Tools.... just where would we be without them? No doubt, we'd probably have more coin in our pocket if we were not paying for the massive roll-around tool chests that are chock full of the latest "must haves" from Matco tools. But, if you are reading this, you must be a working man. You probably cannot imagine not working on a hot rod at least part of your working day and would prefer to be welding a chassis together at two in the morning than working in the plushest office in town...ever.
No matter what your occupation may be, there are certain tools required for that line of work. Those required for hot rod chassis and bodywork just happen to be way cooler than anything an accountant or lawyer may use. Some of these tools are pretty basic and therefore mandatory, while others are more luxurious. Before plunking down your hard-earned money for the latest offering from the local tool emporium, you should consider a few basic questions. Do you already have an acceptable method of doing what the new tool or piece of equipment will do for you? How often do you perform that task? Will the new piece of equipment save enough labor time to justify the cost? Most tasks that can be performed with poweer tools can be done by hand, although power tools will usually save time. If you are running a production shop, that time saved translates into money made; if you are working by yourself in your backyard garage, it may be less important.
Having the right tools for the job and knowing how to use them correctly is the key to success in any profession. Even if you have to improvise, simply knowing which tool will serve as a better alternate will yield a better product. Whatever tool you are using, please be sure to familiarize yourself with its operational and safety aspects. Building hot rods should be fun, and I don't recall a trip to the emergency room ever being fun.
