for the DIY people: tool help needed

[BarryK]

hi all

it's about time I started to learn about doing my own repairs. I should at least start to learn to do some of the more 'basic" repairs instead of being so dependent on local shops and my kind neighbor.

the olny tools i have is my dads old tool kit that is about 30-35 years old. It was bought as a basic tool kit at the time and has some sockets and drivers, hammer, pliers, some wrenches, etc. It also came with one of those "old fashion" type toolboxes with a tray on top for the sockets and smaller stuff and a larger compartment underneath the tray. the tools that are still in the kit after all these years are still pretty good and are Craftman so at least they aren't cheap quality. It was fine for doing basic repairs and stuff around the house but not quite up to the task for auto repairs.

i want to start getting the tools i need to work on the car and a decent tool chest. I like the tool chests with the pull-out drawers a lot.

As for the budget, it's a bit tight right now as i was laid off work at the end of April and i haven't started anything new yet. what I figure is the best plan is to get good quality tools that i know should last (i hate poor quality in anything as it costs more in the long run) but just start with the basic tools i need. i can always add to the tool "collection" as i go along. Since I can't afford Snap-On tools right now I figured I'd go with Craftman. They always had a good repution and I think they still come with a lifetime warranty.

I figure my list right now should include a floor jack and stands, timing light?, tool chest (figuring a bigger one than I'll immediatly need to allow for future tool purchases), floresecent work light, and the tools themselves.
for the tools i figure i neeed a good set of sockets - both regular and deep sockets and the drivers, a good set of wrenches, and a set of screwdrivers.

on the wrenches, would you recommend open ended or closed or do i really need both.

I was on the sears website last night starting to look and I found this for a toolchest
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00965605000

any opinions on it?
I noticed on the tools chests they have a very basic "homeowner" line, than better lines with either friction drawers or ball bearing drawers. Is there an advantage to using the ball-bearing over the friction or vice versa?

for a jack and stands they had this at not too much money
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00950134000

also, for the tools they had a lot of various "sets" but i'm not sure which would best meet my requirements to start out with. Again, I know i'll need certain items but trying to keep expenses down also. Not used to doing my own repairs yet I'm not sure which are the most imperative tools and sizes of tools to start off with.
any opinions and feedback would be REALLLY appreciated.

Thanks for your help!!!!!


Barry

 

[JonM]

Do you have one of these newpapers in your area? ...If so you might be able to find some good bargains.

http://bargainnews.com/BNO/CatFull.CFM

 

[BarryK]

Do you have one of these newpapers in your area? ...If so you might be able to find some good bargains.

http://bargainnews.com/BNO/CatFull.CFM

i don't think so, i've never seen that publication before and i see from the link that it doesn't cover my area


I'll just have to keep an eye out for sales

 

[1995 RedVette]

Buy your self some extra extensions, a set of swivel sockets (the ones with the universal joint to all them to piviot, and a rachet with a pivioting handle. Also if budget allows, get a set of ratcheting closed end wrenches. They are really handy with you are in a tight spot that a swivel socket can't reach. I am in a similar situation as you, however, I am young and just starting my tool collection. These are my first purchases and have been very worth while in helping my do a decent job of maintaining my 95.

Brett

 

[BarryK]

Buy your self some extra extensions, a set of swivel sockets (the ones with the universal joint to all them to piviot, and a rachet with a pivioting handle. Also if budget allows, get a set of ratcheting closed end wrenches. They are really handy with you are in a tight spot that a swivel socket can't reach. I am in a similar situation as you, however, I am young and just starting my tool collection. These are my first purchases and have been very worth while in helping my do a decent job of maintaining my 95.

Brett

Brett

thanks for the recommendations on the tools. I didn't think of those items. Unlike you, i am NOT young, just late in learning how to do auto repairs so never worried about not having the tools before.

 

[allcoupedup]

Barry,
Some of the members here may shoot me for suggesting this but you might want to try harbor freight (www.harborfreight.com). Some of their stuff is garbage but some if it is pretty nice and very inexpensive. I purchased a huge set of metric and sae combination wrenches for like $17 and you can get pneumatic tools and sockets for next to nothing.

I would not expect tools from HF to last in an auto shop but the hobby wrencher can get by. They have gear pullers and jacks and stands and TONS of stuff ( blast media, sand paper, tie wraps, shop lights, picks, o-rings, etc...). The best part is NO tax and shipping is free over $50. I wouldn't skimp on the main stuff but for occasional use items you can't go wrong with HF. I must confess I have all craftsman sockets but the wrenches and air tools have been great.

If I was in your shoes, the first thing I would buy after the jack set would be a nice 3/8 and 1/2" socket set that included deep sockets. I've pieced mine together as I needed them and it ias cost me twice the $$$ as one complete set. You'll also need a 3/8" in-lbs and a 1/2 or 3/8" ft-lbs torque wrench (I'd go to HF for those).

Half the fun of owning these cars is needing and buying the tools!

Brian

 

[maxrevs85]

You cant go wrong with craftsman tools . The 5 drawer rollaway is godd , Add a top chest , and then buy the tool combo's they have have that include 1/4 , 3/8, ans 1/2 drive rachets and coresponding sockets and combination wrench set , allens and srewdrivers . They reasonily priced and then all you have to do is add to it with the little special tools like were mentioned. Have fun , tools are cool.

 

[JohnZ]

Once you get a rollaway cabinet for your tools, you don't want them clanging around loose into a pile on the metal drawer bottoms every time you open and close them; having your frequently-used tools ORGANIZED makes a big difference in how you work - you know where to find tools when you need them, and where to put them back. Two of the pics below show molded plastic wrench and socket drawer organizers that Eastwood sells (about $15 each, made to fit standard rollaway drawers); I have many of them in several rollaways and base chests. You should also buy a roll of the best rubber mesh drawer liners Sears sells, and cut and place a sheet of it in the bottom of your other drawers so the odd-shaped contents of those drawers stay in one place.

I have two Craftsman friction-slide drawer rollaways I bought over 30 years ago, and four more Craftsman ball-bearing chests and rollaways I've bought over the last ten years; I think all of them will last forever, but I definitely prefer the new ball-bearing models - they're precise and don't require lubrication for smooth operation (yes, I'm a perfectionist engineer ).

 

[BarryK]

allcoupedup

i'll check them out, thanks!

 

[BarryK]

maxrevs

I want a top chest also but it will have to wait until a later date and when I have more tools to require it.

yes, tools are cool - it's just the money required for the tools that is not
LOL

 

[BarryK]

JohnZ

those organizers look great. I was figuring on those bar-type things at least for the sockets to keep them organized but I like your suggestion a lot more. i also prefer things to be very organized and neat. Messes drive me crazy. I guess some people would call me a bit anal but I hate when things are out of place.
I didn't know those rubber mats on the bottom of each drawer was an "option" to purchase seperately so i'll have to remember to get those also. I just "assumed" it was part of the tool chest.

As for the friction or ball-bearing drawers, I also prefer the idea of the ball-bearing ones but cost will be an issue. i'll have to feel the movement of both types and than decide but since you have both types i'm sure either will be more than sufficent for my use. Maybe I'll get lucky and be able to find the ball-bearing types on sale.

BTW John, I knew you are a foremost expert on Vettes and Vipers, but I'm surprised to see a ferrari in your garage. Got tired of driving American?

 

[Dave65]

Let me be the first to state that John Hinckley does not have the typical garage.

Dave

 

[IH2LOSE]

SOME BODY TOLD ME JOHN VACUMS HIS TOOL BOXS OUT

 

[IH2LOSE]

Barry a quaility tool will last you a life time.


I would suggest you only get what you need for now to get started.And also what you have he knowledge to use. On the tool box again a quaility one wil last a life time so spend wisely even if you have to get a smaller box to start out with. My next box when I do my garage will be a used snap on box that the snap on guys take in on trade.

Crazy as it seems Garage sales are an excellent source for tools.I purchase almost every craftsman tool I see at a garage sale because of there life time gaurentee.

Invest in a good set of screw drivers I have been using craftsman for ever and my wife purchased me a set of collector snap on screw drivers NOW I know what a set of quaility screw drivers are since using the snap on set.I dont know how to describe it but they BITE into fastners so well and you can really torque down on them.
Buy quaility and you have them for life.

I have a set of tool passed down by my grandfather (still has his signature etched in them)

 

[unleadedbrew]

Never too old or young to learn about autos. I'm 57 :duh (oops) and just started Automotive Technology classes in college. Mainly because all the good folks here on CAC have been so helpful that now it's time for me to get on the ball and hope I can return the favor. That, and I'm tired of paying for my mechanic's superb living conditions. BTW, if no one mentioned an air compressor, try to get one. Never an end to its uses.
Have fun,

Gordon

 

[Sky65]

There is nothing wrong with Craftsman tools. I spent 20 years a professional tech and most of my stuff is Craftsman. I would stay away from unknown brands. The price may be better but one rounded bolt or nut due to cheap tools and you will kick yourself. I would get a set of ramps. I bought the Rhino Ramps from Pep Boys. They work great. On many repairs they are better than jack stands. Get the grey ones, they have a higher weight rating and are much sturdier than the black ones. Buy combination wrenches, one end box and the other end open. Use the box end whenever possible. It maintains it's size under pressure better than the open end. I would buy 6 point sockets. They are less likely to round off the a bolt or nut head than a 12 point. As far as the storage cabinet. I use a large bottom cabinet only. I made a wood top as a work bench. It saves shop space and I have a small vise mounted to the top as an extra set of hands for small parts work.

Working on your own car can be very rewarding and frustrating at the same time. Work through the frustrations and enjoy the rewards of a repair you completed yourself.


Tom

 

[ctjackster]

ditto on the craftsman tool support - I have had my own tools ever since my high school days, and the craftsman tools have held up well - and, I can confirm their no questions asked lifetime tool guarantee, I split a 10 mm socket once, walked into a Sears, handed him the busted socket, they quickly handed me a new one, done. BTW, that was the only failure of a Craftsman tool for me, aside from an old 1/2 socket wrench that I had used to bang something repeatedly back when I was foolish (not that I am past foolish moves these days, just fewer of them).

 

[elmer88]

Hey- congratulations on the first step, buying some quality tools! I'd start with a list of "jobs" you anticipate doing and then stocking your tools accordingly. Someone mentioned Harbor Freight- Ok tools for a low price, I own some and have learned that sometimes for one-off jobs your are better to rent some tools rather than own them. Think about visiting some of your local auto parts stores to check this out as some have "free" rentals if you buy the parts there (spring compressors, etc) Also if you are net saavy check Ebay- lots of Snap-on, Mac and Craftsman tools there, be careful on shipping charges- tools can be heavy! My last piece of advice is keep your tools clean and organized!! Dirty and missing tools will frustrate you and cost you time during your projects! There is nothing worse that searching for a tool that your spouse or neighbor borrowed!!
Good luck, go slow-a little at a time and you will have everything you need in no time!

 

[BarryK]

I'd start with a list of "jobs" you anticipate doing and then stocking your tools accordingly.

in that case i'll need a phone - as when i actually start my first repair or maintance job on the car I think the tool i'll need the most is the phone to call my neighbor for help!!


also, based on past experiences in trying to 'repair" things around the house i've found that I can usually get things apart really well.....it's the putting them back together again that causes problems. Although I do manage to get it done sometimes.
BTW, is it just me, or do you find that whoever puts things together to begin with usually supplies extra spare parts? it seems that after any project I have a few spare parts left over after reassembly........awwww, they must not be important anyway.

 

[JohnZ]

JohnZ
BTW John, I knew you are a foremost expert on Vettes and Vipers, but I'm surprised to see a ferrari in your garage. Got tired of driving American?

Ferraris have been part of my hobby for many, many years - have had seven of them since 1972 (and wish I still had the 12-cylinder Ferraris I had in the 70's); have also done street rods, Cobras, Grand Sport, etc. - no ironclad loyalties. If it goes like stink, looks and sounds great, that's all it needs to appeal to me!