tools

[Myuki]

What basic tool sets (wrenchs, ratchets, etc) or other tools do you guys use, that you absolutely need. I'm in the need for a set, and I'm tired of running around borrowing stuff.

edit: post #500 :!: :!: :!: 8) :thumbup:

[CaptainHenreh]

Start Here:

Clicky-Pow!

[white_2kgt]

whatever you do, make sure you get 6 point sockets (not 12pt, buy those as you need them) in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" sizes and wrenches to match. Oh and get several ratchets of the same size.

--chad

[.RJ]

Sears sells a nice 140pc all metric set..... doesnt come with a box though - but you dont end up with a whole bunch of shit you'll never use

[Evan]

^ what RJ said.

The big "mechanics" assortments end up being a waste because you only use the metric tools.

Now I just buy tools separately when I need them.

[.RJ]

The all metric set comes with some other nice bits too, flare nut wrenches and lots of 6pt sockets and some 12pt (eventually you'll need them)

[white_2kgt]

12pt (eventually you'll need them)

I have 4 12pt bolts on my car, count them, 4 and they are all the same size. 12pt sockets are a waste of tool box space.

--chad

[.RJ]

You always work on a mustang though?

Er, i forgot, you dont change cars every 6 months

[PDenbigh]

I have 4 12pt bolts on my car, count them, 4 and they are all the same size. 12pt sockets are a waste of tool box space.

--chad

Driveshaft to diff? ;-)

[white_2kgt]

I have 4 12pt bolts on my car, count them, 4 and they are all the same size. 12pt sockets are a waste of tool box space.

--chad

Driveshaft to diff? ;-)

werd

How many 12pt bolts have you ran across on your 87millon cars rj? Just curious. I've worked on a few different types of cars and hardly run across 12pt stuff unless someone has had studs from APR installed or such.

--chad

[.RJ]

clutch/fw bolts on a honda, there were a few on the bmw, hmm... saturns had some... just weird odds and ends. Just a nice thing to have, thats all.

[Dave]

just get a standard Craftsman starter set and build up from there.

[mpg9999]

whatever you do, make sure you get 6 point sockets (not 12pt, buy those as you need them) in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" sizes and wrenches to match. Oh and get several ratchets of the same size.

--chad

Screw 1/4 inch. I got a pretty nice craftsmen mechanics tool set and I never use the 1/4 inch drive.

[BLINGMW]

oooh really? can I have it? I use that 1/4 inch all the time


my only shred of advice is don't get cheap stuff. I've been buying crafstman lately, but I sure have a few broken wreches hanging around that were part of my first small toolset. And forget about cheap ratcheting anything. That 140pc metric set looks hot, but it does need some more....

like a pliers set:
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flare wrenches (it may seem like you could get away without these, but you'd change your tune after rounding off a brake line fitting):
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and maybe like a 12-16pc screwdriver set, wire strip/crimp tool, and a torque wrench would be a good start. Then I'd think about a puller or two, something to help with balljoints and wheelbearings... OH! And a breaker bar, BFH, prybar, and rubber mallet! I know I'm not the only one with rusted shite. Sure adds up though... I'm recommending at least $400 worth of crap... but hey, as long as it's your $$ I'm spending! :wink:

[.RJ]

Screw 1/4 inch. I got a pretty nice craftsmen mechanics tool set and I never use the 1/4 inch drive.

I use them all the time for "low torque" fasteners

[ViPER1313]

Other things I could not live without that don't come in a standard tool kit:
-breaker bar (or an impact wrench)
-torque wrenches (both 3/8in and 1/2in, big one to do ft/lbs and small one for in/lbs)
-3/8in wrench TO 1/2in socket adapter (that was a HARD part to find at a regular auto parts store)
-PBlaster
-propane torch
-prybar / crowbar of some sort
-jackstands / hydraulic jack

[.RJ]

You forgot the BFH

[CaptainHenreh]

You forgot the BFH

Yes. Everyone needs a persuadeotron.

[Dave]

small rubber mallet will also do the job. Got one a couple months ago and don't know how I survived without it.

[ScottyB]

small rubber mallet will also do the job. Got one a couple months ago and don't know how I survived without it.

couldn't have changed my shock without it hock: