Buying Tools

numnutz

numnutz

numnutz

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Joined
18 Oct 2002
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761
Location
Berkshire
I know there are a lot of DIY enthuiasts on here who hopefully can help on the matter! Im trying to get into car maintenance myself, obviously addressing the basic servicing needs of the vehicle intially, and then moving onto more challenging jobs as the needs arise.

I presently have no tools, other than a single 10mm spanner so im looking for advice on what to purchase, i dont want gold plated magic spanners that cost more than the car just real world opinions on whats worth getting, and where from so i dont buy rubbish tools.

I know I will need to get a socket set, and some people are reccomending spending the money and getting a 6 sided socket set, which is also confusing as i have no idea which ones are 6 sided and which are not!

Thanks very much :D

Ross.
 
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I'm a big fan of the Clarke tools. Not the cheapest range, but the lifetime guarantee range. I've also heard very good things about the Halfords Pro range.

Basics would be:
Socket set (metric or imperial depending on how old your car is)
Decent plier set
Mole grips
Adjustable spanners
Screwdrivers
Hammer
WD40
Plasters(!)
 
if you have access to a costco card, costco sell a fairly decent socket / scrtewdriver set with 3 ratchet handles [1/4 inch 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch drives] etc for about 60 quid, and my mechanic who used snapon stuff around his garage uses this for when he's rallying, made by Crescent. I recieved one as a present an they seem damn good for the dolla, nice action on the ratchets and very well made
 
In my kit I have
Quality socket set with extension bars and deep sockets - I got the draper pro one up our local motorfactors for a good price.
Torque wrench
Various screwdrivers
Ratchet spanners

I also have electrical items like a solder iron, auto cable strippers, crimp tools etc for doing stereo installation which I have built up over time.
 
Halfords pro stuff is excellent though I have just broken my ratchet after about 5 years. I was hitting it with a lump hammer at the time though and it should be replaced under the lifetime guarantee. I have the following which seems to be used fairly often

1/2" drive metric socket set and ratchet.
Ring and open ended spanners
Lump hammer
Various screwdrivers
Pliers
Mole grips

You'll also need a decent jack and axle stands. Over time I've picked up other bits for jobs that I'd now consider hard to live without

1/2" drive hex bits
1/2" drive torx bits
1/2" drive torque wrench
Bendy ratchet spanners
 
I know its a bit daft, but my rule for buying any new tools is....'It must have a case'.

Makes the shelf in the cupboard look much better :D
 
Its worth checking what type of screws your car interior has - my old clio used star headed screws that required a special set of screwdrivers i was able to pick up at halfords for the (many) interior electrical problems that required fixing.
 
Depends how much space you got. a own brand Machinemart ratchet set 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch with extensions and a spanner set. Then if you have some room get a 2nd hand compressor off ebay. and slowly build up your tools with that.
 
Buy a Teng mechanics set.


There is only one rule with tools and thats dont buy cheap tools.

You dont need a snap on auto mechanics tool chest, but a good quality balanced set.
 
Whatever tools you buy, you'll never have the one you actually need!

Make sure you have some way of getting to your local tool shop when you're halfway through a job and your car is in pieces.
 
T

this is the one i've got :)

toolkit.jpg


As i said, about 60 quid inc vat from costco

Tom.
 
Broke the pin which holds the socket on the end of the extension on the halfords pro set (when hitting it with a hammer) took it back and got a new one no questions asked, got the type without a pin too as they are just a pain.

Pretty good price and seem to last well, my mates set is a good few years old and is holding up as well as mine which are ~9 months old.
 
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