Basic Tools Needed. Options

[Tedskiii]

Well I've purchased my first 240 about a few weeks ago. And I plan on doing some basic work/maintenance. I just needed to know what's a good set of tools to buy for basic work. I see alot of 100pc Craftsmen tool sets and what not at the store. Would that be good? Or would it be better to piece together my own tools?

I know I'll need Metric Wrenches, Deep sockets, maybe a few extensions, screw drivers, and maybe a ratchet set?

I'm new to working on cars and want to learn as things break and need fixing.

So what would be the basic tools needed? Thanks in advance !

[Tedskiii]

Also if I ever need any serious or power tools there's a Auto Hobby shop available on base with an unlimited supply.

[Ivan the Terribl...]

I honestly could just survive with my snap on socket set in deep n shallow with wobble extensions and normal extentions. It came with a long wratchet and normal sized with mini breaker. But the 100 piece is good just make sure you get legit screw drivers, snap on ones are again my favorites to use. They come in cool colors too

[Tedskiii]

I honestly could just survive with my snap on socket set in deep n shallow with wobble extensions and normal extentions. It came with a long wratchet and normal sized with mini breaker. But the 100 piece is good just make sure you get legit screw drivers, snap on ones are again my favorites to use. They come in cool colors too

So you think I would be alright with the 100 pc Craftsmen? Then if I need anythig extra I could just add on right? I'm not sure if it has enough deeps in it though, I'll have to check again.

But what metric sizes are used the most overall? I've been seeing 5-19mm?

[kfed]

Get a "Snap-On" ratchet set in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives. Also random screw drivers will do. And if you're small and scrawny (like me), purchase a electric corded impact gun from Autozone made by Greatneck. It's the best tool I've ever used and is such a gnarly power/electric tool.

[Ivan the Terribl...]

Screw driver set you don't wana skimp on, I've snapped so many tips on crapsmen ones. My snap on ones have been amazing.

And ya just 8mm through 19 will do along with a 27mm and 36mm for axel bolts/crank bolt.

[Andrevas]

Snap-on screwdrivers are great but they are pricey (they are worth the price though if you use them a lot). Crapsman do in a pinch since you can at least keep exchanging them for new ones for free no hassle. a 100+ piece Crapsman set will handle most basic stuff socket/ratchet wise.

this HF breaker bar has outlasted even Snap-on versions in a dealer shop enviroment: http://www.harborfreight.com/12-drive-25-b...-bar-67933.html

get a torque wrench. spend money on this, it's a precision tool.

troll Costco and the like for a super cheap deal on a pliers set.

troll Craigslist for used Crapsman handtools on the cheap, even if broken. exchange immediately for new ones, bam just saved lots of money.

[David48]

Just stroll through lowe's or home depot every once in a while. I scored an amazing set of kobalt deep sockets in 3/8" for $10. Harbor freight is good for wrenches, and I got some Kobalt screwdrivers but I already broke a couple tips. I'm pretty sure they had a lifetime warranty but I'm too lazy to bring them in.

[sapporo]

sup man snap-off for ratchets, harbor freight for anything else.

[Ivan the Terribl...]

The screw driver set isn't too much from snap on. Its like 120-130 from the site, I got mine for 100 off the truck.

Yea for torque wrench do splurge on cuz you need it to be exact but that's if you pan on doing engine building. I have a snap on electric torque wrench, its sick.

Harbor freight is great for cheap tools, the impact sockets are great if you get em on sale. A few of the techs here have had em for years no problem.

Another tool that's great are hammers! Dead blows, mallets and ball ping. Come in handy workin on cars! Oh and pry bars too maybe some punches too oh and tap n die set! I use the crap out of mine

[Andrevas]

I don't even remember how much my screwdrivers were, all I know is I have a lot of Snap-on screwdrivers, they weren't cheap, and I paid 50% off =P

[Corbonz0]

And always need a good hammer

[Tedskiii]

I picked up a Craftsmen 154pc for 118, I know it sounds pricey but I'm sure it's worth it. Now I need to get a mallet, and some screw drivers and I should be good for now. Nothing big planned for the car yet, other than getting some wheels next month, and starting on the suspension. I'm also thinking about grabbing a stock exhaust if I come across one, because the Megan sounds annoying, and it sets off alarms. Then whatever breaks I'll fix on the way.

[Ivan the Terribl...]

That's not pricey! That's good deal, I paid 100 bucks for my 100 piece way back when.

Those should be good for now, I'd recomend a tool box and socket racks to keep stuff organized.

[Tedskiii]

That's not pricey! That's good deal, I paid 100 bucks for my 100 piece way back when.

Those should be good for now, I'd recomend a tool box and socket racks to keep stuff organized.

Yeah I consider it a good investment. I just need to get a few more things like a floor jack, and maybe some stands. What kind of jack do you suggest?! Do I really need a low profile? I had one back at home for my civic but it was kind of useless because it barley raised my car.

[Ivan the Terribl...]

Deff get a low pro, I have the harbor freight 2 ton low pro one. I've had it a year or so and its doing great still.

Be sure to get the insurance though

[Tedskiii]

Deff get a low pro, I have the harbor freight 2 ton low pro one. I've had it a year or so and its doing great still.

Be sure to get the insurance though

Will it be able to lift the car high enough?

[Ivan the Terribl...]

Mines worked for transmissions/clutches, dropping subframe, diffs, motor swaps so ya it does the job

[Wanabe]

Awesome thread, really helpful for those just starting out.

I really love the snap on stuff, at work I have a lot of tools from craftsman, snap on, to harbor freight. I even have a "GM performance" breaker bar I got when I was desperate. The Craftsman sets are a starting point. You will build you collection as you run into things working on your car, like when I did my front main seal I had to pick up a 27mm socket. Thats not going to come in any cheap set.

Snap on ratchets are amazing. Save up for some. I use my 3/8 every day. I've broken 2 or three Craftsman's

[David48]

You should also get a 32mm socket for the front hub/spindle. It should be the same size for the rear axles/hubs but I haven't needed to verify that yet thankfully.