00:00 - Intro - Ten Funky Must-Have Tools for Your Next DIY Project
If you do any of your own maintenance, I assume you already have a decent set of common tools. But in this episode I am going to tell you about some of the more off-beat and funky tools that I have purchased over time that I just can't live without in my garage.
Also, unless I mention a specific tool/brand, the links are simply provided to give you an example of the tool I'm talking about, not necessarily a recommendation to buy that particular brand or from that particular online retailer. If you find a decent one that is better/cheaper elsewhere, then buy it!
03:07 - Tool #1 - Height Adjustable Pneumatic Roller Seat
Not really a tool, but a height adjustable pneumatic roller seat definitely makes your garage projects easier. The one I own has a handy tray in the bottom to hold actual tools... or a beer. This is definitely my favorite "tool", and cheap too. You can pick these up for less than $30 from Harbor Freight with a coupon.
Harbor Freight Pneumatic Roller Seat
https://bit.ly/3CbdIbi
04:38 - Tool #2 - Headlamp for Hands-Free Light
This seems like a no-brainer, but I'm always amused when my mechanic friends use a hand held flashlight to light up their work area when doing a two-handed job. To get around that, here are several hands-free lighting options I use that provide a decent amount of light for my automotive projects, including magnetic lights or free standing flat-panel LEDs, but these tend to be less than perfect due to the indirect lighting that casts annoying shadows. The best option by far that I have found is an LED head lamp that can direct light exactly where I need it. My current favorite is the Spot 350 from Black Diamond. I like its combination of quality, performance and price. Aziz! LIGHT!!
Spot 350 Headlamp
https://bit.ly/3IRq6jM
The 5th Element Opening Scene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBc-7pEtxgo
06:55 - Tool #3 - Trim And Upholstery Tool Set
Perfect for safely removing those plastic push pin connectors used to secure carpet, plastic interior panels, felt-liners in trunks, door panels, plastic panels in the engine compartment, wheel well liners and more. Available in metal or plastic versions, these tools are designed to remove fasteners without damaging surrounding painted or plastic surfaces.
Trim and Upholstery Tool Set Example
https://amzn.to/3MeDu3h
08:00 - Tool #4 - 7-Piece Pick And Hook Set
Great for getting stuck things unstuck. I use the different tools in this set all the time, but one of the most common and effective uses I have found for the pick and hook set is removing old coolant hoses. Corrosion tends to build up where the hose connects to metal parts, so these pics come in handy to help you get in between the rubber and the metal or plastic flange the hose is attached to. There are many other potential uses for these tools as well, so definitely worth having a set.
7-Piece Pick and Hook Set Example
https://bit.ly/3eerqCn
10:07 - Tool #5 - 24-Inch Flexible Cable Hose Clamp Pliers
This is another tool that helps when removing coolant hoses, but instead of removing the hose, these pliers are designed to remove the factory spring clamps that hold the hose in place. These really come in handy when working in tight, confined spaces under the hood.
24-inch Flexible Cable Hose Clamp Pliers Example
https://thd.co/3RMimmb
11:55 - Tool #6 - Magnetic Pickup Tool + 24-Inch 2-In-1 Pickup Tool
Everybody drops parts and tools down into the engine bay or under their car when they least expect it. And these two tools are perfect for picking up various metal parts (with the telescoping magnet tool) or non-magnetic items (with the 2-in-1 pickup tool). Get one or both of these tools before you drop something important where you can't reach it.
Telescoping Magnetic Pick Up Tool Example
https://bit.ly/3Cibd7h
24" 2-in-1 Pickup Tool Example
https://bit.ly/3rDEB2K
13:30 - Tool #7 - Mechanic's Stethoscope
The mechanic's stethoscope helps you diagnose vehicle problems with your ears by pinpointing where odd sounds are coming from in your engine or engine compartment.
Mechanic's Stethoscope Example
https://bit.ly/3ypyZgA
15:48 - Tool #8 - Crows Feet Extension Set
Crows Feet Wrenches are compact open-end wrench heads that connect to a ratchet, allowing it to fit into tight spaces where a larger socket and ratchet handle can't reach. Get a full set of Crow's Feet extensions in common sizes (in metric or SAE) for your vehicle to give yourself a wide range of wrench heads in various sizes to fit nuts and bolts in hard to reach areas, allowing you can tighten or loosen them with ease.
Flare Nut Crows Foot Set Example
https://napaau.to/3T4N8HL
17:12 - Tool #9 - Extraction And Fill Pump
I use my extraction and fill pump for all types of jobs, including removing transmission and differential fluid, as well as old hydraulic fluid from the brake or clutch master cylinder. Many online retailers sell these, so shop around and be sure to pick up extra gaskets.
Extraction and Fill Pump Example
https://bit.ly/3rKGdaY
20:58 - Tool #10 - Spill Free Funnel
If you don't properly bleed your vehicle's cooling system after a coolant change, you can end up with drivability issues due to air bubbles trapped in the system. A spill free funnel can help fix those issues. It's the perfect tool for changing coolant and helping you bleed the air from the heating/cooling system in your car.
Lisle Splll Free Funnel Example
https://amzn.to/3SKrx7Z
22:47 - Bonus Item #1 - Cordless Impact Wrench
These are expensive, so it shouldn't be one of the first tools you buy. However, if you work on different vehicles and find yourself struggling often with hard to reach fasteners that are rusted in place, a quality cordless impact wrench can save you valuable time.
Don't have the funds for an expensive cordless impact wrench? The time tested cheap option is a 1" diameter steel pipe that's three or four feet long (pick one up at the local hardware store). You can slip that over the end of a breaker bar, and assuming you have the space, you can use that long arm as a lever to break loose frozen nuts and bolts. But again, if you are space-challenged, a cordless impact wrench will do the trick.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench Example
https://amzn.to/3CjsTPT
24:38 - Bonus Item #2 - QuickJack Lift
I used to think this was just an expensive luxury until I bought one. Boy, was I a dummy! This tool is great (but still expensive), so it's not going to be one of the first tools you buy. You also need the space to use it and store it when you're finished, so consider that before purchase. However, if you spend a lot of time working under a vehicle on more serious projects, you will enjoy the advantages and safety this lift provides.
QuickJack Lift Example
https://www.quickjack.com/car-lifts/5000tlx/
28:10 - Bonus Item #3 - Low-Profile Creeper
This is another one of those tools I use all the time when working under a vehicle. After spending years sliding on my back, getting greasy and basically being cold and uncomfortable working under my vehicles, I now won't work underneath a car without one of these. Yes, I'm a big baby... but a happy baby. Oh, and here's a shout out to fellow X-Files fans... a low profile creeper is also the perfect way to channel your inner Mrs. Peacock!
Low-Profile Creeper Example
https://bit.ly/3CIn9Au
A Look Back at "Home" - The Most Disturbing X-Files Episode
https://nyti.ms/3EsoEEb
30:20 - CLOSE
Hopefully you found this list of 10 Funky tools + bonus items helpful. Even if you find that only one or two of these tools will save you time and effort, then I will consider this episode a win.
Good luck with your next DIY car repair project!
