Mechanic Tools

[jeckt]

Hi! i'm pretty new to this forum and i have to say this is one of the best forums i've seen around :thumbsup:

I'm still in school and getting my Ps soon but i won't be getting my car until the HSC is over (parents) but when i get my car i'd like to work on it myself.

I've done searches but none of them seemed to have answered my question...all i wanted to know is what mechanical tools would i need to do the following operations:

*Maintenance (changing oils, timing belt, etc)
*Changing brakes, clutch, etc
*Bolt on modifications (CAI, exhaust, headers, etc)
*Engine rebuilds (not going to be able to do it with my experience but i'd still like to know)

i just wanna know what tools generally so i can start fiddling with my car when i get it

anyways sorry for the long post and thank you!!

[SiReal]

Tools which I've found are handy during my DIY days (and still going are):

- 1/2 drive and 3/8 drive socket sets in metric units - good brands such as Kinchrome, sidchrome and possibly even stanley. Don't buy cheap sets.

- Ring spanner sets and general spanners in metric once again.

- A Rubber mallet/hammer is handy sometimes too

- General pliers

All the above really apply to suspension (which i've done by myself) but will most probably apply to other mods.

As for engine rebuilds, thats pretty specialist.

[dudeling7]

a good socket set is one of the most useful things ever imo!

and other general things as sireal said.

Also Jackstands and a hydraulic jack are Very usefull!

[SiReal]

what he said as well ^^^^. car ramps might come in handy as well.

[Sydsyd]

just adding...u might also need jacks (hydraulic recommended), jack stands, screwdriver sets (usually comes with the tools), breaker bar, drill set and also some DIY things like funnel and hose for changing and filling oils...and a lot of elbow grease and raw power to pull out things that stuck....:thumbsup:

see the DIY section, u might have an idea on the general things used in all those DIYs...

[aaronng]

I prefer a 1/2" and 1/4" drive socket set. I use Sidchrome, #19130, which is about $118-119 at Bunnings.
http://www.justtools.com.au/images/19130.jpg

With it, you can do all your usual oil changes, spark plug checking and stuff. Add to it a 19mm 1/2" socket with a supercheap auto $15 breaker bar to remove your lug nuts, that completes a basic kit that does oil changes, little itty bitty parts in the engine bay as well as your brake calipers (including caliper bracket). Add a $20 hammer impact driver and a metal hammer to remove the set screws from the rotor and you're able to change your own discs, pads and calipers. Get a set of spanners in metric as they are useful for when you don't have space to fit in a socket ratchet.

If you plan to do manual transmission fluid changes, get a cheap 3/8" ratchet. The 3/8" fits directly into the drain bolt on the transmission case.

Having said all this, you MUST get jack stands and a reasonable jack that is able to jack the car high enough to fit the stands on. Never go underneath the car without jack stands supporting the car up.

For suspension, you'll want an impact driver (air or battery powered). Alternatively, you can use a good breaker bar if you have enough clearance to fit it in the wheel well.

[SiReal]

when i did my sussy, i used raw muscle power from a 1/2 drive ratchet + breaker. boy did they hurt for the next few days after.

edit: in regard to the below comment, I gained more muscle and a greater sense of satisfaction ;) hehe

[aaronng]

^^ Do it smart. Hurting yourself is not smart. HEHE...

[Sydsyd]

Having said all this, you MUST get jack stands and a reasonable jack that is able to jack the car high enough to fit the stands on. Never go underneath the car without jack stands supporting the car up.


i agree on this...and in addition, make sure u can fit under the car or get a mate that can fit under the car...i actually fit under the car with jack stands but unfortunately once got stuck between the chassis and concrete while i was lying sideways lol:p

[preludacris]

what you guys rekn of the brand supertools, i got a socket set but yaeh , i was really after a kinchrome one..., i thought supertools would be good enuff tho?

[Sydsyd]

my tools are motosport...got them from kmart...they're not bad, although not as good as kinchrome or sidchrome...but they do the job nonetheless...just use ur tools till it breaks, then get kinchrome or sidchrome for the next ones:)

[Rice_4_life]

Just get the cheap basic stuff from local kmart, super cheap auto, ect. if you are just going to be doing little jobs here and there, no point spending big and only using once in a couple months.
A hammer is a MUST!!!

[aaronng]

Which one's supertools?

[EG5[KRT]]

id get a good light.. i..e a lead light or a portable led light

also a multimeter and timing light

[aaronng]

Just get the cheap basic stuff from local kmart, super cheap auto, ect. if you are just going to be doing little jobs here and there, no point spending big and only using once in a couple months.
A hammer is a MUST!!!

NO! Never cheap out on socket sets. If you are pulling hard on a ratchet and your socket or ratchet breaks, sending the socket into your face, you will regret it forever! If you round out a bolt that is tight on your car, you'll regret it too (not forever, but probably for a week or 2).

And hammers are only used to drive impact drivers. Using a hammer on the ratchet can cause damage.

Seriously, if you are using a socket set only for cosmetic parts like ground cables, then go for a cheap $7 42 piece set. If you will be doing engine oil, transmission fluid and brake pads, spend upwards of $100 on a good 30-40 piece one. 1/2" is good, but for most applications other than suspension and engine, a 3/8" drive set will be sufficient too while giving you extra manuverability due to its smaller size.

[jeckt]

woah...in such a short amount of time and i got question answered just like that, thanks guys!! can't wait till i'm able to actually use these tools on my car when i get it

[aaronng]

woah...in such a short amount of time and i got question answered just like that, thanks guys!! can't wait till i'm able to actually use these tools on my car when i get it

If you have any questions, do post it up here before buying. Better to get a good set at the first go rather than a crappy or incomplete set and then having to buy the extra parts to fill the gaps. And buying the parts separately is not cheap. A 1/2" ratchet alone costs $50. And each socket is about $5-10. So when you add up the price of a 30 piece set, it is much cheaper to buy it as a set rather than add parts individually.

[Rice_4_life]

I wasn't actually sure of his intentions with the tools, but yeah, you get what you paid for. As for me I pay good $$$ and invest in Snap on tools, I'm sure Sid krome and other brands aren't all that bad but Snap on I found to be great.

[aaronng]

The only ones who buy snap on are apprentices who will be totally focused in this line of work. Plus, they get a rebate on the price of the tools being an apprentice. For normal DIYers who won't be doing this for a living (like me), kinchrome and sidchrome are good enough.

[Rice_4_life]

^ true that :P though I won't be fixing cars for a living, only there for some experience. I feel like a fat kid in a candy store everytime the snap on man comes round :P

[egSi]

for fluid swaps dont forget a good funnel, and drip tray/pan for the old oil and maybe an oil filter spanner :thumbsup:

[aaronng]

^^ funnel from discount store (they even have clutch resevoir sized funnels for 50 cents!). Oil tray from super cheap, and oil filter spanner from Honda.

[jeckt]

With all the respones i'd like to thank everyone! And i've come up with a checklist on what i should get roughly and here it is - if there is something i wouldn't need or am missing please tell me thank you!!

----------------------------------------------------
Sidchrome 37pce Combo Socket Set 1/4" & 1/2" #19130 (Lifetime warranty!)
----------------------------------------------------

• 7 Metric 1/4" drive 6 Pt Sockets 4 to 10mm
• 8 Metric 1/2" drive 12 Pt Sockets 10 to 17mm
• 7 A/F 1/4" drive 6 Pt Sockets 3/16 to 3/8"
• 7 A/F 1/2" drive 12 Pt Sockets 3/8 to 3/4"
• 2 A/F 1/" drive Spark Plug Skts 5/8 & 13/16"
• 1 Ratchet 1/4" drive
• 2 Extensions 1/4" drive 50 & 150mm
• 1 Ratchet 1/2" drive
• 2 Extensions 1/2" drive 65 & 125mm

• 3/8" ratchet
• 19mm 1/2" Socket
• Breaker Bar
• Hammer Impact Driver
• Impact Driver (air/battery powered)
• Spanner Set (Metric)
• Screwdriver Set (Metric)
• Pilers Set
• Drill Set
• Pocket Knife
• Jack Stands
• Jack/Hydraulic
• Oil Filter Spanner
• Oil Tray
• Funnel
• Multimeter
• Timing Light
• Light

[Drew]

Just get a basic socket set if you plan on doing a bit of odd work here and there

If you want quality tools you are almost always better to stay clear of complete sets, normally they are cheap crap.

Something like SnapOn or Power Built is pretty decent.

Most common sizes you will need for a Honda is 10, 12, 14, 15 and 17mm Time to time you will need 19mm for removing the likes of the seat belts and sometimes the suspension might use a 19mm somewhere along the time

If you have a lowered car don't get ramps, my Accord Wagon in stock height can make it up ramps without planks of wood.

But do get a decent hydraulic jack not a cheap super cheap one if you value your fingers.
Good axle stands are a must! NEVER EVER rely on the jack to hold up the car when you are working on it... NEVER!

Just really start our with the basics like I said; then buy more tools when you need or break them.

[EG30]

Get sets of quality socket sets in 3/8" drive and 1/4" drive as a start in that order. Get a set of 1/2" drive later on if you intend to R & R engines and gearboxs etc, though not a bad idea to get a breaker bar and 19mm ( or whatever size your wheelnut size is ) socket for your Honda.

If you only ever intend to work on Japanese, German, Korean and Japanese cars you don't need non Metric tools and save yourself some $ there. I don't have a single non Metric tool in my collection bar the spark plug sockets and intend to keep it that way.

Next you want a quality set of spanners in say combination style ie open on one end and ring on other say from 7mm to 21 or 22mm. 24, 27 and 32mm are optional but I doubt you would ever use them many times esp in the beginning. 32mm used commonly in fan coupling nuts in some Euro cars.

A set of quality screwdrivers in Philiips, Flat and optionally Pozidrive when you start off. If you intend to work on Saabs you need Torx screwdrivers as they use them everywhere and not just the non user-servicable parts.

Tools follow you forever unless you lose them so buy the only the things you need at 1st and buy the best you can afford for the most often used handtools.

IMHO the best tools ( not nec the most $$$ either ) are:

3/8" drive: Snap on

1/4" drive: Hazet ( snap on quite wobbly and nothing special considered the price )

Spanners: Stahlwillie ( not shiny chromed finish so no bling here, but has very good grip on your hand with thin ring walls and very reasonably priced )

Screwdriver: PB Baumann

If you are on a budget, tools commonly sold via mobile trucks directly to workshops such as Teng Tools/KC Tools/Kinchrome are solid, dependable if not the most precise, well finished or original in design but they do offer a good warranty.

[jeckt]

Once again great input, well i was thinking...i'm going to start by buying these tools listed below - please give your opinions

Kincrome SOCKET SET 1/4 & 3/8DR 39PCE. #KI13530P
4246

• 9 Metric Sockets 1/4” Sq. Drive:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12mm

• 9 AF Sockets 1/4” Sq. Drive:
3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2”

• 9 Metric Sockets 3/8” Sq. Drive:
8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19mm

• 7 AF Sockets 3/8” Sq. Drive:
3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4”

• 5 Accessories:
1 Spinner Handle 1/4” Sq. Drive
1 Adaptor 1/4”(M) x 3/8”(F)
1 Ratchet Handle 3/8” Sq. Drive
1 Spark Plug Socket 16mm (5/8”) 3/8” Sq. Drive
1 Extension 75mm (3”) 3/8” Sq. Drive

Price: $99.00

With this:
Sidchrome 20pce Metric Socket Set 1/2". #14208
4245

• 15 Metric 1/2" drive 12 Pt Sockets 8 to 22mm .
• 2 A/F 1/2" drive Spark Plug Skts 5/8 & 13/16" .
• 1 Ratchet 1/2" drive.
• 1 Extension 1/2" drive 125mm.
• 1 Adjustable Offset Handle 1/2" drive 220mm.

Price: $118.50

Total Cost: $217.50

Is this a wise choice to go? btw the prices are from:
http://www.transquip.com.au

[aaronng]

Once again great input, well i was thinking...i'm going to start by buying these tools listed below - please give your opinions

Kincrome SOCKET SET 1/4 & 3/8DR 39PCE. #KI13530P
4246

• 9 Metric Sockets 1/4” Sq. Drive:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12mm

• 9 AF Sockets 1/4” Sq. Drive:
3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2”

• 9 Metric Sockets 3/8” Sq. Drive:
8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19mm

• 7 AF Sockets 3/8” Sq. Drive:
3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4”

• 5 Accessories:
1 Spinner Handle 1/4” Sq. Drive
1 Adaptor 1/4”(M) x 3/8”(F)
1 Ratchet Handle 3/8” Sq. Drive
1 Spark Plug Socket 16mm (5/8”) 3/8” Sq. Drive
1 Extension 75mm (3”) 3/8” Sq. Drive

Price: $99.00

With this:
Sidchrome 20pce Metric Socket Set 1/2". #14208
4245

• 15 Metric 1/2" drive 12 Pt Sockets 8 to 22mm .
• 2 A/F 1/2" drive Spark Plug Skts 5/8 & 13/16" .
• 1 Ratchet 1/2" drive.
• 1 Extension 1/2" drive 125mm.
• 1 Adjustable Offset Handle 1/2" drive 220mm.

Price: $118.50

Total Cost: $217.50

Is this a wise choice to go? btw the prices are from:
http://www.transquip.com.au

No, it's not a wise choice. Go for this instead to start off:
http://www.transquip.com.au/product.aspx?ID=2481&PARENT=296

It will cover everything. If you are already going 1/2", you don't need 3/8" unless you are working in tight spaces, which is not that often. Add to this a supercheap 3/8" ratchet handle just for your transmission drain plug and you're set.

[kyle]

get a quality torque wrench. Don't buy the shit supertools one either.

[jeckt]

thanks aaronng for the suggestion i think i'll go with what you just suggested to start off with!!

[aaronng]

thanks aaronng for the suggestion i think i'll go with what you just suggested to start off with!!

What I like about the set I listed is that you get both 1/4" and 1/2" ratchet handles (the set you listed only comes with a 3/8" ratchet, no 1/4"). Second, it has universal joints in both 1/2" and 1/4" sizes. Great for tight spaces where the ratchet handle/extension has to be at an angle. It also comes with both 5/8" and 13/16" spark plug sockets. The 2 sets you listed would have gotten you a 5/8" in 3/8" drive and a 5/8" and 13/16" in 1/2" drive, which means you would have a duplicate spark plug socket.

The only thing that the KI13547P set doesn't have is an adjustable offset handle... Plus it has those screwdriver bits that you'll rarely use (better to have a good proper screwdriver).

Oh, and remember to get a breaker bar. Check both Kinchrome and Sidchrome if you want to spend. Otherwise, for just the rims, a supercheap one is alright (but I wouldn't use it for suspension parts)

[jeckt]

i can't seem to find the kincrome or sidchrome breaker bar, if someone knows where i can buy one please post the link - plus what breaker bar size and drive would i need

sorry for all the questions that i've been asking and thanks for the input! i think that's all i need for now

[aaronng]

i can't seem to find the kincrome or sidchrome breaker bar, if someone knows where i can buy one please post the link - plus what breaker bar size and drive would i need

sorry for all the questions that i've been asking and thanks for the input! i think that's all i need for now

Bunnings sells the Sidchrome one. Totaltools will have them too.

[aaronng]

Don't we have ANOTHER older more complete tools post?? Maybe someone could link him to it.
If I remember, that thread was more about brand vs brand.

[aaronng]

Here's the thread that Claymore was referring to: http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51945

[jeckt]

yeah fanx claymore nd aaronng for the link but i already read that thread before creating this one, just that the other thread wasn't clear enough for me so yeah now i'm all set thanks anyways!

[preludacris]

my supertools from autobarn is going alright atm. needed a breaker bar tho. Im not too confident with the ratchet handle with the supertools one tho ... would have prefered a kincrome or something

the breaker bar i got is just repco brand. and i rekn has been extreeemmly useful . i thought it wasnt necessary at the start, but yeah , i thought wrong. been awesome in helping to fit my coilovers

[aaronng]

The brand that Repco sells actually isn't cheap. I'd say it's the same or even more expensive than Sidchrome!

[Mr_will]

NO! Never cheap out on socket sets. If you are pulling hard on a ratchet and your socket or ratchet breaks, sending the socket into your face, you will regret it forever! If you round out a bolt that is tight on your car, you'll regret it too (not forever, but probably for a week or 2).


this is what happens when you buy cheap shitty sockets.

they break. then the handle has a party with your face, and it ends up like this.



buy good sockets.

[ECU-MAN]

ouch !!!!!


um if your a natral with ****ups, you can still do that.

seen some dude knock him self out with a nice big bar. their was nothing wrong with the tool. :) its how you use them :)

[destrukshn]

ouch !!!!!


um if your a natral with ****ups, you can still do that.

seen some dude knock him self out with a nice big bar. their was nothing wrong with the tool. :) its how you use them :)
right, pull/push the breaker bar/rachet or whatever your use, away from you, not towards you.
lol

[aaronng]

right, pull/push the breaker bar/rachet or whatever your use, away from you, not towards you.
lol

Yup! And I still LOL at ppl struggling to pull up the breaker bar to loosen their wheel nuts when all they need to do is fip the bar 180 degrees and put your body weight on it. No sweat!

[SiReal]

slipping sockets = syd trying to fit adams cusco bar. when the socket slipped , the reaction was everyone = "woah woah watch out syd!!!" haha.

[kraiye]

Hi! i'm pretty new to this forum and i have to say this is one of the best forums i've seen around :thumbsup:

I'm still in school and getting my Ps soon but i won't be getting my car until the HSC is over (parents) but when i get my car i'd like to work on it myself.

I've done searches but none of them seemed to have answered my question...all i wanted to know is what mechanical tools would i need to do the following operations:

*Maintenance (changing oils, timing belt, etc)
*Changing brakes, clutch, etc
*Bolt on modifications (CAI, exhaust, headers, etc)
*Engine rebuilds (not going to be able to do it with my experience but i'd still like to know)

i just wanna know what tools generally so i can start fiddling with my car when i get it

anyways sorry for the long post and thank you!!

If you wanna do timing belt changes buy some dumbells! you'll need to buff up to get the crank pulley bolt off! lol

[jeckt]

lol dw i got dumbells at home - should be getting buff up right now while i'm waiting eh =P!

[kraiye]

^^ true
wel, dumbells or beer, take your pick!

oops! ur still under age... better go with the dumbells :p:thumbsup:

[Sir_vtec]

Bump for an old dog!


Guys im in search for a air compressor that will help me undo the axel nut with a 1/2" air gun. How many hp should i be looking at to getting the axel nut off ease? i was recommended with a 2.5 hp air compressor. is this enough? whats a good brand one?

Lastly, i notice some of u boys got 2 foot breaker bars. where the fark u guys getting these. i ve tried bunnings and ur usual autostores. no luck.

[aaronng]

Lastly, i notice some of u boys got 2 foot breaker bars. where the fark u guys getting these. i ve tried bunnings and ur usual autostores. no luck.
Get it from Bursons.
I got my Sidchrome one from Bunnings. When they scanned it, it wasn't in the system. So I think that they don't usually sell such a long breaker bar, but the supplier had shipped them the wrong item.

[Sir_vtec]

Legend. thanks aronng.

Any idea on air compressor?

[aaronng]

Legend. thanks aronng.

Any idea on air compressor?

Unfortunately, no. Because I don't have air tools at home. :(

[shadou]

don't go snap on, I bought one when and now I regret it, it could easily power a small garage. Although I did get a sweet ford model with the purchase that is really nicely detailed

[Paul1985]

I havent read all the posts but everyones saying get...
-sockets
-spanners
-hammers
-pliers/sidecutters/multigrips etc
-screwdrivers

By the time you buy all this and find storage for it all.... it will be fairly $$$.

IMO being an apprentice mechanic your best bet is to get one of the TFYT (Tools For Your Trade) kits that the auto tools stores offer. These are kits put together for apprentice mechanics (mechanic apprentices get a $800 government grant for tools when they begin their apprenticeship).

You usully get a decent toolbox with the tools everyone most have mentioned in it for around $1000 (add up the cost of all the individual tools and you will realise it isnt a bad offer). You can always go dearer with the kits to get a heap more in them. Most come with all the things mentioned above and have other things like chisels/centre punch/pin punches/shifters etc etc.

That kit along with a jack, and stands... You will be set. Then when doing jobs for the first time like oil change, buy a oil filter tool and funnel at the time, will only cost you $20 at the time and its yours to keep.

Another great thing to have is a pole about 1m in length that fits over your breaker bar/ratchet/spanner for getting those extra tight bolts. I use my jack handle for this. You would be truely amazed at how often you need to use it. Leverage FTW.

Another thing that you would use all the time would be a lead light, justs a cheap one for like $10 from supercheap is fine aslong as you dont throw it around and be rough and smash it. It's all i use.

I am an apprentice mechanic and i built my project car up in my home garage with these tools.

Tools are not cheap you know..

Other things, depending on what you do that may be handy are things such as:
-cordless drill
-4" angle grinder
-bench vice
-files (cheap ones are pathetic)

Also, a bag of rags is very handy, get them from any auto store for like $5 or cut up your old clothes/towels etc...

[trism]

^^post is win


with regards to air compressors, i bought my old man one from supercheap like, 2 years ago, was 200 bucks and its still sweet

it does what you need, powers a rattle gun, pumps tyres up, and does spray jobs

[squish85]

use a long hollow pole on a decent length wrench...

[vinnY]

bunnings actually sell an aluminium pole for like $8 which slips over my breaker bar and i can crack those axle nuts easy :)

[fatboyz39]

get a 1' drive breaker bar.

[dsp26]

Paul1985... most here would agree with you but most backyard/at home mechs here build their collection as they go on an as needed basis.

Btw 2 foot breaker bar from supercheap was like $30 from memory pretty strong.. ended up breaking good quality sockets trying to remove the nut from the rear subframe and didn't realise it was welded lol.


bunnings actually sell an aluminium pole for like $8 which slips over my breaker bar and i can crack those axle nuts easy :)
yeah those ones are pretty strong... was gonna get one till i found a demolished steel street sign at some street.. managed to salvage a good
1.5m out of it via grinding lol.. this slips perfectly over my 2foot breaker bar

[dsp26]

anyone know of where i can get the cheapest set of ratchet spanners? those things are a ****ing boon for tight spots.

basically i don't need it to be sturdy or overly strong.. just enough for me to be able to get a bolt on in tight spaces just before finger tight and tighten with a proper spanner.

[trism]

supercheap auto

repco

ive seen ratchet spanners there

[Sm0ked]

the BEST thing to do, is buy tools with lifetime warranty. it breaks, you get a new one.
easy! forever!

also VERY useful tools for servicing=
flexible hoseclamp screwdriver
http://www.springmasters.com/sp/images/flexible-hose-clamp-screwdrivers.jpg
vacuum hose and fuel line removal tool, works like pliers but backwards and sideways lol
http://www.usatoolwarehouse.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000003/otc-4522.gif
mini air ratchel tool, very useful
http://matcotools.com/ProductImages/mt1840.jpg
and 1 more lol- rounded nut removers
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BXBACXBJL.jpg

those are some of the tools that can make life ALOT easier for the beginner mechanic
also,, im not recommending that particular brand, just an example

edit again,, sorry for long post lol but has anyone ever used an indexable ratchet?
http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/pitt%20indexable%20ratchet.jpg

[Sir_vtec]

^^post is win


with regards to air compressors, i bought my old man one from supercheap like, 2 years ago, was 200 bucks and its still sweet

it does what you need, powers a rattle gun, pumps tyres up, and does spray jobs

How many hp was it if u could remember? Have u used it to undo axel nuts?

[Sm0ked]

electric standard pumps can only go to like 10 amps from a powerpoint so probably a maximum of 2.75 or 3hp

easily enough

[kraiye]

broke 2 spanners and a socket wrench on a nut on the suspension so i was like "f*k this i'll get you!!!"
drove down to supercheap, picked up a 2hp comp. and tool kit, got home and fired it up. took a little bit - like about 20 seconds of "blat-blat" - and the sucker was off!
now every time i work on the car the first thing i do is fire up the compressor. lol
best investment.

[squish85]

Compressors and tool kits are best left to experienced mechanics who know the approximate amount of force to apply to each different bolt on the car. E.g. Each bolt on the car has different tolerances and re-torque specifications. You could either break a bolt causing it be stuck, or not tightening it enough for road use.. (correct me if i'm wrong.. but u can't measure torque on a air gun or whatever u call it)

p.s: Not implying that anyone don't have the experience.. some people do..

[Sir_vtec]

im sure most users here have common sense on when to use the air gun and when to hand tighten or loosen it.

Air compressors are so handy when ur undoing those rusty large bolts that are in the under carriage, and the freaken axel nut.

Yeh i agree kraiye top investment for those who can afford it.

[kraiye]

^^
cheap as chips on special y0!! :)
and i NEVER use it to tighten a bolt/nut!!!!! (got a torque wrench for that one ;))

[Sir_vtec]

^^
cheap as chips on special y0!! :)
and i NEVER use it to tighten a bolt/nut!!!!! (got a torque wrench for that one ;))

Decent air compressor + air gun + air hose + hose fittings equal= Around $300 bucks if on special at super cheap.

Compare this to a Sidchrome 750mm breaker bar which i brought today for $85. Its not cheap as chips. :(

Esp for a full time uni student who doesnt work much too.

[vinnY]

750mm? wheres this at? i need a long one myself, breaker bar that is ;)

[Sir_vtec]

HAHAHA vinny. I brought it at Liverpool Bursons on Hoxton Park Rd.

I had the choice of a 2 foot breaker bar but i choose the 2 1/2 foot one.

[Benson]

just ordered 3/4' TL breaker bar....big enough to take off those 32mm axle nuts!

[Paul1985]

With torques and air guns, claymore is right.
You can purchase whats called a torque stick. We have them at work, they are a like a real long thin socket. They are supposed to work by reducing the torque (via the distance and/thickness of the stick i'm pretty sure). They are pre-set at a certain torque, ours are 135Nm and used for wheel nuts. I have used these before and checked the torque and they have been up around 160NM so they are not all that accurate. I'd be guessing the power output of the compressor/rattle gun would have a bit too do with it as well.

Rattle guns have there uses. I rarely use them even at work, i do use them for removing wheels and a small amount of other things. There is a feel to them though. I reckon if you had an old-timer mechanic and asked him to tighten some bolts to certain specs by hand and you then ran a break-away torque bar over them you would be surprised how close to spec they would get.

I removed my crank pulley and axle nuts with a sidchrome 1/2" breaker bar and an extension pole.

Sometimes if a bolt is really hard to crack and you cant get an extension on it, you can get it off with shock by hitting the spanner with a soft hammer. Not the greatest or recommended method, but it can sometimes help. You risk rounding the bolt/nut. Edit: do not attempt to loosen your axle nuts this way. I wouldnt use it on something with that much torque. More for something you cant get a breaker bar on which would normally crack it reasonably easy.

Most if not everything can be done without a air compressor for the DIY mechanic tools at home.