Tool Set: Where Do I Start?

Boyo · 08-06-2019, 02:52 PM

Being new to car DIY, I was wondering where to start to build my tool collection. I already have tools for home and PC DIY like screw drivers and Allen wrenches but I don't think they will be much use when it comes to sticking my head under the hood

What are the most common tools that you folks use?

tcphoto · 08-06-2019, 03:05 PM

I would go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a metric socket set in 1/2 drive, torq wrench, screw driver set along with floor jack, ramps and jack stands. Don't cheap out on tools because you'll have them forever and a low profile floor jack will save you a lot of aggravation. I bought a standard floor jack and it's probably my worst tool purchase ever.

Boyo · 08-06-2019, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcphoto

I would go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a metric socket set in 1/2 drive, torq wrench, screw driver set along with floor jack, ramps and jack stands. Don't cheap out on tools because you'll have them forever and a low profile floor jack will save you a lot of aggravation. I bought a standard floor jack and it's probably my worst tool purchase ever.

Any trusted quality entry brand you got on your mind? How about a breaker bar?

tcphoto · 08-06-2019, 04:07 PM

I think that I bought Husky at Home Depot. Yes to a breaker bar, I have one in the trunk along with a socket which replaces a lug wrench. I also added a compact tire inflator and a can of tire gunk in case of a flat.

Boyo · 08-06-2019, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcphoto

I think that I bought Husky at Home Depot. Yes to a breaker bar, I have one in the trunk along with a socket which replaces a lug wrench. I also added a compact tire inflator and a can of tire gunk in case of a flat.

Is this a good starter set?
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B009I4HRDW/..._2rGsDbRQ36Q1E

NoGuru · 08-07-2019, 06:50 AM

Best tool I own, https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-Cordl...gateway&sr=8-7

Boyo · 08-07-2019, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoGuru

Best tool I own, https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-Cordl...gateway&sr=8-7

ChrisFix recommended a similar one as well, I'll probably get one of these.

mweisdorfer · 08-10-2019, 08:43 AM

DEWALT DWMT75049 Mechanics Tools Set (192 Piece) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BHJE0J4..._yHStDbV02B7WJ

This would be a decent start. It's by no means an end all.

Sockets would be my first start. I bought a 176 piece craftsman socket set years ago. It has served me well. You will need 1/2 drive, 3/8 drive & 1/4 drive sockets, wrenches & extensions. A great set of torx, reverse torx & allen sockets too.

Wrenches would my next purchase. Get traditional wrenches & and ratcheting wrenches too. Off set & crows foots are always advised.

Last, you will need a small 1/4 drive torque wrench as well as a medium sized (3/8 drive) & 1/2 drive.

08-06-2019, 02:52 PM	#1
Boyo New Member 3 Rep 10 Posts Drives: Clio RS Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Poland iTrader: (0)	Tool Set: Where Do I Start? Being new to car DIY, I was wondering where to start to build my tool collection. I already have tools for home and PC DIY like screw drivers and Allen wrenches but I don't think they will be much use when it comes to sticking my head under the hood What are the most common tools that you folks use?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-06-2019, 03:05 PM	#2
tcphoto Brigadier General 3531 Rep 3,046 Posts Drives: E92 335i 6MT Coupe Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (1)	I would go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a metric socket set in 1/2 drive, torq wrench, screw driver set along with floor jack, ramps and jack stands. Don't cheap out on tools because you'll have them forever and a low profile floor jack will save you a lot of aggravation. I bought a standard floor jack and it's probably my worst tool purchase ever. __________________
	Appreciate 1 Boyo2.50 Quote

08-06-2019, 04:07 PM	#4
tcphoto Brigadier General 3531 Rep 3,046 Posts Drives: E92 335i 6MT Coupe Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (1)	I think that I bought Husky at Home Depot. Yes to a breaker bar, I have one in the trunk along with a socket which replaces a lug wrench. I also added a compact tire inflator and a can of tire gunk in case of a flat. __________________
	Appreciate 1 Boyo2.50 Quote

08-07-2019, 06:50 AM	#6
NoGuru Major 772 Rep 1,418 Posts Drives: 335is Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 Chevy Silverad ... [0.00] 2002 Jeep Cherokee [0.00] 2014 CTS [0.00] 2011 335is [0.00]	Best tool I own, https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-Cordl...gateway&sr=8-7 __________________ 2011 335is DCT BQ Tuning / BMS CAI / VRSF kittyless DP's / Synapse BOV and charge pipe / 7" VRSF Race FMIC / Walbro 535 and 450 on BMP4 / E90 tune / Diff Brace / PR Coils / Relocation Inlets / DAW Stage3+ Turbos / MMP port injection / xHP Stage 3 / FPR and -6 fuel lines
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-10-2019, 08:43 AM	#8
mweisdorfer Major General 1903 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 2007 Black/Black 335i e90 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Holly, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E90 335i [0.00] 2008 bmw x5 [0.00]	DEWALT DWMT75049 Mechanics Tools Set (192 Piece) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BHJE0J4..._yHStDbV02B7WJ This would be a decent start. It's by no means an end all. Sockets would be my first start. I bought a 176 piece craftsman socket set years ago. It has served me well. You will need 1/2 drive, 3/8 drive & 1/4 drive sockets, wrenches & extensions. A great set of torx, reverse torx & allen sockets too. Wrenches would my next purchase. Get traditional wrenches & and ratcheting wrenches too. Off set & crows foots are always advised. Last, you will need a small 1/4 drive torque wrench as well as a medium sized (3/8 drive) & 1/2 drive.
	Appreciate 1 Boyo2.50 Quote