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

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....

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.


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

[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!!!