What Tools Do I NEED?
 

I'm just really getting into working on my truck and want to stop borrowing tools from my dad and neighbors. I was wondering what tools I'm really going to need when I'm working on it. I got a 263 peice Craftsman tool set for christmas and I have some other stuff, but was wondering what you guys would reccomend for me to add to my collection?

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

It all depends on what your planning on working on....

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

It all depends on what you want to do. I add tools as I need them. Doing a brake job? I buy the tools (provided I intend to do that job again in the future).
I think a torque wrench is mandatory.
An air compressor is really handy, as well as an impact, air ratchet, air chisel, etc.
A floor jack and QUALITY jack stands. The lighter the floor jack you can afford the better. The newer aluminum ones seem nice.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

What kind of torque wrench would you recomend?

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

I bought the cheap needle style, I was broke at the time. I would buy the kind that clicks if I could choose again. There are times when I am trying to torwue something down and can't get right on top of the needle to see what torque I am at. I only use my torque wrench for changing tires, so it's not that big of a deal. If I rebuild another engine I will definitely get a new torque wrench.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

i built up my tools by just buying as needed//and if i saw something i thought i'd need in the future i'd just wait till it went on sale

a factory dervice manual can give you an excellent run down of job specific tools as well as a load of info// it's about the best $25 tool you can buy

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

pry bars, ford wrench (aka big f'in hammer), jack, jack stands, and a drop light

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

GearWrench brand rachet wrenches...:metal:

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

What specific torque wrench should I look into for taking my wheels off?

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

dont use a torque wrench for takin them off only for putting them on

for just startin out look for a midpriced torque wrench and you'll be fine something that goes up to about 100-120footlbs should be ok

i think use of a torque wrench on stock steel wheels is way overrated

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

gallon of wd-40
ratchet wrenches
Craftsman A/C with impact wrench set
creeper and dolly seat
good LED or flourecent drop light
mechanics gloves and coveralls
safety glasses and ear protection
good 3+ ton jack stands and jack
sandwich bags and marker for when you remove bolts
camera to document your journey
grinder with cutoff wheel/sawzall

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

personally, I say a torque wrench is not needed. UNless you are in the engine, you'll never really need it.
Yes, I understand that every fastener has a specific torque value that it should be twisted to, however, it is way over rated to do it.
A set of 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/2 inch sockets and rachets are a great start, open/box combination wrenches, assorted screw drivers in flat and phillips, a couple hammers... but you probably already have that covered most likely.
A disk brake piston tool makes pad chainges super easy, and at less than 20 bucks at sears, an easy tool to afford, some pry bars are needed, although, I highly recomend NOT getting craftman's 3 footer... seen too many ppl bleed from them when they snap. The smaller ones are OK, but watch what you're doing.
A floor jack and stands are manditory. Cinder blocks crumble when you put cars on them, and you have too nice a driveway to be ripping up with them anyways. A wide 'shop type' floor jack is very nice, and well worth the money. Those little ones that fit behinde the seat...I've seen too many of them break, bend, fall over.... etc.
Safety glasses are a must, ear plugs.... ehh, if you get a compressor, then some good hearing protection is needed. But honestly, I think air tools may be jumping the gun a bit for you. It's a lot of money when you are just getting in the hoddy, and esp when in school.
A nice tool box that you can keep organized is important IMO... nothing worse than digging through 5 tote boxes to find the 1/4 inch drive 3/8 socket so you can drop the last 3 tranny pan bolts. (How many of us have been there?)
Your garage is poorly lit... and personally, that drop light you have was killin my eyes, but if it works good for you, great. I recomend one with a metal reflector instead of that orange plastic one. A good flash light is needed, a mag light is pretty cheap and is always needed aroun the house.
gear wrenches are really nice, I can't speak for that brand... but I know the nice ones are super expensive. check pawn shops and e-bay.
I'm sure I'll think about more later.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

Amen! Hands down the best thing I have ever added to my toolbox.

Just be sure to buy the GearWrench brand. My local Sears had the GearWrench brand 8 piece sets on sale (SAE & Metric) for $39 this past week ... I couldn't resist and picked up another set of each.
You can never have enough open end wrenches or 3/8" drive ratchets.

Also, do yourself a favor and buy good ratchets. The Craftsman sockets are ok, but their ratchets are junk ... or with much use will soon be. I like Proto ratchets, but that is just personal preference. Keep an eye on ebay for thing such as extension, speed handles, thumb wheels, etc. These seldom used things are often the first things sold off when things get slow and the pro-wrench needs some quick cash.

The standard clear-handled Craftsman screwdrivers are ok for a weekend warrior (like myself) but if you plan on using them more than often, then I would suggest the better Craftsman Professional series.

If you don't already have one, pick up a cheap digital camera. One of the best tools in the shop for disassembly. Take lots of pics, make notes and then refer back when it's time to reassemble. I don't do this as often as I should. Shame on me.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

Andy, since you came over I got a really bright halogen work light and a LED maglite since the garage is dark. I think I have enough sockets, ratchets, and wrenches for now. I think my list of things to buy will now include:
-GearWrench rachet wrenches
-3 or 4 ton jack and stands
-Pry bars
-Piston brake caliper tool (probably need new pads soon)
-Creeper
-Dewalt Drill and Sawzall
-Tool box
I think this will give me a real good start. Now I just need to work some extra hours to start buying stuff :lol: . Thanks for all of the ideas and keep them coming.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

:gi: I do have a digital camera and I will try to make sure and do this. I can get pretty forgetful about things so this will hopefully help. Thanks again Shane and Andy for the advice!

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

Sawzall is an essential tool that no man should be without.

4.5" angle grinder with a $5-10 attachment to let you use a sanding disc is good.

Next in line is a good drill.

Breaker bar.

If you're doing engine work, a GOOD torque wrench that does both inch lbs and foot lbs is vital.

Lowes, believe it or not, is a great place to shop for tools. Sometimes you can manage to score great deals here and there.

A rotary tool is a nice frivilous tool to have on hand. I would NOT buy cordless, just doesn't have the torque.

A Good flourescent (sp?) shop light with plug-in (ext cord) is wonderful.

A good set of drill bits is GREAT. I just bought a new titanium Dewalt set at Home Depot for $40 and it has every size I could want. Tools are important, but good accessories are just as important.

Don't buy generic tools or accessories, you'll suffer in the long run. Buy something you'll still be using in 5-10 years. Buy each tool like you will have it for that long.

A wire brush or two for your great new drill is a good idea.

I lilke Dewalt as a brand. I think they make fine tools at a great price point.

An Air compressor makes quick work of any project. It's important to buy a good one the first time around - the tools are cheap as hell. Craftsman (@ Sears) usually has setups where you spend $300 and get a 5-7pc tool set with the compressor. This is always a big plus. Compressor is expensive, tools for it are not.

When you start getting into compressors, don't forget to buy some teflon tape and some screw-in nipples to connect the tool to the hose.

Don't forget about safety. Spend $5 and get a pitcher full of earplugs.

This is everything that comes to mind to tell someone who is just getting started.

Best thing you can do is decide what kind of tasks you'll be doing on your truck and go from there. Doing wiring and electric? Get good wire cutters, some Klien strippers and a good set of crimpers (not one of those nasty multi-tool crimper POS tools). Doing body work? Get the compressor first. Doing suspension? Compressor first. Doing engine stuff? Get the torque wrench first, then think about the compressor. :)

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

PS - Sears has been having some blowout deals on their stacked Ball Bearing-shelf toolboxes lately - around $250 for three tiers of toolbox. I can find this setup for you if you want to see it (meanwhile keep an eye out in the sunday paper). Be sure the toolbox says "ball bearing" on it, the shelves take eons to wear out.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

hey man, I have an old snap on wooden body creeper you can have... I took it to the shop as a comunity type thing... but they won't use it, they insist on getting out everryone else's good creepers ($100 creepers) Mine has been getting locked up since one of the loosers ripped the headrest.
Anyways... I got you covered on a creeper.
Now, I may get flamed for this one, but... Harbod freight can save you some $$. There is one around the corner from here, and one up in your neck of the woods, but I don't know where. When walking through there tools, if you are interested in something, look at it, figure in your mind how it'll break. If it'll make you bleed when it goes, or kill something on your truck, then put it back. If it is a low stress tool that is seldom used, then go for it. I have a hand full of tools from there... and going by that mentality, NOTHING has bit me in the 12 bolt yet. I have a cut off wheel from there.. .a whopping 8 bucks, and it's been used 4 or 5 days each week, some times for hrs at a time, and it's been spinning for 4 years now. A lock plate depressor for later model GM columns... another 8 or 10 dollar piece... I had to modify it a bit, but it's lasted me 4 years also.
Pry bars? no... I saw a kid get cut up from them. Sockets, wrenches... no way. There impact sockets are OK if you have an old or low power impact, but for the high zoot new models (mine has over 700 pounds of torque) no way.
I agree about crafts man's screw drivers.. the see through handles ones are ok-ish. But, the money spent on the upgraded professional line is quite a bit better. However... look at the cost, and remember, they are both good forever. The professional line of rachets are cool... we have one on our service truck that is a few years old, and it feels nice, and works grerat. This may be right before there rachet quality went to the crapper though.
As for the box... a tote box like this;
http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/0...=2.56&fmt=jpeg will be needed for junk yard trips... plastic is much better than you'd think, but the handle will break off in a few years. The metal ones hold up, but they rust, and dent easily, plus the corners will snag your pants (or thigh) and rip them.
Tough call.
For the home box.. .this one is on sale right now;
http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/009H0120000
Black tool boxes look better IMO, but the real cool part, the neighborhood punks won't see it in the dark corner of the garage when you are working with the door up in the summer, and if they don't see it, they are less likely to break in at night and rip you off.
This sucker is on sale right now too... http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...Cabinet+Combos for $429. This is a set up with the bearings on the drawers. VERY nice upgrade. Come by my work sometime and I'll show you what a PITA non bearing boxes are... we have a dude with a box from the 70's... no bearings, it sucks.
Tool carts are nice too, and can hold a tote box for now if you can't swing 500 bucks for a box, if you go this route, get onewith the frame work like this;
http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00961882000
instead of this;
http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00961883000
You can see the top one is WAY stronger than the second one. The top one will last you years and years... the second one... I'd say you'd only get 3 or 4 years out of it. 've seen ppl take the top shalf, flip it upside down, and bolt down a 3 or 4 drawer tote box on it, mobilize all the common tools you would use.
But, as you can see, it is real easy toi get carried away.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

That box up there (three level black) Andy posted is the exact one I'm talking about. Keep an eye out the next few weeks. They regularly drop the price to near $350 - saw a two-tier (the top and bottom pieces) for $249 week of Christmas. Ball Bearing, too. Local circulars always show a better price.

Also, you can enroll in the "Craftsman tool club". It's free, do it at any sears. They send you a special catalog every 6-8 weeks with sick deals on things, and you get a member card that will knock 10-15% off of all purchases.

For budget tool shopping, don't forget about your local Craigslist - www.craigslist.org - pick your closest city over on the right-hand side and shop the tools section. Lots of deals in there from people who bought something, used it once, and are selling for half the price they paid because it's gathering dust.

Lowes often has display items and returned items for sale here, also. 30% off, no questions asked. Sometimes doesn't come with a box, but ... who cares ?! :D

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

To add my $0.02...I religously use wheel chocks whenever only one axle is in the air. I don't trust that thing from rolling off the stand(s) when part or all of me is under it.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

as far as spending $400-$500 on a tool box i'd really reccomend NOT //spend that money on actual tools that can do work// a couple of inexpensive tool boxes from home depot can hold alot of tools// having ball bearing roller shelves will never be as much of an advantage when doing a job as having a quality tool in your hand

cant ever have too many clamps i love clams all shapes and sizes

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

cdowns is right on the money.

Save your money for better tools, you can always buy the nicer box later. The good box doesn't do squat for whatever it is you're working on ... the tools do.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

Thanks again guys for all of the ideas. Andy, hopefully I can check out the creeper when I come over to "help" on your engine swap. I will try to get some more tools and maybe one of the ball bearing tool boxes for my birthday. I'm already a craftsman club member so that will help out on the price. Thanks again everyone!

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

I would normally agree with you guys on the toolbox - from a logic perspective it's true; but what happens when someone opens up that little toolbox or just runs off with it completely? :D Then there goes the little money you spent on the toolbox and your tools :D

But, good point. I'd buy some tools too. I'm giving suggestions based on a year of tool buying.

I didn't mention a jack and jackstands - both are pretty useful in the shop.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

The old mechanics I know have old worn out craftsman tool boxes, full of good quality tools, the young guys think that status is a high dollar box, unless you have the cash to spend, get a cheaper box, used is the way to go. I use dead blow hammers, they don't bounce and hit back. I also have a lot of the tools listed above and I thought I would buy what I thought I would need only to find out I needed something I didn't have, so get into the project and see what you need, find a pawn shop that has lots of used stuff, the warranty follows the tool not the owner. I have bought junk craftsman tools ant paid sears a visit and viola new tools. Start with the set you have you will be surprised at how much you can do with a few well chosen tools. I have a bunch I have bought and never used. BTW swivel sockets come in very handy.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

IF you are in the market for a sawzall and drill I would suggest milwaukee power tools. Their super sawzall is kick ass and can easily be found in pawnshops.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

my theory on toolboxes

if you have 100% of your tools on open display with a big shiney easy freewheelin cart and you get HIT you loose 100% of your tools you're left with ZERO

i have many small toolboxes "job specific" welding,soldering,electricial, hole saws, grinder assys, pullers ,clamps, files ,drill bits, bicycle,flathead,metric my 1/2" and 3/4" sockets and ratchets are kept apart from the 3/8 and 1/4 stuff wrenches are divided up into 3or4 seperate kits // a mojority of hand tools are in non removable drawers under the workbench// most of my smaller toolboxes are stored thruout the shop eith on shelves or in cabinets near thier workstations when stored they are always unlatched so that if somebody grabs them by the top handle everythging falls out// yes i can still be hit by thieves but i think the chances of me loosing 100% are alot less than having that big shiney ball bearing gizmo that does no work and just screams to a thief HERE HERE TAKE IT ALL

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

To each his own...I chalk it up to personal preference. I can see pros and cons either way, but let's be realistic here: If someone wants your tools, they're going to steal your tools. While smaller boxes are a great idea for portability, it takes just as long to steal 10 small boxes between two guys as it would for the same 2 guys to steal one large box with lots of tools in it. Bottom line: It's like what happens when you die - somebody gets your stuff. ;)

I'm far from rich, and I know I don't have money to blow on a $2000 Snap-on box like I see other guys doing (I think it's dumb, myself), so I bought the Sears doublestack/ball-bearing one for 1/10th of that price (around $250 w/tax).

Started out with a couple basic tools that I could get by using with brute force - hacksaw, ballpeen, mallet, set of screwdrivers (clear Craftsman ones), crappy drillbits and a tool set w/sockets, metric and standard open+box end wrenches. Got a hand-me-down drill from my dad (black n Decker POS, still running after 16 years).

Bought a jack and jackstands. Inherited a compressor, which I rarely use. Went to harbor frieght, bought some washer kits, assorted box of electrical connector ends, and I still had a good set of crimpers and strippers from working at the stereo install shops I did before getting a "real" career.

I do fine. Bought a Dremel (cordless), rarely use it, but it managed to cut my stock exhaust setup out of the truck. Bought the Sawzall (Dewalt) for about $40 more than the Dremel, got about ten times more use out of it. I would say, out of all my powertools, the sawzall has done more on my truck than any other tool I own - I cut out x-members with it, sawed off rivet heads, cut out the tranny hump....all kinds of stuff. However, I wish I would have known how much better a Jigsaw with metal bits worked on body panels :D

I've made it by fine at this point, and always had a place to store my tools that someone couldn't just pick up and run off with. If anyone tried to, I'd damn sure hear them rolling away with it or trying to pry/bust the lock to get it open and take the tools from it :D.

I appreciate the viewpoint, and get where you're coming from, but the price of a "real" box that will last you a lifetime and hold all the tools you buy in the next 4-5 years and then some is negligible. You could pay $50 more and get a compressor, which would be about the only other thing I would suggest.

I'd rather spend $250 on a large rolling box setup than $250 on a few decent smaller portable boxes.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

$2,000 SnapOn box? Apparently you haven't priced a SnapOn lately.

$2,000 will barely get you a SnapOn tackle box. :haha:

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

Sorry - saw one used (and mostly empty) going for that on Craigslist. I don't even want to know what they go for brand new :eek:

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

I didn't read all of the above but make sure you have these also: Vacuum gauge,timing light,electric multi-tester (digital),compression gauge,tire pressure gauge (a good dial one),dwell-tach if you have points (mine is included in the multi-tester),grease gun and USE it,oil filter wrench,funnel and oil basin for changing oil (often).

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

Sorry, didn't mean to sound rude in my last post. Anywhoo ... you don't want to know what a home-size "weekend warrior" model would go for. It's crazy what those boxes sell for. I can understand (kinda-sorta-not really) a Pro Wrench using this sort of box and paying these prices, but for home use it's absolutely INSANE.

I have some SnapOn tools (new & used - mostly used) that I have purchased on Ebay and at D.O.D. auctions, but I can honestly say that I don't see myself buying any of the "truck brands" brand new off the truck for home use. My home use would never justify the cost.

Here's a prime example. This same size box can be had at Sears for approx. $500-$600 for both pieces ... ok, so it doesn't have the fancy-shmancy Harley Davidson decals on it, but dang if I can't buy my own decals for the difference in the price.

Ebay Link

Here's another. Nice box, but I want something to keep my tools in, not my family heirlooms. Geez, I have driven used cars that cost less.

Ebay Link #2

Craftsman box in same size would cost ya less than $300 ... ya got me on this one ... it's less than $2K! :lol:

Ebay Link #3

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

Yikes. No thanks! I'd rather buy a new truck :D

I didn't take offense to your last post. I got where you were coming from. I don't think people always read your posts right, I usually have the same problem with mine :D

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

All great suggestion thus far! :)

My only addition would be a step drill bit set. I just got one for the first time a few months back...absolutely love them. They don't bite and grab like conventional bits, don't tear sheet metal, and you don't have to change bits or drill pilot holes. Big time saver IMO.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

Damn, I forgot to mention that, Jeff.

I got a great 3pc titanium "unibit" setup for $35 from Home Depot the other day also. I wish I would have had this when working on my frame. It is superb for boring out holes one size larger and it never will grab. I used it to mount my relocated tank a couple weeks ago. Best $35 ever spent on drill bits.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

I like them for the same reasons, also, you can chamfer the holes a little, looks great and cleans up the burrs perfectly (on the opposite side)

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

Great suggestions I would buy a telescoping magnet, mine has saved my a$$ more times than I can count, also I don't have to bend down as far to pick up that bolt. Also a good tap and die set has also saved me, broke off valve cover bolt in the head of a '63 chevy 6 cyl. Oh and easy outs. can ya'll tell nothing geos as smooth in reality as on paper?????

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

the debate above on a tool box raises some very good points, both for, and against a nice box.

I'll have to argue this point... when you have a decent craftsman box, that is only a year old, and only filled to 3/4 capacity, and the weight is making the floor on the bottom of the box sag... as in, the wheels are ripping up through the floor of the box... you'll start to like the quality of a high quality box. Yes, a nice box is damn expensive, however, you can still get deals. I paid 3200 for mine, it was used, I'd give it a 9 out of 10 on condition, it was about 3 years old. New it was closer to 7000, it was a repo, and I got it for just a littlemore than what the other cat owed. This didn't include the chopping block, the riser (hutch type cover) nor the locker on the right, I just got those allong with stainless covers for the drawers. Did I get ripped off? Ask me in 25 years when I still have this same box
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...6&d=1161982699
Would I ever tell someone at home to buy something like this? H*LL no.
The reason I recomend a decent box (like the sears ones I posted before)... you can have the best d@mn tools money can buy, but, if you can't locate them, they do you no good. When you are laying underneath the truck, holding the tail shaft of the tranny up with your left foot, kicking the crossmember back with your right foot, unscrewing the last 2 bolts on the bellhousing by hand, and one gets a little bound up to where you can't do it by hand anymore... and you tell your kid brother, your child, wife, girlfriend... whomever is in the room to grab a 9/16ths rachet wrench... it's a LOT easier to say, it's in the third drawer in the center... instead of saying it's in the silver box with the Summit sticker... no, not Jegs, Summit, dig for it in the bottom, it's in there somewhere...faster please, this tranny is heavy.

Yes, I exadurated a little, but you get the idea.
I worked side jobs at home, and on my own junk for 15 years or so out of stupid tote boxes... it was enough to make me want to never do another job again.

In the end, James will do what James will do. He'll either not be bothered with the multiple tote box idea, or he'll get sick of it and kick them across the garage, or start off with a little more than most of us started with. Even though he is still young, and in school... and by defult, doesn't have lots of money... I think most of us will agree, that this point of his life, he has more money to spend on himself. In 7 years, that $350 box may well be really far out of reach. Right now, it's just a couple weeks savings, and a little less snacking and no new CD's or computer games.

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

I started out with a 1/2" wrench, a 9/16" wrench, and a flat screw driver. I'll bet I could almost disassemble most of my truck with just that!

Now I have a lot more, I used to work in a shop doing motor rewind/welder/generator repair and all the guys there bought SnapOn from the truck. I bought a lot of SnapOn tools from them for pennies on the dollar when things got tight.

They used to laugh because I had $2,000.00 worth of tools I bought for $500.00 in a cheap tool box... I just smiled... I'll bet they have loans on new Z-71's even now... Some people never learn.

Rg

Re: What Tools Do I NEED?
 

I know you are right, I have (now) a snap-on box I bought used and 2 side Mac boxes also bought used, (and they are all full) but I started with the craftsman. I guess being at mid-life I see things from a perspective of what was good enough when I started and not trying to start where the older guys had attained to. I know the value of a good strong tool box, but for me I had to out grow the craftsman to justify the bigger stronger box. Then I also had the tools to put in it. I've seen a few young just out of school mechanics have to give over 1/2 their paycheck to the snap on man and had to borrow money for gas. If you can afford it get the biggest strongest box you can find, it will out last you. If you are on a tight budget lesser quality will suffice until you can save for the one you want. Personally I want the big snap on box like the one shown above, but there are other things I need to spend the $$$ on first. I'll get there just not today, sorry if I offended anyone, it certainly was not my intent. I guess we (or should I say I) have the problem of wanting more than just enough to get by, or we would not have much to talk about in this forum.