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Re: Tools Posted by Justin VanAbrahams [Email] (#32) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Justin VanAbrahams) on Fri, 6 Jan 2006 05:30:32 In Reply to: Tools, Bill in Texas, Thu, 5 Jan 2006 13:15:16 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I have always purchased the Lisle brand of torx bits, usually from Sears. They've been totally dependable, even when over-extended on an electric impact wrench. :) Speaking of, Eastwood Co. now has a 1/2" drive impact-quality torx set which is pretty reasonably priced, and their warranty and service is pretty darned solid.
Other than that, it's all standard hand-tools - most things can be accomplished with a 1/4" or 3/8" ratches, a good select of short and deep throat sockets, and box wrenches. Assuming you're not getting into heavy duty stuff regularly, you're pretty much set as long as you've got these tools in 7-19mm sizes. About the only one that isn't normally used is 18mm I think. You'll need some extensions (wobble ones are nice, but not at the exclusion of non-wobbles) and some universal joints as well.
If you're getting into heavier duty stuff (yanking engines, etc.) you're also going to want to have a good sized breaker bar, and a few 1/2" drive sockets - 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, 23mm (steering wheel, I think). Also, you'll want some big sockets - 27mm and 32mm. After that, you can get by pretty handily with an assortment of adapters - 3/8"->1/2", vice versa, etc. to make the most of your collection. I'd also include a decent digital multimeter in here - they are invaluable for troubleshooting everything from bad components to screwy fuel injection issues. A good enough one can be had cheap from Sears or Radio Shack.
Also: You are absolutely going to want box wrenches for the fuel filter. I believe you need 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, and 27mm, but don't quote me on that - someone will know. The two big ones are pretty non-standard, and likely the fuel filter is the only place you'll ever use them. Never used anything adjustable here, or you'll live to regret it.
One final thought: The common stuff you'll do just fine at Sears. For the less common stuff (fuel filter wrenches, giant sockets, et al) I would not hesitate for an instant to source from somewhere ultra-cheap like Harbor Freight. These tools will be used so infrequently and are big and generally overbuilt anyway you're probably better off saving the money. Of course, keep these one-off tools in a separate toolbox so nobody can see your shame. :)
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