Mechanic Tools

[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


• 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


• 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


• 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


• 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....481&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