[RallyMe]

Hey guys,

First off I basically own no tools. I want to be able to modify my car in the coming months..namely a TBE. I also would like some tools for removing wheels and what not for racing and such. On top of all this I also need to be able to raise up the car to work on it so I will need tools for that as well.

So, I was wondering if you all could suggest some decent, moderately priced tools/tool kits for me, for the needs I've listed above. I'd appreciate you suggestions.

Thanks,
Ryan

[Sharpointer]

sounds like you need a lift

[RallyMe]

LOL..I wish!

[Rally Fan]

Originally Posted by RallyMe

Hey guys,

First off I basically own no tools. I want to be able to modify my car in the coming months..namely a TBE. I also would like some tools for removing wheels and what not for racing and such. On top of all this I also need to be able to raise up the car to work on it so I will need tools for that as well.

So, I was wondering if you all could suggest some decent, moderately priced tools/tool kits for me, for the needs I've listed above. I'd appreciate you suggestions.

Thanks,
Ryan

I have been doing side work out of my garage for years. The Craftsman stuff is great for most things. It is reasonable priced and has a great warranty. Of course Snap-on rules, but it is quite expensive.

[kts262]

Wait for Sears to have a sale on Craftsman handtools and stock up. I got a 105 (or something like that) piece mechanic's toolset from them on sale for like $80 which gave me just about everything I needed in 3/8" and 1/4" sockets. I also got the $20 set of metric wrenches. Those are the basic things you'll need to get started, after that you can slowly expand your toolset at you need things and/or can afford them. Ratcheting wrenches are also very nice, but you don't have to have them if you budget is limited. I got a set of ratcheing wrenches from Home Depot (I think the brand was Husky) for $50 a while ago and after much abuse they are still going strong.

For Subaru everything is metric and the following socket/wrench sizes will do about 90-95% of what you need to get done: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, and 17mm. Most things are 12mm or 14mm.

As for jacks, I would stay away from the Craftsman aluminum jack. Mine died after about 18 months, I know many people who have had the same thing happen to them. I got my new jack from Costco, it was about $160 and it's been great. Harbor Freight's jack is also well liked by many.

For jackstands get some that have a 'U' shape to the part that holds up the car, so you can fit the pinch weld inside the U and protect it from damage. I have 1 set of the Craftsman ones and another of the Harbor Freight ones, both work well.

For removing lugnuts a 1/2" breaker bar and the right size socket works well. (I have 2 different sets of lug nuts and 2 different keys, one uses a 19mm socket, the other 21mm.) If you to save some $ just use the bar that comes in the trunk.

If you get a tool box/tool chest, get one that's ball bearing. If not it will be a PITA to open and close those drawers once they are loaded down with tools.

[JPotter]

EDIT: What he said ^ I'm a slow typer.

If you really want to work on your car, you'll want a good variety of tools so you are always running out to the hardware store for what you need.

I was in the same place as you last year and one of the best things I got was a ~160piece 'Mechanics' Tools set from Sears. It was about $120 and came with a variety of 6-pt sockets, 12-pt sockets, deep sockets, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive sockets. Wrenches, extensions, things like that. Go up to a Sears or on-line and get one that has a good variety, they have a lot.

Then you'll need a floor jack and at least two jack stands. You can pick up a cheap set for about $60-$80 at a local hardware store. I got a jack that lifts 19" and stands that can range from 15" to 21" at that price. Yes, its not a low profile jack and with my coilovers I have to drive up on a piece of wood to get under it. But it works fine; we'll see how it hold up though.

For a breaker bar, I just use my jack handle; it works great.

That should get you a good start, you'll be able to tackle a lot of jobs.

[RallyMe]

Thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate it! Should I get a torque wrench for tightening lugs back onto the wheels?

[kts262]

Originally Posted by RallyMe

Thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate it! Should I get a torque wrench for tightening lugs back onto the wheels?

To do it correctly you should. Torque wrenches really seem to be a case of you get what you pay for. I've always been lazy and guessimated since I didn't want to pay the $$$ for a good torque wrench.

[RallyMe]

I should probably get some chocks for the cars back tires too for lifting a car right? Sorry I am definitely a noob at all this stuff. I'm thinking I'll get 4 jackstands so I can just have the entire car off the ground when I work on it. Is this safe to do? Thanks again.

Ryan

[bdolan234@mac.com]

i am selling just about all of my tools if your interested. i worked as a marine mechanic for awhile and have a large collection. the largest item for sale is a mint snap on 53" 19 drawer bottom retail is $3000 but willing to part for less.

[USNSTI]

Originally Posted by RallyMe

I should probably get some chocks for the cars back tires too for lifting a car right? Sorry I am definitely a noob at all this stuff. I'm thinking I'll get 4 jackstands so I can just have the entire car off the ground when I work on it. Is this safe to do? Thanks again.

Ryan

Yes it safe to use 4 jackstands. You can get plastic chocks at walmart for like 5 bucks.

Like others said Craftsman FTMFW. best tools for a weekend warrior. Only the pros need to invest the money in snap on, proto, etc.