Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

pneumatic riveter ftw

You people that uses imperial units definitely should have one of this! :yikes:

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

I have one of these in my pocket every competition: Pneumatic Tubing Cutter

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Arbor Press. My team had to use a mallet (known as the "Persuasionator") to insert all of our press fit bearings, bushings and other delicate parts because we had no type of press.

You could probably guess what tool I'm trying to convince our head mentor to buy.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Work gloves and bandages.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

We made a lexan bender using plywood, a hinge, toaster wire and an Anderson connector...

So useful! Made a lot of our low stress, low weight parts with it. Our upper level electronics board was made of bent lexan.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Cellphones.
Download the flashlight app, for a small lightsource. Take pictures and rely information to people on the team, play music, calculator. I know I'm not the only one that downloads the most up to date manual on my cellphone...

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Pencil and Paper

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

spiral point or spiral flute taps.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Noise Cancelling Headphones or Pneumatic Riveter

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

PPE first and foremost of course...
Transfer Punches.....makes hole alignment much easier.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Flush cutting side cutters. Nothing worse than dragging your arm or hand over a sharp zip-tie.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Yes there is, the fleshy part of your leg behind the knee (first hand experience).

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Chain breaker tool
T-Handle Allen/Hex Key sets
The holy 7/16 box wrench with compact ratchet
Snap ring pliers set

And finally, the most annoying tool to need and not have rather than have and not need is:

The SpeedOut screw removal kit!

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

An arbor press

It's indispensable for pressing bearings in and out, straightening metal, and any other quick job you need good leverage on. Its also faster than using a hydraulic jack.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

I agree, but if you use them correctly they become highly valuable. I made a aluminum hub to fit onto a window motor's gear that would have taken 10X longer if I'd done it manually.