Need Tool Advice

[Sham66]

Here is a small list

•1/4″ drive driver handle
•1/4″ drive ratchet
•1/4″ drive 3″ extension
•1/4″ drive 6″ extension
•1/4″ drive 14″ extension
•1/4″ drive universal joint
•1/4″ drive socket set (3/16″ to 9/16″)
•1/4″ drive deep socket set (3/16″ to 9/16″)
•1/4″ drive metric socket set (5.5mm to 13mm)
•1/4″ drive deep metric socket set (5.5mm to 13mm)
•3/8″ drive ratchet
•3/8″ speed handle
•3/8″ drive 3″ extension
•3/8″ drive 6″ extension
•3/8″ drive 12″ extension
•3/8″ drive 24″ extension
•3/8″ drive universal joint
•3/8″ drive socket set (3/8″ to 3/4″)
•3/8″ drive deep socket set (3/8″ to 3/4″)
•3/8″ drive metric socket set (8 to 19mm)
•3/8″ drive deep metric socket set (8 to 19mm)
•3/8″ to 1/4″ adapter
•13/16" spark plug socket
•5/8" spark plug socket
•1/2″ drive ratchet
•1/2″ drive 6″ extension
•1/2″ drive 12″ extension
•1/2″ to 3/8″ adapter
•1/2″ drive metric socket set (12mm to 24mm)
•1/2″ drive impact socket set (3/8″ to 1″)
•1/2″ drive metric impact socket set (10mm to 24mm)
•1/2″ drive impact universal joint
•1/2″ impact wrench
•combination wrench set (1/4″ to 1″)
•metric combination wrench set (6mm to 19mm)
•flare nut wrench set (1/4″ to 13/16″)
•metric flare nut wrench set (9mm to 21mm)
•Allen wrench set
•metric Allen wrench set
•combination pliers
•adjustable joint pliers
•diagonal cutting pliers
•needle nose pliers
•wire crimper/strippers
internal/external snap ring plier set
•10″ straight jaw vise grip pliers
•10″ curved jaw vise grip pliers
•screwdriver set
•#45, #50, #55 Torx sockets
•ratcheting screwdriver bit set
•#1, #2 Posidrive bit
•#10, #20, #25 Torx bit
•12 volt test light
•spark tester
•1″ pocket dial thermometer
•vacuum/pressure pump kit
•rubber mallet
•24 oz. ball peen hammer
•24 oz. dead blow hammer
•punch and chisel set
•brake return spring pliers
•brake hold down spring removal tool
•disc brake caliper socket set
•dustcap remover
•cotter pin puller
•hacksaw
•6″ steel rule with metric scale
•scribe/awl
•pick set
•feeler gauge set
•round file
•10″ mill file
•file handle
•gasket scraper
•inspection mirror
•magnetic flexible pickup tool
•claw type flexible pickup tool
•18″ pry bar
•small oil filter wrench
•large oil filter wrench
•valve core removal tool
•tire air chuck
•tire pressure gauge
•air blowgun
•utility knife
•heavy-duty flashlight
•safety glasses
•fender covers
•toolbox and/or chest to contain all tools listed

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Did someone say a big hammer, crowbar and torch with mapp gas?

 

[bobbywalter]

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.

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.

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

pretty solid list going....best money

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.

http://www.metrinch-tools.com/website/produkten.php?subnr=7&subcat=CAT36


http://www.metrinch.com/


i love these tools. the hand wrenches are ghey....but they rock all around for portability

 

[pxbacher]

If you want a convenient second work light these things rock:

Might-D-Light

I got mine over a year ago for Christmas - I think I got it off Amazon. I saw them on an end cap at Waly-mart a while back but I think they sold out. Looks like Home Depot has em too. They come with a lighter adapter so you can run em right from your truck when stuck in the woods or whatever. Battery life is decent - Longest I've used mine is maybe 2 hours and it was still going tho a little dimmer. I love the high-power magnets and the hinge - lets you aim it at pretty much whatever you want. Mine is ALWAYS back behind my driver seat.

 

[badmts]

DO NOT BUY ANY TOOLS! Get a job at a garage as a mgr/svc advisor, on slow days a little before lunch(this part is important) borrow the WRONG tool to fix your car ,raise hood and stare at engine compartment-someone or a couple of someones who are bored or have no lunch plans or money will invariably come out to watch ,seeing you have the wrong tool for this job they will offer to help.While he/they fix your car you step over to BURGER WORLD and return with 1 or 2 val u meals and PRESTO ! Car is fixed ,hunger is gone and they get to tell each other how stupid I am -WIN/WIN!

 

[felix1985]

Great suggestions guys.

I can tell by some of the tools recommended that I'm definitely not on the same level as some of you guys. i wouldn't even know how to use some of those tools. I'm still pretty new to wrenching. I've done a few brake jobs; replaced a cv axle, replaced a wheel bearing, did the coil pack, plugs, and wires on my ranger. Bunch of other little jobs. I'm getting ready to do the upper ball joints on my ranger. That's about the extent of my experience. I'm already addicted to doing my own work. The financial savings are great but the satisfaction of doing it myself is even better. I've got a lot of tools to buy. I wish I had the know-how to do more complex and complicated jobs. Maybe one day...

 

[adsm08]

Don't forget to take her down to the local tire shop and have it aligned after you do that ball joint. Releasing the bolts on the upper control arm allow the camber/caster setting to be disturbed.

 

[adsm08]

Also, since we have turned the topic to lighting, I have found these little buggers to be quite nice. I love mine, and Amazon apparently has them for about 2/3 of what I paid.

http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-66118-Stylus-Flashlight-Holster/dp/B0015UC17E/?tag=959media-20

 

[felix1985]

Don't forget to take her down to the local tire shop and have it aligned after you do that ball joint. Releasing the bolts on the upper control arm allow the camber/caster setting to be disturbed.

I figured I'd probably have to. Thanks for letting me know for sure.

 

[85broncduece]

5 galons of gas and a book of matches...but thats when things dont go your way. lol but everyones got prety much the basics covered. any thing else is gonna be more of a job specific tool. and as everyone has said you usually dont know you need it till you have 50 parts layin infront of you and that tool is hangin you up. so a phone nearby and a good freind to call bitch to about it then ask for a ride. Not sure if it was mentioned but easyouts and bolt grips. c clamps, brake bleeder.oh wow almost forgot the most important one... BEER!!!! (atleast for me)

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

A thread file, actually two, one for s.a.e. and one for metric.

 

[PanamaExpat]

5 galons of gas and a book of matches...but thats when things dont go your way. lol but everyones got prety much the basics covered. any thing else is gonna be more of a job specific tool. and as everyone has said you usually dont know you need it till you have 50 parts layin infront of you and that tool is hangin you up. so a phone nearby and a good freind to call bitch to about it then ask for a ride. Not sure if it was mentioned but easyouts and bolt grips. c clamps, brake bleeder.oh wow almost forgot the most important one... BEER!!!! (atleast for me)

I second you on the beer. Can't even consider heading out to the garage without a case of cold ones in the fridge.

 

[felix1985]

Ok guys,

Since the last time I was on here I've bought quite a few tools. Got a good collection going now. I'm looking down the road and could definitely see a need for air tools. I know I would need a 1/2 inch impact and a 3/8 ratchet wrench and the impact sockets to go along with them. The one thing I don't know is what size compressor I would realistically need to run these tools. I only have a 2 car garage so I wouldn't want some massive compressor if I could help it. What do you think?

 

[509lifted]

im using an old school one my grandparents bought like 10 years ago its a 10gallon one and it works pretty decent but u can't go to fast or else it doesnt hold up psi that well. i also only have a cheap walmart brand one but it gets the job done and it was a gift from an ex so even better haha

 

[Ryannn]

Multiple length extensions, in 1/4, 1/2, 3/8, its nice having a 2ft extension...