Tools for home mechanic?

[Fokky]

Hello, I'm outfitting my garage and now I'm kinda stuck because I think that I'm missing something on my list but I can't figure out what. If someone could give me a suggestion on what to get that is generally commonly required so I can complete my list it would be most appreciated, Thanks!

At the moment I have the following tools:

1. 1/4"+3/8"+1/2" Socket set, 179 pcs(Pic. below)
2. Torque wrench 40-210Nm
3. Breaker bar
4. Brake job tool set, 21 pcs
5. Brake power bleeder
6. Car jack
7. Car stands
8. 1/2 Impact wrench, 500Nm
9. Impact sockets, 10-32mm
10. OBD II Error code reader
11. Endoscope
12. Multimeter

 

[taumac]

1/4 drive in lbs torque wrench and prybars.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[rockidr4]

Everyone's garage is different, but if it were my garage I'd need another torque wrench (motorcycles and bicycles have different needs) and a pair of snap ring pliers (for applying oil to the ratchets I've got)

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

 

[Fokky]

I'm going to get a lower range one, I would like to find one that has more useful range like 5-50Nm which is a bit hard.

 

[rockidr4]

It's gonna be cheaper and more accurate / reliable to have more than one torque wrench across that kind of range

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

 

[81turbota]

Decent variety of pliers, cutters, seal picks, screwdrivers.

Depending on your scope you may need various pullers, hammers, pry bars, etc.

 

[930dreamer]

Various sized ball peened hammers.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would add a metric wrench set and wheel blocks. The only thing I actually torque on a regular basis are lug nuts and suspension parts. Anything else that is not drive train related can be done by hand feel.

 

[sberry]

A little cash, when you need something buy it.

 

[creativecars]

I would start with the 301 pc. tool set from HF. Add wrench sets and other things you have already listed.

 

[Dave455]

Well, you mentioned a lot of the ‘advanced’ tools, but none of the ‘basics’!

Have you got Screwdrivers, Pliers, Hammers (ball pein and soft) maybe some punches, and some hex keys. After that you will probably need some wrenches.

A socket set is a great accessory, but pretty useless in it’s own - you can’t undo a nut and bolt, for example! (Though I admit with yours you could use 3/8 drive on the bolt, and 1/2 inch on the nut maybe!)

 

[Djosbun]

It all depends on how deep you will get with your work. If you plan on doing suspension work, pick up a hydraulic press. If you live where they salt the roads, you will also want an angle grinder and/or a sawzall (for cutting off rusty bolts, etc). I live in southern Ohio and have saved a significant amount of time (and sweat) by cutting off parts for ease of removal.

Get yourself a set of flare nut wrenches. Using open box end wrenches on brake line fittings will lead to frustration and rounded off fittings. For brake bleeding I usually use XL wrenches (8mm and 10mm, mostly), as the extra length makes it easier to break open a crusty bleeder. Just do not overtighten the bleeder!

A slide hammer (plus necessary attachments) comes in handy for hub removal, as well as CV axle removal.

I can go further but it all amounts to what type of repair work you know to do. If you intend on doing work for others, you don't want to turn a job away by saying "sorry, I don't have the tool needed for that).

-- Dave

 

[RKA]

What kind of car or motorcycle will you be working on?

Ratcheting wrenches are pretty handy. My cars take a combination of hex, xzn, torx and e torx bolts, so a full set of bit sockets are stocked for those. *edit* just saw you have a bunch in that kit, so skip any more for now, you will add mid length and long versions at some point when the job calls for it.

A flex head ratchet (3/8”). More extensions in various sizes.

Pliers - at least one needle nose, one slip joint for starters.

Pry bar. Screwdriver set. LED lights. Tool chest to organize all the stuff and make sure you leave at least 50% empty as you’ll fill it to the brim in coming years.

I think that in combination with what you listed and what’s been covered above will get you started. There will always be a need for specific tools to perform certain jobs and you’ll add to it as needed.

 

[rockidr4]

> LED lights.

Oh gosh yes. A decent flashlight will be one of your most used tools. And as far as a variety of fasteners, if it's a Harley, you're gonna need ALL the shapes. Including 12 point sockets. For 12 pointed bolts

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

 

[txvwnut]

Well this is the Garage Journal so your gonna need a lathe, mill, tig welder, plasma cutter and a lift of some sort.

Get a 3/8” impact as sometimes you don’t need a 1/2” for the job, a cordless impact driver for when you got a bunch of screws to turn.

 

[Shehzada]

Various sized ball peened hammers.

Where would this be needed?

Sent from my mobile device

 

[regguy1]

here's my toolbox, see if you need anything:

 

[rockidr4]

Where would this be needed?

Sent from my mobile device

I haven't needed them since I moved into the city. When I was working on a farm the list of places a ball peen hammer came in handy was as follows: everywhere.

The family favorite was tapping the starter on the tractor into position on cold mornings when the solenoid couldn't get it done.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

 

[Shehzada]

I haven't needed them since I moved into the city. When I was working on a farm the list of places a ball peen hammer came in handy was as follows: everywhere.

The family favorite was tapping the starter on the tractor into position on cold mornings when the solenoid couldn't get it done.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

Oh ok. I've used a regular for that...even once a tire iron worked in a jam

Sent from my mobile device

 

[eyeball]

I would add a good low profile long reach floor jack. It will make using those jack stands a lot easier.

 

[eyeball]

Various sized ball peened hammers.

Agreed a few hammers is an excellent idea. It’s amazing the satisfaction I get from having just right hammer for the job.

While I don’t use the peen end very often it can come in handy when shaping metal, rounding over rivet heads, etc.

 

[Yarpo]

Wrenches, a small SAE set and a metric set

Trim tools, pliers, screwdrivers.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Don’t forget a good vise, spark plug sockets, torx and hex bits, hex sockets, universal joint adapters, various lengths of extensions, locking pliers

 

[MarvinBerry]

Air compressor is pretty basic...even if it's just inflating tires.

 

[dimichele]

Screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, punches and chisels, combo wrenches, drill, angle grinder, pry bars, breaker bar.

 

[Gurp]

A man always needs a big f*ckin hammer.

 

[rockidr4]

A man always needs a big f*ckin hammer.

A big **** off hammer we call them in my family

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

 

[1cargarage]

You're definitely going to need an SAE and Metric BFH.
I'm surprised you've made it this far without them.

 

[MJK]

I think I could get most non-speciality projects done with what you have and:

screwdrivers - flathead, Phillips, and an impact screwdriver
Hex / Torx / spark plug sockets
8" needle nose pliers, 10" slip joint pliers and some diagonal cutters
Combination wrenches and one good adjustable (10" knipex)
A pair of vice grips, some zip ties, lighting, plastic trim tools, a hammer, some picks, wire strippers/crimpers/solder-flux/heat shrink/electrical tape, and oil filter wrench/adapter
a c-clamp and a utility knife
penetrant, anti-siege, silicone grease, regular grease, brake cleaner, gasket maker, loctite, cleaner

edit maybe feeler gauges and snap ring pliers too depending on how deep you want to go.

 

[four.cycle]

just a note regarding the mention of "1/4" torque wrench" above:

JS Technology Torque Wrench Model G61190, 15-150 IN-LB
(military surplus)(new)
$12.75 + $6.75 shipping
https://www.ebay.com/itm/163997047987
really surprised he's got any left. I got one from him a couple months ago.

same seller:

JS Technology Torque Wrench Model 51105, 30-150 IN-LB "S/N-129622
(military surplus)(new)
$12.00 + $7.65 shipping
https://www.ebay.com/itm/153661885415

excellent seller.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

rulers, files, mirrors, tread depth gauge, soldering gun, rivet gun, glue gun, heat gun, creeper, ladder, vac cleaner, wheel ramps, fire extinguisher

 

[joe_pinehill1]

Buy as you go for each repair you do, it can take years as a home DIYer to outfit your tools. Buy more as your ability increases. Between my father's old tools, and what I've bought, I'm pretty much there after about 30 years of collecting.

 

[Fokky]

I already have 3 cabinets full of tools(screwdrivers, pliers, power tools and more..). I have 3/4 Impact driver which I got in Makita power tool set. I guess that I will need a small hydraulic press for suspension work but that's probably going to be a DIY job, I forgot about a creeper too and feeler gauge, I have a gasket maker, thread locker, greases and other lubricants required in repairs. Sorry, I can't answer all of Your posts as there is too much of them, Thanks!

 

[lardy1]

The entire SK tool catalog...…..and then some.

 

[Farleyfan]

When you buy any channel lock pliers id suggest this type or similar.

these are my go to pliers when needed, it seems this design puts more force with less effort on the hardware and doesn't slip off as easily.

 

[sberry]

When you buy any channel lock pliers id suggest this type or similar.

these are my go to pliers when needed, it seems this design puts more force with less effort on the hardware and doesn't slip off as easily.

Be glad to trade 2 of those for 1 regular 440. Maybe 4.

 

[Fokky]

When you buy any channel lock pliers id suggest this type or similar.

these are my go to pliers when needed, it seems this design puts more force with less effort on the hardware and doesn't slip off as easily.

I have a pair of those and I have a 3D printer so I can print some of the stuff like oil filter sockets.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Gonna need a proper test light, no LED or power probe. Standard incandescent.

 

[consti2tion]

Compression tester, air hammer/chisel, a good toolbox/chest, tool carts make it nice when you are working on the opposite side of the garage of where your box is.

 

[Rickster]

Drill and drill bits.