TOOLS!, favorites? must haves? etc... Options

[cjh4l22]

so i was looking to make my garage a little more complete as well as cutting down on install/repair time. and i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what makes the process smother/faster for them. thanks-

[garin]

figured i'd revive this thread.

i was a tech for about a year at sears and i must say having good tools saves time at the end of the day, on a professional level time is money. i have a lot of snap on, mac, and matco tools, but i also have my fair share of harbor freight craftsman and other lower end tools. sometimes you get what you pay for... others you don't. with the tool trucks a lot of what you pay for is the service. they come to you, they pick up the tool box that cost $10k and move it for you when you change jobs. sometimes you get that $10 steal for harbor freight and it is a game changer time after time. here is a basic list of tools that i have and really do like.

dewalt 1/2 cordless impact wrench part# dcf889b
-got it off the mac tool truck with an extra battery, charger, and bag

snap on 0 degree high performance spline wrenches part#-XDHFM606
-great for leverage (also have the 15 degree set)

mac triple squares part# SXMTS8B
-great for toyota head bolts and anything euro

matco valve stem retainer tool part# vt102
-makes valve retainers easier to install (no stupid c clamp tool)

snap on torque wrench part# TQFR250
-i like this wrench because there is no need to reset the meter back to zero after each use. it is a split beam style wrench

adjustable stillson pliers snap on part number pwz0, pwz1, pw2, pw3
- i actually have the harbor freight version great for leverage (the twisting motion is the leverage better then a vise grips)

breaking it down...
not everyone has the coin for expensive tools, and some people like having the brand name. buy smart! get tools that you can afford and trust. make sure they feel good. i've found that buying off ebay and craigslist can save money! continue the thread with any cool tools have you think might help the next guy. happy wrenching!