Originally Posted by peripatetic
One tool is going to cost a lot less than a new socket set with a longer wrench handle. Besides, since I don't own an automobile or many other mechanical devices that use them, I really don't have much use for an entire socket wrench set.
As an example, this single purpose wrench (
http://tinyurl.com/7afq2) costs $8 at Performance without shipping. This multipurpose wrench (
http://tinyurl.com/cgtnc) is the same one I use, and costs $23 at Sears with shipping. Is that "a lot less"? I don't know. I guess it depends on what your wrenching needs are.
Originally Posted by peripatetic
Juicemouse, in answer to your post--what exactly am I going to use a piece of pipe for in the future? A tool can be put in my tidy little toolbox and tucked away. A piece of pipe is just going to slide about. Besides that, the handle on this particular socket set is about 5 inches long, and narrow. It's my friend's. I don't even know if it is long enough for the pipe to work.
I might not use a pipe on a 5" wrench (especially a borrowed one) for this task either. However, a piece of pipe can be considered a tool just like your screwdriver and wrench, and kept along side them in your toolbox. It is useful for combining with smaller than adequate wrenches (which are apparently what you're working with) for removing/installing fasteners which require more torque. There are plenty of these on a bicycle.