Need Tool Advice

[felix1985]

I've been working on my own vehicles doing small jobs here and there as they were needed. Mostly to save money. The problem is that I've always had buddies help me because I didn't have my own tools. I recently decided to change that. I bought a good floor jack, jack stands, and I bought a 255 piece Craftsman mechanics set. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...3h&srccode=cii_5784816&cpncode=32-172466673-2.

I'm wondering what other tools do I really need at this stage. I'm sure that i'll always need more tools, but what tools would you get next if it was you. The craftsman set is now the body of my tool kit but I've also got screwdrivers and pliers. I'm also not very interested in getting air tools at this time.

What do you think?

 

[merace19]

I can not function without my wobbles extensions. They are extensions that the nose has been cut back to allow the socket to get at a angle, no more than 15 degrees. But that little bit will work and save your knuckles.
They do have wobble sockets that can be at a higher degree of angle also.
And adapters, to change from 3/8 drive to 1/2 or vice versa and same for the small 1/4 drive.

 

[adsm08]

Axle nut sockets.

 

[pxbacher]

So my approach is "Buy the specialty tool you need when you need it to get the job you're working on done." Benefit is you only buy the tools you need, and you can justify the purchase. Big drawback is you often pay full price, and you sometimes have to wait for a tool to finish a job (case in point last week's purchase below on a steering line install, which I have never needed previously).

That said, you can do some planning ahead by posting here re any special tools needed for a job you have planned. I've also bought a bunch of tools at actions on the cheap that I would never have bought retail, many of which I was glad to have when in a pinch in the middle of a job.

Oh yeah - unlike some others here I'm just a shade tree-er and mostly do repairs rather than mods, so take my advice with that grain of salt.

Good luck

-Pete

 

[PanamaExpat]

So far 2 of the most useful tools on my build have been the Dewalt 4.5" angle grinder and my trusty acetylene torch setup. After that I would add a good bench vise.

 

[brinker88]

24" breaker bar. Saved my ass quite a few times.

Also would look into getting a pair of GOOD snap ring pliers ( expect to pay $30 or more). Look into Channel-lock's snap ring pliers. Heaviest duty pliers I've ever seen.

http://www.amazon.com/Channellock-927-8-Inch-Retaining-Plier/dp/B000TG80SY/?tag=959media-20.

 

[PanamaExpat]

Looks like he is getting some really good suggestions. By the way Brinker what did yuo do to your truck? Is that some new mod so it will fit better through trees?

 

[brinker88]

^ Lol something like that. See my build thread as to not clutter the OP's thread.

 

[Mac]

One thing I did not see in the tool kit were any torque wrenches. Going to need them for any motor work, I've got the 1/2" & 3/8". Tube line wrenches come in handy for doing any brake or tubing work. Sure there are others but usually they are common at the hardware store.
Dave

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Ratchet wrenches, cannot live without them at work.

 

[freedom5]

Hope you have both SAE and metric sockets and wrenches. Almost all vehicles now have a mixture. I also found a set of wrenchs that has a design which allows multi use on both SAE and Metric.

 

[killj0y]

Sledge hammer, dead blow hammer, a good bit set with hex, torx...etc, pry bar set, fluid pump, oil filter wrench, some good work lights in case night or done dark area of the car catches you, quick disconnect tools, step drill bits and drill, magnetic pick up tool, nut drivers, 12 volt test light and multimeter, crimper set, I'm sure there it's a lot more in addition to what all these guys have mentioned too...

 

[robertc1024]

A good hydraulic jack and stands. Angled screwdrivers. +1 with killjoy - a good trouble light is a must.

 

[FritzTKatt]

Brake tool. I got a plier type one that has a hook and pick, as well as a thingy at the end for springs. Works great.

Small tape measure
anti seize
lock-tite
torx bit set (at least a security T20, MAF sensor, coil pack)
channel-lock slip jaw, straight slip jaw, lineman, needlenose, visegrip (6" is good for toolbox)
24oz. ball pien (fits in my box, maybe smaller for that one)
prybar
bastard file
a couple rubber gloves
cheap screw drivers (for doing things you shouldn't do with a screwdriver with)
bit of pipe about 9" that will slide over the 1/2" ratchet for cheater pipe
breaker bar, 1/2"
little bent metal type spark plug boot puller
extra spark plug
electrical tape
spark plug gap tool
tube of red permatex

That's all I can think of right now (for putting into the box). I stuff all that into my box, and don't leave the house without it in the truck (of course having a extended cab helps). Took the baby wrenches out and put them in my other box which stays at home, less the 9, 10, 11mm and the 3/8". Also get a set of SAE and metric 6pt wrenches to use as back wrenches. Still haven't used the allen keys the set came with...

I have this kit:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-283-...p-00935283000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

A 2D cell LED maglite fits nicely into the door panel pouch thingy, it actually snaps in kind of, with the head sticking out. Bright as hell at night. Keep a small bottle of brake fluid in the center console, with some super glue and jb weld quickset, also extra batteries. Behind the driver seat in the jump seat compartment is my haynes manual and some trans fluid. In the glove box is various fuses and some bulbs.

In the drop net thingy in the back:
Tire iron, with 2' cheater pipe
9 Iron (not joking, and I don't play golf)
Roll of paper towels
Goop hand cleaner
Spray bottle with soapy water goes under the passenger seat with some work gloves.
Make sure your screw jack is in the body compartment behind the jump seat(s).

I have a bed box too:
Tarp
3/4" rope (about 50ft)
another tool box with some assorted crap, namely ratchet straps for cargo
gallon of 50/50 antifreeze/water
gear oil (haven't removed, too lazy, not really needed)
recovery strap
6x9x1/2" stainless plate (for jack base)
brake cleaner

Under the bed box, I have a 2x4 cut to fit the bed, so it catches on the wheel wells. Stuck up under there are some 2x6x12 scraps, a bit of 4x4 scrap, and a junk brake drum. The scrap wood is for jacking. With 31's even, the screw jack won't go up high enough to take the wheel off. Drop some scrap wood under there, maybe the brake drum if I'm on loose dirt.

Now after I typed that all out I realized you were asking about to keep at home. Just with that you'll be good for a while, though.
Voltage tester and plug in light bar (got a 2 lamp flood light stand too).
A set of C clamps, 4, 6, 8 and 12".
Tub and tube of lithium/bearing grease, grease gun.
Hacksaw
wire brush
some drill bits (for little to no use, DeWalt pilot point are great) and a step bit
got oil drain pans?
Slip jaw type oil filter wrenches (I like to be able to crush the old filter if it's stuck, and they're more accessible)
small propane torch (like a handheld plumber type job, 5lb cylinder works great, unless you already have acetylene)
torque wrenches (why are they "wrenches" and not ratchets?)
spindle nut socket
33mm socket, 1 1/8" socket (and 1 1/8" wrench)
at least 12" pipe wrench
collapsible stick magnet
dental mirror
can of acetone
pb blaster/WD-40/snake oil

got some "magnetic socket rail"s that are for like 3/8" to 3/4" or something, but use them as bolt holders. They will stick onto the radiator support and sit on the plastic under the hood, covering that gap a bit. I have a habit of putting bolts on there.

Did I list enough "basic" tools, lol?

EDIT: I figure that's all pretty basic, and will do most of what you need. That's also all I can think of off the top of my head. I consider myself to not even have enough "basic" tools, let alone any specialty ones.

 

[Psychopete]

if you're not using air tools, you're going to need a good breaker bar that's going to last for sure. and a couple cans of PB Blaster