- This topic has 5 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 10 months ago by
.
-
Topic
-
-
Replies
-
Go to harbor freight and pick up sockets, wrenches, ratchets, and screw drivers! Craigslist is also good, garage sales, estate sales, or buy a craftsman set. They are great because of their lifetime warranty.
Also check pawn shops that carry tools. Automotive tools aren’t really common there, but you can run across some really good deals. I’ve found some items at 30-50% of retail.
craftsman is real good place to start. searsoutlet.com is another place to start. get the bulk of you tools in a set, then add to it as needed. racheting end wrenches are always a good idea as well a stubby end wrenches. floor jack and jack stands. also if you are going to buy harborfreight, check some online forums to see dos and donts of there products. garagejurnal.com has a good one.
[quote=”ETCG91″ post=48068]I’m relatively new to the automotive field (hobbyist at best) but my question is can anyone recommend some essential tools/beginner toolsets that are good?
Thanks.[/quote]
After thinking it over, here’s what I believe.
I have a really long list of what I consider “essential” tools. But then again, I’ve been doing this type of stuff for longer than I want to admit. 🙁
Get safety glasses and safety gear (jacks and definitely jack stands) first. Then wrenches, sockets & ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers, punches and hammers. Add other tools as you need it.
Many of these can be purchased as sets, get these and add to the set as you need the tool. If you work on Asian/European makes only, SAE (std. or standard) tools might not be required.
Buy quality whenever you can, or you’ll regret it. It doesn’t have to be top-end stuff (Snap-On, MAC, etc.) when starting out, but avoid things obviously cheaply or poorly made. As you gain experience, you’ll likely step up toward top-end, but I still have and use mid-grade tools that are older than Eric! 😆
If functional, used tools are great. After all, yours are! Craigslist, Ebay, yard or estate sales, and pawnshops are good places to look.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.