tool envy...or, all I want for Christmas is a...

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Sun Oct 18, 2009 10:22 pm

So I've noticed some way cool tools that folks have been taking to events this year, but can't recall what they are beyond "wow, that's cool! wish I had something like that!" With the holiday season approaching I was hoping people would post up their favorite tool/gear so I (hopefully others) can generate some gift ideas!

My fave tool so far for me this year has been this:
http://autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html

Anybody else have recommendations?

Thanks!

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Sun Oct 18, 2009 10:42 pm

Steven Carter wrote:

So I've noticed some way cool tools that folks have been taking to events this year, but can't recall what they are beyond "wow, that's cool! wish I had something like that!" With the holiday season approaching I was hoping people would post up their favorite tool/gear so I (hopefully others) can generate some gift ideas!

My fave tool so far for me this year has been this:
http://autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html

Anybody else have recommendations?

Thanks!

Actually, yes. If you're going to buy someone a buffer as a gift, consider getting a "starter kit" sort of thing. The PC comes with a couple pads, but they're pretty limiting. A kit should provide a velcro backing plate, some pads, and possibly a couple different polishing compounds to get started with.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Sun Oct 18, 2009 11:09 pm

heh heh...actually, I was looking for ideas for MY gift list. you know, in case anyone asks...I got a polishing kit from Griot's and the polisher from Autogeek as a birthday present from me, to me. One of the best things I've bought. Makes washing cars fun and enjoyable!

Is that the giving spirit, or what? :lol:

In my family, the wife and I have an imaginary gift-giving friend named "Bob." He accompanies us when we are out buying gifts for family and friends and says things like "oh yeah...you NEED to buy this! It's just what you wanted!" Goofy, yes..but hey--it's a tradition....

Graham Jagger · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 12:53 am **Posts:** 1718

I got the PC 7424 over a year ago. Got it as a kit like Karl said. I have the pad prep/cleaner and several pads of varying degrees. It works well. Definitely worth the money.

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

I have the older model of this and the thing quit working on my the last time I used it. It has less than 100hrs use, I kinda expected better from Porter Cable.

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:42 pm

Les Davis wrote:

I have the older model of this and the thing quit working on my the last time I used it. It has less than 100hrs use, I kinda expected better from Porter Cable.

Some people claim that the original 7424 was originally designed as a woodworking tool, and that the long, continuous running that it sees in detailing isn't the best thing for it. Hard to say for sure.

There's a Porter-Cable repair facility on Capital Blvd. in Raleigh, near Trawick Road. If it's still under warranty, bring it in there. Mine started spitting out bearing grease, so I took it in. Didn't even need the receipt - they were able to look it up by serial number. After about a week, it came back repaired, at no cost to me.

I rarely use mine anymore, so if you need to borrow one, let me know.

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

Karl Shultz wrote:

Les Davis wrote:

I have the older model of this and the thing quit working on my the last time I used it. It has less than 100hrs use, I kinda expected better from Porter Cable.

Some people claim that the original 7424 was originally designed as a woodworking tool, and that the long, continuous running that it sees in detailing isn't the best thing for it. Hard to say for sure.

There's a Porter-Cable repair facility on Capital Blvd. in Raleigh, near Trawick Road. If it's still under warranty, bring it in there. Mine started spitting out bearing grease, so I took it in. Didn't even need the receipt - they were able to look it up by serial number. After about a week, it came back repaired, at no cost to me.

I rarely use mine anymore, so if you need to borrow one, let me know.

Since I've had it for like five years, I'm thinking it probably isn't under warranty any more. But I suppose it worth a shot, they might at least give me a reduced rate for repair.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 9:44 pm

Karl,

Do you use a different polisher now? Which one? I find it interesting that polishing would be more taxing on an orbital than sanding...when I polish my cars I do a 3x3 section at a time, so there's not a ton of continuous use...

BTW, what was that impact driver you use to change your tires?

Thanks!

BretLuter · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 10:25 pm

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp ... ir=catalog

This thing is unbelieveable!!

Sure, it's pricey, but if you look around you can find a used one for ~1/2 of new (maybe a little more) and it's worth it.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 10:38 pm

wow...400 ftlbs of torque. That could twist your wrist clean off if you're not careful!

I saw this at HD when I was picking up lawn stuff--any thoughts?

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1 ... ogId=10053

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 11:12 pm

Steven Carter wrote:

Karl,

Do you use a different polisher now? Which one? I find it interesting that polishing would be more taxing on an orbital than sanding...when I polish my cars I do a 3x3 section at a time, so there's not a ton of continuous use...

BTW, what was that impact driver you use to change your tires?

Thanks!

The thing about the PC not being up to the challenge of detailing work is something I read as a side note, related to a new method of using a DA. The method involves running the machine at its highest speed, applying heavy pressure to it, and using extremely aggressive compounds. I can't get it to work, and the last time I tried it is when my PC broke.

Anyway, I use a rotary. It's a Makita 9227C:

The Makita is a fantastic tool. The way it's designed, and the way it operates, is basically perfect. I would buy another Makita without hesitation.

The cordless impact gun I have is a Dewalt DW059. The Snap-On is its daddy for sure, but for those who can't part with $500+ to change tires at an autocross, the Dewalt is the next best thing. I love mine.

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Mon Oct 19, 2009 11:12 pm

(Edit - double post, pls. delete)

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Some recent favorite tools:

Home Depot Husky 3 watt headlamp - fantastic when you need to work under a car with no free hands

Plastic coated wheel impact sockets -- very forgiving on wheel finishes

http://www.amazon.com/Impact-Socket-Pro ... B000I0B1P0

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Oh I also found one of these on clearance for a little over a buck at Advance Auto in Apex. They had one left last time I was there a few days ago:

Magnetic pickup flashlight

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Tue Oct 20, 2009 1:48 am

Looks like Mike and I share an affliction - flashlights. My favorite is my Fenix TK11:

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