Going tool shopping.

[sscotsman 166]

I got a $50 gift card for Home Depot for my birthday!

going to do some shopping!

I own a 1971 Ariens snowblower, than I plan to work on and restore eventually.

and I also plan to look for a 1960's Wheel Horse this summer, and also

eventually fully restore it..I am fairly new to all this, so I dont have much of a tool collection built up yet..here is what I DO have:

basic screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, wire cutters and "tool box" type hand tools.

a nice socket set.

electric drill.

grease gun.

thats about it..(plus I have a mitre saw and a table saw, but those are more for wood working projects..not really tractor restoration tools.)

So..with restoration of antique tractors in mind,

what would be the next tool you recommend I look for?

what would be something really handy to have?

any suggestions?

thanks,

Scot

[rmaynard 15,715]

Get yourself a nice air compressor. Put the $50 toward a good one. Don't buy a cheap one.

Bob

[Kelly 1,030]

I agree a air compressor will do everything from blow up tires to run air tools, and paint just don't get a little one if you plan to paint or use many air tools 6hp with a 60gal tank would be as small as I'd go, TSC sells pretty good units for about $500 I have one that is about 20 years old and can still paint a car with it.

now if you only want to spend around the $50 a parts washer would be nice

[Nick 13]

A 4.5" angle grinder might be a good addition. Not only good for grinding and sanding but put in a thin cutting disc and make some nice cuts also. I use mine all the time and a good grinder, Dewalt is ok, on sale should be at or under $50.

[bitten 134]

Scot

I have been buying tools for a long long time. Too tell you what to get would be very hard for me to do. If it was me with $50 to spend I think I would wait till I needed something then go and get it. Maybe think of the last time you needed a tool and didnt have it and if you think you will need it again go get it.

I like to think of tool quality in three category's.

There is your professional grade tools that people make a living with.

There is your better tools that have a good warranty and will hold up good for a weekend worrier.

Then there is your throw away tools that with some luck will last longer then the job at hand and not bust your knuckles with.

Im not even going to say what name brands fit in these categorys for me as that would be opening a can of warms, everyone has an opinion on this one.

Unless you have a boat load of money it takes time to build up a good tool collection, that being said I would have to add Good Luck.

[chazm 413]

Hi Scot

I have to go along with what Bitten said

I too have a large collection of tools being a heavy truck mechanic by trade

and it takes time to get everything that you may need or want.

I always told new guys starting out to get the basic hand tools & work your way up to the big $$$ items.

Like I tell my wife ... like tractors, you never have too many tools

Good luck

Chaz :party:

[Confused99 2]

Since you don't have much right now, I would go with the list you have and get the basics. Next I would get and air compressor like mentioned. Make sure you do not get an oil-less compressor as they are very noisy but are cheaper. Another thing not mentioned would be a decent digital multimeter.

Jason

[sscotsman 166]

Thanks guys!

thats all good advice..I will take all the advice I can get!

bench grinder! (or angle grinder..is there a difference?)

that is something I could definitely use!

last summer I tried to sharpen a mower blade with a dremel tool..

works ok, but a larger grinder would be better..

what would you say is better, a bench-mounted grinder or a hand-held grinder?

actually..that reminded me of something I really need first!

a bench!

and a bench mounted vice..

I have a small workbench in the shed, but I would like a larger one for the garage.

thanks,

Scot

[rickv1957 72]

actually..that reminded me of something I really need first!

a bench!

and a bench mounted vice..

There ya go,a bench with a vice!,Rick

[sscotsman 166]

Question about Bench Grinders..

(I have never owned, or even used one before..so I know nothing about them)

I was just reading the reviews on this one:

http://tinyurl.com/ygac52n

I might not get that particular model..some of the reviews arent so good..

(although it sounds like the vibration problem is probably due to it coming with "cheap wheels")

but my question..

is it ok to have a grinding wheel on one side and a wire wheel on the other?

because the weights will probably be quite different..will that effect balance?

or that perfectly normal to have a grinder wheel and a wire wheel on the same machine?

thanks,

Scot

[wingrider 21]

If I was going to buy a grinder the first would be a good hand grinder, with a sanding disc, a 4" grinding wheel and also a wire brush for it too. As far as the bench grinder you can put a wheel on one side and a wire brush on the other with no problem.

You will never have too many tools so Good Luck and don't spend all your money on tools, you'll also have to get Wheel Horse parts to put on with them tractors.

JUST GO FOR IT Wingrider

[Iggy68 28]

A hand held grinder will be more versatil for you. I have both and my bench grinder sits on a shelf under the the top of the bench, in other words it doesn"t get used much. You will discover as you start to do things you will never have every tool that you need. I use these opportunities to go buy the next tool to add to the collection. I have had the same mechanic tool set for 23 years. I am actually looking at buying a new set right now. Then I can have doubles You can only make the decision of what is most important for you to purchase first. Good luck and remember if it is a quality tool you can never go wrong.

[Ken B 3,164]

I would buy tools as you need them. After working at a GM dealership and private shops for 15 yrs. I've amassed everything I need and then some.

All the work you need to do on a tractor can be done without an air compressor. It might take longer but who's in a rush. A decent compressor will set you back at least 350.00 and then you still need too purchase the attachments. It would be nice to have a compressor but if you are just looking to wet your beak with restoring a tractor to see if you enjoy it, I'd hold off. I have a compressor and I use it all the time but at this point I think you can get by without one.

I'd first build yourself a solid bench. Get yourself some quality screw drivers and I prefer six point sockets. Don't forget some good penetrating oil and a BFH. (Big friggin hammer) A hand held torch will help with them nuts and bolts that won't break loose with penetrating oil. Start with the basics and add tools as you need them. Good luck and have fun.

[Wheelbearing 49]

Get yourself a lock to put on the garage door between you and the house so the Woman can get in and bother you in there. B)

[clintonnut 126]

Go to a local auction that has this kind of stuff. That would be best for finding tools, grinders, work benches, and vices. Buy NEW air tools.

Charlie

[dobeleo 7]

I have been using my basic hand tools, have a bench grinder and hand held grinder, been using them alot, depending on how much you are tearing things down, you may want to pick up a gear puller, I ended up going to Autozone, paid the deposit and used it for the day, then got my money back. A decent one is $40.00. I used it to pull off the rear wheel hubs, and different pulleys on the tractor.

[qd-16 14]

A lot of my tools (including my bench grinder) have come from garage sales and auctions...seems like many of the older hand tools are made better than some of the stuff being sold today.

B)

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

Scot,

no one has asked so far so I will.

What do you plan on doing with the tools in the next month or two?

Answer that question and you will know what tools you need to buy next.

If $50 is all you have - think twice and three times before committing $500 on a compressor because you are also committing yourself to an additional $200 - $300 in accessories and a possible $50 - $100 in wiring a 220VAC circuit to your garage or workroom. This is all needed before you can use the compressor for anything beyond a high priced duster.

You will be surprised how many "small things" you will need when you start working on your first tractor.

I'm sure the feathers will fly on this one but here goes. If you make a living with your tools, don't read what I have to say below. If your starting out in the world -read on.

If you are looking for a few simple must have items ...

Find a Harbor freight near your area.

Grab a few 20% off coupons from motorcycle or car magazines and use them.

But with your eyes open.

A $5 sledge from HF is just as good as a Craftsman sledge - same warranty. I have been using a $9 angle grinder I bought from HF 2 years ago. Used it constantly on 4 tractor projects - still working ! I also own a dewalt angle grinder I paid over $50 for - and yes - its better quality, but your starting out and don't even know how much you will be using the tool.

Grab a few coupons to get a fully chromed wrench set for $10 - lifetime warranty - they will not break - but maybe rust - so take them back and they will be replaced.

I own craftsman tools and some S&K stuff - nice - but I have been using the HF stuff constantly side by side with the Craftsman stuff and they work fine.

Grab a set of 4 pry bars for $7.99 - Not SnapOn quality but not the $200 SnapOn price tag either. Unless your jacking on a DC10 aircraft engine, the HF stuff will serve you well. Clean and WD40 them after each use - mine are about 5 years old and still 100% functional.

I have used all their torque wrenches and have access to torque cal fixtures. IN MY EXPERIENCE - THE HARBOR FREIGHT WRENCHES CAME OUT OF THE BOX CALIBRATED AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN SOME SNAPON WRENCHES FOR 10X THE PRICE. And they have held calibration thru yearly use.

Grab a 3/8 and 1/2 inch breaker bar for less than $10 each. I have three and have never been able to damage any one of them. They look identical to the SNAP On stuff - when they are all in a pile - I can't tell them apart - neither can the rusted nut they both break free.

I do have a S&K breaker in the bull pen in case I ever have an issue with breakage. Why pay $50 for a breaker when a $10 will last thru all your projects.

Grab a set of deep well sockets too for another $10 on sale.

Stay away from any no name blades or anything that takes a true beating such as punches and chisels and nutcrackers. The metal is too soft to do their intended job.

No reason to put yourself in debt and have zero funds available for buying parts for your new tractor ! That just gets frustrating. Don't fall into the trap of having thousands of dollars of shiny brand name tools tools and nothing to work on.

Those are the folks you see selling all their tools and toolboxes for pennies on the dollar on Craigslist.

Hint, Hint - that's where I get all my high quality stuff! I don't use these tools in my daily work so I let someone else take the depreciation hit.

[marvairplanes 34]

FINALLY !!!!...

Someone has ANSWERED THE QUESTION in an intelligent, polite, well thought-out, organized manner.

Why can't more posts be like this?

"Thumbs Up" to Save Old Iron...

Marv (NW Oh)

[sscotsman 166]

Scot,

no one has asked so far so I will.

What do you plan on doing with the tools in the next month or two?

*snip*

thanks Chuck!

A few thoughts on your informative post..

I dont really see how my use "in the next month or two" is really relevant..

I wont be doing *anything* at all in the next month or two!

im thinking "long term"..I plan to eventually fully restore a Round hood..which I dont even own yet! I also plan to restore my 1971 Ariens snowblower.

Im really not interested, at all, in a $500 air compressor..

not going to happen!

probably not going to EVER happen..I wont be dropping that kind of money on power tools..so dont worry..I have no intentions of spending big bucks on tools!

Im more of a "use the bare minimum to get by" kind of person..

Personally, I really dont like Harbor Freight at all..(I have two nearby, i have been in them several times)

IMO, Harbor Freight = Cheap Chinese Junk..not interested.

maybe its not all junk, but im just not impressed with anything I have ever seen there..I dont think I will ever buy much of anything at Harbor Freight..

I wouldnt mind looking for used stuff!

classic old American-made tools..

I have a few big Flea Markets nearby that sell tons of stuff like that..

that would be a perfect place to find a big old bench vice, for example..

So I guess im in a "big picture" kind of mindset right now..

The bench grinder and angle grinder idea is just the thing..

something I dont have yet, but im sure I will need and use in the future..

Im going to stop at Home Depot tonight and take a look at that Ryobi bench grinder..but if its Made In China, I wont be buying it..

thanks for the other ideas!

a torque wrench is a great idea..something I have never owned, but would be very useful..

what is a "breaker bar"? im not sure what that is..

thanks!

Scot

[Ken B 3,164]

FINALLY !!!!...

Someone has ANSWERED THE QUESTION in an intelligent, polite, well thought-out, organized manner.

Why can't more posts be like this?

"Thumbs Up" to Save Old Iron...

Marv (NW Oh)

If my post wasn't well thought out and intelligent enough for you, then I just wasted 15 minutes of my life trying too help someone for nothing. I basically said what Save Old Iron said, only I said it first. You then throw me and others who tried to help under the bus? I won't waste my time anymore, thats what I get for trying to help someone. Do yourself a favor and read all the posts thouroughly before commenting. Sorry guys, had to get it off my chest.

[Duff 206]

Whoa, fellers! Let's rein it in a bit!

I don't see anyone being critical of anybody else in the posts above, and all of the info given is valuable - just different points of view. There be no bus throwin' here unless I'm really missing something!

Hell, I just learned a whole lot reading through these posts and I already have a decent set of tools (and a cheap-azzed Craftsman compressor). (yankin' my own chain, that is!)

Duff :clap:

[Ken B 3,164]

Sorry Duff, you must see it differently than I do. I don't appreciate being trampled on, when I feel I have been I will speak up. I'm sure Marv meant no harm and neither do I. I'm over it and I'm moving on.

On another note, Scot. I go to the Home Depot every day. Like you, I always read where products are made. If you plan on shopping at the Depot for tools you may have to swallow your pride. Just about everything in that store is made in China! I was amazed this past summer, I was buying a new Weber gas grille, when I was loading it into the truck I saw Made In China on the box. I couldn't believe it!

I did keep it and it has been working very nicely. Good luck eh.

[sscotsman 166]

I have found ALL the posts in this thread to be very helpful!

thank you!

I dont think Marv meant to imply that any posts were *not* helpful..

he just happened to like "old iron's" post especially..

but that doesn't have to take anything away from any other posts..

thats how I see it anyway..

So im back from Home Depot..and I am bummed..

although I guess I shouldnt be surprised..

a short back-story:

When I bought my 1971 Ariens snowblower last winter, I was just totally impressed by its 4O year old American technology and especially the robust QUALITY of the thing..I ended up purchasing it after discovering the sad state of "Made in China" low-end brand new snowblowers..which are basically disposable..

My Ariens snowblower experience led to "wanting to find an equivalent American-made small Garden tractor"..which is what led me here..and the desire to find an old Wheel Horse.

So I have been very much "anti-cheap-chinese-junk"

for lots of reasons..another of which is that my wife and I have both lost jobs because Amercians insist on getting everything as cheap as possible at Walmart..

so its a big deal to me to buy American whenever possible..

(my wife still hasnt found a good full-time job..its been 4 years now..she has only been able to find temp jobs..our family income is down 40% and will probably stay that way from now on..)

Last year I bought a new socket set at Lowes..

I had two choices..

a larger, and cheaper, set made in China..

or a smaller, slightly more expensive set, made in the USA..

(made by Kobalt)

I happily bought the American made tools..and would do it again.

This is how far my thinking has gone..I was recently reading a restoration thread here on Red Square..the author was talking about replacing all the original nuts and bolts with stainless steel hardware..I thought "hmm..can I find american made nuts and bolts?? because I dont want ANY Chinese made parts on my tractor!!"

and I mean it too!

it might be totally impossible..but im going to try!

So I honestly believed it was still possible to buy American-made power tools..

I knew they might be rare, but they should still exist? right?

sadly..I think thats wrong..

EVERY! and I mean quite literally EVERY power tool sold at Home depot is made in China...I checked nearly all the boxes..every brand (even Milwaukee) is made in China.

So I guess if I want to buy any new power tools at all..I pretty much have no choice but to give in and buy Chinese..I am depressed..

anyone know any good "products that are still made in the USA" websites?

like a guide?

Scot

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

Like you, I always read where products are made. If you plan on shopping at the Depot for tools you may have to swallow your pride. Just about everything in that store is made in China!

Thanks Ken B

I appreciate Sscotsmans romance with a bygone era. Look at my moniker, "SAVE OLD IRON" - I didn't pull that one out of the 99cent bin at Harbor Freight. I also try to buy American but will not sacrifice my financial family well being to feel good about having a shiny new set of gearwrenchs. I have spent the better part of 50+ years collecting tools and believe me, not everything with Made in USA withstood the test of time.

I have a Maytag front loader washer "Made in USA" I'd love to sell you.

Last weekend I took 3 ratchet wrenches back to the Sears store because the ratchet mechanism was worn out. Half a dozen worn out Phillips head screwdrivers went back too.

Sscotsman - I used to agree with your opinion that HF = cheap Chinese junk. IN MY OPINION (for the lawyers out there and not for a back in your face quip) I pass by 80% of what they stock because for the purpose they were designed to be used - they are junk. They would last only 1 use (try their nutcracker and learn the definition of soft metal).

No way I'm bashing American made products. My youngest daughter is down on the Mexican border as a federal border patrol agent protecting you and me from other undesirable imports. But as a 54 year old grumpy old man with some experience in the quality arena, there is nothing more true than

QUALITY IS IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER.

When you really start to lay down on cold concrete and reach for a 2nd 9/16ths combo wrench to double up on a bolt, you will appreciate not having to spend an additional $75 dollars on a Craftsman wrench set just to accomplish a simple task.

In my work area, there is a 2nd simple set of wrenches that I have immediately available to me -the old bones and creaky knees don't have to get up - open the garage door and walk up to barn to get a 9/16ths I left there last week.

That is QUALITY of life in my opinion.

Ryobi tools represent an excellent purchase for the beginning home do it yourselfer.

Please don't kid yourself that it is a highly respected, old school, old iron addition to your tools. It is a contradiction to mention long term and Ryobi in the same sentence. You are contradicting yourself by mentioning $50 dollars , quality and Ryobi in the same sentence. Ryobi likely has the same quality inners you would pay $10 less for at Harbor Freight. It does come in nicer box with better quality stickers.

It will not disappoint you when you sharpen your mower blades - they don't care what grinder you use!

If you don't have a tractor yet, search out electrolysis tank on this site and spend your first $50 building one. Or send $150 dollars to me and I'll build you one with a

"Made in America " tag on it. And In true style, I'll even guarantee it for 90 days.

Enjoy the hobby my friend. When I look at my tools, I don't remember what I paid for them or that I bought them for their quality. I remember my friends who were with me when I bought them and how we helped each other thru difficult issues restoring "Old Iron" with these sometimes "cheap girly tools".

Now my brain hurts