Tools...

[That Ozzy Guy]

I'm just starting to expand my collection of tools and was wandering what you guys find as invaluable and must have for general work on your car?

Cheers

[Brett240]

a set of stilsons is a must! similar to an adjstable spanner but they grip tighter as you pull harder. great for removing the gearbox filler plug!

[Bambikiller240]

Besides the standard tool kit of:

full set of metric 3/8" and 1/2" drive 12 point sockets

full set of Metric Combo Wrenchs

Small set of Standard & Phillips Screwdrivers

Regular Pliers

Channel-Lock Pliers

1/2" drive 10-150 ft/lb Torque wrench

Big & Small Hammers

I frequently use the following:

10 mm Flare nut wrench (or Aldenwrenches - www.aldenwrench.net ) for brake line fittings

Small Needle-Nosed Vice-Grips for help with screws with stripped heads, and brake line fittings that are already dammaged.

Ohm-Meter for Electrical troubleshooting

Brass Drift for replacing Wheel Bearings

Pickle Fork or Pittman Arm Separator for Tie-Rod Ends and Ball Joints.

Spring Compresser Set for Suspension work

[26ounce]

My brother has a great spanner set that has a ratchet system on the ring end. This means that when you are in a tight spot and can't rotate the spanner all the way around you can just ratchet it backwards and forwards like you would with a socket set.

I would not call them invaluable but they impressed me, put them on the nice to have list.

[beandip]

a decent floor jack with wheels large enough that will roll over the crud found under a car. ample size jack stands and or ramps to ger the car up off the ground. this is in addition to the things mentioned in privious posts. A tap and die set and good quality drill bits. Decent lights to be able to work and see in the evening. a asortment of vice grips . thats my 2 cts :classic:

[Alfadog]

If you're buying new tools like spanners and screwdrivers etc. I highly recommend the brand METRINCH. They're a bit pricey but my uncle bought me some for my birthday(s) and they're really quality stuff. I expect them to last my lifetime, and if not, they have a lifetime guarantee anyway.

They have both metric and imperial sizes in them, hence the name, Metr-inch.

[Ed]

With any tool make sure you spend the extra buck. If you buy cheap you will buy twice. Try and get a brand that has a lifetime waranty.

[tanny]

Duct tape.

[That Ozzy Guy]

Originally posted by tanny

Duct tape.

Yes, how could have everyone forgotten that?

I just found a nice set of 3/8 wratchet set from Repco with lifetime warranty for $134. One of my mechanic friends will buy it for me at a discount though so it's a good deal either way.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by tanny

Duct tape.

Ya won't find Duct Tape in my tool box! Of course I don't do body work, but IMO Duct Tape is for Half-arse Repairs and I won't have any of that going on with my Z!

I *think* I have a small roll somewhere in the house, but I can't remember the last time I used it, nor where I put it.

[A2Z]

a magnetic tool to pick up dropped sockets, wrenches, nuts, bolts etc...

any seasoned mechanic will tell you that no matter where you are working on a vehicle, if u drop something it will always come to rest at the exact center of the vehicle....

has happend to me enuff times that its almost scary how consistant it is!

[XYZ]

Depending on your budget I would recommend getting a compressor and air tools. Since I got mine last spring life has completely changed:love: Especially since I no longer have to go to the gas station to fill my tires. 2 sets of jack stands to get all 4 corners up off of floor is nice. This isn't so much a tool but foam pipe insulation to wrap around the handle of your floor jack is nice. Keeps from scratching the ground effects. The variaty of wrenches spoken of earlier, magnetic tray for bolts and nuts and beer for afterwards.:classic:

[XYZ]

Brass Drift for replacing Wheel Bearings

Excuse my ignorance but what is a brass drift?

[Bambikiller240]

A Brass Drift is a round piece of brass about 8 inches long, approximately 1/2" to 5/8" diameter. Usually had a knurled area for your grip at one end. It is used to drive the steel races out of and into your brake hubs. The idea is that you place the drift against the race and wack the drift with your hammer. The brass, being softer than the steel of the hammer or the race, will deform and not damage the race if you hit the race off center, or if the drift slips and contacts the bearing surface. If you were to use a piece of steel for this job, you'd likely damage the race.

[SHOTIME]

Definatly get quality tools. Get at least Craftsman. I prefer Kobalt (Lowes) for lower priced tools. They're made by Snap On (from what I can tell they ARE Snap On) but don't have the selection like Craftsman. All my tools are Snap On. They're expensive but if you buy one tool a week it adds up. It's a good habbit to buy at least one tool per month if you can. Ebay is a good place to buy tools for next to nothing.

[2ManyZs]

Instead of a brass drift, you could always buy a set that does it all. Installs seals and races....

Can't forget the obvious Z related tools such as a clutch alignment tool, head bolt tool, cam chain tool, and at least a Uni-Syn...

After you get the obvious hand tools, the air tools are next on the list along with a good compressor as previously stated. Next on the list would be a Mig welder, and perhaps a sandblaster of one type or another.

Engine hoist, engine stand, large bench vise, bench grinder, small drill press.... the list can go on and on....:cross-eye

[sjcurtis]

I think the most important tool is the phone followed by the phone book or a local directory. I normally require both professional repair, shortly followed by large amounts of cash when I play fix it . I always try to get the job done professionally if I can afford it. I only have minimal hand tools and a long list of numbers for repair shops.

my 2c

cheers

steve:classic

[Hallaian42]

I highly recommend buying Snap-On Tools. I believe they are simply the best. That is all I buy. It's a nasty habit once you get into it. Because they are all expensive, I would recommend buying Snap-on sockets, wrenches, and all the other stuff you use on a regular basis. I would especially recommend their flare nut wrenches and hex sockets because they will not strip those nuts if used properly. The other good thing about Snap-On is if you buy off the truck...You can finance the tools. :classic:

[1 Bravo 6]

LOL LOL

G'Day George,

Every tool suggested previously is a requirement.

Add to the list things like Drill bits, easyouts, punches, hammers of various sizes and head shapes, various screwdrivers Etc.

In fact, every hand tool you could POSSIBLY want.

One of my favorite sayings is,

It Is better to HAVE it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Rick.

[72zcar]

hand cleaner and rags..

[nutxo]

, duct tape might not be the greatest in the garage but on the road it can be a lifesaver along with bailing wire, tiger tape and tire plugs :classic:

Lighting, good lighting. An anvil as well. Line wrenches. Myself I still need an overhead cam valve spring compressor :-)

[Rob]

A good tool box or chest and a decent storage system so you can find your tools. Makes whatever tools you have much more usefull.

[72zcar]

eye drops... $^!# in my eye...$^!# in my eye

[nutxo]

Originally posted by 72zcar

eye drops... $^!# in my eye...$^!# in my eye

ROFL

[That Ozzy Guy]

Originally posted by Rob

A good tool box or chest and a decent storage system so you can find your tools. Makes whatever tools you have much more usefull.

Well said. Couple of weeks ago I was working on the car and half my time was spent looking for the right tool. My garage atm is a black hole, I can never find what I'm looking for. It's a total mess although not of my doing. There's just no room for all the crap we've put in there. Fortunately I'll be moving at the end of the year so I can organise it well from the begining.