Tools To Start Working On Cars?

[4onthefloor]

Yeah I've looked on kijiji but they're still, like, $2500 for a used one. I've also looked at Mastercraft chests. My buddy recommended boxes from Napa tools but I haven't looked into them.

I have to find a job first.

[theholycow]

People seem to be surprised by the quality of Harbor Freight boxes.

I wouldn't know. Can't use a box like that unless you have a garage. My tools are loose, hanging on a pegboard, on shelves, or in carpenter-style small portable boxes so that I can easily carry them out of my basement into my yard and back.

[4onthefloor]

Picked up some of my tools today. Still waiting on the lockwire pliers.

[AHTOXA]

Nice set, man. I wish I could afford a few sets or nice pieces from Snap-on.

[watkins]

Nice set, man. I wish I could afford a nice strap-on.

You would.

[AHTOXA]

Nice set, man. I wish I could afford a nice strap-on.

Wanna share mine?

No, thanks....

[eaglecatcher]

Where do we get these "turbo sockets" you speak of? Never seen them before.

[watkins]

Autozone sells Irving brand ones. Im buying Matco, and I know Snapon also makes a set. Im sure even Craftsman makes them.

[theholycow]

http://www.turbosocket.com/

http://www.amazon.com/SK-756-4-Inch-Sta ... B0007GGUE2

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools ... 96334.html

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp ... ir=catalog

[1974Alfa5spd]

So, the question is, what are you desiring to wrench on?
If it's a newer car, you're going to want some sockets, ratcheting end wrenches, and maybe an OBDII scanner.
If it's an older car, you're going to want sockets, ratcheting end wrenches, those turbo sockets, and a torque wrench. (You're going to be taking a lot more apart.)
If it's an older Jaguar, you're going to want one of those 5000 piece electrical kits.

Really, there exist cases of tools made by nice brands like Stanley, Black & Decker, or Durabuilt (I got one for christmas one year ) that contains just about everything you'd need to start working on cars.
In fact, if you look hard enough, you can find 150+ piece kits that contain just about every size socket/wrench/etc that you'd ever need.

Maybe something like this? http://www.amazon.com/T45931-Mechanics- ... 382&sr=1-7

[theholycow]

If it's an older car, you're going to want sockets, ratcheting end wrenches, those turbo sockets, and a torque wrench. (You're going to be taking a lot more apart.)

And a breaker bar...or if you have money, an air impact wrench.

[1974Alfa5spd]

If it's an older car, you're going to want sockets, ratcheting end wrenches, those turbo sockets, and a torque wrench. (You're going to be taking a lot more apart.)

And a breaker bar...or if you have money, an air impact wrench.

I don't know how I forgot that. It's saved my ass several times.

[FDSpirit]

I should probably start building my tool set......School isn't for a couple of months, but it wouldn't hurt to cross shop.

[fa22raptorf22]

I should probably start building my tool set......School isn't for a couple of months, but it wouldn't hurt to cross shop.

+1

I usually spend time with a family member that has all the tools at his house, but I would be more opportune to build my own "garage" to service items at home more frequently.

Also, if you feel confident that you have learned enough about safety when it comes to working on cars, then its probably good experience to do a few by yourself.

I would say that the first tools you want to get is a good jack, and four equal sized jack stands. Then look for a socket set with both metric and standard, as well as a 1/4" and 1/2" sockets and ratchets. You may also want to invest in one good 1/2" breaker bar and a rubber mallot for banging on the wrenches. After that, get a nice set of wrenches that have both open and closed ends. With those tools, you can get just about any nut or bolt off a car. With those you could tear an engine down or replace suspension parts.

After that, I would say to invest in a basic carry in car kit. It should have basics such at wrenches, sockets, and various screwdrivers. That way you will never get stranded on the side of the road, and also may be able to help people while you are at it.

And the single best tool for diagnosing cars, is an obd2 scanner.

[FDSpirit]

Thanks for the info! I've got basic tools, which were a gift from the girlfriend. I've purchased a few more here and there for brake jobs and a few other things. That may just be my "at home" toolset. I may go with Matco for school since they seem to offer cheaper tools compared to Snap-On.