Weekend warrior basic tool collection for car repair/maintenance

[BOG]

Hello my first post here but I've been lurking and reading for a loooong time...

I need some help in building a basic tool collection, I bought my first personal car.....always had a work car until now so never really had to worry about repairs/maintenance.

I need some help in building my tools collection for small repair jobs and maintenance....big jobs will go to the garage when needed (timing belt changes..etc).

Here is what I have around the house so far:

-Set of combination wrenches Beta LMP42 (8mm-19mm) Car is a JDM Subaru btw.


-Set of Vessel screwdrivers


-3/8 Wera ratchet set


-Wera Hex-plus allen keys


-Wiha Stubby & Regular Screwdrivers sets.


Any help and suggestions will be much appreciated, many thanks.

 

[gearhead1]

Pretty good start. Depends on what you plan on doing. If you plan on oil changes, you’ll need a drain pan and oil filter wrench.

 

[ddawg16]

You need a multimeter. Comes in handy for lots of things.

BTW...welcome to GJ.

What part of the UK? My wife is from Preston.

 

[BOG]

I will be doing that and will get an oil pan and oil filter wrench and at the next oil change I will be installing a Sthalbus Oil Drain valve instead of the slump plug.

I've been looking at Knipex type pliers and reading about them but I just got more and more confused about what to get type/size?...

ddawg16 I'm in London now..Thanks!

I wont be tearing the engine apart, but small jobs, filters, oils, brakes....

 

[ZRX61]

No pliers or hammers?

 

[BOG]

No pliers or hammers?

No pliers and I only got one metal hammer for genera DIY...

 

[lardy1]

It's hard not to like my recently acquired Knipex pliers wrenches. I haven't had them long but I already see they are going to get used a lot.

 

[ZRX61]

No pliers and I only got one metal hammer for genera DIY...

My go-to (& oldest) regular pliers were bought at Halfrauds in '78.
So, to start:
regular pliers
needle nose
slip joint.

No idea how many I have now, I'll count them today (says the guy with 70+ hammers)

8oz & 16-20oz ball pein to get started with 'mers


edit: 30 pliers in the main box, so about 40 in total.

 

[BOG]

I've been looking at the Knipex or the Channellock pliers today, but I have no ideea what tipe I need I'm assuming I need a long nose a combination and do I need a ''water pump'' type wrench also ? What sizes ? I don't mind the brand but I prefer to spend my money on stuff made in USA , Japan or Europe..

 

[BOG]

My go-to (& oldest) regular pliers were bought at Halfrauds in '78.
So, to start:
regular pliers
needle nose
slip joint.

No idea how many I have now, I'll count them today (says the guy with 70+ hammers)

8oz & 16-20oz ball pein to get started with 'mers


edit: 30 pliers in the main box, so about 40 in total.

) I don't have the space to store 40 pliers and my wife would probably kill me ...

 

[ZRX61]

I'm a fan of Channellocks. They have sets of 4-6 pairs of various pliers.



water pump = slip joints


Also: Pair of Molegrips (translated from Visegrips as I'm an ex-pat & bi-lingual)

 

[ddawg16]

Bog....my wife has cousin's and an uncle over East Horsley (sp?) and one cousin up around Hampstead Heath.

Just so you know....ZRX is from England as well....

So....what is the going price for a pint of bitter now days? When I was living in Scotland back in the mid 70's, a pint was 45p

 

[dimichele]

Breaker bar and 1/2 in drive sockets.

 

[ZRX61]

Bog....my wife has cousin's and an uncle over East Horsley (sp?) and one cousin up around Hampstead Heath.

Just so you know....ZRX is from Cornwall as well....

So....what is the going price for a pint of bitter now days? When I was living in Scotland back in the mid 70's, a pint was 45p

Fixed it...

 

[BOG]

I'll order a set 1/2 sockets and a breaker bar & the hammers.

I've been looking at these pliers today
https://www.conrad.com/p/nws-789-workshop-pliers-set-3-piece-1497023

OR should I go for the Knipex or channellocks ?

I've been browsing amazon japan.....not a good ideea for the wallet .....

Hampstead Heath is lovely, pint around london starts from about £4..

What size should I get for the slip joints pliers? do I nee the smooth jaws or the Knipex Cobra type?

 

[Dave455]

BOG - welcome!

Generally, in the U.K. you pay for what you don’t know! I’ve seen Knipex pliers in a local shop for £45 (with a free lecture about how awesome they are) when I know I can get the same for less than €15 online. So, it helps to have a few favourite places to buy from.

I get some things (KoKen for eg) from Consolidated Tools in Manchester. Easy to deal with and keen prices. Just ring and order. Another favourite is TBS in Aachen. Despite being in Germany, easy to deal with, great website, and awesome pricing on German tools. Most of the folks on this website would have a fit if they saw how cheap we can get that stuff in the U.K.

Anyway, the sets you have selected are a good start.

Some thoughts -

Beta Wrenches are o.k. and that’s a good size range, but consider something a degree better, if you could get it for little more money. I’d think about Gedore No 7 wrenches, maybe see if TBS have a deal.

Vessel Screwdrivers - are generally good, but I’m not sure I would want those handles for everyday use. Only Quality Tools have some Vessel sets on offer with the regular handles. Alternatively, TBS have some Gedore sets for about £15. They’re good - I have a set in my ‘road box’!

Wera socket set - O.k, but these are Taiwanese tools, and quite costly for for that. If you like ‘em, fine, but see what deals there are at TBS - you might be surprised at the price of a Stahlwille set, for example, which is in a different league. I avoid soft finishes on handles too, they get greasy, then gritty, and are horrid to use in an automotive environment. Alternatively, consider a KoKen set.

Wera Hex Keys - good choice, they’re great! Made in Czech Republic. Generally, the Czech Wera is great (screwdrivers and hex keys), the Taiwanese (sockets and accessories) is so so!

Wiha bit drivers - Fine. The bits are not as good as they used to be, but you can always upgrade later. A bit driver is essential if you are starting out, I reckon!

Yes, you will also need pliers. Maybe get a pair of 7 inch combination pliers and a pair of similar size snipe nose pliers. Be wary of terminology. Pliers that we call snipe nose or fine nose in the U.K. are called needle nose in the U.S. If you order needle nose here, you will get something too delicate. I generally get Knipex from TBS - hard to go wrong.

 

[Dave455]

I'll order a set 1/2 sockets and a breaker bar & the hammers.

I've been looking at these pliers today
https://www.conrad.com/p/nws-789-workshop-pliers-set-3-piece-1497023

OR should I go for the Knipex or channellocks ?

I've been browsing amazon japan.....not a good ideea for the wallet .....

Hampstead Heath is lovely, pint around london starts from about £4..

What size should I get for the slip joints pliers? do I nee the smooth jaws or the Knipex Cobra type?

The NWS are fine, but I reckon Knipex are better. Also think about the grips. Those oversized cushioned grips are o.k. for electricians, but I don’t find them as controllable as the regular vinyl dipped ones. Hard to keep clean too.

Slip joint pliers you can manage without. They’re popular in the U.S. where, for some reason, combination pliers are not common. I find them frustrating to use.

Knipex Cobra’s are basically water pump pliers with a push button, but they are decent, and available in a good range of sizes. I probably use 10 inch / 250mm the most. They do have a lot of grip.

 

[BOG]

BOG - welcome!

Generally, in the U.K. you pay for what you don’t know! I’ve seen Knipex pliers in a local shop for £45 (with a free lecture about how awesome they are) when I know I can get the same for less than €15 online. So, it helps to have a few favourite places to buy from.

I get some things (KoKen for eg) from Consolidated Tools in Manchester. Easy to deal with and keen prices. Just ring and order. Another favourite is TBS in Aachen. Despite being in Germany, easy to deal with, great website, and awesome pricing on German tools. Most of the folks on this website would have a fit if they saw how cheap we can get that stuff in the U.K.

Anyway, the sets you have selected are a good start.

Some thoughts -

Beta Wrenches are o.k. and that’s a good size range, but consider something a degree better, if you could get it for little more money. I’d think about Gedore No 7 wrenches, maybe see if TBS have a deal.

Vessel Screwdrivers - are generally good, but I’m not sure I would want those handles for everyday use. Only Quality Tools have some Vessel sets on offer with the regular handles. Alternatively, TBS have some Gedore sets for about £15. They’re good - I have a set in my ‘road box’!

Wera socket set - O.k, but these are Taiwanese tools, and quite costly for for that. If you like ‘em, fine, but see what deals there are at TBS - you might be surprised at the price of a Stahlwille set, for example, which is in a different league. I avoid soft finishes on handles too, they get greasy, then gritty, and are horrid to use in an automotive environment. Alternatively, consider a KoKen set.

Wera Hex Keys - good choice, they’re great! Made in Czech Republic. Generally, the Czech Wera is great (screwdrivers and hex keys), the Taiwanese (sockets and accessories) is so so!

Wiha bit drivers - Fine. The bits are not as good as they used to be, but you can always upgrade later. A bit driver is essential if you are starting out, I reckon!

Yes, you will also need pliers. Maybe get a pair of 7 inch combination pliers and a pair of similar size snipe nose pliers. Be wary of terminology. Pliers that we call snipe nose or fine nose in the U.K. are called needle nose in the U.S. If you order needle nose here, you will get something too delicate. I generally get Knipex from TBS - hard to go wrong.

Cheers thank you, I'll have a look on the TBS website, I didn't pay full price for the Wera socket set...but on the back of the box it says Made in the Czech Republic...It's unused so I could sell it and get something better...maybe a KOKEN or Sthalwille...

The terminology confuses me a bit as I read about a good tool here and then can't find the same in the UK

 

[Handyandy23]

Channellock or Knipex will both be fine for your uses. Knipex are higher quality but generally more expensive (quite a bit more around here). I can get 3-4 Channellock pliers for the price of a single Knipex locally, but maybe that's different in the UK.

Channellock here sells a "set" that has your 4 basic pieces in it: standard pliers, needle nose, water pump, and side cutters. That would give you basically everything you need for regular maintenance.

 

[Dave455]

Cheers thank you, I'll have a look on the TBS website, I didn't pay full price for the Wera socket set...but on the back of the box it says Made in the Czech Republic...It's unused so I could sell it and get something better...maybe a KOKEN or Sthalwille...

The terminology confuses me a bit as I read about a good tool here and then can't find the same in the UK

If you already have it, stick with it! Rule number one is make the best of what you have!

Yes, the terminology is a minefield. I get used to using American terminology here (I’m bilingual in that regard) but sometimes I struggle!

 

[BOG]

Channellock or Knipex will both be fine for your uses. Knipex are higher quality but generally more expensive (quite a bit more around here). I can get 3-4 Channellock pliers for the price of a single Knipex locally, but maybe that's different in the UK.

Channellock here sells a "set" that has your 4 basic pieces in it: standard pliers, needle nose, water pump, and side cutters. That would give you basically everything you need for regular maintenance.

This one?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Channell...143468894080?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

Can get this from Knipex and add side cutters to it ?

https://www.tbs-aachen.de/KNIPEX_pl...Set/Knipex_00_20_10_Power_Set_i3009_43633.htm

 

[BrandoJames]

Given what you already own, I'd recommend a set of Tekton flex ratcheting box wrenches (long pattern). That set will give you access to places where your fixed ratchet and conventional combo wrenches cannot go.

You can buy higher end ratcheting wrenches, but for DIY automotive work the Tekton set has great value. Unlike your combo set, the Tekton is also 6 point, which makes them less likely to strip a fastener.

https://www.tekton.com/long-flex-ratcheting-box-end-wrench-sets?quantity=1&unit=metric

 

[SeisMec]

Roughly in order - what I'd most miss in your set.

• Pliers: The styles previously mentioned plus vise grips & side cutters.
• At least one pry bar - preference: 15" 20" 10". Cheap ones are OK.
• Deep sockets to match your standard depths.
• Radiator hose & cotter pin removal tools: one each 90 degree and hook. (Miscellaneous alternate uses.)
• A longer handled 3/8 ratchet.
• 1/4" socket set.
• 1/2" socket set & breaker bar. And a 3/8" to 1/2" drive adapter for after you break it loose with the breaker bar.
• Hammer(s); 1/2" & 3/8" cold chisels; and (similar size) starter punch, long taper drift punch, pin punch set.
• Utility knife
• A set of picks
• 16" or 20" offset straight jaw pliers. Example tongue and groove joint pair.
• Best quality 10" adjustable wrench.

Any particular job could push any one of these to the top of the list.

 

[SeisMec]

Roughly in order - what I'd most miss in your set.

• Pliers: The styles previously mentioned plus vise grips & side cutters.
• At least one pry bar - preference: 15" 20" 10". Cheap ones are OK.
• Deep sockets to match your standard depths.
• Radiator hose & cotter pin removal tools: one each 90 degree and hook. (Miscellaneous alternate uses.)
• A longer handled 3/8 ratchet.
• 1/4" socket set.
• 1/2" socket set & breaker bar. And a 3/8" to 1/2" drive adapter for after you break it loose with the breaker bar.
• Hammer(s); 1/2" & 3/8" cold chisels; and (similar size) starter punch, long taper drift punch, pin punch set.
• Utility knife
• A set of picks
• 16" or 20" offset straight jaw pliers. Example tongue and groove joint pair.
• Best quality 10" adjustable wrench.

Any particular job could push any one of these to the top of the list.

Ratcheting box end wrenches belong in this list somewhere, but I'm an old retired guy, working on stupidly old, old-school vehicles and haven't purchased any yet. Pretty sure you'll want them for any car that is 10 or less years old.

 

[BOG]

Roughly in order - what I'd most miss in your set.

• Pliers: The styles previously mentioned plus vise grips & side cutters.
• At least one pry bar - preference: 15" 20" 10". Cheap ones are OK.
• Deep sockets to match your standard depths.
• Radiator hose & cotter pin removal tools: one each 90 degree and hook. (Miscellaneous alternate uses.)
• A longer handled 3/8 ratchet.
• 1/4" socket set.
• 1/2" socket set & breaker bar. And a 3/8" to 1/2" drive adapter for after you break it loose with the breaker bar.
• Hammer(s); 1/2" & 3/8" cold chisels; and (similar size) starter punch, long taper drift punch, pin punch set.
• Utility knife
• A set of picks
• 16" or 20" offset straight jaw pliers. Example tongue and groove joint pair.
• Best quality 10" adjustable wrench.

Any particular job could push any one of these to the top of the list.

Ratcheting box end wrenches belong in this list somewhere, but I'm an old retired guy, working on stupidly old, old-school vehicles and haven't purchased any yet. Pretty sure you'll want them for any car that is 10 or less years old.

WOW thank you!

And thanks to everyone I can't believe how many replies I got in such a short ammount of time, this forum is amazing

I'll take it nice and slow and try and buy quailty tools only.

 

[M635_Guy]

- A set of small pick/hooks - all kinds of uses for hose clamps, pulling rubber gaskets for oil filter housings, etc.

- A spark plug gap tool - it's amazing how variable they can be out of the box

- A small pry bar (screw-driver length, and then a longer one at some point - first is handy for a variety of things in the engine bay, the second very helpful when doing brakes, suspension, etc.)

- A 1/4" swivel ratchet - awesome for various things in the engine bay (hose clamps, etc.)

- A good jack and good jack-stands.

- I'd get a 3/8" torque wrench at some point - they're pretty affordable these days with decent quality (certainly better than guessing)

 

[sberry]

You need a panj to catch fluids on occasion but if I was a 1 car guy and lived in the burbs would be finding a quick lube or some place to do oil.

 

[clown]

I think dave455 has given more/better info than I can, but I'm gonna give my 2 cents anyway.

I'm an American living in Germany, and my other half is from near Sheffield and we visit England about twice a year.

You said that made in USA, Europe or Japan is important to you...it is to me also!

This is my opinion about hand tools for a weekend warrior like myself.

Things like basic/raw steel...wrenches/spanners, pliers, punches, chisels, vise grips, channel locks or slip joint pliers, snap ring pliers, screwdrivers, nutdrivers...Made in Germany brands(Hezat, Knipex, Stahlwille) are outstanding, and you can get some really good deals on ebay.de or geizhals.eu(price comparison website).

However, things like sockets, (a set of Hazet 1/2 deep well impact sockets 10 - 21 $400 with a 2 year warranty...are you freakin kidding me?) ratchets, ratcheting wrenches, and ESPECIALLY POWER TOOLS, USA BRANDS ARE MUCH CHEAPER and IMHO MUCH BETTER. I usually order from USA websites for ratchets/sockets/ratcheting wrenches and even after the shipping **** job, the price is usually much less than equivalent Made in Germany/UK brands.

I think Monti(a member on here) is going to kill me for saying this, but in my experience, anything with a mechanism in it, i.e, a ratcheting wrench, flex head ratchet, dogbone, regular ratchet, and most power tools, the Made in Germany brands just don't do it for me. They are "over complicated" and fail prematurely.

Why do I say this?? I wrenched on airplanes in the US Air Force for 20+ years, and usually, we used Williams/Snap-On tools. Keep in mind, that these tools are used 24/7/365, and in austere locations, by people who do not own them I never witnessed a Williams/Snap-On ratchet or speed handle fail.

We used speed handles daily to remove screws from leading edges of wings, horizontal stabilizers, floor panels, access panels. In 2020, they prolly use Milwaukee stubbys...lol

When I was stationed in England...early 2000's, Stahwille "won" the contract to supply our unit with tools. Most of the Stahlwille ratchets were useless. The wrenches were awesome, but the ratchets most often were free spinning in both directions

 

[RKA]

A lot of times you’ll find getting access to things is the key to avoiding extra work dismantling stuff. So having redundancy seems unnecessary until it saves your bacon.

Also, I learned the hard way that trying to get by with 3/8” socket sets was literally and figuratively painful with higher torque fasteners or anything that was overtorqued by the shop. Step up to 1/2” when you can.

I would add a set of 3/8” extensions In various lengths and deep sockets to go with what you have.

3/8 flex head fine tooth (80+) 10” ratchet.

Some assortment of 1/4” sockets, wrenches and extensions.

Reversible ratcheting combo wrenches.

3/8” Bit socket assortments in whatever style your car uses (torx, triple square, hex, whatever). A short and long (6”) hex set is good to have.

One pair of slip joint pliers, one pair of needle nose pliers.

Selection of small picks and larger picks.

3/8” torque wrench and learn how to use and store it.

1/2” torque wrench.

Phillips screwdriver set and two flat blade drivers (small and large) which are used as levers and pry tools most of the time.

A 3 lb Dead blow hammer, preferably something with a metal face and soft face.

You’ll need a few specialty items, like a spark plug socket, brake caliper tool, oil filter socket/tool. And basic items like cordless lights, telescoping mirror, telescoping magnet.

If you have more budget and space, get 1/2” sockets (standard and deep), wrenches, breaker bar and extensions. Consider impact sockets, but get one thin walled deep impact socket for your wheel bolts. I would add a longer wrench, either 18” or 24” with a flex head.

When you have a little more money, look into tool storage options if you have the space. Not being able to find tools when you need them and wasting time searching is annoying.

Finally, when funds allow consider adding cordless power tools. For an impact wrench, Dewalt or Milwaukee mid torque models are great for wheels and suspension on cars. And Milwaukee M12 ratchets are great to quickly run down nuts and bolts. You don’t need these obviously, but when was the last time you put down your calculator/phone and said I feel like practicing some long division? Faster is better as long as you don’t smash a thumb.

 

[ddawg16]

Oh, the most important toollll..

A good shop vac.