Minimum Automotive Tools needed =?

[TXwaterdog]

I wanted to ask you guys what you think is the minimum amount of tools needed to maintain a car? I've found that changing an alternator/ waterpump really only needs a few tools. No need for an extensive kit. What are your views? What must item am I missing?

swapping out: Alternator, waterpump, starter, fuel pump, radiator hoses, fuel filter, sparkplugs, battery, fuses, air filter, oil changes, windshield wipers & ?





What I use on most DIY automotive projects:

Volt meter
magnetic tool
grabber tool
inspection mirror
headlamp
screw drivers, Phillips and regular.
Needle nose pliers
star key set
hex key set
feeler gauge (sparkplugs)
8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm sockets & boxed wrenches (ratcheting ones are best). Standard sizes might be better for you (10mm is the most used on mine).
*Ratchet, joint extension, multiple extensions, (I like the flex extention bars but sometimes they lack torque).
Socket Bit for power drill
Battery powered drill/ impact.
4way tire tool
Jack stands
4x4 block of wood (placed under scissor jack when lifting car)
Zipties


*Ratchet can be any length, it just needs to be sturdy and a good brand. (I put a piece of pipe over the handle if I need torque).


(joint extension) Vital piece to make it all work:


Decent set to start with ($160):http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941206000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

[grennels]

Better have a set of standard wrenches as well (3/16,1/4, 3/8, etc).

[Gambino]

.

[eugene]

Better have a set of standard wrenches as well (3/16,1/4, 3/8, etc).

Only if your car is really old. My first vehicle was a 1988 and I never needed standard wrenches, it was all metric by then.

[eugene]

Needed tools will differ depending on the vehicle so I made a little more comprehensive kit:


Started with a wrench roll, so I can store a set of wrenches and wrap them up tightly without rattling. Then wait for a good sale (after Christmas or after Fathers day when they clear out the special sets made for those holidays).
Then I bought a tool roll and a couple small socket sets, 1/4 and 3/8" drive. I then bought the longest breaker bar I could find and a socket to fit the lug nuts.
A wrench set and 3/8" drive socket set will do mostly everything and its cheaper to buy a whole set than a few individual wrenches or sockets.
So when I crawl under to drain my oil, I check the starter bolts to make sure I have sockets to fit, same with the alternator when I'm on top.
I found my caliper bolts took a big torx, had to go buy that one. So i drove around to a couple automotive stores and gave them the year and model and asked them to bring out one of each caliper bolts their computer listed until I found ones that had a normal hex head and replaced them so I didn't need that special torx bit.
few other things in my picture that are not vehicle maintenance specific such as the GHb and FAK in the bottom right, one of the zipper binders is maps, the other is a vehicle repair manual.

The rest in the tool roll has been handy, combo wire strippers/cutters/crimpers, extensions, the $5 handyhacksaw from ace hardware, screwdrivers, thin gloves, zip ties, etc.

[Illini Warrior]

Better have a set of standard wrenches as well (3/16,1/4, 3/8, etc).

Only if your car is really old. My first vehicle was a 1988 and I never needed standard wrenches, it was all metric by then.

Don't know about the other car brands but Ford has a mix between standard & metric .....

Noticed nobody mentioned specialty screw drivers like Torx ......

[MaconCJ7]

And, depending on the car, you may want to include a spare part or two. The 7.3L Power Stroke was notorious for shitty Crankshaft Position Sensors. As in, you'd be driving along all hunky-dory, and the truck would die on you, never to live again. But, if you had a spare CPS in your tool box with a 10mm socket, you could be back on the road in about 10 minutes.

[Murgatroy]

I have a Toyota. As such I need a 10mm wrench to do anything. Anything complex requires a 12mm.

On occasion I have used a 14mm. Once or twice I needed a 17mm and a 19mm.

When I do the axles, I need a 30mm socket.

I keep a comprehensive toolkit in my car, but I have never used a standard socket or wrench on it, and I have built it from the ground up twice.





It depends on what you drive.

[KJ4VOV]

Needed tools will differ depending on the vehicle so I made a little more comprehensive kit:

Started with a wrench roll, so I can store a set of wrenches and wrap them up tightly without rattling. Then wait for a good sale (after Christmas or after Fathers day when they clear out the special sets made for those holidays).
Then I bought a tool roll and a couple small socket sets, 1/4 and 3/8" drive. I then bought the longest breaker bar I could find and a socket to fit the lug nuts.
A wrench set and 3/8" drive socket set will do mostly everything and its cheaper to buy a whole set than a few individual wrenches or sockets.
So when I crawl under to drain my oil, I check the starter bolts to make sure I have sockets to fit, same with the alternator when I'm on top.
I found my caliper bolts took a big torx, had to go buy that one. So i drove around to a couple automotive stores and gave them the year and model and asked them to bring out one of each caliper bolts their computer listed until I found ones that had a normal hex head and replaced them so I didn't need that special torx bit.
few other things in my picture that are not vehicle maintenance specific such as the GHb and FAK in the bottom right, one of the zipper binders is maps, the other is a vehicle repair manual.

The rest in the tool roll has been handy, combo wire strippers/cutters/crimpers, extensions, the $5 handyhacksaw from ace hardware, screwdrivers, thin gloves, zip ties, etc.

Maybe I'm just dense tonight (long day), but I don't get the highlighted part up there. You say you bought the torx bit, but then you went and changed the caliper bolts so you wouldn't need it? Why, if you already bought it?

[hdandb]

E-sockets are getting more popular I've noticed. Everybody else mentioned the basics, MM wrenches and sockets.

I'm one of those guys that when I have a project to do and don't have the proper tool but need the proper tool I go and buy the proper tool. As a matter of fact I have a hardcore tune-up coming up on my sister's 4Runner and may buy some flare wrenches this time. Never needed them before so a new set of tools may be in my future, wish me luck.

FWIW*** also I'm not affliated with Rock Auto in ANY way, but,

they have great deals with super fast shipping. I saved over, over, a $100 with them vs O'Riellys or Advanced. That included shipping all the stuff. If you have a project coming up try out RA first before buying.

[williaty]

Professional mechanic's opinion:

Like all things automotive, the only accurate answer is "It Depends.".

Here's what I mean: what do you define as "maintain"? Really, a modern car will only need its fluids, air filter, and spark plugs changed on a regular basis as preventative maintenance. To do that for, as an example, a 2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS, you would need:

• 17mm box wrench
• T70 socket - 1/2" drive
• 3" extension - 1/2" drive
• Breaker bar (18" or longer) - 1/2" drive
• 5/16" spark plug socket - 3/8" drive
• 3" extension - 3/8" drive
• Thin profile flex head ratchet - 3/8" Drive
• Ramps to elevate the car
• 8mm combo wrench
• 10mm combo wrench

Seriously, that's it for PM on that car. Other imports are going to be similar.


Now, if you want to go up to "I want to be able to do my own brakes and struts", you basically need to add:

• Full set of 12-point, modern profile combo wrenches from 8mm to 22mm
• Full set of 6-point sockets in modern profile from 8mm to 32mm (some will be 3/8" drive some will be 1/2" drive)
• A handful of screwdrivers
• A couple of C-clamps (to retract brake pistons)
• Spring compressor

Again, that's it. If you want to make most of the basic things easy or quick, you'll need 5 times that much stuff.


Now, if you want to be ready for all the stuff that can semi-reasonably go wrong with a car... well... I'm up to 12,000lbs of tools and rising every month.

[eugene]

Needed tools will differ depending on the vehicle so I made a little more comprehensive kit:

Started with a wrench roll, so I can store a set of wrenches and wrap them up tightly without rattling. Then wait for a good sale (after Christmas or after Fathers day when they clear out the special sets made for those holidays).
Then I bought a tool roll and a couple small socket sets, 1/4 and 3/8" drive. I then bought the longest breaker bar I could find and a socket to fit the lug nuts.
A wrench set and 3/8" drive socket set will do mostly everything and its cheaper to buy a whole set than a few individual wrenches or sockets.
So when I crawl under to drain my oil, I check the starter bolts to make sure I have sockets to fit, same with the alternator when I'm on top.
I found my caliper bolts took a big torx, had to go buy that one. So i drove around to a couple automotive stores and gave them the year and model and asked them to bring out one of each caliper bolts their computer listed until I found ones that had a normal hex head and replaced them so I didn't need that special torx bit.
few other things in my picture that are not vehicle maintenance specific such as the GHb and FAK in the bottom right, one of the zipper binders is maps, the other is a vehicle repair manual.

The rest in the tool roll has been handy, combo wire strippers/cutters/crimpers, extensions, the $5 handyhacksaw from ace hardware, screwdrivers, thin gloves, zip ties, etc.

Maybe I'm just dense tonight (long day), but I don't get the highlighted part up there. You say you bought the torx bit, but then you went and changed the caliper bolts so you wouldn't need it? Why, if you already bought it?

If I were to loose or break that special bit then I'm stuck. With normal hex head bolts if I break the socket I can still use a wrench or vise versa. I have multiple ways to get at normal hex head bolts.

[44Dave]

Don't forget duct tape, useful for (temporary) hose repairs.

[Chase The hero]

and electrical tape. Good for temporary electronics and windshield wiper fixes. out of all my tools though, i probably use my 10mm wrench and my crescent wrench. I also keep a bunch of standard/phillips/torx/hex screwdrivers, a set of standard and metric wrenches, a socket and ratcet set (metric and standard), duct tape, spare oil and other fluids, a shovel, 2 jacks, a hayes manual, extra fuses, road flares, jump cables and a bunch of ratcheting tow straps.

[KJ4VOV]

Don't forget duct tape, useful for (temporary) hose repairs.

Good luck with that. Hot coolant + duct tape = complete mess of non-sticky tape.

[44Dave]

Don't forget duct tape, useful for (temporary) hose repairs.

Good luck with that. Hot coolant + duct tape = complete mess of non-sticky tape.

Got me across 2 states.

[crypto]

Don't forget duct tape, useful for (temporary) hose repairs.

Good luck with that. Hot coolant + duct tape = complete mess of non-sticky tape.

Not entirely true. I've done numerous successful short-term hose repairs using duct tape AND A HOSE CLAMP ON EITHER END OF THE HOLE


If you use the hose clamps to hold the repair together you end up with a functional hose that has a really ugly and disturbing looking tape blister.

[KJ4VOV]

Don't forget duct tape, useful for (temporary) hose repairs.

Good luck with that. Hot coolant + duct tape = complete mess of non-sticky tape.

Got me across 2 states.

You've had better luck with it than I have then.

[KJ4VOV]

Don't forget duct tape, useful for (temporary) hose repairs.

Good luck with that. Hot coolant + duct tape = complete mess of non-sticky tape.

Not entirely true. I've done numerous successful short-term hose repairs using duct tape AND A HOSE CLAMP ON EITHER END OF THE HOLE


If you use the hose clamps to hold the repair together you end up with a functional hose that has a really ugly and disturbing looking tape blister.

Yes, with clamps it'll work pretty well. But just duct tape by itself? Nope, I've never had any luck with that at all.

[crypto]

Don't forget duct tape, useful for (temporary) hose repairs.

Good luck with that. Hot coolant + duct tape = complete mess of non-sticky tape.

Not entirely true. I've done numerous successful short-term hose repairs using duct tape AND A HOSE CLAMP ON EITHER END OF THE HOLE


If you use the hose clamps to hold the repair together you end up with a functional hose that has a really ugly and disturbing looking tape blister.

Yes, with clamps it'll work pretty well. But just duct tape by itself? Nope, I've never had any luck with that at all.

Duct-tape makes a reasonably waterproof bond provided you apply it absolutely dry. Its not the sort of thing that works if anything is wet, at all.

[whisk.e.rebellion]

I'd ditch the voltmeter for a multimeter. Checking ground and continuity and amperage is, I've found, more important than checking voltage.

[crypto]

I'm almost sure he means a multimeter, its hard to find an actual volt meter.

However, you asshole, you can always just measure voltage drop on something you suspect having a bad ground or shorting.

[sicsiksix]

Started with a wrench roll, so I can store a set of wrenches and wrap them up tightly without rattling. Then wait for a good sale (after Christmas or after Fathers day when they clear out the special sets made for those holidays).
Then I bought a tool roll and a couple small socket sets, 1/4 and 3/8" drive. I then bought the longest breaker bar I could find and a socket to fit the lug nuts.
A wrench set and 3/8" drive socket set will do mostly everything and its cheaper to buy a whole set than a few individual wrenches or sockets.
So when I crawl under to drain my oil, I check the starter bolts to make sure I have sockets to fit, same with the alternator when I'm on top.
I found my caliper bolts took a big torx, had to go buy that one. So i drove around to a couple automotive stores and gave them the year and model and asked them to bring out one of each caliper bolts their computer listed until I found ones that had a normal hex head and replaced them so I didn't need that special torx bit.
few other things in my picture that are not vehicle maintenance specific such as the GHb and FAK in the bottom right, one of the zipper binders is maps, the other is a vehicle repair manual.

Not really a bad idea changing those caliper pins out, GM locktite's the shit outta them. Cant even count how many bits I've snapped pullin apart rear calipers on chevys (mainly because I'm lazy and use an impact on em). Then again I buy snap-on so they get warrantied once a week.

Whats up with the toilet seat?

[jamoni]

Interesting question, and I think the only real way to find out is trial and error.
No matter what tools I have (and I have a LOT), whenever I get a new vehicle, I end up needing something new.
So what I do is start out with a basic kit, and add specialty tools as I go.
My basic kit is my mechanical tool bag that I use at home and at work. It contains, in no particular order:
Ratcheting screwdriver kit, with regular sized bits and smaller precision bits. Torx, phillips, flathead, and hex.
Crescent spud wrench
Small and large needlenose pliers
Small and large phillips screwdrivers
2 Channel Lock "awesome wrenches. http://www.amazon.com/Channellock-Code- ... B001BPYPOK Do yourself a favor and buy a couple.
Set of Metric and Standard nutdrivers.
Small torpedo level
Hammer
Tin snips
Large, medium, and small vice grips
2 pair small needlenose vice grips
Fine and coarse tooth half round files
Rat tail file
Needle files
Large and small wire cutting dikes
12" Bolt cutters
Leather work gloves
Pack of Irwin utility blades. No other brand is worth buying, BTW. Won't break, won't bend, stay sharp.
Metric and Standard Gear Wrench Quadbox: Again, do yourself a favor and buy these: http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/wrenc ... g/quadbox/
Metric and standard combination wrenches
Large and small channel locks
Set of folding Allen Wrenches, metric, standard, and torx
1/4, 1/2, and 3/8 ratchets, with metric and standard shortwell and deepwell sockets
25' tape measure
Husky utility knife
Several small and medium crescent wrenches
Pen, pencil, Sharpie
Dental picks
Tapered and straight drifts
center punch
cold chisel
Several flashlights and a headlamp

As I said, this is my work bag. I often have to lend tools to my climbers, so there is a lot of overlap.
One thing I like to do is organize everything in small tool envelopes. Husky makes some good ones. This way, I can have specialty tools in the car, at home, etc, that can be plopped into the main bag as needed. I have a car bag, an electrical bag (multimeter, connectors, electrical tape, wire, soldering kit, etc etc.). It also lets me find tools quickly in the dark, since I always put everything back in the same spots or envelopes.
In the car, I keep an emergency box with pump, plug kit, jack, towchains, shovel, etc.)
Still, the basic bag gets most things done with no muss, no fuss.

EDIT: forgot to mention: BUY QUALITY!!!!! A tool that breaks when you need it is worse than useless, it's dangerous. Think of your tools as lifesaving equipment, and budget accordingly.