What Is The Most Useful Tool You Own?

[Russianwolf]

chisels. I rarely use screws anymore so I'm always misplacing my screwdrivers, my chisels are used for most of what you guys do with your flat blades, but they are used for making good mortise and tennons too.

[leehljp]

I can't remember the last time I used a flat screwdriver. I don't like the way it bends stuck paint lids. Along this line - I don't have a single utility tool like that anymore. More specialized/specific tool for the job, even small ones - for me. I have come to grips with the fact that all-in-one tools (with one exception - the Fein), are not for me. Jobs come out best for me when I use the best tool for the job.

Closest thing for me would be 4 Categories:
Specialized: I love the Ryobi One+ light. I have used that more in the last three years than I have used flashlights in total in the previous 10 years. Before the Ryobi light, I use hooded/trouble and corded lights.

Versatility: The Fein Multimaster. I don't use it much but it sure has been handy for the widest variety of uses with professional looking results - no dust in grout removal, SQUARE cuts for wall outlets, door jamb flush cuts, cast removal, great in sanding in tight corners.

Most Used: I use the Ryobi 18 V Impact driver more than any of my tools.

AS a Non-Electrical Tool - Home Depot RIGHT HANDED HAMMER. HD used to offer hammers with grips for right hand and left hand. I enjoy the feel of that hammer more than any other.

[chopnhack]

...brain...its gotten me into and out of a jam many a times. Also helps me find all those others tools

[crokett]

I can't remember the last time I used a flat screwdriver. I don't like the way it bends stuck paint lids..

Now here's the thing. I am forever misplacing the paint can openers you get from the store. But I always know where my flat blade is, so I've learned to open lids (even stuck ones) with the flat blade without bending the lid. Plus I can hammer the lid on with the handle when I am done. Can't do that with the opener tool. I've also had to stab an oil filter more than once to get it off. I learned the hard way to poke a hole first, drain the oil then put the screwdriver all the way through.

[cabinetman]

Now here's the thing. I am forever misplacing the paint can openers you get from the store. But I always know where my flat blade is, so I've learned to open lids (even stuck ones) with the flat blade without bending the lid. Plus I can hammer the lid on with the handle when I am done. Can't do that with the opener tool. I've also had to stab an oil filter more than once to get it off. I learned the hard way to poke a hole first, drain the oil then put the screwdriver all the way through.

Can't say I've poked a hole first. I remove the drain plug. Then I use an oil filter remover.
.

[unknown poster]

...brain...its gotten me into and out of a jam many a times. Also helps me find all those others tools

Usually mine gets me into jams better than it gets me out.

I'll ditto the negative feelings towards flat blade screwdrivers. I hate them for driving screws because they always slip, and I have proper tools for the alternative uses. I don't like what a flat blade does to a paint can lid. My paint can opener is never hard to find, it's in the same tool chest drawer as my screwdrivers.

Closing paint cans is another job for my 3lb dead blow hammer, light taps though because otherwise it will buckle the paint can wall.

[Uncle Cracker]

...brain...its gotten me into and out of a jam many a times. Also helps me find all those others tools

I have one of those, but it's never been out of the box...

[jseklund]

Hey guys,
It's been a while for me - I haven't had much time. I'm working in real estate, which means I have to work 3 times as hard right now for half the pay (poor me - I think it's that way for everyone right now). I just checked in to see how to change the belts on the BT3100 that has been underused over the past year and found this thread..

I'd have to say my most versatile and useful tool is my Girlfriend (not that I' calling her a tool!). She's always hanging around when I'm working on things and knows exactly where I put whatever it is I'm looking for. I am always losing my flat blade, my wrench, the socket I just used, my impact driver, my wet dry vac, you name it. Because I lose everything so much, I can't say I have one tool that is a go-to necessarily. I do love the sawzall though (haha).

Also, I have a Phenix P3D flashlight, which fits in my pocket and I have to say, you never know how many times you could really use a flashlight until you start carrying one in your pocket. Since I've got that thing I use it almost every day.

[Mr__Bill]

I would have to vote for my pocket knife. I have had one in my pocket almost continuously since I got out of high school. They frowned on them there. It's a Buck, single locking blade that I can open or close with one hand and I keep it very sharp.


Bill, living on the edge

[Tom Slick]

Does the computer count as a tool? I get ideas, plans, do layouts, cut lists, engineering, design, communicate with other craftsfolk... all with one tool.

Other than that I'd say my squares are the most used. Setting up equipment, tooling, layout, transferring marks...

[RAV2]

Original Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool:




http://www.leatherman.com/multi-tool...ducts/pst.aspx

[dkerfoot]

Shopsmith Mk5

Does that count?

[Jcrawf]

Let's hear it for the round toothpick! I keep them in a baby food jar on a shelf above my bench and use one or more almost daily. They're great for stirring small amounts of epoxy, adding a drop of oil in just the right place, tightening a loose wood screw, and other uses that don't spring to mind just now. True, you can't open a paint can with one of them, or remove an oil filter. But you can't use a flat-bladed screwdriver to get that bothersome bit of meat out from between your teeth without risking an emergency visit to your dentist.
Jack

[L. D. Jeffries]

LOL. The wood stove in my shop! Gets rid of the evidence and the heat feels good too.

[rnelson0]

Pencil. Drawing plans, measuring once, scratching behind the ear, then measuring twice, etc.