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5 Must have tools for restoring?

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by Chuck, May 7, 2005.

  1. May 9, 2005
    66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    NorthWest Indiana
    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2003
    Messages:
    2,084
    spot weld removal bit. got mine @ flaps.
     
  2. May 9, 2005
    Old Bill

    Old Bill Aggressively passive....

    Really Southern...
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2004
    Messages:
    822
    Funny, post #5 sez good tap and die set..... :D

    I'll also vote for heavy workbench. Nice being able to set the T90 and D18 up there at hand height to work on.....

    Also back Dremel tool with large assortment of bits/brushes. Just used mine yesterday to clean off RTV. ;)
     
  3. May 9, 2005
    Chuck

    Chuck Sponsor

    Southshore Ma
    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2004
    Messages:
    1,463
    The replies that were offered on tool/equipment selection were very helpful. I have made a list of all the tools/equipment suggested by the members.

    If the tool/equipment that you listed as a “must have tool” isn’t on my list below it’s because I already own it or it hasn't been mentioned. Thanks.

    • Full face shield
    • Good taps and dies set – need a better set
    • Sawzall
    • Hydraulic press
    • Drill press
    • Air powered cut-off tool
    • Air chisel
    • Hole saws
    • Spot weld removal bit
    • Dial indicator
    • Sandblaster/cabinet
    • Parts cleaner
    • Plasma cutter, don’t see this happing any time soon
    • Add more florescent lighting
    • Add one more electrical outlet
    • Trouble light in garage center
    • Computer
     
  4. May 9, 2005
    dohc281

    dohc281 It is what it is.

    Laurel Springs, N.J.
    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2004
    Messages:
    605
    A garage helps.
     
  5. May 9, 2005
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    A good cordless drill, such as an 18v Dewalt w/ a keyless chuck.

    A 3/16" - 7/8" Unibit drill bit. Indispensable when working with sheetmetal. Drills perfect holes every time without buggering the paint .

    A good torque wrench. Beam-type is OK, but a click-type is far better.

    A good bench grinder, 1/2 HP or better. A wire wheel on one side and a medium grinding disk on the other. 6-1/2" is a good size for all-around use.

    A means of heating your shop to 55* or better in the winter. Priceless.
     
  6. May 10, 2005
    Old Bill

    Old Bill Aggressively passive....

    Really Southern...
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2004
    Messages:
    822

    And a heavy duty corded drill with keyed chuck. I got a B&D years ago, have built 3 decks, a backyard shed, countless home projects, and now a Jeep restoration. Gotten more than my money's worth....
     
  7. May 10, 2005
    schardein

    schardein Low Range Therapy

    Success, MO
    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2003
    Messages:
    553
    Steve, I have thought about those unibits. So they are good to go?
     
  8. Aug 3, 2005
    scaryjosh

    scaryjosh Member

    NC
    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2005
    Messages:
    118
    yes a grinder is good.
    a stick welder and a mig welder are nice as well .
    the early cj5.com guys are a must.
    if you can afford it a garage drive on lift... im working on it ..
    every tool ever maid. dont go cheap. a good tool is worth the money and will last forever with proper care. i like cornwell or snapon but i do have craftsmen and mac
    a loveing wife (if your married) who dont mind you spending more money and time on the jeep than you do her.
    an endless supply of "thinking food and drink" (i like mac and cheese and pepsi)
    and enuff sence that no one knows everything but if we all put our brains (or whats left of them ) togeather we can all help each other out. i know i dont know alot of the mechanical stuff or electrical so i need alot of help .. but i did take 4 years of welding and metal fab so i can try and help people on that matter

    and the best tool i think is rember to have fun and enjoy what your doing even know just realiseed you just droped a nut down into distributer hole and your gonna have to tair some stuff apart its gonna be ok

    have fun

    josh
     
  9. Aug 3, 2005
    Chuck

    Chuck Sponsor

    Southshore Ma
    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2004
    Messages:
    1,463
    After purchasing I can now exculed from the list:

    Sawzall, air powered cut-off tool, sandblaster/cabinet, florescent lighting, and added more electrical outlets.

    One thing not mentioned yet was a fire extinguisher, I bought two.
     
  10. Aug 3, 2005
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    I've used the Unibits a lot - excellent for sheet metal. They don't wander, don't bend the metal, don't leave a big burr on the back of the metal, and always make a nice, round hole. Only limitation is the number of sizes of holes you can make is limited, and they are not for thick material (ie thicker than each step in the bit).
     
  11. Aug 3, 2005
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    The unibits are the cat's a**. I have three of them, in varying sizes up to 1" and they last forever unless you try to drill heavy stock with them, liek a frame rail. They are pricey, at about $30 bucks a bit for a good name like Greenlee. They are easy to find at electric supply houses, as electricians use them a lot.
     
  12. Aug 3, 2005
    speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    Living the Good...
    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2004
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    1,270
    Torch set
    Creeper seat
    Torque wrench
    Welder
    Right angle drill (tight space drill)
    Easy outs
    Endless supply of braided wire wheels for the grinder ;)
     
  13. Aug 3, 2005
    sasquatch

    sasquatch I'm big in Japan.

    Kadena AB,...
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    Dec 6, 2004
    Messages:
    400
    I'm gonna print this thread off and hand it to Tina and all the fam. Just say, "Here. This is my birthday/Christmas list for the next few years."
    ;)
     
  14. Aug 3, 2005
    speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    Living the Good...
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    I'd like to add that I use the torches way more than I anticipated I would. Prolly the best shop purchase I have made.
     
  15. Aug 3, 2005
    sasquatch

    sasquatch I'm big in Japan.

    Kadena AB,...
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2004
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    X2 on the torches. Probably gonna be one of the first big purchases I make. Like pops always says, when you gotta have a torch, NOTHING else will do!!

    Can't imagine how much further behind I'd be right now without a set.
     
  16. Aug 3, 2005
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
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    4,275
    Did the 4 -1/2" handheld grinder make the list? IMHO every welder should come with one. Priceless. :beer:
     
  17. Aug 3, 2005
    BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    Hermitage, TN
    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2004
    Messages:
    1,552
    Just to add.
    A box fan is nice in the shop. I set mine blowing out of the shop when I'm working with a sander or grinder or painting, or when its just hot out I put it blowing on me.
    Must have tunes.
    Shop manual.
    A samll bottle jack. I've used one a few times when the floor jack was to big.
    2 C clamps in each of the different sizes. Thinking I have from 1/2" thru 6".
    Hammers, dead blow, rubber mallet and a 5 lb mall.
     
  18. Aug 3, 2005
    sasquatch

    sasquatch I'm big in Japan.

    Kadena AB,...
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2004
    Messages:
    400
    Amen to that. For $40 I set up a killer system in our barn, speakers in all 4 corners (mounted to the rafters), SMALL (5"cube, roughly) reciever, perfect for a benchtop, CD player, AM/FM, and a remote! Can't live without it.

    First read that as a small bottle OF jack.... takes on a WHOLE new meaning... though you could keep some in the aforementioned fridge when the work gets the best of you and you want to call it quits for the night!
     
  19. Aug 3, 2005
    jcandhis63

    jcandhis63 Member

    Hillsboro, TX
    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2005
    Messages:
    87
    I don't have any tools to add to the list, but have two pieces of advice.

    1. When you buy the 4-5" grinder, keep the receipt. Using the wire wheels and grinding discs can really take their toll. I lost mine more than once and could have gotten it replaced under warranty. I've been thru several grinders already, most have been the harbor freight cheapies though. I am still looking for the receipt for the one good one I bought. I just bought a new balck and decker today and it has a two year warranty. I'm gonna put the receipt in a safe deposit box.

    2. Stop by this site often. It is the best tool you can have. The old saying is that "you get what you pay for". Here, you will get much more than you pay for. The advice is always good and the entertainment is better. I get such a kick out of some of the banter here I read it to my wife.

    Have fun,

    JC
     
  20. Aug 3, 2005
    66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    NorthWest Indiana
    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2003
    Messages:
    2,084
    prefer spending the $$ on pro-grade tools. also much easier on the grinders if you have each w/own wheel (wire, flap and stone). then if one breaks switch wheels and continue.
     
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