The Most Versatile Tool

byrdo444

byrdo444

Been Around the Block
YO, so I'm building my current bike with little to no power tools...but that is making things really hard/really slow. For example the other day I needed to drill a big hole in something, but didn't have any bits that were bigger than (insert really small size), so I ended up just drilling a ton of little holes and then punching out the center, and filing it down...yeah it took a long time.

This leads me to my question, I'm going to start building my collection of tools once I move into my new place next month. What tool do you find you use THE MOST? Like which tool is the most versatile, like you can use it for a variety of things if you get creative with it. I'd love to hear your input, thanks!
 
Do you have an air compressor? If not that should be your first step. Then invest in a 3" cut off wheel, a small body saw, and a die grinder. If an air compressor isnt in your budget, then maybe start with a sawzall and a 4.5" electric grinder.
 
Dremel is always nice just be careful or you can make yourself look foolish quickly. I would maybe consider spending the first of your monies on good hand tools. Like you have discovered, most anything can be done with a little elbow grease. Get a good set of drill bits, a nice hacksaw with a few good blades, a couple different sized center punches, complete socket sets, etc. When it comes to power tools I use the shit out of a sawzall! Medium to small sized grinder is always useful for cutting off tabs but be careful once again haha. A vise is badass to have. With that arsenal you should have more than enough to do anything. Maybe even invest in a drill press eventually for when your fabbing your own stuff like mounts and such. I know you asked for a specific one but there really is no one most useful tool. I may use everything I listed on making a single part up, so I thought a little broad guidance would still help!

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If you can't fix it with a Hammer... you have an Electrical Problem ;) :p
 
An angle grinder is a must have, you can get cut-off wheels, wire cup wheels, sandpaper flapper-discs etc.
 
4eyes said:
An angle grinder is a must have, you can get cut-off wheels, wire cup wheels, sandpaper flapper-discs etc.
Click to expand...

Agree. There are a lot of indispensable tools but the angle grinder is a must have. They are cheap too.
 
Here's what I've found to be indispensable:

1. Angle grinder (cutting discs, flap discs)
2. Bench drill press
3. Centre punch (essential for the drill press)
4. Selection of drill bits (helps a lot with the drill press)
5. Impact drill (powered ideal, hammer still essential)

Not much you can't do with that lot. Other than that the best bit of gear I ever bought is my little Unimig 200 amp TIG welder.
 
First and foremost, invest in a good set of metric open/box wrenches short and long, socket set with 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 rachets and find the biggest bolt on your bike and make sure you got a wrench/socket for it. Don't forget the deep wells either. A good metric allen head wrench set with ball ends, wire cutter, wire stripper, crimper, multimeter, or at least a circuit indicator light (you could even make one yourself out of two wires, gator clips and a light bulb or LED). Once said and purchased, then look at your power tools like sawsall, air tools etc.
 
Unless you've got a spare $3,000 floating around, great toolboxes are built over time. I try and pick up a tool here and there to grow the collection. Have nearly everything I need now, including those big arse sockets you don't get in kits (32mm).
 
I have an angle grinder and can make just about anything I need with it. A drill press (as opposed to a hand drill) will save you a fortune in drill bits. A vise, the bigger the better, is a NECESSITY. Good hand tools. Watch for Sears sales. Sometimes their Craftsman tools are at giveaway prices. A rollaway is also necessary to hold tools. Harbor Freight has good units at reasonable prices. The ability to use them can't be bought but given time it can be acquired.
 
Step drills. Up here, the canadian tire puts them on sale from $50 to $10 every once in a while for a 3 pack of different steps/widths.

Most of my wrenches, sockets, and especially files come from my Stepmom who loves garage sales. There are tons of tools to be had that way.
 
Anti-fatigue matt for when I'm standing, and a rolling seat for when I work on my bike!!! Makes the world of a difference!!! Ok, maybe this is phase 1b, but still a huge help!
 
Thanks everyone, I have the basic stuff like wrenches and sockets, I'm thinking my next purchase will be a nice set of drill bits (my current ones are SO dull, and missing a bunch), then an angle grinder or sawzall, seems like most of the stuff I have trouble with involves cutting. I've been lurkin garage sales for stuff, found a nice sander for 5 bucks the other week :D
 
Multiple sets of metric box wrenches and a decent 1/2" drive socket set.
 
jay_kent said:
Step drills. Up here, the canadian tire puts them on sale from $50 to $10 every once in a while for a 3 pack of different steps/widths.
Click to expand...

I love those bits, pick them up on sale at CT as well. They make very clean holes and the next size up chamfers the edge of the hole nicely.
 
Another thing you can do is also attend auctions. Sometimes, you can find some fantastic deals on tools. Here in MN, we have a place called DealSmart. I have found some pretty good deals there as well. Even try Craigslist. You might just get lucky.
 
Pawn shops. I hit them on sat and first thing mon mornings. Most workers pawn tools on fri so they have party money for the weekend.
 
I like to hit garage sales for cheap tools; Snap On and Craftsman tools can be replaced under warranty even if they're junk when you buy them. I found a 3/8" Craftsman ratchet smashed flat in the street once...

As for drill bits, Harbor Freight has a very nice assortment of Ti Nitride coated bits on sale for $20: http://www.harborfreight.com/29-piece-titanium-nitride-coated-drill-bit-set-5889.html

If you get one of their coupons, you've just saved another few bucks. You're probably going to junk the drill bits when they get dull, so don't waste too much cash on them is my thinking.
 
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