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  #1  
Old 03-12-2014, 07:04 PM
Haole Haole is offline
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Default Need Justification for New Tools

Hey guys. I've been trying to talk myself into or out of (I can't really tell) buying a few new tools to have around. I've had my eye on a nice set of ratcheting combo wrenches, but I'm having a hard time justifying or establishing a real need for the purchase. All the repairs and routine maintenance I have done on my Ranger at this point have been possible without the use of a ratcheting combo wrench (with the exception of 1 bolt when doing the water pump). Do you guys find yourselves using ratcheting combo wrenches often or would I be wasting my money by buying a new set? I mainly use ratcheting sockets and seem to get by ok with those and the occasional non-ratchet combo wrench.

Also, what about a torque wrench? I think when replacing the tensioner assembly there was a bolt that required a certain amount of torque, but I just refrained from trying to over tighten the bolt. Big mistake or are torque wrenches a waste of money as well?

Thanks in advance for the replies!
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  #2  
Old 03-12-2014, 07:12 PM
Devon H. Devon H. is offline
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Default Re: Need Justification for New Tools

Torque wrenches are a great investment. especially if you take your own tires on and off! personally, i only buy my tools while on sale!
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  #3  
Old 03-12-2014, 07:38 PM
johnday johnday is offline
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Default Re: Need Justification for New Tools

Ratcheting end wrenches are the cats butt, I like mine. But, the only justification needed is, you want them. So, get them!! You can never have too many tools.
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Old 03-12-2014, 07:39 PM
guell guell is offline
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Torque wrenches are a staple in anyone's toolbox. I have both in and ft lb wrenches.
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  #5  
Old 03-12-2014, 07:46 PM
86indy 86indy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by guell View Post
Torque wrenches are a staple in anyone's toolbox. I have both in and ft lb wrenches.
Yes and not just beam style!
Especially a no no for motor rebuilds
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Old 03-12-2014, 07:51 PM
sole sole is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnday View Post
Ratcheting end wrenches are the cats butt, I like mine. But, the only justification needed is, you want them. So, get them!! You can never have too many tools.
x2 on the speed wrenches very very handy
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  #7  
Old 03-12-2014, 07:52 PM
copenranger copenranger is offline
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Ratchet wrenches in my opinion are more if a luxury that a necessity. You shouldn't break any bolts with the ratcheting end as I'm sure you already know. And they're just another thing to break when your like me and use whatever blunt object is in your hand for a hammer or mallet haha. But they are nice to have in a tight spot vs. a regular end wrench. Torque wrenches do have their place. But if your not doing a lot of repairs they're kind of a waste if money. They're not something you want to go cheap on and they do require some maintenance, you want to make sure you unwind the wrench after each use, and if your using it a lot you may have to have it recalibrated every now and then (not sure how often). So i would say if your going to do a lot of projects or repairs, or have money to blow go for it. But if your tight on cash id just stick to the basics and borrow your buddies stuff haha.

Save your money and get and electric impact best tool i have.
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  #8  
Old 03-12-2014, 08:10 PM
script script is offline
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Default Re: Need Justification for New Tools

If the price is right grab them up a good set of tools will last a life time unless you lend them out a lot and they walk away LOL
I can't go into a store that has tools hand, electric or cordless on sale without picking something up.
A lot of tools have a lifetime warranty and you cant beat that.

Just my 2 cents
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  #9  
Old 03-12-2014, 10:53 PM
azxl azxl is offline
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Default Re: Need Justification for New Tools

The only thing I regret about buying guarantee ratcheting wrenches is not buying them sooner. They make life easier in some spots where an actual ratchet and socket won't fit. I picked up a 20 piece gear wrench set for $50 on a Christmas sale
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  #10  
Old 03-13-2014, 01:38 AM
Mike69 Mike69 is offline
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Default Re: Need Justification for New Tools

I almost never need to talk myself into buying tools. LOL!!
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  #11  
Old 03-13-2014, 02:38 AM
ICRage42 ICRage42 is offline
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Default Re: Need Justification for New Tools

you really need torque ratchets. I have in and lbs and also digital with degrees after torque. Everything has torque settings even your rims. Over torque and you stress the bolt and weakin it and also tend to make the rotors warp. Don't cheap out on it either. Buying a good brand helps with keeping calibrated. Always store them in the lowest setting and cycle them before dialing them into a number before use.

Geared or ratchet wrenches are the old mans bees knees. If your young I would justify to bang your knuckles a few more years. But if your savy enough and can find a deal on both do it you wont be disappointed. The piece of mind knowing everything is torqued to the manual is without a doubt priceless. Engineers are ass holes hahahaa so there will always be that one bolt that will require the gear wrench.

Eastwood usually has some good deals. Decent brand not top of the line but you wouldn't be using it that much. You then can just pick up some harbor freight wrenches and have both.

BUY MORE TOOLS it makes ya feel good.
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  #12  
Old 03-13-2014, 05:13 AM
96_4x4_XLT 96_4x4_XLT is offline
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Haole View Post
Hey guys. I've been trying to talk myself into or out of (I can't really tell) buying a few new tools to have around. I've had my eye on a nice set of ratcheting combo wrenches, but I'm having a hard time justifying or establishing a real need for the purchase. All the repairs and routine maintenance I have done on my Ranger at this point have been possible without the use of a ratcheting combo wrench (with the exception of 1 bolt when doing the water pump). Do you guys find yourselves using ratcheting combo wrenches often or would I be wasting my money by buying a new set? I mainly use ratcheting sockets and seem to get by ok with those and the occasional non-ratchet combo wrench. Also, what about a torque wrench? I think when replacing the tensioner assembly there was a bolt that required a certain amount of torque, but I just refrained from trying to over tighten the bolt. Big mistake or are torque wrenches a waste of money as well? Thanks in advance for the replies!

if you need justification to buy something you proly shouldn't buy it
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  #13  
Old 03-13-2014, 07:59 AM
86indy 86indy is offline
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Never be afraid of used tools either if it has a warranty.
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2001 Ford Ranger Edge, 4.0L V6, 4x4, automatic, Extended cab, 165,000 miles, 8.8 rear axle, Auburn L/S, 4.10 gears, body lift, 32x11.5r15 falken wild peak A/T, head light mod, black honeycomb grille. 06+ corners, fx4 seats, led back up light

MODS TO COME: pillar gauges, recover seats, stereo and that it for now ................
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  #14  
Old 03-13-2014, 09:19 AM
Prages Prages is offline
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Default Re: Need Justification for New Tools

I'd say get a good torque wrench before the ratcheting wrenches.

That said, a good basic tool kit (that includes a torque wrench) will usually suffice, but some of those specialty tools are worth their weight in gold for one or two odd jobs.
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  #15  
Old 03-13-2014, 03:45 PM
azxl azxl is offline
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Default Re: Need Justification for New Tools

Sears has a 20 piece ratcheting wrench set for $60. Made my gearwrench with a lifetime warranty. It's an awesome set!
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