you guys are funny. I love the guys who carry "full sets" of 6 and 12 pt sockets in their cars in case they break down. Anyone ever done a road side repair with their socket sets? Forget wrenches. Put them out of your head. If you want to start working on cars this is what you need in this order:
1) set of plastic prybars. Can't change a light bulb in some cars with out them.
2) digital multi meter. Electronics stop cars nowadays not broken fasteners or mechanical stuff. A test light is a reasonable compromise. But you'll buy a DMM sooner or later anyway, so get it now.
3) ratcheting screwdriver set - now call me crazy, but I recommend just going out and getting a nice new or gently used Snap On instinct ratcheting screwdriver (Ebay $50). Then get the little red case that holds all the bits. And get good bits, Snap On or Apex. You can take apart a lot of stuff with that one tool. My preference is for the stubby handle. Make sure you get a couple shanks including the 1/4" drive. I know this sounds extravagant, but you'll use this tool more than just about any other and you'll thank me later.
4) good jack and stands and a creeper you like and that fits you. Big wheels are typically better.
5) kick *** LED lights with STRONG magnets. I have Snap On and blue points. I'd try Astro. But the cheapies don't have strong enough magnets and they fall off of the curved surfaces you inevitably must attach them to. A head light is a reasonable alternative and darned helpful.
6) Set of 1/2" impact sockets and a battery impact gun. You don't need an expensive one. I have a Bosch which people say is weak, but it's never let me down.
7) 3/8" drive socket set. Any make will really do. Snap On is best, but the impact gun cures many ills. So don't get wrapped around the axle.
8) Snap On bit sockets- allens and torx - get these used on ebay. Look for a set either missing a piece or with obvious wear to one or two sockets. These will fetch the lowest bids (should be easily under $100/set - shoot for $50). Then turn around and order the replacement parts from Snap On. Now you have a real warranty on likely the most oft used sizes.
9) pick up a crappy pry bar set (usually 20 yr old craftsman are better than new Chinese) and a couple dead blow hammers.
10) I won't start a job without my inspection mirror and magnetic pick up tool. These can be had for super low money but are really invaluable when you need them. An old ipod with a front camera also makes an excellent inspection mirror.
This should allow you to do belts, accessories, brakes, and a myriad of interior and body jobs.
Wrenches, I'd get last. Don't skimp on these. I use mine infrequently, but when I do, I need good ones. I'd skip combos and go straight for some kind of long hi performance models. I think Snap On are best. A set can be had for about $200 on ebay in like new condition. But there are others. In general, these are just better at what we typically use wrenches for.
At the end of the day, the tools we debate endlessly here, are a small fraction of the tools you need. For modern automotive work, they aren't even all that important. The important, hard to reach, frozen in place bolts are usually socket head cap screws (allens or torx). The old MB may have triple squares?? So watch for them.
Oh, and when you buy ratchet handles, don't get the standard length models. Get the longest flex head you can get. These will be more helpful, if less convenient.
Last, a great set of extensions, and GOOD 1/4" drive sockets are luxuries you should treat yourself to after a few jobs.
2 more pieces of advice:
1) Long tools are typically more useful, but they have to be better quality. If you want to budget some silver bullet tools, save your money for the long tools - long Snap On extensions, pry bars, ratchet handles, wrenches. Anybody can make an acceptable short tool, so look there to save money.
2) Think long and hard about getting a decent toolbox sooner than later. I disagree with sentiment about boxes here (" you don't make money with a toolbox"). Your toolbox is the tool you use the most. Finding tools quickly, and putting them back to keep your work area clean helps you work faster and saves real time/money. Its just not obvious. I found a Snap On KRL(761) for $700 - less than a comparable HF box. Deals like that are out there. Start looking now.
1) set of plastic prybars. Can't change a light bulb in some cars with out them.
2) digital multi meter. Electronics stop cars nowadays not broken fasteners or mechanical stuff. A test light is a reasonable compromise. But you'll buy a DMM sooner or later anyway, so get it now.
3) ratcheting screwdriver set - now call me crazy, but I recommend just going out and getting a nice new or gently used Snap On instinct ratcheting screwdriver (Ebay $50). Then get the little red case that holds all the bits. And get good bits, Snap On or Apex. You can take apart a lot of stuff with that one tool. My preference is for the stubby handle. Make sure you get a couple shanks including the 1/4" drive. I know this sounds extravagant, but you'll use this tool more than just about any other and you'll thank me later.
4) good jack and stands and a creeper you like and that fits you. Big wheels are typically better.
5) kick *** LED lights with STRONG magnets. I have Snap On and blue points. I'd try Astro. But the cheapies don't have strong enough magnets and they fall off of the curved surfaces you inevitably must attach them to. A head light is a reasonable alternative and darned helpful.
6) Set of 1/2" impact sockets and a battery impact gun. You don't need an expensive one. I have a Bosch which people say is weak, but it's never let me down.
7) 3/8" drive socket set. Any make will really do. Snap On is best, but the impact gun cures many ills. So don't get wrapped around the axle.
8) Snap On bit sockets- allens and torx - get these used on ebay. Look for a set either missing a piece or with obvious wear to one or two sockets. These will fetch the lowest bids (should be easily under $100/set - shoot for $50). Then turn around and order the replacement parts from Snap On. Now you have a real warranty on likely the most oft used sizes.
9) pick up a crappy pry bar set (usually 20 yr old craftsman are better than new Chinese) and a couple dead blow hammers.
10) I won't start a job without my inspection mirror and magnetic pick up tool. These can be had for super low money but are really invaluable when you need them. An old ipod with a front camera also makes an excellent inspection mirror.
This should allow you to do belts, accessories, brakes, and a myriad of interior and body jobs.
Wrenches, I'd get last. Don't skimp on these. I use mine infrequently, but when I do, I need good ones. I'd skip combos and go straight for some kind of long hi performance models. I think Snap On are best. A set can be had for about $200 on ebay in like new condition. But there are others. In general, these are just better at what we typically use wrenches for.
At the end of the day, the tools we debate endlessly here, are a small fraction of the tools you need. For modern automotive work, they aren't even all that important. The important, hard to reach, frozen in place bolts are usually socket head cap screws (allens or torx). The old MB may have triple squares?? So watch for them.
Oh, and when you buy ratchet handles, don't get the standard length models. Get the longest flex head you can get. These will be more helpful, if less convenient.
Last, a great set of extensions, and GOOD 1/4" drive sockets are luxuries you should treat yourself to after a few jobs.
2 more pieces of advice:
1) Long tools are typically more useful, but they have to be better quality. If you want to budget some silver bullet tools, save your money for the long tools - long Snap On extensions, pry bars, ratchet handles, wrenches. Anybody can make an acceptable short tool, so look there to save money.
2) Think long and hard about getting a decent toolbox sooner than later. I disagree with sentiment about boxes here (" you don't make money with a toolbox"). Your toolbox is the tool you use the most. Finding tools quickly, and putting them back to keep your work area clean helps you work faster and saves real time/money. Its just not obvious. I found a Snap On KRL(761) for $700 - less than a comparable HF box. Deals like that are out there. Start looking now.
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