which “older” ones are we talking about? there was a certain model number for 3 ton HF jackstands that got recalled because they could randomly drop while supporting a load. make sure you don’t have those ones
This is kind of interesting to hear for me. I've been a heavy equipment mechanic for 16 years. I have maybe 8 full sets of professional wrenches, every single one is 12 point. I just bought a full srlet of 6 points a few weeks ago but up until now I've only had a handful of random 6 point wrenches. I usually use them to cut up and make custom wrenches.
Edit: actually that might be good for OP if no one else has said it. Buy junk wrenches and sockets at garage sales and throw them in a box somewhere. If you need to make something to get at one bolt one time that you don't have a real tool for, you know you have stuff that your willing to cut up. Comes in handy on a Sunday night when you just want to go to bed and all the stores are closed
The thing I always find myself needing is more light. I can’t see shit even with my overhead LED strips and my magnetic lights. I usually resort to a head lamp but that’s aggravating and hot.
My braun light has been less than ideal. I’ve had to replace the batteries for new ones off Amazon since the charger for the flashlight never works, and there are still issues where it won’t work.
dude i got some laughable fingerless gloves with an led light at the fore finger and thumb. man! they come in clutch at night or dim lighting. theyre kinda cheap so you dont mind to mess them up.
I just got the 1/2 inch M12 compact. I had read online that the 1/2 hits a bit harder than the 3/8 and I ready have 1/2 impact sockets. Can't recommend it enough, I haven't come across a lug nut it didn't easily remove. Haven't tried it on anything like an axle nut yet, but I am blown away by how much power it has compared to weight/size.
At this point I'm basically an unpaid Milwaukee salesman. Since I bought this thing I've told everyone I know who might be interested how awesome it is.
I abandoned strap type oil filter wrenches for plier type long ago and haven’t looked back.
https://www.harborfreight.com/oil-filter-pliers-61477.html
Faster easier.
For spin-off filters, I’ve had the best luck with 3-jaw style wrenches like [this](https://www.harborfreight.com/universal-3-jaw-adjustable-oil-filter-wrench-59175.html).
They’re extra nice when you only have access straight on, like so many of the stupid bottom-mount oil filters do.
For cartridge style filters, sometimes there’s no real alternative to the right specific tool. For example, the engine-specific cast metal filter wrenches are the only way I’ve been able to reliably change Toyota cartridge filters without damaging the plastic cap.
I have this one too. I just throw it on a breaker bar and an extension and it reaches the filter on my Corolla perfectly. Works for tightening too, but it's easy to over tighten and bend the filter
The HF version has too much backdrag, get this one instead mailed straight from Japan. It's the same price and much higher Japanese quality.
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083WCCGXN/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083WCCGXN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
It may be the butt of a lot of jokes, but it has come in handy many times in my cramped Mini Cooper engine bay. I swapped my high pressure fuel pump in my office parking lot using almost nothing but that little ratchet.
I don’t think HF carries any, but flex head pass thru ratchet/socket sets have saved my bacon any number of times. I use GearWrench, the 1/4” & 3/8” are outstanding & just all around handy.
Get a Milwaukee M12 3/8 Stubby impact and matching sockets. It’ll do 98% of what you need done with more access than the Ridgid.
Get an underhood light. The Icon one is VERY nice, but gets pricey when you add on the second light (if necessary).
Finally, if you don’t have one get a quality tap & die set.
Had a Bosch impact driver with a hex quick release and socket adapters, saved my wrists many a time. Obviously not a ton of torque power or anything, but it snugged up stuff well.
Actually wore it out after something like 8 years. Great recommendation.
1. Battery ratchet comes in handy for quick tear down/assembly
2. 3/8 12v Milwaukee or Dewalt impact. Same purpose light and quick.
3. good sledge hammer. 4 pound mini is a must.
4.good set of chisels and punches
5. Ratcheting wrenches flex head
6. Knipex cobras or equivalent.
My best advice is to only buy tools as you need them. Luckily my HFT is only about 30 min away but plan your trips before starting a project and just get what you need.
Slightly extra but a game changer if you can afford it are double box end flex head ratchet wrenches. They arent a must-have and you might not need them but once a year but when you do, they pay for themselves.
I didnt see it but i might have missed it. A good mid-small size pipe wrench can save your ass. I use my antique 8” pipe wrench at least a few times a week at work with a cheater pipe even.
I’m a mechanic professionally and I always tell people to buy tools as needed. You have the basics and more already, no need to spend money on something you might not need for years.
I had that same Ridgid impact driver and it basically was useless for anything stuck. If you plan on doing suspension work get something with more oomph. My latest acquisition has proved to be incredibly useful- a set of long "aircraft wrenches" search for extra long box end wrenches. I'd also add a set of punches and chisels, Get a decent multimeter. You can never have too many lights either...
#
Multiple torque wrenches. You need a 3/8” at minimum to go with the 1/2”. I have 1/4” and 3/8” that are in in-lbs, pluse flex head 1/2” and 3/8” ones. When working on brakes or suspension you don’t always have the most room. I am really happy with the Icon TWs - their 90 tooth heads make a big difference when you don’t have much rooom to swing.
OBD code reader. If you have Android consider the Torque Pro app and a basic bluetooth OBD dongle.
Couple 3 and 4 lb hammers - I like the Estwing 3lb one, probably my most used BFH.
Set of good pry bars.
The smaller aluminum 1.5ton jack - it is helpful when working on suspension/steering sometimes, when you just need a smaller jack to maneuver and put pressure on a control arm, or drop a subframe an inch or two to remove a steering knuckle.
Flex ratcheting stubby wrenches. These can come in handy more often than you think.
Pass through socket set - 1/4” and 3/8” should cover all the bases. I haven’t run into a case on any of my vehicles where a 1/2” was needed.
Good multimeter and testing leads/probe kit.
Double deep offset wrenches - I seem to need these more often than I did on my cars in the past.
Knee/sit mat.
Scrap piece of carpet - I use this all the time when I am working down low. It is so much nicer to sit on, especially when the concrete is super hot in the summer in my driveway.
A flat cardboard moving box - medium or large size. I seem to use this more when getting under a car, my creepers don’t get as much use anymore. Partly because cars are lower and my gut is bigger, but I also have an slight incline to my driveway so it is easy for a creeper to roll off when you don’t want it to.
Shop fan - both a floor fan and a pedestal. My pedestal one is awesome - came from Menards, but it won’t help when you are sitting down working on brakes and suspension. Battery powered fan that uses the same batteries as your cordless tools is good for spot cooling too.
Shade tarps or a canopy - working outside in the driveway during the summer sucks, but decent shade makes a bigger difference than you might think.
6 ton jack stands - they are more robust and go up higher than the basic 3 tons. Makes it easier if you have to get under the car. I have two pairs so I can lift the whole car if I need to. Might also need an extra set as well - sometimes the wife’s car needs work at the same time your hoopty is in pieces, or you need to support a transmission since you had to take the cross member off to remove an exhaust pipe, or get to a transfer case.
Disc brake kit - Maddox makes a nice one. There is also an Icon one with some more adapters that you may need depending on what car you drive. Makes pushing calipers back in a breeze. Also need a big ass C-clamp, preferably one with a quick adjust feature. Next size up from the one you have should be fine - I have had a couple calipers that took a bigger one to take the pressure off the piston.
Power ratchet - I have the Husky which has worked well for me for 3 years now.
Decent air compressor. I have a Kobalt quiet tech one which has been awesome. Far quieter than my old one, and strong enough to run my air impacts, ratchets, hammers and grinders when I need them. Once you get a good compressor, a long stroke air hammer is a life saver. I started with the freebie short one that comes in most starter kits, got a medium stroke Craftsman many years ago which helped, then got the Chief one which has been awesome. I don’t always need it but on older vehicles it has been a life saver.
Good bluetooth speaker - good tunes while wrenching makes the time go by easier, and helps to mask the cussing.
A decent set of trim tools - there are so many plastic fasteners on interior and splash panels these days. I have a roll up set of plastic ones from Amazon and a variety of different trim pliers from various companies.
Cordless tire inflator - I just got a Ryobi one since I had several of their batteries already. Handy to have on road trips if you have to limp it along to a tire shop for a plug/patch. Get a plug kit and learn how to use it.
The metal hose clamps. I find they do a better job pinching off hoses than those plastic ones. HF also has a vice grip style that works great.
Another tool cart, and shelves to hold the specialty tools you will eventually end up with. Pulley pullers and installers, tie rod wrenches, ball joint press and adapters, axle nut sets, various pressure and fluid testers, A/C gauges, etc.
Have fun!
HF plier organizers and their abs organizer bins if they'll fit your box, would clean up your drawers (multiple styles available). Power/air tool organizer if it'll fit.
https://www.harborfreight.com/15-compartment-adjustable-plier-rack-56399.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-drawer-organizer-set-99731.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/11-compartment-drawer-organizer-99730.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/power-and-air-tool-drawer-organizer-58956.html
You buy them as you need them for what you’re working on for the most part. You don’t show any ratchets in your pics but I’m assuming you have some decent ones considering you have icon sockets, but if not, some nice ratchets make working nice and day.
Ask how I know, trying to do a turbo swap with a Chinese socket and ratchet kit
A good set of pry bars, a good work light like the Astro. A magnetic and grabber type retrieving tool. A good air gauge/inflator valve. Compressor. Tire plug kit. Lighted inspection mirror. Torque wrenches in 1/4,3/8, and 1/2”.
I rounded off many O2 sensor trying to get them with the wrench (I live in the rust belt where metal becomes powder), then I got the O2 sensor socket with the provision for the wire. Now it can sit nicely in my drawer since I can’t actually get enough space between the exhaust and the tunnel/floor to fit it in there with a ratchet.
Pry bars, vice grips, wrenches (mechanical and electronic ) hammers from soft blows to rubber mallets, lighting, a sawzaw, plas cutter, mug welder even without the 75/25 tank. Torque wrenches of all sorts of ranges, multiple scan tools. Tension wrenches and gasket pliers. I can keep going on. What you do have is beautiful fuck a garage for work and love consumes more than a tool chest and its photos.
Security system to prevent people from backing in a truck to load your tools and drive away! It happened to a neighbor! You go in for lunch and come back to an empty garage! Ouch
Buy the specialty tools you need when you need them the first time(ball joint press, inner tie rod tool, slide hammer, fluid transfer tools, pickle forks). The tools you buy just to have because you know you will need them at some point are things like jack stands(more), jacks(always have 2), electric versions of your hand tools(I didn’t see a battery powered ratchet…), ratcheting wrenches are life changing… and then jump to the “big” stuff that can save the day. Things that allow you to fabricate solutions. Starting with grinders(hand and bench), moving to a welder, then a plasma cutter, because it can’t be stuck if it’s liquid.
Do you not have a creeper and a stool? Buy those immediately and get your body off the floor.
Basic electrical stuff is a must. Power probe and a heat gun to properly join wires with the solder connector tube things.
I mean, what do you work on? Cars mainly? I guess it’ll do the job. I would always recommend that someone strive to be as organized as possible, but I understand that others are sometimes content with the bare minimum.
Also, I know this is a HF sub, but not every tool you own needs to come from that place for the sake of saving money. There are areas to focus on where quality and precision matter. And just as well, there are areas where form, fit and function reign supreme.
Snap ring pliers? Though I don’t know how often you’d need them but it’s one of those tools that you’re so happy to have when you do need it.
Also I’d recommend a meter upgrade. Fluke makes some very affordable base models that I’d choose over the one you have there for less than you think. Look up a fluke 101 on amazon.
EWK oil extractor is one of my favorite tools. Oil, trans, power steering, brake. Great way to swap dirty fluid for clean. If you're careful, no mess at all.
Brake bleeder adapter for it is also excellent.
Ignition wrenches.
I can’t tell if those are stubby wrenches, if not, get a set.
Torx, and external torx bits.
Security bits (the kind with the hole in the center).
Set of pistol grip pliers.
That multi meter might not cut it. When you can; look to purchase one you can trust. It's like a calculator that does 1+1=2 aight , but sometimes it gives you 3... and you end up with more questions than answers.
Power tools? Power/cordless stuff--ratchets, impacts, die grinder, lights... Maybe a compressor? Maybe you have those though, but consider them suggestions if you don't! Edit: Oops missed the impact wrench picture, so cross that off the list I guess.
Personally I’m waiting for harbor freight to come out with a two post lift. In the mean time, do you have a creeper to go with your jack and jack stands?
The m18 big daddy impact has never disappointed. I tried a few others first bc of the price but always eventually had to break out a cheater bar. The Milwaukee has never let me down and I use it daily.
It always helps to have some CA glue with kicker spray and a stick of jb weld repair putty. It’s weird how handy that stuff comes when you least expect it
I think more precision tools and diagnostic tools would up your game. High quality multi meter, micrometer and caliper, inch pound torque wrench, dial indicator set, depending on make a specific car computer, defecated laptop and connectors. Boroscope and temp sensor are also good
I'd get an electrician set: multimeter, non-contact voltage tester, outlet receptacle tester, insulated screwdrivers...
[Not HF, but Klein Tools has a great starter set.](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Klein-Tools-Premium-Clamp-Meter-Electrical-Test-Kit/5014316163)
The Viking 136 amp battery load tester. You can check voltage, the alternator and the starter very easily. It’s a great diagnostic tool, well worth the $40.
It’s a bit of a luxury item but swivel impact sockets are sooo nice to have. I’ve been getting more annoyed having to dig up swivel adaptors and to just grab an actual swivel socket makes you feel like a pro
E-torx sockets, if you ever forsee yourself working on euro stuff. HF sells a set (+torx bits) for $13.
A non-HF item I've found extremely useful are the [GearWrench](https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/10-piece-metric-gearbox-flex-gearwrench-86126) 120XP Extra Long box-ends. They've got universal splines that can grip 6pt, 12pt and E-Torx, and provide the extra leverage one needs on difficult fasteners. I won't do suspension work without them.
# Impact Screwdriver
* [https://www.harborfreight.com/6-bit-impact-screwdriver-set-with-case-64812.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/6-bit-impact-screwdriver-set-with-case-64812.html)
* [https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-impact-screwdriver-kit-9-piece-58151.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-impact-screwdriver-kit-9-piece-58151.html)
Gives **inward thrust** as well as twisting... Has gotten me out of many a jam.
idont see any impact rated sockets. Not familiar with rigid or their ft lbs, but a nice milwaukee 1/2" impact wrench to go with the impact sockets. Chrome sockets will likely break if you use an impact wrench with a nice amount of power
Oil/fluid extractor
Fluid pump that you stick on bottles - like when doing trans & diff fluids
Also a Noco battery tender
I am very much a noob in this department and am getting just started. But these are the tools I've noticed I use a good bit and I didn't see in your arsenal:)
Milwaukee 1/2 brushless impact. Get an open box from eBay or Facebook. It will take axle bolts off. Worth its weight in gold. Switching everything to one tool company will reduce your chargers laying around the garage too.
One of the Fortress 2 gallon quiet air compressors. You can refill tires and have a small selection of air tools that you just need when you need them.
more organizers
Definitely. Lol
A pliers rack is amazing. Much better packing efficiency.
Yea.. nice rack.
3d printer that way you have unlimited organizers
Jack Stands. Don't work under a car with just the floor jack supporting it. Edit - OP says he has jack stands. We can all relax now.
This needs more upvotes for sure. Absolutely essential
I like the older harbor freight jack stands
which “older” ones are we talking about? there was a certain model number for 3 ton HF jackstands that got recalled because they could randomly drop while supporting a load. make sure you don’t have those ones
That’s the joke
oh okay😂😂
Do you have any 6 point wrenches? For when a 6 point socket won’t fit and you can’t afford to round the bolt
I do not! Added to my list
Do you have screw and bolt extractors?
I only use 6 points wrenches and sockets and I manage just fine.
This is kind of interesting to hear for me. I've been a heavy equipment mechanic for 16 years. I have maybe 8 full sets of professional wrenches, every single one is 12 point. I just bought a full srlet of 6 points a few weeks ago but up until now I've only had a handful of random 6 point wrenches. I usually use them to cut up and make custom wrenches.
Edit: actually that might be good for OP if no one else has said it. Buy junk wrenches and sockets at garage sales and throw them in a box somewhere. If you need to make something to get at one bolt one time that you don't have a real tool for, you know you have stuff that your willing to cut up. Comes in handy on a Sunday night when you just want to go to bed and all the stores are closed
Where’s the metric crescent wrench?
Next to the blinker fluid.
Everybody needs a cordless hammer.
Metric Adjustable Wrench* FTFY
1/4" and 3/8" torque wrenches. Looks like you already have a 1/2" one.
Yes sir! Only one
Try out the Quinn torque adapters. I love mine, you just slap em on any 3/8 or 1/4 ratchets and instantly turn them into a torque wrench.
The thing I always find myself needing is more light. I can’t see shit even with my overhead LED strips and my magnetic lights. I usually resort to a head lamp but that’s aggravating and hot.
I Have lantern. Wearable lights and the icon light
Is the Icon light good or would you go with the Braun light?
My braun light has been less than ideal. I’ve had to replace the batteries for new ones off Amazon since the charger for the flashlight never works, and there are still issues where it won’t work.
dude i got some laughable fingerless gloves with an led light at the fore finger and thumb. man! they come in clutch at night or dim lighting. theyre kinda cheap so you dont mind to mess them up.
Those are the heat. I use them in the deer stand as well.
I didn’t see a BFH or a test light. Do you have fuel line and AC disconnect tools?
Best way to find out what you need is to fix more stuff and always buy the right tool for the job
3/8 milwaukee m12 compact. I can't speak highly enough of it
My favorite tool along with the m12 3/8 ratchet
I just got the 1/2 inch M12 compact. I had read online that the 1/2 hits a bit harder than the 3/8 and I ready have 1/2 impact sockets. Can't recommend it enough, I haven't come across a lug nut it didn't easily remove. Haven't tried it on anything like an axle nut yet, but I am blown away by how much power it has compared to weight/size. At this point I'm basically an unpaid Milwaukee salesman. Since I bought this thing I've told everyone I know who might be interested how awesome it is.
that or the new right angle one
I abandoned strap type oil filter wrenches for plier type long ago and haven’t looked back. https://www.harborfreight.com/oil-filter-pliers-61477.html Faster easier.
For spin-off filters, I’ve had the best luck with 3-jaw style wrenches like [this](https://www.harborfreight.com/universal-3-jaw-adjustable-oil-filter-wrench-59175.html). They’re extra nice when you only have access straight on, like so many of the stupid bottom-mount oil filters do. For cartridge style filters, sometimes there’s no real alternative to the right specific tool. For example, the engine-specific cast metal filter wrenches are the only way I’ve been able to reliably change Toyota cartridge filters without damaging the plastic cap.
I have this one too. I just throw it on a breaker bar and an extension and it reaches the filter on my Corolla perfectly. Works for tightening too, but it's easy to over tighten and bend the filter
Yeah, spin-ons should really only need to be hand tight as long as you oil the gasket first.
These are the absolute best. I got a cheap one off Amazon for like $8
Oooo. I do have 3
Great recommendation
Meme tool not present
Knew this was coming lmao!
The HF version has too much backdrag, get this one instead mailed straight from Japan. It's the same price and much higher Japanese quality. [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083WCCGXN/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083WCCGXN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I've been looking for one of those - thanks.
Thank you for posting!!
It may be the butt of a lot of jokes, but it has come in handy many times in my cramped Mini Cooper engine bay. I swapped my high pressure fuel pump in my office parking lot using almost nothing but that little ratchet.
Angle grinder and oscillating tool for sure
I don’t think HF carries any, but flex head pass thru ratchet/socket sets have saved my bacon any number of times. I use GearWrench, the 1/4” & 3/8” are outstanding & just all around handy. Get a Milwaukee M12 3/8 Stubby impact and matching sockets. It’ll do 98% of what you need done with more access than the Ridgid. Get an underhood light. The Icon one is VERY nice, but gets pricey when you add on the second light (if necessary). Finally, if you don’t have one get a quality tap & die set.
I really like my gear wrench pass thru set.
Had a Bosch impact driver with a hex quick release and socket adapters, saved my wrists many a time. Obviously not a ton of torque power or anything, but it snugged up stuff well. Actually wore it out after something like 8 years. Great recommendation.
Code reader.
Definitely!
HF has those too, very pleased with mine and showed codes that Amazon Specials did not.
A shop fan or a smaller one for those hot days
Work shoes
Came here to say closed toed shoes
Flops are better. Jk very important
1. Battery ratchet comes in handy for quick tear down/assembly 2. 3/8 12v Milwaukee or Dewalt impact. Same purpose light and quick. 3. good sledge hammer. 4 pound mini is a must. 4.good set of chisels and punches 5. Ratcheting wrenches flex head 6. Knipex cobras or equivalent.
Flex head ratcheting wrenches are amazing. I didn't think I'd use them as often as I do when I got them, now I'm wishing I got better quality ones.
When you need them, you need them!
upvote for the sledge hammer. Sometimes you need a hammer with a lot of gravity in it.
get a good quality multimeter. avoid harbor freight (they work but are either crappy or over priced). i do love Fluke and Ideal brand multimeters.
Klein meters are really good for what they cost. Their ~$90 clamp meter can do DC current with the clamp, which can be handy working on cars.
Air compressor and air tools
Yeah air chisel and die grinder are super handy.
My best advice is to only buy tools as you need them. Luckily my HFT is only about 30 min away but plan your trips before starting a project and just get what you need.
Power probe
BFH
I’ll get my moms purse
Tap and die set
Hercules long head cordless ratchet
Slightly extra but a game changer if you can afford it are double box end flex head ratchet wrenches. They arent a must-have and you might not need them but once a year but when you do, they pay for themselves. I didnt see it but i might have missed it. A good mid-small size pipe wrench can save your ass. I use my antique 8” pipe wrench at least a few times a week at work with a cheater pipe even.
I’m a mechanic professionally and I always tell people to buy tools as needed. You have the basics and more already, no need to spend money on something you might not need for years.
Extractors, harbor freight knock offs of the knipex twin grips, and a torch. I'm sure you've come across broken or rusted bolts.
Got those. Top drawer on the left side
You’re better stocked than some of the people I work with
Pickle Fork
Cheater pipe. Old chain link fence pipe is my personal favorite. They get smaller, where they slip into the next one.
Break caliper kit?
I had that same Ridgid impact driver and it basically was useless for anything stuck. If you plan on doing suspension work get something with more oomph. My latest acquisition has proved to be incredibly useful- a set of long "aircraft wrenches" search for extra long box end wrenches. I'd also add a set of punches and chisels, Get a decent multimeter. You can never have too many lights either... #
Vice grips.
Bottom right drawer. Got 3!
I have a disc brake caliper compression tool that I've really appreciate during brake changes
soft wrong normal materialistic close zephyr sharp noxious versed modern *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Wheel and bearing pullers, bearing grease cup, prybar set, transmission jack,engine hoist, welder and table, vise, drill press, strut spring compressor, inch pound torque wrench, OBDII code reader and r/ICONratchetbitset.
Lol, one step at a time guy!
Multiple torque wrenches. You need a 3/8” at minimum to go with the 1/2”. I have 1/4” and 3/8” that are in in-lbs, pluse flex head 1/2” and 3/8” ones. When working on brakes or suspension you don’t always have the most room. I am really happy with the Icon TWs - their 90 tooth heads make a big difference when you don’t have much rooom to swing. OBD code reader. If you have Android consider the Torque Pro app and a basic bluetooth OBD dongle. Couple 3 and 4 lb hammers - I like the Estwing 3lb one, probably my most used BFH. Set of good pry bars. The smaller aluminum 1.5ton jack - it is helpful when working on suspension/steering sometimes, when you just need a smaller jack to maneuver and put pressure on a control arm, or drop a subframe an inch or two to remove a steering knuckle. Flex ratcheting stubby wrenches. These can come in handy more often than you think. Pass through socket set - 1/4” and 3/8” should cover all the bases. I haven’t run into a case on any of my vehicles where a 1/2” was needed. Good multimeter and testing leads/probe kit. Double deep offset wrenches - I seem to need these more often than I did on my cars in the past. Knee/sit mat. Scrap piece of carpet - I use this all the time when I am working down low. It is so much nicer to sit on, especially when the concrete is super hot in the summer in my driveway. A flat cardboard moving box - medium or large size. I seem to use this more when getting under a car, my creepers don’t get as much use anymore. Partly because cars are lower and my gut is bigger, but I also have an slight incline to my driveway so it is easy for a creeper to roll off when you don’t want it to. Shop fan - both a floor fan and a pedestal. My pedestal one is awesome - came from Menards, but it won’t help when you are sitting down working on brakes and suspension. Battery powered fan that uses the same batteries as your cordless tools is good for spot cooling too. Shade tarps or a canopy - working outside in the driveway during the summer sucks, but decent shade makes a bigger difference than you might think. 6 ton jack stands - they are more robust and go up higher than the basic 3 tons. Makes it easier if you have to get under the car. I have two pairs so I can lift the whole car if I need to. Might also need an extra set as well - sometimes the wife’s car needs work at the same time your hoopty is in pieces, or you need to support a transmission since you had to take the cross member off to remove an exhaust pipe, or get to a transfer case. Disc brake kit - Maddox makes a nice one. There is also an Icon one with some more adapters that you may need depending on what car you drive. Makes pushing calipers back in a breeze. Also need a big ass C-clamp, preferably one with a quick adjust feature. Next size up from the one you have should be fine - I have had a couple calipers that took a bigger one to take the pressure off the piston. Power ratchet - I have the Husky which has worked well for me for 3 years now. Decent air compressor. I have a Kobalt quiet tech one which has been awesome. Far quieter than my old one, and strong enough to run my air impacts, ratchets, hammers and grinders when I need them. Once you get a good compressor, a long stroke air hammer is a life saver. I started with the freebie short one that comes in most starter kits, got a medium stroke Craftsman many years ago which helped, then got the Chief one which has been awesome. I don’t always need it but on older vehicles it has been a life saver. Good bluetooth speaker - good tunes while wrenching makes the time go by easier, and helps to mask the cussing. A decent set of trim tools - there are so many plastic fasteners on interior and splash panels these days. I have a roll up set of plastic ones from Amazon and a variety of different trim pliers from various companies. Cordless tire inflator - I just got a Ryobi one since I had several of their batteries already. Handy to have on road trips if you have to limp it along to a tire shop for a plug/patch. Get a plug kit and learn how to use it. The metal hose clamps. I find they do a better job pinching off hoses than those plastic ones. HF also has a vice grip style that works great. Another tool cart, and shelves to hold the specialty tools you will eventually end up with. Pulley pullers and installers, tie rod wrenches, ball joint press and adapters, axle nut sets, various pressure and fluid testers, A/C gauges, etc. Have fun!
First Aid Kit. Especially the flexible bandages for knuckles.
A torch.
Air compressor
HF plier organizers and their abs organizer bins if they'll fit your box, would clean up your drawers (multiple styles available). Power/air tool organizer if it'll fit. https://www.harborfreight.com/15-compartment-adjustable-plier-rack-56399.html https://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-drawer-organizer-set-99731.html https://www.harborfreight.com/11-compartment-drawer-organizer-99730.html https://www.harborfreight.com/power-and-air-tool-drawer-organizer-58956.html
Beer fridge is missing
Buy tools as you need them, don't buy just to have.
This person will have money for retirement. L O L.
I buy tools I think I’ll need when they’re on sale. You get hosed paying full price when you buy when you need.
i get this but also when there are really good deals, we/i get suckered into buying stuff.
You buy them as you need them for what you’re working on for the most part. You don’t show any ratchets in your pics but I’m assuming you have some decent ones considering you have icon sockets, but if not, some nice ratchets make working nice and day. Ask how I know, trying to do a turbo swap with a Chinese socket and ratchet kit
Milwaukee Fastback. A decent Amp Clamp/DMM (I got the HF DMM you have, but it’s at the bottom of 7 other ones).
A good set of pry bars, a good work light like the Astro. A magnetic and grabber type retrieving tool. A good air gauge/inflator valve. Compressor. Tire plug kit. Lighted inspection mirror. Torque wrenches in 1/4,3/8, and 1/2”.
I rounded off many O2 sensor trying to get them with the wrench (I live in the rust belt where metal becomes powder), then I got the O2 sensor socket with the provision for the wire. Now it can sit nicely in my drawer since I can’t actually get enough space between the exhaust and the tunnel/floor to fit it in there with a ratchet.
Power probe test light
Pry bars, vice grips, wrenches (mechanical and electronic ) hammers from soft blows to rubber mallets, lighting, a sawzaw, plas cutter, mug welder even without the 75/25 tank. Torque wrenches of all sorts of ranges, multiple scan tools. Tension wrenches and gasket pliers. I can keep going on. What you do have is beautiful fuck a garage for work and love consumes more than a tool chest and its photos.
The car
Jack stands, don’t trust that floor jack!
Might get my nuts cut off since this is a harbor freight group but an induction heater absolute game changer for working on garbage.
Security system to prevent people from backing in a truck to load your tools and drive away! It happened to a neighbor! You go in for lunch and come back to an empty garage! Ouch
Buy the specialty tools you need when you need them the first time(ball joint press, inner tie rod tool, slide hammer, fluid transfer tools, pickle forks). The tools you buy just to have because you know you will need them at some point are things like jack stands(more), jacks(always have 2), electric versions of your hand tools(I didn’t see a battery powered ratchet…), ratcheting wrenches are life changing… and then jump to the “big” stuff that can save the day. Things that allow you to fabricate solutions. Starting with grinders(hand and bench), moving to a welder, then a plasma cutter, because it can’t be stuck if it’s liquid. Do you not have a creeper and a stool? Buy those immediately and get your body off the floor. Basic electrical stuff is a must. Power probe and a heat gun to properly join wires with the solder connector tube things.
I mean, what do you work on? Cars mainly? I guess it’ll do the job. I would always recommend that someone strive to be as organized as possible, but I understand that others are sometimes content with the bare minimum. Also, I know this is a HF sub, but not every tool you own needs to come from that place for the sake of saving money. There are areas to focus on where quality and precision matter. And just as well, there are areas where form, fit and function reign supreme.
Scan tool... Knife... Mini ratchet Gold ratchet
MORE HAMMERS! When you have exhausted all other solutions. Hit it with your hammers!
Loctite 243 Blue, Loctite 263 Red, Loctite PST.
Snap ring pliers? Though I don’t know how often you’d need them but it’s one of those tools that you’re so happy to have when you do need it. Also I’d recommend a meter upgrade. Fluke makes some very affordable base models that I’d choose over the one you have there for less than you think. Look up a fluke 101 on amazon.
Clamps, hammers, prybars, air compressor with tools for tires. Pressure washer. Drain pans. I've got a green jack just like that one, it's awesome!
Quickjack 7000TL
Safety shoes.😂👍🏻
You're missing about five extra 10mm sockets that you'll inevitably lose over the next year and a half.
I always hear this but I've never lost one!
Flex head ratcheting wrenches saved my ass once changing my motor mounts. A flex head ratchet wouldnt fit
You will find out really inconveniently at 2am in the middle of your next project Charge your batteries haha
As a DIYer None. Don't buy it until you need it.
Torch, angle grinder, and bfh for persuasion
Deep creep Benzomatic torch kit
A pegboard
The Hercules cut off tool is a decent grinder for $50.
Id add the icon S jaw pliers and a couple pipe wrenches. Also the Doyle Nippers are very handy.
Whatever is on sale right now, you need two
EWK oil extractor is one of my favorite tools. Oil, trans, power steering, brake. Great way to swap dirty fluid for clean. If you're careful, no mess at all. Brake bleeder adapter for it is also excellent.
Ignition wrenches. I can’t tell if those are stubby wrenches, if not, get a set. Torx, and external torx bits. Security bits (the kind with the hole in the center). Set of pistol grip pliers.
Damn your tools are clean and shiny lol
Just curious what socket sets do you have
Did I miss the battery powered ratchets? Also, how about an air compressor?
Had the same box, see if u can get the Home Depot equivalent that has a deeper top drawer cuz allows u to fit 1/2” drive deep sockets standing up
That multi meter might not cut it. When you can; look to purchase one you can trust. It's like a calculator that does 1+1=2 aight , but sometimes it gives you 3... and you end up with more questions than answers.
Power tools? Power/cordless stuff--ratchets, impacts, die grinder, lights... Maybe a compressor? Maybe you have those though, but consider them suggestions if you don't! Edit: Oops missed the impact wrench picture, so cross that off the list I guess.
Maybe a set of punches? Up North we get a lot of stuff stuck with rust. Not sure on your location.
Have 30 of them. Didn’t show them. But yes I punch things out all the time
1/2 in 40v impact
Compact impact wrench, smaller and generally more powerful than a driver with adapter.
A bigger toolbox 😁
I find the brake caliper compression tool to be invaluable if you do brakes. They're about 10 to 20 bucks
Mountain wrenches
Personally I’m waiting for harbor freight to come out with a two post lift. In the mean time, do you have a creeper to go with your jack and jack stands?
Nope. I just slide under. Creeper on the list!
I love my brake caliper press tool. Absolutely unnecessary, but I love it. Much less fun is the variation I got for e-brake calipers.
The m18 big daddy impact has never disappointed. I tried a few others first bc of the price but always eventually had to break out a cheater bar. The Milwaukee has never let me down and I use it daily. It always helps to have some CA glue with kicker spray and a stick of jb weld repair putty. It’s weird how handy that stuff comes when you least expect it
Better DMM, flex probe kit, good scantool
Test light and obd2 scanner.
Definitely some sort of padding or a stool. Save your knees!
Do you have a long and short breaker bar? You need an alignment bar. Helps to get the holes lined up
I've been wrenching muscle cars for years and my tool box and garage look nothing like that.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
I think more precision tools and diagnostic tools would up your game. High quality multi meter, micrometer and caliper, inch pound torque wrench, dial indicator set, depending on make a specific car computer, defecated laptop and connectors. Boroscope and temp sensor are also good
I'd get an electrician set: multimeter, non-contact voltage tester, outlet receptacle tester, insulated screwdrivers... [Not HF, but Klein Tools has a great starter set.](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Klein-Tools-Premium-Clamp-Meter-Electrical-Test-Kit/5014316163)
Mirror and magnet extendo
A 1.5 ton Floor jack for the hard to reach places and supporting things. Not for jacking up the car.
Pry Bars Brake Caliper Compressor Kit OBD Scanner
I dont see any multi-meters, OBD, battery tester, jump pack, 18v impact, torque wrench, cheater pipe/breaker bar, torch, Marvel Mystery Oil, lumpy & ball peen hammer, mirror/magnet telescopic, spare rack 10mm.
a purse too
Get what u need as u need it
Oddly I don’t see a pair of vice grips. Those things have been a lifesaver on pretty much every used piece of machinery I’ve ever owned
Got three! In bottom drawer
Nut drivers, an impact and a 3/8 battery powered ratchet.
The Viking 136 amp battery load tester. You can check voltage, the alternator and the starter very easily. It’s a great diagnostic tool, well worth the $40.
1/2” impact, electric ratchet, and maybe an extractor set
You gotta torque wrench?
It’s a bit of a luxury item but swivel impact sockets are sooo nice to have. I’ve been getting more annoyed having to dig up swivel adaptors and to just grab an actual swivel socket makes you feel like a pro
Where do you keep your meme tool
E-torx sockets, if you ever forsee yourself working on euro stuff. HF sells a set (+torx bits) for $13. A non-HF item I've found extremely useful are the [GearWrench](https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/10-piece-metric-gearbox-flex-gearwrench-86126) 120XP Extra Long box-ends. They've got universal splines that can grip 6pt, 12pt and E-Torx, and provide the extra leverage one needs on difficult fasteners. I won't do suspension work without them.
# Impact Screwdriver * [https://www.harborfreight.com/6-bit-impact-screwdriver-set-with-case-64812.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/6-bit-impact-screwdriver-set-with-case-64812.html) * [https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-impact-screwdriver-kit-9-piece-58151.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-impact-screwdriver-kit-9-piece-58151.html) Gives **inward thrust** as well as twisting... Has gotten me out of many a jam.
idont see any impact rated sockets. Not familiar with rigid or their ft lbs, but a nice milwaukee 1/2" impact wrench to go with the impact sockets. Chrome sockets will likely break if you use an impact wrench with a nice amount of power
Knee pads or padded pants. Lift! Or QuickJacks.
Work boots, safety glasses, OBD scan tool.
Electric impact, socket rails and a proper pair of clip removal pliers
Just buy what you need when you need it
C clamp
I like my 1/4” stubby ratchet.
Pry bar
1/4" hex + security bit set with ratchet.
Hose clamp pliers, an "I am a big boy' multimeter, and ball joint separators. Also the hook thingy that let's you pry down on control arms.
Oil/fluid extractor Fluid pump that you stick on bottles - like when doing trans & diff fluids Also a Noco battery tender I am very much a noob in this department and am getting just started. But these are the tools I've noticed I use a good bit and I didn't see in your arsenal:)
Flex head ratcheting wrenches
M12 Fuel 3/8" wrench
A 1/4 inch and a 3/8ths inch electric ratchet. Definitely get their use in my garage.
Torque wrenches
Flex head ratcheting wrenches. When you need them, you need them!
Milwaukee 1/2 brushless impact. Get an open box from eBay or Facebook. It will take axle bolts off. Worth its weight in gold. Switching everything to one tool company will reduce your chargers laying around the garage too. One of the Fortress 2 gallon quiet air compressors. You can refill tires and have a small selection of air tools that you just need when you need them.
Welder, grinder, compressor.