My all-time best tool is the Dewalt 18 volt cordless impact wrench. The model number is DW057.

I use it everyday as an industrial mechanic. After a while, I was so impressed with its performance, that I got another one to use at home and to take to the races (I race motorcycles – flat track).

The DW057 impact wrench is a little pricey, but after you use one for a while, you’ll agree that it is worth the cost.

The combination of size and power is what I like most about it. The cordless impact wrench that I was using prior to the Dewalt is a 12 volt Makita. It is larger and has less power than the Dewalt.

The Dewalt is a compact tool that is very powerful, producing about 130 ft.lbs of torque. It is the same size as their impact driver. It has a 1/2 drive with a pin retainer, which keep sockets held tightly to the tool. I keep a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter on mine and normally use it with 3/8 sockets from size 19 mm and smaller.

The Dewalt impact wrench has the power to loosen nuts or bolts up to size 19 mm. and because of it’s variable speed control, you are able to work on smaller fasteners without worrying about “twisting them off”.

This variable speed control is another feature that I like and now, require. I rebuild a lot of motorcycle engines. These engines have quite a few 5 and 6 mm Allen screws. In the past, I would use a 3/8 drive air driven, butterfly, impact wrench to take them apart, but during assembly, I always installed them by hand. This was mainly because motorcycle cases are aluminum and I couldn’t feel or control the pneumatic impact wrench.

This is no longer a problem. With the Dewalt, I have so much feel and control that I’m not intimidated to use it for assembling engines.

I plan to turn wrenches for many more years and I may come across a better tool, but as of now, my favorite tool is the Dewalt 18 volt cordless impact wrench.

I know this sounds obvious, but I am continuously amazed by the mechanics and electricians who will grab a pair of pliers instead of choosing the correct socket or wrench that should be used for that particular job. My guess is that they do this to save time, but:

• this usually ends up taking longer
• by not using the proper tool for the job, they will probably damage the fastener which will result in the “next” repair taking additional time
• this is not safe (pliers could slip and injure the craftsman)
• using the incorrect tool may not tighten the fastener to the proper torque setting, which results in “come-backs” and “do-overs”

In general, if room and application permits, you should use a six point socket and ratchet. Your next best choice would be a combination wrench using the box end, if possible. The reason for this is simple - “the more contact points you have, the less chance there is of damaging the fastener”.

Or your knuckles when those pliers slip.

While on this subject, I’d like to point out a few things about adjustable wrenches. Personally I don’t like them, but I do feel they have there place, such as when space is at a premium - like in an emergency tool kit or when traveling.

As with all tools, quality really counts, but even more so with adjustable wrenches:

• look for solid construction
• make sure that the adjuster and jaw to have very little play but still move freely through out the entire range of motion

Also many people don’t realize that there is a right and wrong way to put an adjustable wrench on a fastener. The movable jaw should go on the side of the direction rotation. That is if tightening it will be on the left, if loosening it will be on the right.

• mechanics
• electricians
• welders
• auto-body technicians
• appliance repairmen
• carpenters
• plumbers
• and much more.

We work long hours, in all kinds of weather, for people who seldom take the time to realize what it takes to be a craftsman.

1. Being a “skilled” craftsman requires a high level of intelligence.

People assume that because we work with our hands, we must be less intelligent than people who work in more formal professions. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Every craft-related profession requires both a better than average understanding of mathematics as well as the understanding of how to apply it (math) in “real-world” situations. From basic math functions to algebra to trigonometry – we use it every day.

• Plumbers need to determine how much “fall” or “drop” a waste line needs for a certain length of pipe so that the waste will migrate to the septic system and not cause your house to stink.
• Carpenters need to be able to “layout” a set of stairs or rafters in minutes.
• Auto-body technicians must be able to work with ratios so that the paint going on your car will last.
• Electricians must be able to calculate resistances, amperage and voltage.

Every craftsman, no matter what field his craft is in, must be good in math. Not only that, they must be able to make their calculations quickly and accurately because time is money.

2. Being a “skilled” craftsman requires great spatial vision.

This is the ability to imagine in three dimensions – the ability to take a two-dimensional drawing and in his mind, convert it to a 3–D image.

The craftsman must be able to take a drawing and in his mind

• work out all the possible contingencies
• make mental alterations
• provide possible suggestions to foreseen problems
• explain why something will not fit or work as drawn
• see how the project will progress, once it is started

When the architect or engineer gives us his blueprint, we see this blueprint as a suggestion rather than a recipe. It is a place to start. We evaluate it and then figure out how to make it work.

It’s all spatial vision and without it, nothing can be built.

3. A craftsman must be patient.

People change their minds – regularly – usually halfway through a project. This is frustrating to the craftsman, because no matter how small the change, it will probably cost (the craftsman) money. But we are patient.

Sometimes a customer will want a project done “his” or “her” way. The “patient” craftsman will explain why this is not such a good idea, but the client says to do it anyway.

Guess what! It doesn’t work or doesn’t look quite right or something. Yes, patience is a necessity, because it will take all of your patience to explain to the client why doing the job over (and as you originally suggested) is going to cost more money.

These “traits” are just the tip of the iceberg, but the point is that a “skilled” craftsman is just that – SKILLED!

Because there are always a wide variety of repairs that must be done, there are usually quite a few trips back and forth. And you never seem to get or remember everything that you need, thus more trips.

When we start these projects, there is seldom any power installed or activated yet, so we rely almost exclusively on generators to provide power or our handy cordless tools.

LOYAL DEWALT FAN
I am and have been a Dewalt fan for years. I like both their corded and cordless tools. So, all of my cordless tools were of the Dewalt 18 volt variety. However, other tool manufacturers have started making claims of how great their tools are. Yet, I held fast, not because I was completely sold out to Dewalt, but the reality is, that I have so much money invested in Dewalt cordless 18 volt tools.

All of my cordless tools use the same 18 volt battery, which is one of the reasons that I have not stepped up to Dewalt’s new 24 volt or 36 volt tools.

RIGID CLAIMS DRAW ATTENION
Enter Rigid. When Rigid came out with their new lifetime warranty, which includes parts, service and batteries, I wanted to switch badly. If you’ve had to purchase any Dewalt 18 volt batteries, then you know how I felt. But it’s hard to justify buying a new Rigid drill that costs between $250 – $300 and not being able to interchange it’s batteries in any of your other tools. Plus, I already had two or three Dewalt drills, so I just refused to change over.

Then one day I needed a reciprocating saw. I had a corded one, but no power source, so I made up my mind to purchase a cordless one. It was still going to have to be a Dewalt model, because of the battery interchange issue. The problem was that I could not find one that was sold as a “stand alone” item. The only way that I could find the Dewalt cordless reciprocating saw was in a kit.

I did not need or want a whole kit for just the reciprocating saw, so I started looking at the Rigid tools. Same problem. The only way that Rigid offered the reciprocating saw was in a kit. At least that was all that I could find at HOME DEPOT and LOWE’S. So, I refused to buy once again.

Then, after hearing quite a few good things about the new impact drivers, I decided to buy one. It would have to be a Dewalt model because of the whole battery issue. But, I ran into the same “only in a kit” problem. I couldn’t find a “stand alone” model to buy at either LOWE’S or HOME DEPOT.

THE BIG SWITCH
That’s when I decided to “bite the bullet” and buy a Rigid 18 volt kit. It came with a drill, a reciprocating saw, an impact driver, a circular saw and a flashlight. Total price of around $450. Plus, it came with two batteries and a twin charger, which will charge both batteries in less than half the time it takes to charge one Dewalt battery.

I have been thrilled with the performance of the Rigid tools. If I decide to go with Rigid’s 24 volt tools – guess what – my 18 volt batteries will work in them. What a concept. In my opinion, Rigid is paying attention to what craftsmen want and expect.

If you don’t have any cordless tools or only a few cordless tools, then I would recommend strongly that you go with Rigid for the quality, performance, cost (only slightly less than Dewalt’s) and the warranty (replacement parts, labor and batteries for life).

I nervously stand and as I look around the large auditorium, I see faces. Some are known to me, many are not. Gathering all the courage I possess, I announce, “Hi, my name is Chris and I’m a toolaholic!

You may know me or someone like me. We live in your neighborhood, maybe even on your street. We might be your coworker, cousin, neighbor or friend.

It starts innocently enough, but before you know it, you are obsessed with tools. Are you a “toolaholic”? Answering the following questions may help you find out.

1. Do you eagerly await the annual Sears tool catalog?
2. Does every errand that you run, involve stopping by Sears, Lowe’s or Home Depot for a quick look through their tool department?
3. Do you peruse the classifieds regularly just in case someone is selling something that you “might” need?
4. Have you ever bought a tool that you already owned because, “it was too good of a deal to pass up”?
5. Do the guys at the local pawnshop know you by your first name?
6. Does the local pawnshop have a number to reach you in case “something interesting turns up”?
7. Have you ever taken on a project that you didn’t really want to do, but did anyway because it involved the purchase of a new tool?
8. Does or can your wife bribe you with the promise of a new tool?
9. Do you cruise flea markets looking for “good used tools”?
10. Have you ever taped an episode of “This Old House“, “The New Yankee Workshop“, “The Woodwright Shop“, or “Tools & Techniques“?
11. Do you “collect” old (your term is “antique”) tools?
12. Do you have a secret “tool fund” in case you run across a “great buy”?
13. Do you have an itemized list of your tools with accompanying pictures for insurance purchases?

If you are like me, then a number of these questions hit close to home. However, the one that you should take seriously is #13. If you have more than a very minor investment in your tools, please make the time to go through your shop or garage to photograph and list all your tools. This information will be priceless to you if your home or garage catches fire or if someone breaks in and steals your tools. You might have fantastic insurance, but insurance companies seldom pay claims on items that you cannot prove were there to begin with.

Lawn tractor improves efficiency!

How did I get here? Our home is on a 1.5 acre lot, which we first maintained with a push mower and could be cut in about 3 hours. To me this was entirely too much time to spend walking back and forth across the yard, so when funds became available, we purchased a Craftsman 42” cut lawn tractor. This upgrade allowed me to cut my grass in 1 hour, start to finish.

Now that I had some extra time I started helping out my aunt, who I felt was being over charged by her lawn service. I told her I could do it for less so she gave me the job. This fit right in for me, because I could never turn down an opportunity for a little extra income.

48 inch zero-turn increases my productivity.

The only problem was that now I was spending one of my days off cutting grass. So I starting looking for ways to get done faster. My answer to this was a John Deere zero-turn mower with a 48” deck. Talk about a time saver. The time required to cut my yard went down to 40 minutes and my Aunts 4 acres took only an hour and a half. This was great, from start to finish including loading, unloading, travel time and gas stops, all of my yard work was done in less than 5 hours.

Money from heaven.

All was going well. Then while stopped for fuel, I was approached by a gentleman who asked me if I would give him an estimate tor mowing his lawn. He said that he was not happy with the quality of his present lawn service. I told him that I didn’t cut grass for a living (it’s just money from heaven), but I would be glad to give him a price. As I mentioned, it’s hard for me to turn down an opportunity for a little extra income. We agreed on a price and after I finished his initial lawn-cutting, he complimented me on my work and said he just couldn’t believe how good it looked.

This process repeated it self several times at the gas station plus referrals from satisfied customers brought in even more “opportunities”, until I had more than I could do. Again I started thinking of ways to become more efficient. One area that came to my mind was staging:

• loading and unloading all my tools
• setting up ramps for mowers
• traveling back and forth with rakes, shovels, trimmers, edgers gas cans etc.
• preparing everything to fit just right into my 5×7 utility trailer

Dedicated lawn trailer provides the necessary storage efficiency.

The answer was a dedicated lawn equipment trailer, a 7×18 drop gate with racks and a tool box. This set up provides storage, security and transportation all in one. No more loading and unloading at home - you’re always ready to go. It was unbelievable the amount of time this saved.

I need a bagger.

Now with a variety of customers, I have a whole new set of circumstances to address. One of the biggest issues was grass removal. Many customers wanted the grass clippings removed which I had not prepared to do. I didn’t’ have a bagger and raking took way too much time. The answer this time was a Snapper self propelled walk behind with a bag. This turned out to be great for small yards but the bag filled to fast when in thick grass.

My next option was a bagger for my John Deere. This set up worked well for about a year when I noticed a small hole in the top of the blower housing. I thought to myself this can’t be, but it was. After only 13 months of use, the entire housing was completely worn out. I immediately called the dealer only to find out that the warranty was 1 year and it would not be covered. The cost of a new housing was too much to justify for a 1 year service life so I started researching other options.

Walker front to the rescue.

A new mower designed for grass pick up was next. I started paying close attention to what the pros were using and I noticed that the majority had 2 mowers:

• a mid-mount of varying brands
• a Walker front mount

After doing my homework I see why. The Walker is one of the finest engineered products I have ever seen. I was amazed at the attention to detail in the design and the quality of workmanship.

The first time I used my Walker was on a yard I had been cutting with my walk behind in an hour, with the Walker I was finished in 20 minutes.

As far as a mid mount, they are hard to beat in wide open areas or rough terrain, but when in tight areas or on finely manicured lawn you just can’t beat the maneuverability and quality of provided by a Walker.

That’s been my journey to the lawn care business: if any of you have any questions or comments I would love to hear them. Leave us a comment or contact us a my-toolguys@my-tool.info.

Someone asked me this question the other day and at first I thought that I knew the answer, but it wasn’t that simple. I am involved in a number of different projects and crafts and I’ve come to realize that my favorite tool is dependent on what I am doing.

Right now, I am using this computer as a tool to publish this article/post. I could be writing it in the text editor provided by WordPress, but I’m not. I am using a blogging text editor named BlogJet. It’s great and I like it. I don’t use it all the time, but most of the time.

Back in the day (about 20 years ago) I had a mobile touch-up business that involved quite a bit of minor paint and body work. For that kind of work, my favorite tools were a turbine HVLP painting system. It:

• provided excellent service
• was economical
• was compact and could easily fit in my van

I was also very partial to a Makita variable speed buffer. In fact, I backed over it with my van one time and it kept right on going. One of my all-time best buys.

Around the same time, I was also doing a bit of custom paint work and I wanted the best spray gun available. I purchased a Mateson HVLP spray gun at a cost of $600.00. Costly, but worth every penny. I’ve still got it by the way. I just don’t paint anymore.

Woodworking is my great passion now and there are some really great tools out there. It all depends on what you can afford.

I really like the Japanese hand saws (not the custom made ones – much too high for me) and the Japanese chisels. They are a pleasure to use and stay sharp for a long time.

I also am quite fond of my Veritas low angle, bevel up plane. It is outstanding.

I also have a few tools and jigs that I have made over the years that I am quite fond of.

But my all-time favorites are two Bedrock hand planes that I found – cheap. I found a #603 in an antique store that cost me $12.00. I cleaned it up and it works like a dream. I also found a #605 at a flea market for $15.00 – another steal and again, a great tool.

What is your best tool? Click on the comments and let us know. We want to hear from you craftsmen and women.

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• wrenches, ratchets and screwdrivers
• hammers and saws
• tables saws, routers, planers and jointers
• digital meters, oscilloscopes, wire cutters and wire strippers

…but, I doubt that anyone will ever mention the humble flashlight. That’s right, the flashlight is a tool and in some instances, it is a must-have tool.

I have a background as an industrial mechanic and believe me, there are times when a good, high-quality, reliable and powerful flashlight are needed. Try climbing to the top of a cooling tower in the middle of the night, during the dead of winter and discovering that no one has checked or replaced the burned out/broken light bulbs that provide the only light that you’ve got to work by.

You’ve got two choices:

1. Climb all the way back down, go to the store-room, get new bulbs and hope there is not another problem that is causing the “no-lights” issue. All the while, you’ve got management screaming that “production is going to go down, if we don’t get that cooling tower back up soon.”
2. You can flip out your trusty flashlight and get to work.

I can hear some of you right now saying, “a flashlight just is not going to cut it”. In the past, you would be right. But not anymore. There are a couple of brands out there that provide exceptional lighting power.

STREAMLIGHT FLASHLIGHTS

This company makes a number of different styles of flashlights and they are not cheap (cost or construction). This is one of the brands that I have used and currently own ( the Streamlight Ultra Stinger). Let me state up front – they are worth every penny! Streamlight offers:

• different sizes
• different strengths
• different styles
• re-chargeable flashlights
• disposable battery powered flashlights
• LED and incandescent versions

I have used these flashlights and they are POWERFUL and RELIABLE.

INOVA FLASHLIGHTS

This company also offers a wide variety of flashlight options and I currently own a T series flashlight that I use on my farm. It is very powerful and maintains a charge quite well, which comes in handy if you are trying to repair a well-pump in a dark well house or if you are trying to find a newborn foal in the middle of the night.

Like Streamlight, INOVA offers a variety of sizes and styles.

Working in dark conditions requires excellent lighting

If you do any work in less than ideal lighting, then you need to check into these two flashlight brands. They are powerful, durable and long-lasting. Cost is about the same. I highly recommend either brand.

Just so you know, both manufacturers offer chargers for your auto/truck so you can take them with you on a trip. You know – in case you have a flat tire or a bad thermostat while traveling at night.

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?

We look forward to hearing your comments, questions and suggestions. Come on, take the gloves off and let us know how you feel.

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Roller bearing drawers are a highly advertised feature and are fairly common in today’s tool storage market. While I believe that roller bearings can potentially increase the life of a tool box, proper care of slide drawers can also provide a long enjoyable relationship between you and your tool box. (Anyone who doesn’t understand the use of the word “relationship” when discussing a craftsman and his tools should probably stop reading now and go catch up on your soaps.)

Proper tool box care results in long-term reliability

I received a Craftsman 5 drawer bottom chest and 7 drawer top chest in December 1992. They both have the cheaper slides instead of bearings. I was 19 years old and thought that I wanted to be an automotive technician. Now, 15 years and a couple of career changes later, I still have those same boxes full of tools.

They have traveled with me to jobs in Opelika, AL; West Point, GA; Auburn, AL; Saint Augustine, FL; back to Auburn, AL; and now reside in Beulah, AL for home use. All of the drawers still operate smoothly with none sagging or falling out. This is due to proper care of the moving components.

Proper care means proper lubrication

Lubrication is obviously a key factor, but more important is clean lubrication. I clean and lubricate each drawer slide annually. Here are the basics:

• First, I prefer to complete this process for one drawer before moving on to the next. This helps keep the contents of the drawers from getting mixed up.
• Remove all tools from the drawer.
• Remove the drawer from the box. Normally, with the drawer fully extended, there will be a spring clip that must be removed or a tab that must be bent in to allow the drawer to be removed. One part of the slide will remain fixed to the sides of the drawer while the other part of the slide will remain inside of the body of the box.
• Thoroughly clean all slide components.
• Inspect all slide components for nicks or burrs. These can be removed with a small piece of emery cloth. If repairs are made the slides will need to be cleaned again before moving on.
• Apply new grease to slides.
• Reinstall the drawer.

With all of the lubricants available today the “proper” one to use could be debated for hours. I say do your own research and go with what you’re comfortable with. I use white lithium grease on my slides. No major scientific study here, that was what I had available the first time and it seems to be working great. 15 years and I have never replaced any slides and none are severely worn. That says more to me than any vendor’s ad could say.

The Bottom Line

So whether you have ball bearing drawers or slide drawers, the service you receive from them will only be as good as the care you put into them.

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My parents tell a story of walking into our bathroom just in time to witness me, as a toddler, shattering the bottom out of the toilet with a hammer. We have pictures of me around age 3 or 4 on scaffolds with a trowel helping my grandfather lay the block that would become an addition onto his small country store. I guess you could say I got an early start.

Craftsmanship is in my blood

My grandfather was a carpenter and had a small construction business. Nothing like the huge contractors of today, the only thing he would sub out was masonry work. After the foundation was in place the same crew who built the floors and stood the walls also laid the shingles.

I became an asset

While I considered myself working with him since I was a toddler, I actually went from liability to asset at around age 12. I worked weekends and summers with him until I was 17. I gained knowledge and skills during that time that can’t be taught in any way other than through experience.

My dad has skills, too

My father also enjoys woodworking. He has a day job that has nothing to do with woodworking, but he has a well equipped shop at home with the tools to tackle most any project. He built the house that my 3 younger siblings and I grew up in. He, my mom, and my niece still live there today. As far back as I can remember he has had some kind of project to work on in his spare time.

Third generation craftsman in the making

I am now building a house for my family. I have a wife, 7 year old daughter, and 6 year old son. Anytime I am working on our house my son wants to be right there with me. He has always had a natural interest in construction and mechanics. One day he was with me while I was hanging drywall in our new house. I came out of the room I was working in to find that he had been hanging drywall as well. In most every room there was a scrap of drywall with one half-driven nail holding it to a stud. I congratulated him for being such a great helper.

A few years ago I built a toy box for my kids as a Christmas present. My son was around 20 months old at the time. I installed frictional hinges that hold in any position to prevent smashed fingers. Shortly after putting the toy box in their room I came in to find my son sitting it with a Phillips screwdriver, one of the hinges disassembled, and the parts scattered all around him. I was so proud I tear up just thinking about it.

My daughter has skills

My daughter is an awesome helper as well. She has been there to help hold boards, sand drywall, be a go-fer, and help clean up after a job. She has recently been helping my wife paint the walls in her bedroom. She has become very proficient with a paint roller, no drips or runs!

Your craftsmanship skills are your legacy

I have shared these stories because I believe that a craftsman is not something you become, but it’s something that you are. It’s something that starts small and grows. It’s something that is honed through life’s experiences. It is something that is handed down through the generations. Don’t let it stop with your generation. The next time you need a bookshelf don’t go buy a prefab, imported, particle board kit that “requires no tools!” Instead, go pick up some lumber and get to work. When your son, daughter, niece, nephew, or a neighborhood kid asks you 100 questions about what you are doing…answer them. Allow them to help. Start passing your skills on to the next generation of American Craftsmen.