First Tool set and First Garage...what do i need?

[zakit24]

So the time has come, after far too long of a wait, for me to finally get my own car, first complete tool set, and own garage. I just graduated from college and have commissioned in the US Navy and will be moving to FL soon. There I will have my own car (prob a 2007 Honda Civic Si) and I am currently looking at getting started on my first "garage." In high school I took 3.5 years of autotech and feel very comfortable with working on cars. I plan on doing all work on my car myself, but currently I have NO TOOLS!
My budget is around $2000 for tools alone.
My question is:
What basic tools should I start with and what are some good brands (Snap-on is too expensive and I have never liked the quality of Craftsman)?
What garage items can I not work without (stuff like jack stands)?
What reference materials should I look into specific for my car?
What diagnostic tools must I have to start out?
And any other advice you may have for a first garage
Thank you for your advice and I am looking forward to finally starting off my own car garage.

 

[Ford12508]

If your budget is 2K and you have 0 tools, I would look at HF and buy a tool box and fill it. I have a few grand worth of tools, and still need more. I dont buy snap on either unless it is very cheap.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

You can build a good beginning set for 2G's. Channellock for pliers. GearWrench for wrenches. A good screwdriver set, hammers (claw, ball pein, deadblow, mallets).

What's wrong with CMan, especially for a beginning set? You can build a decent set for under your budget, most will be better quality than HF.

 

[timtim2008]

1. 10 thru 30 gallon air compressor ($200 thru $500)
2. impact drill (air tool)
3. sockets set. 100 or 200pcs (about $150-$300 @ sears, or whatever brand you want)
4. 2 ton jack (if you have only cars).. 3 ton if trucks.

5. lawn equipment (mower, blower, weedeater trimmer) etc

 

[alex71]

suggesting a U.S. serviceman shop at harbor freight is insulting. to all of us.

 

[SIDECAR BOB]

You can build a good beginning set for 2G's. Channellock for pliers. GearWrench for wrenches. A good screwdriver set, hammers (claw, ball pein, deadblow, mallets).

What's wrong with CMan, especially for a beginning set? You can build a decent set for under your budget, most will be better quality than HF.

+1 for a craftsman tarter set, craftsman has some pretty good sets that will get most of what you need . also a good floor type jack, jackstands , hf for some less used or specialty stuff to fill in what the set might be missing. multitestor brake tools soldering iron are a few that come to mind. once you got a good basic starter set of tools you fill in what you need as time goes on. Do like the hf roller car with the drawers

 

[Joe B.]

Don't be in a rush to buy anything but the basics. A Craftsman starter set and some Channel lock pliers are a great start as mentioned below. You would also need some nice screwdrivers. If you need anything specialty, buy it only when you need it or you see an amazing deal. You should even make sure you get a great deal on these first purchases.

If you hang around here and watch your local Craigslist, you will be able to find some great deals on a lot of stuff you may need. You will be fine without a nice toolbox or compressor until a deal comes around. It won't take long to get everything you could want.

$2000 is a lot to spend on tools but it won't go very far if you go out and spend it right away. You should be able to get started for $500 and add to it as needed. If you spend much more than that in the first month, you are probably wasting your money.

 

[itsvegas]

why not buy used? flea markets/yard sales/pawn shops. or better yet, shop the classified section here and/or post in the wtb section.

 

[zakit24]

Ok thanks guys I have a better idea now of what kind of hand tools I need. I'm going to look into gearwrench and channellock.
Aside from the hand tools, however, what other basic car working gear should I have. The time I spent in high school working on cars I was in a well stocked garage and took everything for granted, but I went out at home to do an oil change once and totally forgot I needed a draining pan of sorts. Things like that which I may be forgetting is what I'm look at now.

thanks

 

[dazcapri]

bit boring but don't forget the safety equipment stands.ear defenders, gloves etc. etc.

 

[farmmech86]

I posted this in an earlier thread. Might be a starting point for you....

Oil Changes:
Filter Wrench
Set of Metric Wrenches
Funnel
Floor Jack
Jack Stands
Drain Pan

Spark Plugs:
Ratchet
Set of Extensions
Spark Plug Socket
Gap Tool (your spark plugs may come pre-gapped. I dunno)

Tire Rotations:
Air Pressure Gauge
Air Chuck
Floor Jack
Jack Stands
Lug Wrench (4-Way or use whatever is in the car)

Belt:
Not that familiar with a honda. Maybe a serpentine belt tool is needed?

Fuel Filter
Again, not that familiar with a honda. Metric Line Wrenches, I assume

Brakes
This is where a honda guy might chime in. I have never done brakes on a honda. I assume something like this:
Set of Torx/Hex sockets (don't know which on a honda. Someone said they have a #3 philips???)
Bleeder Wrench
Small 3/8 Socket Set - Metric
Some kind of rear caliper windback tool (don't know what goes on a honda)
C-Clamp

Misc:
Hammer
Wire Brush
Emery Cloth
Grease gun (does it have any greaseable suspension parts??? I dunno)
Screwdrivers (Especially a small flat screwdriver. I use that thing a LOT)
Towels. Lots of towels.
Fast orange/lava soap
WD-40 or P'Blaster or Kroil or liquid wrench or whatever penetrating fluid
Eye protection
Gloves


I have a Haynes manual for my old truck. I like it. It can be vague, but it is a simple vehicle to figure out.

As far as diagnostic tools....I like Autoenginuity (http://www.autoenginuity.com/). It is the most powerful and flexible code reading tool for $250. That and a multimeter will do a lot. Those two tools have a lot more diagnostic power than I know how to use. Haha

 

[diggerrick]

Unless you are really dead set against Craftsman, I would suggest joining the Craftsman Club and buying the 309pc mechanic's tool set for $199. These are probably made overseas however.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00935309000P?intcmp=cm_deals_MAY2011-top

As an alternative, you could also pick up the Taiwanese-made 301pc set from Harbor Freight. I picked it up last Friday on sale and with a 20% off coupon added for $144. I'm pretty impressed so far, but haven't got to use it that much yet. It will get wrung out more this weekend. My biggest gripes are I wish it had a T55 torx bit instead of a T70, and also I would have liked a 1/2" drive breaker bar in the set, but I already have several. The adjustable wrench is also kinda chintzy, but I don't use them very often.

http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html

As you're aware you'll also need a decent jack and stands. I like having a compressor and air tools, but they can probably wait. You'll want some decent hammers, brushes, and pry bars. Also good lights, safety glasses, shop rags, and gloves (mechanic's and nitrile). A spool of safety wire is handy for a lot of different things. Cutting and scraping tools are useful also. A good multimeter will be necessary at some point. I usually only buy specialized stuff when I need it.
I'm far from a pro wrench, but I like to tinker with fast cars, and usually build my own engines, transmissions, rearend setups, etc.

 

[Shadowdog500]

Don't run out and buy a bunch of stuff you don't need just to have a full tool box, that you will have to ship every time the navy transfers you. For starters get a couple of wrench sets. Socket sets, screw drivers, pliers/channel locks, crescent wrenches, and a couple of tool boxes that will fit in the trunk of that car. That should Be enough you get you started. Whenever you have a genuine need for a particular tool, run out and get the complete set of a quality brand.

About 10 years ago I wanted to get a dedicated tool set to keep in my motorhome. I wound up getting the $300 craftsman socket set that comes in a plastic 4 drawer case. This set was a complete set of 1/4 thru 1/2 drive. If I were starting over again I would definitely get that set. The set has an empty drawer that I filled with wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers.

Nothing wrong with craftsman.

Chris

 

[powertrip]

Unless you are really dead set against Craftsman, I would suggest joining the Craftsman Club and buying the 309pc mechanic's tool set for $199. These are probably made overseas however.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00935309000P?intcmp=cm_deals_MAY2011-top

As an alternative, you could also pick up the Taiwanese-made 301pc set from Harbor Freight. I picked it up last Friday on sale and with a 20% off coupon added for $144. I'm pretty impressed so far, but haven't got to use it that much yet. It will get wrung out more this weekend. My biggest gripes are I wish it had a T55 torx bit instead of a T70, and also I would have liked a 1/2" drive breaker bar in the set, but I already have several. The adjustable wrench is also kinda chintzy, but I don't use them very often.

http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html

As you're aware you'll also need a decent jack and stands. I like having a compressor and air tools, but they can probably wait. You'll want some decent hammers, brushes, and pry bars. Also good lights, safety glasses, shop rags, and gloves (mechanic's and nitrile). A spool of safety wire is handy for a lot of different things. Cutting and scraping tools are useful also. A good multimeter will be necessary at some point. I usually only buy specialized stuff when I need it.
I'm far from a pro wrench, but I like to tinker with fast cars, and usually build my own engines, transmissions, rearend setups, etc.

The craftsman set in the picture is USA made.

 

[jmauld]

Get a beginners tool set. Craftsman stuff is okay. Just replace the broken bits with a superior brand as you break them.

No need for a large compressor. A small 2-5 gallon high quality compressor will do just fine until you decide what kind of work you will be doing. My large compressor rarely gets used and mostly just takes up an entire corner in my garage. its $600 wasted, IMO.

 

[powertrip]

Ok thanks guys I have a better idea now of what kind of hand tools I need. I'm going to look into gearwrench and channellock.
Aside from the hand tools, however, what other basic car working gear should I have. The time I spent in high school working on cars I was in a well stocked garage and took everything for granted, but I went out at home to do an oil change once and totally forgot I needed a draining pan of sorts. Things like that which I may be forgetting is what I'm look at now.

thanks

Gearwrench and Craftsman are owned by the same company, Danaher. The mechanic craftsman sets are almost always 100% usa made ( wrenches, sockets, ratchets ect.). The Gearwrench is most likely made in china, although the older Gearwrench stuff was made in taiwan. I would get the craftsman set and then replace the ratchets with the thin profile or premium ratchets from Craftsman or look into other options from Williams/Wright/Durlast/Gearwrench ect.

 

[zakit24]

Ok awesome, thanks guys. Esp thanks to you Farmmech, you reminded me of several things I had totally forgotten.
I will keep everyone up to date on my new garage. Pics will come once I have it. And now to go shopping

 

[07Forester]

If working on Hondas, all you need is a 3/8" set of metric wrenches, sockets. You can literally buy a "metric" service set from snap on and be TOTALLY good to go. Buy a 3/8" or 1/2" impact gun, a small compressor and call it a day. In my younger years I literally did countless motorswaps, etc with a "metric" only set. Not even a single impact gun. Now, I've got more tools than I could possibly need. Buy the essentials, and go from there. If you need any questions answered, feel free to PM me.

 

[bluecomputer]

I'd recommend a locking set of extensions if you do spark plugs a lot. On my Civic I had issues getting the socket off of the spark plug. Might be handy to have nut drivers or a spinner handle. I do use a spinner handle frequently. Torx bit sockets might be a good idea.

 

[jon619]

Don't rush out and buy everything all at once. Also, remember most bases have a decent auto hobby shop with a lift and all the tools you'll need to take care of most anything. Rates are very reasonable too. I think I paid $5/hr for a stall with a lift and all the tools I want.

 

[tcsalvage]

also most bases have pawn shops all around them, wouldn't hurt to check them out.

 

[woody 73]

If you don't care for the craftsman tools,lowes is selling off their old stock of kobalt tools and you can pick up some very good deals.

If you do not like kobalt then maybe SK or wright tools;I would keep checking the classified ads on the GJ for some great deals.

I would pick up a good corded light for seeing the engine something with a very long cord,(you can always take this with you and they have many uses).

If you can pick up a used cordless impact tool or a screwdriver they come in very handy.
Williams makes a fantastic screwdriver set that I think you will like.

look for a sale on cheap plastic funnels they come in handy and pick up a good flashlight.
Well this is a good start.

Woody

 

[pipsters]

I'd recommend a locking set of extensions if you do spark plugs a lot. On my Civic I had issues getting the socket off of the spark plug. Might be handy to have nut drivers or a spinner handle. I do use a spinner handle frequently. Torx bit sockets might be a good idea.

Got a set of locking extensions from Sears, best thing I've bought for spark plugs yet! I have the same problem. Other brands have a different lock, it protrudes out from the bar itself. The Craftsman, while structurally not as strong, still locks well and I haven't had an issue yet.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943355000P?mv=rr

I have a set in 1/4" as well.

 

[07Forester]

Here's a quick list I put together for you from snap on UNDER 2k.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=1616&group_ID=218&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=76092&group_ID=17480&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=55823&group_ID=1044&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=86882&group_ID=19753&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=81470&group_ID=21405&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=78368&group_ID=20402&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Total there is $1795.10 sure one hell of a "starter" into the snap on life. Not trying to throw SO down your throat, but other than that...there typically shouldnt be much more than you would ever need. I'm sure you could get a decent compressor and some hose at lowes, hd or hf.

 

[justanengineer]

NOTHING! Your in the Navy now! Seriously though, the majority of the moving you will do in the military likely will happen in the first year or two, so avoid buying anything if at all possible, and it usually happens without warning or input from you. Most posts have an auto craft shop for the DIY guys to play in - think commercial garage where you can rent all the tools, space, lift etc that you need for <$5/hr (plus they have certified techs to help should you need it), which will make any attempt at building a shop in your garage look rather silly. If it was me, I would limit the amount of possessions total (counting tools) to what will fit comfortably in the backseat and trunk of a regular car.