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

It is very rare to see a guy with zero DIY background buy an old Porsche. These cars are rarely anyone's first rodeo. So, this is a fun opportunity to guide someone brand new into DIY. It doesn't get to happen much around here.

Since I built up my tools slowly, I have no idea how much I spent. I lost track at the $4000 mark. I am actually curious how much one needs to spend to have a decent basic tool kit.

And please refrain from insisting all you need is a $20 wrench set and a $5 screwdriver to take apart the entire car. There's always one of those.

Here is the running spreadsheet. Feel free to add to it.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xKDkP_wT7Nuro1pKFklbStz-IE0Zu6L4Hzbhsp6vnWQ/edit?usp=sharing

Spending on tools may involve an evolution. At least, it did for me. A mental shift. At the latest, I experienced it by my 2nd or 3rd year with a dozen or two repairs under my belt. At that point, it was plain as day that difference between a miserable DIY experience and a smooth one is the right tools. Trust me, when you've got parts strewn about, and you're under the car, and you don't have that $20 tool, you will be wishing you'd spent $1000 on it, just to get you past the roadblock you're staring at.

Live that just once or twice, and buying tools becomes a joy. A rush. They are an asset to your ability to tackle projects. Now, I never lament spending on tools, and in fact, welcome it. But I also spend and target efficiently. It's a great feeling to have a well stocked tool set. And over time, they pay for themselves 10x over.

I'm not new to working on cars, but the few things that come to mind that I've recently used on mine:

* Metric combination wrenches (like 8mm to 22mm)
* Metric sockets (same range)..with socket drivers in all sizes 1/4", 3/8", 1/2"
* Metric crowfoot wrenches
* 2 and 3 foot large breaker bars, with adapters to convert/fit different sizes of socket drives
* U joint socket ends
* Extension socket ends
* Source of heat (propane torch)
* PB Blaster or some sort of spray to help release fasteners
* A few cases of Simple Green, papertowels, and rubber gloves
* Plastic door/body removal tools to scrape 40 years of gunk off the car
* BRIGHT LED light for working
* Boxes of both small and large ziplocs and sharpies to label/organize parts

I'm still a sucker for Craftsman even though I think all the new stuff is not the same quality as the original made in America...but if I had to start over I'd probably buy one of their large mechanics sets and a cheap large toolbox from Harbor Freight.

*Wire brushes from tiny to large
*Bench Grinder with one side wire wheel
*A meter-cheapo harbor freight is fine. for most jobs even a test light works
*3 jaw puller small and large- Not nessesarily right away but youll need it eventually

About the crows foots. I have a set. In my 20 years of working on stuff I think i used one. Definately not nessesary

My suggestion is to buy the tools right before the next task or project, so you know what you’re missing, and not buy everything all at once. I think the first set of tools I bought were related to tire changing since I was unsatisfied with what the car came with... back when cars came with a jack and a full size spare.

I may have bought a few pliers for some wiring work next. Might have been a horn replacement. I didn’t need open wrenches or screwdrivers because there were some at home already.

Then the next was some socket wrenches. Imperial first since it wasn’t a Porsche, a plastic basin to catch oil...

You may not use them often but stubby combination wrenches come in very handy when you need them.

Some quality metric Allen keys/sockets.

Magnetic/grabber pick up tools for the stuff that gets dropped into dark spots.

When I was riding adventure bikes someone on the BMW GS forum had created a list of every fastener size on the bike that was accessible by the rider for roadside repairs. This made it easier to build a basic toolkit for around town and a more extensive toolkit for cross country rides.

I wonder if our community here could do something similar by project. I know Wayne's book does a pretty good job but maybe some master document or list would be beneficial to newcomers to these cars.

A dozen 10mm sockets and a dozen 13mm sockets. You’ll thank me later when you lose the first 11

regular and phillips screwdrivers, Metric nut drivers, metric torq bits

The Allen/hex tools are key, a variety helps a lot, socket driven tools, screwdriver and L wrenches help a lot....I like ball-ended Allen tools for lower torque applications where you have to be off-axis a little like those bolts that hold the seats in place....also, my later cars had some triple-square / XZN, but I can’t remember the exact application, I know I desperately needed a set one time and have used them since.

I guess it depends on the level of "DIY". Basic maintenance? Engine/trans rebuild?

I think it makes sense to start with a "kit" as you've all described above. Research tooling needs as projects come up.

A Dremel tool. Telescoping mirror for peering into tight spots. A rolling cart with multiple shelves. So handy to have tools where you need them depending on where you are working on the car. Nylon pry/poke/prod tool used along with light mixture of Dawn liquid soap and water in spray bottle. Very useful for seals and grommets of all types.

Manual impact screwdriver set. Almost certainly required to remove the fixing screw for rear brake rotors. Plus other rusty/stuck screws.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1587871807.jpg

No 911 is complete without this.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1343320476.jpg

I would add a couple magnetic pick up tools rather than just one. I have one that I have bent numerous times to get around obstacles to retrieve items, usually fasteners. Another remains unmolested for straight shot retrievals.

Set of pry bars
1/2” torque wrench
Ratcheting metric combo wrenches are nice.
Mighty worm (bendable magnetic pick-up tool)
Magnetic spark plug socket

You might want to change the title of this thread to make it more searchable.

Rahl

You can disassemble almost the entire car with just those tools.

i would add a circuit test pen, always need to sort wiring out if the car isnt 100% original..ask me how i know!

A bench vise, minimum 5 inch jaws
A bench
Floor jack and jack stands
I agree with purchasing a nice set of Craftmans tools. You will always keep adding tools as you need them.

For you, I suggest AAA card and the phone number for Rennwerke in your wallet.