Tools you can't live without - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

calvin78612 · 12-11-2019, 12:56 PM

Here is one of mine. If you work alone it's handy for sure.

**Palf70Step** · 12-11-2019, 05:47 PM

You got a plan on how it was made or where you bought it? I am alone alot and could use something like that also.

100%Chevy · 12-11-2019, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calvin78612

Here is one of mine. If you work alone it's handy for sure.

LIKE!(a lot)
I last used my engine lift to pull and replace the heads and intake on one of my 454's in the car.Sure is easier on my old back!
Mike.

**Getter-Done** · 12-11-2019, 09:34 PM

Great Idea.

.

calvin78612 · 12-11-2019, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

You got a plan on how it was made or where you bought it? I am alone alot and could use something like that also.

I bought the plans from board member Rokcrln. Do a search for cab & bed lift and it should be the first result that comes up.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 12-12-2019, 01:50 AM

I've really loaded up on tools due to my project truck, but my favorite tool remains a good shop blower/vac.

**FleetsidePaul** · 12-12-2019, 04:04 AM

My favorite tool is one that I can find when I need it.

**special-K** · 12-12-2019, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calvin78612

Here is one of mine. If you work alone it's handy for sure.

I've heard of "third hands" before, but that's an extra pair of arms! I work alone . Makes me think of that George Thorogood song

.

My answer to the title is "All of them". I buy them because I need them and tools are one thing I would never sell no matter how broke

rpmerf · 12-12-2019, 08:12 AM

I have a MityVac vacuum pump I use a lot. Has a pump like a bicycle pump and a body that hold 2 gallons of liquid. I don't like to get it dirty, so I will take various containers and drill 2 hoes in the lid. Hook one side to the pump, and the other side to whatever fluid I am trying to pull. Makes moving fluids around a lot easier. Some examples of great uses I have found.

Draining the radiator by vacuuming the fluid from the fill hole. No more dumping all over the place and trying to catch it.

Draining fluids through dip sticks when I don't have a drain plug. Worked really well sucking out a bunch of trans fluid before pulling the pan. Works good with lawn equipment also.

Useful for bleeding brakes.

rsavage · 12-12-2019, 09:17 AM

At my age (68) I find that my lift and transmission jack are my two most valuable "can't live without" tools.

68C15 · 12-12-2019, 10:50 PM

That damned 10mm! Has anyone seen it?

rsavage · 12-12-2019, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68C15

That damned 10mm! Has anyone seen it?

I have trouble finding an 11mm. Doesn't seem like they are regularly included in metric combination wrench sets. Only have one use for them in spring and fall as the bolts that bolt my cab enclosure to my Kubota require 11 mm.

franken · 12-13-2019, 01:35 AM

Hammers

**Getter-Done** · 12-13-2019, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsavage

I have trouble finding an 11mm. Doesn't seem like they are regularly included in metric combination wrench sets. Only have one use for them in spring and fall as the bolts that bolt my cab enclosure to my Kubota require 11 mm.

I have noticed that also they have eliminated some sizes.
There is only 0.005 inches difference between 7/16" and 11mm. if that helps you.
Here is a Link below that has a chart for the sizes.

Link: http://www.csgnetwork.com/wrenchsizetable.html

.

**richard2717** · 12-13-2019, 07:36 AM

My Bobcat is still my tool I use most and could not imagine being without it for any length of time

**A1971Blazer** · 12-13-2019, 08:47 AM

Bobcat 863
Two post lift
Top side creeper
several CNC lathes and mills
Band Saw
Welders
Pecker

1976gmc20 · 12-13-2019, 01:34 PM

Well apparently the new tool that I cannot live without is a large (maybe 5/8 or 3/4 ?) allen wrench to check the oil in the five speed of my 1989 K1500

Everything else I've ever seen is either hex or square head plug, or else a square hole for a 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet extension.

68C15 · 12-13-2019, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

Well apparently the new tool that I cannot live without is a large (maybe 5/8 or 3/4 ?) allen wrench to check the oil in the five speed of my 1989 K1500

Everything else I've ever seen is either hex or square head plug, or else a square hole for a 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet extension.

That would be a 17mm. I have onenthat fits either a 3/8 ratchet or 17mm box wrench

**richard2717** · 12-14-2019, 09:42 AM

forgot the more important one nowadays

.

1976gmc20 · 12-14-2019, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68C15

That would be a 17mm. I have onenthat fits either a 3/8 ratchet or 17mm box wrench

Thanks

So about 11/16". Now I have to drive 50 miles round trip to town in another vehicle and see if the only parts store in town has one. I better call them first so they can order one. It's only been about 1000 miles since it was serviced but quite a bit of time as I don't drive it much, and you never know with old pickups.

Quote:

forgot the more important one nowadays

Yeah, I had cataract surgery and lens implants a year ago. Great distance vision for the first time in ~55 years but can't see much of anything within about three feet without glasses - actually can't see that much with them. Mechanic work is hell because nothing is ever the right distance for either the main or add lens.

**68bowtie** · 12-14-2019, 01:35 PM

Seriously I think it’s this one. Home made. Lol!

I really like that one man hood removal idea!

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Size: 76.9 KB

cornerstone · 12-14-2019, 02:34 PM

This one comes to mind, but there would be a big ol list if I really thought about it.

kingsolver72 · 12-17-2019, 08:53 PM

I’ve had this kicker pick for close to 32 years.
I could live without it but, it’s handy. I think that I’ve had it longer than any other tool.
I’m pretty sure the duct tape is holding it together. I don’t remember when I put it on.
Been through a few knee kickers, power stretchers, straight edges, seam irons and trackers.

**Steeveedee** · 12-17-2019, 10:45 PM

We all recently got emergency kits for our cars, in case of an evacuation (why we would evacuate from where we are is a continuing mystery to me- anything catastrophic enough would have killed us first). My wife told me that I had to put medication in that kit, sufficient for some amount of time. I don't have any condition that would be life-threatening in less than about 20 years. Go figure.

As far as any tools I can't live without, there aren't any. I use all kinds of tools. I cross-train those things for multiple use. It's amazing how well a crescent wrench will substitute for a hammer, for example. It's all I use them for, damned knuckle-busters, anyway!

Softpatch · 12-17-2019, 11:25 PM

I would be lost without a welder
.

12-11-2019, 12:56 PM	#1
calvin78612 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Aledo, Texas Posts: 803	Tools you can't live without Here is one of mine. If you work alone it's handy for sure. Attached Images __________________ 84 step side 87 swb

12-11-2019, 05:47 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,223	Re: Tools you can't live without You got a plan on how it was made or where you bought it? I am alone alot and could use something like that also. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-11-2019, 09:34 PM	#4
Getter-Done Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: TN. Posts: 8,419	Re: Tools you can't live without Great Idea. . __________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build

12-12-2019, 01:50 AM	#6
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,324	Re: Tools you can't live without I've really loaded up on tools due to my project truck, but my favorite tool remains a good shop blower/vac. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

12-12-2019, 04:04 AM	#7
FleetsidePaul R.I.P. E.S.L.L. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kernville CA./ Lake Isabella CA. Posts: 11,418	Re: Tools you can't live without My favorite tool is one that I can find when I need it. __________________ 1971 Custom C/20 1970 CST 20 1970 C/30 Flatbed 1983 C/30 Dually 2015 Corvette Z51 2021 Corvette Z51 1991 Cadillac Hearse 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2000 Porsche Boxster S 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1973 VW Thing 1973 Plymouth Satellite wagon 1963 Baja Bug 1959 Bug Dune Buggy 1970 Baja Bug 1987 Jaguar XJ 350. R.I.P. El Jay R.I.P Jessie. R.I.P Grumpy. Every day is a gift from God.

12-12-2019, 08:12 AM	#9
rpmerf Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Parkville, MD Posts: 1,024	Re: Tools you can't live without I have a MityVac vacuum pump I use a lot. Has a pump like a bicycle pump and a body that hold 2 gallons of liquid. I don't like to get it dirty, so I will take various containers and drill 2 hoes in the lid. Hook one side to the pump, and the other side to whatever fluid I am trying to pull. Makes moving fluids around a lot easier. Some examples of great uses I have found. Draining the radiator by vacuuming the fluid from the fill hole. No more dumping all over the place and trying to catch it. Draining fluids through dip sticks when I don't have a drain plug. Worked really well sucking out a bunch of trans fluid before pulling the pan. Works good with lawn equipment also. Useful for bleeding brakes. __________________ 1970 C20 Custom Camper - 350, TH350 1997 GMC Suburban 1994 Acura Integra GSR 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z

12-12-2019, 09:17 AM	#10
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: Tools you can't live without At my age (68) I find that my lift and transmission jack are my two most valuable "can't live without" tools. Attached Images __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

12-12-2019, 10:50 PM	#11
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: Tools you can't live without That damned 10mm! Has anyone seen it? __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

12-13-2019, 01:35 AM	#13
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,124	Re: Tools you can't live without Hammers

12-13-2019, 07:36 AM	#15
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 10,128	Re: Tools you can't live without My Bobcat is still my tool I use most and could not imagine being without it for any length of time __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.

12-13-2019, 08:47 AM	#16
A1971Blazer Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 2,199	Re: Tools you can't live without Bobcat 863 Two post lift Top side creeper several CNC lathes and mills Band Saw Welders Pecker __________________ 1967 C10 Step side 1968 C10 Step side 1970 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer 1972 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer .............

12-13-2019, 01:34 PM	#17
1976gmc20 Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: Montana Posts: 3,696	Re: Tools you can't live without Well apparently the new tool that I cannot live without is a large (maybe 5/8 or 3/4 ?) allen wrench to check the oil in the five speed of my 1989 K1500 Everything else I've ever seen is either hex or square head plug, or else a square hole for a 3/8 or 1/2 ratchet extension. __________________ Current/past Chevy/GMC trucks: 1958 Chevy C-60; 1965 GMC C-50; 1965 Chevy C-10; 1971 Chevy K-10; 1973 Chevy K-20; 1976 GMC C-20; 1977 Chevy C-10 Suburban; 1980 Chevy K-10; 1989 Chevy K1500; 1991 GMC V1500 Suburban; 2016 Chevy K2500 HD Other vehicles: 1988 Jeep XJ; 2011 Toyota 4Runner

12-14-2019, 09:42 AM	#19
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 10,128	Re: Tools you can't live without forgot the more important one nowadays . Attached Images __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.

12-14-2019, 01:35 PM	#21
68bowtie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Turlock, CA Posts: 8,795	Re: Tools you can't live without Seriously I think it’s this one. Home made. Lol! I really like that one man hood removal idea! __________________ Please help my sister in law with her battle with cancer https://gofund.me/902f6fce Project "C10 Fever" (68 factory black 396 swb) Project "Little Sister" (70 c10 blue original paint refresh) Project "Blue Bomb" (70 c30 blue original paint refresh) SOLD Project "Vitamin C" (71 c10 orange original paint refresh) SOLD

12-14-2019, 02:34 PM	#22
cornerstone Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Azle,Texas Posts: 2,248	Re: Tools you can't live without This one comes to mind, but there would be a big ol list if I really thought about it. Attached Images __________________ Brian 1972 C10, "Loyd", LWB to SWB, 5.3, L83/6L80e, 4:11 Tru Trac, Air Ride, VA, DD, 20" Coys, 4 wheel disc, A quick LS swap turned into a 6 year frame off resto-mod.



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12-17-2019, 08:53 PM	#23
kingsolver72 10/30/19 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ottawa kansas Posts: 5,246	Re: Tools you can't live without I’ve had this kicker pick for close to 32 years. I could live without it but, it’s handy. I think that I’ve had it longer than any other tool. I’m pretty sure the duct tape is holding it together. I don’t remember when I put it on. Been through a few knee kickers, power stretchers, straight edges, seam irons and trackers. Attached Images

12-17-2019, 10:45 PM	#24
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,698	Re: Tools you can't live without We all recently got emergency kits for our cars, in case of an evacuation (why we would evacuate from where we are is a continuing mystery to me- anything catastrophic enough would have killed us first). My wife told me that I had to put medication in that kit, sufficient for some amount of time. I don't have any condition that would be life-threatening in less than about 20 years. Go figure. As far as any tools I can't live without, there aren't any. I use all kinds of tools. I cross-train those things for multiple use. It's amazing how well a crescent wrench will substitute for a hammer, for example. It's all I use them for, damned knuckle-busters, anyway! __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

12-17-2019, 11:25 PM	#25
Softpatch Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Vashon WA Posts: 969	Re: Tools you can't live without I would be lost without a welder . __________________ My Spelling is Not Incorrect...It's 'Creative' . . 1966 C-20 .....Swap 91 G-30(5.7 FI)/4L80E http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=789617 59 Viking Revival .. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632341

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