Predicament! (Spending money)

S

SuzukiGS750EZ

Joined
Dec 30, 2008
Messages
4,563
Hey guys. I need opinions. I work in a car garage and love knives, tools and gadgets. As such, i came into 300$ i have to spend on whatever i want. Here's what i've got. Either:

-Spark Plug Gap Tool
-Sunex Pry Bar set
-Grey Pneumatic Deep 3/8 impact socket set
-ZT 0301

OR

-Ingersoll Rand R3130-K1 cordless ratchet

hard decision I know. I get more for my money if i buy the first batch, but i would like the cordless ratchet as well. Since i value your guys opinions i figured i'd ask what you would do. Currently I do have a 3/8 air ratchet as well as an Ingersoll Rand W7150 1/2" cordless impact and a Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2654-22CT 3/8 cordless impact. HELP!
 
Well in my experience, there isn't a whole hell of a lot you'd want to use a knife for in a car garage other than cutting belts and hoses (which the 0301 wouldn't be the best knife for that anyways), so I'm going to say go for a tool. Skip the 0301, and buy a sub $100 knife of your choice and get some better tools with the left over money. You might even look into multi tools. I love having my Leatherman with me at all times.
 
Yeah. All the tools I need are supplied at work, all my tools are for non work use. As for the knife, it would do well at cutting hose and stripping wiring?
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
As for the knife, it would do well at cutting hose and stripping wiring?
Click to expand...

I'd say no. It's got a thick blade that I don't believe would pass through rubber well. For something like that, I'd recommend something with a blade profile like a Benchmade 710. And for stripping wire, I'd obviously recommend a dedicated wire stripper.
 
I'm talking like 2-8 gauge. I do audio installs on the side and stripping that without a blade is a PITA. What about a manix 2 xl?
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I'm talking like 2-8 gauge. I do audio installs on the side and stripping that without a blade is a PITA. What about a manix 2 xl?
Click to expand...

You could do that with any knife, but I'd be hesitant to do that with any knife with decent steel. It's going to wear out the edge and be exhausting sharpening it all the time from cutting against metal. A razor blade knife would work good for that and you could change out the razors as they dull out. As far as the manix 2 XL, it again has a thick/tall blade which will not be the best for passing through rubber hoses. It will do the job, but there's a lot of steel behind the cutting edge because of the spydie hole. If the knife is very sharp, it probably won't be a huge deal, but when the knife starts to dull to a "working edge" you'll really start to notice the extra steel dragging behind the cut. A thin blade profile is a big plus in this case.
 
Here's the thing... if you've found yourself in a predicament where you have to CHOOSE what to buy... then you don't want any of those things bad enough, otherwise you'd likely already have them. Set the money aside for now... keep your eyes open... and soon something will pop-up that you will absolutely, positively have to have. There won't be a choice - you'll just click the "Add to Cart" button. Maybe a Strider? Maybe a Sebenza? Maybe a new ZT? Maybe a new dress for your girlfriend. ha!
 
A multi-tool or slip joint knife works fine for wire stripping. As for the other stuff, I'm guessing you have good hand tools so everything else is probably guilding the lilly for a weekend shade tree mechanic.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top