[This article was originally published on 8/2/11. It has been updated to reflect changes in Eastwood product offerings.] One of the biggest frustrations when disassembling a vehicle for restoration, or even repair, is the dreaded seized or stripped bolt. Stuck hardware occurs when a bolt, nut or screw gets corrosion […]
Tools
Tips for Taps – How To Use a Tap and Die Set
For a lot of us, a tap and die set is one of those tools you often don’t thing about until it’s too late. Whether you’re using one for automotive restoration or custom, it’s the only way to accurately create, repair, or clean threaded hardware. It’s also one of the […]
Choosing the Correct Angle Grinder Disc for Your Project
Ask anyone who works in a welding or fab shop and they’ll tell you an angle grinder is an indispensable tool. From cutting to grinding to stripping, there’s almost nothing as versatile in the shop. The key is understanding which discs or wheels are right for the job at hand. […]
5 Tips to Prevent Losing Your 10mm Sockets
If you’ve ever spent more time searching for your 10mm socket than actually working on your project, you’re not alone. The 10mm socket has a well-earned reputation, as evidenced by countless internet memes. It’s the most elusive tool in every mechanic’s arsenal, vanishing into engine bays, tool drawers, and apparently […]
Aviation Snips – Choosing Red, Green, or Yellow For Your Cut
Ever shopped for sheet metal snips only to find a confusing number of similar but somehow different options? Or maybe wondered what’s the difference between tin snip and aviation snips? And why are some green, others red, and others still yellow? Admittedly, for such a simple function, choosing the right […]
These Specialty Tools Should Be in Every DIY Car Enthusiast’s Toolbox
When you’re tackling automotive projects at home, there’s no substitute for having the right tools. While the basics are important – wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, etc. – certain specialty tools are absolutely critical for more advanced work. Whether you’re dealing with electrical systems, bodywork, brakes, or bearings, or simply ensuring accurate […]
Benchtop Workshop – A Full Fab Shop on an 8-foot Workbench
If there’s one universal law of the workshop, it’s that there is never enough space. That’s especially if you’re working in a typical home garage that also holds the family bikes and lawn equipment. But as the owner of a shed-built ’69 Charger showed us, a small shop shouldn’t keep […]
Organize Your Workshop to Maximize Your Projects
We’ve all been told to make a place for everything and put everything in its place. My dad was always big win this, and it’s sound advice, really. After all, how can you put something away if you don’t know where “away” is? And the older we get, the more […]
Six Tools To Cleanly and Accurately Cut Sheet Metal
Whether you’re making a patch panel or fabricating a new design from scratch, cutting sheet metal can be a challenge. The key to a good, clean cut is having the right tool for the project. Some tools are great for long, straight cuts while others are made specifically for making […]