Tool kit - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbtjc · #1 05-04-2002, 12:50 AM

What would be a good tool kit for my car? I don't need EVERY single specialty tool, but I want enough to where I can do all the normal DIYer jobs on my car. Any manufacturers recomended? Should I buy one of those sets or piece by piece?

#2 05-04-2002, 01:36 AM

Get the one that came with your car. The factory toolkit has everything that you will need, at least in my car.

Ashman · #3 05-04-2002, 04:05 AM

Well some might shudder at the thought of this, but sears usually has some craftsman sets with many pieces all of very good quality.

I once had a nice mechanics toolset made by craftsman with like 150 pieces. Mostly ratchets and sockets, but it had combination wrenches in metric and standard.

It was not very expensive, and came in a nice carrying case. I found it had most everything I neeed if not everything I needed.

When I went to college, and left it at home, my family somehow lost almost every tool. I was left witha few sockets.

I'll buy another craftsman set soon enough. They are good for a DIY'er.

If you want to buy some of the more expensive brands, they all make top quality and extremely nice tools. The price might be a bit high for some of the stuff by some peoples standards, but they will last a lifetime.

Craftsman tools have a lifetime warranty. Break one and take it in they will replace it free for life.

Others will mention the other brands I can't think of at all.

Alon

mbtjc · #4 05-04-2002, 10:40 AM

Thanks Alon! So you think a small metric tool set will do? I guess then I can buy a special seperate tool if I need one. Do some people not like craftsman? My dad has a lot of those and they seem to be just fine. It's amazing what kind of money you can save by DIY. and the things you can buy with that money....like a tool set and service manuals. They seem expensive at first, but they will pay for themselves the first time you use them!!

engatwork · #5 05-04-2002, 11:35 AM

I'm with Alon on this one. Go to Sears and pick up a good Craftsman metric socket, open/box end wrench, allen wrench set etc. They do a pretty good job of offering different size sets based on how much you are going to spend. Make sure you get a set of those metric allen wrenches that have the "ball" shape on one end along with a "Swivel" socket extension and something to turn the 27mm crank socket with (1/2" drive wrench). You want a 1/4" and 3/8" drive socket wrench set. You will eventually want to pick up a high quality torque wrench.

I remember saving money from cutting grass, picking up sticks, cropping tobacco etc.. all summer and getting my dad to take me to Sears where I spent every bit of that $500 on a pretty complete set of tools. That was around 1969 or 70 I guess. I even purchased metric tools back then because I was wrenching on Yamaha and Honda motorcycles. Alot of those original tools are still in my toolbox and used today.

DEPRIEST · #6 05-04-2002, 02:05 PM

I just replaced the head on my 88 Chevy S10. All with Sears tools. They do just fine. I found that when I needed something special, I just went out and picked it up. And, let me say, when it comes to tools, I NEVER sell them or get rid of them. Buy some peg board from a hardware store (4'x4' at least) and put it up in your garage, shed or basement. Then, hang the unusual tools that don't fit in your tool box on it. You'll be surprised how many times you'll grab tools off those hooks! As far as professional mechanics not using Craftsman tools, I have known many who have accounts with snap-on and other tool companies. These companies have delivery vans that show up at professional garages just full of tools for these mechanics to buy. It's like a bookmobile full of tools. The mechanics have accounts and sometimes pay off the tools over time. This is also convienent for them because they don't have to go to the store and waste valueable time. These tools are very good, but expensive. Besides, these mechanics use these tools EVERY day. I'm sure you'll find craftsman tools to be better than adequite for anything you'll do in your driveway. I sure have.

#7 05-04-2002, 02:26 PM

Well unless Sears have changed their source of craftman tools, they are really made by snap on.

We used craftmen tools, when I was in the Australian Air Force, with never any problems.

It is best to always buy quality tools, many of my tools, will go to me Grandson when I move on, I bet he cannot wear them out either.

Best of luck, but good tools will also build confidence, as you successfully learn and do more and more.

Regards

Col Tigwell Downunder

mbtjc · #8 05-04-2002, 02:50 PM

Yeah, well it looks like I really can't go wrong with Craftsman...I mean they replace anything no questions asked. Good deal if ya ask me. Two concerns about torque wrenches though:

1)What size drive should I get? And will I need a small one, like an inch/pounds? (Don't know what the metric equivilant is... newton/centimeters maybe??)

2) On the Sears site, their torque wrenches (bout 70 bucks) are accuarate within +-4%. Now we all know that torque can be very crucial, probably even more so on our beloved european cars. Is this 4% worth noting? I mean if I were to torque something to 100ft lbs, them it could be 96 or 104...isn't that quite a bit, especially if dealing with a sensitive part? Should I go with a more expensive one?

Thanks guys for all the advice!

Ashman · #9 05-04-2002, 03:00 PM

I usually buy the most complete crasftman kit I can, which comes with standard and metric sockets. I have a boat with a mercruise engine which is essentially a small block chevy engine. So I need both types.

The last toolkit I had form craftsman was top quality as far as I was concerned, and they worked great.

I'll pick up another sooner or later, but like I said I'll pick up one of those complete sets that has lets say 200 300 400 pieces, and then get the little nick knacks that just arent included.

As for torque wrenches, I say buy the best one you can afford to buy.

Alon

mbtjc · #10 05-04-2002, 03:11 PM

I don't think I want to spend the money on one of those mega tool kits. To give ya an idea of what I found at Sears, a 140 piece metric set costs $200...not too bad. A 259 piece metric set....$600!!!!!!!!! So not even double for 3 times the price. I am confident the 140 will suffice. I'm afraid if I drop 600 on the 259, I'll end up not using a good portion. And then if I absolutely need some other tool, I can just get it individually.

Check them out and see what you think

140:

http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summary/productsummary.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0045466831.1020538967@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccadcfdgflimhcehgcemgdffmdfim.0&vertical=TOOL&fromAuto=YES&bidsite=&pid=00933941000

259:

http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summary/productsummary.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0045466831.1020538967@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccadcfdgflimhcehgcemgdffmdfim.0&vertical=TOOL&fromAuto=YES&bidsite=&pid=00933759000

DEPRIEST · #11 05-04-2002, 03:24 PM

Yeah, get the cheaper one and add to it as you need to. As far as the torque wrench goes, I'm personally not bothered by 4%, but that's me. Alon is probably right, buy the best one you can afford. I doubt you'll need one anytime soon unless you have a job in mind. You won't use it as much as you think.

#12 05-04-2002, 04:32 PM

Well my friend, in regard to a torque wrench, you need to buy it in 1/2" drive, any less then the higher settings will not able to be selected.

If you are on a limited budget, then stay away from the larger kits, lots of bits, but I suspect that you and I, would never use them. Though if you are carefull kits can be a good buy, especially ones that have a range of sockets for example.

Torque wrenches need to be calibrated often, here is Australia, you can take them to a certified shop, who do a good job.

If you can buy one that has both a rod indicator, and makes a click, that is the best kind, because if the area you are working in, is noisey, you cannot here the click when the required torque is obtained.

DO NOT USE A TORQUE WRENCH TO UNDUE ANYTHING, nothing messes up the calibration quicker.

Sometimes you can pick up second hand torque wrenches at a good price, but only buy a good brand, and have it calibrated before putting into service.

Unfortunately most wrenches do not get a lot of work, but you really cannot do a professional, job without one.

best of luck, in all your efforts

Regards

Col Downunder

mikemover · #13 05-04-2002, 06:57 PM

My set of open-end/box-end metric wrenches are probably the most used items, closely followed by my metric socket set. For most DIY stuff, you're not likely to need anything larger than a 19mm or so. Also a small assortment of screwdrivers, allen wrences and allen-head sockets, needle-nose pliers, a couple of sizes of vise-grips, one of those multi-tool thingys for electrical cutting/stripping/crimping, a few mid-sized deep sockets (for glow plugs/spark plugs/hard to reach stuff/etc.), and a nice hammer to smash things with when all else fails!--Just kidding!

For a DIYer, I don't see any reason to spend tons of money on anything other than Craftsman...They may not be the ABSOLUTE best tools, and you may break one or two someday, but they have a lifetime warranty, so who cares? Go get another one for free.

Mike

DEPRIEST · #14 05-04-2002, 07:37 PM

The beauty of the pre-made kit is the case they come in. You can easily stash it in the trunk in case there are any roadside fixes you need to do (God forbid)

Ashman · #15 05-04-2002, 07:44 PM

Kyle, you think like me when it comes ot it. Being able to stow it easily because of the well organized case is a great thing. But even better is the fact that everything is organized and easy to find once you open the kit.

I think you should definately go with the metric set that you feel is good. The larger kit is expensive, and it doesn't seem like you get that much more.

I would opt for the 140 piece. you probably wont need much more.

I like to have all the sockets for each size rathcet, including all the sockets in deep socket form. sometimes a deep socket is what you need.

I have broken manya cheap toolkit, but when you spend $20 and get a 100 piece kit, in apinch it can do just fine. In fact I used one of those today to fix the range rover. It worked, but ratchet action is sucky. I only by these kits to keep one in the car for emergencies.

I have two kits. one is really cheap. the other is a powerbuilt. the ratchets appear to be good quality, and the sockets as well. it has a lot of 12 point sockets too.

But like I said. ultimately I'll get a nice craftsman set, and the other sets will be relegated as household sets for just in case...

Alon