mossberg

Hi guys. I recently bought an '01 Accord and I'm hoping to do as much of my own wrenching as is practical. The big limitation I have is that I live in an apartment building and management does not look kindly on people doing maintenance/repair work in the parking lot.

But I might be able to get simple maintenance tasks done so long as I'm fairly quick about it, do it very early morning or late at night, and don't leave a mess behind.

With that in mind, what sorts of tools should I get? So far I'm thinking:
- jack and jack stands
- oil drain pan / container - I think I'll get one of those drain pans that doubles as a storage container that you can use to transport the oil. This would save me the time of emptying a regular drain pan into a separate storage container.
- battery-powered flashlight or worklamp (I won't have access to A/C power out in the parking lot)
- Socket wrench set - will a basic socket wrench set from Home Depot or Lowes be fine, or should I get a more substantial set, perhaps one geared for automotive tasks?

I have a couple of torque wrenches - 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive.

Anything else? Obviously I don't want to go overboard as I'm limited to what I can do because of the building, and I also don't want to drop a lot of money on specialty tools that I may only use once or twice (and which I'd have to store in my small apartment) - I'd rather go to a mechanic for that.

Builda'Teg_92

ball joint seperator
compression tester
beaker bar 1/2 inch
corded 1/2 impact wrench
box wrenches

i would also recommend the husky set from home depot, my friends got the set and have broken numorous head studs,rod bolts,axels ect. with no problems

Builda'Teg_92

ALMOST FORGOT! a service manual for your car

mossberg

Something like this?
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

mossberg

I got one off ebay for $7, but depending on the quality of it once I put it to use, I may spring for the Helm.

brucey

on Hondas I have always found that a 'box' type filter wrench (i.e. one that looks like a big socket that fits over the filter end) is a good idea. Strap type ones are Ok too (and more versatile), but not as good to use.

There are a few bolts that you might find easier to work on with ratchet wrenches, but these are not essential. A good set of combination wrenches is a good move.

With socketry, a lifetime warranty is worth half again or double on the initial purchase cost.

A 3/8 drive torque wrench may not be enough for some jobs, but just see how you go first....

BTW an LED head torch is a very good idea if working outside at night.

cheers

mossberg

You mean an oil filter cap wrench, like this? Yeah, that's inexpensive enough that if it makes life a little easier, it's worth it.

Yeah, the 3/8" drive torque wrench is from my bike wrenching, and probably only useful for the lighter torque bolts on a car, but I can always get a 1/2" drive torque wrench when I need it.

Good call on the head torch, hadn't thought of that.

andrewsdsm33

make sure all the sockets are metric u probally new that but just saying

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Jeez. Get a manual. A cheap one from the auto store. They pretty much outline all of this right there in print.

mossberg

Thanks, I did not know that. I'm new to auto wrenching.

It seems like the good mechanics sets are both SAE and metric. But if I could find a metric-only set, that would save on having a bunch of SAE sockets and wrenches that I don't need.

hondamark35

I'll try to give you my "essentials" list which will include some of what's already been mentioned.

-1/4" wratchet with several sizes of extensions
-3/8" wratchet with at least a 6" extension for checking spark plugs. I like to use a long handle wratchet in this size for breaking things loose.
-a telescoping magnetic pickup tool
-Philips and flat heads of common size. one with interchangeable tips will get you by cheap, but ideally a couple sizes of flat heads and JIS spec #1 and #2 Philips.
-a set of wratchet adapters. i found a set at Harbor Freight with almost all sizes.
-a ball pein hammer
-a pry bar. sets are pretty cheap but if you only get one get a 24".
-socket sets: it's good to have 12pt., 6pt., deep-well and standard depth to chose from. you should only need metric for your honda, but like you said many kits come with both.
-a good flashlight/work light. don't cheap out too much here. get a bright one with a sturdy case.
-tire gage
-funnels
-silicone spray, brake parts cleaner, penetrating oil, white lithium spray.

if i sat here longer i could think of more.. but that's pretty good as a start.

SQ is the SQUAD

http://www.harborfreight.com/profess...kit-45951.html



use a 20% off coupon and get it around $135 ish comes with lifetime warranty

these guys will help you with any hf coupon you need
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthr...id=0&t=1276399


hf will also have coupons for your basic 3 ton jack stands for 9.99 oil catch

you can get the light weight 1.5 tone aluminum jack for $60 with attached coupon. wont go too high, dont get under car without jack stands. good for quick tire changes on side of road. also check out the red creeper.

you can usually catch these on sale for about $17. there really nice and the extra length will come in handy compared to other wrenches
http://www.harborfreight.com/11-piec...set-47067.html


if you have to make different trips to hf. remember always use coupons. and always get the free gift. i keep the led flashlight, multimeter and screwdriver set in my car. can care less if the get lost, borrowed or stolen. but they do come in handy.

http://a.slickdeals.net/attachment.p...2&d=1312148643

home depot had the metric husky 7 pc ratchet wrenches on sale for 19.99



http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

that will give you 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 comes with lifetime warranty


your also going to want to find yourself a 1/2 beaker bar, 36mm axle nut socket, maybe a few magnetic trey holders for loose screws. a 50pc red rag set. all of which u can find coupons for.

confidence

please add a basic multimeter to your tool kit. you can get them for $5 at harbor freight. or get it free if you have a coupon. Its a great tool to have.
An O2 wrench/socket isn't a bad thing to have either.
Also get a 10/12mm combo flare nut wrench for brake/clutch work.
oh yea, and a torque wrench. get the best one you can afford

SQ is the SQUAD

crazy deal tonite only 9last nite, few more hours) $179

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...00100383&aff=Y

Qfactor

A big fu**en Hammer, when all else fails.

mossberg

Wish I saw your post earlier. Back up to $360 now.

mossberg

Looks like there are going to be Black Friday sales on Craftsman, Husky and Kobalt mechanics tool sets at Sears, Home Depot and Lowes, respectively. I might pick one up then.

How does Pittsburgh compare to the above brands?

SQ is the SQUAD

sorry, i posted it as soon as i seen it. supossely it drops down to 199 every once in a while, which is a killer deal. the harbor freight set is just as good, and you can get the husky ratchet wrenches cheap.

SQ is the SQUAD

i used alot of the pittsburg tools. they all carry life time warrenty. if anything breaks just walk into harbor freight and they will replace it.,

i am getting the set from harborfreigh when i set up my new tool box

check out the setup this guy has
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=67850

mossberg

Holy crap!

mossberg

Got started on this list. Would love to see the rest of your essentials list, thanks.

Thanks for turning me on to HF. I live near one, so it's easy to stop by and use the 20% off coupons.

Started loading up on stuff there.

mossberg

Is the free with coupon HF 7 multifunction useful? Or should I go for the 11 function model for $15 (with coupon)?

HF has a flare nut wrench set for $10. Would I have any use for anything besides the 10/12mm wrench on a Honda?

mossberg

This set is missing 13mm and 18mm wrenches. Are those common on Hondas?

SQ is the SQUAD

i dont think anything on a honda is 13 or 18.

honda common sizes are 19, 12,14,17 19. there are a few 8 and yiur axle nutsshould be 36

the sears kit i posted will be on sale again on black friday

if you have a few bucks spend a few bucks on a multimeter and put it in you tool box. still get the free hf multimeter and keep it in you glove box for emergencys. they are very very cheap, but can come in handy in a jam. they also have the free led flashlights. do separate transaction and keep a few in the car.

mossberg

Thanks, I'll get that long handle set then.

I'm moving away from the idea of getting a big set as I don't need the SAE sockets and already have stuff like bits and hex wrenches.
Good idea, will get a free multimeter for the car.

Yeah, I've already got a couple of those LED flashlights. Will they let you split up a purchase into smaller purchases to get extra free items or do I need to make first purchase, bring stuff to car, then go back in and make second purchase with a different cashier?