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Basic Automotive Tools

sberry

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My friend Judy isnt a mechanic but knows enough about cars and can buy or sell a little. she bought a Cad in nice condition, drove it for a year and basically beat I the snot out of it. By then there were a few things going south, most difficult and expensive and then it up shits a ******. The outside looked ok, and it was a debate for everyone but her, she called the junk man and he gives her 400 at the time for a car she abused for a year and had bought for 11 or 1200$ and he tows it away. She had 100$ a month in it to buy, got 400 back, didn't put any in to it as far as I know and drove it like a crazed woman for 20K miles.
 
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bczygan

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Sberry, I hear you!

Revised the list to organize better.

Got to admit there are tools on the list I don't even know how to use or what they're for.

Bill

Another factor in all this is the learning curve. I'm learning things about vehicles by doing some of these jobs. I have to admit that I am TERRIBLE at inspecting a vehicle. The Astro we just bought has deficiencies I should have noticed. This is helping me learn what to look for.
 
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bczygan

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Another thing I've noticed, is the wide variety of tools needed to make the work easier.

Ratchets and sockets aren't enough, even though that is 75% of the tool discussion I hear.

I watch the shade tree guys here in the neighborhood, spending hours beating on cars with big hammers, because they don't have the right tools. I've actually helped out a neighbor with just the right tool, when he was busting things apart with said hammer and destroying parts.

Bill
 
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bczygan

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Revised list of potential tools, and vast majority not needed yet.

Next task is to assemble the most often used tools, that I have, and fill the HF service cart so I can bring them to the vehicle for work. Organize the rest in the HF roller.

Bill
 
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sberry

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No one is saying to do without but not to try to predict every specialize scenario which may never happen but be ready to get something if and when you need it. With tools being so cheap today there is not much reason to do without if a guy has a couple bucks in his pocket.
 

Gmonkee

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Yup. In the shop here 10% of the tools do 90% of the work.

And we do all makes and models that roll in. Dream because its fun but spend because there is actual use for said item.
There is always a loss factor on resale of lessor used stuff. My kit is all basics and quite small.

There used to be a lot of specialty tools. I took my hit on them and then the next guy may never use them either. But he gets to see them go totally obsolete.

Meanwhile if I had a truckload of used metric wrenches, rachets and sockets I could quit using tools and make more money just selling them.
 

md21722

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A re-threader set is handy to have.

When it comes time, I would consider the Mastercool flaring set over the Eastwood. You use the Mastercool on the vehicle. It's awkward but can be done.
 

T45

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I think the orginal list is fine, the issue is it needs to be broken down into some core tools and then expansion packs of special purpose tools. The later are needed and quite useful for certain jobs, but not every punter has the need to do those jobs day 1 or the space/ambition to do them even in the future. So for a more general discussion, one can the use some foresight about building a kit to meet actual needs. Certain jobs can then be sent out to save on investments altogether. Certain jobs can defer investment until actually needed. And certain jobs that will be undertaken with regular frequency can be outfitted for well in advance to take advantage of deals that arise opporunistically.
 

T45

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This would be a basic tool list from which to build off of.

{please feel free to edit or comment -- this is just reformat of OP}

Sockets

Socket and ratchet set, 1/4" Blow mold/ Gearwrench - Have
Sockets in handle trays, deep & shallow metric to 27 too [3/8 & 1/2 drive]
Deep sockets [3/8 drive]
Breaker bar HF 3/8 1/2 - Have
Torx or star sockets - Have
Allen sockets metric and SAE - Have
Extensions locking and 3/8
Reverse torx sockets E14 metric
1/2" Extensions - Have
Short and long wobble extensions

wrenches

Gearwrench Wrenches long box end metric
Offset wrenches box end metric
Crowsfoot wrenches metric - Have
[Ratcheting wrench set?]

Screwdrivers - Have

pliers&
pryers



Pliers - Have
Side cutters - Have
Special pliers cable cutters

Torque

Torque wrench HF 3 sizes - Have

Shop Tools

Calipers - Have
Magnetic parts dishes HF - Have
Mirror & magnet - Have
Safety glasses - Have
Work light LED
Flashlights - Have
Electrical tape - Have
Teflon tape - Have
Paper towels - Have
Nitrile gloves 7 HF - Have
Brush - Have
45 degree pin [cotter pin] puller

Electrical

Multimeter - Have
Small screwdrivers - Have

Impacts

Cordlss impact
Metric Impact Sockets HF - Have

Bolt/Threads

Irwin damaged fastener tool set
Impact screwdriver

Hammer

4# sledge - Have
Brass rubber mallet HF

Prybars

Pry bars Craftsman - Have

diagnostics

Test light HF - Have
Scanner Wide data logging Actron CP9135?
 
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T45

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Next Tier Up - of more specialized tools - Auto

special pliers

Curved needlenose
Long 90 degree pliers Have
Really long 90 degree pliers
Big channellocks
External retaining ring pliers Matco
Cable actuated hose clamp pliers
Snap ring pliers astro 6 pc

disconnects

Hex shaped connector removal tool
Hose disconnect tools HF
Quick disconnect tools
Disconnect tools

Fluids

Coolant tester - Have
Block tester
Noid light HF [EFI]
Mity vac HF - Have

Lift equip

Jack HF and Arcan Alum. - Have
Jack stands HF 3 and 6 ton - Have
Wheel chock - Have
 
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T45

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Capital Intensive or More Ambitous Projects or Ambitous Work Spaces

heat

Ox/ac set - Have
Small MIG welder
Mapp gas

air tools

Impact gun HF Earthquake 1/2" - Have
20 gal air compressor - Have
Cutoff tool
Air chisel/hammer
Air ratchet - Have Husky

pullers

Ball joint set HF - Have
Balance puller
Slide hammer
Pitman arm puller HF - Have
Leslie blind seal puller
Bolt puller set 40pc HF


special sockets

E reverse torx wrenched chopped wrenches S wrenches
4 wheel drive spindle nuts trucks
Oil sending unit socket
Axle nut socket set powerbuilt O'Reillys

misc shop

Dental picks
2nd cart

body work

Body panel pliers HF
Body panel tools

fabrication

Hose cutting tool
Eastwood pro flaring tool set
MAC flare set
Rivets - Have
Rivet gun big - Have hand one

Job specific

Rear caliper cube
Specialty wrenches
Strut spring compressors
Brake caliper tool set
Office paper clips for cam belts - Have
 

T45

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Tools missing from the OP list...maybe think about

1) Thread repairs -- Chasers/Rethreaders, Taps, Drills
2) Electrical -- wirestrippers, Crimpers
3) File - general assortment & thread files
4) Hemostat -- an alternative for tight place pliers
 

DakotaMan

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There is nothing wrong with getting general stuff, a flare kit is good but a guy can get it off the store shelf if he needs it and I managed with a generic one for a long time, same for bubbles, use it on occasions I need to re use a fitting other wise I buy ready mades and a few couplings.
The HF ball joint press is good, I go for that one, a couple uses and its paid for at your own schedule and is modest. But there is no need in buying sockets for 4wd hubs for trucks you are likely never to own.
Keep some cash in your pocket, Bill is in an area there is no shortage of tools, if he has to stop to go to the store it is better than collecting and sitting on 1000's and still not having the right thing for the car or 2 he does have.
3rd ly, not every part you see has to be replaced, the last wheel bearing job should have been a learning experience. It took be a while to get this concept but I got no problem replacing a brake pad if its the problem or 1 ball joint if that's what it needs, same for steering parts. The car is 20 yrs old, sees modest use, if it needs an end change it and often the cheapest **** will outlast the car.
You already have been in to cars where you did a perfect job to one or 2 items to have it chunk a ******,,,, now the car isn't worth a major repair and headed to the junkyard with a new front end where a simple tie rod or brake pads would have made it to the same point.
There is enough stuff wrong with them you actually need without fussing over which is the "best" at every turn and throwing money at it that will never return.

I hate how often I find myself in this situation. I may spend two or three days replacing every seal, hose, weatherstrip, and then some dirtbag texts-and-drives into the side of me and it was all for naught. Doesn't stop me because I want to have nice things....but your point is accurate.
 

pepi

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Basic Automotive Tools

Common sense, a clue and some hand tools, will get you started just fine. Buy as needed, unless you happen to have a crystal ball handy.

Greg
 
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Weird Tolkienish Figure

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If you are in Michigan, you'll need flaring tools for brake lines, and disconnect tools, but most of the other tools on the list are "buy as needed". You'll run into other needs, like Torx plus bits for Ford truck bed fasteners, and will never need some of the tools on the list.

I'd advise you to avoid stocking up on Harbor Freight tools. There are higher quality sources out there for specialty tools.

Amazon is your friend.

I'd add a caveat, HF is fine as long as you read the reviews.
 

SuzukiGS750EZ

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I bought all my basic tools I could think of that I had used frequently and then as I either got money and saw a future use or needed them, I bought them. I now have everything I need and a few i sporadically use lol
 
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bczygan

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Added 1/2" impact extensions to the list, and picked them up, as well as the swivel metric impact sockets.

Added step drills to the list. Might mount the plug strip on the service cart.

20170225_204059_zpson4imhch.jpg~original


Every weekend I take the wife and go to HF and get 2 more items on the list.

Bill
 
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SuitorsGarage

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Never liked a gearwrench because if I'm using box end it's because I need to break loose and the gears would fail in a ratcheting wrench
Use a regular combination wrench to break them free then use a ratcheting wrench for convenience. Takes 2 seconds to grab two wrenches and another 2 seconds to switch wrenches. Ratcheting wrenches make a huge difference when working in tight spaces. Get a good set and treat them right.

I agree with others...make sure you have the basics then expand from there whether it is a tool needed for the next job or a tool to make your work easier.
Happy tool shopping.
 
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Greg85mcss

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I haven't read through all the replies yet but I would move angle pliers up the list. I have the hf 2 piece set & another one. Under $20 & I probably use them more than anything else. Their hose pliers are great too. One more thing I would add is the craftsman thread restoration kit.


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bczygan

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Just back from HF.

Picked up left handed drill bits (They didn't know they carried them), and the 2 pack of big step drill bits.

2 things to add to the list are 3/8 and 1/2" wobble impact extensions.

Bill
 
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bczygan

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I haven't read through all the replies yet but I would move angle pliers up the list. I have the hf 2 piece set & another one. Under $20 & I probably use them more than anything else. Their hose pliers are great too. One more thing I would add is the craftsman thread restoration kit.


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I agree.

Updated list:

Potential tool list:

Next on the list:

Work light LED
Dental picks
Sockets handle trays, deep metric to 27 shallow too.
Electrical Terminal Kit and Crimper
LED 12 volt for testing coil on plug, etc. ($3 or so at electronic supply house
Scanner wide data logging Actron CP9135?
Cutoff tool
Snap ring pliers astro 6 piece
Mapp gas
External retaining ring pliers Matco
Tap and die need good set
Irwin damaged fastener tool set
Tweezers
Impact screwdriver
Wrenches long box end metric
Wrenches offset metric
Shallow sockets
3/8 and 1/2" wobble impact extension
Thread restoration kit Craftsman

Would like:
Small MIG welder - Would like
Air chisel - Would like
Spring compressors - Would like center one
Interior body panel tools - Have HF plastic - couple more HF
Short and long wobble extensions - Have some
Deep sockets - Have some
Oil Filter Wrench (assortment of strap and cap types) - Have some
Extensions locking and 3/8 - Have some
Special pliers cable cutters - Have some

Not needed yet:
Rear caliper cube - Not needed
Cordless impact - Not needed
Offset wrenches box end metric
Quick disconnect tools
Axle nut socket set powerbuilt O'Reillys
Body panel pliers HF
45 degree pin puller
Leslie blind seal puller
CV joint boot band installation tool
Air chucks for pressure testing cylinders
Compression tester
Fuel pressure gauge
Vacuum gauge
Chain Wrench
Roofers magnet - Use HF magnet bar
Stud remover
AC tools
Disconnect tools
Hex shaped connector removal tool
2nd cart
Hose cutting tool - Use utility knife
Hose disconnect tools HF
Really long 90 degree pliers
Big channellocks
Curved needlenose
Slide hammer
wrenched chopped wrenches S wrenches
Oil sending unit socket
Eastwood pro flaring tool set - use small set
Specialty wrenches
Brass rubber mallet HF - Have separate ones
Cable actuated hose clamp pliers
Bolt puller set 40pc HF
Brake caliper tool set
MAC flare set
Balance puller
Block tester
Noid light HF


HAVE:
Long reach pliers 20 and 45 degree offset HF
Long reach hose grip pliers HF
Long reach pliers HF
Left hand drill bits
Impact swivel sockets metric
E reverse Torx sockets metric
Step drills large
Wrenches long combination metric HF
Shallow impact sockets metric and SAE 3/8 and 1//2
Metric Impact Sockets HF
Pry bars Craftsman & HF
Screwdrivers
Mirror & magnet
Flashlights
Small screwdrivers
Brush - Have
Electrical tape
Teflon tape
Pliers
Paper towels
Nitrile gloves 7 HF
Torx or star sockets
Allen sockets metric and SAE
Blow mold 1/4" socket and ratchet set Gearwrench
Office paper clips for cam belts
Crowsfoot wrenches metric
Breaker bar HF 3/8 1/2
Torque wrench HF 3 sizes
1/2" Extensions
Air ratchet Husky
4# sledge
Side cutters
Ball joint set HF
Extended ball joint set HF
Magnetic parts dishes HF
Mity vac HF
Pitman arm puller HF
Ox/ac set
Coolant tester
Calipers
Rivets
Rivet gun big hand
Multi-meter
Test light HF
Drum brake tools
Jack HF and Arcan Alum.
Jack stands HF 3 and 6 ton
Wheel chock
Impact gun HF Earthquake 1/2"
Safety glasses
20 gal air compressor
Alignment punches
Chisels
Hacksaw
Vise
Picks HF small set
Grease gun
Flaring tool set small
Vise grips
Channel locks

Supplies:
Super lube HF
Brake cleaner
Kroil
PB blaster
Wheel bearing grease
Brake lube
Anti-seize
Shop towels

Shop Equipment:
Grinders with wire wheels and stones
Drill press
Parts washer
Arbor press
Hyd. H press HF

Other:
Rolling stool HF
Creeper HF
Dead blow
Rubber mallet
Brass hammer
First aid kit
1/4" insert bit ratchet
Universal joint for sockets
Flex sockets
Files
Gasket scraper
Battery terminal cleaner
Wire Stripper
Feeler Gauges/thickness shims
Dial or Electronic caliper
Spark Plug Gap gauge

 
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Gmonkee

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And with that list you have more stuff than the shop I work at. Well beyond basic but who cares,

Its your dream, make it as big as the good wife allows.
 
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bczygan

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And with that list you have more stuff than the shop I work at. Well beyond basic but who cares,

Its your dream, make it as big as the good wife allows.

Remember that I only have the items listed in bold black at the end of the list.

But I am now adding some more to the want list.

Latest list:

Potential tool list:

Next on the list:
Work light LED
Dental picks
Sockets handle trays, deep metric to 27 shallow too.
Electrical Terminal Kit and Crimper
LED 12 volt for testing coil on plug, etc. ($3 or so at electronic supply house
Scanner wide data logging Actron CP9135?
Cutoff tool
Snap ring pliers astro 6 piece
Mapp gas - CL
External retaining ring pliers Matco
Tap and die need good sets SAE and metric HF?
Irwin damaged fastener tool set
Tweezers
Impact screwdriver HF?
Wrenches long box end metric
Wrenches offset metric
Shallow sockets
3/8 and 1/2" wobble impact extensions
Thread restoration kit Craftsman
Hex sockets ball end long SAE and metric HF
Hex sockets impact SAE and metric HF
Star sockets HF
Universal joint 3 piece impact HF
Better organization for wrenches
SAE everything...
Factory service manual 2002 Astro Van


For Service Cart:

Mount for nitrile gloves
Mount for paper towels
Mount for
Shelf
Side cabinet?
Electrical outlet
Air hose rack and fitting
Working on better storage for service cart. Took numerous things out of packaging to save space.




Would like:
O2 sensor and oil sender socket set HF
18 piece brake caliper set HF
Bearing puller set small and large HF
Fuel injection pressure test kit HF
Axle nut socket set HF
Lug nut socket set HF
Silver and Deming drills HF
HVLP spray gun HF
Helping hands HF
9 mil nitrile gloves HF
Small MIG welder
Air chisel
Spring compressors - Would like center one
Interior body panel tools - Have HF plastic - couple more HF
Short and long wobble extensions - Have some
Deep sockets - Have some
Oil Filter Wrench (assortment of strap and cap types) - Have some
Extensions locking and 3/8 - Have some
Special pliers cable cutters - Have some

Not needed yet:
Rear caliper cube - Not needed
Cordless impact - Not needed
Offset wrenches box end metric
Quick disconnect tools
Axle nut socket set powerbuilt O'Reillys
Body panel pliers HF
45 degree pin puller
Leslie blind seal puller
CV joint boot band installation tool
Air chucks for pressure testing cylinders
Compression tester
Fuel pressure gauge
Vacuum gauge
Chain Wrench
Roofers magnet - Use HF magnet bar
Stud remover
AC tools
Disconnect tools
Hex shaped connector removal tool
2nd cart
Hose cutting tool - Use utility knife
Hose disconnect tools HF
Really long 90 degree pliers
Big channellocks
Curved needlenose
Slide hammer
wrenched chopped wrenches S wrenches
Oil sending unit socket
Eastwood pro flaring tool set - use small set
Specialty wrenches
Brass rubber mallet HF - Have separate ones
Cable actuated hose clamp pliers
Bolt puller set 40pc HF
Brake caliper tool set
MAC flare set
Balance puller
Block tester
Noid light HF


HAVE:
Long reach pliers 20 and 45 degree offset HF
Long reach hose grip pliers HF
Long reach pliers HF
Left hand drill bits HF
Impact swivel sockets metric HF
E reverse Torx sockets metric
Step drills large set of 2 HF
Wrenches long combination metric HF
Shallow impact sockets metric and SAE 3/8 and 1/2
Metric Impact Sockets HF
SAE impact sockets HF
Flex sockets
Pry bars Craftsman
Pry bars HF
Screwdrivers misc, and HF
Mirror & magnet tools extendable
Flashlights misc
Small screwdrivers misc
Brush - Have
Electrical tape
Teflon tape
Pliers misc
Paper towels
Nitrile gloves 7 HF
Long 90 degree pliers HF
Torx or star sockets
Allen sockets metric and SAE
Blow mold 1/4" socket and ratchet set Gearwrench
Office paper clips for cam belts
Crowsfoot wrenches metric
Breaker bar HF 3/8 1/2
Torque wrench HF 3 sizes
1/2" Impact extensions HF
Impact extension size converters HF
3/8" Extensions locking and regular
Air ratchet - Husky
4# hand sledge
Dead blow hammer 4# HF
Side cutters
Ball joint set HF
Extended ball joint set HF
Magnetic parts dishes HF
Mity vac HF
Pitman arm puller HF - Get puller kit?
Ox/ac set
Coolant tester
Calipers
Micrometer
Rivets
Rivet gun big hand
Multi-meter Milwaukee and HF
Test light incandescent HF
Drum brake tools
Jack HF and Arcan Alum.
Jack stands HF 3 and 6 ton
Wheel chock
Impact gun HF Earthquake 1/2"
Safety glasses
Pancake air compressor - Porter Cable
Alignment punches
Chisels - Have a selection
Hacksaw - Have a couple
Vise - Have a few
Picks HF small set - Get better?
Grease gun - Learn to use
Flaring tool set small - Good for now for brake lines
Vise grips - Have a few
Channel locks

Supplies:
Super lube HF
Brake cleaner
Kroil
PB blaster
Wheel bearing grease
Brake lube
Anti-seize
Shop towels
Paper towels

Shop Equipment:
Grinders with wire wheels and stones and buffs
Drill press
Bridgeport
Lathe
Horiz. band saw
Parts washer
Arbor press Grenard
Hyd. H press HF
Hose reel
Disc sander
Belt sander
Anvil


Other:
Rolling stool HF
Creeper HF
Dead blow hammer HF
Rubber mallet
Brass hammer
Drill bits HF
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
1/4" insert bit ratchet
Universal joint for sockets
Files
Gasket scraper
Battery terminal cleaner
Wire Stripper
Feeler Gauges/thickness shims
Dial or Electronic caliper HF
Micrometer
Spark Plug Gap gauge
Timing light
Battery charger
Oil drain containers
Engine cart
AC DC stick welder HF
AC DC welder Lincoln


Bill
 
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bczygan

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Post some pictures of this stuff in action!

Will do, as soon as the weather gets a little better! I work outside.

Have used some of it for rear drum brakes on 2 Astro Vans, front brakes and hubs and bearings, brake lines and cylinders, shocks and installing a hitch, but didn't take photos.

Bill
 
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skruft

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This is a fine list with which you can do it all. Some will be quite rarely used (maybe never) if you are not in business repairing or restoring.

I did not see the stuff for removing stuck fasteners, other than the torch and penetrating oil, or for getting rust off, or belt tools, but may have missed them in the long list.
 

tonyciambrone

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Northern Illinois
I got Dental Picks from harryepstein.com , cheap and good
MAPP gas isn't really made anymore from what I understand...
External retaining ring pliers check out the WIHA set on KCTOOL
LED worklight, I really like the free 27 led from HF. Not deluxe but it is bright and free.

If you already own an angle grinder I would skip the cut-off tool. Just buy cut-off wheels.
 
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bczygan

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This is a fine list with which you can do it all. Some will be quite rarely used (maybe never) if you are not in business repairing or restoring.

I did not see the stuff for removing stuck fasteners, other than the torch and penetrating oil, or for getting rust off, or belt tools, but may have missed them in the long list.

I have a small set of spiral screw extractors. Need to add to the list, and bought left handed drill bits at HF over the weekend.

Have an idler arm tool and some Evaporust, plus die grinders with Roloc discs. Have a parts washer and want to set up an electrolysis tank. Any other belt tools?

Note that the things I have are a much shorter part of the list.

Bill
 
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bczygan

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I got Dental Picks from harryepstein.com , cheap and good
MAPP gas isn't really made anymore from what I understand...
External retaining ring pliers check out the WIHA set on KCTOOL
LED worklight, I really like the free 27 led from HF. Not deluxe but it is bright and free.

If you already own an angle grinder I would skip the cut-off tool. Just buy cut-off wheels.

Thank you for your suggestions. I'm picking up real MAPP gas on CL.

The kind of worklight I'm looking for is a 120V 1,500 or 2,000 lumen LED that has a small stand. It will light a large area. Like this:
b37e460b-fc36-4eaa-8a67-ee92b42066f9_1.aa8831bc790d2ee6d6504ad6d98ed010.jpeg


Bill
 

Sal Bandini

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I prefer a headlamp over stationary light and highly recommend it. You will appreciate having the light right at the work surface, especially as your eyes get older.
 
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bczygan

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Thinking about the kinds of work I'm willing to try doing.

Typical maintenance items
Brakes
Shocks
Radiator and cooling system
Front end
Hubs and wheel bearings
Limited electrical
Some small bodywork (Rust spots)
Brake system
Alternator
Starter
Steering

Later:
Drivetrain
Intake manifold
Head gasket
Some welding
Differential
Transmission Would like to try a rebuild
 

Tallpilot

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Orlando
I tried Harbor Freight for some speciality tools. I think the axle nut sokets are great for non professional use. The ball joint press, pullers, etc are pretty crappy. You can get OTC or Astro on Amazon for just a little bit more and they are much better. I ordered the Lisle master inner tie rod tools today from Tool Discounter. $75

I too am slowly building my own little shop. I will be 40 next year but it will probably be 2-3 more years before I get my 2 post lift.

I just got my first set of Knipex dykes last week. I am looking forward to seeing what the fuss is all about the next time I attack a cotter pin.
 
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