Garage Shop: Tools

I was planning on making my own but the devil on my shoulder said "buy this" when late night Amazon browsing.

I paid a little more for a larger stainless steel 16 guage one that can hold a 10KG crucible.

Soon I will be forging with fire. It is a whole kit, not just the forge.

 

So who has a recommendation for a variable voltage DC...power supply(i dont know the proper name).

i find myself doing more and more bench testing of 12V stuff and using the spare car battery is great for just supplying basic 12V but wanting something with a bit more adjust ability. Would like a 10 amp but seems like most are 5 amp? Hoping to not spend a ton

 

Answer depends upon what kind of DIY jobs you want to do.

Scan the tools required for maintenance tasks in the sticky (incl. in my sig). Maybe start off buying sets depending on the job.

Sets are typically less expensive than individuals so shop around.

For hand tools, I like Wright Tool products. Made in the USA. Excellent quality at a decent price - not outrageously priced like some.

US General chests and boxes from Harbor Freight gets great reviews- always look for a coupon.

Might not seem like a big deal but when buying slotted screw drivers, look for quality ones that have parallel sides terminating at the tip and not the angled side (which will ride up against the slot edges of the screw).

Safety glasses are not a joke.

Search Amazon for a highly reviewed ODB II scanner- that alone can save you thousands.

Good Luck. Happy Wrenching. Welcome

 

Going to be starting on my garage/workshop revamp over the next few months as winter sets in and there is nothing else really going on. Going to be totally redoing my workshop that sits behind the garage bay. I have the basic idea done and crudely drawn out on paper. Hoping to take measurements and getting ideas of storage cabinets and a layout today.

A few questions I have are as follows:

1) Has anyone used cabinetry from Harbor Freight? How well do they hold up over the years? Primary function will be overland and camping gear storage as well as misc fluids, spray paint, paint cans, bigger tools that are not used as often etc.

I plan on adding some 2x4 and plywood (basic) shelving above the cabinetry provided there is adequate space to do so as well. I am trying to take full advantage of the space for storage. That is the biggest hurdle I have to tackle.

2) The biggest "upgrade" will be a new toolbox. I have a basic Craftsman unit that I plan to empty, disassemble and keep as a roll cart for the garage bay but I want a bigger and better toolbox for the workshop to store all my tools. These are the two that I am looking at; and yes, I am fully aware they might be apples and oranges, but I am on a single income, own a house and have other bills as well. They are similar in cost and I am wanting the Milwaukee box...looking for thoughts and opinions on the Husky box from those that might have one:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-H...net-Set-in-Matte-Black-HOTC5623BB2S/303412321

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Red-and-Black-Matte-48-22-8510-8520/306136151

THIS is the box I really want (provided I have the space for what I want to do (I place to add more cabinetry storage next to the toolbox as well)

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-Chest-and-Cabinet-Combo-48-22-8556/308749708

3) Has anyone built one of these tables and do you have any suggestions?

https://diywoodworking.tumblr.com/post/181312268767/simple-folding-and-portable-workbench-by



Thanks in advance for all of your help and suggestions in advance. I am really looking forward to this winter project.

 

Are Harbor Freight air compressor any good?

 

I have one. Held up fine for what I use it for.

 

Which brand do you have, and size tank?

 

How is it with a 1/2 impact?

Have you tried it with a pneumatic nailer?

 

Forgot to ask. What brand hose and size are you using?

 

@rmuller2020
Out of curiosity I went through this list I made and mainly using harbor freight with a few things from home depot the total came to $950, granted $430 of that is the floor jack, jack stands, Ryobi impact wrench and impact driver.
With all those tools youll want a toolbox as well, which can add an extra $300+ depending on size.
Real sorry about spending all your money.

@geekhouse23
That Milwaukee 48-22-8556 looks real nice with the two full width drawers, that’s the biggest issue I have with husky & harbor freight boxes, most only have one drawer the full length so you cant put long tools in them.
This is my favorite non professional tool chest, Husky HOTC6214B12M, I assume you can make a top box attach, maybe not as nice as a built to match set but cheaper and larger.

 

I haven't used it with a nailer. I have a Milwaukee brushless impact.

I would have to check. I don't recall. If I'm filling tires, I'm just using my ARB hose.

I really hope I can make the 48-22-8556 work and fit. It's amazing lol

 

No part of me would ever invest in an entire box of HF sockets and ratchets.

Tekton is a fantastic value. HF has its place, but their hand tools work in a pinch, unless they don’t fit fasteners well. Then they’re worth what you paid. Couple bucks more for a much nicer set of tools with nicer machining, nicer finish, great warranty, better tolerances, and come with their own twist lock socket rails. Plus, free shipping.

I have only one set of Tekton sockets but will buy them from here on out. They’re great for the money.

I’ve never tried their ratchets, and probably won’t. Mine are a mix of Craftsman, Gearwrench and Snap On, none of which leave me wanting.

Tekton sockets I do have make my older Craftsman stuff look comparatively poorly finished and manufactured.

 

Has anyone here used these tools before?

https://sktools.com/content/sktools/en_US.html

 

SK is good to go!

 

I have a craftsman 12 gallon and it works fine for filling up tires/quick work with a cut off tool/light nail gun work. It could work for doing a tire rotation but it would probably empty out the tank just removing and installed the lug nuts for a rotation, I cant imagine using it for much more without the motor running most the time. If you want this for consistent automotive work at least get a 20-30 gallon one, I have a friend at a small scooter/motorcycle shop and they use a 30 gallon husky but then again they dont use impact wrenches like you do working on cars. I know of two four/five bay auto shops that have 100 gallon compressor. Whereas at my dealer between the diesel and gas shop with about 20 techs we have 4 compressors that are probably 120 gallons each.

@T4RFTMFW Im not saying that harbor freight tools are comparable to husky/SK/gearwrench/craftsman, which I have some of at work. I wouldnt want harbor freight exclusively for work but I like them for occasional use around the house, someday when I own a house and have my own shed with a proper toolbox I may buy Icon sockets though, I have the Icon torx socket set for at home and I would match them to as good Husky and Craftsman and the others.

 

Been keeping an eye on them. A YouTuber I follow got a sponsorship with them and offers a code. Might have to check them out. Thanks man.

 

depends on what you are looking for, oil less or oil lube pump ? I bought the 29 gal oil lubed compressor a few months ago, and it’s pretty chooch.

Just make sure you check before you use it, mine was Oil filled, apparently some are not.
I haven’t got maybe an hour of total run time on it, but I’ve used it to blow out my tractor a few times and it works better than the gas powered compressor on my work van.
My former was an oil less Craftsman that is 23 years old and has been used mercilessly for things it wasn’t supposed to do...(supply a plasma cutter)

 

I meant more like for someone to go from zero tools to spending $600 at HF to buy every socket and ratchet they think they’ll ever need is NOT the way to go. Waste of money.

Icon is hit and miss, more the latter than the former. Wouldn’t buy a premium brand from a basement retailer, it can still only be as good as the store that sells it. HF is doing better, but they’re still banking on that customer base who wants the $4 ratchet to try a higher end ratchet.

Can’t price themselves out of the neighborhood, and Icon is comparable to a lot of other brands price wise, that seem to be comparable or much softer than competitors.

 

In a voice like Tattaglia, “ You have the SK codes in your pocket yet refuse to share them.”