The long handled 1/2 inch SnapOn ratchet that I had before I bought my current tool box and I have had it since 1972. It's one of the few tools I have that my son will make sure goes in his tool box when I no longer need it. Back in the early 80's when I was teaching and my tool box was in the home garage my SnapOn screw drivers tended to migrate to the kitchen junk drawer because my wife found out those were the ones she liked to use. That was out of a screwdriver drawer had probably 40 screw drivers in it. I do have some carry along end wrenches like the one in Post 1 that I've used for over 40 years and are the go to wrenches. Ding wad ex brother in law made off with my dad's old tool set so I don't have that even though I contributed to it over the years. Not much in that set that I really wanted but having that beat up old box of tools along would be nice at times even though they were the "almost as good as" tools . The one tool that will never leave my possession is the set of vise grips that my late son John made into a set of panel flange crimpers for me and gave to me not long before I lost him. His little brother knows the story on them so they will continue on in the family.
Kitchen junk drawer, thats the wife's tool box, usually find all tool to fix stuff in the house in there.
not one but my set of snap on hydraulic wrenches , great for tight spots due to the angled heads , specially the 7/16ths ones great for headerbolts
Trammel bar, has measured many chassis and damaged cars over the years. Simple and effective with different length rods and ends it's like an extra pair of hands, you can't hold both ends of a tape measure over long distances.
Credit card? Actually, my 1/2"- 9/16" angled box end Craftsman Wrench. Works on bolts for distrib, manifold, radiator, intake, exhaust, water pump, etc. Very handy tool! Like the one in the photo. Have had mine for over 50 years!
I can't say I have a favorite, but after using a screw driver to replace/adjust brakes and other acts of improvisation, my answer would be my special tool drawer. I've got job specific tools and some home made ones as well. Anything past down from my Dad.
My "Indestro" brand 1/2" drive socket set and combination wrenches. My parents gave them to me in 1965 when I was 15. Still have most of them.
Not really a tool but in 1970 my mom was pregnant, and dad decided we'd be needing another bedroom or two. Dad wasn't the handiest carpenter guy in the world, but he proceeded to build a couple rooms all by himself in the unfinished basement. One of the things he bought was a big box of nails, used for drywall I think. A Big Ass carton of nails, he must have really overestimated how many were needed. We had those fuckers for years, they made the transition to a new house, and going through his stuff a few years ago - there they were, instantly recognizeable. I found quite a few more and have a small coffee can left full of them today. Give them a shot of wd40 or whatever once in a while so they won't rust, and laugh.
Not the most used tools I own, but my two favorites are my safety wire pliers and a 3/8 drive on a 1/4 inch drive body ratchet. The ratchet is especially handy in tight spaces.
The Jalopy Journal
