Tools & equipment that are fantastic.

[Dftodd]

The person who invented the cordless impact is a genius. I have 1/4" up to 3/4 inch lithium ion. 1/4" to 1/2" are 20vlt mack tools brand (manufactured by dewalt), and the 3/4 drive is a makita 40vlt.

The mack guns take the same batteries as the 20vlt dewalts. So I can increase my tool collection and have chargers at home and work.

That 40vlt gun is one bad momma. Definitely a two hand impact unless you want to tweak your wrist.

 

[Rustyiron]

I have no consistent "need" for one, but I "want" one.

I didn't until I did, for a specific job. Got a under $20 HF corded (oscillating saw) with a throw away attitude. Sometimes I need to "jump start" it (rotate the blade) but it works and a 2 pack of Diablo blades are more expensive than the tool.
I'll agree that they are the only way possible to make cuts in certain situations.
I do have a cordless one now. A framing crew friend switched from Makita to Milwaukee for all his cordless stuff. He knew that I used Makita and gave me over a dozen tools, mostly impacts and drills but there were a few goodies also.

 

[ovrszd]

I didn't until I did, for a specific job. Got a under $20 HF corded with a throw away attitude. Sometimes I need to "jump start" it (rotate the blade) but it works and a 2 pack of Diablo blades are more expensive than the tool.
I'll agree that they are the only way possible to make cuts in certain situations.
I do have a cordless one now. A framing crew friend switched from Makita to Milwaukee for all his cordless stuff. He knew that I used Makita and gave me over a dozen tools, mostly impacts and drills but there were a few goodies also.

Great post Eric!!!

 

[ArlyA]

The person who invented the cordless impact is a genius. I have 1/4" up to 3/4 inch lithium ion. 1/4" to 1/2" are 20vlt mack tools brand (manufactured by dewalt), and the 3/4 drive is a makita 40vlt.

The mack guns take the same batteries as the 20vlt dewalts. So I can increase my tool collection and have chargers at home and work.

That 40vlt gun is one bad momma. Definitely a two hand impact unless you want to tweak your wrist.

Gee, I got a 1/2 makita a few months ago and havne't used it yet.

 

[Rockbadchild]

For me lots of tools that come in mind are construction oriented...if any framing or construction work required the investment in these tools make your life so much easier its work every penny. The 22oz feel like 12oz Dewalt hammer is the best hammer in the world in my opinion what a difference it makes, then obviously an impact drill, wireless framing nailer and a 9'' square.

 

[Yander]

Here’s another “oldie but goodie” I have used for 35 years. A house jack. Another thing dad gave me before he passed. Priceless for leveling buildings, porches, etc.
It’s probably 70 years old. Works perfect. Made of castings & steel when they were made to last a lifetime and beyond.


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I have an old bumper jack from an old car that my dad gave me which is excellent for jacking up a ZTR to clean the deck or replace blades. I do use a large block of wood as a backup but that bumper jack was lifting some really heavy autos in it's day.

 

[Rockbadchild]

If any building lifting/leveling or moving required, the best jack in the world as to be a railroad jack. My dad owns a few and they are unreal.

 

[ArlyA]

If any building lifting/leveling or moving required, the best jack in the world as to be a railroad jack. My dad owns a few and they are unreal.

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I used them when I worked in the RR. Never seen them again outside of that time.

 

[Rustyiron]

Been reading all 8 pages thinking about what I'd add to this conversation. I can't, all of my tools are fantastic for their intended purpose (beyond hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches etc.)
so the last specialized tool that's fantastic that I happened to need/use is my nutsetter or "rivnuts", it's a cousin to a pop rivet but it crimps in a threaded insert to accept a bolt. Don't use it often, but when I do....
The past few days it's been very handy.
Last week it was my Edward's ironworker and the Hossfeld bender.

 

[mikester]

I really like my Hypertherm plasma cutter, I rarely use my acetylene torch these days. Now I need a wet cutting table or a dust collection system....