Useful Tools

[v8mgb]

Thought I would see if there is any interest in starting a thread of helpful tools.  This would provide a spot to share, store and discuss helpful hand tools, software, apps and websites.  I will start it out with a link to Dan Masters Speed-RPM calculator which I can host from my Google Drive which is another useful tool.  I also converted the spreadsheet to Google Sheets which is free if you dont have access to Microsoft Excel.

I also added a version of the spreadsheet that allows the you to input the actual tire diameter instead of the program doing it.  The 205/50-15, according to Tire Rack measurements, can vary from 22.8" to 23.2".  The spreadsheet was done by Dan Masters per Carl's request

Both versions are below in Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel  

Google Sheets version of Dan Masters Speed-RPM calculator
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1W07e03HhqKZMMkJpX0u_Or8lZzqfkZBWWMnnGPODkMw


Microsoft Excel version of Dan Masters Speed-RPM calculator
https://drive.google.com/open?id=183QbMsiUJqsWx_FyvfAVhTk4QXjAovZp

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Google Sheets version of Dan Masters Speed-RPM calculator - Allows Actual Tire Diameter to be input
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eMcJGWOW97CqbrusSd9BB194zf6g52cxjqybuExkU3k/edit?usp=sharing

Microsoft Excel version of Dan Masters Speed-RPM calculator - Allows Actual Tire Diameter to be input
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Luq3IysI8E5buXrBWsklcrcYme7PTJIz/view?usp=sharing

[v8mgb]

Here is an article on the top 20 things to buy from Harbor Freight.  It's where I get my nitrial gloves from.  

https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/20-things-diyers-should-always-buy-at-harbor-freight/amp/

[MGBV8]

Lifts for 8' ceiling garages (like mine).

Triumph C7000

https://nationalautotools.com/products/c7000-portable-two-post-auto-lift

MaxJax

https://www.maxjaxusa.com/buy-purchase-maxjax-car-lift.html

QuickJack

https://www.quickjack.com/car-lift-systems.html

Kwik-Lift

https://www.kwik-lift.com/

EZcarlift

http://ezcarlift.com/ezcarlift_productinfo.html

[RMO 699F]

Very interesting Jim!

[v8mgb]

Has anyone converted there T12 florescent shop lights to LED?  Wondering what the best approach is.  A quick cost comparison shows the link below is the lowest cost per lumen vs installing LED lights into my existing florescent fixtures.

https://www.amazon.com/Barrina-Integrated-Fixture-Utility-Electric/dp/B01HBT3BVM/ref=sr_1_5?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1539372568&sr=1-5&keywords=led+shop+lights

[BlownMGB-V8]

Jim, those are good lights and that is a very good price. I have installed them in the house as indirect lighting and in the tin carport which is being set up for paint work. Considering them for the main shop as well. They daisy chain nicely. I had one bad out of 18 and it was easy to repair.

Easy to install. Mount 2 clips with screws. then clip and plug in.

Jim

[v8mgb]

Thanks Jim.  I think I will do the 8 pack.

[MGBV8]

6500K  is likely going to have a blueish tint.

[BlownMGB-V8]

They should be available in warm white.

Jim

[MGBV8]

4000K is better, IMO.

[v8mgb]

More research,  Another way to convert a standard florcent light fixture is to use "ballast bypass" bulbs.  Basically  the ballast is taken out of  the circuit and the neutral and hot wires are connected to terminals on one end of the bulb.  Need to make sure the socket you wire up to hot and neutral is not shunted.  This appears to be the lowest cost with 4' bulbs as low as $5 each.  

For the garage I will most likely use the solution from Amazon.  For a large room like the garage I would like to spread the light sources out.  For my basebent shop I think I will probably use ballast bypass bulbs and reuse the existing fixtures.  Prices for LED's will most likely continue to drop.

[Scott Costanzo]

Here are a couple of tools I inherited from my father-in-law that I think are really useful. This first picture shows a floor rinsing tool. You use it with a hose and it has nozzles that spray down and in a concentrated area so you can get close to things you aren't moving without getting them and the walls wet.




This next one is a made in the USA Rubbermaid dust pan from the 60s. I'm sure there are good ones out there still but I haven't run across them. When you sweep stuff into this thing, very little of the dust goes under it so it makes the job so much easier....I like it. By the looks of my floor I need to use both of them soon!

[Charles]

Jim, good idea, I was going to think of it later but you beat me to it.

I have purchased a new air compressor, so quiet you can stand next to the compressor and talk normal.

This thing is "morgue at 3 am" quiet.

I think it is the one supplied by California Air, I got mine at HD.

I don't work for either or gain from either.
charles

[v8mgb]

A quiet compressor would be nice!  I have a loud one.

[88v8]

Especially useful for cleaning the underside, rust proofing, suchlike messy things one doesn't want to do in the garage, this giant jack
https://newatlas.com/its-a-jack-tilts-cars/58404/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2019-02-11%20093205%20Other%20Daily%20Basic%202019-02-11%20093710%20Toyota%20heads%20for%20the%20hills%20with%20RAV4%20TRD%20Off-Road&utm_content=2019-02-11%20093205%20Other%20Daily%20Basic%202019-02-11%20093710%20Toyota%20heads%20for%20the%20hills%20with%20RAV4%20TRD%20Off-Road+CID_b524cde40dde2e23810d5dc803f0c765&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=Read%20more

Just watch out for oil escaping from the engine, that wouldn't be so funny.
$1,000 if you're brave right now, on Kickstarter.


Ivor

[v8mgb]

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database

Love or hate the HF its all about the coupon.  This is a link to searchable database and allows you to search for the item your interested in pull up a picture of the coupon on your phone.  It also has all the coupons for the free stuff   My local HF accepts a picture of the coupon.  Put the link on your phone and your set.  

http://www.hfqpdb.com/newest_coupons

[kstevusa]

This type of flex 24" long hose clamp tool is great for hard to get to  none geared clamps.  There are opposing schools of thought regarding geared vs spring pressure clamps.   Geared has sub categories( std. and full circle EFI).  Spring clamps are said to hold a constant pressure as the rubber softens and not require re-tightening. At least that is Jaguars position.  :-)

E-Bay seller listing, no affiliation

Picture Information
24-034-inch-Long-Reach-Flexible-Hose-Clamp-Pliers-Locking-Tool-Fuel-Oil-Water-Hose

    24-034-inch-Long-Reach-Flexible-Hose-Clamp-Pliers-Locking-Tool-Fuel-Oil-Water-Hose
    24-034-inch-Long-Reach-Flexible-Hose-Clamp-Pliers-Locking-Tool-Fuel-Oil-Water-Hose
    24-034-inch-Long-Reach-Flexible-Hose-Clamp-Pliers-Locking-Tool-Fuel-Oil-Water-Hose
    24-034-inch-Long-Reach-Flexible-Hose-Clamp-Pliers-Locking-Tool-Fuel-Oil-Water-Hose
    24-034-inch-Long-Reach-Flexible-Hose-Clamp-Pliers-Locking-Tool-Fuel-Oil-Water-Hose

Details about  24" inch Long Reach Flexible Hose Clamp Pliers Locking Tool Fuel Oil Water Hose

[rficalora]

Here's a cool tool I recently got.  $15 on Amazon - it's effectively a bore scope that uses your phone for the display & can snap pics &/or capture video.  I haven't used it on the car yet, but will capture some video when I do.  I did use it to figure out what was behind a section of wall & it worked great for that.

You have to have a newer phone. The link below is the one I got; it works with Android phones that have a USB-C connector.  I've also seen versions that work with newer iPhones.

https://www.amazon.com/USB-Borescope-Endoscope-Android-Inspection/dp/B074KXB3JM/ref=asc_df_B074KXB3JM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198103677721&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14765367206890014819&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027682&hvtargid=pla-371040107488&psc=1


3/17/19 - Thought I'd post an update on this thing.  It can be a bit hard to manuver but once you get the hang of it, it works reasonably well.  I needed to figure out if my trans to bell housing bolts had nuts or went into threaded holes.  I was able to see all four bolts pretty well.  Here's a sample pic showing the resolution...

[v8mgb]

I upgraded the garage lights to LED finally.  Purchased these from Amazon.  Good reviews, these are the  lowest cost per lumen and I like that the light can be spread out vs being concentrated in one area like a typical florescent fixture.  

I purchased two sets (12 lights) I have 3 lights on both sides and three down the center and a row of three across the front.  

One additional advantage of LED lights in the garage is they are not effected my cold temperatures.  

There are several color temperatures available, I went with the 6500K which that call daylight.  The color temperature is good.

Its a very easy install.  I did need to purchase drywall anchors.  

https://www.amazon.com/Barrina-Integrated-Fixture-Utility-Electric/dp/B01HBT3BVM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3TQIPWL43MFDY&keywords=led+shop+lights+for+garage&qid=1553528070&s=gateway&sprefix=led+shop%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-3

[BlownMGB-V8]

The prices go up and down on those. I used them in my carport/shed/paint booth and they put out a lot of light. Very happy with them, I bought the warm white.

Jim

[MGBV8]

I use  6500K on my planted aquarium.  I have them in the garage, as well.  I find them a bit harsh & blue.  I will step back to 5000K next time.  I had to drop to less than that in the house.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Had to? Dropped back? It's a color choice isn't it?

Jim

[MGBV8]

My eyes didn't really like it.  Probably why you chose warm white.

[Dan B]

6.5K is brighter than daylight.  Typical TV studio lighting is 3200K, Daylight film used to be made for 5700K (do they make film anymore?) I think fluorescents are around 5K.  Filters we used to correct were blue for daylight, amber for studio (tungsten) and kind of green for fluorescent. I did a shoot one time where we actually gelled a window to get the right color temperature to match TV lights we had set up in a living room.  Newer cameras digitally correct color, so it is no longer as critical as it used to be.
I just bought some recessed retrofit cans from Superbrightleds to put in bedrooms at 4K. Side by side with a 3k, they look white.  I also have those lights Jim and Jim were talking about in my pavilion.. It will be a garage someday.

[MGBV8]

6.5K is brighter than daylight

My underwater aquarium plants love it.