DIY Car Tools Suggestions

[Asad_A203]

Well I made a resolution this year to stop being so dependent on the dealership for all my issues and I guess it is alot more prominent since my warranty runs out in ~2 months .

So I was wondering what tools you guys use and recommend to work on your vehicle? I would like to change my oil, flush my transmission fluid, install aftermarket coilovers/springs and changing the brakes and rotors (bleeding the brakes at the same time).

My current list right now has these tools:
Several wrenches (I already have this)
A Carjack (I have been using the one that comes with my car ) - not sure which brand to get and from where (heard some horror stories from the ones at CT)
Axle Stands (any generic one like from CT?)
Ramps (looking at the EZ-Riser)
Torque Wrenches (clicker but not sure what range to get it for auto repairs, and from where)
Breaker bar (will this be necessary?)

I know some of the things I asked for will require specific tools (like for bleeding the brakes or changing to different springs).

Appreciate any input!

[craftsman]

I would get the following:

1. a good socket set w/ some deep sockets for the more popular sizes on your car.
2. a fluid extractor for changing out fluids
3. oil filter wrench
4. small wrenches for the brake bleeders
5. A large C-clamp for the disc brakes (unless you want to get the special tool for it)
6. Spark plug gapping tools (feeler gauge)

[freeonboard]

breaker bar is the first thing you need. and a suitable pipe as an extension. a torch and mapp gas to heat up bolts to break rust bond. torque wrenches are ok but you likely wont use them after awhile. the spring ones are better.

the tool i like the best right now is the ratcheting wrench with hinged head.

buy the tools at princess auto because tools get lost and stolen before they wear out unless you do mechanics for a living.

most important tool is something that allows you to get info from your ecu.

I have nissan consult which hooks up to my laptop. permanate computer in your car is even better.

[bembol]

Finding a good Mechanic's Gloves is a start. It makes it easier, prevents slips.

I have 150+ Husky Tool Set.

Breaker Bar is a MUST. I have two sets, 1/2" for Wheels and 3/8" Under the Car/Hood.

Like the Breaker Bar, I have two sets of Torque Wrench as well, picked it up from Canadian Tire last week.

I'm still looking for my 3 Ton, Low Profile, Quick Lift and at least 20" Height.

craftsman, I used a C-Clamp too when I'm working of my Brakes.

[l69norm]

Just get the basics for now and add as you go or as things come on sale.

1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" socket sets. You can often find everything in a name brand kit on sale from CT, Sears, Rona, Home Depot for about $100. Standard brand names are fine (i.e. Husky, Craftsman, Mastercraft). They are all made by the same small group of manufacturers. Princess Auto also has a kit complete with a metal took box for about $150

Car ramps - EZ risers or Rhino ramps CT or PA ($60)

2.5-3 ton trolley jack - Pick one that can get low enough to get under your car. About $100 from CT, PA or Costco

1.5 or 2 ton jack stands - PA or CT ($50 for two)

Wrench set - CT or PA ($50)

Decent screwdrivers, pliers and long nose pliers ($50)

Toolbox $30

1/2" Torque wrench ($25-$40)

[m4gician]

I just saw the commercial for the Torque Wrench attachment for your drill... $39.99

[TrevorK]

Where are you guys finding the EZ Riser for sale?

[Menthol]

What vehicle, Hummer or Civic? Make sure you buy the correct jack/jack stands to support your venicle weight. Lots of penetration oil and soak bolts and nuts day or two before working on them. A service manual for your vehicle will help.

[davebert]

All are good suggestions for the DIY mechanic. However, I've always avoided doing suspension and exhaust work until recently. I had to change out a ball joint is my car and borrowed a set of impact sockets and an electric impact driver. I can tell you there was no way to remove some of the bolts other than an impact driver and I have a 36" breaker bar.

The electric impact driver basically cut the disassembling time by more then one half. Great tool especially if you do not have compressor, but it is a little bulky. So I ended up buying a set of impact sockets and driver from Canadiantire when they when on sale for $125. Here is the link to CT.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows...et%2BCombo.jsp

[jasonkwan86]

Breaker bars are great. At my house I have a small air compressor and I hook that up to some pneumatic impact tools.

[Whitedart]

Just get the basics for now and add as you go or as things come on sale.

1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" socket sets. You can often find everything in a name brand kit on sale from CT, Sears, Rona, Home Depot for about $100. Standard brand names are fine (i.e. Husky, Craftsman, Mastercraft). They are all made by the same small group of manufacturers. Princess Auto also has a kit complete with a metal took box for about $150

Car ramps - EZ risers or Rhino ramps CT or PA ($60)
2.5-3 ton trolley jack - Pick one that can get low enough to get under your car. About $100 from CT, PA or Costco
1.5 or 2 ton jack stands - PA or CT ($50 for two)
Wrench set - CT or PA ($50)
Decent screwdrivers, pliers and long nose pliers ($50)
Toolbox $30
1/2" Torque wrench ($25-$40)

Yes, that a good start. Other items can be obtained as needed.

I would get the following:

1. a good socket set w/ some deep sockets for the more popular sizes on your car.
2. a fluid extractor for changing out fluids
3. oil filter wrench
4. small wrenches for the brake bleeders
5. A large C-clamp for the disc brakes (unless you want to get the special tool for it)
6. Spark plug gapping tools (feeler gauge)

A cheap oil filter wrench will break, or be difficult to use with a poor filter grip.

A wire style plug gapping tool is more precise than a feeler gauge.

[craftsman]

A cheap oil filter wrench will break, or be difficult to use with a poor filter grip.

A wire style plug gapping tool is more precise than a feeler gauge.

I was assuming that the OP wouldn't buy cheap tools...

[bob0]

if you're just working on one car i'd suggest a oil filter socket over a wrench.

aside from what was mentioned. here are some smaller things but quite useful/important

- funnels
- oil pan (get a triangle one...easier to pour the oil out)
- another pan if you want to use for rad flushes...needs to be bigger than oil pan
- mechanic gloves or a box of latex ones. although getting your hands dirty sounds fun....it gets real annoying after the first couple times. keeps dirt from under your finger nails!
- PB blaster, great for loosening stuck bolts
- carb cleaner, good for cleaning stuff
- rags
- crawler (if you dont have a super low car)
- work light, get something bright and small/easy to move around
- wheel chocks
- dremel - good for cleaning off rusty bolts or cutting them off (i cant afford a real grinder...haha)

small things, but these do come in handy. and remember CT loans out tools for free (i think...u just gotta pay deposit)

[Asad_A203]

Thanks for the suggestions! Alot of valuable information here.

Couple things I should add, the vehicle is a G35 Coupe so after my new coilovers it will be pretty low. I am not sure if the regular car ramps will work but I think a trolley should be ok.

In terms of the other things, I have been looking around and here is my shopping list so far:


- 3 tonne Pro-Lifter Jack Stands (comes with free wheel chokes) ... $17.99 (Parts Source)
- Job Mate 87 Piece Socket kit (Parts Source) ... $15.99
Link: http://partsource.ca/_pdf/flyer.pdf
^Anyone if these things are decent and will fit my socket needs (g35 again, Bembol probably same sockets as on your Altima)?

- 1/2 DR Dual Scale Torque Wrench ... $19.88
http://www.princessauto.com/tools/ha...=torque+wrench
- 3/8" dr dual scale torque wrench ... $39.88
http://www.princessauto.com/tools/ha...=torque+wrench
-1/2 DR Breaker bar
http://www.princessauto.com/tools/ha...rd=breaker+bar
- 3/8 DR Breaker bar
http://www.princessauto.com/tools/ha...rd=breaker+bar
- Car Jack
http://www.princessauto.com/shop-gar...k-floor-2-3/4t
(79lb, damn this is one heavy beast, lol)

I know there is the other stuff but this seems to be the "meat" of my main tools. Anything I should change, look for cheaper, look for a better brand, etc.?

Thanks in advance.

[Asad_A203]

All are good suggestions for the DIY mechanic. However, I've always avoided doing suspension and exhaust work until recently. I had to change out a ball joint is my car and borrowed a set of impact sockets and an electric impact driver. I can tell you there was no way to remove some of the bolts other than an impact driver and I have a 36" breaker bar.

The electric impact driver basically cut the disassembling time by more then one half. Great tool especially if you do not have compressor, but it is a little bulky. So I ended up buying a set of impact sockets and driver from Canadiantire when they when on sale for $125. Here is the link to CT.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows...et%2BCombo.jsp

I heard changing some of the bolts on the g35 strut assembly requires an impact driver especially if it has been driven in winter (my vehicle has seen 2 winters, and has not had the strut changed in the 3 years I owned it out of 6). What tools would I not need from the list if I got the tool you listed? Should I go for the air tools (I presume more powerful) or should this electric impact driver

What vehicle, Hummer or Civic? Make sure you buy the correct jack/jack stands to support your venicle weight. Lots of penetration oil and soak bolts and nuts day or two before working on them. A service manual for your vehicle will help.

G35 Coupe. 3,400lb weight, hopefully the stuff I mentioned should be fine.

Breaker bars are great. At my house I have a small air compressor and I hook that up to some pneumatic impact tools.

Would the air tools replace the need for the breaker bar or should I have them as well? Any suggestions on a aircompressor and impact tools?