What’s the best value for an amateur automotive mechanic (DIY) tool set?
tonymonton
I hear it’s better to buy a set, rather than run back and forth to buy tools as needed. Also cheaper. I’m starting to do my own car repairs. I have 2 bmws, 1999 323i and a 2005 X5 3.0i. So, what’s the best deal on a tool set and box?
How about jacking equipment? My garage only fits one car, and only about 19″ of clearance around if the X5 rear is up against the garage door. I hear it’s not too safe to work in such a small garage. Any suggestions for extra safety for working in this garage? Thanks.
Comment please!
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buy used tools at least the hand tools . craftsmen are very good tools . as for safety when jacking your car up make sure you have good jack stands wheel chocks and a fast and powerful hand pump jack. as well when working under a car you should really have someone with you in the shop . fires the falling car are not things to discount .
You need a set of vise grips, small ones, big ones, and a set of different hammers such as carpentry hammers and mallets. Also, some duct tape, some WD-40, and a flashlight. That’s about all any real mechanic would need. Hope this helps!!!
Craftsman is your best bet.
OK lets answer you 2Th question first you will need at least 6 feet of clearance around any car you work on this is a safety issue….now the first question anyplace that offers a replacement coverage on broken tools and you can get most at sears or Kmart now as in craftsman good tools….
First off.
Buy a torque wrench with a decently long handle because exhaust bolts won’t come off with smaller socket wrenches.
Craftsman tools are all I buy (well the hand tools) because if you strip them or break them they replace them for free. A good mechanics set will set you back at least 300 dollars but there’s really no room in your garage for a tool setup.
Yeah…you don’t want to be bumping the car when it’s on stands.
And finally…you will NEVER buy a mechanics set that has EVERY tool you need for every situation…so you’ll be going back to the tool store eventually…there are also tools that you may even need to order online.
Craftsmen basic hand tools. Will need both 6 pt and 12 pt sockets, as well as shallow and deep. Also need combination wrench set. Craftsmen 3.5 ton lifter, with several 3 ton and 6 ton jack stands. You will need different sizes because of the different lifting heights.
Need 32mm thin wrench for removing BMW fan clutch. Also the helps to get $30 BMW fan clutch removal tool.
Low profile SK Facom pipe socket wrench for 10 and 14mm for draining differential fluid. You really don’t have much choice because Facom is the only company that makes these type of short sockets.
Craftsmen extended size 17″ and 19″ combination wrench for removing differential mounting bots. Standard size isn’t long enough.
Threaded tie-rod separator. Need one for BMW special tool for removing tie-rods and general threaded separator for servicing control arms.
Sears don’t make wobble extensions, and you will need 4-5 1/2″ wobble extensions to remove transmission mounting bolts. Also need some torx sockets to remove the transmission.
Also need a cherry lifter for lifting the engine, and engine stand to do any type of short block work, and a good size transmission jack.
I spent around $3000 in tools. Is it better to buy the set? Depends. My tools are highly customized and perfect for working on BMWs. If I purchase general set, I would still need to spend few grand to get the right tools.