I took my wife’s car into the dealership for a warranty a few weeks ago and while they were checking stuff, they said the car needed 1300 dollars of work (piston soak and replace some transmission parts). I ended up doing the soak with my grandpa and took it to a shop for the transmission (wasnt even an issue, just a rivot replacement on a wheel well cover) and ended up saving 700 dollars after accounting for tools, jacks, jack stands, etc.

I want to start working on my own cars for things that can be done easily without expensive specialized tools, and I might be buying a house in the next year. I just want to start getting a decent collection of tools to hopefully save money in the long run.

I currently have a huge range of screwdrivers, soldering equipment, plyer set, socket set, file set, wire cutters and a small tool kit with some misc stuff.

I am mainly looking towards a torque wrench and a good spanner/wrench set, but looking for suggestions on what to get. Holding off on power tools until I wrap my head around brands and batteries.

  • EndOfLine@lemmy.worldEnglish
    10·
    11 hours ago

    Here are a couple of items that I wish that I had picked up earlier. They are not required, but they greatly simplified my life.

    • headlamp: Trying to balance or prop up a flashlight while working used to result in so much frustration.
    • tin sheers: I love these so much that they have replaced scissors in most day-to-day applications
    • flexible drill bit extender: So many screws are in places inaccessible to a drill body. This inexpensive item solves that problem. Magnetic wristbands: Keep those screws and bits from getting lost.
    • level that is at least 2ft long: I really appreciate having a level that can span two studs (16")
    • precision / mini needle nose pliers: I don’t need them often, but when I do I am always happy that I have them
    • painters tape: I am surpised how often I use painters tape for all sorts of applications