What are the "must have" tools
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Rock Creek OH
What are the "must have" tools
Over the years, my kids have pretty much obliterated my meager tool collection. I need to start over w/ the vette in mind. What are the must haves. Please include everything. As I'm starting over, I might as well do it right. (I'll keep 'em locked up this time!)
Thanks
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 164
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From: Doylestown PA
Re: What are the "must have" tools (cookin1979)
2 of my 'must haves' are a torque wrench and multimeter. A good place for a fairly comprehensive tool kit is Sears Hardware. A 256-piece kit will run under $200. It comes with metric and standard tools, nut drivers, allen wrenches, etc. No screw drivers though, but for $20 you can get a 20-piece set there with standard, phillips and torx.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
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From: Living in the Hartland
Re: What are the "must have" tools (cookin1979)
I think I need to apologize to my dad for losing a bunch of his tools. Always wondered why he got so made when I didn't put them back. :)
The one tool you need is a bottle opener. After using it a few times a day everything seems better. :cheers:
A great set of sockets is a must but a second portable set is nice.
The one tool you need is a bottle opener. After using it a few times a day everything seems better. :cheers:
A great set of sockets is a must but a second portable set is nice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,807
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From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: What are the "must have" tools (cookin1979)
A torque wrench, a hand grinder, a nice selection of wrenches and sockets (short and long) and extentions. It's never ending, you'll go to the tool store every once in a while to get a special of some kind. :yesnod: :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,166
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From: Tulsa Ok
Re: What are the "must have" tools (AlwaysWave)
A rotory tool with reinforced cutting wheels is high on my list, also impact screwdriver, large vise, asst vise grips and most important of all - a BFH :smash:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 774
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From: Palatine IL
Re: What are the "must have" tools (cookin1979)
1/2" inch driver with matching standard and metric sockets and extensions. Full set of standard and metric combo wrenches. Torque wrench. AIM manual. This forum. Time and Patience.
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From: Sometimes I wonder... why is that frisbee getting bigger? Then it hits me.
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Re: What are the "must have" tools (TonyQT)
All of the above are great suggestions and on the money but you all forgot ONE THING
You MUST have , at minimum, a mini bar fridge :D
You MUST have , at minimum, a mini bar fridge :D
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 1
From: SIMI VALLEY CA
Re: What are the "must have" tools (Madmikeee)
All of the above are great suggestions and on the money but you all forgot ONE THING
You MUST have , at minimum, a mini bar fridge :D
You MUST have , at minimum, a mini bar fridge :D
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 27
From: Northeast South Dakota
Re: What are the "must have" tools (cookin1979)
Go to Sears with $1000 in your pocket and get a set that runs about that much. That should start you out. Or you can get the same from the Snap-On truck, but not for $1000. :eek: :eek: I really need to quit talking to that Snap-On guy, I always owe him money. :lol:
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 13
From: Holly MI
Re: What are the "must have" tools (Brettmc)
A distributor wrench in the car at all times. The air tools are very useful, especially the air wratchet. Get a vacuum gage and a compression gage. Two torque wrenchs, one for in'lbs and one for ft-lbs. A pry bar set in case the bottle opener breaks. Actually, get a tapper and keg and don't worry about the bottles. Buying beer by the keg is cheaper, so you can rationalize that. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 93
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From: Rock Creek OH
Re: What are the "must have" tools (Bob's72)
In addition to all the above. A vacuum brake bleeder and a floor jack. Oh yeah, an air compressor (sp?) and associated tools.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,416
Likes: 1
From: NC,USA
Re: What are the "must have" tools (Brettmc)
1/4 inch drive sockets for the small stuff.
3/8ths drive extensions, ratchets, sockets... and a 1/4 to 3/8ths adapter
1/4 inch breaker bar... big monster ratchet, and a set of large shortie sockets
A FULL SET of standard hand wrenches if you can spring for it, go short, and long.
Adjustable wrench... a few of em, all shapes an sizes
Oil filter wrench... makes life easy changing the old dino juice out, for the new stuff
This looks like a nice kit http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summ...id=00933122000
Oh... 4 jack stands, a floor jack. dont get a bottle jack, a spare tire jack, get a floor jack 3 ton's is what i like. Lift most anything.
If you can spring for an air compressor... get one
Buy the BIGGEST box you can afford, and fill it up. TRUST ME i have a small set, that is all over the garage, because the box wont hold it all... didnt start that way.
Specialty stuff...
Distributor wrench
Pulley puller
Timing light
Torque wrench
Torch
I suggest getting all you can afford man... if the tool makes the job easier, its worth it. If it makes it take less time, its worth it.
Good luck in your wrenching... and dont forget the PB blaster penatrating oil. :smash:
ZD :cheers:
3/8ths drive extensions, ratchets, sockets... and a 1/4 to 3/8ths adapter
1/4 inch breaker bar... big monster ratchet, and a set of large shortie sockets
A FULL SET of standard hand wrenches if you can spring for it, go short, and long.
Adjustable wrench... a few of em, all shapes an sizes
Oil filter wrench... makes life easy changing the old dino juice out, for the new stuff
This looks like a nice kit http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summ...id=00933122000
Oh... 4 jack stands, a floor jack. dont get a bottle jack, a spare tire jack, get a floor jack 3 ton's is what i like. Lift most anything.
If you can spring for an air compressor... get one
Buy the BIGGEST box you can afford, and fill it up. TRUST ME i have a small set, that is all over the garage, because the box wont hold it all... didnt start that way.
Specialty stuff...
Distributor wrench
Pulley puller
Timing light
Torque wrench
Torch
I suggest getting all you can afford man... if the tool makes the job easier, its worth it. If it makes it take less time, its worth it.
Good luck in your wrenching... and dont forget the PB blaster penatrating oil. :smash:
ZD :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,416
Likes: 1
From: NC,USA
Re: What are the "must have" tools (ZD75blue)
OH!
Get a craftsman tool! ALWAYS... or snap on or other great brand... because if it breaks, which they might... you can take it back, and no questions asked... get a new one!
Get a craftsman tool! ALWAYS... or snap on or other great brand... because if it breaks, which they might... you can take it back, and no questions asked... get a new one!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
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From: San Francisco, CA
Re: What are the "must have" tools (cookin1979)
For years I worked without a compressor and tools. Now I can't imagine not having it. I am not a pro like some others here, so it gives me confidence that I can tackle bigger jobs without getting stuck on rusty bolts etc. For me, again not a pro, the basic sears 20 gallon compressor (noisy ) along with a few basic tools (approx. total cost $450) is quite adequate.