Tools... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Trelinski · #1 06-26-2002, 11:29 PM

Hey everyone. I have a few questions regarding tools.

As I'm waiting for my Bonneville to die (which it refuses too) I'm getting bored not spending any money, so I think I'm gonna spend a little of my car fund on tools. I'm moving out of my parents place in 2 months anyway, and will need to have my own.

My mom works at Sears and often I can get ridiculously low prices on many things as they come up, so I would like to know what to start looking for before I actually need it. For instance today I bought a 500 dollar cordless drill for 50 bucks!!!

Anyway, I know I will need a socket set, and as soon as I find a decent price I will buy it, but what else do I need? Should I keep the drill, or is it useless? i bought it cause it was cheap, but if I'm not gonna use it, theres no point.

Here is what I own so far: A crappy torque wrench (30ft/lbs), a pair of vicegrips, a brakeflaring kit, and of course, the new drill. Quite the collection eh?

hill · #2 06-26-2002, 11:36 PM

Even the longest journey begins with a single step...or a set of vicegrips.

Gilly · #3 06-26-2002, 11:59 PM

For a starter set, Sears has a number of good tool sets, i'd look at those.
If you want to go a piece at a time:
1/4 drive socket sets. 3/8 drive socket sets, 1/2 drive socket sets, I'd get all sizes in metric if this is mainly for the Benz, you can also add on some SAE (fractional inch) sockets only to the set, the ratchets are the same.
Wrench sets, whatever type you desire, in metric. Should get the whole set from 10mm up to 22mm, a couple smaller ones that aren't in the set won't hurt either.
screwdriver set, both phillips and standard slotted blades, also some torx screwdrivers wouldn't hurt.
1/2 inch drive breaker bar, longer the better
pliers, incl wire cutters and a few different needle nose
some extral long extensions for the 3/8 drive socket set also, plus a swivel joint if it's not in the kit. Also a 1/2" drive 17mm deep socket for the wheel bolts, heavy duty one.
A good multimeter, one that will do volts, ohms and amps, up to 10 amps, not just milliamps.
a few different size hammers, punch and chisel set, brass drift set, drill bits, a good torque wrench or two, including one that'll to your wheel bolts, 80 ft/lb, but higher would be better, think maybe 150 ft/lb, I like "clicker" ones better.
soldering gun, I like the butane ones better than electric.
Gilly

190D22 · #4 06-27-2002, 12:52 AM

Deep well metric sockets are a good idea. I bought a set just for the baby benz. Have used 'em many times. Glad I have them.

There's nothing better than a nice Craftsman socket set. Built tough, will last forever, and if it breaks, u get another one replaced, no questions asked. Good deal! i have a half inch drive craftsman set that I use a lot. Cars, lawnmower, guitar amp, never know when you need a ratchet!

#5 06-27-2002, 03:43 AM

$500 cordless drill? It better be made of gold!

Trelinski · #6 06-27-2002, 09:18 AM

Thats 500 Canadian

Actually, I am going to return it, it kindof sucks. Only does 600 RPM and only 12 volts. I think the reason it was so expensive was due to the magazine that it has, a bunch if built in drill bits, you just press the button and they are in place. I can see now, why no one bought it. I think i'll just go with a standard corded drill.

Thanks for the replies everyone, it looks like most people like Craftsman, thats good, since I will be buying mostly Craftsman.

Am I right in assuming that these cars are entirely metric? I hate imperial, and would be happy if I never had to use it again.

SSharma · #7 06-27-2002, 10:04 AM

For a Benz, you might be better off buying some open end/box end wrenches before the sockets - or better yet a socket set that includes wrenches. I just finished replacing my water pump, and I couldn't fit a ratchet in very many places, I mostly used the wrenches.

190D22 · #8 06-27-2002, 10:36 AM

Has anyone used those craftsman quick wrenches? They have that little dip cut in them so you can use it kinda like a ratchet. I wonder if they are good or not. I could see that wearing down the bolt head. I used to deepwells first to work on the sunroof. The manual open tool was the incorrect size. I am guessing they changed the bolt in the gearbox for the manual open when they changed the motor when the PO burnt it out. So I had to get some deep wells to get down in there and close my sunroof, in that process trashed the gearbox and had to get whole new motor/gear box assembly. I don't know how I ruined the gearbox though... aren't you supposed to be able to crank it closed manually without damage?!

JoelS · #9 06-27-2002, 10:41 AM

Excellent advice by other posters, but I have a couple of observations:

1) Don't go out and buy a ton of tools right away. Get a good metric ratchet set as well as a mixed (slotted, phillips) screw driver set and a good assortment of wrenches (metric). Then buy things as you need them. That will save you from a huge initial outlay, but also from buying stuff you may never need. For me at least, tools have a certain allure that make me want more than I need (kind of like Mercedes cars...). Craftsman tools are very nice, too - I'm envious of your access to them! The mechanic who works on my car uses Craftsman tools by the way. The Snap-On salesman can't get him to buy their stuff (they make excellent tools) because of the cost. He claims that the Craftsman tools are nearly as robust and easier to replace when they break. This is from a guy who almost certainly subjects his tools to more abuse than you or I ever will.

2) Get a cordless drill rather than one with a cord. Getting an extension cord out to drill one little whole is a P.I.T.A. If you ever own a house, there are so many uses for a drill that I can't even begin to list them. Take this advice from someone who has a perfectly good (Craftsman!) corded drill - I wish I had a cordless, but am too cheap to part with the $100-$150 (USD) that I'd pay for a good cordless.

If you're the kind of person who likes to work on your car, you're probably going to be the same way with a house (in the future). Tools are our friends!

Cheers,

Joel

PS - don't forget WD-40 or Liquid Wrench for your tool kit - like vice grips and duct tape...indispensable!

Nate Stanley · #10 06-27-2002, 11:11 AM

Also-
27MM or 1-1/16" (either one will work, they are identical in size) DEEP socket for injectors, and a 14mm allen for diff oil. That tool is in a $8.00 set available at AutoZone.

Trelinski · #11 06-27-2002, 11:32 PM

JoelS, I'm the same way! Something about tools makes me want more and more of them, i have to control myself whenever Im in the tool section.

Thanks for the responses everyone. I had forgotten totally about the multimeter and a few other items. I am now going to make a list and begin searching.

I'm hoping to pick up the socket/wrench set next week, depending on prices. The bigger ~150 piece ones often have a good selection of sockets, wrenches and allen keys, I hope to grab one of those.

leathermang · #12 06-28-2002, 07:43 AM

I too love the Craftsman hand tools... the things with motors attached are a different story....

When you are working on older cars ( with more frozen nuts and bolts ) .... and it seems more pronounced with the Mercedes for some reason, I think it would be wise to be sure your first sockets are 6 POINT. A 12 point is much easier to break or round off the head of the bolt.... which immediately complicates and frustrates mechanicing.

Of course with your situation and perhaps access to a big set it will probably have them in it ... I am just speaking of a situation where you are just buying piece meal as you need tools... so you could choose between the 6 and 12 in that situation.