I'm looking to buy a decent wrench set to start tooling on my R. What do you guys recommend - Craftsman? Do I need metric wrenches? What are the sizes I need to be certain I get?

What other tools ar considered "essential" for the beginner to have? I'm also going to be buying some Jack Stands - what should I look for? Any recommendations?

Forgive my ignorance but I am bound and determined to work on my own car!


[Modified by Flux, 8:13 AM 10/15/2001]

 

snap on are the ultimate- but go with craftsman, get a 1/2 drive metric set, and add a few deep sockets, they sell em on an prepackaged assorted rack, from like 10mm-17mm. then buy a 32mm for the hubs. this will cover most probs..

also, a set of extensions is good - i think its 3", 6", 9", 12"

then, use the rachet like crazy, break the POS that comes in the 'box set', bring it back, and tell em to give you one of the standalone ones, much better quality, and will last forever.

jackstands - most will do fine.

happy wrenching!@

 

you know what else I found is nice as hell, a wooble extension. Its like a normal extension, but it allows a little play in the socket.

 

Snap on makes the best tools hands down. The problem is getting them replaced if they break. They have a warrenty, but you have to track down the Snap on truck to buy or replace them.

Get Craftsman. I got a nice "starter" set of about 300 sockets and 50+ wrenches for a little over $300 on sale.

 

yes, craftsman is good starter stuff, plus, they have lifetime warranties! i bought a socket set about 6 or 7 years ago, and have busted my 3/8" ratchet about 4 times so far, and i just bring it back and they give me another one, no questions asked. pretty nice...

 

Should I get sockets or open wrenches? I'm assuming the answer is probably both....

 

yes, both. actually, i bought a set of open-end wrenches that are ratcheting. i think the set cost me $4o or $50, but it was WELL worth it! i've used those so many times when i can't use a ratchet and socket (due to limited space).

 

There has been much discussion on this board about tools previously, and the consensus is that Snapon are the best but cost a ton, I just ordered a set of Facom tools from http://www.ultimategarage.com, they are just as good if not better than snapon and cost a lot less, your gonna use your tools your whole life, I'd suggest buying quality **** instead of buying Craftsmans that your going to have to replace often, anyways I have a list of what I bought on my other computer, I'll post it up here later.

 

don't forget a torque wrench and a Helm's manual. i use craftsman as well. if you look close, you can tell that craftsman aren't super-snap-on-high quality but for what we do, they are fine (especially if you are just beginning).

 

Best deal for the $ is the below set, hands down. buy a set of screwdrivers and a 32mm 1/2 socket plus hammer, and your set is complete.

http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summ...id=00933841000


[Modified by B18CXr, 3:10 PM 10/15/2001]

 

Link doesn't work for me . What I bought was the craftsman 241 pc mechanics tool set. It's on sale for 159. right now. And then get the stuff b18CXr mentioned+ torque wrench('s) http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summ...id=00933841000

 

I think the Craftsman are sufficient. You will not be wrenching on your car everyday and maybe not even every weekend. If you were a mechanic then you will need the quality of Snap-on, but for the casual user, Craftsman is good. But, remember, there are different levels of quality in Sears tools. Try and buy the best within the Craftsman line.

 

You should probably get a breaker bar....it's just an 18" (or so) bar that takes a socket on one end. Really great for putting the hurt on those frozen bolts.

And I agree...Craftsman is great for decent quality and a low price. And lifetime guarantee.

So when you going to fix that ITR up and bring it out for another autox ? You need to show all those VW and Subie drivers who's the boss !

Chris
#55 ES
94 Integra LS


[Modified by EStocker, 9:27 PM 10/15/2001]

 

Sooner or later you are GOING to need a breaker bar for something.

 

Air tank, compressor, butterfly ratchet, impact hammer, sockets (short and long, metric).

Torque wrench is a must. Large shop vise. Halogen work light. Hand cleaner. Lots and lots of rags. Dremel.

 

The very best hand wrenches are Stahwille. They are German and hard to find in the US. They are the lightest I-Beam construction I have ever seen, making them very light and nice to handle. The other stuff in their lineup isn't as notable. If you want nice, and can afford it, then there is no other choice. I know you didn't say cost is no object, but when the subject of hand tools comes up everybody talks Sears and SnapOn, and that stuff is so clubby and heavy. I just wanted to post my two cents on what's "the best". You know how your ITR feels good? So it is with Stahwille.

Scott, who likes things that feel right.......

 

Pawn shops are the bomb for getting cheap tools. All brands including craftsman, which still has a warranty!!

 

Thanks for all the great replies everybody...
I'll be heading to Sears this weekend for some good old fashioned tool buying fun...

 

As promised here are all the tools I bought from The Ultimate Garage (www.ultimategarage.com), plus a 10mm SK flare nut wrench which I don't have the part # for, anyways they cost a lot, but will last forever and I won't have to go to Sears to return any broken tools, also they won't tire me out like Craftsman tools do because they are much better ergonomically. I'll post some pics once my stuff arrives.

Part # Description
PB.MODR1 1/4" Tool Module - 6pt sockets (5.5>14mm), Bits, Allen keys & Tray
RL.40E 1/4" 6 point Deep Metric Socket Set (3>9mm)
RL.41E 1/4" 6 point Deep Metric Socket Set (10>14mm)
J161E 3/8" Midget Ratchet (4.25" long)
PB.MODJ1 Tool Module-3/8" Socket Set- (8>24mm, 6pt) w/ratchet & accessories
JL40E 3/8" Deep Metric Socket Set (7-15mm)
JL41E 3/8" Deep Metric Socket Set (16-24mm)
J40E 3/8" 12 point Metric Socket Set (7-16mm)
J230 3/8" Adapter (3/8>1/4)
J232 3/8" Adapter (3/8>1/2)
J240A 3/8" Universal Joint
J211 3/8" Wobble Extension-5"
J206-50 3/8" Torque Wrench-Micrometer type (10-50nm)
S.141 1/2" Breaker Bar (Facom- with rubber grip)
PB.MODS1 Tool Module-1/2" drive 6pt Socket Set (10>32mm)(ratchet & accessories)
S.205-200 1/2" drive Torque Wrench (40-200nm) (25-150 ft lbs)
S.230 1/2" Adapter (1/2>3/8)
PB.MOD40-1 Tool Module-combination wrenches (16pc w/tray - 6>24mm)
PB.MOD55-1 Tool Module-Offset Box Wrenches-7pc/14sizes (6>19mm)
Set A of cutting tools from website
PB.MOD84TZS Tool Module-T handle allen keys w/spherical head (7pc-3>10mm)
0113.4CP Adjustable wrench-polished chrome (4")
0113.8CP Adjustable wrench-polished chrome (8")
SK6636 SK 37" Pry Bar
MT.J1 Microtech 16pc Set with Case (Screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers, etc)
PB.MODAZ1 Tool Module-screwdrivers (8pc, slotted & phillips)
AZPB.SET 3pc Set-Above
AZB.SET 4pc Set-Above
PB.MODPM3 Tool Module-3 engineer's pliers (387-18, 185-20, 192-16)
PB.MODMI3 Tool Module-hammer tool set (2 hammers, 1 chisel, 4 punches)
PB.MODPR1 Tool Module-2 adjustable pliers (482cpy & 500)