of all the Gizmo's and Specialty Tools there are for working on these Bikes, ... I think there are two Tools you should not be without.

1) Craftsman 1/2" Hand-held Impact Tool
Loosening everything. Carb Bowl & Hat Screws. Bowl Drain Screws. Breaking loose Lug Nuts on the 4-wheeler.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-94764 ... HOP:US:101

2) Hardwood Hammer Handle (Yes. Just the Handle)
• HARDWOOD - 16" White Hickory - Blacksmith Shop - Hammer Handle
• Primarily used for Prying Carbs Off & On Intake Manifolds. Scratch free.
• Secondarily used for Impacting Pry-bar or Sears 1/2" Drive Ratchet Handle.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-Black-Smith- ... 589b3f3b70

 

I understand. I used to work in machine maintenance. You'd be amazed at how many supposedly trained techs do terribly dumb things....like re-wiring a brand new machine, instead of...say....adjusting the sensor that wasn't set up correctly :lol: I got to spend a whole day un-doing that bit of work.

 

Much like Rick and others mentioned, the handheld impact driver is probably one of the handiest tools I've ever had the luxury of owning, and cheap to boot!

That thing has saved my ass and my screws so many times it's not even funny by getting half-stripped and seized screws lose. My 69 year old dad just bought his first and couldn't believe how well it worked.

Mars

 

they don't exactly fit in a tool box but they come in real handy