Parts Washer hands down no more nasty grease reasemblys
other two would be a Mac fine tooth ratchet and a set of swivel sockets

OOoo, Mitchel on demand program. Dang I miss havin that. The others are great buys. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I agree on the Leatherman. Always by my side at work, home, or outdoors. I dont know how I lived without it. My best things so far is the Leatherman and a welder. So far welded a hinge on my XJ and fixed a couple of runners on a futon frame. LOL dont ask how the frame broke <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Mine's gotta be the spoolgun I added to my MIG welder. Aluminum is GOOOOOOOOOOD <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I have had one for several years, but the Leatherman is the most important tool I carry. Unless I am dressing-up for something I always have it at hand. I have broken it several times, but just return it to where I bought it, they return it to the manufacturer, and I am sent a new one.

My boss' old 2 stage gas powered( 5 hp) compressor. He used it as his onsite air when he was a heavy junk mechanic, keeps up with air welding too. Loud, but reliable little bugger. My house power can't even run a pancake compressor, and we're buying some land pretty soon that's off-grid, so will be invaluable once the house starts going up. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Can't wait for the vo-tech school to reopen for a couple welding classes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Previous years I picked up my leatherman, 5hp 80 gallon compressor, and welders.

This year I would have to say it was finally breaking down for an auto-darkening welding helmet:
Miller Big Window Elite Helmet

I finally settled on this one due to the increased viewing area and that I got it on sale. Man, does that make a difference! Only thing was that I found myself blinking at the start of the arc at first.

I've been welding for years, but that makes it soooo much nicer!

Well, since I just bought this today, and I know I'll get a lot of use out of it (I've been borrowing another mechanic's multimeter at my shop regularly) I'll say my multi-meter:


I also have to cast another vote for my leatherman. I have a pair of needlenose pliers that sit un-used in my tool box, since I always grab my leatherman first. I use it daily.

and a third and final vote for my Streamlight Stinger flashlight. There's nothing I hate more than trying to work on something I can't see.

Red Neck Tools, WD-40 and Duct Tape.

If it moves and ain't supposed to, duct tape

If it don't move and is supposed to, WD-40.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

6-cell Maglight Flashlight. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
You know the story on that one PHIL. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I don't buy many tools these days.
Kary

All my money going to my wife's med-school and unable to aquire a real job have made the last year a bit slim for tool purchases, but I can still play.

Mother-in-law paid for half of this bad boy with a Christmas gift card.


I also broke down and replaced a stolen hi-lift this last year, but that's about it.