Best purchases--the counter to the pennywise/pound foolish thread

[MikeT]

Here is the beginning of a list of items that have proven to be worth their weight in gold:

-A Ramset single shot .22 ca. tool.--  this $20 tool has been great for setting dimpled membrane on the back of my retaining wall, for securing 2x4's onto my foundation, etc.

- A speed square-- even the day glo plastic jobbies from Harbor Freight have been worth it.  My more expensive speed square disappeared, but these $2.99 items have been great to have around.

- palm nailer- $75 seems worth it for the tight quarters it works in.

- sawzall- especially the pruning blades for making quick work of needed demolition.

- cat's paw nail remover.  This little tool is handy to have around for the inevitable "do over."

-flat bed trailer-  my 8 x 10 foot flatbed has been terrific.  I have made an a frame for hauling windows, used old doors as sides for hauling loose things--gotta have a place to haul/carry things.

- chop saw/miter saw- I got mine (an old Dewalt) for $25 bucks.  It is great to move from spot to spot and cut clean cuts when you need them.

I am sure there are many more, but I thought this might be helpful--especially if others chime in with their favorite "bests"

mt

[glenn kangiser]

This particular DeWalt compressor seems to be a better buy to me.  It runs at low RPM 1725 rather than the 3600 or so some run at so should have longer life, makes much less noise, starts and runs on less amps, does 5.2 scfm @90 psi and it fills the tank to 200 psi  but regulates to what you want so that you have bigger air in a small package.  Only needs a 12 gauge cord.

It has a pull out handle, so you can drag it around like wheeled luggage.

A bit pricey but seems worth it.

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=15538



It will stand up in a small space for storage.  I like the way it is layed out, designed and protected also.

I bought mine when my old CH wore out -- it was high speed and noisy.

[MikeT]

I really like the cheap $1 or so line levels.  They hang off a string.

I did pay for a better quality Stanley ("Max") level that is 2 feet long.  It has proven to be quite durable.

But instead of paying more money for a longer level, I did two things:  I purchased a plastic 4 foot level and made sure I kept it out of the sun (so it didn't warp).  That cost me all of $4, as I recall).  But then for even longer needs, I used a straight board and attached my levels to it. 

If I thought I were going to have a more constant need for long levels, I would have invested in better quality and durability.  So far, these have worked out well for me.

mt

[CREATIVE1]

My best purchase was a six foot pedestal tub with arm rests and a nice long "lean back".  Got it for $95 including delivery, and with delta faucets besides.  We've always called it our "hot" tub.

Once you've had this luxury you can't go back.  So I altered the Victoria downstairs bath for a 5 1/2 or six foot clawfoot tub looking out the window at a wall of ferns.  No more knees in the face for me.

[CREATIVE1]

My husband swears by this thing, called a squangle:  A link:

http://www.amazon.com/Mayes-Level-10231-Squangle/dp/B00004YZP6

[desdawg]

I was kind of skeptical when I bought my 18 volt Ryobi tool set. I am not skeptical any more. They have proven to be excellent IMO. Two thumbs up from me. I just added the little radio to my assortment and that too has worked well so far.

[rakuz66]

My shop vac.  Forget what I paid, but i've used the crap out of it.

[Mo]

A good tape measure. Its one that you can extend out quite a few feet with out it doubling over in every which direction, and it isn't like thin sheet metal on the sides.

[glenn kangiser]

I was kind of skeptical when I bought my 18 volt Ryobi tool set. I am not skeptical any more. They have proven to be excellent IMO. Two thumbs up from me. I just added the little radio to my assortment and that too has worked well so far.

I have been happy with my Ryobi too -- keeping extra batteries charged for bigger jobs is a great help or the new Lithium Ion batts are interchangeable  (2x to 4x the use per charge)-- with the old batteries and tools as will as the new stuff working with the old.  Expensive so I just stayed with the old.

[firefox]

Well, I bought a 3 in  1 nailer package on craigslist today for $89. It looks pretty good and it has never been used,  the seller was a graduate student at the same university where I work, and he was given it as a gift. Supposedly it sells for over twice that, but I don't know for sure.
We will see just how good it turns out to be. I'll post one way or the other when I get a chance to test it out.
Bruce

[miman]

my ford ranger pick up. it's a 2000, bought used with 56.000 mile. now has 147,000.  i could not have built without it.

[Redoverfarm]

There are so many things that I have found to be useful that it is hard to single out one particular items.  Somtimes I overlook my construction calculator until I need it.  It has proved very usefull from rafter runs to concrete volumes.  You can easily divide fractions of measurements for spacings and the like. 

[desdawg]

Gotta link to the construction calculator? Sounds interesting.

[MountainDon]

This is a link to a current special at Lowe's. Print the coupon below and take it in to the store.

http://www.lowesforpros.com/pdfs/specialoffers/020108_generic.pdf

That should work but you may have to register/sign in at lowesforpros.com . It's 39.78 instead of 49.78

[desdawg]

Thanks Don.

[okie-guy]

A 48" t-square that sheetrockers use has been invaluable to me.