Help me build up my toolbox

[cptzippy]

Relatively new home mechanic. Started with basic maintenance on my wife's SUV a couple of years ago and now have a 1994 Jaguar XJS that I'm bringing back to daily driver status. I had very little tools when I started and have been slowly building up to meet challenges.

I have pretty complete sets of ratchets, sockets, etc in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch. Got screwdrivers (including pozidriv for the old jag), combination wrenches, ratcheting wrenches, and a multimeter. Probably missing a bit or bob here and there.

About to tackle the rear brakes (outboard) and the rear suspension bushings on the old Jag as my next projects.

So what tools would you guys recommend me looking at getting next?

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I would start with a decent impact driver and a set of deep walls in STD and metric. Some good hammers (ball pean) from CM and maybe a set of pry bars.

 

[cptzippy]

I would start with a decent impact driver and a set of deep walls in STD and metric. Some good hammers (ball pean) from CM and maybe a set of pry bars.

Dumb question: CM=craftsman?

 

[Matt018]

I will just answer that and yes you are right cptzippy, Looks like your new here, Welcome. I would also recommend getting some harbor freight specialty tools and also check out there deadblow hammers, I have a 3lb and it rocks. Also they have some brake tools that you may want to pickup, like a disc brake compression kit like with the different faces, And also maybe a digital calipers set and also a punch and chisel set to go with the hammers would come in handy.

 

[cptzippy]

Thanks for the replies.

I actually have a digital caliper set so that's good. I'll look into the disc brake compression tool. Did some looking at hammers and man is there a lot of different kinds and makes.

 

[shoturtle]

I would add some allen and torx sockets in 3/8 and 1/4 drive. I would get a standard allen first, ball heads are nice, but you can not crank them as much as the head can crack.

 

[cptzippy]

I would add some allen and torx sockets in 3/8 and 1/4 drive.

Yep, can think of at least one place where these would have been handy so far. Got a 7mm allen drain plug for the ****** on the jag I couldn't get off with just a small allen wrench.

 

[concealer404]

Definitely full allen head set. I don't use them often, but the 1-2x a month i might need one, i'm glad i have them all.

You didn't mention pliers/vice grips. You'll want those.

Pry bars.

You have an early 90s jag, you'll want wire strippers, a nice soldering iron, a big connector kit, and a bunch of wiring.

 

[shoturtle]

a nice set of stubby is always useful in tight to reach area. The northern tools sets are very nice and not super expensive.

 

[cptzippy]

You have an early 90s jag, you'll want wire strippers, a nice soldering iron, a big connector kit, and a bunch of wiring.

Not too bad so far but my multimeter got a workout the first couple of months i owned it.

 

[6-Speed]

A set of breaker bars, 18" and 24" 1/2 drive are handy. Suggest a few torque wrenches to cover multiple ranges from low torque to higher torque such as lug nuts. A good caliper tool set will help with the brakes.

 

[concealer404]

Not too bad so far but my multimeter got a workout the first couple of months i owned it.

Heh i bet! The worst part about these really is just fixing the little things the PO didn't bother with. Once you get caught up, they don't really deserve the bad rep they get, in my opinion.

 

[cptzippy]

Have a CM 1/2 inch beam-style torque wrench 20-150 ft/lbs. Need to get one that get's the 10 newton meter for some of the engine bolts. Shoturtle - when you say stubby I'm assuming you mean wrenches?

 

[cptzippy]

The Jag has been a reliable daily driver for the last year. Had a brake light issue when I first got it but found a short. Got some maintenance stuff to do - ATF change, rear brakes pads and rotors, some suspension bushings are worn.

 

[teletekman]

Since your building up your collection and not knowing what you have now, you might want to think about a bigger tool box to handle all the additions if you don't have one already...

 

[cptzippy]

I've got an eye on a tool box after I move. Right now just don't have anywhere to put something larger than the little 3 drawer carry that I have now.

 

[cptzippy]

A set of breaker bars, 18" and 24" 1/2 drive are handy. Suggest a few torque wrenches to cover multiple ranges from low torque to higher torque such as lug nuts. A good caliper tool set will help with the brakes.

Is this what you meant by a good caliper tool or is there a better design...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031FQ01O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[shoturtle]

That is a really nice one.

This is another nice one.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQUTU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[concealer404]

There's a hand-held kind that you squeeze the handles together like pliers and the plates force the piston back into the caliper. It ratchets. The real name for it escapes me right now and it's driving me nuts.

Anyways, it's what i like.

This isn't it, but it looks kindof neat: http://www.ustoolman.com/index.php?...cts_id=19248&zenid=2ejarblc8qahqk5lev96cllmc1


Here it is: http://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-2575...utm_term=LIS25750&utm_campaign=googlebase_18u

 

[cptzippy]

There's a hand-held kind that you squeeze the handles together like pliers and the plates force the piston back into the caliper. It ratchets. The real name for it escapes me right now and it's driving me nuts.

Anyways, it's what i like.

This isn't it, but it looks kindof neat: http://www.ustoolman.com/index.php?...cts_id=19248&zenid=2ejarblc8qahqk5lev96cllmc1

Think I know the one you mean.

Another question: since I'll need to get some 'auto' hammers as the only hammer I have right now is a stanley claw hammer I've had since college, what about the replaceable face ones? What are the pro's and con's of them?

 

[jetmech09]

a BFH and prybars. Drills. Tap+Die set.

 

[cptzippy]

Another big thanks for all the help. I've looked at both types of pad spreaders and can't decide which looks best. What do you guys think?

 

[BajaBound]

Full socket sets sae & mm
Full combo wrenches sae & mm
Pliers
Ball peen and soft face hammers
Allen key and sockets, Torx keys and sockets
Screw drivers
Torque wrench

 

[cptzippy]

Any answer to the hammer question? If I just got one hammer, what one should I start with? Also realize my pliers selection is pretty limited.

 

[Matt018]

This is the kind of brake tool you need.


http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piece-disc-brake-pad-and-caliper-service-tool-kit-97143.html

 

[NUTTSGT]

Hammers. . .

This set is back in stock from Sears, available only online.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00938074000P?prdNo=22&blockNo=22&blockType=G22

Yep, CM is Craftsman, same as Cman.

 

[cptzippy]

Hammers. . .

This set is back in stock from Sears, available only online.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00938074000P?prdNo=22&blockNo=22&blockType=G22

Yep, CM is Craftsman, same as Cman.

Are these USA or China Craftsman. Haven't had luck with the couple of China CM that I've bought. They do look nice though.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Are these USA or China Craftsman. Haven't had luck with the couple of China CM that I've bought. They do look nice though.

Honestly, I really don't know. I can assume (USA)though. When purchasing them separately, they're Made in the USA. I was looking at some the other day at Sears. I picked up a 3lb drilling hammer, USA.

 

[6-Speed]

Another big thanks for all the help. I've looked at both types of pad spreaders and can't decide which looks best. What do you guys think?

This is the kind of brake tool you need.


http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piece-disc-brake-pad-and-caliper-service-tool-kit-97143.html

The HF kit is what I use, but Sunex also offers a similar kit but at twice the price; I don't know if the Sunex is any higher quality than the HF kit.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015S9VRE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[cptzippy]

So what do all the things in those two kits do? I'm trying to envision how they work and coming up empty.

 

[abbeylives]

Each of the discs in the caliper kit match up to a particular style piston. For example, Honda or VW. If you are doing brakes on a early 90's toyota, that disc is selected which then is position between the piston and tool. As you tightened the tool, the caliper piston is turned with pressure - putting it back in place. I definitely recommend a kit like this, cheap enough and allows you to handle any type of rear brake job.

 

[cptzippy]

Thanks abbeylives et al.

What is a good set of pliers, what does it include?

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I just use ViseGrip C clamps with fixed tips similar to these on brake jobs.
http://www.irwin.com/tools/locking-tools/the-original-locking-c-clamps-with-swivel-pads

In addition to compressing the caliper piston, they are also good for holding/clamping other things and when welding.

 

[cptzippy]

This isn't it, but it looks kindof neat: http://www.ustoolman.com/index.php?...cts_id=19248&zenid=2ejarblc8qahqk5lev96cllmc1

I kinda like the look of the one concealer404 found above. The C-clamp actually came recommended on one of my Jag websites. The concern I have with those kits is that mid 90's jaguar is a rare beast - would it be in the set?

 

[shoturtle]

Are these USA or China Craftsman. Haven't had luck with the couple of China CM that I've bought. They do look nice though.

Homedepot and pick up a erstwing ball peen and deadblow, and possibly a rubber mallet.

 

[6-Speed]

So what do all the things in those two kits do? I'm trying to envision how they work and coming up empty.

For front brakes such as those on my 04 Odyssey, the caliper piston does not need to be turned, so I use the floating adapter, which remains stationary and doesn't turn with the handle.

For the rears where the parking brake mechanism is integrated with the disc brakes, such as those on my Mustang, you have to turn the piston while applying pressure to the piston face, so I use the proper adapter with pegs that fit into notches on the piston face. C-clamps will not work here.

 

[pipsters]

Are these USA or China Craftsman. Haven't had luck with the couple of China CM that I've bought. They do look nice though.

They are US made, made by Vaughan

I have the set, what can I say, they are hammers. US made. Good deal.

For prybars consider these, they are made by Mayhew but much cheaper than if bought from them. Apparently they are closing them out. Too bad they are excellent.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947410000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

 

[Stuff4Toys]

There's a hand-held kind that you squeeze the handles together like pliers and the plates force the piston back into the caliper. It ratchets. The real name for it escapes me right now and it's driving me nuts.

Anyways, it's what i like.

This isn't it, but it looks kindof neat: http://www.ustoolman.com/index.php?...cts_id=19248&zenid=2ejarblc8qahqk5lev96cllmc1

Thanks for the link to our tool site.

 

[idoitproject]

It would probably be easier if you listed the tools that you do have and others can add/make suggestions to it.

I know someone listed this one:
http://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-25750.aspx

But I would suggest going with this one instead:
http://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-24300.aspx

Unless you have dual piston calipers, you will never use the dual style.

 

[idoitproject]

For front brakes such as those on my 04 Odyssey, the caliper piston does not need to be turned, so I use the floating adapter, which remains stationary and doesn't turn with the handle.

For the rears where the parking brake mechanism is integrated with the disc brakes, such as those on my Mustang, you have to turn the piston while applying pressure to the piston face, so I use the proper adapter with pegs that fit into notches on the piston face. C-clamps will not work here.

You can rent this set from Autozone:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...-Tool-Set/_/N-264a?itemIdentifier=298604_0_0_
It's about $60. You can either keep it or return it for a full refund. It's Autozone's tool loaner program. Best thing about it is that it's LIFETIME WARRANTIED. So you can rent it as needed. It is a hassle to run down there everytime you need it but you can give it a test run for free pretty much.