What to keep in stock?

[Maxwelhse]

Right on, Olds! It's good to hear from a pro!

I'm going to buy some HF "pro" impact sockets the next time I'm down there and since you mentioned it I'll toss my calipers on them (also Chinese but I do have 2 sets from different manufacturers... I think I have an ancient set of Staritts shomewhere,but where?) and see what happens vs. Mac, Snap-On, and Craftsman.

[bocephus1991]

Don't know if it's been mentioned but an extra coil is a must with these k series kohlers a grease gun too angle grinder a bench grinder and a battery charger. But a old fav of mine are pliers crescent wrench an vise grips!

[zippy1]

I also keep an extra fuel valve assembly, filter screen and bowl gasket.
As for mentioning of tools, I do like my Snap-On screwdrivers better than any of the other brands I've tried. As for wrenches and the like (sockets....) I've got Snap-On, Matco, and Craftsman. And I also have an assortment of HF tools, and have not broke any of them, and sometimes they get used pretty hard.
I enjoy it when my Snap-On guy stops buy, it's usually a good half hour BS session None of the others ever stop over, unless it's when I'm not in the shop

[bkw3614]

This is a great thread. It is interesting to see what the various opinions are of tools, supplies, and the like.

A couple of parts items that I keep are a choke cable and a throttle cable. I also keep a front wheel bearing and spare headlights. I use my Cub Cadet extensively at night. I love night cruizes!

Most of my tools are...old. I have an assortment of Craftsman, Snap-On, S-K and Proto tools, mostly purchased because of need for a particular piece. I like the Diamond brand of pliers, cutters, etc. They are no longer produced. I am addicted to adjustable wrenches and have about thirty of them from 4" through 18" I don't care much for overseas brands, Harbour Freight or other cheap knock-offs. I don't like breaking tools.

[c69ss396]

A high quality 3/16th roll pin punch... and 1/4 roll pins

[yeeter]

Roll pin punch set, if not on your list already.

[cubs-n-bxrs]

I haven't heard mention about oxy-acet torches. I would be lost without mine. Trying to remove stuck or rusted parts they are a must. Welders are a must have as well. I have a wire welder and a Lincoln welder generator.

[IACubCadet]

Wow, this is a really good informative thread. It does seem that a guy can't have enough tools. I've learned with many Cubs that a battery charger (already listed) comes in REAL handy. Punches, BFH's, pliers, screwdrivers, all sorts of sockets and specialty wrenches, welders, a torch (which I need), three jaw pullers, test lights, calipers, mulitimeters, and impacts, all just to name a few that have already been named.

For hardware, I keep everything that comes off a tractor. Screws, clips, all lengths and sizes of bolts, round bar stock, scrap metal, etc. Im a hoarder

Like Mike said, try buying a few parts tractors and resist the temptation to get them running. By far a really good resource for parts. I used to get every tractor I bought running, not very stable financially. Finally parted out rough tractors and now I have two small sheds worth of parts. Belts, carbs, SG's, clutches, gauges, electrical, engine parts, PTO's, gas tanks. Some stuff you probably (and hopefully) would never need. But, in that one instance, it might just come in handy!

Good luck, and keep the great ideas coming!

[snoel]

I'll add one brand of mech tools, that have been my fav for really tough use. Blackhawk. In the 80's, while working in a GM shop, I broke my 15mm 6 point socket on a head bolt. I think it was Craftsman. Another mech said, "here use my Snap-on". It split. Another one said, " here try this Blackhawk. You won't break it." I didn't! Bought one the same day at lunch. The BH fine-tooth ratchets were as good as anything, that I've ever used. The later Black Hawk ratchets, do not seem quite as good.

I worked in the GM factory for 4 years. GM and Chrysler dealers for several years. Industrial mechanic in factories, private garages, and as a certified A&P (Air frame and Power plant).

For most work, a good name brand socket set will do fine. But when working on things that have critical tolerances, and medium soft fasteners, (like an aircraft), you need very tight tolerance wrenches, like Snap-on, Mac, etc. It just isn't worth it to use something that may "round off", at a bad time. But, I have a set of China combinations, that are as good as my Snap-on

Good tools last a lifetime, and are a pleasure to use. I have the 7/16 wrench (Thornsen) from my first set of 4, given to me by dad, on my 16th birthday. I'm now 67. I have a screw driver, that I bought in 1968. (Proto) It still in my "user tool box". It's been refurbished several times. Started as a Phillips, became a straight!

Tools, are very personal to me, and are treated with respect, but they must perform, or they are no use to me.

[Shaner]

a GOOD quality 3/8 and 1/4 socket set. my brand of preference is Kobalt or MAC. also, not really necessary but makes life a WHOLE lot easier....a DeWalt 20volt lithium ion BRUSHLESS impact driver. those things are AWESOME!