10 Top Tools from SEMA 2006

Craftsman Indoor Outdoor Measuring Tool
Anything that uses sonar or lasers has just got to be cool. This one uses the former, and comes from Craftsman. The two-piece measuring system records distances up to 150 feet right through branches trees and other non-dense objects thanks to the miracle of sonar. Measure it twice, cut it once has never been more fun. If bats can use sonar to fly around in the dark without hitting anything, measuring something in broad daylight should be a snap. Let technology work for you for a change.

Astro Pneumatic Buffing Kit
Polishing anything usually involves multiple trips to multiple hardware stores picking up all the different buffing wheels, attachments, and compounds required for the job. For those of us with an air compressor, the Astro Pneumatic has made things simple with the Air Buffer Wheel Polisher Kit. Featuring a set of unique polishing and buffing wheels along with a special gear drive air driver, the kit is set up to polish wheels, lenses, or anything else.

Gearwrench X-Beam Wrenches
Anyone who has ever bent, hammered, sawed, or otherwise "modificated" a standard wrench or tool for a specific purpose or to access a stubborn bolt can surely appreciate the simple genius of the X-Beam Wrench from Gearwrench. A special twist in the body of the tool sets the wrench surface flat against your hand for easy and increased pulling or pushing force. This wide grab handle is much easier on the hands. As such, this wrench is approved for use by the Arthritis Foundation.

Powerhouse HD Valve Spring Compressor
Getting the valves in and out of a cylinder head is at best a laborious task involving a lot of positioning, twisting, adjustment, and often some cursing. No more. This adjustable valve spring compressor from Powerhouse tackles the task with a minimum of swearing involved. Adjustable to fit most any head configuration, this valve spring compressor is likely the last one you'll ever need to buy.

Proform 6-Piece Telescoping Gauge Set
Measuring the inside of cylinder bores, connecting rod mains, and any other kind of inside that is supposed to be perfectly round but may have gone oval or worse is a snap with these telescoping gauges. Simply insert the correctly sized gauge into the hole in question, turn the knob, and spring-loaded arms extend out against the edges. Tighten the knob to lock the measurement, remove the tool, and then measure with your favorite caliper.