What are the minimal tools I would need to perform work on a car and what would you recommend for these products. I know Ill need a jack, jackstands, and other things. I need to know how much I should be looking to spend b/c if I am going to get serious about it I need the proper tools. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

Socket set, both metric and standard
Wrench set, both metric and standard
torque wrench (or you can do the "eh, thats tight enought") j/k
exntension Magnet (for when you drop bolts)
Screwdriver set
some pliers dont hurt


Really depends on what kind of work you want to be doing, but those are basic tools people use everyday.

 

What kind of work? and if you dont know what kind of tools you need then i dunno if you should be doing the work.

 

You could take the standard "buy it when you need it" approach. The only problem with this is that you typically only need the tool once every few years, so you end up being inconvenienced by having to go somewhere to get a tool without having the use of your car, then you have a tool you won't use again for 2 years. But at least the next time, you'll have it, if you can find it.

 

Hammer, duct tape, and WD-40

Really depends on what type of work you would do yourself and what kind of car. However best tool for working on cars I have ever purchased is a multimeter.

 

Universal flex sockets sets of 7
Crows feet set of 10
Full 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 extension sets with universal joints
Many different angle pliers and vice grips
Torque wrench
Crow / Pry bar
2 arm puller set
3 arm puller set

Are fairly essential.
Plus all your sockets shallow and deep (6point) and wrenches

Flare nut wrenches if u your doing brakes


Reversible ratchet wrenches with offsets are nice..
Or dog bone ratchet wrenches if you wanna save money
or self ratcheting wrenchs (gearwrench brand)
These ones save a lot of time in tight places.

Dont need a breaker bar cuz u can double up wrenches

 

duct tape, zip ties, hammer...if that is you are going to be working on a dsm. actally part of my front bumper is held on by zip ties.

I agree with saying....if you don't know what type of tools that you need.....maybe you should reconsider working on your car. Or maybe have a Mentor..or someone who is willing to teach you how, or maybe just over look to make sure you arnt screwing anything up. Its great that you want to do your own work, but it would really suck if it was at the cost of an engine.

One of the best ways to learn it figuring it out for yourself and by trial and error. Just if you are ever in doubt ask first.

As far as tools....just a good mechanics set will do for now. then you will pick up many miscellaneous items over time. Just make sure you have a set that has your 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive with metric and standard up to a decent size. That should get you pretty far for awhile. Oh and doubling up wrenches does not always work for me (me=weaking) so I got a huge breaker bar from home depo for under 4 bucks. It also works nice as a hammer at times, or a weapon

 

You can never have too many tools. Best game plan is to buy them as you need them and they will last forever.

 

Why would he need metric for an Asian car?

This is 2003 its mostly metric now..

You can take a Asian car aprt with just about a 10mm,12mm,14mm,17mm,19,mm
Socket/wrenches/screw drivers


Go to Sear and buy the metric craftman set its like $25. for 8? wrenches you will need the most..

Dont buy tool speice by peice unless its a odd ball size you will only use in a great moon..