Tool Kit 101

[yikes]

Any fool can do the job with the right tools, it takes a real mechanic to work with this crap! So,,,,which are you. These are low dollar tools that you will need. Of course when you can afford the "good stuff", get it.

1 6 point sockets, 3/8" drive with a good organizer. Size 8,10,12,13,14,17,19,(1/2"drive)23,24,30 Mine cost $8(3 large size cost more)

2. open and boxed wrenches. up to size 19 $7 at walmart in a bag

3. Set of screwdrivers. Stanley set=free with rebate

4.electric meter $9 at walmart

5. 18 to 24" piece of pipe. Free, needs to fit over breakover bar

6.ratchet 3/8 drive. Craftsman. Don't like them, but are easily replaced

7.breaker bar 1/2 drive 3/8 drive Craftsman,,^

8.L shaped lug wrench Free, just pick up anywhere, use as pry bar

9.extra extensions $3 at junk tool places, makes life easier

10Vise grips walmart had small size for $1. Get a larger, good one also

11.pliers, wire cutters, needle nose pliers. $3 at cheapo tools

12. 40 or 50 piece socket set $5 at walmart, use small sizes for interior work and it's handy to have.

That's about $100.

continue

[EL PAALO]

Don't forget about a torque wrench.

[ToyotaTechGeek]

also-
how about a ball pein hammer, deep sockets, a 10mm DEEP 12 point socket, a couple of pry bars, and a nice magnet. oh!!! a BGB!!!

[Kupop]

Originally Posted by EL PAALO

Don't forget about a torque wrench.

That is almost his entire budget :P

Seems like a pretty complete list to me until you start doing some more envolved tasks. Of course I don't know much of the MKI.

[yikes]

The torque wrench that I use the most (lug nuts), is a $10 3/8 drive clicker that I got from the cheapo traveling tool sales. I've had it 4 years now and no problems. Of course 76 lbs. doesn't put much pressure on it. I just bought a $5 3/8 ratchet at Mennards (lumber DIY store), looks like a snap-on. Give me a couple of years to try to break it and I'll report back.

[deicon86mr2]

cant leave out a 1 1/2 -2 ton hydrolic jack -$40 most parts stores, and jack stands- $15-$35 depending brand name and size

[phoenix_iii]

Wire Cutters
Heat Shrink Tubing
3M Silicone Sealant (unimportant gasket repair)
=)

[SilverMR2]

pocket knife for cutting tape on wire looms.

[toyotaspeed90]

cut the tape? i just unravel it.... lol

the 13mm shouldn't be needed... unless someone else has had their hands on your car and put non automotive bolts on it

[RMassey20]

the top bolt on the Alt. is a 13mm (at least the one on My car is)

[toyotaspeed90]

factory its a 12mm on the top and 14mm on the bottom (both sides)

[RMassey20]

Well, mines 13mm top, 15mm bottom...........???

[PHOENIX]

The tools that I use the most....

10, 12, 14 3/8th deep sockets
Razor Blade knife
Can of PB blaster
3 foot long hollow steel tube i put on the end of my wrench to use as a breaker.

[LSG2007]

i know this post is several years old but no set of tools is complete without some ductape!!!

[55mr2]

WD-40 If it doesn't move and it should
Duct Tape - If it moves and it shouldn't

[8589]

Band aids, (extra band aids if beer is present)

[Maticuno]

1) $20 ramps from Vatozone: MR2's look funny with their ass in the air.
2) Nitrile gloves: petroleum resistant, minor skin barrier, makes after the job cleanup a breeze (no more scrubbing grease from under the fingernails)
3) 2X4: for beating the crap out of the alternator to put it back in place
4) That little spider tool thingy that holds the camshaft alignment in place: that would have saved me tons of heartache had I known they existed.
5) $10 LED headlamp: unless you have three hands, holding the intake manifold, wrench, and flashlight is impossible.

[iceNine]

Originally Posted by Maticuno

1)

5) $10 LED headlamp: unless you have three hands, holding the intake manifold, wrench, and flashlight is impossible.

One of the best things I ever bought (other than a compressor and air tools). Always do my work at night and holding a worklight with one hand or hang it up and it always points in the wrong direction. Despite the headache that you get from wearing the headlamp with the straps too tight it makes working much more pleasant (and you can actually see what you are doing)

[mr3]

Originally Posted by iceNine

One of the best things I ever bought (other than a compressor and air tools). Always do my work at night and holding a worklight with one hand or hang it up and it always points in the wrong direction. Despite the headache that you get from wearing the headlamp with the straps too tight it makes working much more pleasant (and you can actually see what you are doing)

Having a light saved me also. I had an oil leak at about 20 degrees and it was 8 at night and I needed my car for the next morning. I tried a flashlight and I wouldnt work, If I had one of those stupid looking headlamp thong type things it wouldnt have worked because I had my head under the underbody and I was working by feel. Once I got the hose hooked up then I used the hanging led light and I could see what I had to tighten.

[Kerry Phillips]

IMHO
Throw that anti-theft/security lugnut adapter tool away, but first go to junkyard and buy 4 OEM lugnuts and replace the security nuts.

Do U really believe that security nut is going to any good?

Thanks to wallyworld's incompetence, I had warped rotors and overtighten security nuts. On a pretty day with access to all my tools, I could NOT remove that security nut. How could I change a flat tire in the rain in the "field"?

Since then, I bought an impact wrench (they are awesome!) and replaced all 4 of those security nuts. Never looked back
Kerry