Track Tools Suggestions

[swartzentruber]

Okay, after a great weekend at Road America that was a little worse for not having the correct tools that caused me to miss some track time, looking for good suggestions for two (or maybe one?) tools. Since these are fairly specific use cases, looking for lowest cost that can get the job done (and not die after a year). Worth having good tools, even if specialized, if it allows an extra session or two.
1) Power hex key driver for stoptech trophy BBK. Yes, a little lazy, and hand spun hex key gets the job done, but interested in a nice little power tool for this job, particularly since the ST-60 fronts have 4 each side
2) Still having trouble with installing pads in my rear (left, inside) ST-40 trophy BBK. Seems I have that somewhat well known issue where the anti-rattle abutment plates aren't quite flat enough. 3 out of 4 install fine, one I had to have someone grind down a few mm each end. Think a Dremel should work, looking for recommended kit.

Many thanks for any good recommendations.

[1MOREMOD]

#1 Doesnt need power tool t handle or ratchet is fine?

[swartzentruber]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

#1 Doesnt need power tool t handle or ratchet is fine?

Maybe. Not sure I've seen a rachet for hex, but if you know of one, suggest it. Not a super tools expert.

[1MOREMOD]

I have several screwdriver style drivers that have hex heads. You can also by a bunch of sockets with various sizes of hex heads. I just use a t handle on mine at track and at home and make sure to use little anti seize lubricant on the threads each time. They don't require a ton of force to stay put.

[swartzentruber]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

I have several screwdriver style drivers that have hex heads. You can also by a bunch of sockets with various sizes of hex heads. I just use a t handle on mine at track and at home and make sure to use little anti seize lubricant on the threads each time. They don't require a ton of force to stay put.

Okay thanks, I'll put you down for one vote for "don't buy a tool to remove a hex you f'ing pansy" . I' might actually have a t handle somewhere in my locker to track down that I haven't used much.

[dogbone]

This is one of the MOST useful tools you can have if you're working on your car:



https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/2457-21

I learned about this from my friend who has one and uses it ALL the time on car stuff. And he learned about from watching a mechanic. It was quite sad---I was going to my friend's garage and stealing it all the time for my car. Finally, after 2 years, I couldn't stand myself anymore and I bought one.

-The head is very small, so it's the perfect size to reach into all sorts of awkward places. For instance, it's really great for getting at all those plastic nuts off your fender liners that are in weird places. And if you get extenders, you can reach way down into funky places and then ratchet things very quickly. For example, I don't leave my passenger Recaro seat in all the time. I bought a 2 foot long extender. With this tool, I can pull those seat bolts VERY quickly, when otherwise, it would take forever and be very frustrating.
-The speed is variable based on the pressure on the trigger, and the speed ramps up and down very smoothly, so it's not abrupt and jolting.
-It's full speed is not too fast (250rpm), so it's never uncontrollable like a drill or impact gun when working on smaller things.
-When it's off, it locks and works as a fixed wrench, so you can loosen something that was tight first and then turn it on to unscrew the bolt the rest of the way.
-It has a light that comes on automatically---very nice.
-It's good up to 35 ft/lbs.
-It's ESPECIALLY brilliant for jobs like changing studs, when you want to chase all the threads in the hub and clean them out before putting in new studs. That job takes FOREVER with a manual ratchet. It takes just a couple minutes with this tool---just spin the thread chaser in, then switch directions and spin it back out----easy shmeezy, and again the speed is not too fast so it's very controllable.
-The Red Lithium battery lasts quite a long time, so you are not constantly recharging the thing.
-Basically, anything you can do with a ratchet, this thing can do better, faster and with less hassles.

It's not a super cheap tool. I think it's on Amazon for around $160, including battery and charger. (Sometimes it looks cheaper, but that's without a battery or charger.)

But, I'm telling ya, it's an awesome and very versatile tool.

And, of course, it becomes much more useful if you get one of those 200-piece socket sets from Sears.

[nholmes]

I need one of those but that can take drill bits.

[dogbone]

Originally Posted by nholmes

I need one of those but that can take drill bits.

It doesn't spin fast enough to drill. That's not it's purpose. It's a ratchet, not a drill.

[nholmes]

Originally Posted by dogbone

It doesn't spin fast enough to drill. That's not it's purpose. It's a ratchet, not a drill.

Totally.

I'm just saying I need a tool that size, but for drill bits so I can get into tight spaces.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by nholmes

Totally.

I'm just saying I need a tool that size, but for drill bits so I can get into tight spaces.

Then get this when you get your 1/4 power ratchet (I have the 3/8 one too!).

M12 angle drill

And all these tools are the ///M version, so they have to be the best!

[bigjae1976]

I have a 9.6v craftsman version of the Milwaukee 12v impact below which is lower power and more compact. Then I have an 18v Milwaukee which can twist off lug nuts even down to 1/4 power and lasts a whole weekend of changing tires on my car and a couple of buddies.

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-245.../dp/B001F7BIH6

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by dogbone

This is one of the MOST useful tools you can have if you're working on your car:



https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/2457-21

I learned about this from my friend who has one and uses it ALL the time on car stuff. And he learned about from watching a mechanic. It was quite sad---I was going to my friend's garage and stealing it all the time for my car. Finally, after 2 years, I couldn't stand myself anymore and I bought one.

-The head is very small, so it's the perfect size to reach into all sorts of awkward places. For instance, it's really great for getting at all those plastic nuts off your fender liners that are in weird places. And if you get extenders, you can reach way down into funky places and then ratchet things very quickly. For example, I don't leave my passenger Recaro seat in all the time. I bought a 2 foot long extender. With this tool, I can pull those seat bolts VERY quickly, when otherwise, it would take forever and be very frustrating.
-The speed is variable based on the pressure on the trigger, and the speed ramps up and down very smoothly, so it's not abrupt and jolting.
-It's full speed is not too fast (250rpm), so it's never uncontrollable like a drill or impact gun when working on smaller things.
-When it's off, it locks and works as a fixed wrench, so you can loosen something that was tight first and then turn it on to unscrew the bolt the rest of the way.
-It has a light that comes on automatically---very nice.
-It's good up to 35 ft/lbs.
-It's ESPECIALLY brilliant for jobs like changing studs, when you want to chase all the threads in the hub and clean them out before putting in new studs. That job takes FOREVER with a manual ratchet. It takes just a couple minutes with this tool---just spin the thread chaser in, then switch directions and spin it back out----easy shmeezy, and again the speed is not too fast so it's very controllable.
-The Red Lithium battery lasts quite a long time, so you are not constantly recharging the thing.
-Basically, anything you can do with a ratchet, this thing can do better, faster and with less hassles.

It's not a super cheap tool. I think it's on Amazon for around $160, including battery and charger. (Sometimes it looks cheaper, but that's without a battery or charger.)

But, I'm telling ya, it's an awesome and very versatile tool.

And, of course, it becomes much more useful if you get one of those 200-piece socket sets from Sears.

I have the 1/4 drive version and love it. Have many 12V and 18V Milwaukee. The 3/8 M18 Fuel impact will do stud nuts on the highest power setting. You can buy bare tools and share batteries.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by nholmes

Totally.

I'm just saying I need a tool that size, but for drill bits so I can get into tight spaces.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-1-4-in-Right-Angle-Hex-Impact-Driver-Kit-2467-21/206099131

I dont have this one but maybe it would work for you. Faat enough to drill some stuff.

[dbyrd]

I use my impact wrench with 5" hex with a 1/2 inch to 3/8 adapter - takes just a minute. I hand tighten them once they're snug.

[MSteve5036]

Originally Posted by admranger

Then get this when you get your 1/4 power ratchet (I have the 3/8 one too!).

M12 angle drill

And all these tools are the ///M version, so they have to be the best!

I totally regret not just investing in milwaukee from the beginning

[admranger]

Originally Posted by MSteve5036

I totally regret not just investing in milwaukee from the beginning

Me too! Kinda like I regret not driving BMWs from the start.