Beginner home mechanic questions

[xz96]

I need to do some car repairs, but i don't have any tools..i have some screwdriver and hammer from walmart though

something i need to do next week is changing pulley, maybe some AC work, possibly engine mount and driveshaft slip joint....something i need to do later is brake work and oil change.

it's a 99 ford explorer

here are the questions:

1.i'm on budget(thats why i decide to repair my truck on my own), should i only buy tools for what i need right now, or should i buy those tool set? I did some research, probably will go with kobalt's ratchet, sockets and husky torque wrench..

2.do i need a torque wrench for these repairs?(the ones i need to do next week)

3.If i'm going to buy a 3/8 torque wrench, do i still need to buy a 3/8 ratchet?why?

thanks..

 

[SASORacing]

No torque wrench needed unless it's head/ engine bolts. I'm not sure what the origin of those brands are. BUT only buy Taiwan not China.

 

[mrborohachi]

Your local Autoparts stores (Oreilly's and Autozone) have pulley removing tools for rent so there's no need to own those tools.

What type of car domestic, foreign (japanese or European) are you planning on working on. Welcome to GJ where every one here's willing to up sale you on tools

 

[HaroRider]

I would say buy a set, its cheaper and if you plan on future repairs it wont go to waste.

Need? Not really a need for them just nice to have. Certain things require it such as cylinder head torque and crtical bolts.

A torque wrench is just that, for measuring torque. Not used to loosen fastners, just tighten them to spec.
So yes you will need a 3/8 ratchet, and perhaps a 1/2 breaker bar to remove lugnuts.

 

[xz96]

Your local Autoparts stores (Oreilly's and Autozone) have pulley removing tools for rent so there's no need to own those tools.

What type of car domestic, foreign (japanese or European) are you planning on working on. Welcome to GJ where every one here's willing to up sale you on tools

but i still need some basic tools...at least a ratchet and socket to loose the belt..

its a 99 ford explorer

 

[mowersplus84]

what are we talking for a budget some of the tool set are pretty extensive lowes has a 200 piece kobalt tool set for $100 and home depo has a 200pc husky tool set for 79.99
either of those and an oil filter wrench a couple of big c-clamps a ball pein hammer and a pair of locking pliers and you should be good im assuming you already have a jack and jack stands

 

[HaroRider]

Yes, make sure you get yourself a set of jackstands before getting under any car!!

 

[Cato]

i have some screwdriver and hammer from walmart though


If i'm going to buy a 3/8 torque wrench, do i still need to buy a 3/8 ratchet?why?

thanks..

Dude, you're going to need some education first. Chill for a month or two and research all you have to do and need first. Watch a ton of youtube videos and read some online forums for Ford Explorers. If you can get a knowledgeable friend to help you out.

 

[jim1987]

Whatever you do, make sure you get the harbor freight 44" bottom tool box at minimum.

More senior members will understand why lol.

 

[Wamsutta]

I would suggest you get only the specific tools you need for now and save your money for better tools later. Also, you don't need a torque wrench unless it's for head bolts that require high torque, or soft gaskets that require very light torque.

 

[xz96]

Dude, you're going to need some education first. Chill for a month or two and research all you have to do and need first. Watch a ton of youtube videos and read some online forums for Ford Explorers. If you can get a knowledgeable friend to help you out.

ive been learning from explorer forum for like 2month..is there any good youtube channel you could suggest?i found several good auto repair channel but none of them teach me basics of using tools on cars..

 

[peaceonesxwai]

You should buy a service manual for your specific car first, there it would tell you what you need to do and maybe what tools you would need for the job. Not to be mean but by the sound of just reading your post, youre way in over your head on the jobs youre doing especially if you have to ask what tools you need (and also asking if a torque wrench and ratchet are same function..)

But here are some tools you would want to start off with

Floor jack (make sure it accommodates the height of your vehicle)
jack stands (make same note as above)
Simple socket and wrench set (craftsman 250pc set is a good start, made in USA)
1/2 Breaker bar
3/8th extensions and swivels
screwdriver set (long and short)
Pliers (Needle nose, long reach, vise grips, get a variety set from HarborFreight)
Picks (set from HF aswell)

Youre gonna run into jobs where you need a certain size socket or wrench, just buy those along the way and build a collection. We all start somewhere, have fun!

 

[1950mercury]

How about an intro? It sounds like a chiltons manual or similar would be a wise investment. Go to harbor freight and buy there pro line tools.

 

[d.mcfarland]

No need for a breaker bar in my opinion. A long handle ratchet or the next drive size and and adapter will work fine nowadays.

 

[Audiocrazy28]

You could maybe get away with buying the socket set and renting the tools from your autoparts store. Brakes aren't that big of a deal. The ac is where you might do some research and see if your up for the task.

 

[fitz11]

No need for a breaker bar in my opinion. A long handle ratchet or the next drive size and and adapter will work fine nowadays.

A 1/2" breaker bar is a must in my book. There is no way I would get the lug nuts off my truck with a ratchet unless it's the same length as a breaker bar which would just be wasting money.

 

[xz96]

You should buy a service manual for your specific car first, there it would tell you what you need to do and maybe what tools you would need for the job. Not to be mean but by the sound of just reading your post, youre way in over your head on the jobs youre doing especially if you have to ask what tools you need (and also asking if a torque wrench and ratchet are same function..)

But here are some tools you would want to start off with

Floor jack (make sure it accommodates the height of your vehicle)
jack stands (make same note as above)
Simple socket and wrench set (craftsman 250pc set is a good start, made in USA)
1/2 Breaker bar
3/8th extensions and swivels
screwdriver set (long and short)
Pliers (Needle nose, long reach, vise grips, get a variety set from HarborFreight)
Picks (set from HF aswell)

Youre gonna run into jobs where you need a certain size socket or wrench, just buy those along the way and build a collection. We all start somewhere, have fun!

thanks, i already got the service manual..there are torque specification chart, what im confused is it says lug nut is 100...does that mean i need a torque wrench to install wheels? most mechanic i saw just using a gun to tight lug nut..

 

[franzdom]

Wheels are one place a torque wrench is needed in my opinion, and I am not one to use it everywhere.

 

[toolaholic]

thanks, i already got the service manual..there are torque specification chart, what im confused is it says lug nut is 100...does that mean i need a torque wrench to install wheels? most mechanic i saw just using a gun to tight lug nut..

A harbor freight 1/2 drive torque wrench, which is in sale(coupon) a lot for 9.99 is adequate for lugnuts.

 

[Notgrownup]

Go to harbor freight and buy a couple set of wrenches sae $ metric, sane with sockets, a $20 torque wrench,
You will screw up here n there. Build up your tool collection little by little. Just buy what you need basic to start then look for sales...do you have a harbor freight around?

 

[SMKS]

No torque wrench needed unless it's head/ engine bolts.

Not great advice, I'd say. The OP is a complete newb. Getting some torque wrenches to properly tighten things would be a very good idea. That will also help the OP get a feel for how tight things need to be so he's not stripping bolts on his job.

If the OP purchases and learns how to use a couple HF torque wrenches he'd have a big leg up on most shadetree mechanics.

 

[thewatusi]

Go to Harbor Freight and buy only what you need for these jobs. Later in life, when you have more money you can buy nice stuff.

 

[creativecars]

XZ96-
I asked this question to others here with people like you in mind. I know there is an overload of information on these forums but I think you can get some great information here at GJ.
This link will give you some of the responses to a good usable start-up tool set.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=256233

Good luck,
Thanks, Glen

 

[Lance-AR]

I wouldn't try doing all of that at once. Break it up.

When I started, I listed out the work needing to be done in order of importance. I then researched what tools were needed for each job. Since it was cheaper over time to buy tools in sets than to buy individual tools, I purchased the sets that would cover the first job. Over time each jobs required less and less purchases.

 

[creativecars]

Hands down I would get the Harbor Freight 301 pc tool kit. Currently it is $190 and with 25% coupon it is $142.50 that makes it less than 50 cents per tool. They are good quality, not the best, but will get the job done. http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-69312.html
There isn't a bunch of ignition wrenches and magnetic bits either.

Augment this with the 22pc polished wrench set.

 

[xz96]

A harbor freight 1/2 drive torque wrench, which is in sale(coupon) a lot for 9.99 is adequate for lugnuts.

i heard these are not accurate and they will break or out of calibration after several uses

 

[xz96]

I wouldn't try doing all of that at once. Break it up.

When I started, I listed out the work needing to be done in order of importance. I then researched what tools were needed for each job. Since it was cheaper over time to buy tools in sets than to buy individual tools, I purchased the sets that would cover the first job. Over time each jobs required less and less purchases.

thanks thats a great thread, i searched a while but couldnt find a beginner tool suggestion thread

 

[bcradio]

Hands down I would get the Harbor Freight 301 pc tool kit. Currently it is $190 and with 25% coupon it is $142.50 that makes it less than 50 cents per tool. They are good quality, not the best, but will get the job done. http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-69312.html
There isn't a bunch of ignition wrenches and magnetic bits either.

Augment this with the 22pc polished wrench set.

This is good advice to start out with

 

[colin39]

Whatever you do, make sure you get the harbor freight 44" bottom tool box at minimum.

More senior members will understand why lol.

you funny cnut, I was awaiting it though.

 

[n8n]

A 1/2" breaker bar is a must in my book. There is no way I would get the lug nuts off my truck with a ratchet unless it's the same length as a breaker bar which would just be wasting money.

Especially if you have state safety inspections and/or you weren't the last person to remove your wheels for whatever reason.

I've had to resort to a 3/4" drive bar with a cheater pipe before to remove some really stuck on there lug nuts, although hopefully the OP's wheels aren't on *that* tight.

I actually do use a torque wrench on my lugs, but I've been driving kraut burners for ages and they do seem to be more sensitive to proper wheel installation.

 

[n8n]

i heard these are not accurate and they will break or out of calibration after several uses

someone did a test of them and out of the box at least they were surprisingly accurate.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_1304_torque_wrench_testing/

Now this is where I personally would spend the bucks for good tools - I have two Snappy torque wrenches - but for what the HF stuff costs it's adequate for a home mechanic while he decides if he's going to use it twice a year to change tires or if he's actually going to start doing serious work in which case it's time to step it up to Snappy, Precision Instruments, CDI, etc...

but the price difference is so great that the HF one can be passed on to a neighbor or something for good karma when a "good" one is finally purchased.

Honestly, I can't get my Snappy torque wrenches recalibrated for what a HF one costs. That blows my mind.

 

[Hiball]

Welcome to GJ where every one here's willing to up sale you on tools

I hope the OP doesn't take this the wrong way, but based off his questions/responses I'm not 100% HF isn't a up sale on tools. I try to live my life understanding my limitations and living accordingly, I'm not scared to learn or work but it seems he is working backwards, starting out doing AC work, Motor mounts and working towards oil changes and brakes.

It sounds like he would be better served to find a friend who has some mechanical knowledge and hang out till he understands what the difference between a torque wrench and a ratchet is, along with there application.

 

[cheechi]

No torque wrench needed unless it's head/ engine bolts. I'm not sure what the origin of those brands are. BUT only buy Taiwan not China.

Not great advice, I'd say. The OP is a complete newb. Getting some torque wrenches to properly tighten things would be a very good idea. That will also help the OP get a feel for how tight things need to be so he's not stripping bolts on his job.

If the OP purchases and learns how to use a couple HF torque wrenches he'd have a big leg up on most shadetree mechanics.

QFT here. The manual has torque specs and it's good practice for him to learn what and why they're there. These tools won't just be used for the one repair, buying tools is proving you made a commitment to fix something. Fixing it the wrong way isn't usually recommended.

If you get a clicker type HF torque wrench, understand the limitations. The 1/2" doesn't click below 20ft-lb so you won't want to use it if the torque specs are either in in-lb (get a 1/4" for that) or less than 20-25 ft-lb (give yourself some room since its at the bottom of the range could be overtorquing possible). The only way you would learn something like that is by reading the instructions that came with it, making a potentially costly mistake, or someone telling you ahead of time. If you had no torque wrench you would not be able to learn it.

Just keep it simple. Keep in mind that many people here are very knowledgeable, but also being a mechanic is not rocket science. If you break it down into simple steps, you can fix anything you listed. They do all require different skills than just turning a wrench though. I understand some of the tasks may need more urgency but of all you mentioned, I would start with the brakes. That's the most simple (even if you have drums) of all the things you mentioned for a beginner to do.

Oh and also to satisfy the other GJ requirement of this thread, you need an 80 gallon 2 stage compressor.

 

[Zeroek]

Your AC work will be a pain. You need a Manifold Gauge. Possibly a Vaccuum pump and injecter and dye. Then one of those lights and glasses just in case you have a leak.

 

[sonvolt]

I need to do some car repairs, but i don't have any tools..i have some screwdriver and hammer from walmart though

something i need to do next week is changing pulley, maybe some AC work, possibly engine mount and driveshaft slip joint....something i need to do later is brake work and oil change.

it's a 99 ford explorer

here are the questions:

1.i'm on budget(thats why i decide to repair my truck on my own), should i only buy tools for what i need right now, or should i buy those tool set? I did some research, probably will go with kobalt's ratchet, sockets and husky torque wrench..

2.do i need a torque wrench for these repairs?(the ones i need to do next week)

3.If i'm going to buy a 3/8 torque wrench, do i still need to buy a 3/8 ratchet?why?

thanks..

I would get some more general experience knowledge before you tackle this job, this is leaps and bounds beyond hammer and screwdriver territory

 

[gearhead1]

Hands down I would get the Harbor Freight 301 pc tool kit. Currently it is $190 and with 25% coupon it is $142.50 that makes it less than 50 cents per tool. They are good quality, not the best, but will get the job done. http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-69312.html
There isn't a bunch of ignition wrenches and magnetic bits either.

Augment this with the 22pc polished wrench set.

I agree, this would be perfect and all in a case, no need for a big toolbox. I got out of a jam many times with basic tools.

someone did a test of them and out of the box at least they were surprisingly accurate.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_1304_torque_wrench_testing/

Now this is where I personally would spend the bucks for good tools - I have two Snappy torque wrenches - but for what the HF stuff costs it's adequate for a home mechanic while he decides if he's going to use it twice a year to change tires or if he's actually going to start doing serious work in which case it's time to step it up to Snappy, Precision Instruments, CDI, etc...

but the price difference is so great that the HF one can be passed on to a neighbor or something for good karma when a "good" one is finally purchased.

Honestly, I can't get my Snappy torque wrenches recalibrated for what a HF one costs. That blows my mind.

Also understand that if the torque wrench is off a couple percent might not be as bad for the design as having a difference in torque on the fasteners. In other words all the bolts having the same torque, even if off a little bit, might be better than having uneven torque. Sometimes having uneven torque might be worse. I think a HF torque wrench is way better than having nothing.

 

[Mk3Mike]

Not great advice, I'd say. The OP is a complete newb. Getting some torque wrenches to properly tighten things would be a very good idea. That will also help the OP get a feel for how tight things need to be so he's not stripping bolts on his job.

If the OP purchases and learns how to use a couple HF torque wrenches he'd have a big leg up on most shadetree mechanics.

I'd have to agree here. If he doesn't have any experience with how tight (or not tight) certain fasteners should be, using a torque wrench for everything wouldn't be such a bad idea.

I also agree with watching as many YouTube videos about your car and the types of repairs you want to preform as possible.

Learn your car inside and out. Take a walk around a "u-pull" junkyard and check out the Explorers. I'm sure there are a ton of them in a big yard. Take a couple things apart and put them back together if you feel you need practice. I'm not advocating breaking anything but at least if you screw something up it's on a yard car and not yours. Hell, buy yourself some replacement stuff while your there. I'm sure there's a thing or 2 that you need.

 

[theoldwizard1]

XZ96 - you seem to be purposely evasive on EXACTLY what repairs are required on your 99 Explorer. Obviously something to do with the A/C, but you are not being specific.

As for tools, yes, you need 3/8" ratchet and sockets. I would get a standard and a flex head ratchet. Almost all American car have use metric fasteners since the late 80s so, if you are on a budget, skip the SAE (fractional inch sockets), but you will need standard and deep sockets, a universal and a 3", 6" and 9" extensions.

Metric combination wrench set and a set of scewdrivers, ones that fit your hand comfortably, are next on your shopping list

Now, if the first step in your repair is to remove the serpentine belt, you should know that many (most) vehicles with this belt require a unique tool, likely available for rent from your local auto parts store. Go to YouTube and look for changing belt on an Explorer.

NOW I AM GOING TO BURST YOUR BUBBLE !

I have been a "shade tree mechanic" for over 40 years. I don't mess with A/C systems because they will almost ALWAYS require expensive tools that I do not own and am not going to buy or rent. Yes, A/C repairs are expensive (I just paid over $500 to get mine running again). Unless you have a knowledgeable person looking over your shoulder, suffer for a few more months until you can afford to have your A/C repaired.

In the mean time, start simple. Oil and filter changes. You should save $5-$10 each time you do one, after you buy the wrenches (including and oil filter wrench), catch pan and jack stands.

 

[xz96]

XZ96 - you seem to be purposely evasive on EXACTLY what repairs are required on your 99 Explorer. Obviously something to do with the A/C, but you are not being specific.

As for tools, yes, you need 3/8" ratchet and sockets. I would get a standard and a flex head ratchet. Almost all American car have use metric fasteners since the late 80s so, if you are on a budget, skip the SAE (fractional inch sockets), but you will need standard and deep sockets, a universal and a 3", 6" and 9" extensions.

Metric combination wrench set and a set of scewdrivers, ones that fit your hand comfortably, are next on your shopping list

Now, if the first step in your repair is to remove the serpentine belt, you should know that many (most) vehicles with this belt require a unique tool, likely available for rent from your local auto parts store. Go to YouTube and look for changing belt on an Explorer.

NOW I AM GOING TO BURST YOUR BUBBLE !

I have been a "shade tree mechanic" for over 40 years. I don't mess with A/C systems because they will almost ALWAYS require expensive tools that I do not own and am not going to buy or rent. Yes, A/C repairs are expensive (I just paid over $500 to get mine running again). Unless you have a knowledgeable person looking over your shoulder, suffer for a few more months until you can afford to have your A/C repaired.

In the mean time, start simple. Oil and filter changes. You should save $5-$10 each time you do one, after you buy the wrenches (including and oil filter wrench), catch pan and jack stands.

my AC is shaking badly at idle, and i kind of feel it's getting less colder than usual..also there's no difference between MAX AC and AC. So I kind of wanted to try to fix it by myself...But now I probably will take it to a mechanic that i know...

 

[xz96]

thanks for all the replys! i ll wait for couple weeks and then decide..