Probably in the wrong forum, but w/e I'm trying to put together a box o' tools, to work on my car / other handystufftypestuff, but don't really have any idea what all I need. So far, I've got: - Metric wrenches, 7-17mm - Metric sockets, 7-17mm - two spark plug wrenches (came w/ the sockets, haven't checked to see if they work on scooby plugs) - assortment of screwdrivers (std. & phillips) - car ramps - the torx bit for my transmission plug What all am I missing? I know I need to pick up an oil filter cap wrench (stupid EL exhaust manifold), and a hammer of some sort, but past that... I'm stumped. Thanks!
Yes, this. I just picked up a couple of these from Home Depot and use them all the time. Money well spent.
Make sure you get some good extensions, and swivels are always nice too. Deep and shallow well sockets?
For handy dandy things I like Mirror/magnet on a stick, crows feet wrenches have saved me, flashlight or cordless shoplight, a few zip ties near by are helpful as well as a bucket or container of random nuts bolts washers etc....
Stereo? TV s0n! I need a fridge out there too but that can wait. Everything mentioned is good. I'd also add a creeper, stool, and vise grips/channel locks. Stock up on scrap 2x4's and longer pipes too, they always seem to come in handy. Doesn't hurt to have a couple/few torque wrenches (I use 3/4", 1/2", and in/lb).
I've found it extremely handy to have 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 inch drive socket sets (smaller ratchet head etc. fits in tigher spaces), and the more extensions you can afford the better. Flex sockets come in handy too. A headlamp (one you wear on you're head) comes in handy too.
Six point sockets are a must. Twelve pt sockets come in handy sometimes, but I only use them when absolutely necessary. Axle nuts are 32mm. A fair amount of suspension stuff needs a 19mm.
a good set of punches will come in really handy when doing any work like changing ball joints or CV axels. and if you rally cross a lot you will probably need to change those things eventually. wire cutter/strippers is a must as well. as is a soldering gun.
even a 18-21mm comes in handy. there are a few larger bolts on the car in the framing areas. ratcheting wrenches are awesome couple of screwdrivers for interior pieces, clamps, and such PB blaster, shop rags, oil pans
here.. what else do you need... http://www.denlorstools.com/autoblog/2008/06/tool-box-with-a-built-in-stereo-and-refrigerator-cool/
OK.. not sure what your budget is.. but you could set up a really good toolbox for under $2500.... sounds like a chunk of change.. but I have been using my first set-up for almost 4 yrs as a business owner and as a basic tech now.. (this one though is closer to about $4000) here is a couple of pics of my current setup... I will see if I have the list of costs for it all too... my wife has a budget we are using and she has an excel worksheet with it all on there that I have spent so far.... some of it isnt in the toolbox and is stuff like a drop saw, bench grinder, etc... 1st toolbox currently used everyday at the dealership... all 3 pieces cost me a total of about $1200 then added tools... beauty of setting up a home handy toolbox is you can go Harbor Freight or Northern Tool for your air tools etc as unless you are beating on them daily they will work well enough.. View attachment 12193 cant find any pics I have of my current one at work... but it has the top box and side box as well... 2nd box at home with some tools so far... View attachment 12194 View attachment 12195 View attachment 12196 View attachment 12197 View attachment 12198 View attachment 12199 View attachment 12200 this isnt a complete setup... still a work in progress just decided I have enough for basic stuff till I get my house done... now to find you the list and what I have paid so far... View attachment 12201
I am still throwing around these.. a kit with the 3/8 and 1/2 in is about $600 with extra batteries.. may go ahead with it anyways... but I do have a compressor so hmmmm....
The more you can spend on a toolbox the better. craigslist has some deals once in a while. the cheap ones don't compare to ones like matco and such. invest in a decent set of ratcheting wrenches and a regular set of combination wrenches. if you are using jackstands having two of each is huge, especially when one ratchets.
do a season of autox or rallyx with tire swapping and a cordless becomes the greatest invention ever.
while this is very true... try getting one of the sizes I have for under $3-4K... I spent $1000 on a toolbox and the rest of that money on tools, and have been able to successfully work as a full time tech for 4 yrs now... why spend all your money on a toolbox... unless you are some amazingly talented nascar mechanic...
