What tool can't you live without?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 1,803
From: Newnan, GA
Well, putting in perspective of "for the bike"..............my bike jack is probably used the most for everything from cleaning to repairs.......after that....well....I guess it depends on what day you ask and what I have recently worked on.....but I would have to say my Snap-on swivel head 3/8 rachet or Snapon long handle needle nose pliers come in pretty handy also.... unless I am taking wheels off of cars then it would be my 1/2'' impact....of course if you are taking the fairing off then it would be the torx bit sockets... or changing oil it would be the strap oil wrench with the opening for the 3/8 rachet....which of course I use the previously mentioned swivel head.....and if I am welding something a good pair of vise grip C clamps is always a necessity.....................OK OK I admit it....I love ALL my tools and refuse to pick ONE favorite... there I said it.....;-)
Snap-On Needle nose pliers and flush cut pliers are worth their weight in gold. I used them for replacing Transistors, I.C.'s, and other assorted electronic parts on the weather radar that I repaired. Now that I'm retired, I don't use the pliers and cutters as much.
Last edited by Mongo1958; Jul 28, 2025 at 05:14 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 1,803
From: Newnan, GA
Dang it! I got dinged by the Old Tired Thread bug.
Last edited by Mongo1958; Jul 28, 2025 at 05:20 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,474
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
When I was young I had no use for 1/4 drive, now I use a lot. My 3/8 flex head ratchet, which is longer, is a favorite.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 3,431
From: Idaho Panhandle
I guess I’d have to agree with those who said a knife. I’ve carried one since the 50’s, one particular knife, a dress knife with church key, slot screw driver blade and fingernail file and cleaner that was given to me in 1963. It is a treasured item and the blade, while small remains sharp and is strong. That said, for less than dress up, a good folder is always on me. I have several, depends on where I’m going which one gets chosen.
Im not a fan of serrated blades, though in some emergency situations I carry one. I am a fan of sharp knifes having learned that a dull knife is a dangerous knife. While I carry a folding hunting knife as a back up, hunting I carry a fixed bladed knife and a small wet stone.
So the one tool I’ve not been without for 70 years is a sharp knife, so that gets my pick. Only issue has been flying since 911, but I don’t fly as much so it hasn’t been an issue…and if you follow their rules, life is okay.
im not a knife aficionado per se, but when it comes right down to it, I have a shitload of special purpose, special use, just special to me knives. Thank goodness, we aren’t talking pistols! Not enough electrons in the universe for this group to outline their one tool.
Im not a fan of serrated blades, though in some emergency situations I carry one. I am a fan of sharp knifes having learned that a dull knife is a dangerous knife. While I carry a folding hunting knife as a back up, hunting I carry a fixed bladed knife and a small wet stone.
So the one tool I’ve not been without for 70 years is a sharp knife, so that gets my pick. Only issue has been flying since 911, but I don’t fly as much so it hasn’t been an issue…and if you follow their rules, life is okay.
im not a knife aficionado per se, but when it comes right down to it, I have a shitload of special purpose, special use, just special to me knives. Thank goodness, we aren’t talking pistols! Not enough electrons in the universe for this group to outline their one tool.