Husky Mobile Workbench

I get questions about which tool box to buy all the time. What’s the best tool box? How much should I spent on my first mechanic’s tool box? Should I buy a used tool box? These are just some of the most popular questions.

Disclaimer ~ This post is a paid partnership with The Home Depot. The tools were provided to Humble Mechanic at no charge. Links to products included in this post are affiliate links to The Home Depot. The information listed in product description is either my personal experience, or information provided by tool manufatorer or The Home Depot

Husky Mobile Workbench

Today we are looking the the Husky 46″ Mobile Workbench. This tool box comes in a $398 retail, and you can catch in sale around the holidays.  Mine came fully assembled, I just had to install the drawer liners.

Husky Mobile Workbench

The size of the box is a good fit in the shop. I moved all my tools from my roll kart, into this box, and have plenty of space. The tool box has 19,650 cu. in. of storage. This comes from a total of 9 drawers, including one double wide drawer at the top, and 4 on each side. The 4 drawers on each size have 3 different depths. The bottom drawer is nice for the tools stored in molded cases.

Husky Mobile Workbench

As timing worked out, I was able to use this tool box as more of a work station during my transmission rebuild. Its nice to have the tools you need right there. The wood top stood up to a good amount of sliding and shifting not only the transmission case, but all the gears as well.

Husky Mobile Workbench

I also added the pegboard back wall for the Mobile Workbench. If you have this box, I highly recommend getting the back wall. I used to to store and stage parts as I was rebuilding the GTI transmission. This let me keep parts off the bench and out of the way, but still in eyesight. Plus it helps keep parts from rolling off the back of the box. This add-on is a great buy at $40

Pros of the Husky 46″ Mobile Workbench:

  • Great amount storage
  • Built-in USB and power strip
  • Nice work surface
  • Varying Drawer depth
  •  24.5″ deep front to back
  • Great value at $398,

Cons of the Husky 46″ Mobile Workbench:

  • Taller users may find the work surface a little low
  • Drawers do not open all the way. The deepest 2 inches of draw is slightly covered
  • Drawers have some shake back and forth when opening or closing.
  • The back wall doesn’t come with the tool box

Overall I think this is a great box for the price. If you are a new mechanic tooling for a tool box, this is a good option. As a home mechanic’s tool box its great! If I was on the hustle and bustle of flat rate, opening and closing the drawers 150 times a day might be an issue. It’s not fair to compare a $400 tool box to a $10,000 one. At the end of the day, both hold tools. LOL

How To Change a Tire with a VW Jack (The WIDOWMAKER)

How to change a tire and properly use the VW jack. The VW jack is jokingly called “The WidowMaker”. Changing a tire is an easy DIY if you do it right. Using the VW jack can be tricky, but if you follow these steps, you can change a tire in no time. We are using the SpaceSAVER spare tire on a VW Touareg. Also I recommend checking your vehicle kit BEFORE you need it on the side of the road. #humblemechanic

Become A CrewMember
If you like this show. If you get value out of the videos and content that I put out, consider supporting the show by becoming a CrewMember. You will get discounts you can’t get anywhere else, exclusive videos from me, and VW/Audi training manuals. Between the discounts and the training manuals, the CrewMembership can easily pay for itself. Become a CrewMember today

Help Support The Show
Many of you have asked about supporting the show. For that I thank you. For now, the best things you can do are SHARE THE SHOW, and shop with my links on Amazon. You will not spend any more money that you would normally. Here is the Amazon link Humble Mechanic on Amazon or you can check out some recommended tools I have listed below.

Listen to the Show
It is finally here! The audio only version of the Humble Mechanic Podcast. So many of you wanted to listen on the go, in the car, working out, and now you can. While I wait for iTunes, Google approval you can listen to the show here on the blog. Once those approvals come, you will be able to subscribe and download the audio podcasts from your favorite place.

 

Trouble viewing? Watch “How To Change a Tire with a VW Jack (The WIDOWMAKER)” on YouTube.

As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below. Again, if you have any questions, email me Charles(at)humblemechanic(dot)com with Question for Charles in the subject. Also if you have an idea for a show, contact me via email, or use the contact me form!

Don’t forget to follow me at:

Humble Mechanic automotive Podcast

Viewer Car Questions ANSWERED ~ Audio Podcast Episode 252

Today I will be taking your car related questions. The topics we cover are, car repair, DIYs on cars, Volkswagen, mechanic’s tools, and anything car related. To ask a car question for a show like this, email me Charles(at)Humblemechanic(DOT)com. Be sure to put the phrase “Question for Charles” in the subject. That is the best so you can avoid the spam monster. If you don’t get your question on this show, email it again just to be sure. Everyone has car questions, I am glad to be able to help

Sponsor of the Day CRP AUTO
CRP deals in a ton of OE automotive parts. They also make the factory DSG fluid for VW. Having them as a sponsor will give us access to more information about fluids than I would ever get from VW. I am really excited to have them as a resource of information. To learn more about the great products they have, check out CRPAutomotive.com 

Become A CrewMember
If you like this show. If you get value out of the videos and content that I put out, consider supporting the show by becoming a CrewMember. You will get discounts you can’t get anywhere else, exclusive videos from me, and VW/Audi training manuals. Between the discounts and the training manuals, the CrewMembership can easily pay for itself. Become a CrewMember today

Help Support The Show
Many of you have asked about supporting the show. For that I thank you. For now, the best things you can do are SHARE THE SHOW, and shop with my links on Amazon. You will not spend any more money that you would normally. Here is the Amazon link Humble Mechanic on Amazon or you can check out some recommended tools I have listed below.

Listen to the Show
It is finally here! The audio only version of the Humble Mechanic Podcast. So many of you wanted to listen on the go, in the car, working out, and now you can. While I wait for iTunes, Google approval you can listen to the show here on the blog. Once those approvals come, you will be able to subscribe and download the audio podcasts from your favorite place. 

Join me as I take your automotive questions on:

Trouble viewing? Watch “Viewer Car Questions ANSWERED ~ Podcast Episode 252” on YouTube.

As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below. Again, if you have a question for a show like this, email me Charles(at)humblemechanic(dot)com with Question for Charles in the subject. Also if you have an idea for a show, contact me via email, or use the contact me form!

Don’t forget to follow me at:

Humble Mechanic automotive Podcast

Viewer Car Questions ANSWERED ~ Audio Podcast Episode 251

Today I will be taking your car related questions. The topics we cover are, car repair, DIYs on cars, Volkswagen, mechanic’s tools, and anything car related. To ask a car question for a show like this, email me Charles(at)Humblemechanic(DOT)com. Be sure to put the phrase “Question for Charles” in the subject. That is the best so you can avoid the spam monster. If you don’t get your question on this show, email it again just to be sure. Everyone has car questions, I am glad to be able to help

Sponsor of the Day CRP AUTO
CRP deals in a ton of OE automotive parts. They also make the factory DSG fluid for VW. Having them as a sponsor will give us access to more information about fluids than I would ever get from VW. I am really excited to have them as a resource of information. To learn more about the great products they have, check out CRPAutomotive.com 

Become A CrewMember
If you like this show. If you get value out of the videos and content that I put out, consider supporting the show by becoming a CrewMember. You will get discounts you can’t get anywhere else, exclusive videos from me, and VW/Audi training manuals. Between the discounts and the training manuals, the CrewMembership can easily pay for itself. Become a CrewMember today

Help Support The Show
Many of you have asked about supporting the show. For that I thank you. For now, the best things you can do are SHARE THE SHOW, and shop with my links on Amazon. You will not spend any more money that you would normally. Here is the Amazon link Humble Mechanic on Amazon or you can check out some recommended tools I have listed below.

Listen to the Show
It is finally here! The audio only version of the Humble Mechanic Podcast. So many of you wanted to listen on the go, in the car, working out, and now you can. While I wait for iTunes, Google approval you can listen to the show here on the blog. Once those approvals come, you will be able to subscribe and download the audio podcasts from your favorite place. 

Join me as I take your automotive questions on:

Trouble viewing? Watch “Viewer Car Questions ANSWERED ~ Podcast Episode 251” on YouTube.

As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below. Again, if you have a question for a show like this, email me Charles(at)humblemechanic(dot)com with Question for Charles in the subject. Also if you have an idea for a show, contact me via email, or use the contact me form!

Don’t forget to follow me at:

Humble Mechanic automotive Podcast

MAKITA 18-VOLT LXT LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS 12 LED FLASHLIGHT

You may or may not know, I love lighting solutions. The amount of different flashlights I own is borderline shameful. Who am I kidding it’s awesome! Today we are looking at the Makita Cordless 12 LED Flashlight! Also paired with 18v 2.0AH Battery and Charger Starter Pack if you need batteries and a charger.

Disclaimer ~ This post is a paid partnership with The Home Depot. The tools were provided to Humble Mechanic at no charge. Links to products included in this post are affiliate links to The Home Depot. The information listed in product description is either my personal experience, or information provided by tool manufacturer or The Home Depot

MAKITA 18-VOLT LXT LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS 12 LED FLASHLIGHT

 

When it comes to lighting today, LED technology gives us amazing output in a small space. This light will put out 240 lumens from 12LEDs. You can also dim it down to 120 lumens if the situation requires it. People often forget how much better good lighting can make a job. It’s not as fun working on a project when you can’t see what you are doing. One great thing about making Youtube videos, you learn really fast about good lighting. I love that we have so many different lighting options today.

This light reminds me a lot of the first inspection light I ever bought. The options you have with how you set this light up are almost endless. As you see above, it’s nicely balanced on the intake manifold of my Passat. It stayed nicely right there while I was removing the spark plugs. It’s also great that the LED head rotates and folds to help get the light were you want it. So if you are working under the hood, or under the dash, you can probably get the light right where you need it.

MAKITA 18-VOLT LXT LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS 12 LED FLASHLIGHT

Because the LED head folds, and rotates, you get tons of options. Now the light broadcasts rather wide. This can be a good thing if you are inspecting a larger area. Sometimes the issue you are looking for lives just beyond the drop off of light when using a pen light. This also means you can rest it on something, like the engine bay, use it as a hand held, or use the hook to hang the light from something like a coilover.

When it comes to batteries, the light will run on Makita 18v batteries. If you are already running 18v Makita tools, this is a simple add to the fleet. For tools like this, I am not as picky about the battery I use. I would be happy to run the bigger batteries on this verse something like an impact tool that will be in my hand more. The batteries I tested this light with were the 2.0ah batteries. Makita says the light will run 22hr on a fully charged battery, but they don’t list which battery that was tested with. Here is a little cheat code from some Makita battery chargers. A little bit of useless info, but its fun to play with

Pros of the MAKITA 18-VOLT LXT LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS 12 LED FLASHLIGHT

  • Bright light with lots of adjustability
  • Long run time
  • Available as bare tool

Cons of the MAKITA 18-VOLT LXT LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS 12 LED FLASHLIGHT

  • Not as bright as some lights of similar size
  • Can be expensive if you have to buy batteries

Overall this is a cool light to have. It wouldn’t replace my pocket light, but makes a great inspection light. I would say if you are running Makita 18v tools it can be a great addition to the box. If you had to buy the light and the batteries, you are spending a lot of money on one light. That being said, it could be a gateway to getting on the Makita platform. When it comes to buying any battery power tools, I try to consider the tool I am interested in, as well as some of the other tools available on the platform. And of course it’s always recommended to head to the local Home Depot aka HomeDepot Motorsports and put the tool in your hands as see if it fits your needs.

Viewer Car Questions ANSWERED ~ Episode 250

Today I will be taking your car related questions. The topics we cover are, car repair, DIYs on cars, Volkswagen, mechanic’s tools, and anything car related. To ask a car question for a show like this, email me Charles(at)Humblemechanic(DOT)com. Be sure to put the phrase “Question for Charles” in the subject. That is the best so you can avoid the spam monster. If you don’t get your question on this show, email it again just to be sure. Everyone has car questions, I am glad to be able to help

Sponsor of the Day CRP AUTO
CRP deals in a ton of OE automotive parts. They also make the factory DSG fluid for VW. Having them as a sponsor will give us access to more information about fluids than I would ever get from VW. I am really excited to have them as a resource of information. To learn more about the great products they have, check out CRPAutomotive.com 

Become A CrewMember
If you like this show. If you get value out of the videos and content that I put out, consider supporting the show by becoming a CrewMember. You will get discounts you can’t get anywhere else, exclusive videos from me, and VW/Audi training manuals. Between the discounts and the training manuals, the CrewMembership can easily pay for itself. Become a CrewMember today

Help Support The Show
Many of you have asked about supporting the show. For that I thank you. For now, the best things you can do are SHARE THE SHOW, and shop with my links on Amazon. You will not spend any more money that you would normally. Here is the Amazon link Humble Mechanic on Amazon or you can check out some recommended tools I have listed below.

Listen to the Show
It is finally here! The audio only version of the Humble Mechanic Podcast. So many of you wanted to listen on the go, in the car, working out, and now you can. While I wait for iTunes, Google approval you can listen to the show here on the blog. Once those approvals come, you will be able to subscribe and download the audio podcasts from your favorite place. 

Join me as I take your automotive questions on:

Trouble viewing? Watch “Viewer Car Questions ANSWERED ~ Podcast Episode 250” on YouTube.

As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below. Again, if you have a question for a show like this, email me Charles(at)humblemechanic(dot)com with Question for Charles in the subject. Also if you have an idea for a show, contact me via email, or use the contact me form!

Don’t forget to follow me at:

Humble Mechanic automotive Podcast

Dewalt 20-VOLT MAX Small Angle Grinder

Sometimes you get a new tool thinking “this is cool but I don’t really NEED it” That is what I expected out of the Dewalt 20-VOLT MAX 4-1/2 in Small Angle Grinder. Now this battery powered grinder has become one of those things I wish I had years ago.

Disclaimer ~ This post is a paid partnership with The Home Depot. The tools were provided to Humble Mechanic at no charge. Links to products included in this post are affiliate links to The Home Depot. The information listed in product description is either my personal experience, or information provided by tool manufatorer or The Home Depot

Dewalt 20-VOLT MAX Small Angle Grinder

This Dewalt Grinder set was the bare tool. Luckily I have a few tools on the Dewalt 20v platform. Already I am a fan because I don’t have to break out the extension cord. On first grab of the tool, it feels well balanced and comfortable in my hand, including good grip size. It also comes with a detachable handle if you need a little more support.

Like all grinders have, or should have, the Dewalt 4-1/2 in Small Angle Grinder has fully adjustable guard. The best part of the guard is adjustable with one hand. Also you don’t have to fiddle around with that clamp like some models have. Just be sure to let the tool stop before moving the guard.

Dewalt 20-VOLT MAX Small Angle Grinder

For more in the safety department, the grinder has a built in brake to stop the tool fast. There are also more passive systems like E-Clutch and KickBack Brake. E-Clutch will shut the tool down if the wheel gets pinched. There is also a two stage trigger to prevent accidental action of the tool. Overall that is a great feature, but if you are trying for lower RPM, it can get a little finicky. To be fair, technically the speed is not variable.

Dewalt 20-VOLT MAX Small Angle Grinder

I ended up using this grinder way more than I expected. Not only to put the final touches on the MK3 core support I had to trim down for the charger cooler, but I also used it to trim down the oil filter housing to fit around the AC compressor fitting. I also had to trim down the pinion brace on the inside of the transmission. I used the tool as much holding it in my hand, as standing on its battery. That type of flexibility is fantastic.

Pros of the Dewalt 20-VOLT MAX 4-1/2 in Small Angle Grinder

  • Good balance and removable
  • Lots of safety features built in
  • Good selection of battery options
  • Way more flexible than corded models
  • Almost limitless wheel options

Cons of the Dewalt 20-VOLT MAX 4-1/2 in Small Angle Grinder:

  • Trigger not technically variable (it does work a little)
  • If you are not on the Dewalt battery platform, you will need to be
  • More expensive than a corded model

Overall I really like this grinder. For an automotive technician a grinder is not a tool you use every day. But when you need it, you really need it. If you are also running other tools on the Dewalt battery platform, this is a great addition to the tool box.

Dewalt 20-VOLT MAX Small Angle Grinder