New tools you've bought recently?

[Shran]

My latest purchase, actually from a couple months ago was a foot pedal for my Miller TIG welder. I finally had time to try it out last night and it is really a game changer - I still need a lot of practice but now I can actually make something that looks like a bead instead of burned through holes and blobs. The torch has an arc start button and adjustable voltage but it's not in a spot that is easy to reach while welding.

After playing with it for an hour or so I dropped the torch and broke the ceramic cup so I guess I'm back to where I started

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I have been researching those nut sert rivets and tool. It would be a nice alternative to tapping threads or welding in nuts. I don't wanna go HF on this, lookin for the good one.

 

[Roert42]

I have been researching those nut sert rivets and tool. It would be a nice alternative to tapping threads or welding in nuts. I don't wanna go HF on this, lookin for the good one.

This is the one we have at work. https://www.mcmaster.com/rivet-nuts/lever-style-rivet-nut-tools-6/

Normally McMaster Carr is a bit more expensive, but when I had to buy another one a few months ago, They were the cheapest I found.

The first one lasted about 20 years, we recently had a new guy break the internal shaft for unscrewing the dowel from the nut.

Works great. We use it for when we want to be able to thread something into Sheetmetal instead of using a nut. or when we can't get to the back side like on square tube.

 

[Roert42]

My latest purchase, actually from a couple months ago was a foot pedal for my Miller TIG welder. I finally had time to try it out last night and it is really a game changer - I still need a lot of practice but now I can actually make something that looks like a bead instead of burned through holes and blobs. The torch has an arc start button and adjustable voltage but it's not in a spot that is easy to reach while welding.

After playing with it for an hour or so I dropped the torch and broke the ceramic cup so I guess I'm back to where I started

Learning to use a pedal with Tig is a game changer, being able to vary the amps on the fly make welding Sheetmetal like child's play compared to everything else. I know a couple of guys that like to diel in the amps and just leave the pedal all the way floored. Fools.

Since I only use it for sheet metal work. I prefer stick for the heavier stuff. I struggle being able to hold a close enough arc and not dip my tungsten. I think miller suggests a gap = half the thickness of the material being welded. Not so easy on 1mm thick stainless.

 

[Shran]

I have been researching those nut sert rivets and tool. It would be a nice alternative to tapping threads or welding in nuts. I don't wanna go HF on this, lookin for the good one.

The Doyle one that HF sells is pretty decent quality but I don't know if you can get other sizes of mandrels for it besides what comes in the box. Regardless, you want that style, vs the "cheap rivet gun" style... I had a "Nutter" brand rivnut tool and broke it several times trying to install steel rivnuts. Those are just not designed for that kind of leverage.

Learning to use a pedal with Tig is a game changer, being able to vary the amps on the fly make welding Sheetmetal like child's play compared to everything else. I know a couple of guys that like to diel in the amps and just leave the pedal all the way floored. Fools.

Since I only use it for sheet metal work. I prefer stick for the heavier stuff. I struggle being able to hold a close enough arc and not dip my tungsten. I think miller suggests a gap = half the thickness of the material being welded. Not so easy on 1mm thick stainless.

Yes... exactly. I have a LS-17 torch with a power button and variable voltage control but it's incredibly difficult to adjust it on the fly while trying to weld. There is just too much hand motion going on there all at once.

Mostly I wanted it for aluminum, my MIG welder has spool gun capability but the TIG welder I got ended up costing me about the same as a spool gun. And I can weld stainless too as an added bonus.

For stick I have a nice old Century AC/DC machine but I only pull it out if I'm welding on some big stuff or outside. I do have some 25' leads for it now so that will be nice, my old ones were only about 8'. I have a carbon arc torch attachment for it too in case I feel the need to blind all my neighbors.

 

[sgtsandman]

I do need to get a new rivnut tool myself. The HF one I have to a crap but it did serve it’s purpose and I got my money out of it.

Planned tool purchases are going to gardening tools like a spading fork and some other tools for breaking up dirt for bed preparation.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I like the power tool shelf...

 

[Shran]

@Uncle Gump where'd you get that shelf at? It's pretty cool.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I bought a new rivet nut tool awhile back. It's made for the steel rivet nuts. My old unit was the old rivet tool style but it would break if you didn't use the aluminum rivet nuts. I pulled a bunch of the aluminum ones with it and still have it. The aluminum nuts pull flush... I liked that for mounting things on a dash or a VW fan shroud.

 

[Uncle Gump]

It was on my Amazon wish list. The family is sorta catching on to using it.

LADECH Cordless Drill Charging Station - 8 Drill Holder - Power Tool Organizer, Wall Mount Shelf with Screwdriver and Pliers Holder - Garage Storage Organizer (8 Drill Holder) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YNPYDGP/?tag=959media-20

 

[Uncle Gump]

I will say the shelf is pretty robust. I'm sure much better the the wire versions.

 

[RumPunch]

Well I'll stir the pot. Took me a month or two to acquire all the pieces but I'm calling it a TOOL.
My reasons:
-It is meant to better things
-If used incorrectly it can cause harm/damage
-It is metal, heavy, and hard
-It is in the garage
Hey I'm happy to have it at home blow off a little steam in the afternoon.

I will throw in a few cheapies I grabbed off line with a plan for the rear window of the Bii just so this is a legit post

 

[BiggSherm1988]

I acquired a 24" pipe wrench. I have no use for it, but I have one now.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I went to Kroger last evening for some dinner stuff. Jumped out of the truck and stepped right on this 1/4 inch drive rachet. I figured I would give it a good home.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I went to Kroger last evening for some dinner stuff. Jumped out of the truck and stepped right on this 1/4 inch drive rachet. I figured I would give it a good home.

View attachment 83394

I have that exact same one, got it at autozone impulse buy rack by the counter. It is my favorite 1/4" ratchet out of many (craftsman/snap on/ matco etc)...Nice score!