I really don't have a lot of tools other than a basic toolkit. I want to find a toolset that I can use for my garage to work on both my car and my bike. So for all you garage monkeys, anyone have any suggestions of tool sets I should look at? I'd also like to get something that I can use to adjust the torque to a specific amount (torque wrench).

 

A good starting point would be a metric socket set. Get one that has both 3/8" and 1/2" drive. Unless you are prepared to get the adjustable "clicking" type of torque wrenches calibrated annually, get the beam type. Get one 3/8" drive going up to about 60 to 70 lb/ft. Another one being 1/2" drive going up as high as 200 lb/ft. The rest, you can get when they come on sale or when you know you need them.

 

Depending on your budget and connections...MAC/Snap-on, Craftsman/Husky, Stanley, or "Generic"...Many of us go the Craftsman route, and if it breaks, either replace it with the same (for free from Sears), or go up to the next level with Snap-on/MAC. You can also get some good deals on torque wrenches from Harbor Freight by the Milwaukee Airport off Layton Ave. Get a good 6-point set of Metric and Standard wreches and sockets (standard and deep), get some universals, and a set or two of extensions in all sizes, as well as some hex-key sockets (for brakes, and spark-plug cover) I also like the locking extensions for pulling spark-plugs. Other useful items are 18-20" breaker bars, 3/8" and 1/2" flex head ratchets, round-handle ratchets (so you can put a pipe on them), ratcheting wrenches, several sets of screwdrivers in all sizes, neon work light, various gaping tools, multimeter, several medium/large C-clamps (for brakes) and a tool-chest to organize everything. That's just for starters...then buy what you need as the job arises!

-Justin

 

craftsman is supposed to be very reliable but i have no experience with it. I bought a bunch from ace hardware, they all have a lifetime warranty.

Every piece I have is pretty good and nothing is yet to break.

Just buy a full metric set and i you dont want to spring for both types of sockets 1/2 or 3/4 then just get an adapter for anytime something comes up. Also get a beam type torque wrench because you can recalibrate it just by bending it back into place. Also i reccomend a hydraulic floor jack (the lever kind) , as well as 4 jackstands, an a breaker bar. I got lucky since the removable lever for the jack , fits prefectly onto the handle of the 1/2 ratchets i have.

 

wow great info. lol. i'm going to have to print this up and take it with me, because honestly, I have never taken the time to learn the specifics of the tools i've used. ironic, considering i've taken apart an entire B16 head. lol.

thanks for taking the time to respond, i appreciate it!

 

bang for the buck, craftmans is ok. some common sizes you will need are 8,10,12,14,17,19,22,23,26,32 & a few others. Also get a few swivels & extensions. makes life easier....... happy wrenching.........

 

don't buy a cheap socket set - you will regret it

I used to own a car shop, so i have a lot of the more expensive rare tools that the average modder doesn't need.

i have seen several people try to get by with cheap tools from ebay. all the cheap stuff sucks. the sockets wear out easily and loose grip the adapters break, the extensions break, they all break or rust.

the only cheap tool i have is a torque wrench because my expensive ones keep getting stolen. if you do buy a cheap click type torque wrench (<$50) go to sears and get it recalibrated every few months.

 

I have lots of tools out in the garage, but I haven't bought torque wrenches yet. I have always borrowed form friends when I needed them. I have been planning on buying them, so this thread has been informing. I would like to know where would you go to get torque wrenches calibrated? I will more than likely buy craftsman, so would I take it back to sears?

 

Matt also I use alot of SK stuff and like all other tools out there lifetime warranty, great fit and finish and I can get a great deal on the stuff.

 

You can get a decent beam/lever type torque wrench for like 45+ish and unless im a complete moron Im pretty sure you can calibrate it by just bending the beam back so it points to zero.