The Rodding Roundtable
Motorhead Message Central => Rodder's Roundtable => Topic started by: Crosley.In.AZ on January 02, 2023, 03:13:50 PM
New thread for tools:
I bought a couple Dewalt brand kits of bits; It was an end of year budget deal at Home Depot. 6 dollars for the drill bits , 9 dollars for the hex bits and driver bit holders. The drill bit set is a small one, up to 5/16... All I really needed was the smaller ones. LOL
If you have not seen these. The little boxes snap together. Kinda easy to keep them together.
Dewalt gives you many of the little short bits that I have found nearly useless for my needs.
I have a few various bits and stuff in more of these boxes in my RV for repairs. RVs always need something tightened or fixed.
I needed some tin snips for a quik job here.. my good snips are in storage, a long ways away.
Harbor Freight to the rescue. $15.00 out the door. Got the job done
Bought this AstroAI digital tire pressure gauge. I needed a gauge for my dually. It has a lite, offers several pressure formats PSI , BAR , Kpa , etc..... Seems to work fine. ???
I have found over the years that usually all gauges differ from unit to unit. This one is with in 1 - 2 pounds of the small digital unit I have been using. Its easier to check the inner tires on the rear
I bought this handheld vacuum last fall to use at the cabin where I don't have electricity. It has become one of my favorite and most used Dewalt tools for home and cabin.
It's very powerful, handy, has just the right attachments, is easy to empty, and a charged battery lasts a long time. I paid $110 at Amazon. (#DCV501HB)
Sue's getting tired of me saying "I love my little vacuum" every time I use it.
(https://www.acmetools.com/dw/image/v2/BHBS_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-acme-catalog-m-en/default/dw12be4ff7/images/images/catalog/product/7/788d97ff-9ab0-4eaa-849f-43f25d11f7ce_7.jpeg?sw=380)
Hi George: I agree with you. The Milwaukee cordless vacuum I bought last year has become a fav around here and in the RV. We have an olde dust buster type vacuum that is slap worn out. The battery holds a charge for about 2.5 minutes. :lol: :lol: :twisted:
A new tool?
I lost storage for my car trailer. I moved the trailer to the storage lot where our 5th wheel RV is stored. I upgraded the hitch lock to a Proven Industries brand device. Very tough. The Lock Picking Lawyer on You Tube likes this hitch lock design.
Second photo shows the insert that the hitch clamps on to like the tow ball. The Hitch design on my car trailer is called a BullDog brand type.
I installed chains thru the wheels. Basic lug nutz design of locking nutz on each wheel too.... I cut off the safety chains since ppl say the trailer thiefs will use the safety chains to tow away a trailer with the hitch still locked? Maybe I am over thinking this ?
:o
Bought these rubber gizmos that hold tool bits for an impact driver. They have double sided tape on them. They hold those 1/4 inch hex drive tool bits
I used rubbing alcohol to clean my drill and impact driver before sticking these to the tool. I stuck them on top of the tool as the photo shows. Time will tell if this is a good idea?
My cordless drill died better than a year ago. I'd check every now and then but didn't find anything that made me reach for money. 2 weeks ago, I'm walking through Home Depot and see a DeWalt compact 20v unit. It was "on sale" for $99. The 2 salespeople failed at finding one in inventory so I went home. I ordered it on line with free shipping. My last unit was a 12v Dewalt that lasted for years of work so I'm expecting the same from this one. :)
Bought a $50.00 Kreg brand saw guide for my circular saw. I needed to cut some 1/8 inch thick panel board fairly straight for trimming out the interior of the door and windows I have installed on this Park model. It works fairly well. I clamp the panel board to the table.
I made slow 2 foot to 7 foot long cuts. A longer table would be nice. I am using a picnic table here for the work bench.
The guide can be setup for right or left use. It is well designed from plastic and aluminum.
Quote from: kb426 on February 04, 2023, 04:46:22 PMMy cordless drill died better than a year ago. I'd check every now and then but didn't find anything that made me reach for money. 2 weeks ago, I'm walking through Home Depot and see a DeWalt compact 20v unit. It was "on sale" for $99. The 2 salespeople failed at finding one in inventory so I went home. I ordered it on line with free shipping. My last unit was a 12v Dewalt that lasted for years of work so I'm expecting the same from this one. :)
I have about the same drill. I used it at work for a year or so before I retired. It worked great. It was a $99.00 kit deal.
Doing some reading on garage journal and Youtube: It seems these manufacturers build these tools just for special deals. The $99.00 1/2 inch Ryobi Medium duty Impact Gun kit I bought falls into that same category. The Impact gun will be in my RV or truck when we are on the road trips
8) 8) 8)
got a question about HF battery 1/2" impacts, any of it good for changing a flat on a 1 ton?
I use Harbor freight 4 wheel carts to set my 5th wheel hitch on when the hitch is removed from the F-350.. The carts had a mind of their own on the uneven concrete and would not stay in place under the hitch. I cut an olde piece of plywood and created 1 cart with 8 wheels.
Quote from: tomslik on February 08, 2023, 08:11:21 AMgot a question about HF battery 1/2" impacts, any of it good for changing a flat on a 1 ton?
Video tests on Youtube I have seen: the newer Harbor Freight Hercules "Ultra Torque" 1/2 inch impact gun runs near the same power - torque as the 20v Dewalt and Milwaukee M18 high torque guns
I know folks are on their edge of the seat to see the cobbled together rolling cart for my 5th wheel hitch in use ! .
Photos of the hitch , also with cover I use on the hitch too. COver keeps some debris out of the jaws while it sits in storage on carport..
8) 8)
Weeks ago, when I picked up my car trailer. Tires needed some air, they were at 26 psi. 1 tire valve core stuck open slightly and leaked air. Likely this was from the balance beads I have in the tires since the valve stem was on the low side as I air'd the tire up. About 4-5 shots of air into the core and it cleared out.
I had looked in my truck for a valve core tool I thought I had bought to keep in my truck. Nope. I forgot to buy a tool. :twisted: :twisted: I keep a small bag in the truck with all my tire air tools, air chuck, a gauge, TPMS stuff for the RV.
So I went to Amazon dot com and ordered 2 of these sets of tool with valve core for my truck and Goldwing.
I also bought a pressure gauge for the Goldwing . :o
Bought this 10 inch miter saw a while back. I have so much interior trim pieces to cut and fit , it was worth the money. I have never owned or used a power miter saw. Always used the budget plastic miter box and saw tool. This is way better. ;D
Bought a 60 tooth "fine cut" blade for it. The trim I am using is the PVC type molding.
If ya can not tell: its from Home Depot . Ryobi brand
Bought a Bauer 18ga cordless nail gun. Bought an adapter to work with my Dewalt 20v batteries. Had good reviews from what I could find. Paid 69.99 for the tool and 20 for the adapter off the internet. It's on sale for $99, if you sign up for the email or a fast track customer you get $30 off.
I grabbed the Slime brand air pressure gauge out of the car. No worky. Took it apart. Uses the common LR44 battery. Of course I only had 1 battery here. That was in my digital vern calipers.
Order new batterys from Amazon. New batterys installed in the gauge. Still no worky. Reverse the batterys. No good. Check for corrosion. look for reset button or something? tested batterys.
So: now I have extra LR44 batterys and another pressure gauge on order. I keep a gauge in each vehicle.
Another item that started use in the RV... 2 yrs ago when we bought the RV for extended use.. The cabinets were some what dark inside. I thought about install of wired lights, LED strips.
While at the Home Depot my wife spotted these motion sensor LED puck lites. Battery powered. They work dang well. We now have them in a few cabinets in the Park Model RV winter base home. THese help tired olde eyes see better
i need some in the bathroom at nigh, maybe my feet would stay dry ;)
Quote from: tomslik on February 23, 2023, 04:43:03 PMi need some in the bathroom at nigh, maybe my feet would stay dry ;)
I turn the bathroom light on. :shock:
:arrow: :idea:
Bought some magnetic balls from Harbor Freight. :o I am gonna see if this helps me line up the 5th wheel hitch a bit easier. When I back the truck under the 5th whl... I am always to the drivers side about 3 inches. I have tried to adjust my line of sight, adjust my thought process.... since I know I will be off center to the drivers side always.
I will stick one ball on the trailer hitch box, pointed forward towards the truck hitch. See if that helps my aim a bit. The length of the F-350 , making quik angle adjustments are not easy.
WHen I miss the alignment, I get very p'od at myself. I have backed up and hooked with 5th wheels so many times over the yrs. I guess when my eyesight was good with no glasses helped?
Back up Camera. Just saying. :)
Quote from: enjenjo on February 26, 2023, 12:34:06 AMBack up Camera. Just saying. :)
That did not work out either.. Suction cup on the rear window for the camera since I could not find a magnet that worked on aluminum
Had a Fed X delivery the other day from Harbor Freight. Its easier to have stuff delivered than deal with traffic on Bell Road out here and the crowd at the HF store since I am not a people person. Altho: at opening time the HF store is not too crowded
One item is the Miter saw table. Nice unit. 60 dollars less than a few others I looked at. Sturdy. Of course it was discounted , on sale. Bought a few more items on President day sale too
When you cant find tools? You buy more. Right? Have you seen Harbor Freight offers a line up of 10mm sockets ? Its a 10 piece set of 1/4 , 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive 10mm sockets, wobbly, deep , shallow. Purty neat , yet funny idea.
Could not find my 1/2 inch adapters and extensions. So : Harbor Freight to the rescue. Not too expensive stuff since I dont need them often.
The 1/2 inch extensions are the budget Pittsburg line from HF... The adapters are the Icon label which is suppose to be the higher tier of HF tools now? These were on sale , discounted 6 bucks, so I bought them. Not sure I need 3/4 inch drive to 1/2 inch but I have another one. I do own some large 3/4 drive sockets, ratchet, etc..
With the install of new windows in our park model RV , the old windows were installed with the butyl type sealant and that stuff is 35+ years old. It either falls off or I must scrape it off.
I bought this set of plastic scrapers from Harbor Freight after an RV tech guy I follow on You Tube used them. These worked great on removing the butyl goo from the metal siding of the Park Model.
I follow up with mineral spirits on the butyl goo.. then some rubbing alcohol to get the surface clean
Bought this drill-driver bit off Amazon. Found it on You Tube, a HVAC guy has a channel I follow a little bit. He used this bit and I have looked around for one like it for a while.
Swappable 1/4 & 5/16 socket. You pull it off the drive , flip it around. All the screws on this tin can RV has these 2 sizes of screw heads. The bit has a magnet on it too. win win
I bought a toilet RV wand to use on my RV black tank. You stick this down the toilet to the tank and turn the water on to help flush the debris out. My black tank has a flushing system built in. This is suppose to help warsh out more?
This wand is very flexable hose with nozzle on the end.
Harbor Freight sales must be down. They have been running a lot of TV ads here for the last week.
Quote from: enjenjo on March 06, 2023, 06:27:25 PMHarbor Freight sales must be down. They have been running a lot of TV ads here for the last week.
I see the HF ads all over social media. LIkely targeted ads by my web browsing ? I looked at some LifeP04 batteries for the RV we own.. Ads for those batteries even show on the Gas Buddy app I use on my phone.
:o , :o
I am a fool I guess. I bought another set of ratchet adapters. Tekton brand this time. :idea:
This came from Amazon. I have 3 new sets now. Plus the others I can not find.
:P
Bought a set of small mini screw drivers. THose tiny screwdrivers for eye glasses and other small stuff. THis kit came with a magnet on a handle too. Very handy. From Amazon of course
I have the ol basic tire rope repair kits I carry in the truck , car , RV.. It can be a pain to keep the stuff together. These rope seals have bailed me out a few times over the years, so I keep them in the vehicles
Harbor Freight to the rescue again. Bought a medium size storage container. 8 dollars US $.. It has little rubber seal on the lid and 3 clamping snaps on it.
Few tools I bought for the tire swap on my Goldwing. Its the ol thing: I have a few more tire tool bars and can not find the dang things.
8)
I bought a NIB 6" Rotary table at the Coldwater Mi swap meet today. $160
Budget clamp meter from Harbor Freight. I bought this a few yrs ago. Used on my HVAC house system when I was testing amp draw at start up. I installed a soft start system on the HVAC
This meter uses the 2032 disc battery. 3 of them. I did not know that when I bought the meter
I had to buy some 2032 battery for the TPMS sensor on my motorcycle. It was cheaper to buy a 10 pack of the 2032 with phreee shipping than buy only 4 batterys.
I had to gently remove the 2 little tabs from the 2032 disc battery to fit this meter. The meter works again.
;D 8)
Built this little stand from scrap wood a few weeks ago. Holds my propane tank more secure than just sitting in the bed of the truck.
There are 2 metal strap hooks , that I slip bungee cords thru to hold the tank in place.
I found a multi-bit screwdriver I am basically happy with. 22 buck$ at Home Depot. It is a ratcheting type driver and does lock in place solid too.
Bit wise it comes with basic phillips and blade drives, also the ECX #1 & 2 sizes which are common on electrical outlets for yrs.
ALso has the square drive #1 & 2 which is very common on my RV. These are the screw heads that are phillips and square drive combo. The square drive fits better in those types of screw heads for me.
There is a model that does not have the long extension included that Home Depot is suppose to carry. I gave up on Home Depot ever having that one in stock.
8)
Harbor Freight to the rescue again. Bought this scanner 64981. $40.00 at the HF place.
It works as advertised.
Why did I buy this?
Over 1 week ago , I changed the fuel filters (2) on my F-350 diesel truck.. The filter near the tank is a cartridge design , inside a box that holds near 1/2 gallon of fuel.
You Must cycle the key 4 to 5 times to prime the fuel system Before starting the engine. I cycled the key 3 times. LOL The engine ran poorly for a few seconds and immediately set a trouble code for pressure problems in the fuel system.
I read online if you drive the truck for 40 to 100 miles the code will clear. Mine code did not clear. So... I bought the scanner. Yeah , I poured the drained fuel from the filter back into the tank.
??? ??? ???
Bought this gas sniffer from Amazon. Looking for a propane leak on the RV.. Its a small leak. Found the leak.
8)
My first wife had an uncle who said that he would look for natural gas leaks in his house with a match. As far as I know, he's still alive.
When we bought this house, there was a brick barbeque less than five feet away from the 500 gallon propane tank. I demo'd the bbq, and a few years later, the propane company found a leak on the tank. Good grief.
Bought new pump sprayer... Here in central AZ we enjoy weeds year round
You may notice the brand logo ... From local Home Depot. No parking crowds around us for a few weeks.. Altho I just jinx my self
Just a quik FYI on gloves from Harbor Freight .. I have used these for 3 years now. Work well. Thicker than most.
They are a bit pricey in my opinion.. $14.00 for a box of 50 at 7 mil , blue in color.
I bought a box of 6 mil thick gloves from Amazon a few weeks ago. I figured that 6mil thick would be good? Save a few dollars? Obviously I was not happy since I just bought another box of HF gloves. I keep these in the RV , truck and car for what ever happens.
;) ;)
Bought a box of cotter pins at Harbor Freight.. Seem to be decent quality. My supply on hand had become all the smallish ones you seldom use. THe small ones fit into this box, so I only need to carry one box with me.
6 bucks plus tax , seemed ok
8)
Found this Dewalt oscillating tool on sale. One of those special holiday sale items left over. $99.00 plus tax , delivered from Amazon . 8) DCS356c1
Tool came with a charger , bag, 1 battery and couple blades. Battery is only a 1.5ah size.
3 speeds with a variable control switch, No tool needed to change blades. Purty spiffy.
:idea:
My receiver hitch mount lift has arrived. I had the parts out, loosely assembled. Did some measuring for height. I will be using this for lifting stuff into the bed of my F350.. Primarily the 5th wheel hitch for the RV. I can still lift the weight of the hitch in 2 pieces. But, I can not lift it high enough since this F350 sits high.
I bought this unit since the base bar is long enough to clear the tail gate when open.
The hitch mounted lift is too tall for assembly under my carport cover. I will need to shorten the height by 24 inches or so.
^^^
That looks like it should be very useful. Does it knock down easily for storage?
Quote from: kb426 on January 22, 2024, 07:13:07 PM^^^
That looks like it should be very useful. Does it knock down easily for storage?
Yes, it slips together in 3 pieces. When I get it sized up. Will take a few more photos.
It has basic hand crank cable winch...
8)
Aw, I forgot.. My F350 receiver hitch is a 3 inch size. Fjord provided a reducer to 2.5 inch hitch size.
I bought a Curt brand {Amazon) reducer from 2.5 inch to 2 inch size hitch for the utility lift assembly I just bought. Photo shows both reducers in place.
Hitch lift modified, installed.. I cut 20 inches off the bottom upright.
Changed bolts out on the cable wheels to clevis pins and clips. I thought the bolt threads would eat into the aluminum wheels? Photo shows the bolt I replaced with clevis pin, a bit a grease added too.
Close up of cable reel, shows how the uprights slip together. Seems strudy enough to lift my hitch. Manufacturer claims 300 pound capacity
I need to build a fixture to attach to the 5th wheel hitch to lift it. The 5th wheel hitch weighs about 155 pounds. It does come apart 2 pieces about 75 # each.
8)
Well: I am further along..
I found a tool - adapter to install in the 5th wheel hitch as a lift tool. $22.00 delivered via Amazon
I shortened the main upright , which created a different problem as shown in the photo hi-lited by yellow. The winch and tailgate want the same space.. So: I moved the winch up about 10 inches so the crank will function.
Then.. as I lift the hitch up and swing it around towards the bed.. A new snafu shows its self. LOL The upright takes a serious lean.. At least it seemed serious as I was about to shat my pants thinking it was all going to fall over. :shock:
The hitch receiver adapters are loose fit. I knew that. If you have ever used a receiver hitch , you know they are little loose. I ordered a hitch clamp device to tighten up the stuff. I hope it works well...
Last photo shows the 5th wheel hitch lifted into the truck bed.
8) .... 8)
^^^
That adapter looks like a bargain for what it does.
The hitch clamp device arrived. I bolted it on. Most of the looseness is gone. My drawers should remain clean now. :twisted: .. :twisted: .. :twisted:
If this clamp proves to be a bad idea... I will weld the tube to the hitch adapter -reducer in the receiver. Simply slide the tube and adapter out together. That will fix it! :shock:
I've used one of those in the past Tony and had no problems.
I slap wore out my Harbor Freight Step drills.. Uni - bits , what ever they are called. The bits kinda melt metal now instead of cutting - drilling metal when starting
Of course I bought new bits from Amazon. Seem to cut well so far
I needed a 30 amp extension cord for RV power pedestal goofy shape plug, that has a regular outlet on the end for use of tools, compressor , 120v mig welder.
I found a 25 foot 30 amp RV cord for phreee. I already had the outlet box.
The 2nd photo shows the end I cut off the cord to install the outlet box. I will keep that on the shelf for a year or 2?
Well: The old & slow Southwest version did not like the looseness in the hitch mounted lift on my F350.
I welded the hitch reducers and the lift hitch tube solid. I am much happier now
The biggest offender of looseness was the Hitch Lift 2 inch tube. The earlier shown bolt on clamp device helped , but not enough for me.
I welded the tubes top and bottom. I figure that will get the job done. The extension cord I built the other day was used for 120 volt service to my Lincoln mig welder. I used my plumbers torch with MAP gas to warm up the tubes before I welded the pieces.
:shock:
I went to my storage unit looking for some bushing drivers I have used for decades. I dug deep into the storage space. Into boxes, carts with boxes on top and below. Never found my bushing drivers.
I DID how ever find my hole saws I was looking for many weeks ago.
:arrow: ;D
My shop has been cleaned up by others twice in the last three months. I can't find anything now.
I picked up a near new Snap On (Wilton) 1760 6" bullet vice with stand today for $300. Birthday present for Josh.
Working on my RV suspension requires sitting, kneeling , crawling around. My 70 yr old, tired ask body dont like it much. :lol:
I bought these knee pads from Harbor Freight for 5 bucks. My wife was checking them out, HF has a few style and my wife said : "get these".
As a base level of asphalt covering is that silver bubble foil covered insulation radiant barrier stuff.
These knee pads work well. I have them dirty as can be already, working on the RV suspension
Quick photo of flip sockets for lug nutz I bought at Harbor Freight.
I have a vintage flip socket for lug nutz , but it does not fit alloy wheels if the lug nut is recessed much. Its a heavy wall flip socket.
2 sockets and a 3 inch extension in the HF set.. $15.00 plus tax
So far the sockets work well.
I have learned the Ryobi 1/2 inch budget cordless impact I bought a year ago will not break loose the lugs on my RV or the F-350. I guess the $99.00 holiday deal on medium power impact was only a so - so deal in real use?
8)
My son in law brought me a gift , a matco clip on mig gun flashlight . It has a rubber attachment that clips onto the mig gun right where it curves and allows you to aim the little flashlight right at the area around the puddle . Sorry no pictures .
Piece of crap 90 degree grease coupler... LockNLube brand. Suppose to be decent quality. Grease flows everywhere but into the zerk.
Took it apart. Did not see any way to increase holding on to the zerk.
Ah tools.... I have mis-placed a small tool I bought just months ago. It is Not a 10mm socket. Its a multi bit screwdriver.. Really liked that screwdriver.. :twisted:
Soon I will buy another so there will be 2 of the same tool on hand, after I find the first tool. Of course: the first tool I bought was replaced by an updated design.
Still looking.
:lol:
I bought a Klein 32303 multi screwdriver... I think I like this one better than the mis placed Milwaukee scroodriver :lol:
The lost Milwaukee scroodriver tool should appear in a day or 3 ?
I may even find my 7/16 deep 3/8 drive socket I mis placed a year ago?
8)
Well, I found my lost multi-bit screw driver... :lol:
How ever, I still have Not found my lost 3/8 drive socket 7/16 size.
8)
Bought this cordless power grease gun a few weeks ago. WOrks well. A bit awkward to move around under my RV to grease stuff.
Milwaukee brand, 12volt power.
I needed a cordless grass string trimmer. After looking. I bought this Harbor Freight Bauer brand unit. I then bought an adapter for Milwaukee M18 battery to the Bauer battery since I have several Milwaukee batterys. It was 50 dollars plus the gov taxes for the "tool only" String trimmer...
The adapter I bought on Amazon. It works. 18 dollars plus taxes.. Light duty plastic. Will see what the long term durability of this adapter is.
This trimmer is light duty. The handle stem on it will extend or retract which is helpful for sticking it in the trunk of the car. We have used this to trim grass on our parents graves.
If y'all look at the photos. One shows the handle extended. other photo shows the handle in the short position.