Tools I Use

DEWALT DCF900 1/2" High-Torque Impact Wrench

This is the impact I reach for when I need maximum confidence. Heavy suspension work, large fasteners, and anything stubborn usually comes out with the DCF900. I originally bought it after fighting a Honda crank bolt that would not budge with anything else. The DCF900 took it off, and it has been my heavy-hitter ever since.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2562 3/8" Stubby Impact Wrench

I overlooked 3/8-inch drive for years because I was stuck on the idea that 1/2-inch was the answer for everything. Once I realized how capable 3/8-inch sockets really are, they became my go-to size. The compact M12 Stubby gets an impact into tight areas where larger tools simply will not fit, which speeds up repairs and makes me more efficient.

AutoLine Pro HyperSmoke APM-HS14

I first used the HyperSmoke to diagnose a secondary-air-injection problem on my wife’s VW. After struggling to find the failure, this little machine helped identify a leaking pump within minutes. I’ve since used it for exhaust and EVAP leaks on multiple vehicles. It’s compact, simple, easy to hook up, and the long battery leads are genuinely useful. I paid about $60 and would absolutely buy it again.

Astro Tools 78319 Nano Impact Socket Kit

These have become one of my favorite options for caliper bolts and other hard-to-reach fasteners. Depending on the space, I can use them with an impact, a normal ratchet, Astro’s matching ratchet, a ratcheting wrench, or even a standard wrench. I paid about $60, haven’t found a real downside, and would buy them again without hesitation.

GEARWRENCH 84916N 44-Piece 3/8" Impact Socket Set

I bought this set in May 2026 to pair with my new 3/8-inch stubby impact, and it immediately became one of my most-used socket sets. The SAE/metric assortment had me ready to work the day it showed up. I now use it on nearly every job, from brakes to engine-bay repairs. The markings are easy to read, the sockets have held up well, and I haven’t found a meaningful shortcoming.

My USA-Made SK Wrench Sets

I bought these in 2014, and more than a decade later they’re still my go-to wrenches. The fit, comfort, strength, finish, and durability have all held up extremely well. I did break the open end of one 14 mm wrench, but SK promptly replaced it under warranty. If I could buy the same USA-made quality again, I would without hesitation.

Older USA-made sets. My recommendation is based on these specific wrenches, not an assumption that current production is identical.

ArcCaptain MIG200P

ArcCaptain provided this welder to me for review, and I’m still very new to welding. What I can say is that I was able to take it out of the box, set it up, and start welding practice pieces without much trouble. The control panel is clear, the settings are intuitive, and the 110/240V flexibility gives me room to grow into more demanding projects.

Even though it was provided free for review, I would absolutely buy it myself. I think it makes the most sense for beginners, hobbyists, and DIYers who want a machine they can grow into.

Fortress 27-Gallon 200 PSI Air Compressor

I bought this to replace a much smaller compressor that finally quit. The extra tank volume and pressure opened the door to air tools I could not realistically use before. I use it for tires, an air ratchet, air hammer, and blow gun. It keeps up with everything I ask of it. The refill time is a little longer than I’d prefer, but for my needs it works just fine. I paid about $430 and would buy it again at the right price.

RIDGID Pro Gear Modular Storage System

I chose this system for value, toughness, availability, the range of modules, and its wall-mount options. I use dedicated boxes for power tools, communications gear, plumbing, electrical work, hardware, small-engine parts, and more. The biggest improvement is workflow: instead of grabbing a bucket or several unrelated toolboxes, I take the exact box I need and go. The system stacks, is waterproof, and has held up well in my garage and while building my house in upstate New York.

Ryobi PCL801 Hybrid Forced Air Propane Heater

I bought this as an experiment and it ended up being an excellent purchase. Heat output is strong, it’s portable, and I like being able to power it with either an 18V Ryobi battery or 120V power. I’ve used it outdoors while working under vehicles on cold days, and the propane runtime is longer than I normally need, even on high.

Central Machinery 20-Ton Shop Press — Item 32879

I bought this press for bearing and differential work, and it did exactly what I needed when those jobs came up. Since then I’ve used it for ball joints and U-joints as well. I added small caster wheels to make it easier to move around the shop. I’ve considered upgrading the manual jack to a pneumatic one for convenience, but the press works perfectly well as-is. I paid about $200 a few years ago and would absolutely buy it again.