Tools for home mechanic?

[eyeball]

Fokky - maybe I missed it somewhere in the thread but what are you planning on working on? Knowing that might allow for more targeted recommendations.

Otherwise, you may end up with boxes full of expensive tools that you will never need.

 

[groundcoat]

Milwaukee makes something called a demolition screwdriver. About $16 at HD. Finally, an ultra rugged screwdriver designed to be abused and beat upon with a hammer. Now my go-to flat blade screwdriver. An awesome tool worth owning.

 

[bbrins]

It may have been mentioned already, but a set of chocks would go nicely with the jack and jack stands. Don't rely on the park brake or transmission to keep a vehicle from rolling.

 

[lis2323]

Medical insurance.

 

[MarvinBerry]

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

All good stuff, but yeah, extinguisher is never a bad thing to have around.

On that note goggles & eye wash kit can also be useful on occasion...

And if you need all 3 of those items at the same time your probably having a really **** day.

 

[Jack84]

Has someone already mentioned a sturdy work bench and vise?

 

[Citation]

I suspect a lot of shade tree DIY are like me. We didn't start off with a big set of tools, we got by with a limited set and added to it over time.

On the OP's list I think they have a lot of the big stuff but things screwdrivers, pliers etc will be handy. Start a job and see what you are missing. Read through this list once you do a job or two then decide again.

Oh, one more thing, a web/YouTube video search for any job you are about to tackle. I think I'm very good at problem solving auto problems for someone who doesn't do this all the time. However, its much easier to search then watch someone else tell you what might be wrong. Especially if the problem is say a cracked solder joint on a turn signal relay. Easy fix once someone else tells me what's wrong.

 

[Robinson1]

Solder iron and heat gun for electrical repairs
Prybars
Angle grinder

 

[PhantomEB]

No one has said small lower box, perhaps a 26er....

 

[BrandoJames]

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

Not a good idea--I used a frame hammer last week to remove a corroded bolt from a battery. The claw end got tangled in some wiring on the back swing. That's when I realized I needed some ball peins. At the very least, buy one quality ball pein in your favorite size.

I posted a thread here last week, "Proto Ball Pein Hammer Set", where I got a lot of good advice. Note that Mac Tools rebrands the Proto hammers, and Matco rebrands the Trusty Cook hammers. You can save a lot of cash by going with the original manufacturer.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=439183

 

[jgromada]

I don't think anyone mentioned any electrical type tools. inevitably there are more electrical problems these days. Start with a good multimeter but there will be other types of crimpers, soldering irons etc as you go along.

 

[Motorman55]

1st Aid Kit

 

[thin_concrete]

Tap and die set, ratcheting wrenches, good pliers and screwdrivers. I tend to buy used stuff, but high quality stuff that fits within my budget and have had some good luck. Some pieces may take some tracking down, so patience is key.

 

[M635_Guy]

My hose-clamp flex driver has saved me a lot of cussing over the years...

 

[rockidr4]

Has anyone mentioned a grease gun? I forgot a grease gun.

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[m6z]

Has anyone mentioned a grease gun? I forgot a grease gun.

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A lot of modern vehicles don't have grease zerks, so it really depends on what you are working on.

Buy your tools as needed. If you are just starting out, there's no reason to spend money on tools unless you need them.

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[rockidr4]

Truuuuuue. I keep forgetting that ancient trucks and tractors aren't the average vehicle to work on

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[fang123]

1st Aid Kit

And a swear jar.

 

[groundcoat]

I suggest acquiring some tools that will get you out of a jam like thread chasers, ez-outs and a set of sockets designed to grip onto rounded bolt heads.

A set of good cobalt drill bits is a worthy investment for any shop.

 

[PelicanPines]

Security camera... to catch the moments you would be too embarrassed to film...

 

[sberry]

Every real man should have a tap and die set.

 

[Alex2000]

quality drill bits, nothing like breaking a drill bit in the middle of a job

 

[crasher98]

I suggest acquiring some tools that will get you out of a jam like thread chasers, ez-outs and a set of sockets designed to grip onto rounded bolt heads.

A set of good cobalt drill bits is a worthy investment for any shop.

Amen! and good left-handed drill bits too.

 

[mikeky]

Scissors, 3-4 sizes.