Best tool(s) you've ever bought?

[crofty1984]

What is the bit of kit that you've always found comes in handy? Sets and kits of things are allowed.

I'm going to say my Halfords portable tool kit. Comes in a little briefcase thing and has all the basics. I've used it on everything from classics, racing cars, bikes, boats and toilets. It's about 8 years old now, the hinges are going and the quality isn't top-of-the-range (but perfectly adequate for my needs) but it's still going strong! Best hundred quid I've ever spent.

Similar to this:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

[Troubleatmill]

Edge Pro Apex.

http://www.edgeproinc.com/Apex-Model-Edge-Pro-Syst...

[ezi]

Trolley jack and axle stands.

[soda]

Little telescopic magnet has come in handy for me on many occasions of dropped bolts/washers

[jamiem555]

My Snap On ratchet screwdriver. Had it over 20 years, still works great.

[steveo3002]

jamiem555 said:

My Snap On ratchet screwdriver. Had it over 20 years, still works great.

yeah its prob one of the tools ive used most , mines about 23 years old

irwin bolt grippers are something else im glad off when theyre needed

[Jasandjules]

This is fun to play with..Especially if you want a bit of wood cut.

[Herman Toothrot]

Brake cylinder rewind tool, paid for itself so many times over I have lost count.

[Warw1ckHunt]

Cheap and nasty B&Q own brand cordless drill/screwdriver.

Came in a case with 100s of torx bits, hex bits, phillips bits and so on.

Battery seems to hold charge for longer than I've seen on far more expensive drills.

Had it over 10 years, it's helped put together countless flat packs, fences, beds, drilled into brick walls, you name it - nothing seems to phase it.

[MrsThatcher]

Most used tools - Halfords 30 piece socket:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

I keep coming back to using it.. I have 2 other socket sets but both don't get used much due to the size of them.

Best tool related gadget - Halfords professional oil filter remover. Once I discovered it I wished I'd bought one sooner. Makes sure I keep the skin on my knuckles.

[wemorgan]

A high quality (ie. accurate) tyre pressure gauge

[Faxo]

My Irwin set of dead nut/bolt extractors

Very very rarely don't work tbh

[bga]

My bradawl is so useful, as is a Draper crosshead screwdriver that manages to work with any sized screw.

[tbc]

Bought a B&D battery screwdriver for £5 in the B&Q sale. I don't think a day goes by when i don't use it.

[MajorProblem]

A spring puller.

[Zoobeef]

Herman Toothrot said:

Brake cylinder rewind tool, paid for itself so many times over I have lost count.

For so many years ive just struggled with long nose pliers then i finally bought myself this. Can't wait to use it!
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=2...

Most used though is my halfords professional tool kit. The proper professional stuff not the current halfords advanced stuff.

[55palfers]

Stihl petrol hedge cutter.

[Rovinghawk]

soda said:

Little telescopic magnet has come in handy for me on many occasions of dropped bolts/washers

I don't care how good a mechanic you think you are- if you don't have one of these you'll wish you had.

[paintman]

My Leatherman tool. So old that the scale is in inches only. Bought at one of the Pistol Anno Domini meetings at Bisley many years ago - so long that I can't remember, but I think the 1980's - and I've carried & used it on an almost daily basis since.

[Zoobeef]

paintman said:

My Leatherman tool. So old that the scale is in inches only. Bought at one of the Pistol Anno Domini meetings at Bisley many years ago - so long that I can't remember, but I think the 1980's - and I've carried & used it on an almost daily basis since.

Good point. Leatherman core on my work belt, used everyday. I got given a new Gerber suspension but looks so delicate that I dont want to change. You can use the core as a hammer!