For me, it’s thumb wheel ratchets. I have a set I bought ages ago that just sat in my toolbox for the longest time. With vehicles getting tighter and tighter now, I’m finding myself reaching for them more and more. Usually it’s just for one or two bolts, but those bolts make all the difference.
It was their premium tool line aimed towards mechanics and other professional tradesmen who needed high quality tools but didn’t want to pay tool truck prices. Considering how popular Icon is today, there still seems to be a market for such tools. I would love to see Craftsman Professional make a comeback. I bought some of them back in the Sears era and still use them as a professional mechanic today.
Someone drew a penis on the oil pan? Show it in the video.
Senior tech is swearing like a sailor because he got stuck with a nightmare warranty job? Show it in the video.
Someone is beating off wheels with a hammer? Show it in the video.
The lube tech‘s bay looks like the Exon Valdez disaster because he keeps forgetting to tighten drain plugs and oil filters? Show it in the video.
Once managers get enough complaints from angry customers seeing what actually happens in shops, maybe they will stop requiring videos. As Cypher says in the Matrix, ignorance is bliss.
I won a really clean F723 ratchet on EBay for $35. As best as I can tell, it’s a 1998. It doesn’t look like it saw a lot of use, and given it still has 20 teeth and not 30, I think the gears are still original. There is some light wear and scuff marks on the chrome, but it‘s still held up far better than my 2011 F80. I bought that ratchet new and within a couple years the chrome was peeling off. 😆
Edit: After further inspection and research, I believe it's a 1978, not a 1998.
I had to replace the electric water pump on a 2019 Camry at work today. The stubby flex allowed me to easily remove and reinstall the 8mm bolts that secure the thermostat to the water pump. I’ve done this job before, but this was the first time doing it with the new stubby and it definitely made the job easier. If you‘re an automotive technician these stubbys are a must have at a fraction of what Snap On charges for the same thing.
There don't seem to be many of that style ratchet on the market anymore, so I think it would be a good addition to the G2 lineup. I recently bought a Diehard ratchet in that style, and while it's ok, it's not nearly as smooth as my G2 ratchets.
Today is a good day.