What makes a good tool kit?

[Turfman]

Haven't read all the posts, hope this wasn't mentioned, but the thing I use the most in changing attachments is a floor jack. Cheap Harbor Freight Tools, and works like a charm.
Kevin

 

[Bird]

Kevin, I've always heard them called three legged wrenches - they're the ones you learn about when you encounter a filter that some fool put on so tight you can't get it off any other way/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif - but I've found some manufacturers have other names for the the same thing. You can try this link for pictures of the same thing by a manufacturer who calls them "Spider" type. My own has the legs like the picture on the right and the body like the one on the left./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif You just insert your 3/8" drive ratchet (or extension) into the middle of it. The harder you have to pull, the tighter it grips the filter and it makes little or no difference if the filter is dirty, oily, greasy, etc. It still grips firmly.

 

[MikePA]

I've had to remove filters that were put on so tight that my three legged wrench crushed the filter! Not fun when that happens.

 

[TerryinMD]

Then it's time for Mr. Screwdriver to finish the job!! /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Terry

 

[MikePA]

Yep, Mr. Screwdriver to the rescue. I was not a happy camper when this happened. It was one of those jobs I thought would last a half hour and it ended up lasting almost two hours. /w3tcompact/icons/mad.gif

 

[blurrybill]

Mike, Terry, Bird:

Thanks for the comments on the 3 legged filter wrench and the link. I feel so dumb sometimes and forget to ask the basic questions... as I tell my patients, however, there is no such thing as a dumb question -- I'll have many more. Sure like the way this thread is going. More comments on tool types and needs for an adequate toolkit wanted/needed. Thanks.

Bill

 

[Egon]

Mike:
I've found that for those real hard ones A ball peen hammer and or a screwdriver work well. Might be messy but all I gotta do is walk by a closed oil container and I'm oil from head to foot. A good leather belt works too.
Egon

 

[MikePA]

I also thought the Craftsman strap wrenches advertised by Bob Vila on TV might work well, too. Haven't bought one and tried it though.

 

[blurrybill]

Mike,

I just got a set of the strap wrenches as a Christmas gift -- I'm ready to twist off just about anything... Anyway, they look like they'll do a good job on odd-shapes or those with not much friction.

 

[MikePA]

Great gift! I'll be interested in your experiences with them.