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I prefer a pit over a lift. One guy pulling an engine is much easier with a pit. Of course, you need a hoist on a beam or trolley, not a cherry picker, but I prefer that also. A cherry picker is a good way to screw up paint and fiberglass.
Lots of great stuff, including the vice grips, but the one I don't have and wish I did, is the two post lift. There are so many times I want to check something under the car but it's such a pain in the *** to put it up on stands for a 10 minute look.
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Dozens of tools have earned their keep with me. In this avocation, tools are equal to or greater than the value of skill and experience. As an amateur with a good tool selection I can get jobs done, but a pro with only a few basic items would struggle. I have learned as I get older that, when it comes to tools, quality is the only way to go. Cheap tools eventually let you down. I have quality tools that I have had for 40 years.
I would have to say, though, that the coolest tool I have is one of the newest and by far the most expensive:
Air Compressor would have to rank right at the top. I use my 3/8 drive socket set more than any other, so that's a close second. I don't go into the garage without turning on the stereo, the first one I ever bought about 25 years ago, and as said before the beer fridge. The floor jack and jack stands are a given also as said before. If I had a lift it would be an easy first place.
Everyone has pointed out the obvious compressor and tools, hand tools, bench machines etc. But, I have rebuilt my vette from the ground up and it seems that from taking it apart to repairing, rebuilding, and now putting on a new front clip, wireing and everything in between, I have always had in my hand or am walking to one of these:
25 year old craftsman workmate portable table
safety glasses
small LED inspection light
telescoping mirror
bench vise
foam pad for kneeling
pencil and paper
most important and always have close by
FAN (THIS IS FLORIDA)
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