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Start with the basics
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Posted by Steve Schwedland [Email] (#2368) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Steve Schwedland) on Tue, 7 Dec 2004 11:35:55 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: New DIYer - What kind of tools do I need?, 1993 Turbo, Mon, 6 Dec 2004 23:09:11
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If you have never done much work yourself on cars, then I imagine the thought of replacing a head gasket is almost inconceivable to you. Over time you will hopefully realize that it's not really that difficult. However there are a LOT of little things that you can do yourself, with help from this board, that will save you a LOT of money.

First, get a Bentley manual. I have two Haynes manuals that have pissed me off so often that they are now used exclusively to raise my monitor up a couple of inches off my desk (and I need both of them for that).

While I do have a complete set of Craftsman wrenches and sockets in my garage, I don't think you need to go that far just yet. I have a basic toolkit (backpack actually) that I take to the local Pull-n-Save to get parts, nothing is very expensive. Here is what it contains:

- A basic 3/8" drive socket set. This has all the metric and standard sockets from 9mm up to 19mm and from 3/8 to 3/4 along with a spark plug socket and a short extension. Make sure it has the all the intermediate metric sizes (some cheaper sets skip some sizes). I got mine for $20 at Checker Auto Parts, stay away from the really cheap sets, they will bite you when you need them most.

- A set of metric wrenches, the set I got has every size from 7mm to 19mm, box on one end and open on the other. Again, stay way from the really cheap sets.

- A standard Phillips and slotted screwdriver. Generally, you don't need a complete set of screwdrivers since most screws on Saabs are torx head.

- Torx bit screwdriver set. I now use a couple of the torx screwdrivers that are part of the Saab toolkit that I found in wrecks. For your '93 you will need the following size bits: T-10, T-20, T-25 and T-30.

- 5mm and 6mm Allen wrenches.

- 7mm nut driver, for loosening/tightening the standard Saab hose clamps.

- 10" adjustable wrench, you might want to get a set of 3.

- Pliers. I would get a set of pliers that include needle nose and wire cutters.

- Vice grips, I have regular and needle nose. I use the needle nose vice grips more than I thought I ever would.

- Channel lock pliers. Again, I now use a set from a Saab toolkit that I found, they are indispensable.

- I recently added a 1/2" drive breaker bar, 6" extension and a set of sockets. I got a set of Stanley 1/2" drive metric sockets at Super WalMart (open 24 hrs) for a reasonable price (after I broke a Craftsman 17mm at 2 in the morning). You probably won't need this until you

- 2lb sledge hammer.

- Volt/Ohm meter. $10 on sale at Harbor Freight. Don't leave home without one.

On top of all this you will need a floor jack with jack stands. I got one for $20 on sale at Target. Never trust ANY floor jack, always use the jack stands and block the tires.

As you get more comfortable working on you Saab you will undoubtedly add more and better tools, but I think this will get you started. I always look to the people on this board for what tools I will need before I start on something I've never done. Usually a search of the archives will suffice, but don't be bashful about asking questions.

Good luck and have fun!

posted by 65.102.250...
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