Newbie looking for a tool set

Davis · 07-07-2007, 02:21 AM

So the time has come for me to invest in some tools.

I don't have much to spend, so I'm looking for a tool set around the $110-$150 range. Any ideas on what tool set this newbie needs? Imma be using the tools for random stuff probably.

Taking off the door and replacing it with new nuts when I'm bored or whatever. Almost time to change brake pads to so this new tool set would help alot! Anything here looks good? http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/subca...ndicator=false
I really do want to take apart my car and see whats where and maybe something that might help me out on a swap later on in the future.

Thanks guys!

Davis

canadam · 07-07-2007, 02:31 AM

Sears is a great place to buy entry level tools. Often they have 50% off sales, I'd definitely wait for one- you'll save a lot of money! My local Sears is also really good with the lifetime warranty, they've just switched me my broken part for one they have in stock, no questions asked.

Edit:

Make sure to pick up a set that doesn't just have 3/8" drive sockets, you'll need 1/2" for some heavier things. A breaker bar can be a help too, but it won't likely be included in any toolsets. Personally I like having a plastic case in a smaller set, but it can be a pain for the bigger ones, sometimes a cheap case will spill the parts everywhere even when it's clipped closed. Obviously being an MR2 owner, metric is the most important to you.

This will be in your price range if you can wait for a sale...
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

HuNG · 07-07-2007, 02:31 AM

Just go to sears and pick up the most complete set you can afford, I started with a 140 pcs. craftsmen set. I think my favorite tools are my racheting wrench set! any special tools you can pick up as needed.

o6spdracer · 07-07-2007, 03:17 AM

I'd get this one:
Craftsman 190 pc. Mechanics Tool Set with Easy-To-Read Sockets
Sears item #00936190000 Mfr. model #36190
or this one:
Craftsman 168 pc. Mechanics Tool Set
Sears item #00933168000 Mfr. model #33168
Each of them has three extension, which I think are essential.

Davis · 07-07-2007, 11:30 AM

Canadam:

Looks like i need to save up some more money! or wait for a sale.

Quick question, why is metric most important?

HuNG:

Yeah that's what i was planning to do, but i wanted to see what you guys would recommend this newbie.

o6spdracer:

The 190pc isn't to off from my price range, but the 168pc is cheaper.. hmmm..So 3 extensions are essential? I have to remember that.

canadam · 07-07-2007, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davis

Canadam:
Looks like i need to save up some more money! or wait for a sale.

Quick question, why is metric most important?

It looks like all of these sets have both, but is built with metric hardware

Coastal · 07-07-2007, 02:01 PM

All suggestions are great..

I have built my collection piece by piece, and alot of it was stuff I rushed out to have to finish a job, so it ended up being a mediocre tool.

I am soon going to be replacing my tools too.

Most mr2 pieces take metric sockets, thats why... but those kits include plenty of metric and standard. Extensions always come in handy.

Aside from those kits, a breaker bar is great for bigger nuts/bolts and harder pieces to remove. Vise grips are a godsend. and the racheting wrenches are great too!

Gairloch · 07-07-2007, 02:05 PM

Just don't fall into the trap of buying cheap tools to fill a gap. Cheap tools are their own reward and if you fall into the trap you are slotted in for hours and hours of frustration.

Davis · 07-07-2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coastal

Most mr2 pieces take metric sockets, thats why... but those kits include plenty of metric and standard. Extensions always come in handy.

Aside from those kits, a breaker bar is great for bigger nuts/bolts and harder pieces to remove. Vise grips are a godsend. and the racheting wrenches are great too!

Oh okay I see.

Any suggestions on what breaker bar and torque wrench I should get with a low budget?

Gairloch · 07-07-2007, 02:13 PM

Doesn't really matter which breaker bar. I got mine for $10 with a lifetime warranty from Red Rooster.

For a torque wrench, I would suggest that you go to Checker/Kragen and get their 1/2" for $46.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...egoryCode=3418

It's reasonably accurate and actually has a lifetime warranty. The Craftsman torque wrench costs twice as much, requires that you reduce the setting to 0 every time to unload it and only has a one year warranty. If you haven't ever had a spring loaded torque wrench like this before, make sure you unload the tension on the spring every single time! If you don't it will become increasingly inaccurate.

Davis · 07-07-2007, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gairloch

if you fall into the trap you are slotted in for hours and hours of frustration.

That's why I need a tool set.

Tired of going to my friends place and we're trying to use 3 tools that do the function of one tool he doesn't have.

Gairloch · 07-07-2007, 02:17 PM

I know exactly what you're facing. When you run into that, stop and get the proper tool. You'll end up being MUCH less frustrated and you'll break fewer things in the process.

Another tip; always buy sets when you can. It's expensive on the front end but putting together a tool collection one tool at a time is hideously expensive.

Davis · 07-07-2007, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gairloch

Doesn't really matter which breaker bar. I got mine for $10 with a lifetime warranty from Red Rooster.

For a torque wrench, I would suggest that you go to Checker/Kragen and get their 1/2" for $46.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...egoryCode=3418

It's reasonably accurate and actually has a lifetime warranty. The Craftsman torque wrench costs twice as much, requires that you reduce the setting to 0 every time to unload it and only has a one year warranty. If you haven't ever had a spring loaded torque wrench like this before, make sure you unload the tension on the spring every single time! If you don't it will become increasingly inaccurate.

Awesome I definately can afford those!

Davis · 07-07-2007, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gairloch

I know exactly what you're facing. When you run into that, stop and get the proper tool. You'll end up being MUCH less frustrated and you'll break fewer things in the process.

That's exactly what I'm scared of, breaking things.

MR-3sgte · 01-17-2009, 05:17 PM

Be careful with the craftsman wrenches there not double Hardin so the open ends will spread apart over time same with the line wrenches

Denz · 01-17-2009, 08:25 PM

Well, I have done a cambelt, changed other belts, Valve cover seals, Oil changes etc etc all with a NZD$10 socket set and some cheap tube sockets, I broke the 3/8 - 1/4 adapter but just went and bought a better one. I also have a cheap set of spanners, if you are spending money a better investment might be in a trolley jack and or some axel stands.
Im just replacing parts I break with better ones, also for the cambelt I used a 1/2" breaker bar and correct size socket.

Davis · 01-17-2009, 10:38 PM

Wow this is so old! I have Matco, Snap-on, and Craftsman tools now.

Denz · 01-18-2009, 05:45 PM

dont blame me for the thread resurrection I didnt look at the date, it was just in the recently posted list.

Gairloch · 01-18-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR-3sgte

Be careful with the craftsman wrenches there not double Hardin so the open ends will spread apart over time same with the line wrenches

I've never had that happen with any of my craftsman wrenches. Even if it did all you'd need to do is bring it back to Sears and they'll give you a replacement.

GINA2MR2 · 03-08-2009, 01:29 PM

had to chime in on this..
Im 21 and work at a vehicle and parts recovery center, specializing in Jeeps, foreign and late model parts recovery and sales. -----Junk yard haha
I need to clear this up.. its not your typical yard.. we are part of URG and group that has higher standards, IE all parts have a bar code tag and all the cars are on stands, no parts on the ground! and when we pull parts NOTHING IS CUT.. bolt by bolt..wire by wire--- we cut it we buy it..
any way..
Tools

I bought Snap-on 3/8s and 1/4 socket set and a Mac 1/2 socket set. and metric wrenches from a crack head for 250 bucks.. loved them .. and then they got stolen..
so i regrouped and found that to replace the used stuff i had would be over a G new..
so I bought a 260 piece craftsman set not snap on but works great.. the great thing is it had reverse tourqes and several other specialty sockets. I have mix of snap on and craftsman wrenches. metric and standared.
but if your just starting heres a small list of what i have found the most helpful.

BTW harbor freight stuff is good DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH YOU USE IT .. Security allens and smaller picks, screw drivers, hammers and such work great. ratchets and sockets buy name brand, stuff you might use twice ok to go cheaper..

OK the List.
1/4 sockets metric/ standard (depends on what you work on more.. i do both so i need both)
3/8 sockets metric/ standard
1/2 sockets metric/ standard
wrenches metric/ standard --- your good up to about 18mm, pulleys are 21mm i think but nothing bigger is really needed
Screw drivers
large phillips, and large flat and smaller ones, one long phillips is good for steering wheels
Torqes-- a 3/8 set is not too much $$ and most cars have them on common parts.. not needed but a bitch when you run into them..
A good solid hammer
prybar, handle is nice but not needed..
needle nose, dykes, and pair of pliers is all you really need.
now for extra stuff..
this is a must have.. the inside tear down guy uses this and i got suckered in.. its a pick made by snap on 38$ i kid you not he can tear apart a car with this thing.. i bought one and i use it ALOT.. best tool ever bought.. trim puller..
all the rest is extra.. stuff you can get over time.. unless your going to do this for a living..

im spending alot on tools right now cus i am doing this for a living..but im not you..
dont buy everything look at what some one uses alot and copy them .. when i started i worked out side with our outside guy and watched what we used on every car.. and bought that.. now i have a few specialty tools but not alot just stuff we run into all the time..hope this helps..

07-07-2007, 02:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
Davis Radical Dreamer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Long Beach, California Posts: 3,775 Thanks: 84 Thanked 104 Times in 95 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	Newbie looking for a tool set So the time has come for me to invest in some tools. I don't have much to spend, so I'm looking for a tool set around the $110-$150 range. Any ideas on what tool set this newbie needs? Imma be using the tools for random stuff probably. Taking off the door and replacing it with new nuts when I'm bored or whatever. Almost time to change brake pads to so this new tool set would help alot! Anything here looks good? http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/subca...ndicator=false I really do want to take apart my car and see whats where and maybe something that might help me out on a swap later on in the future. Thanks guys! Davis Last edited by Davis; 07-07-2007 at 02:22 AM. Reason: I can't spell!

07-07-2007, 02:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
canadam MidshipExpress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Beautiful British Columbia Posts: 9,549 Thanks: 117 Thanked 129 Times in 112 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (29/100% )	Sears is a great place to buy entry level tools. Often they have 50% off sales, I'd definitely wait for one- you'll save a lot of money! My local Sears is also really good with the lifetime warranty, they've just switched me my broken part for one they have in stock, no questions asked. Edit: Make sure to pick up a set that doesn't just have 3/8" drive sockets, you'll need 1/2" for some heavier things. A breaker bar can be a help too, but it won't likely be included in any toolsets. Personally I like having a plastic case in a smaller set, but it can be a pain for the bigger ones, sometimes a cheap case will spill the parts everywhere even when it's clipped closed. Obviously being an MR2 owner, metric is the most important to you. This will be in your price range if you can wait for a sale... http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes __________________ WTB ASAP: Black Glove Box Surround - Not the box itself, but the dash plastics it sits in 3SGTE Upper Timing Belt Cover Driver's side seatback - must have bolster and lumbar adjustments, cover condition does not matter - will trade non-adjustable. Genuine Tom's Sides and Rear - replica kits not considered Frunk Plastics - no cracks Mechanical Gauge Cluster - KP/H preferred, but not required. Engine Bay X Brace

07-07-2007, 02:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
Gairloch Dreaming of apexes Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 4,848 Thanks: 125 Thanked 258 Times in 228 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	Just don't fall into the trap of buying cheap tools to fill a gap. Cheap tools are their own reward and if you fall into the trap you are slotted in for hours and hours of frustration. __________________ "Inside the car, the world beyond the driver's immediate horizon ceases to exist. Alone with the solitude of his desire, survival sense numbed by the speed, he's outrun the mediocrity of the outside world, slipped the shackles it tries to clamp on us all. He is running free, chased only by a fear of failure, for failure is to risk ejection into the real world." ~Mark Hughes

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07-07-2007, 02:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
HuNG Huh? Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 16 Thanks: 2 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Just go to sears and pick up the most complete set you can afford, I started with a 140 pcs. craftsmen set. I think my favorite tools are my racheting wrench set! any special tools you can pick up as needed.

07-07-2007, 03:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
o6spdracer Nothing Clever Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,730 Thanks: 1 Thanked 96 Times in 91 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	I'd get this one: Craftsman 190 pc. Mechanics Tool Set with Easy-To-Read Sockets Sears item #00936190000 Mfr. model #36190 or this one: Craftsman 168 pc. Mechanics Tool Set Sears item #00933168000 Mfr. model #33168 Each of them has three extension, which I think are essential.

07-07-2007, 11:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
Davis Radical Dreamer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Long Beach, California Posts: 3,775 Thanks: 84 Thanked 104 Times in 95 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	Canadam: Looks like i need to save up some more money! or wait for a sale. Quick question, why is metric most important? HuNG: Yeah that's what i was planning to do, but i wanted to see what you guys would recommend this newbie. o6spdracer: The 190pc isn't to off from my price range, but the 168pc is cheaper.. hmmm..So 3 extensions are essential? I have to remember that.

07-07-2007, 02:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
Coastal Midship Pilot Join Date: May 2005 Location: Triad, NC Posts: 331 Thanks: 1 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	All suggestions are great.. I have built my collection piece by piece, and alot of it was stuff I rushed out to have to finish a job, so it ended up being a mediocre tool. I am soon going to be replacing my tools too. Most mr2 pieces take metric sockets, thats why... but those kits include plenty of metric and standard. Extensions always come in handy. Aside from those kits, a breaker bar is great for bigger nuts/bolts and harder pieces to remove. Vise grips are a godsend. and the racheting wrenches are great too!

07-07-2007, 02:13 PM	#10 (permalink)
Gairloch Dreaming of apexes Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 4,848 Thanks: 125 Thanked 258 Times in 228 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	Doesn't really matter which breaker bar. I got mine for $10 with a lifetime warranty from Red Rooster. For a torque wrench, I would suggest that you go to Checker/Kragen and get their 1/2" for $46. http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...egoryCode=3418 It's reasonably accurate and actually has a lifetime warranty. The Craftsman torque wrench costs twice as much, requires that you reduce the setting to 0 every time to unload it and only has a one year warranty. If you haven't ever had a spring loaded torque wrench like this before, make sure you unload the tension on the spring every single time! If you don't it will become increasingly inaccurate.

07-07-2007, 02:17 PM	#12 (permalink)
Gairloch Dreaming of apexes Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 4,848 Thanks: 125 Thanked 258 Times in 228 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	I know exactly what you're facing. When you run into that, stop and get the proper tool. You'll end up being MUCH less frustrated and you'll break fewer things in the process. Another tip; always buy sets when you can. It's expensive on the front end but putting together a tool collection one tool at a time is hideously expensive.

01-17-2009, 05:17 PM	#15 (permalink)
MR-3sgte Cage Fighter Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 130 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Be careful with the craftsman wrenches there not double Hardin so the open ends will spread apart over time same with the line wrenches

01-17-2009, 08:25 PM	#16 (permalink)
Denz Cage Fighter Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hamilton, New Zealand Posts: 284 Thanks: 2 Thanked 13 Times in 13 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Well, I have done a cambelt, changed other belts, Valve cover seals, Oil changes etc etc all with a NZD$10 socket set and some cheap tube sockets, I broke the 3/8 - 1/4 adapter but just went and bought a better one. I also have a cheap set of spanners, if you are spending money a better investment might be in a trolley jack and or some axel stands. Im just replacing parts I break with better ones, also for the cambelt I used a 1/2" breaker bar and correct size socket.

01-17-2009, 10:38 PM	#17 (permalink)
Davis Radical Dreamer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Long Beach, California Posts: 3,775 Thanks: 84 Thanked 104 Times in 95 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	Wow this is so old! I have Matco, Snap-on, and Craftsman tools now.

01-18-2009, 05:45 PM	#18 (permalink)
Denz Cage Fighter Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hamilton, New Zealand Posts: 284 Thanks: 2 Thanked 13 Times in 13 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	dont blame me for the thread resurrection I didnt look at the date, it was just in the recently posted list.

03-08-2009, 01:29 PM	#20 (permalink)
GINA2MR2 Not A VR6 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: J-Town Posts: 329 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	had to chime in on this.. Im 21 and work at a vehicle and parts recovery center, specializing in Jeeps, foreign and late model parts recovery and sales. -----Junk yard haha I need to clear this up.. its not your typical yard.. we are part of URG and group that has higher standards, IE all parts have a bar code tag and all the cars are on stands, no parts on the ground! and when we pull parts NOTHING IS CUT.. bolt by bolt..wire by wire--- we cut it we buy it.. any way.. Tools I bought Snap-on 3/8s and 1/4 socket set and a Mac 1/2 socket set. and metric wrenches from a crack head for 250 bucks.. loved them .. and then they got stolen.. so i regrouped and found that to replace the used stuff i had would be over a G new.. so I bought a 260 piece craftsman set not snap on but works great.. the great thing is it had reverse tourqes and several other specialty sockets. I have mix of snap on and craftsman wrenches. metric and standared. but if your just starting heres a small list of what i have found the most helpful. BTW harbor freight stuff is good DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH YOU USE IT .. Security allens and smaller picks, screw drivers, hammers and such work great. ratchets and sockets buy name brand, stuff you might use twice ok to go cheaper.. OK the List. 1/4 sockets metric/ standard (depends on what you work on more.. i do both so i need both) 3/8 sockets metric/ standard 1/2 sockets metric/ standard wrenches metric/ standard --- your good up to about 18mm, pulleys are 21mm i think but nothing bigger is really needed Screw drivers large phillips, and large flat and smaller ones, one long phillips is good for steering wheels Torqes-- a 3/8 set is not too much $$ and most cars have them on common parts.. not needed but a bitch when you run into them.. A good solid hammer prybar, handle is nice but not needed.. needle nose, dykes, and pair of pliers is all you really need. now for extra stuff.. this is a must have.. the inside tear down guy uses this and i got suckered in.. its a pick made by snap on 38$ i kid you not he can tear apart a car with this thing.. i bought one and i use it ALOT.. best tool ever bought.. trim puller.. all the rest is extra.. stuff you can get over time.. unless your going to do this for a living.. im spending alot on tools right now cus i am doing this for a living..but im not you.. dont buy everything look at what some one uses alot and copy them .. when i started i worked out side with our outside guy and watched what we used on every car.. and bought that.. now i have a few specialty tools but not alot just stuff we run into all the time..hope this helps..