I've done an engine swap and am yet to buy one

 

Low Entry Trolley Jack so it goes under anything else you might buy, like an Exige (this from bitter experience.....)

Axle Stands - don't work on a car supported by a trolley jack.

A Socket set For general use you want at minimum a socket set similar to this - watch for the different drive measurements when you buy sockets, generally 1/4" will suit most automotove needs.

Breaker bar - for loosening that really tight nut holding the caliper on, or the wheelnut the tyre fitter put on with an impact gun - again, watch for drive or buy an adapter (many breakers come with a 1/2" drive).

Coppaslip or similar - to grease the back of the pads.

Clamp for pushing back the piston.

Screwdrivers and spanners as suggested above. Torque wrench is optional, I always use mine to re-torque the wheelnuts after a garage or tyre fitter has used an impact gun to put the wheels back on, but it's not strictly necessary (if you do buy one, check it covers the torque values you intend to use it for and again, watch the drive size).

 

Hammer & pry bars are essential for 99% of the jobs on a car so don't get get them

 

I reckon you should start with:
G Clamp,
12/13 open ended spanner,
Adjustable spanner,
Hammer,
Large flat bladed screwdriver,
Honda jack and wheelbrace,

The comfy mat to sit on, overalls, gloves, 130piece socket set, snap on cabinet etc are nice to haves....
Build your toolkit slowly and buy quality - it will last - tools made out of 'monkey metal' won't and will cost you in rounded nuts and burred over screw heads in the long term!

 

Mark,

Fantastic, thank you very much

 

[QUOTE=MarkB,Nov 13 2008, 09:39 AM]Low Entry Trolley Jack so it goes under anything else you might buy, like an Exige (this from bitter experience.....)

Axle Stands - don't work on a car supported by a trolley jack.

A Socket set For general use you want at minimum a socket set similar to this - watch for the different drive measurements when you buy sockets, generally 1/4" will suit most automotove needs.

Breaker bar - for loosening that really tight nut holding the caliper on, or the wheelnut the tyre fitter put on with an impact gun - again, watch for drive or buy an adapter (many breakers come with a 1/2" drive).

Coppaslip or similar - to grease the back of the pads.

Clamp for pushing back the piston.

Screwdrivers and spanners as suggested above.

 

Look out for secondhand tools, some great Facom / Snap On bargains in FreeAds and eBay.

Steve.

 

Buy a mid priced tool set that has all the fiddly bits and bobs included that you'll use once or twice.

Then if and when the items you use a lot break, buy high quality replacements.

I bought a cheapish halfords socket set 10 years ago and some cheap halfords spanners (made by Dormer in those days). One socket has broken since then and i've worn out a ratchet.

Not worth spending huge money on tools if your only going to use them occasionally.

MarkB's suggestion of buying a low trolley jack is very sensible. Unless i'm on dead flat ground i have to use the OEM jack to lift the car 10mm or so to get my trolley jack under the jacking point.

 

You're right, I meant 3/8 - it's a long time since I bought sockets

 

Good thinking - overalls mean you have one set of clothes for car stuff, gloves because there are all sorts of nasties in oil and brake dust and a mat has been invaluable for me - I actually use a For Sale board, that corrugated plastic is easy to slide about on under the car and keeps me insulated from cold concrete in the winter.

Also, echo what people say about quality tools, they last a lifetime if you get the right ones, but it's easy to waste money on stuff you use once a decade.