andylam85

I tried searching the forums, but could not find anything on tools needed to perform basic maintenances (Oil Changes, Tire Rotation, etc..). I am looking to begin performing my own maintenance and attempting some DIY's.

I was looking at this toolset and was wondering if that would be adequate.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...nics+Tool+Sets

I was looking at this Jack/Stand set to lift the car so I can rotate the wheels or to paint my calipers or what not. Would this Jack/Stand combination get the job done?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...Lift+Equipment

I would appreciate any comments/help. I am not very mechanically inclined so I apologize for the newbie questions.

staticlag

If you plan on taking off your wheels easily you will need an 18" breaker bar also. The kit looks good otherwise.

Maybe add a 1/2 drive torque wrench also.

For the jack, that will only work with the stock suspension. If you lower it you will have to drive up on boards to get that jack under the car.

You can never have too many tools though, doubles of everything at least is good. So don't worry about having too many jacks, or too many wrenches or anything.

EdwardsB

The only tools I have need so far are a spark plug socket (socket but has rubber inside to grab the plug) and extensions, some anti seize for your plugs get it at an auto store, not sure on size but my oil filter has a socket shape on the top to get it off K&N - 1'' maybe, phillips screwdriver to remove the plastic in the wheel well to get to the sparks and a socket set to fit your wheels, a jack to change the oil...

its not a bad idea to get the socket set, but if you want to save money jsut check the sizes you need in the car and just get them. crafts is a good choice bc they will replace any tools that break/wear out...thats all I have needed for basic maint, but for DIY and repairs it all depends on how far you plan on going and doing

but yeah as static said...the more tools the better

first-rotary04

iTrader: (4)

that is a good price for it I paid the same for the exact same tool kit, I use it at my job. and you may need some other things like C clamp for calipers, +1 on the breaker bar and the 1/2 inch torque wrench to torque the lug nuts and a jack and at least 2 jack stands.

that's all I can think of right now.

hope that helps

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

a set of METRIC sockets will go a loooong way for general wrenching around the car

and the rest is just collecting the miscellaneous odd tools as needs arise.

ken-x8

That set looks like overkill on sockets and underkill on most everything else.

For starters, look for a set that has 3/8" drive sockets (with extensions and a flex coupler), combination wrenches, and an assortment of screwdrivers and pliers. Add a 1/2" drive breaker bar, short extension, and the right size socket for your lug nuts. And a 1/2" drive beam-type torque wrench. Spark plug socket, if the 3/8" drive stuff doesn't come with one.

Then add tools as you need them, or as you covet them and they go on sale. If you're going to buy Sears tools (which are very good) check the weekly sale flyer. They mark stuff down a lot when on sale.

Since you're beginning, see if you can enroll in an adult education class on auto repair. Nothing beats hearing a grizzled high school shop teacher explain how to use tools.

Ken

expo1

Some other things include a oil filter wrench like THIS
I made a set of low profile ramps from THIS site.
Cheap Brake caliper tools like THIS set
If your going to be taking your wheels off alot a cheap impact wrench and a set of torque sticks

andylam85

Yes, please create a thread of what's in your bag-o-tricks. I am curious to see what you have.

Thanks for all the replies. They've helped me look in the right directions as far as the tools I will need to start working on my car. Thanks again.

pussywillow1972

23 and 24mm sockets and box wrenches for transmission and differential drain and fill bolts.

Fluid pump and extra hose for trans/diff fluids

Low profile oil drain pan for oil changes

Low profile creeper makes getting under the car much easier, (make sure you use jack stands before getting under the car!)

Wheel chocks, (most jack/jack stand/creeper combo sets include a pair of chocks.)

Magnetic plate for screws, nuts, etc. Keeps them from getting lost and only costs a couple of bucks. Well worth the money.

HiTMaNN

+1

heyarnold69

iTrader: (1)

i have a list somewhere for all the tools in my bike trailer.... i would post it ... but i serioulsy have too many.

basics..

3 metric sets
2 wrench sets
breaker bar
all 3 sizes tourque wrench
seal puller
brake pliers
the wonderfull screwdriver / tourque set

etc.......

Parmer8

Basic tools that I can think of:

Buy a 1" dia pipe @ 18" long for your cheap breaker bar
extensions
wrenches
10mm socket
8mm socket
23mm socket
24mm socket
screw drivers
brake pad removal tool (for the rear)
C clamps
jack / jack stands

HiTMaNN

I need to invest in some Jacks and a spark plug socket.

heyarnold69

iTrader: (1)

thin wall socket... its a special one lol

imput1234

iTrader: (6)

My car is lowered under an inch with Swift springs, and that jack does not get under the car, and another problem is: when you do get the jack under the car, the handle is too short.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

you can just drive up on some 2x4s, then the car will be high enough to use a traditional jack.

Ericok

If you're doing rear brake pads and you're not buying the brake tool kit, you'll at least need the brake piston retractor tool. You can't reset the rear piston without it.

Razz1

Make sure to call your thread ...

Magic Tricks....

The you can show us what's in your bag.

andylam85

Hey expo, would this tool be the same thing as the one from harbor freight for the brake calipers? http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...pecialty+Tools

Thanks

HiTMaNN

So... Ray where that List you were talking about

expo1

The Harbor Freight kit works on both front and rear, but the sears one would be fine for the front brakes on our cars.

Gecko69

I have the 263 piece kit.....got it from my wife.....was on sale and she picked it up for 89 dollars. It pretty much has everything you need. I dont know about a breaker bar??? I haven't needed one yet for any of my installs of parts....just use the rachet and it works fine. I have a bunch of tools that I have just accumulated over the years. Would recommend a decent torque wrench.

andylam85

Oh alright. I'll be getting the one from Harbor Freight then.

Wow, 89.99 for that set is an awesome price! Nice find by your wife!

Gecko69

haha, yeah. She was walking thru sears and they announced it overhead for 1 hour only and she was just in the right place at the right time.....worked out for me Looking at the pic a little closer, I think I have a different set....I have more extensions and wrenchs???? they must have made changes to it.