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01-24-2013, 07:38 PM
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#1
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Edison
Posts: 7,856
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Can we talk tools?
So over the years I've spent thousands of dollars on parts for my cars and still use a crappy sears off brand ratchet set, a few open wrenches, a hammer and screw drivers. I want to build a work bench, buy some new tools and up grade what I have.
What are the absolute essentials that every car guy/home owner/man should have?
What brands are you buying now that craftmen is made in china?
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1984 Firebird
2000 Z28
2023 Tacoma
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01-24-2013, 07:41 PM
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#2
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Morris County
Posts: 1,033
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TIG Welder
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94 Trans am 25th anniversary
86 Buick Regal T-type
73 camaro 454/T56 work in progress.
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01-24-2013, 07:52 PM
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#3
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12 Second Club
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Oradell
Posts: 8,368
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air tools/compressor
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86 Camaro
88 Camaro
95 Impala SS
97 Trans Am WS6
98 Blazer ZR2
00 Corvette
04 CTS-V
07 Sublime Charger Daytona
10 Tahoe SSV
12 Tahoe LT
17 Malibu LT
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01-24-2013, 08:00 PM
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#4
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Highland Mills, NY
Posts: 1,915
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those two items I think are on the bottom of the list......
from what I use at work and bring home the most a electric driver, 3/8 and 1/4 electric guns
for working on cars deep, shallow sockets, extensions and swivels always help (extensions and sockets with a gripped surface will help when they are covered in oil and coolant)
a good set of pliers, cutters and vice grips as well
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2000 Camaro SS 610rwhp/570rwtq LS2 440, 12 bolt 3.73, tranzilla t56
Last edited by MyFirstZ; 01-24-2013 at 08:34 PM.
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01-24-2013, 08:03 PM
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#5
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BadMod
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: hamilton, nj
Posts: 8,889
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I just got the 309 piece set from craftsman for half price.
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So much stupid, so little time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 79CamaroDiva
It started before I drove your car. I just have to look at it the wrong way and your car poops parts.
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Mercerville MotorSports, LLC
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01-24-2013, 08:17 PM
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#6
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Ayatollah of Rock N Rolla / Admin
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 12,573
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1/4, 3/8, 1/2 socket sets
Metric and SAE combination wrenches
Keystone and Phillips Screwdrivers
Good set of channel lock pliers
Vice grips
Metric and SAE Allen Wrenches
Hammer
Torque Wrench
Multimeter
Electric Drill
Utility knife
No fewer than 3 flashlights
Electrical pliers
Bottle of scotch
Revolver with a single bullet
Probably a lot more, just thinking out loud. J/K on the last two of course.
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01-24-2013, 08:23 PM
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#7
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BadMod
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: hamilton, nj
Posts: 8,889
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Fire extinguisher. Multiple if possible
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So much stupid, so little time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 79CamaroDiva
It started before I drove your car. I just have to look at it the wrong way and your car poops parts.
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Mercerville MotorSports, LLC
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01-24-2013, 08:26 PM
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#8
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Edison
Posts: 7,856
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike
Fire extinguisher. Multiple if possible
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![Knee Slapper](http://www.njfboa.org/forums/images/smilies/kneeslap.gif) Got em. Also have an Air compressor. Good suggestions though.
Edit.
I have a lot of the stuff listed.
I think I'm gonna order a big ass kit instead of everything individual. Brand suggestions?
__________________
1984 Firebird
2000 Z28
2023 Tacoma
Last edited by WayFast84; 01-24-2013 at 08:34 PM.
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01-24-2013, 08:30 PM
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#9
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Admin.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Posts: 20,149
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The key is really knowing when to buy a quality tool (ratchets) and when you can 'skimp' a bit, like having a nice selection of cheap screw drivers in addition to a few good ones. It's fairly easy to over spend. But for the home guy, that is usually not worth it. It all depends on what you are trying to do and how often you are going to do it.
This is a great home tool box btw. Good price, reasonably priced, decent size.
http://www.harborfreight.com/roller-...ity-68784.html
__________________
Vent Windows Forever!
The looser the waistband, the deeper the quicksand. Or so I have read.
Feather-light suspension, Konis just couldn't hold. I'm so glad I took a look inside your showroom doors.
Hey everybody, it's good to have you on the Baba-too-da-ba-too-ba-ba-buh-doo-ga-ga-bop-a-dop
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01-24-2013, 09:27 PM
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#10
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Wantage, NJ
Posts: 693
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One of my favorite topics!
I still have the same 200-odd piece Craftsman (Sears) mechanic's tool set I got back when I was 19 (The set's over twenty years old). I've broken sockets since then and have had zero issues exchanging them for new ones. In fact, just swapped a few this past weekend. This is the core of my tool collection and probably of the highest quality.
I have continued to try and buy Craftsman as often as possible as the hand tools are guaranteed, and I seldom have to cash in that guarantee. I've learned that while Harbor Freight is awesome for reduced prices on stuff like the tool box above, I usually only buy disposable items from them, such as gloves, sanding discs, cutoff wheels and stepped drill bits. When it comes to tools, you get what you pay for. Same goes for Tractor Supply and similar outlets. I had the same Craftsman angle grinder for many years before it finally died from aggressive use (Three years into my fascination with metal fab). It died in the middle of a project, so I bought one on the cheap at TSC (A store I LOVE for grade 8 hardware and welding supplies...but that's another story) and then ordered another from Harbor Freight figuring that if one was good, two was more gooder (One for cutting, one for grinding). Luckily I wear welding gloves when I work with metal, because the TSC grinder lasted about six months and then literally burst into flames in my hands (You had to see me playing hot potato with it as I ran outside and threw it in a snow bank...PRICELESS!). The Harbor Freight job lasted a short while longer and then...poof. Done. Went back to Sears, bought two, and have had no problems since.
Mentioned above was at least three flashlights. Not a bad idea. In addition to the standard flashlight, I have a halogen spot light that is great for working under the car and a retractable drop light. Oh, and a headband mounted flashlight for when I have no one to hold a light or nowhere to hang one.
Another great idea: Magnet on a stick. I almost always drop a nut or bolt in a weird, unreachable spot in the engine compartment (Usually right after I say, "I'll be done in a few minutes, honey!" [Note: While working on a VEHICLE, NOT in the bedroom...that's at least ten minutes]) This little gadget has saved the neighbors an abundance of my profanity.
The other thing to consider is what you're going to be doing and how much you're going to do it. I bought a good set of brake tools after attempting my first drum brake maintenance and that has worked out well for me over the years and has gotten plenty of use. In other words, if you don't need it, don't buy, but if you're going to use it a lot, it might pay for itself the first few times you use it. I've learned the hard way that it's important to have the right tool for the job plenty of times.
Very timely post. While I was walking around Sears the other day with a bunch of broken sockets and a gift card in my pocket, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was nothing that I immediately NEEDED to spend it on. Took me over twenty years to get there...
Last edited by 79T/A; 01-24-2013 at 09:32 PM.
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01-24-2013, 11:44 PM
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#11
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Edison
Posts: 7,856
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I have the box. I think I'm gonna start with horses, drill bits, and a a set of power tools to build a work bench. I'm so mad I didn't get to do this during winter break. I figure I should also do some inventory before I buy stuff individually.
Does anyone have any good work bench plans?
__________________
1984 Firebird
2000 Z28
2023 Tacoma
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01-25-2013, 03:54 AM
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#12
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Millstone, NJ
Posts: 641
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Gear wrench ratchet. Ftw
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94 TA GT. Stock 350, cam, exhaust
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01-25-2013, 07:49 AM
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#13
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Mongo the Meet Coordinator
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 16,899
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Surprised no one mentioned a good sawzall and assortment of blades for it.
That and a nice lil 10# sledge.
Flare wrenches are nice if you are working on brake lines etc, and if you want to do any thing sort of correctly, a good torque wrench is a nice investment.
Biggest thing I would love to get is a plasma cutter and welder. Gotta wait till I move out so I can wire in a 220 line
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KirkEvil
repo bigals turd gen and part it out to a loving home
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01-25-2013, 07:57 AM
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#14
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Admin.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Posts: 20,149
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A big dead blow hammer may be even more useful.
Good jack stands of different sizes, good ramps.
__________________
Vent Windows Forever!
The looser the waistband, the deeper the quicksand. Or so I have read.
Feather-light suspension, Konis just couldn't hold. I'm so glad I took a look inside your showroom doors.
Hey everybody, it's good to have you on the Baba-too-da-ba-too-ba-ba-buh-doo-ga-ga-bop-a-dop
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01-25-2013, 07:58 AM
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#15
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Mongo the Meet Coordinator
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 16,899
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^ a nice floor jack is always good too.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KirkEvil
repo bigals turd gen and part it out to a loving home
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01-25-2013, 08:45 AM
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#16
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Admin.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Posts: 20,149
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more than one, also varying sizes can be useful.
and a few good blocks of wood in different sizes.
__________________
Vent Windows Forever!
The looser the waistband, the deeper the quicksand. Or so I have read.
Feather-light suspension, Konis just couldn't hold. I'm so glad I took a look inside your showroom doors.
Hey everybody, it's good to have you on the Baba-too-da-ba-too-ba-ba-buh-doo-ga-ga-bop-a-dop
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01-25-2013, 10:24 AM
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#17
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Arm pit of the world... NJ
Posts: 2,676
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On the home owner side, I would say a good 18 volt cordless drill, 7 1/4" circular saw, tape masure, a square, 24" and 48" level, pipe wrenches, 10" or 12" miter saw. I could go on all day! I guess it really depends on your skill level and what kind of projects you're willing to tackle.
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John
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01-25-2013, 10:40 AM
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#18
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Ayatollah of Rock N Rolla / Admin
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 12,573
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A set of dial or digital calipers, too.
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01-25-2013, 11:11 AM
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#19
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BadMod
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: hamilton, nj
Posts: 8,889
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i would set your bench, boxes, etc up and finalize 100% your space and organization situation.. then go through what you have and see what will continue to get by and what wont...
you dont need all new sockets right away, just go get higher quality ratchets.. then as sockets break or go missing, write it down... remember, you can get carried away easily due to... deep sockets and shallow sockets, six point and twelve point, 1/4 3/8 1/2 etc and run out of space if you dont plan the space out first
__________________
So much stupid, so little time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 79CamaroDiva
It started before I drove your car. I just have to look at it the wrong way and your car poops parts.
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Mercerville MotorSports, LLC
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01-25-2013, 11:21 AM
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#20
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Admin.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Posts: 20,149
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vise grips, a few pairs, including a small pair - don't buy cheap ones, vise grip brand!
__________________
Vent Windows Forever!
The looser the waistband, the deeper the quicksand. Or so I have read.
Feather-light suspension, Konis just couldn't hold. I'm so glad I took a look inside your showroom doors.
Hey everybody, it's good to have you on the Baba-too-da-ba-too-ba-ba-buh-doo-ga-ga-bop-a-dop
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01-25-2013, 12:36 PM
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#21
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bridgewater, NJ
Posts: 835
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First aid kit
Swear jar
Hot glue gun
Heat gun
Stereo with speakers
Table vise
Bench grinder
Drill press
Work stool (instead of kneeling/squatting)
Creeper
__________________
1984 Camaro: 350 Auto, Global West Suspension, Baer Brakes, CTW Wheels
1989 GTA: Bolt-on L98. Global West Suspension, full Magnaflow exhaust, Wilwood Brakes, CTW Wheels
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01-26-2013, 04:28 AM
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#22
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Millstone, NJ
Posts: 641
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Haha swear jar, that jar would be full for sure after doing work in a f body motor compartment
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94 TA GT. Stock 350, cam, exhaust
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01-26-2013, 11:48 AM
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#23
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Edison
Posts: 7,856
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike
i would set your bench, boxes, etc up and finalize 100% your space and organization situation.. then go through what you have and see what will continue to get by and what wont...
you dont need all new sockets right away, just go get higher quality ratchets.. then as sockets break or go missing, write it down... remember, you can get carried away easily due to... deep sockets and shallow sockets, six point and twelve point, 1/4 3/8 1/2 etc and run out of space if you dont plan the space out first
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This was really helpful. I found a bench plan. Ill build it and go from there.
__________________
1984 Firebird
2000 Z28
2023 Tacoma
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01-26-2013, 04:57 PM
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#24
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13 Second Club / Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Franklin Lakes, NJ
Posts: 8,687
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One thing I'm shocked at how much I ended up using was an electric impact wrench. I bought it for a specific purpose, and i end up using it on almost every project now. Wish I stretched for a quality battery powered one, though.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LS1ow
Except Jersey mike, great kid, but the way he looks at me makes me feel like im in danger
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01-27-2013, 05:22 PM
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#25
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Jackson, NJ
Posts: 1,723
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The best thing I invested in after already having a fairly large collection of sockets/wrenches was snap on ratchets. I started with 3/8 and 1/2 inch, now just recently (2 years after the purchase of the first set of ratchets) I have a 1/4 inch and a long handle 3/8 swivel head ratchet. The higher tooth count and the feel of the ratchets makes working in tight areas a lot easier.
Number two investment would be a good 18v drill/impact combo kit. I got the ridgid one and have no problem with it, plus it has lifetime service agreement along with the same agreement on batteries and chargers.
No I am looking at getting more snap on and mac tools. Ebay and craigslist can have very good deals if you keep your eyes open. Still more expensive than craftsman but in items like ratchets its been worth every penny.
Personally I also suggest getting metric tools as a priority over SAE. If you only have the money for one set, I'd take metric any day, than get the SAE when your wallet allows for it.
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1983 camaro- Scrap
1988 camaro- Also scrap
'05 Silverado- You guessed it, scrap
1988 TRX 250R- Ported w/ high compression on 110 octane- Out 60' your LT1
Jersey Shore Street Car Takeover (JSSCT) Founder
Quote:
Originally Posted by LS1ow
and once i get PHB, what do i ajust it too?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jersey Mike
Seven.
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