Tools that changed your life

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by HankOnthewater

Can we please stop posting new ideas? My shopping list is getting now quite large

Well, Christmas is coming... keep this list posted around the house in obvious places!

[Bowdrie]

"Tools that changed your life" could be pretty subjective.
However, I've never regretted having a set of 1/4, 5/16. 3/8, 7/16, and 1/2in. drill bits that are all 12in. long.
Some jobs become miserable operations when trying to get a drill motor in a tight space with only the typical length bits.

[SuW]

Originally Posted by Bowdrie

"Tools that changed your life" could be pretty subjective.
However, I've never regretted having a set of 1/4, 5/16. 3/8, 7/16, and 1/2in. drill bits that are all 12in. long.
Some jobs become miserable operations when trying to get a drill motor in a tight space with only the typical length bits.

Or a tiny (4") right-angled screwdriver that takes the usual bits. Putting a screw in, or taking it out, around a corner in a restricted space can be impossible otherwise.

[aquarian]

1) Flexible shaft drill bit extension paired with screw or nut driver bits gets used almost every time we work on something because it can get into tight spaces and at angles like nothing else can.
2) a dab of car windshield adhesive on the end of a screw driver holds stainless screws/bolts/nuts in place until you get them started.

[SuW]

Originally Posted by aquarian

1) Flexible shaft drill bit extension paired with screw or nut driver bits gets used almost every time we work on something because it can get into tight spaces and at angles like nothing else can.
2) a dab of car windshield adhesive on the end of a screw driver holds stainless screws/bolts/nuts in place until you get them started.

I like the idea of the adhesive! Any recommended brand?

[Wotname]

^^ blue tack works.

[Ryban]

Something I discovered recently were these V-grooved drill guides, which make drilling in stainless tubing way easier, especially if you need a straight hole through to the other side.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Another one that I didn't see in this thread yet is a plain old vice -- if you have a place to store it or mount it. Definitely has made a lot of jobs on the boat a ton easier, especially when it comes to working on the rigging.

[GordMay]

My favourite tool was a jackhammer.
It was a ground breaking invention.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Stingo

Yep. 100% spot on. Cheers!!!

The other absolutely necessary tool is a credit card

I've seen some truly hysterical attempts by no-skills sailors to use this tool in remote areas.

[Ross Stegmann]

Following Post

[Stu Jackson]

Nut breaker


Impact screwdriver

[SuW]

A pocket wrench.

We keep one on the bike (with a crescent wrench for the other side of a wheelnut for example).

[Calaban-Alleria]

Butane soldering iron: great for soldering when AC power is not available and excellent for activating heat shrink without scorching wire insulation.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Calaban-Alleria

Butane soldering iron: great for soldering when AC power is not available and excellent for activating heat shrink without scorching wire insulation.

Yes and those lighters that are wind proof are handy too. Scripto “torch flame” but I don’t see them for sale locally now. I wonder if they were banned or something.

[donradcliffe]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Tool that changed my life was a 1/2" drive breaker bar (not a pry bar or crowbar). Not being a big strong person, the extra leverage was a godsend for me. It made changing tires easy, so easy I used to stop and help women who didn't know how, to change their tires. They get to learn a skill, and I got to help myself and others. ....Mind you, this was over 40 yrs. ago.



Ann

Don't forget the cheater pipe which slips over the end of the breaker bar.