What tools are most important?

[Connar]

Hi all,

I’ve decided to build myself up a toolbox with all the tools that I need and so came here to see what tools all you guys think are the most important. I know roughly what I am getting but just wanted a second opinion. Also, what brands would you suggest??? More specifically, the best value for money.

Any reply is much appreciated

Topic

[celticbhoy]

Are you going to school to become a technician or is this for a hobby. Either way when starting out I’d go for Craftsman. Great tools, great quality, and one of the best warranties out there. Are you mainly going to be working on import or domestic cars? A good set of wrenches, ratchets and sockets in 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive, philips, flat head, and torx screwdrivers, multimeter, assortment of pliers, etc. Depending on the type of work you do will also determine which special tools you need.

[Edwin]

I’d recommend getting a basic socket set and wrench set that each cover 8-17mm. The drive size, and whether it’s metric, or standard (SAE), will depend on what you are working on. For wrenches, get the combination type since it’ll cover both open end and sockets.

Rather than going on a tremendous shopping spree for tools, I would also advise starting off with more basic jobs, and work your way up from there– gathering each specific tool needed as a result of that. As for brands, I have mostly Craftsman myself, but there are other quality brands and tools out there that will require research and looking upon product reviews.
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Also a couple more things… a breaker bar, floor jack, and jack stands would make your jobs a whole lot easier. ALWAYS support your vehicle properly with the jackstands when required, along with the floor jack if you can. Never a floor jack alone.

[Connar]

Thanks for the replies guys… I’m starting out at college for a possible career in motor mechanics but the tools will also be used as a hobby. I have access to jacks, axle stands, etc. and in fact many tools but want to start a set of my own and to kind of get to know my tools instead of using many different tools. I’m in the UK and so have been looking around and found a good array of tools at Halfords, specifically their ‘Advance’ range that comes with a lifetime warranty. The product reviews are good and are often praised for there value for money. Looking at the Craftsman they seem to be more expensive but appear to be very good quality… as for specific tools I mainly work on Land Rovers which don’t require many specific tools and jobs can often still be completed without them. Any specific tools that I need to complete a job given I account into the quote or I can, in some cases, borrow them… 🙂

[mckrishes]

I would buy a good kit at a local store. One that has the sockets, screw drivers, wrenches/ adjustable wrenches, etc. Nothing too expensive. And you can build from there.

[Connar]

Looks like thats what I am going to do mckrishes… The tools there have a lifetime warranty, are a fair price, and are praised for good value for money. As you say start of small and then build up your collection…

[skim3544]

I would go with Facom (not sure if they are available in U.K) These tools are excellent and should not be terribly expensive.

[Matthew Strange]

[quote=”skim3544″ post=38465]I would go with Facom (not sure if they are available in U.K) These tools are excellent and should not be terribly expensive.[/quote]
I have several Facom bits ‘n’ pieces, so yep you can get them here.

I don’t like their ratchets though, snap on are way better and one of the few things worth paying that bit more for.

[Author]

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