What expensive tool is absolutely worth the price?

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…

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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.  

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.

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

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

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.

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. 

Power Probe.

Incredibly hand for electrical diagnostic. 

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

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!

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.

Hands down, a lathe and a mill.  Once you have them, you can never do without them. Not a machinist?  Go YouTube. Joe "Pie" is the best teacher. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpp6lgdc_XO_FZYJppaFa5w/playlists

Mastercool flaring tool

lathe

lift

A decent OBD2 scanner and for VW's VAGCOM/VCDS. 

Not super expensive, but so much easier than pliers. I finally gave in and spent the $40 on a set yesterday to replace the lower hose on the 98 Ram. 
 

https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-8603250-10-Inch-Pliers-Wrench/dp/B000X4OG94?th=1 

Knipex Parallel Jaw Pliers.  1 tool to grab that will take off just about any nut or bolt.

Good micrometer and a dial indicator and magnetic stand.

1. Beta Tools t-handle hex wrenches.  Karts have a ton of hex wrench bolts so mine were used a lot.  Never rounded off.  The sliding t-handle part was something I didn't think was a big deal and now get frustrated when I don't have one.  They're stupid expensive, but one of the few tools that I was happy to spend money on.
2. Gear Wrench cross force ratchet wrenches.  I got a Craftsman set years ago as a Christmas present.  Thought the twist in the handle was a little gimmicky.  Boy was I wrong.  Wrenching on a bolt and being able to push against a flat surface instead of the edge of a wrench is so much more comfortable and easier to apply force to.  I honestly am shocked more companies don't offer something similar (maybe it's patented). They're harder to find now, but I always recommend them.

-Rob

Hands down Kinipex Cobra pliers 

Glad to see a few of my favorites already mentioned.

• Mastercool flaring kit - anything else would be uncivilized
• Snap-On screw drivers, sockets, wrenches, picks, and bits (hex, torx, etc)
• Ingersoll-Rand air impact wrenches
• Milwaukee M12 and M18 power tools
• Name brand cutting and grinding wheels (bonus points if from an industrial supplier/weld shop and not a big box store)
• Name brand drill bits, taps, and dies
• CRC Brake Cleaner (heck, most of the CRC stuff is excellent)
• Irwin quick clamps and bar clamps
• USA Made Vice Grips

I'll put a vote in for good power tools. Fighting with off-brand stuff is just a miserable experience. 

for me hands down this:

it can help pinpoint issues and support troubleshooting but its also good at ruining your day with said information. 

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Fortunately mine arrived yesterday. Now I just have to use it. 

In general, the cordless impact wrench (compact  size is even better ), and for Audi owners, the VCDS software.....lots of fun.

Cordless drill and impact driver, it's my superpower.
My first cordless drill was a 7.2 volt Black & Decker that you had to plug in to charge. I've owned a number of brands and voltages. My current is Dewalt 20v and I'm heavily invested in their eco system.