Car Blog » DIY Tools

Black & Decker Cool Tool

kevin — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:43:07 +0000

It’s time to start ripping apart my latest project so what better time to test the newest tool from B&D. Will report back when I have some panels off and I see how the tool performs.

Well I guess I should make the disclaimer first, Black & Decker was kind enough to supply me with the new Ready Wrench for me to evaluate. You can buy one at Ace Hardware stores and many other places for around $30.

I like the idea of the tool, and the tool seems to be very well built. The idea is to carry one tool that fits a variety of sizes. (Metric/SAE) However, my first thought was that the wrench would slip when putting any torque on a bolt, due to the rotating head design. I must say I was surprised when I turned the wrench for the first time on a rusted bolt on the old 1954 Ford Panel truck. It did not slip and loosened the bolt with ease.

Since the tool is designed to fit metric and SAE nuts and bolts, it fits loose on SAE fasteners, so if you have a rusted or slightly worn nut, it won’t grab it like it should. This is the compromise with this tool, and many others that claim to fit metric and SAE fasteners.

The other issue I have with this tool, is the size of the head. It does not allow you easy access to nuts and bolts if they are buried, or have something close by to get in the way. I ran into this when taking the back doors off of the truck. I had to grab another regular wrench to finish the job.

So as with anything in life, it’s a compromise. If you have newer nuts and bolts, out in the open this wrench may be worth it. But if you are working on something old and rusted, get a good set of dedicated sized wrenches.

Give me a Brake !

kevin — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 13:46:08 +0000

The worst thing when working on your brakes, is not having the right tool. When changing brake lines or hoses, the proper wrench will save you a ton of time and frustration. Special line wrenches are designed to put the most amount of force to the fitting without slipping off. Anyone who has tried to remove a rusty brake line with a regular wrench knows that the wrench slips off way too easy and rounds off the fitting.

Here is a picture of a line wrench…

I usually advise people to buy cheaper tools if they are just a shade tree mechanic, but in this case, buy the best. Cheap line wrenches do not work, and will bend or round off the fitting before cracking it loose. Buy a snap-on, MAC or Craftsman set and good luck.

Kevin

P.S. Remember to use plenty of penetrating lubricant on the fittings before you try to remove the fitting. I use PB Blaster, or Kroil.

Where do you shop online for tools?

kevin — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 14:14:47 +0000

Don’t want to spend tons of money on tools, just to change your oil or do some minor repairs. Snap-On and MAC tools are great for professional mechanics, but expensive for a shade tree mechanic. I usually recommend people buy Craftsman tools if they plan on doing a lot of work on their own vehicle. Craftsman tools are the best quality tools for the money, and include a lifetime guarantee. Shop online at www.sears.com

If you are doing minor repairs or are on a budget, consider tools from Harbor Freight www.harborfreight.com which also generally have a lifetime warranty but are made overseas and not of the quality of Craftsman tools.

No matter what tools you buy, keep them clean and organized and they will reward you with a long useful life.