Hand Tools: What do you really need?

[slashbinslashbash]

Background: We have a 96 Suburban and 97 and 99 Saturn SL's. I am just now starting to learn to maintain vehicles myself. I have Haynes manuals for the Suburban and the Saturns.

I purchased the Suburban recently (330k miles, but only 50k on rebuilt engine and trans) and want to restore/refresh it (new carpets, paint, upholstery etc.) if I can get the mechanicals all working correctly to the point that I feel comfortable throwing a couple of thousand bucks at aesthetics. Current problem is a P0300 code (random cylinder misfire) that I'm chasing down. I have it narrowed down to the distributor (cap + rotor, plugs and wires already replaced), fuel pump (need to buy a fuel pressure gauge) or fuel injectors (thinking about doing the MPFI spider replacement).

The 97 Saturn is running great but has 250k miles on the original engine and manual trans. The 99 Saturn likely needs a new head gasket and is currently pretty much undriveable due to overheating. My plan is to get the Suburban working, then move on to the 99 Saturn.

Dedication level: Once everything is working, I don't see myself spending a lot more time on this stuff as a hobby. However, I plan on keeping these vehicles a while and know that there will always be stuff that breaks down. I want to be comfortable with doing pretty much any repair myself, short of rebuilding an engine or transmission. I probably will want to stop short of buying a compressor and air tools just for the sake of garage space. I know that will put some limits on things, and I'm fine with that.

Question: What tools do I really need for all this? I already have a pretty good quality 3/8" socket set (Stanley, I think 50-60 pieces) and extenders, u-joints etc. to go with it. However, they are all just the standard depth sockets. (I do have a spark plug socket.) I am lacking in the wrench department -- only a set of 5 SAE and 5 metric combo wrenches. My screwdrivers are some combo/socketed types, no dedicated big/small or anything like that. I just purchased an Actron CP9180 scan tool which does real-time scanning as well as reading codes.

I am debating buying a big "mechanic's set" like the 260 piece Craftsman set currently available at Sears.com for $180 (here, regular price $300). However, it looks like it has a lot of duplication with what I've already got (standard sockets) and maybe has too much stuff that I won't really find necessary (deep sockets). However it does have a LOT of wrenches and, looking at Craftsman wrench sets on their own I think I'd be paying around $120 for just a metric and SAE set to match what's in this big set. Also this set doesn't have any dedicated screwdrivers. It comes in a reasonably big 3-drawer toolbox with cutouts for everything, but the whole toolbox is made of plastic. The $300 283 piece kit (here, regular price $400) comes with a much nicer metal toolbox and a few extra screwdrivers. I don't know if I'd just be better off getting the cheaper kit, a $60 toolbox and a screwdriver set. On the other hand, the toolbox in the nicer kit has drawer organizers to keep all the sockets in place and organized.

So, some of my questions:
*Is it worth it to get a big floor-standing wheeled toolbox? I see some of these huge toolboxes and have a hard time imagining what would require so many drawers.
*How often do you use 1/2" sockets as compared with the 3/8" sockets? (assuming no major suspension or drivetrain work)
*Same question for deep sockets vs. standard depth sockets.
*Is there any reason to prefer 12-point or 6-point sockets for general use? Looking at the Craftsman sets, they've both got full sets of sockets in both 6-point and 12-point.... seems like a bit of a waste to me! I can see the use of 12-point box wrenches, but a huge number of 12-point sockets seems kind of excessive.
*Is it worth spending a lot of money on a floor jack, or will one of the $60 ones do just fine? (I already have Harbor Freight 3-ton jackstands)
*Working on 1996+ GM vehicles, will a metric wrench set get me by, or should I spring for an SAE set too?

In general, what's the sweet spot for buying tools? I'm willing to pay for quality and/or quantity if I need it, but I've been able to do a lot so far with just my relatively limited socket set and the few wrenches I've got. What's got me looking at these kits is my need for more combination wrenches. Looking around at Sears, it seems like the $200-$300 kits are pretty much the sweet spot. Any more than that and you're looking at pro-level stuff, and any below that seems kind of limited. However, on the other hand, there is a huge cost efficiency in buying everything at once.... the prices on individual wrenches, sockets etc. are ridiculous, and if I bought everything piecemeal then I would easily end up spending a lot more.

In computer terms, I am looking at buying the equivalent of a Core i3 or i5. Bang for buck. Not the absolute best, but not crap either.

 

[jlee]

*Is it worth it to get a big floor-standing wheeled toolbox? I see some of these huge toolboxes and have a hard time imagining what would require so many drawers.

If you have the money and room, they're awesome. I bought one last year (after years without one). Not necessary, but helpful.

*How often do you use 1/2" sockets as compared with the 3/8" sockets? (assuming no major suspension or drivetrain work)

Whenever the fastener I need to work with is big enough that I can use a 1/2" socket on it.

*Same question for deep sockets vs. standard depth sockets.

Again, same answer - whenever you run into a situation requiring one. Hard to say how often exactly, but when you need one, you can't make do with a short one. You can (usually) use a deep-well in place of a standard socket, but typically you'll have a standard socket in the same size anyway (due to duplication within the set).

*Is there any reason to prefer 12-point or 6-point sockets for general use?

Some head bolts are 12pt. For general use, 6pt is fine.

Looking at the Craftsman sets, they've both got full sets of sockets in both 6-point and 12-point.... seems like a bit of a waste to me! I can see the use of 12-point box wrenches, but a huge number of 12-point sockets seems kind of excessive.

That's how my main socket set is too.

*Is it worth spending a lot of money on a floor jack, or will one of the $60 ones do just fine? (I already have Harbor Freight 3-ton jackstands)

I have a $99-from-Sears jack/stand/etc package (plus a few more jackstands). A cheap one should be fine.

*Working on 1996+ GM vehicles, will a metric wrench set get me by, or should I spring for an SAE set too?

No idea on that, but a large set will probably come with both.

You typically get the best deal by purchasing the biggest package. I started with a small 3/8" socket set, and then bought a ~$150 set with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" drive (as well as wrenches and hex keys). Next was a large wrench set, metric/SAE. Since then, I've purchased things on an as-needed basis...i.e., t-handle hex keys, individual sockets (for axle nuts), breaker bar (then a 3/4" breaker bar after we broke two 1/2"...), 1/2" extensions, etc. I did splurge on offset ratcheting wrenches and several sets of Gearwrenches (stubby and regular). They're awesome.

Duplication is not a bad thing - sometimes you'll need to hold something on both ends in order to work with it, and sometimes that requires two of the same tool (though you might be able to get by with a ratchet / wrench combination, sometimes you're best off with two wrenches/etc).

So.., I guess buy what you can afford now, then buy things when you need them. Keep an eye on sales - I didn't "need" Gearwrench sets, but they were 50% off so I picked up a few.

I don't see how not using air tools will be much of a limitation - sure they can be helpful, but there's not much that you can't do with a breaker bar and a pipe.

 

[angry hampster]

Just spend ~$150 on a Craftsman mechanics' set. Buy other tools as the need comes up for them.


Also, you *WILL* find need for deep sockets. If you don't have them, you will be pissed when you do need them.

 

[BlackTigers]

Nice socket set.
1/4", 3/8", 1/2" - SAE and Metric. Normal and deep. 6pt preferred.

Screwdrivers
Make sure you have long, short, small, fat...the stubby ones are very nice.

Allen Wrenches
BFH

Box end wrenches. -- Get 6pt, but the ratcheting ones are very nice. My favorite tools.

Oh, and make sure the jack you're using has a removable handle so you can slip it on top of your ratchets

 

[Gillbot]

jlee covered most of it.

What i've done is, over the years as I need a tool I go get it unless the "set" was reasonable in price. Now, it's rare that I get into a situation that I don't have the tool I need. I did have to upgrade toolboxes a few times though!

 

[LordMorpheus]

jlee covered most of it. The only thing I have to add is that you will need various specialty tools for different jobs (snap ring pliers, spark plug wire boot pliers, etc.). All of these are things you will use probably once a year or less - I tend to buy them from Harbor Freight for a few dollars a piece, and have had good luck so far. If I was a mechanic, I would spring for nicer tools, but for the stuff you'll use only rarely, HF is fine.

I'd recommend you get yourself a half-inch drive breaker bar, though. I need to get one - I hate using my torque wrench to do stuff that I should be using a breaker bar for.

As for the jack + jackstands. I'm pretty sure I have the same set as jlee from Sears. Cheap is fine, but I would read reviews and make sure it's not also crappy - general opinion of the Craftsman jacks that have the speedy-lift feature or whatever (it raises really fast until it's under load) is really poor, which is why I bought the one I did (general opinion is positive). If you aren't stupid about it, a bum jack will never put you in danger, it just might not lift your car one day. Never let the jack support your car without a jackstand ready to take the weight if it needs to.

 

[HarryLui]

I have replaced engine, transmission, and other major parts, this is what I found.

Jacks and Jackstands = don't cheap out here. Get the biggest one you can afford. Not some small cheap one. You want it to be able to lift your Suburban and support it. Your life depends on them.

Hand tools for starter
10mm to 19mm wrench
3/8 8mm to 19mm 6 point sockets
1/2 10mm to 21mm 6 point sockets
3/8 to 1/2 ratchet
Extension
Breaker bar
adapters for 3/8 to 1/2 and 1/2 to 3/8

For the 3/8 socket, craftsman stuff is good. For the 1/2 inch sockets, I like the Harbor Freight set. Harbor freight's new 3/8 and 1/2 stuff is really nice.

Standard SAE tools are pretty useless on car. Don't buy any.

You do NOT want big tool set like 150 piece, as more than 3/4 of the package you'll never use.

I found 12 pts socket to be nothing but pain, by rounding off the 6 points bolt head. Avoid buying and using, unless the part you're fixing has a 12 pt head and you have to have a socket.

Deep socket is not really useful in 95% of the time you. Buy when needed.

Start small tool set and buy whatever tools you'll need later on, and you'll be set.

Buy a $200 tool set and never use 3/4 of the them is not smart.

 

[AMCRambler]

One of the more annoying things I've run into is they're starting to use Torx bolts and allen bolts on a lot of shit. When I get a new car and work on the brakes for the first time, I always end up going to down to the store and having to buy 2 or 3 more torx or allen sockets. What the hell was wrong with hex head bolts? Pain in the ass.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

One of the more annoying things I've run into is they're starting to use Torx bolts and allen bolts on a lot of shit. When I get a new car and work on the brakes for the first time, I always end up going to down to the store and having to buy 2 or 3 more torx or allen sockets. What the hell was wrong with hex head bolts? Pain in the ass.

They do it so you spend more money on tool.

 

[jlee]

jlee covered most of it.

What i've done is, over the years as I need a tool I go get it unless the "set" was reasonable in price. Now, it's rare that I get into a situation that I don't have the tool I need. I did have to upgrade toolboxes a few times though!

Yep, that's exactly what I did...though as I typically buy tools that come in cases, I haven't "needed" a big toolbox. I broke down and bought one a year or two ago (massive sale). Well worth it.

One of the more annoying things I've run into is they're starting to use Torx bolts and allen bolts on a lot of shit. When I get a new car and work on the brakes for the first time, I always end up going to down to the store and having to buy 2 or 3 more torx or allen sockets. What the hell was wrong with hex head bolts? Pain in the ass.

When I was working on my bike, I ended up buying a set of T-handle allen keys. Apparently Suzuki bikes use a lot of allen bolts.

 

[kornphlake]

Your saturn will be mostly metric I want to say entirely metric, but it seems like there are some oddball SAE fasteners here and there. I can't say on the suburban. You probably only need a deep socket in a couple sizes, I can't recall exactly what size I have but I have only used 2 deep sockets on my saturn. I want to say 11mm and 13mm, but it could be 10mm and 15mm, some other combination of those 4 sizes, almost every bolt is one of those sizes.

Buy a pair of mechanics gloves, I thought they would be difficult to work with and always scoffed at them, until I was given a pair as part of a promotion. Now I won't work on my cars without them.

 

[thescreensavers]

I am looking at car jacks my self, and actually the best one for around 100 is

an Arcan 3.5 ton low profile jack its $125 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200345429_200345429

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Thanks for all the nice, lengthy replies! I really appreciate it. It hasn't necessarily made it easier to make a decision, but it's still very helpful nonetheless.

Looks like I'll be shopping for at least a nice set of metric wrenches. Maybe some deep sockets as well.... and I guess a 1/2" ratchet and breaker bar. I will probably pass on the bigger sets for now, despite being the better deal in many ways. If I'm not going to be working on older domestic vehicles, then I have no need for half the set (SAE) and I'll typically have no use for another 1/4 of the sockets (12-point).

Is the consensus pretty much that metric-only is the way to go, until proven otherwise? Every bolt that I've yet encountered on my Suburban has been metric, save the 1/4" battery cable.

 

[Kaervak]

Your saturn will be mostly metric I want to say entirely metric, but it seems like there are some oddball SAE fasteners here and there. I can't say on the suburban. You probably only need a deep socket in a couple sizes, I can't recall exactly what size I have but I have only used 2 deep sockets on my saturn. I want to say 11mm and 13mm, but it could be 10mm and 15mm, some other combination of those 4 sizes, almost every bolt is one of those sizes.

Buy a pair of mechanics gloves, I thought they would be difficult to work with and always scoffed at them, until I was given a pair as part of a promotion. Now I won't work on my cars without them.

The Saturn is entirely metric. The only imperial stuff is the battery post connections. I have a 99 SL2 and you will need deep well sockets for the motor mount, ECTS and a few other small places. Also get yourself a push pin remover as it makes life easier. Oh get a set of wobble extenders too, maybe even a u-joint as well. A set of Torx bits too as the door panels, light lenses and the wiper cowl are held on by them. The only 12 point on the Saturn that I know of is the input shaft nut and that requires a special socket anyway so I wouldn't bother with 12pts. You don't really need all that much to work on these cars thankfully. My entire kit that I use, sans my code scanner, fits in a 23" toolbox.

Almost forgot, the greatest resource for the DIY Saturn mechanic: http://www.youtube.com/user/richpin06a

 

[andy88]

Arcan 3.5 ton low profile jackis nothing but c***. no quality and its not durable

 

[Howard]

Standard SAE tools are pretty useless on car. Don't buy any.

Well, I've found a regular 5/16" nut driver to be pretty useful...

 

[MotF Bane]

Most of the obvious stuff has been covered, so I'll say consider a hanging light with extension cord. Hook them just about anywhere to provide light and power.

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/Bane/200710161722116165.gif

Also, if you're going to be under the vehicle, a creeper would be nice to have.

 

[jlee]

Most of the obvious stuff has been covered, so I'll say consider a hanging light with extension cord. Hook them just about anywhere to provide light and power.

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/Bane/200710161722116165.gif

Also, if you're going to be under the vehicle, a creeper would be nice to have.

Hanging work lights are nice - I recently bought a cordless rechargeable LED worklight...highly recommended.

 

[compman25]

Arcan 3.5 ton low profile jackis nothing but c***. no quality and its not durable

And it's cheaper at Costco if you're dead set on getting it. Around here it's $84.

 

[hanoverphist]

Oh, and make sure the jack you're using has a removable handle so you can slip it on top of your ratchets

i use a 19mm deep socket with a 12" extension on it for a breaker bar. i found that if i used anything longer, id snap and bend stuff way too often.

as for the compressor, air tools are nice, and you can fit a compressor in your attic over the garage if you wanted to. vent it to the outside, hoses through the ceiling. make sure you dont get one too small tho, the storage tank will make or break its usefulness.

the big roller tool boxes? usually you end up with one of those after collecting that many tools over the years. i had 3 regular tool boxes full of tools. one was pretty much specialty tools for engine rebuild and tuning, two were everyday fixit tools. put them all in a roller box when i got sick of lugging 3 boxes around the house. they got stolen, so im starting over now.

dont worry about screwdrivers in the kit tho, youll end up replacing those with real ones over time, as you need them. the one guy wass also correct about the stubby ones, they are very useful. as is a stubby ratchet for each size for tight quarter fixes (like everything on the passenger side of your burban)

you will need to get a SAE and metric for that suburban, i had a 1996 4X4 suburban for a long time. i never saw that code tho.

 

[hanoverphist]

Hanging work lights are nice - I recently bought a cordless rechargeable LED worklight...highly recommended.

definitely a good investment if you spend a good amount of time working under a hood or under the car.

 

[fbrdphreak]

I wouldn't buy a regular set of wrenches. For the money, get a set of GearWrench (or Craftsman makes their own version, same thing) wrenches. They're wrenches with a regular box end and a ratcheting closed end. As my friend put it, they're "happy wrenches" because they make you very happy compared to regular PITA wrenches.

I have a set of the regular length, reversible wrenches that I love. I want to add a stubby set to them as well.

FWIW, Harbor Freight is having a massive Memorial Day weekend sale. Maybe go wander around there a bit this weekend.

 

[alkemyst]

jlee covered most of it.

What i've done is, over the years as I need a tool I go get it unless the "set" was reasonable in price. Now, it's rare that I get into a situation that I don't have the tool I need. I did have to upgrade toolboxes a few times though!

except 6 point is really nice to have in all sizes. 12 point is more common.

I had to restart over since my mechanic tools along with most of my workshop was stolen last year.

If you car is recent, chances are metric sets are the winner. If older, SAE.

Sears has great sales...I picked up my 302 piece toolset for under 250 with toolbox and all the sockets and ratchets I really needed. The kicker was one day earlier and it was $50 cheaper. All I had to do was add a few extensions and universals/adapters.

I think that $250 bought me almost $1000 in tools that I had picked up over the years.

My workshop was a $9000 loss. Only $5000 of it replaced by my homeowner's policy.

 

[mizzou]

Get a nice crowbar