Steve's Favorite Tools

This roto-head ratchet has been my go-to ratchet for years. I've added to my socket collection over time, but this has been the one I always reach for. The only way I can see this getting better is if they release a 120XP version. While most of the Gearwrench line has been switched over from red to orange, this tool seems like an odd one to keep in the old style.

The downside of this ratchet is that you will probably have to adjust the tension screw to your liking, possibly often if you like the head to be on the floppy side. I have it set to medium tightness, so I only have to adjust the screw once or twice a year.

The LTT Screwdriver is a late-2022 addition to the tool collection. Historically I have really disliked screwdrivers with swappable bits due to their slop, weak magnets, and poor build quality, but this screwdriver has fixed every issue I've had with this class of tool in the past. The direction selector switch is intuitive and what I feel all ratcheting screwdrivers should be doing.

The main downside of this tool is the price, but you are getting a really, really good screwdriver for that price. It's not the best purchase for someone that is going to leave it in the junk drawer for a once or twice a year use (unless the price means nothing to them) but if you at least semi-regularly use a screwdriver, the only thing holding you back on this one should be the cost.

Note: Although this screwdriver had multiple selectable options upon release, the black shaft version that I in some videos has been discontinued. The silver shaft version is the same minus a black coating on the shaft.

This Lisle trim removal tool is another old resident of the tool collection.I have used this thing over 50 percent of the time I work on a car, even when trim rivets/clips aren't removed in the process.

Lisle actually makes a version without the rubber ball part (Lisle 35400) but unless the ball really bothers you just by being there, I would recommend the one with the ball and to just move the ball out of the way when you don't want to use it.

I've had the Irwin Vise-Grip V-Jaw Locking Pliers for a few years now and they are my go-to any time I need an adjustable-opening tool. I'm confident that there are better options out there, but this is the best set of locking pliers I actually own.

The main downside of this tool is that when aligning the size of the jaw opening, the button doesn't always line up where you want it to, which isn't always the worst, but since you can't see the teeth being lined up, it is sometimes frustrating to need to adjust by only one tooth and repeatedly ending up with your previous adjustment. The teeth in the mouth of the tool also only face one way, which is fine in most cases, but can be frustrating when there is limited space and turning the tool around would have helped.