Clever tools which help with maintenance and restoration

[Robert 352]

I find it most interesting reading through some of the threads on this forum and often, when I am searching for information on fixing a particular problem, I come across mention of a technique or tool which I have not seen previously.

Such was the case when I was reading James467 thread on RUK – Project Recommission 1850 Auto, where tinweevil made reference to a set of pipe straighteners, http://www.frost.co.uk/coiled-tube-tubi ... 14-od.html, a very clever looking tool which I had not seen before.

Can I propose that we create a thread where folk can list such tools as this, a thread which folk like me can save as a bookmark for future reference?

Olr159w has asked a question about the Sprint gearbox filler plug which I have replied to, suggesting that he try and obtain a 7/16 female pipe plug socket, the correct tool for manipulating that filler plug if you do not have a long enough spanner to reach in behind the clutch slave to undo it.

I am sure that there will be many other clever little tools which some of you have found and which make life so much easier when a particular job is undertaken.

Robert

[Triumph1300]

Like the 10 ft of rope attached to my ramps, that trail under the other wheels, and stop the ramps shooting out as you drive up?

Then the luggage strap over the wheel and ramp so the car can't fall off?

[Jon Tilson]

I use a cheap battery hydrometer and its bulb as a cheap vacuum hydraulic bleeding device.

Jonners

[Galileo]

Having the right tools for the job without fail turns a swear fest into a walk in the park.

My recent favourite, after years of countless battles with exhaust systems, has got to be the pipe expander:

pipe_expander.jpg (44.66 KiB) Viewed 1364 times

I'm sure if I waded through my tool stash there are others, and some useful but less fun i.e. having circlip pliers ruins the joy of the startled mate's expression as a circlip you're wrestling with using a screwdriver pings off their nose...

[grahamwatson]

A 30" breaker bar. Not very clever, I admit.

[Triumph1300]

20 ton press for remove with thumb pressure

Genuine st puller for 1300 crank pulley

[cleverusername]

Impact driver, makes removing rusted on screws much easier and saves you from rounding them.

[MIG Wielder]

... and for removing the slant 4 oil filter sealing ring from the housing I use a dental pick.
Just think, with 2 of these and my Dremel I could supplement my income by doing a bit of dentistry.
Tony