Indespensible "stuff"

[Bullet2012]

I always refer to the Newt Dyslexic manual

 

[Maker]

insulation tape and bog paper ready made first aid kit

Super glue works even better. Buy loads of tiny bottles so when it inevitably goes off in the nozzle you're only wasing a little bit. Keeping it in the fridge stops it going off so quickly too.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Everything in my big yellow toolbox.

 

[Parm]

I always refer to the Newt Dyslexic manual

 

[fizzy]

We all have useful "stuff" that gets used on lots of different jobs - so much so that it's *always* in the toolbox for every job.

I thought a thread to share them would be interesting.

Mine, which gave me the idea for the thread:
Builder's band.
View attachment 232752
Comes in a 10m roll for about £3-£5.
The holes are just big enough for a m4 bolt, or a woodscrew.
I've used it for *loads* of jobs:
Holding bookcases to the wall in the shop. (And fastening the till down!)
Drawer handles.
Planter hangers.
Tool holders.
Load restraints. (Just wrap it round and run a self drilling screw into the trailer frame).
Folding table hinges.
"Stitching" a concrete table top together.until the epoxy set.
Rivet washers.
Conduit saddle clamps.
P clips for cable + hose.

I have a roll of this stuff and thought it was useless.
Until I discovered It makes perfect thick shim material for lathe tools. That and cut up biscuit tins and I am bang on centre height every time

 

[bigegg]

I suspect the thread is around disposable material, rather than tools, but the best buy I ever made is the cheapo ebay digital calipers, which I think cost me less than a tenner.

The brief was for things "that gets used on lots of different jobs" and I reckon this little thing gets used on every single job that I work on.
View attachment 232777

That's a really good one!

I think I have three or four sets: two are verniers rather than digital though.
And I do tend to use them a lot: thickness of some scrap steel sheet off a trailer, plus the diameter of the jockey wheel "leg" today.

 

[Munkul]

cobra pliers seem to come out whenever there's a fiddly connector or pipe clip or basically anything awkward. They're just a perfect tool to have.

https://primetools.co.uk/product/kn...MI9L6b2r7T6QIVg4jVCh0Lcwg1EAQYAiABEgIO2_D_BwE

 

[Ashley Burton]

@Munkul I use mine regularly also!

 

[daleyd]

 

[Munkul]

GOOGLE

never in the history of man has there been such a useful tool! Thread can close

 

[Ashley Burton]

@daleyd It doesn't always give you straight forward answers though!

 

[daleyd]

Plus of course this very forum!!

 

[Dr.Al]

A decent pair of these (bought from your local pharmacy for very little money) within easy reach:

For years I use to put up with small bits of swarf stuck in my hand and would deal with them when I got back into the house. I've had far fewer long-lasting periods with sore hands since I kept the tweezers near the machine tools and just pull the swarf out as soon as I notice it.

 

[Maker]

A decent pair of these (bought from your local pharmacy for very little money) within easy reach:

View attachment 232788

For years I use to put up with small bits of swarf stuck in my hand and would deal with them when I got back into the house. I've had far fewer long-lasting periods with sore hands since I kept the tweezers near the machine tools and just pull the swarf out as soon as I notice it.

I had a spot appear on my middle finger a couple of weeks ago, eventually decided it must be a splinter so I went digging with sharp tweezers and yep, tiny piece of brass swarf! God knows where it came from (Or how long it's been there perhaps), I haven't been anywhere near a lathe since Christmas.

 

[Ashley Burton]

@Dr.Al + A scalpel knife for the below the surface stuff

 

[Shox Dr]

@Dr.Al + A scalpel knife for the below the surface stuff

Hypodermic needles are better. Getting hold of them not so.

 

[Gareth J]

Along the lines of the thread, I quite like having some t&e copper wire (minus insulation) around, good for lots of quick things - hanging parts for painting, bodge hose clamp etc. As it's much more malleable than steel, it's easier to work without tearing holes in yourself and you can nearly always find some.

 

[Lazurus]

Super glue works even better. Buy loads of tiny bottles so when it inevitably goes off in the nozzle you're only wasing a little bit. Keeping it in the fridge stops it going off so quickly too.

Also leave the lid off - counter intuitive but it works!

 

[pedrobedro]

1.5 mm gas welding rods are my indispensable go to tool for putting a hook on the end to fish stuff out from down the side of the cooker and cupboards and to make hangers for painting etc.

 

[tom2207]

A simple torch ,,, one that works.

[little led one that takes AA batteries from every where , so handy to just get a look at things.]