The best $100 I ever spent
Do you have those little voices in the back of your head that say “You really need to buy that”? I do, in fact, they are more than likely the bigger voice in my head … anyway, this isn’t a…
Published on: 8 April 2024
Do you have those little voices in the back of your head that say “You really need to buy that”? I do, in fact, they are more than likely the bigger voice in my head … anyway, this isn’t a therapy session, this is me telling you, our wonderful audience, about the best thing I have ever bought for my 4WD. And I’m just as surprised as you are, that this little battler is still tightening and loosening bolts five-years after buying it.
What’s the story?
The single best thing I’ve ever bought, is a cheap Ozito 18V impact gun. It was $99 from that big hardware mob you buy snags from on a Saturday morning. I already had a 4.5a battery/charger, so I listened to the voices and let some moths out of my wallet. At first, I thought, “what a waste of money, I’ll never use it, I’m not a mechanic and what’s wrong with using a ratchet like a normal human”. WRONG WRONG WRONG. The other day I even found myself walking around the house looking for things to tighten up. “Hmm, those stairs are a little wonky”… they weren’t.
Is the Ozito Impact gun any good?
It will undo wheel nuts, I stripped a spare axle housing with it the other day, and I used it to put a bull bar on my FJ Cruiser this last weekend. I installed new suspension in my Suzuki, and the thing still had two bars of battery life left! I haven’t fired up the air compressor we have in the workshop since buying this, and at least once a week someone will ask if they can borrow it.
As someone with a back that resembles a nearly finished game of Jenga, it’s made it possible to work on my vehicles again. And that’s what I like about this the most. It takes so much stress off my body while working on cars.
Should you spend more?
I’m not sure how I lived without it, genuinely. And it’s not even a particularly good unit by any stretch. It’s good enough though, and now I know I will always have one in my life. I’ve since bought a brushless drill, an angle grinder, lawn edger (killed this one spectacularly after it disrespected my wishes) and pole pruner. Might even grab a chainsaw too (I did – it goes alright) … once you have the battery, the world is your cordless oyster. This is a huge statement, but 18V cordless tools are up there with cable ties and beer in terms of great inventions.
Ozito verdict
The Ozito 18V impact gun isn’t a professional tool, those with Snap-On or Milwaukee, would be laughing their heads off right now. But, this is entry-level tool, has stood up to my abuse, and makes my life so much easier. Thus, it’s the best $100 I’ve spent on my 4×4.
So that’s my story, but I’d love to hear what you think the best $100 you’ve ever spent on your vehicle is?
