What tools should I buy next?

[ToolGlutton]

Below is my collection:

Ratchets:
Snap on standard 1/4" dr;
Snap on swivel comfort grip 1/4" dr;
Snap on 1/4" breaker bar;
Snap on standard 3/8" dr;
Snap on long flex-head 3/8" dr;
Snap on breaker bar 3/8" dr;
Snap on stubby flex-head ratchet 3/8" dr;

Sockets:
Craftsman 1/4" and 3/8" dr chrome shallow and deep Metric and SAE;
Craftsman 3/8" dr impact shallow Metric and SAE;
SK 3/8" dr impact swivel Metric;
Snap on 3/8" dr crowfoot Metric;
Craftsman 1/2" dr chrome Metric and SAE;

Wrenches:
Craftsman basic combination wrenches Metric and SAE;
Craftsman 60 degree offset wrench Metric and SAE;
Gearwrench flex-head Metric and SAE;

Screwdrivers:
Snap on 6 pc slotted and Phillips;
Snap on stubby slotted and Phillips;
Craftsman offset screwdriver set;
Gearwrench ratcheting screwdriver set with T-handle;

Torque wrenches:
No name 1/4" dr 20-200 inch pound;
No name 3/8" dr 10-80 foot pound;

Hex keys:
Craftsman Metric and SAE;

Testing instrument:
Craftsman multimeter;
Actron OBD II scanner;
Actron Timing gun;

In addition, I also have all the extensions and adapters, an oil-filter wrench, a C-clamp, a hammer, a cordless drill.

So have I got all the tools that I will need to work on the two cars (most bolts are metric) owned by myself and my wife?

 

[hamburglar]

So how do you get the oil filter off? Do you plan on ever cleaning the battery terminals?

 

[ToolGlutton]

Thank you for the reply!

I forgot to mention that I have a Craftsman auto-adjustable oil filter wrench. I updated the original post.

But I have been very lucky about the battery terminals. Maybe I need to check it again this weekend. I usually use the $0.99 anti-corrosion grease.

So how do you get the oil filter off? Do you plan on ever cleaning the battery terminals?

 

[scofo]

No. You have exactly enough to find out what you'll need.

 

[ToolGlutton]

I am very happy to hear this. Thank you, thank you.

In the past year, I've been very addicted to buying tools. They are pretty expensive to me (I am still in college). I need some advice like this to quit this addiction.

No. You have exactly enough to find out what you'll need.

 

[Joe B.]

At least a couple of high quality Torque wrenches.

I always am using my vise for strange things.

What kinds of projects and what car models?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I find my Snap-on long 1/2" ratchet to be far more useful that my standard 1/2". Maybe you want to look into one of those? In fact, i have two both i got very cheap. The second being $75, brand new with tag. It has an orange hard handle, which i love..

I use it all the time. Another alternative would be the 18" flex head 1/2" ratchet.

 

[scofo]

I was havin' some fun. Really boils down to how deep you are willing to go on vehicle repair. Sound like your ready for most normal maintenance. Jack and stands, drain pan, mop and bucket, kitty litter. What do ya'll drive at this time?

 

[ToolGlutton]

To be honest, I have no project at all, just maintaining cars. My car is a Nissan Maxima.

I will definitely get a vise once I have a house. I'm renting right now.

At least a couple of high quality Torque wrenches.

I always am using my vise for strange things.

What kinds of projects and what car models?

 

[hamburglar]

What kinds of projects and what car models?

That strikes me as a key question. If they're built after about 1970, I'll have to bow out. I doubt that setting solid lifter or distributor points clearance is in the cards here.

I suppose you can argue that a cheap battery charger might be useful (I'm trying to remember what I actually used when I had very little stuff).

 

[ToolGlutton]

Now I have a goal --- Snap on 1/2" dr flex head ratchet?

Thank you.

I find my Snap-on long 1/2" ratchet to be far more useful that my standard 1/2". Maybe you want to look into one of those? In fact, i have two both i got very cheap. The second being $75, brand new with tag. It has an orange hard handle, which i love..

I use it all the time. Another alternative would be the 18" flex head 1/2" ratchet.

 

[scofo]

Oh yea, BFH, you didn't specify,just said hammer. Pry bar. HF has those cheapy heel bars on half price often, pick up a couple sets of those for 10 or 12 bucks.

 

[jimvannoy]

I see 1/2 drive sockets listed but no 1/2 drive ratchets/breaker bars? How about a few air tools and a compressor?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Prybars. Definiely prybars.

I only have my Snap-on 24" prybar and my 30" crowbar at work (4-piece set in the mail) and they cover pretty much everything. Get either an 18" or 24" prybar sometime. They're real multi-purpose tool.

 

[ToolGlutton]

Guys, thank all of you for the suggestions. It seems clear that my next goal is a nice Snap on 1/2" dr ratchet and a prybar set.

 

[GDA]

1/2 torque wrench
1/2 long (long flex if you want) ratchet
1/2 breaker bar
Dead blow hammers

 

[Moose-LandTran]

cruise eBay for it. I paid $75 for a brand new 1/2" flex head, it was two generations back but that doesn't matter to me. Too good of a deal to pass.

 

[scofo]

Those indexable fulcrum heel bars are the stuff. Haven't bought them yet but plan on it, however I would not get an inferior brand of this type prybar even if it's available. Glutton, be careful when prying, when they slip it can be nasty. In '86 I was tightening a belt, the bar slipped and I effectively punched a sharp underhood edge, cutting 90% thru the tendon in my index finger, plastic surgery was required.

 

[billymade]

Some of my favorite tools:

Breaker Bar, 24" Stock#: SN24C
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=63429&group_ID=349

Pliers, Terminal Crimping / Cutter, 9 3/8" Stock#: 29CP
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=797&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Wire Stripper/Cutter, Automatic, (AWG 12 to 20), 7 1/4" Stock#: PWC22A
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=796&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Ratchet, Sealed Head (High Strength), Long Handle, 15" Stock#: SL936
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=12918&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Pick Up Tool, Magnetic, Telescopic, Chrome Stock#: PT5C
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1272&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Screwdriver, Ratcheting, Magnetic, Standard, Orange, 8 3/4" Stock#: SSDMR4BO

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...7&group_ID=702&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

You don't necessarily have to buy Snap-On brand (they are awesome though) but these are tools I love to use and are really indispensable!
Oh, yeah... what about a punch/chisel set and some ball peen hammers?

Set, Punch and Chisel, 11 pcs. (Center/Pin/Starter/Flat) Stock#: PPC710BK
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=39&group_ID=1028

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I've yet to find a need for indexable bars. between the crowbar and prybar i've covered everything i've come accross so far. Oh, i also have a Blue-Point aligning bar. (90 degree tip one end, podger point on the other.)

I'm sure i'll need one in future.

 

[ImportTuner]

I am very happy to hear this. Thank you, thank you.

In the past year, I've been very addicted to buying tools. They are pretty expensive to me (I am still in college). I need some advice like this to quit this addiction.

How can you afford to buy all those good tools when you are still in college .. I know I could not at your age ...

 

[scofo]

Yea, I hear ya Moose, maybe a "nice" to have instead of a "need" to have, so far.

 

[rsanter]

seems like you are lacking SO sockets

pick and hook set
magnetic pickup
cordless drill

bob

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Oh, believe me. When i buy tools need doesn't come into it as much as want does.

Hence having so many duplicates of things..

 

[scofo]

Well youngster, when you settle down and the universe does not revolve entirely around you, the want and need ratio will shift. Such is life.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I'm making the most of it while i can. It won't last long, trying to jump the pond, so i'll be paying rent and insuracen and truck payment etc..

ToolGlutton will soon find this too..

 

[Merkava_4]

You need a 3/8''Dr Snap-on bent handle flex-head and a 1/2''Dr long handle flex-head.

 

[speed bump]

Well you don't mention any pliers, so some long needle nose, a good set of dikes, some channelocks, and some snap ring pliers would be good.

Also picks, magnets, prybars and files all tend to be useful. Brake tools and pullers are also useful.

 

[eschoendorff]

Your tool collection actually looks to be off to a good start. But... having a couple years on you here's what I would do:

Get your degree and buy a house. I know that it doesn't sound as fun as buying tools, but paying back student loans definitely puts a big dent in the tool buying budget.

 

[ToolGlutton]

I'm at graduate school and have an assistantship. Anyway, if I buy more tools, I have to spend less for food.

How can you afford to buy all those good tools when you are still in college .. I know I could not at your age ...

 

[ToolGlutton]

They are very tempting!

Some of my favorite tools:

Breaker Bar, 24" Stock#: SN24C
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=63429&group_ID=349

Pliers, Terminal Crimping / Cutter, 9 3/8" Stock#: 29CP
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=797&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Wire Stripper/Cutter, Automatic, (AWG 12 to 20), 7 1/4" Stock#: PWC22A
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=796&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Ratchet, Sealed Head (High Strength), Long Handle, 15" Stock#: SL936
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=12918&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Pick Up Tool, Magnetic, Telescopic, Chrome Stock#: PT5C
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1272&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Screwdriver, Ratcheting, Magnetic, Standard, Orange, 8 3/4" Stock#: SSDMR4BO

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...7&group_ID=702&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

You don't necessarily have to buy Snap-On brand (they are awesome though) but these are tools I love to use and are really indispensable!
Oh, yeah... what about a punch/chisel set and some ball peen hammers?

Set, Punch and Chisel, 11 pcs. (Center/Pin/Starter/Flat) Stock#: PPC710BK
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=39&group_ID=1028

 

[ToolGlutton]

When is the case for a bent handle ratchet? I've seen those kind of ratchets for quite a while.

You need a 3/8''Dr Snap-on bent handle flex-head and a 1/2''Dr long handle flex-head.

 

[kartracer55]

ave your pennies for an air compressor and some air tools. A good set of air tools can really make auto repair go much easier. Im going to have a problem when I move out on my own and go to work on my cars, Ill have to keep going back to my dads house until I buy an air compressor!

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

I saw someone mentioned pliers. If you are looking at just Snap-On tools to buy, I wouldn't get pliers from them. I own several pairs of their pliers and I do love them. But I also own several pairs of Klein and Channellock brand pliers and I love them as well. For the money, if I had to buy 'em over, I would stick with the Klein or Channellock. Or maybe even get some Knipex. But hey it's your money. If you get any of em, I am sure you will be happy.

 

[ToolGlutton]

Man, thanks for the recommendations. However, I am a weekend warrior, who doesn't even has his own house.

ave your pennies for an air compressor and some air tools. A good set of air tools can really make auto repair go much easier. Im going to have a problem when I move out on my own and go to work on my cars, Ill have to keep going back to my dads house until I buy an air compressor!

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

When is the case for a bent handle ratchet? I've seen those kind of ratchets for quite a while.

I used to use mine for spark plugs alot. Sometimes you just might find the need for the extra hand clearence too.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I used to use mine for spark plugs alot. Sometimes you just might find the need for the extra hand clearence too.

That's what i use mine for. And brake caliper sliding pins, those are its two most common uses for me, very handy to have.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Man, thanks for the recommendations. However, I am a weekend warrior, who doesn't even has his own house.

Seems to me, your next "tool" purchase, should be a garage then.

 

[wrenchr]

Below is my collection:

Ratchets:
Snap on standard 1/4" dr;
Snap on swivel comfort grip 1/4" dr;
Snap on 1/4" breaker bar;
Snap on standard 3/8" dr;
Snap on long flex-head 3/8" dr;
Snap on breaker bar 3/8" dr;
Snap on stubby flex-head ratchet 3/8" dr;

Sockets:
Craftsman 1/4" and 3/8" dr chrome shallow and deep Metric and SAE;
Craftsman 3/8" dr impact shallow Metric and SAE;
SK 3/8" dr impact swivel Metric;
Snap on 3/8" dr crowfoot Metric;
Craftsman 1/2" dr chrome Metric and SAE;

Wrenches:
Craftsman basic combination wrenches Metric and SAE;
Craftsman 60 degree offset wrench Metric and SAE;
Gearwrench flex-head Metric and SAE;

Screwdrivers:
Snap on 6 pc slotted and Phillips;
Snap on stubby slotted and Phillips;
Craftsman offset screwdriver set;
Gearwrench ratcheting screwdriver set with T-handle;

Torque wrenches:
No name 1/4" dr 20-200 inch pound;
No name 3/8" dr 10-80 foot pound;

Hex keys:
Craftsman Metric and SAE;

Testing instrument:
Craftsman multimeter;
Actron OBD II scanner;
Actron Timing gun;

In addition, I also have all the extensions and adapters, an oil-filter wrench, a C-clamp, a hammer, a cordless drill.

So have I got all the tools that I will need to work on the two cars (most bolts are metric) owned by myself and my wife?

What happened to the craftsman ratchet that is just as good as those
snap on's????

 

[wrenchr]

When you get your own place, the first thing you should get is an air compressor!! I bought my house last year this September and I had a 60 gallon installed by November.
As long as dough and the Wife allow's of course!!! I keep her family on the road with the compressor though