What expensive tool is absolutely worth the price?

Colin
By Colin Wood
Jun 22, 2022 | Tools

Photography Credit: Alexander Schimmeck/Unsplash

Let's be honest: Some of our tools are bought on price above all. 

Perhaps we're following the adage of “buy a cheap tool and if it breaks, buy a better one,” or maybe we simply don’t like spending a lot of money.

However, what expensive tool is absolutely worth the crazy price tag?

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Comments
David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
6/22/22 12:45 p.m.

I have one that we were just discussing this past weekend: Griot's synthetic clay bar. For like $25, you get a piece some kind of rubber bound to a foam handle.

But it's totally magic for pulling junk out of the paint. You can hear, see and feel the difference.  

Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
6/22/22 12:52 p.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

I've heard before that clay bars are definitely worth it if you really keep your paint clean. Next time I'm buying car care products, I'm going to go all out.

Sonic
Sonic UberDork
6/22/22 12:54 p.m.

The Eastwood brake line flaring tool.  It turns a sad job into an easy one. 

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
6/22/22 1:00 p.m.

Good torque wrench. You're using one for a reason, you can't afford a bad one. 

wae
wae PowerDork
6/22/22 1:01 p.m.

A lift.  All sorts of things are easier when I can put the car where I want it.  I even use the lift for interior work - it's much easier to get under the dash when you can stand next to the car and work at eye-level.  $1,800 well-spent.

TJL (Forum Supporter)
TJL (Forum Supporter) HalfDork
6/22/22 1:03 p.m.

Pretty much any specialty tool that works correctly when needed. 
 

i was majorly impressed with following

quickjack

brake flare tool

bearing removers/presses

hub flange tool

Im sure there is plenty more, but just having the exact right tool for the job that makes it quick and easy vs having to just scratch, hammer, bang and inevitably getting pissed and breaking or damaging what you are working on. 

ShawnG
ShawnG MegaDork
6/22/22 1:03 p.m.

Power Probe.

Incredibly hand for electrical diagnostic. 

kb58
kb58 SuperDork
6/22/22 1:07 p.m.

TIG welder, lathe, and a mill, and you can make or fix anything.

kb58
kb58 SuperDork
6/22/22 1:08 p.m.
David S. Wallens said:

I have one that we were just discussing this past weekend: Griot's synthetic clay bar. For like $25, you get a piece some kind of rubber bound to a foam handle.

Jerk, now I have to have that!

pointofdeparture
pointofdeparture GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
6/22/22 1:10 p.m.

A nice, high-quality multimeter.

I got a Fluke as a gift a few years ago and I use it way, way more than I ever would have thought.

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