Essential tools?
#1
Essential tools?
Ok, I have a rather pathetic assortment of tools at home. I am slowly trying to build up my collection to be at least semi-respectable. Since I'm always wishing I had __ tool for whatever project I may be working on at the time, I thought I'd throw it out there and see what are your favorite automotve tools? What do you consider to be an essential piece of any at home, do it yourself, mechanic's tool set?
#2
I think I use 3/8 and 1/2 ratchet wrenches more than any tool, If you get good ones they'll last you a life time and save your knuckles as well. Good hand tools and car tools like a compression gauge, vacuum gauge, volt meter and a good torque wrench. Angle grinder, battery post brush, spark plug wire removal tool, spark plug gap tool, feeler gauge.
Air tools are really nice, and you'll never know how handy a small wire feed welder is until you have one.
Air tools are really nice, and you'll never know how handy a small wire feed welder is until you have one.
#4
Keep a Haynes manual around for whatever vehicles you own, between that and Google you can generally be aware of whatever tools are necessary for a given task. Many things such as brake caliper tools, various pressure gauges etc are "rentable" tools from your local parts store so unless you do this for a living there's generally no need to go purchase your own.
And lest we forget to mention, an OBD-II scanner. If you have a handheld tuner then that will work, otherwise there are plenty of affordable options on Amazon.
#5
As was said, 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets and sockets. I usually buy both deep and not deep, but if you have to choose, buy a deep set.
A good set of pry bars of sizes are always handy. Channel lock pliers of different sizes too. Vise grips.
This is my portable set up. I would say a Craftsman set or similar would be a good start.
A good set of pry bars of sizes are always handy. Channel lock pliers of different sizes too. Vise grips.
This is my portable set up. I would say a Craftsman set or similar would be a good start.
Ok, I have a rather pathetic assortment of tools at home. I am slowly trying to build up my collection to be at least semi-respectable. Since I'm always wishing I had __ tool for whatever project I may be working on at the time, I thought I'd throw it out there and see what are your favorite automotve tools? What do you consider to be an essential piece of any at home, do it yourself, mechanic's tool set?
#6
Tools are never an expense, they're an investment! Another good source this time of year is watching Craigslist, Ebay, other such sources for the kids who start Tech School, buy the big tool box and lots of tools, then decide the school isn't what they want. Friend of mine picked up a nice set last year from a kid who'd bailed from a mechanic course, all Snap-on tools and box, retails at about 5K. After a bit of negotiating he got the entire set for $2600! Still a good chunk of change but quality stuff like this will last a DIY guy 3 lifetimes!
#7
Good info above, my only recommendation is to buy the best, quality tools you can afford at the time. I went the cheaper route the first time, meaning I ended up with 2 of everything now lol.
And an air compressor with air tools is always a good idea if you really get into it.
Then might as well get a 2 post hoist set in your garage lol, we can go on and on.....
And an air compressor with air tools is always a good idea if you really get into it.
Then might as well get a 2 post hoist set in your garage lol, we can go on and on.....
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TfcCDR
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09-14-2015 12:08 PM