Basic Automotive Tools

[bczygan]

Rearranged the service cart, so most used tools are grouped together and on top and in the front of drawers.

Magnetic bars that were stuck to inside of lid with double stick tape fell down. Don't know if I want to rivet them on.

Took more tools off of their packaging to make space. HF extensions are on little plastic tabs that sometimes break off and have to be drilled out. Stuck extensions together and they are more organized. Still need to work on wrenches and sockets.

Removed a few items from the list, that are duplicates and added a couple of things to have and want portions.


Bill

 

[bczygan]

Just received the two 1/4" Herbrand breaker bars ($10 for the two) in the mail and added them to the list. They were a GJ Hot Deals thread item on Ebay.

Added 3 things to the not yet needed list. External circlip pliers and bearing separators.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Service Cart List:
Updated:
Moved a number of items from needed list to wanted or not needed yet lists.
Just a few items left to get before starting major work.
Potential tool list:
Next needed on the list:

External retaining ring pliers Matco
Crocus cloth
Factory service manual 2002 Astro Van
For Service Cart:
Better organization for wrenches
Mount for paper towels
Mount for pry bars?
Shelf
Electrical outlet and cord hook
Air hose hook and fitting
Working on better storage for service cart. Took numerous things out of packaging to save space.
Would like:
Dental picks
Socket trays
Offset Box Wrench Set Metric 8 pc HF 32042 15.99
Offset Box Wrench Set SAE 8 pc HF 32041 15.99
Neiko 40447A Rechargeable Underhood Work Light | 202 SMD LED Bulbs | 1,200 Lumens Max Brightness | 8,000 mAh Li-ion Battery | 2 Brightness Modes 79.95 Amazon?
Long pry bar 48" or longer C'man? $39.99 or Mayhew?
1/2 in. Drive 25 in. Professional Breaker Bar HF 62729 19.99
Not needed yet:
2 Pc 10 in. Internal And External Circlip Pliers HF 60593 9.99
1/2 in. Drive 18 in. Breaker Bar HF 67932 9.99
3/4 in. Drive 20 in. Quick Release Breaker Bar HF 98270 21.99
1/2 in. Drive Impact Flip Socket Set 3 Pc HF 62491 11.99
Mapp gas - CL
Oil Filter Wrench
Leslie blind seal puller
Lisle 56500 Terminal Tool 9.99
Big channellocks - have cheap ones
Curved needlenose
HAVE:
RATCHETS, SOCKETS,EXTENSIONS AND SETS:
Kobalt 7-Piece SAE 3/8-in Drive 12-Point Flex Socket Set 0236279
Kobalt 7-Piece Metric 3/8-in Drive 12-Point Flex Socket Set 86218
Kobalt 7-Piece 3/8-in Drive Hex Driver Socket Set 0338623
Kobalt 16-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set 0338511 35.00
Kobalt 7-Piece 3/8-in Drive Hex Driver Socket Set 0338622 19.00
Kobalt 11-Piece Metric 1/2-in Drive 12-Point Socket Set 0338616 27.97
Kobalt 11-Piece Metric 1/2-in Drive 12-Point Socket Set 0338621 37.97
Kobalt 11-Piece Metric 3/8-in Drive 6-Point Socket Set 0338615 26.97
Kobalt 11-Piece Metric 3/8-in Drive 12-Point Socket Set 0338617 27.97
Kobalt 10-Piece Metric 1/4-in Drive 6-Point Socket Set 0338637 14.97
1/4 in. Drive Professional Low Profile Ratchet HF 62329 16.99
3/8 in. Drive Professional Low Profile Ratchet HF 62328 17.99
1/2 in. Drive Professional Low-Profile Ratchet HF 62330 19.99
1/4 in. Drive Professional Flex Head Ratchet HF 62331 16.99
3/8 in. Drive Professional Flex Head Long Handle Ratchet HF 62333 24.99
1/2 in. Drive Professional Flex Head Long Handle Ratchet HF 62332 29.99
1/4" insert bit ratchet
Spark plug sockets - variety
4 Pc 3/8 in. Drive Quick-Release Extension Bar Set HF 67976 19.99
4 Pc 1/2 in. Drive Quick-Release Extension Bar Set HF 61968 22.99
9-piece-wobble-extension-set HF 31203
4 Piece High Visibility Socket Adapter Set HF 67925 4.99
3 Pc Universal Impact Joint Socket Adapter Set HF 67986 9.99
9 Pc Wobble Socket Extension Set HF 61278 14.99
9 Pc Wobble Socket Extension Set HF 67900 14.99
21 Pc 3/8 in. Drive SAE & Metric High Visibility Socket Set HF 67905 22.99
1/2 in. Drive Extendable Ratchet HF 62311 17.99
Gear Wrench 23-piece 1/4" Drive Metric Socket Set 8923 25.00
13 Pc 1/2 in. Drive Metric Impact Socket Set HF 69345 25.99
8 Pc 1/2 in. Drive Metric Impact Hex Socket Set HF 61337 29.99
8 Pc 1/2 in. Drive SAE Impact Hex Socket Set HF 67893 29.99
3 Pc 3/8 in. Drive Impact Wobble Socket Extension Set HF 67065 8.99
3 Pc 1/2 in. Drive Impact Wobble Socket Extension Set HF 67066 9.99
3 Pc Universal Impact Joint Socket Adapter Set HF 67986 9.99
7 Pc 1/2 in. Drive Metric Impact Swivel Socket Set HF 67911 29.99
7 Pc 3/8 in. Drive Metric Impact Swivel Socket Set HF 67908 24.99
37 Pc 3/8 in., 1/2 in. Drive SAE & Metric Impact Socket Set HF 68011 29.99
13 Pc 1/2 in. Drive Metric Impact Deep Wall Socket Set HF 69279 24.99
13 Pc 1/2 in. Drive SAE Impact Deep Wall Socket Set HF 69280 24.99
8 Pc 1/2 in. Drive Impact Star Bit Socket Set HF 61336 29.99
9 Pc 3/8 in. Drive Metric Bolt Extractor Socket Set HF 67894 24.99
Flex sockets
Blow mold 1/4" socket and ratchet set Gearwrench
Universal joint set metric for sockets
Universal joint set SAE for sockets
4 Pc 1/2 in. Drive Impact Socket Extension Set HF 67972 9.99
4 Pc 3/8 in. Drive Impact Socket Extension Set HF 67926 7.99
Impact extension size converters HF
3/8" Extensions locking and regular HF
WRENCHES:
Torque wrench HF 3 sizes
11 Pc Fully Polished Metric Long Handle Combination Wrench Set HF 47067 24.99
14 Pc Metric V-Groove Combination Wrench Set HF 63063 39.99
1/2 in. Professional Air Impact Wrench HF Earthquake 68424 89.99
Air ratchet - Husky
SPECIALTY TOOLS:
Ball Joint Service Kit for 2WD and 4WD Vehicles HF 63279 89.99
14 Piece Master Ball Joint Adapter Set HF 62785 72.99
Brake Bleeder and Vacuum Pump Kit HF 60770 24.99
Tie rod and Pitman arm puller HF 62708 14.99 - Get puller kit?
MISC.:
Drum Brake Spring Pliers Kit 3 Pc HF 97804 12.99
Stainless Steel Tweezers Set 6 Pc HF 93598 5.99
3/8 in. Drive 17 in. Breaker Bar HF 67931 8.99
1/2 in. Drive 25 in. Breaker Bar HF 67933 12.99
Pry bars Craftsman 3 pc
Left Hand Drill Bit Set 13 Pc HF 61686 7.99
Titanium Nitride Coated High Speed Steel Step Bit Set 2 Pc HF 96275 19.99
2 Pc 20° Offset & 45° Angle Long Reach Pliers HF 61587 7.99
Long Reach Hose Grip Pliers 3 Pc HF 37909 14.99
2 Pc. 16 in. Long Reach Pliers Set HF 38598 11.99
Pliers misc
Screwdrivers misc, and HF
Small screwdrivers misc
4# hand sledge
4 lb. Neon Orange Dead Blow Hammer HF 41800 11.99
Rubber mallet
Brass hammer
Safety glasses
Mini Pick and Hook Set 4 Pc HF 66836 free
Magnetic parts dishes 4" and 6" HF
Mirror & magnet tools extendable
Flashlights misc
Brush - Have
Teflon tape
Tubing cutters 2
Grease gun - Learn to use
Flaring tool set small - Good for now for brake lines
Vise grip
Channel locks
ELECTRICAL:
7 Function Digital Multimeter with Backlight HF 92020 free
6/12V Circuit Tester with 5 ft. Lead HF 30779 3.99
Electrical tape
Battery terminal cleaner
Wire Stripper
Feeler Gauges/thickness shims
Spark Plug Gap gauge
Side cutters
MEASUREMENT:
Electronic caliper HF
Micrometer
Supplies:
Super lube HF
Brake cleaner
Kroil
PB blaster
Wheel bearing grease
Brake lube
Anti-seize
Shop towels
Paper towels
7 mil Nitrile Powder-Free Gloves 50 Pc X-Large HF 61774 9.99
9 mil Nitrile Powder-Free Gloves 50 Pc X-Large HF 61743 12.99
Red Mechanic's Shop Towels 14x13 50 Pk. HF 63365 12.99
SHOP EQUIPMENT:
Air pressure gauges and fittings

OTHER:
Cornwell OBDII Scanner OWC9575. Same as OTC2109 and Actron CP9575 40.00
UtiliTech 1000 lumen work light
First aid kit
Funnels 2

Not on the Cart:
Pneumatic Roller Seat HF 46319 25.99
40 in. 300 lb. Capacity Low-Profile Creeper HF 69262 23.99
1.5 Ton Compact Aluminum Racing Floor Jack with Rapid Pump® HF 62160 79.99
3 Ton Steel Jack Stands HF 61196 21.99
6 ton Steel Jack Stands HF 61197 39.99
Pancake air compressor - Porter Cable

 

[d.mcfarland]

Any update? Make any progress?

 

[bczygan]

Any update? Make any progress?

Yes!

2 more visits to HF today. One before court and one after with the wife, so 3 20% off items and 3 free items.

Got 2 things to make the tool kit in the car more versatile.

1/2 in. Drive Impact Flip Socket Set 3 Pc 14.99 62491

1/2 in. Drive 18 in. Ratcheting Breaker Bar 21.99 67957

And a cheap metric tap and die set just to have some metric for now. Saving up for a better set.
40 Pc Carbon Steel Metric Tap and Die Set 14.99 62832

Plus free items: Tarp and two 4" magnetic parts trays.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Picked this up today:
10 In. Japanese Style Double-Edge Saw #67058 $9.99

Bill

 

[d.mcfarland]

What all work you been up to with these new toys?!?!

 

[bczygan]

What all work you been up to with these new toys?!?!

Nothing yet.

Been waiting for good weather for outside work.

It's coming soon, but now I've run out of money for parts until the 19th.

The wife and I worked as a team to spend it all!

First job will be rear drum brakes on a 2002 Astro Van, then front end work on same vehicle.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

I will say this about the tools for the car.

For daily driving, I don't really think there should be much in the vehicle.

We have AAA and another tow service, and repair at home is better than side of the expressway.

The tools I put in there for the wife, are mostly to make her feel secure. At 74 she won't be changing tires or installing an alternator on the road.

In fact, she brought up the idea that there will come a time when I can't do even minor repairs, and these tools will be either used by others to repair our vehicles, or be superfluous.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Items added recently:

Lisle 56500 Terminal Tool 9.99

Medium Barrel Air Impact Hammer HF 69866 13.99

Astro Pneumatic 9401 10-Piece Snap Ring Pliers Set APT-9401 28.99

Front Wheel Bearing Adapters HF 63260 119.99

1/2 in. Drive 25 in. Professional Breaker Bar HF 62729 19.99

Titanium Nitride Coated High Speed Steel Step Bit Set 3 Pc HF 60379 13.99

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Also added:

2 Pc 10 in. Internal And External Circlip Pliers HF 60593 9.99

 

[bczygan]

Also:
Bearing Separator and Puller Set HF 62593 49.99

Seal Driver Kit 18 Pc HF 35555 19.99

10 Piece Bearing Race and Seal Driver Set HF 63261 49.99

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Time to break out some other tool lists.

CONCRETE:

MASONRY:

ROOFING:

GARDENING:

ELECTRICAL:

ELECTRONICS:

PLUMBING:

CARPENTRY:

WOODWORKING:

Handtools:
Handsaws
Hammers

 

[d.mcfarland]

Have you done anything with these tools yet Bill?

 

[pi_guy]

Have you done anything with these tools yet Bill?

Your getting off topic.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Words of wisdom about buying tools...

I don't know how old you are, but if you're in your 20's or 30's, keep in mind, you have your whole career to buy tools.

Rule one - Have a tool.
Mechanics very quickly become tool snobs; and for good reason. But it's better to have a tool from Harbor Freight, then not have a tool at all.

Buy used hand tools
Hand tools are made of STEEL which lasts for a LONG-***-TIME. So a 25 year old combination wrench, socket, breaker bar, etc; is every bit as strong as a brand new one. What's more, used hand tools that have been well cared for will often sell for what you paid for them or even slightly more after 15 years of hard use.

Debt to the tool truck guy...
Be VERY careful about heading down this road. Don't go into debt buying hand tools you could have bought used. Buy truck tools ONLY when you NEED the level of service that comes with them.

You buy from PEOPLE, not companies!
Better to buy MATCO from a well established seller with a good reputation for coming through for his customers, than SnapOn from a seller of questionable reputation who won't go the extra mile. Sometimes you may be better off buying new tools from a reputable dealer in order to establish a good rapport with your dealer. Remember, you want these dealers to come through for you because THEY WANT TO, not because they have to. If they like and respect you, you'll find they come through for you in a pinch.

When do you want the absolute best?
The tools you use 80% of your day, every day; you'll want the absolute best that you can possibly afford. And keep in mind, most of those you can still buy used.

 

[bczygan]

Have you done anything with these tools yet Bill?

Yes,

A number of small things. And it's about having the capability, now and in the future. I'm rehabbing 2 jewelers vises for my wife. Got them from a GJ member.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Words of wisdom about buying tools...

I don't know how old you are, but if you're in your 20's or 30's, keep in mind, you have your whole career to buy tools.

Rule one - Have a tool.
Mechanics very quickly become tool snobs; and for good reason. But it's better to have a tool from Harbor Freight, then not have a tool at all.

Buy used hand tools
Hand tools are made of STEEL which lasts for a LONG-***-TIME. So a 25 year old combination wrench, socket, breaker bar, etc; is every bit as strong as a brand new one. What's more, used hand tools that have been well cared for will often sell for what you paid for them or even slightly more after 15 years of hard use.

Debt to the tool truck guy...
Be VERY careful about heading down this road. Don't go into debt buying hand tools you could have bought used. Buy truck tools ONLY when you NEED the level of service that comes with them.

You buy from PEOPLE, not companies!
Better to buy MATCO from a well established seller with a good reputation for coming through for his customers, than SnapOn from a seller of questionable reputation who won't go the extra mile. Sometimes you may be better off buying new tools from a reputable dealer in order to establish a good rapport with your dealer. Remember, you want these dealers to come through for you because THEY WANT TO, not because they have to. If they like and respect you, you'll find they come through for you in a pinch.

When do you want the absolute best?
The tools you use 80% of your day, every day; you'll want the absolute best that you can possibly afford. And keep in mind, most of those you can still buy used.

Good points.

I'm 66 and a majority are HF. Personal use on 2002 and older northern (Detroit) vehicles. No tool truck. Mostly new because I'm in a hurry to get the variety I need. All cash. And by now I have most of the automotive tools I need.

Bill

 

[MN_Runner]

The title should be "What Advanced Tools Do I Need to Fix and Maintain Noah's Ark?"

 

[bczygan]

Time to add big things to the wanted list:

MIG welder 180 or better with gas. 240V. Lincoln? Miller? Hobart? Eastwood?

Welding helmet. Good one.

DRO for Bridgeport.

Vertical band saw.

Planer.

Jointer.

Etc.....

 

[d.mcfarland]

Weather is warming up Bill, get anything swapped out on the Astro yet?

 

[Finky198]

Rearranged the service cart, so most used tools are grouped together and on top and in the front of drawers.

Magnetic bars that were stuck to inside of lid with double stick tape fell down. Don't know if I want to rivet them on.

Bill

I use small round neodymium magnets to keep the magnetic bars on my cart as I like being able to move them a litte super glue will keep the magnets from coming off...

 

[bczygan]

Weather is warming up Bill, get anything swapped out on the Astro yet?

Upper and lower ball joints, sway bar and sway bar links. All MOOG.

Rear drums, cylinders, hardware, shoes and one brake line (Nicopp). New front tires and shined up chromed steel wheels and caps. Used air bleeder to bleed brakes.

Still need alignment and idler arms. Might need drag link, inner and outer tie rods and adjuster, control arm bushings and sway bar bushings.

Time for an oil change too. Maybe trans filter and fluid.

The right tools make it all possible. I just finished putting away the ones I used last weekend, for the rear brakes.

Had to borrow a couple from a neighbor, so went and got them for next time.

Bill

 

[theoldwizard1]

Had to borrow a couple from a neighbor, so went and got them for next time.

Boy you have been bitten hard by the tool bug !

 

[bczygan]

Boy you have been bitten hard by the tool bug !

Been thinking about that.

I think it's more like I've been bitten by the capability bug.

I just love to be able to do certain things.

Here's the recently acquired tools:

Flexible hose for grease gun 18" HF

21/32 In. Air Tie Rod Separator HF 66316 9.99

Added to list:
Fluid extractor pump
Air Hammer Replacement Chisel Spring HF 68275 1.69
Air Hammer Quick Release Chisel Holder HF 66621 4.99
4 Piece Short Air Chisel Set HF 68277 5.99
3 Piece Long Air Chisel Set HF 68276 7.99
4 Piece Solid Brass Industrial Quick Coupler Set HF 68241 2.79
1/4" Male Steel Industrial Swivel Plug HF 68185 1.99
1/4" Female to Male Swivel Connector HF 68196 4.99

I must reiterate how delightful it is, to have just the tools needed for the job at hand. I still take forever, and still run into problems, but the process unfolds to it's conclusion.

And I also want to say how happy I am with the HF tools I've been using. They are more than adequate. And as far as what tools are better.....if they are the worst tools, then all the available tools must be wonderful. That's my take.

Bill

 

[Parrothead]

So I'm going to be doing some front end work, so I just picked up a pitman arm puller and a Ball joint tool set at HF.

Need to add a slide hammer to the list.

Bill

I quit with the ball joints, I just buy the control arms and replace the whole thing. It's cost effective vs just the ball joint.

 

[bczygan]

I quit with the ball joints, I just buy the control arms and replace the whole thing. It's cost effective vs just the ball joint.

I haven't done the comparison.

Bill

 

[redvalkyrie]

I like this idea and that it can be passed on to others. I was fortunate enough to come from a long line of grease monkeys and was told very early on to buy at least one tool a month even if I didn't need it. That started at around fourteen with BMX bikes and paintball equipment. I've always looked for used tools or waited for deals on new tools.

And here I am two decades later with everything I want and need to do just about anything. The only thing I'm not equipped to do is machine shop work or TIG and plasma. I hope to take care of those last two issues soon.

I say bravo to you.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I quit with the ball joints, I just buy the control arms and replace the whole thing. It's cost effective vs just the ball joint.

Especially since the control arm has new bushings as well!

 

[bczygan]

I haven't done the comparison.

Bill

Time to do a comparison. 2002 Chevy Astro RWD.

Control arms with bushings and ball joints, DD quality from Rock Auto.

Lowers and uppers:
107
113
56
58
$334 total

Ball joints and control arm bushings, DD quality from Rock Auto.

Bushings upper
10.50 x 2 =21

Bushings lower
14 x 2 =28

Ball Joints
24 x 2 = 48
17 x 2 = 34
$131 total

So $50 per control arm for a $200 upcharge, but a bit less trouble installing.

I would consider it on a fancier or newer vehicle.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Had the right tools yesterday, to assemble my neighbors weight bench for him.

Didn't take many, but they were SAE.

Bill

 

[Parrothead]

Time to do a comparison. 2002 Chevy Astro RWD.

Control arms with bushings and ball joints, DD quality from Rock Auto.

Lowers and uppers:
107
113
56
58
$334 total

Ball joints and control arm bushings, DD quality from Rock Auto.

Bushings upper
10.50 x 2 =21

Bushings lower
14 x 2 =28

Ball Joints
24 x 2 = 48
17 x 2 = 34
$131 total

So $50 per control arm for a $200 upcharge, but a bit less trouble installing.

I would consider it on a fancier or newer vehicle.

Bill

One thing you're not calculating...getting the bushings and ball joints in, and out without damaging them. That's often easier said than done.

 

[bczygan]

One thing you're not calculating...getting the bushings and ball joints in, and out without damaging them. That's often easier said than done.

I had no problems, but they could have been damaged, and needed replacement.

If you are talking about the added cost for the tools to do that, it's a valid point.

I already have them, but they did cost $120. And there is the extra work of cleaning and painting the old arms.

Still a net gain, because I have the tools now.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Latest stuff:

16 in. Ball Joint Separator HF 63420 7.99
Air Hammer Replacement Chisel Spring HF 68275 1.69
3 Piece Long Air Chisel Set HF 68276 7.99

Today's shopping list:

4 Piece Short Air Chisel Set HF 68277 5.99 - not yet
Air Hammer Quick Release Chisel Holder HF 66621 4.99 - cool! - got it
4 Piece Solid Brass Industrial Quick Coupler Set HF 68241 2.79 - got the 5 piece
1/4" Male Steel Industrial Swivel Plug HF 68185 1.99 - decided no
1/4" Female to Male Swivel Connector HF 68196 4.99 - got it

Also got a pocket air gun.



Bill

 

[bczygan]

Latest diagnosis is that the front end of the Astro Van needs a right inner tie rod end.

My thinking is to do inner and outer tie rod ends on both sides and the adjustment barrels, plus maybe the center link (Also called a drag link).

That only leaves the idler arms, since the pitman arm on these has no wear and lube point.

Idler arms are notorious for going on these, so I don't know why they are still good. It would be about $140 to do everything else, and $300 including the idler arms. That would be a whole new front end except control arms and bushings.

Lucky that this would just require a pickle fork or pitman arm puller, both of which I now have.

Bill

 

[theoldwizard1]

My thinking is to do inner and outer tie rod ends on both sides and the adjustment barrels, plus maybe the center link (Also called a drag link).

That only leaves the idler arms, since the pitman arm on these has no wear and lube point.

Idler arms are notorious for going on these, so I don't know why they are still good. It would be about $140 to do everything else, and $300 including the idler arms.

In general, don't replace parts that don't really need to be replaced. Keep the $160 and go out to dinner. The exception in this case is the adjuster sleeve !

 

[bczygan]

In general, don't replace parts that don't really need to be replaced. Keep the $160 and go out to dinner. The exception in this case is the adjuster sleeve !

130K on the clock. Replacement ball joints went all to hell. I'm thinking it will soon be time for all the tie rod parts.

Plus I want the front suspension and steering tight, to get a good alignment that will last for a while for the new tires.

My feeling is that you start out with a car with all new parts, and the alignment can be set as good as possible. As parts wear, and they all do, you eventually cannot get a good enough alignment. If you replace the obviously worst parts, you can get it to meet spec, but the other parts aren't very far from throwing things out of kilter.

I'd really like to do everything up to the pitman arm, including control arm bushings and new sway bar bushings.

Bill

 

[Tonyuk]

Careful with buying cheap tap & die sets, they can be a bit fragile and are a pain to drill out if they snap in the opening.

Tonyuk

 

[bczygan]

Careful with buying cheap tap & die sets, they can be a bit fragile and are a pain to drill out if they snap in the opening.

Tonyuk

I agree. Haven't bought a real big set yet. Waiting until I can afford a good one.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

I agree. Haven't bought a real big set yet. Waiting until I can afford a good one.

Bill

Bought the big Harbor Freight sets, so I'm good for now.

Also got the Kastar thread restore set.

Bill