Must Have Tools

[ukchris]

As my planning for the new arrival continues I am thinking about tools, what are "must haves" and what are "nice to haves" etc. I have a reasonable socket set (3/8" drive" and wrenches, all the typical screwdrivers, pliers vice grips etc. Right now the top of my list is a trolley jack (Harbor Freight Low Profile) and Jac/Axle Stands, what else would you consider immediate needs?

 

I think my main debate is a torque wrench, it's pretty clear I need one but there seems to be a very broad cost curve, any thoughts on the Harbor Freight $20 Torque Wrench or (although I can't find it now) using a digital torque adaptor as a "converter" for a socket set?

 

I'll have some poppers to fix so a rivet gun too although one may be coming with the car.

 

What am I missing that is a necessity?

[panamericano]

UKChris,

 

Ref: "I think my main debate is a torque wrench, it's pretty clear I need one but there seems to be a very broad cost curve,..."

 

Grassroots had a lab test a couple years ago. The wrenches ranged from $12 Harbor Freight to $100+ as I recall. ALL were within 2% accurate, with no apparent relationship to price. You may want 1/2 inch sockets and wrench. Consider 6 point rather than 12. I use the $12 job, and nothing has fallen off yet. Maybe I should change my screen name to Po Boy 7.

[slngsht]

A deflecting beam torque wrench really doesn't go out of calibration - although it's tough to use in tight spaces I guess. Just make sure whatever you use, you're not near the top or bottom of the measurement range.

[xcarguy]

Here’s a’rule of thunb’ for must-have tools: any tool, one that is required to do a job properly (even though the tool may be used only once) where the cost of rental/purchase is less than the cost of having the job hired out, IS a must-have tool. As for tools you can use day in and day out, at the top,of my list is a good set of both SAE and metric ‘stubby’ wrenches (preferably two sets of each if you do quite a bit of wrenching on your car. These wrenches can reach areas where longer (standard sized) wrenches cannot. Regarding tools mentioned here, my ownership of each are as follows, and yes, I use them all:

 

• Floor jacks - 3, Herbor Freight
  
• Jack stands - 4, local parts store (would suggest getting all jack stands the same size)
  
• Torque wrenches - 3, 2 from Harbor Freight and one from NAPA
  

 

Can add more tools to this list if you desire. :smash:

[ukchris]

Three floor jacks? I was assuming I can jack it front/back or a corner at a time to get jack stands under... do you have the "just because" or do you feel it's a need?

 

I'm thinking about a 1/2" socket set, will definitely pick up the HF torque wrench. For Jack stands was leaning toward Amazon, $25/pair.

 

Here’s a’rule of thunb’ for must-have tools: any tool, one that is required to do a job properly (even though the tool may be used only once) where the cost of rental/purchase is less than the cost of having the job hired out, IS a must-have tool. As for tools you can use day in and day out, at the top,of my list is a good set of both SAE and metric ‘stubby’ wrenches (preferably two sets of each if you do quite a bit of wrenching on your car. These wrenches can reach areas where longer (standard sized) wrenches cannot. Regarding tools mentioned here, my ownership of each are as follows, and yes, I use them all:

 

• Floor jacks - 3, Herbor Freight
  
• Jack stands - 4, local parts store (would suggest getting all jack stands the same size)
  
• Torque wrenches - 3, 2 from Harbor Freight and one from NAPA
  

 

Can add more tools to this list if you desire. :smash:

[scannon]

I have a list of the torque specs I used on my former Caterham. I ran this torque check before every track day and several times a year when I didn't do any track days. Its an Excel spread sheet and I can't attach it here. If you want a copy PM me your email address and I will send it along.

 

I agree on buying whatever tools you need, you can never have too many tools. I have a few that I thought I needed but are still unused. I have two large roll around cabinets full of tools from a lifetime of working on cars, you can see them under the Caterham.

 

 

I generally use 3/8" drive sockets rather than 1/2" drives which are sometimes too large or bulky to get into the small spaces.

[papak]

The three power tools I have used most in the construction of my car are a Makita cordless drill (with extra battery), a 4" cutoff wheel for HF and a Bosch saber saw. I found a old but lightly used drill press on Craigs list locally the has come in very handy. I have found over the years that cordless drills last about the length of time equal to the construction of a house. By then the clutch is slipping a bit and the batteries are not lasting as long. The saber saw is useful for cutting heavier steel metal and light tubing. The better saws have a decent guide wheel behind the blade that improves accuracy and blade longevity. I have used the cutoff wheel to cut stuff too heavy for the saw and to trim excess bolt lengths.

[panamericano]

Ref: "I agree on buying whatever tools you need, you can never have too many tools."

 

I completely agree. However my son differs. We recently scavenged a building where they told him to take anything he wanted. I got a number of great quality tools and supplies. He jumped on me, saying I should get rid of stuff and have too much already......

 

I shut him up when I asked where he has to borrow tools, and who seems to usually have the right tool for the job?!

 

UKChris, Hint. Used tools of high quality are often as useful as new, for 10% of the money.

 

 

[slngsht]

You can never have enough saws, hammers and chisels.

[xcarguy]

You can never have enough saws, hammers and chisels.

 

So true. My last count on hammers was at 21; peen ball set, dead blow set, rubber mallet set, and, and, and . . . :smash:

[wemtd]

Chris take a drive to the Lincoln tool company in Maine.

[xcarguy]

Three floor jacks? I was assuming I can jack it front/back or a corner at a time to get jack stands under... do you have the "just because" or do you feel it's a need?

 

I had four; gave one to my father last year. :jester: On a side note, when HF has a sale, I’ll stock up. For instance, 4.5” cutoff wheels; have three of those.

[m wirth]

You should always have an adjustable Metric and American spanner for backup.

[MightyMike]

A nice set of allen head tools.

 

A Marson rivet tool set.

 

A high-quality tap & die set.

 

A couple of hammers.

[scannon]

You should always have an adjustable Metric and American spanner for backup.

 

And a left handed monkey wrench, a muffler bearing press, a can of Lucas smoke and although not a tool, one of these:

 

Enter part 121g

 

https://www.oreillyauto.com/

[Spyker 207]

My friend Tom withe the big 1" torque wrench.

[scannon]

What is the torque spec for that wheel?

[Slonie]

What is the torque spec for that wheel?

 

"All of it", or "How much do you weigh?" :jester:

[Spyker 207]

550 NM (408 Ft-Lbs)

[inchoate]

+1 for stubby wrenches.

 

After working on cars for 25+ years this was the only thing I had to add when I got the Caterham. Interestingly my dad's '62 is a lot easier to work on, much more space to maneuver.

Edited March 14, 2018 by inchoate