Mechanic tools

[cs]

Since Meerkat brought it up and didn't expand on it, I will. Here is a list of basic tools needed for mechanics.

First you need a basic socket set in 3/8" drive. You will probably need one in Standard and one in metric.

Second you will need a set of open/box end wrenchs. I would taylor this to the car, standard or metric.

Third you will need a least one deep well socket (spark plug wrench). These come in 2 sizes so check your car.

Fourth you will need a ball pean hammer.

Fifth is a set of screwdrivers (both cross tip and slotted).

Sixth is a pair of vice grips.

Seventh is a pair of slip joint pliers.

This is the very basics needed for auto repair. As far as brand I would choose Craftsman over the more expensive brands. For one they have one of the best warrenties available. All you have to do is bring in the broken tool and they will give you another.

Chad

[Sam F]

I hate to say this but I fear there's no such thing as a basic mechanic's tool set. You can't have enough mechanics tools. Everytime I do anything on a machine I end up geting out almost every tool I own (including some carpentry tools) and still end up making some tool or other to get the job done. Sigh... :(

[oldriverat]

Being a vending machine mechanic, I've found I only need two basic tools. A hammer and a prophylactic. If I can't fix it, F&^% it. :D

[Scott Rosen]

Unfortunately, cars are heavily computerized, and the shops have expensive, highly specialized, equipment and tools.

However, my Westerbeke diesel is pretty basic and can be worked on with a small bag of tools that most people have.

[cs]

I need to add something to the list that I forgot, but is probably the most important. A box of Band-Aids. smile.gif

The list I gave is just your basic list of what I think that you need to get you started. And yes you will find that once you get started, no matter how many tools you have, that you will need more.

Chad

[Alan D. Hyde]

I'd add:

a four-way file/rasp

a C-clamp (great for pushing back in brake pistons, and for many other bits of necessary work)

a 28 oz. cross-peen hammer

a LARGE pair of slip-joint pliers (18" or better handles)

a small to medium size pipe wrench

some wire and rubber bands

some good quality duct and electrical tape

some JBWeld

***

Alan

[Mr. Know It All]

A small wire brush and some "Liquid Wrench". :D

[Figment]

A few years ago my list of Invaluable Mechanic's Tools included (among basics):

1) Oxy-Acetylene torch
2) Pneumatic impact tools
3) Forklift

At the moment I can't remember the last time I used any of the above.

On my wife's VW, this laptop (with OBD-II software and jumper) has become the true Invaluable.

Sometimes I think progress progresses too fast!
-Dr. Seuss (The Lorax)

-

[ishmael]

Some anti-sieze compound, and some anti-anti-sieze compound. Sometimes ya want things to come loose, and sometimes ya don't. :D

A torque wrench, a pair of hemostats(for breaks, just kidding), an impact driver to start stubborness. A mirror on a a telescoping wand. A floor jack and some jack stands.

Depending ont the vintage a timing light, a set of feeler gauges, and maybe a dwell tach meter. With the post 90's, a reader of computer codes.

[ 08-12-2003, 09:47 PM: Message edited by: ishmael ]

[NormMessinger]

A screw driver, a pair of pliers and som bob wire. What do you do with all that extra stuff? Ballast?

[John B]

I'd add a nice big screwdriver to the list. one about 18 in long with a square shank so you can lean all your weight on it and turn it with a crescent spanner if required.( good for big silicone bronze screws too, for that matter) You also use it as a stethoscope when you're listening for that elusive engine noise.

[oldriverat]

Norm, that's barbed. :D

[John B]

To elaborate on Scotts post. About 3 weeks ago I went with an aquaintance to see a man about a performance upgrade to his LS1 Chev motor.Same as mine so I was interested to see it. These things have so much untapped power that some computer reprogramming can deliver astonishing results. None of this 'Re chipping', its all about some computer software in a laptop. We took his car for a few runs and he downloaded the data produced by the cars computer. Then he reprogrammed that information in his laptop to alter timing and change Air/Fuel ratios plus other bits and loaded it back into the car for a rather impressive result. Going by others experiences, about another 25 to 30kw( say 35 or 40 hp or so) at the wheels.

best tool of the 2003 hotrodder? Laptop computer.LOL.

[ 08-12-2003, 11:14 PM: Message edited by: John B ]

[cs]

That was the short list. I can add things that I have found indispensable over the years.

Pully puller
Needle nose pliers
Channel locks
Alabama socket set
battery terminal cleaner
battery terminal puller
wire brush
gasket scraper

In my old '64 Chevy I used to carry a 1/2" open end wrench, battery terminal cleaner, and a can of distrubator dryer. Seems like I was always having to clean the battery post. On the days that it rained I would have to spray the alternator with this aresol dryer if I hit a puddle of water.

Chad

[oldriverat]

No one has mentioned one of the most basic tools if you are maintaining your own automobile. What is it?

[Donn]

Credit card?

[cs]

Mike would you be talking about an oil filter wrench?

Chad

[oldriverat]

Someone throw Chad a Whoopie Chew.

[cs]

Mike I thought about that in the first post, but didn't add it. It seems most people buy the cheap oil filter wrenchs which end up crushing the filter. And thus you have to drive a screwdrive through it to get it out. You see I had screwdrivers already on the list. :D

I will say that a "good" oil filter wrench is a must. When I say good I refer to a strap type wrench that is driven with a 3/8" ratchet and extension.

Chad

[NormMessinger]

Originally posted by Memphis Mike:
Norm, that's barbed. :D Maybe where you live but I've always heard it pronounced bob wire.

[ 08-13-2003, 12:27 PM: Message edited by: NormMessinger ]

[Chadd Hamilton]

Is a filter wrench even necessary? I was taught that the filter is tightened by hand and tourqed firm by hand. I've always changed my own oil on my bike and car and i've never used a wrench and never had one unscrew itself. I guess if you have big hands and you can't get up in there...

anyone?

[Meerkat]

Hmmm... my interest in car maintainence and repair extends to replacement of tires, fuses, sparkplugs and oil/filter. For the rest, I'll borrow Donn's credit card ;)

[cs]

Chadd you are right, oil filters are supposed to be put on hand tight. Sometimes they tend to be a little tougher to get off and than a wrench is needed.

Chad

[Figment]

"alabama socket set"

??

[Ian McColgin]

One hammer was mentioned but forget not the

B F H

[Alan D. Hyde]

Known in Maine (back in the '60's and '70's, anyway) as the "French wrench..." :D

Alan

[cs]

A Alabama socket set would be your standard adjustable wrench.

Chad

[Chadd Hamilton]

Originally posted by cs:
Chadd you are right, oil filters are supposed to be put on hand tight. Sometimes they tend to be a little tougher to get off and than a wrench is needed.

ChadI see your point about them sometimes being difficult to get off after being on there for 3-5k miles.