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Silly question... buying tools
As a new 911 owner, I need to update my toolbox a bit. I've got a good set of metric socket's, but need to get some of the smaller sockets (8mm, etc). I plan on going shopping after work today.
What "special" tools should I consider (just for maintenance and small projects at the moment, not a rebuild, etc) to make life easier, things like specific size flex sockets, or a certain angled wrench you could just not live without? First project this weekend is a valve adjustment... are the valve cover nuts 8mm? (I was going to check before I left the house this a.m., but was running late). Thanks guys!! Todd |
For normal maintenece here are a few can't live without.
good set of metric hex keys (allen) get the socket style and normal L shaped. 13mm offest wrench for valves metric set of flare wrenches for brakes The factory tool kit spark plug wrench works the best. 3/8" and 1/2" torque wrenches and sockets to fit. up to 32mm Full set of metric combination (box/open) wrenches. Up to 22mm Don't forget a good jack and jack stands. These will get you started without breaking the bank. |
Valve cover nuts are M8 or 13mm
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Is the standard length of a torque wrench (they seem to be ~16" or better) going to limit it's usefulness?
I'm having the worst time finding a torque wrench that goes down to at least 5 ft lbs, that isn't extremely long (I understand the length is needed for the torque). Found one at Harbor Freight, but at $20 I question it's quality. Of course I found some at the other end of the spectrum, but figured I'd spend good money on a torque wrench with a higher torque range for when I get into more important torques (like moving parts of the engine). |
the common torque wrenches don't really cover the 911 engine range very well you may need to get 2 or 3 of them
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Good torque wrenches cost good money. Don't waste your money on the bargain torque wrenches. Get good ones and use them for life.
When you are getting ready to buy, ask what to do when checking calibration. If they aren't set up for calibration, buy from someone that is. The Snap-On truck is a good place to start. Our host may offer something as well. |
I bought a Craftman tw 25 years ago and it has held calibration. I looked into getting it calibrated when I did my 3.2 rebuild and found out it is expensive. I think Pelican has a program where you can send in your wrench and get it calibrated. I ended up building my own calibration setup and have done a few wrenches for Pelicans around here so far all the wrenches were close to the handle settings
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Craftman make a very nice electronic TW.
The adaptor can be used with ANY 1/2 wrench and the resolution is about 0.1 at +/- 3%. It's about $200 buck kinda pricey, about the same as two craftman TW. |
Snap-on makes a nice, small 3/8ths torque wrench that will allow you to torque the valve cover nuts with the engine in the car.
Goes up to about 20 ftlbs. Runs about $175.00 For most applications in a 911, you will not need a torque wrench that goes above 200 Ftlbs. Most of your standard fasteners on a 911 motor are not torqued above 25 ftlbs. AFJ |
Thanks for all the replies, they were all very helpful. I did a little shopping over the last couple of days and got everything I needed for the time being at least.
I must say I was very disappointed with Sears. I remember going in there years ago when I was younger, and had to work on my own cars (because I couldn't afford to take them anywhere) and they had everything. Now if you want anything more than something very basic, you have to order it. At least my local sears. Half of what they did have was out of stock as well. Anyway, thanks again. Todd |
Here's my recommendations, as excepted from my new BMW book:
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When I got my 911 cars, my tool collection went out of control. However, since I'm space limited, most of the tools were handtools. I also picked up some decent workbenchs and a wheeled maintenance cart from my work for free. They've been very useful. Oddly, the tools I've come to be thankful I have are my picks; from smallish dentals up to robusto steel. Thank the Lord for those, they've made jobs easier and saved my ass when I dropped parts in awkward places.
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Whenever I perform a job outside of my garage, I'm always amazed at how much I take my tool set for granted.
-Wayne |
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Guys,
You can do a lot better than Craftsman Torque wrenches. They are nice while they last but are prone to failure, NOT guaranteed past a year, and overpriced. |
The Craftman Torque wrenches are great. Had mine for 5 years and it's still within range. Just remember to store it and zero load and it'll be fine for years to come.
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Yep, they're great until the ratchet mechanism breaks, and it starts to freewheel. Then you're SOL because Sears does not offer a rebuild kit, and it has only a 1 year warranty.
Overpriced and Underengineered...You can do a LOT better than a Craftsman TW |
What happened to the days when Craftsman was guarenteed for life? I remember finding an old, rusty Craftsman wrench in a field when I was a kid. Didn't work worth a s--t, but Sears took it back and gave me a nice shiney new one.
I went there recently to buy some tools, and they didn't even have much. The woman at the register gave me a catalog and said most of it's online only. Oh well. |
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