We have about $1,400 sitting in auto funds with no large plans, I’m about to place an order for a timing light, new torque wrenches, and refresh of socket sets that have degraded, (totalling about $500). Does anyone have any other tool requests that I can order off Amazon?
Also there is a committee meeting this thursday at 8:30pm for any thoughts / comments on future of the auto area, or just post here.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HOK2Lt-2L.SX425.jpg
Tumbler? I know Hatcher’s would appreciate it. 
Congrats on the surplus, I know we will all enjoy fresh sets of sockets they are definitely needed.
How about a tire balancer?
Great idea, but where to put it? The 'space is getting a bit cramped, and having room to move around a car when working on it ranks higher than a spin balancer, IMO.
I thought I saw a static tire balancer in the shelving. I think there was also a general consensus that spin balance adds an extra layer of risk. Especially if people are trying to stretch extra life out of old tires.
I just aired up trailer tires that are 10 years old, and have been sitting under load for the last 3 years. They also fill to 50 PSI. After some consideration, I found a locking tire chuck that I put on the end of a 25 foot hose, with a gauge and valve at the other end. This way I could close the valve, connect the tire chuck with some air feeding back into the hose, then walk away, around a corner, read the gauge, and use the valve to add air. Mine went fine, but if one had let go, there is a lot of stored energy in a tire.
And I’m currently researching if I want to stay with current wheels and tire size, or bump up the wheel, and move away from 75 series sidewall when I switch from bias ply to radial.
Some multi-meters so the auto folks can stop ‘borrowing’ the ones from electronics!
I will see about sourcing some of those. Cen-Tech quality, natch.
Specific Fluke model for Automotive use but $475+
I just ordered 4 of these, the cheapest auto ranging multimeter with permanently attached leads I can find
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NWGZ3A6/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=
I second the spring compressor,
I’ve been wanting to change the springs in the back of my mustang to stiffer springs for months.
Great idea @tom
An essential feature at DMS.
The spring compressor I suggested is inexpensive, very easy and SAFE to use, and like my donated lift - will work on “most” applications but won’t satisfy “everyone”
A decent set of automotive prybars would be nice:
http://www.amazon.com/OTC-Handled-Pry-Bar-Set/dp/B000F5EDLW/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1461084833&sr=1-1&keywords=prybars
This hanging screw driver / prybar storage unit would be great so that “Automotive” could have their OWN screwdrivers and prybars:
http://www.amazon.com/Sunex-International-8008-Screwdriver-Cabinet/dp/B0002STRBI/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1461084833&sr=1-2&keywords=prybars
I fully support the automotive work area but I am OPPOSED to tire machines.
Thanks, ordered
1234567890
I’ll be at the committee meeting with a list!
Please buy recognizable brand tools OTC and not Harbor Freight when it comes to tools like Ball joint / other specialy tools so that they actually function properly instead of failing upon use.
A “lifetime” warranty is useless if you have to use it often.,
Amazon stocks mostly Tekton, so thats what I have ordered recently, they are probably all made in the same place in China as most things, but I haven’t seen any of them fall apart yet
http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=sr_1_1_acs_h_1_2601937011&node=2601937011?tag=toolguyd-20
http://tekton.com/about
Hopefully you are looking at trailer rated tires for use on your trailer