Tools To Start Working On Cars?

[MustangFan424]

Hello everyone, I've been a member here since I was around 13-14 years old. I will be turning 18 in a few weeks and shortly after that will be buying my first car, and I want to do all my own work. I bought a Craftsman 260pc. Tool Set http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_ ... r20_260MTS and I was wondering what other tools are a must have that people can reccomend me to buy from craftsman besides jack stands and floor jacks. Thanks for any help.

[AHTOXA]

From the basic stuff you generally want/need:

- a good set with 1/2", 1/4" and an 1/8" drive.
- in addition to the shallow and deep sockets you'd need open-end wrenches
- few crescent werenches
- vice grips of various sizes
- all sorts of screwdrivers
- pliers and maybe spring and clip pullers (they just make things a lot easier sometimes)
- a good torque wrench
- good hydro jack with stands and some wheel chocks.

For basic stuff, that's about it. You'll accumulate more tools as you need them.

[4onthefloor]

I would recommend a torque wrench....if you want to do things properly.

Other than that: standard wrench/socket set, pliers, screwdrivers etc. But the kit probably contains that stuff.

[MustangFan424]

As for the torque wrenches, I should get one in 1/2 and 3/8s?

[4onthefloor]

As for the torque wrenches, I should get one in 1/2 and 3/8s?

I would say if you can then yes. If you can only afford one I would say go 1/2", then get a 3/8" later.

I would also recommend spark plug sockets. I don't know if the set you got has them.

[theholycow]

Some things that haven't been discussed...these may seem like luxury tools, but they make things really so much more pleasant.

Ratcheting box-end wrenches- Gear Wrench brand ratcheting box-end wrenches are among my favorite tools. They're also very expensive. There are cheaper ones and I scoop those up when I can but I don't love them as much as Gear Wrench.


If you ever need to work on fuel lines, brake lines, and similar, always use flare wrenches and proper quick-disconnect tools. Harbor Freight has cheap disconnect tools that ought to be fine, and their flare wrenches are every bit as good as the brand name one I bought at a parts store recently. A premium brand name flare wrench may be better.



You are likely to do disc brakes. C-clamps are acceptable for pushing the piston back in. A disc brake spreader is cheap and well worth the $5 it costs at the auto parts store or Harbor Freight.


If you have a decent drill, you may want to use it to do some of the excess spinning some nuts require, especially if the threads are a little nasty and you have to give it a moderate amount of torque for a lot of revolutions.


Edit: Hmm...I have two brake spreaders, I wonder if I should modify one to work with my drill...

[4onthefloor]

^ listen to this.

I got a set of Box End ratcheting wrenches from Mastercraft on sale at Canadian Tire and they're nice.

I also got a ratcheting screwdriver. Mine is a Mastercraft but Snap On makes a really nice one. I've used it to unscrew the many panels all over aircraft (a bitch job) and it's quite useful.

Also short and long extensions (giggity) are good to have. I've got a wobble set that I like:

[AHTOXA]

The disk brake spreader won't work for cars where you have to turn in the rotors, such as my Teg and the VW I've had.

Normally, you can rent those kits from any auto parts store almost. Don't worry about the brake kit yet as it's not often you do a brake job.

[watkins]

Some things that haven't been discussed...these may seem like luxury tools, but they make things really so much more pleasant.

Ratcheting box-end wrenches- Gear Wrench brand ratcheting box-end wrenches are among my favorite tools. They're also very expensive. There are cheaper ones and I scoop those up when I can but I don't love them as much as Gear Wrench.

Cow, you read my mind. I no longer consider ratcheting wrenches a luxury. More of a requirement.

Also, turbo sockets (rounded bolt/nut removal sockets):

[theholycow]

I really should get some of those turbo sockets. My collection of stubborn/rusted fastener removal tools is entirely too small, especially considering just how much of my work is on that sort of fastener.

That reminds me: Left-hand drill bits are an awesome idea, although I haven't had an opportunity to use them ever since I finally got them.

[MustangFan424]

Was checking out snap on for torque wrenches and damn all their stuff is expensive as hell. BTW thanks for the all the help. For now I'm gonna pick up a volt meter, code reader, and torque wrenches along with lift equipment.

[DarkPilot]

I'm going to get shot for saying this, but you don't really need a torque wrench and unless you get it calibrated regularly it's useless anyway.


All you need to do judge based on the size/ material of the bolt and what it goes into.

Go ahead, fire at will.

[watkins]

Theres no need to take shots at someone with a hole blown right through them.

[4onthefloor]

I'm going to get shot for saying this, but you don't really need a torque wrench and unless you get it calibrated regularly it's useless anyway.

You're thinking aircraft. Most people probably don't calibrate annually.

[theholycow]

If you have practice and experience then you can probably skip the torque wrench and calibration probably matters.

If you're new then even a badly calibrated torque wrench will help you get in the right ballpark. Harbor Freight stuff ought to suffice.