What tool can't you live without?
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,581
Likes: 8,408
From: Inland NW
I feel naked without one.
I had to get a "dress knife" because the owner of our company was appalled one day, he asked if I was carrying a knife when we were all dressed in business casual, at an important meeting and I had 4" Benchmade clipped to the pocket of my khakis LOL. So, I bought a small one without a clip that I could conceal better when dressing nice.
Like you, I had to deal with a lot of security at the airport since 9/11, and lost a couple to TSA because I forgot. I just put one in the luggage, now.
I have more tools than the average bear, and many are special, but for the daily use...it's a knife.
I had to get a "dress knife" because the owner of our company was appalled one day, he asked if I was carrying a knife when we were all dressed in business casual, at an important meeting and I had 4" Benchmade clipped to the pocket of my khakis LOL. So, I bought a small one without a clip that I could conceal better when dressing nice.
Like you, I had to deal with a lot of security at the airport since 9/11, and lost a couple to TSA because I forgot. I just put one in the luggage, now.
I have more tools than the average bear, and many are special, but for the daily use...it's a knife.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
From: England,Britain.
personaly out of the 50ish yrs of collecting anything classed as a "tool",including women,,id have to say my mig/stick welder n my student lathe.
both are essential and nothing else produces their results.
both are essential and nothing else produces their results.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,289
Likes: 7,773
From: West Central FL
My air compressor. I use it for one thing or another almost every day. It's also great for finding the occasional nut or screw I may drop down into the bike that doesn't make it to the floor. I just start blasting air in all the nooks and crannies an out it comes!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,452
Likes: 3,720
From: backwoods
Guy should have a knife. I wasn't including that in this topic cause I was thinking more mechanical, and my daily carry
I was carrying a mini mag lite. They got expensive though. Need to find a new pocket light
Light in the garage is more important as I age. A head light gets used a lot now. So, for garage a head lamp is climbing list, besides typical stuff
I was carrying a mini mag lite. They got expensive though. Need to find a new pocket light
Light in the garage is more important as I age. A head light gets used a lot now. So, for garage a head lamp is climbing list, besides typical stuff
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2,323
From: WI
I paid $200 for this.... Worth every penny, at this price I might go buy a back up today
Milwaukee cordless ratchet
https://www.walmart.com/ip/M12-12-Vo...caAk3-EALw_wcB
Milwaukee cordless ratchet
https://www.walmart.com/ip/M12-12-Vo...caAk3-EALw_wcB
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2,323
From: WI
I'll usually break it loose first and then use that tool to finish it off. I thought it would be annoying switching tools after loosening things, but dang if it isn't nice just holding a button down to remove all the derby cover bolts, exhaust nuts, crash bar bolts, etc...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 756
Likes: 344
From: florida
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,452
Likes: 3,720
From: backwoods
But at least I am posting on topic.
I get the idea of using impact, but not on derby. That seems a waste. Plus I think you need to be careful with small fasteners,not to strip.
Going fast can heat threads too.
I can see on some big stuff though .