Let's create a (realistic and sensible) list of tools for a first time DIY'er

[RWebb]

the stock tool kit is quite good

beyond that, 15mm is used a lot on these cars

you will want a non-marring lug socket in 1/2" drive with a 1/2" torque wrench

you do not need every size socket or wrench either - 10, 13, 15 are most common - since the tool kit already has wrenches, get 3/8" drive sockets and a ratchet handle

buy used to save $$

you can avoid buying many sizes tho you may get surprised - e.g. the wiper stud nuts are 20mm (!!)

[rokemester]

Originally Posted by pmax

No 911 is complete without this.

I wish I had one, just for the spark plug tool! But a pricey item if you don’t have it.

[sugarwood]

Great replies so far.
I am sure Glenfield will find this list very helpful.

I will now start adding these ideas into a Google Sheet
It will be interesting too see what a starter set will cost.

[sugarwood]

Ok, I added almost every single suggestion into a spreadsheet.
Every single item in this sheet, I have used on many projects over the years, on multiple cars.
So, this is a great list for anyone to start with. Zero fluff or bloat.

Look at the total cost needed to have a legitimate starter tool set.
I've wanted to tally up something like this for a while. What an insane value.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xKDkP_wT7Nuro1pKFklbStz-IE0Zu6L4Hzbhsp6vnWQ/edit?usp=sharing

Please feel free to add to the list.
No need to get into branding wars.
A buyer can adjust as he sees fit.

[boyt911sc]

Air compressor
Set of steel chisels
Bench grinder
Electric disc grinder
Drill press
Mechanic’s creeper
Heat gun
Slide puller
Steel hacksaw
Blow torch
Etc.


While it is nice to have all sorts of tools in your tool box, a beginner with a good mechanical aptitude would only require the basic tools needed to do the job. And gradually add your tool inventory as you get more experienced over time. I advocate to people to develop their skill, knowledge and confidence more than anything else.

Tony

[cmcfaul]

All of the above. Plus a good jack, jack stands, oil filter wrench, vice. Chiltons and Haynes manuals.

If you need a tool, buy it as you will need it again sometime

Chris

[ksluna]

This thread has been helpful, I will already be buying some tools mentioned here. Wish I had this when I bought my 3.2 last year!

Regarding the first post - I am pretty much someone with no DIY experience outside of oil changes on my cars. There are times where I think I am in WAY over my head. I bought Waynes book and the Haynes manual but I've learned if the book says 1 hour, that means 3 hours for me. And I'll usually add a "wrench" in difficulty on Wayne's scale lol.

Some perspective from a millennial owning a vintage 911 (I'm 26) - When I come to Pelican I'm in awe at the mechanical expertise and skill of what it seems like 99% of you guys have, lol. Not sure if it's a generational, thing but it seems like Porsche DIYers are very capable mechanics regardless of background/profession...

Coming from owning JDM cars in my early 20s, it was nice to have youtube tutorials on almost every DIY job. With the 911, it's a lot of reading threads, books, looking at pictures, and saying "Screw it, I think this will work" (at least in my experience).

Maybe I am mechanically inept, though. Reading the DIY tutorials and then performing them certainly makes me feel like it lol, but regardless it's been a fun ride. I've done small jobs here and there and I'm working myself up. I'm looking to do the valve adjustment next weekend and turbo tie rods next and I'm sure there will be a point where I find myself under the car staring into the abyss wondering what made me think I could do this

[911obgyn]

Not mechanicaly inept just less experienced. When I was in my late teens I befriended a retired Lockheed mechanic in the neighborhood, the experience rubs off and the story’s stick with me.
Now I am the old guy.

[ryans65]

I don't know how to work that spreadsheet but a great cheap tool to have around is a thread file.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

While it is nice to have all sorts of tools in your tool box, a beginner with a good mechanical aptitude would only require the basic tools needed to do the job. And gradually add your tool inventory as you get more experienced over time. I advocate to people to develop their skill, knowledge and confidence more than anything else.

Tony

What a weird flex. Aptitude only comes from experience, and without tools you will never gain any meaningful experience. The #1 best way to give up on DIY is never having the right tools. Also, not one tool in your list is needed for someone just starting out, so more weird car guy flex.

Originally Posted by cmcfaul

All of the above. Plus a good jack, jack stands, oil filter wrench, vice. Chiltons and Haynes manuals.

I'll add the oil filter wrench to this list. But for the 911, you can just use your hands, since it's so conveniently located.
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-34-in-oil-filter-swivel-handle-wrench-68963.html

Originally Posted by ksluna

Coming from owning JDM cars in my early 20s, it was nice to have youtube tutorials on almost every DIY job. With the 911, it's a lot of reading threads, books, looking at pictures, and saying "Screw it, I think this will work" (at least in my experience).

point where I find myself under the car staring into the abyss wondering what made me think I could do this

Sadly, the 911 is has the most obsolete documentation of any enthusiast car. The books are very limited and skip tons of steps. You're right, it's very hard coming from other cars with massive video archives to a car that is almost all based on forum threads that are 1-2 decades old. Many older boomers insult anyone that posts a video of anything, b/c social media snowflake attention whore. It is made the 911 DIY legacy stagnate as the information dies with the aging demographic.

Originally Posted by 911obgyn

Not mechanicaly inept just less experienced. When I was in my late teens I befriended a retired Lockheed mechanic in the neighborhood, the experience rubs off and the story’s stick with me.
Now I am the old guy.

Very lucky to have found a real life mentor.

Originally Posted by ryans65

I don't know how to work that spreadsheet but a great cheap tool to have around is a thread file.

I have a thread restorer kit that came with a file. Love this. Never used the file since I had no idea how to use it. I would spin the bolt around the file, which obviously did nothing. LOL. I prefer using thread cleaner nuts instead.

https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-2584-15-Piece-Restorer/dp/B000XJ48V0/

[Gretz]

Although not required, I have found a endoscope/borescope (inspection camera) to be extremely valuable for all the tight places in an old 911:

https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4

These used to be MUCH more expensive, but for under $40, there's no reason not to own one. Plus it's easy to take screen shots and/or video for reference. This option is the modern upgrade to using a small mirror or even trying to put your mobile phone into tight spots and take a photo.

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

What a weird flex. Aptitude only comes from experience, and without tools you will never gain any meaningful experience. The #1 best way to give up on DIY is never having the right tools. Also, not one tool in your list is needed for someone just starting out, so more weird car guy flex.



I'll add the oil filter wrench to this list. But for the 911, you can just use your hands, since it's so conveniently located.
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-34-in-oil-filter-swivel-handle-wrench-68963.html



Sadly, the 911 is has the most obsolete documentation of any enthusiast car. The books are very limited and skip tons of steps. You're right, it's very hard coming from other cars with massive video archives to a car that is almost all based on forum threads that are 1-2 decades old. Many older boomers insult anyone that posts a video of anything, b/c social media snowflake attention whore. It is made the 911 DIY legacy stagnate as the information dies with the aging demographic.



Very lucky to have found a real life mentor.



I have a thread restorer kit that came with a file. Love this. Never used the file since I had no idea how to use it. I would spin the bolt around the file, which obviously did nothing. LOL. I prefer using thread cleaner nuts instead.

https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-2584-15-Piece-Restorer/dp/B000XJ48V0/

As the thread’s namesake, I am both grateful and overwhelmed. Folks like Sugarwood and others on the thread I started a few days ago have been great with the step-off into vintage Porsche ownership.

I will say, having begun to read through the Bentley preemptively, it does presume a lot of knowledge that’s not there on my behalf yet. I was wondering if others had had the same reaction. Glad to hear I’m not the only one. I’m getting my skis under me but am looking forward to starting small and going from there.

Thanks Sugarwood for the great thread!

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

What a weird flex. Aptitude only comes from experience, and without tools you will never gain any meaningful experience. The #1 best way to give up on DIY is never having the right tools. Also, not one tool in your list is needed for someone just starting out, so more weird car guy flex

If you spend more time working in the garage than on your keyboard, you will be more successful and knowledgeable. So how many engines have you done so far? I did my first engine rebuild using a few wrenches and sockets needed. Not even having a full set of tools. Just the tools needed to do the job. That was a real life beginner with zero background and experience.







As of today, I have done 15 motors and 5 more in line.......I am not a professional mechanic nor an expert but just an avid DIYer like most guys in this forum.

Tony

[patkeefe]

I don't believe aptitude and experience are related in this sense. Some people are just good at mechanical stuff, and for others it's a struggle. Why is that? Does this mean the good mechanics have an aptitude for this?
Some people are better at seeing parts arranged as a system, or have better spatial orientation, or can be more clever in utilization of what resources are available to them. There is a certain amount of experience necessary to perform DIY stuff, especially on a Porsche. Likely the most relevant experience is gained from realizing you need a different tool to perform a task.

Mechanicals are pretty much all the same, whether its the washing machine or the car. It is parts arranged into a system meant to perform a specific task

Likely the #1 way to give up on DIY is not lack of tools, it is lack of will to try, and a lack of gumption.

[Flojo]

I grew up with an intense liking for Lego as a kid.
guess that made the difference compared to those playing with He-Man dolls…

edit: oh, and no video games. never. rather being outdoors riding my bike, climbing on trees, getting dirty.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by Gretz

Although not required, I have found a endoscope/borescope (inspection camera) to be extremely valuable for all the tight places in an old 911:
.

I bought one of those for $22. Works with my cell phone.

Originally Posted by Glenfield

Thanks Sugarwood for the great thread!

You're very welcome!

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

If you spend more time working in the garage than on your keyboard, you will be more successful and knowledgeable. So how many engines have you done so far?

LOL more car guy flex. Not sure why you crap all over the idea of buying tools, talk about needing a magical aptitude, iron constitution and character, then you contradict yourself bragging about engine builds after I said that aptitude comes from experience, which can't be gotten without tools in the first place!

This thread is not about you. This is a thread was created for Glenfield, who is thinking of changing his oil for the first time, and maybe trying to change brake pads. This thread is to compile a list of tools for a beginner who does not own tools. He's not going to undo the drain plug with his fingers. He needs tools, period.

[Dpmulvan]

[Otter74]

This reminds me of one of my friends from engineering school. When he arrived on our FSAE team as a freshman, he had never so much as pulled a spark plug, and drove a base-model Eclipse with an automatic (this was about 1995), which of course we gave him a hard time about for years. By the time he graduated he had been the team's chief engineer for two years and had lots and lots of design and fabrication experience. He went on with another friend and teammate to start a company, now very successful. Lack of ability is nothing if you have the right attitude and environment. And aptitude helps.

[patkeefe]

OK, let's start simple...oil change. You will need two pans or big jugs, preferrably 12-16 quart each. One under the drain plug on the engine, and one under the oil tank. It can be done with only one, but it becomes very messy, It's messy even when you do everything correctly. Nature of the beast. Also, you will need, in the most basic iteration, a Crescent wrench, and a big screwdriver. The drain plugs will come off with a Crescent, and you can spin the oil filter off by puncturing it radially through its center, and spinning it off. Better method is to have a 17mm (possibly 15mm or 19mm; I have seen all three sizes) box end wrench for the drains. And, a proper oil filter wrench to get the old one off, instead of a screwdriver. And, don't forget new crush washers for the drain plugs' and a new oil filter. We are neglecting the oil screen here in order to keep this simple. We are also neglecting raising the car enough to get underneath it to work...

So, as you can see, you really need few tools, but you need a lot of other stuff to perform this simple task. Not like changing the oil on a Chevy.

It sounds like a lot, but once you start, and learn-by-doing, it gets easier. So, one job, necessity is two "tools", and some other stuff.

[patkeefe]

@otter74,
There were kids in my fluids class that were brilliant with figuring heat transfer from a crank journal to oil. After they solved the problem, they would ask me "what's a crankshaft journal"? I know exactly of the friend you describe. I suspect half this forum is like your friend.