need advice on tools

[85.5classic]

So im gonna just jump in a start working on my new 944 myself to save money. Can someone recommend a good tool set to work on my car. I have a limited budget of 100.00 for now

[Arizona_928]

depends on what your gonna be doing. get a good set of sockets metric of course, and a good set of wrenches. While working on your car you'll find that most common bolts/nuts will be 10/13mm...... -.-

[choinga]

yikes. I think I spent that last weekend.

What projects do you plan to tackle - that may help get us into the ballpark.

You definitely need a good set of metric wrenches and socket set with extensions/bends/wiggle extensions and deep and hex sockets.

Obviously, a solid staple of screwdrivers of various lengths and widths.

I'd stay away from the 150 piece sets or whatever unless you have NO tools. Those typically come with a lot of sockets and such that you won't need - any many in SAE. I've found that hex keys are pretty much useless on this car. The only place I've managed to use one is adjusting the TPS. Everywhere else, you'll need a hex that attaches to your socket wrench. Typically you'll need the 10mm to 19mm wrenches and sockets (including hex) - that will cover about 95% of what I've run into thus far.

FYI - these are pricey but DAMN they are useful. The ratchet end comes in so handy...I have two sets of these...one of them allows the ratchet end to bend to 90 degrees to get into the weird places where the wrench won't lay flat and work a nut off of there when you literally have no leverage. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944006000P?mv=rr

[85.5classic]

well..I am just looking for a good base to start with. So that i dont buy stuff i dont need. I will add tools as I go.

[krystar]

yer still better to get a craftsman set rather than buying things one at a time. u'll save money in the future. besides, those SAE ones come in useful when u strip somethin in metric and u can just put the next size down in SAE hehe.

basic stuff is gonna be 10-19mm sockets, emphasis on 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, at least 1 set of regular wrenches in the same sizes. wobblehead extensions are useful too.

if u can afford it, get some gear wrenches too. those come in particularly useful at times.

a zero angle ratchet in addition to your normal 3/8 ratchet would be nice too

[HondaDustR]

A good adjustable wrench is always handy, esp for stuff like holding the camshaft sprocket collar. Get a craftsman or similar high quality, since cheap adjustable wrenches soon end up thrown through something.

A 24mm deep socket is needed for the crank bolt. A long breaker bar is also very useful. I got one from autozone for like $15. Certain tools are fine to cheap out a little on. Don't cheap out on hex bits or open end wrenches, though. Also don't forget an 8mm socket and wrench, needed for the ignition rotor set screw, starter solenoid lug, alternator field coil wire lug, etc. A u-joint and some extensions will allow you to dismount the clutch master cylinder without too much extra disassembly and frustration. A 1/2" 6 point socket and open end wrench is also very handy, since it is slightly smaller than a 13mm and is very useful to hammer on stuck or rusted 13mm bolts to make removing them without rounding off easier (like exhaust manifold bolts). And if there's any one tool you must have is a good pair of genuine vise grips locking pliers. They've been saving @sses for years and will grab anything when all hope seems lost.

A torque wrench is also a good thing to have around if you plan on getting into any real projects. I got one of the old school flexible beam torque wrenches from sears for $25. The big advantage with them is they're simple, reliable, and are very consistent when used properly. The click ones are convenient, but are expensive, and need periodic calibration and maintenance.

$100 won't cover every really good tool to have right away, but a tool collection is, well...a collection. It grows over time.

[85.5classic]

Thanks for all the good info guys.. I'm going to sears now to look at some craftsman sets

[krystar]

if u wait, sears usually has sales every other month or so. there's sure to be a holiday sale soon.

[Rasta Monsta]

I scored a pretty good home set (just set up a garage across town) from Sears. . ."Mechanic's Tool Set" on sale for $90, a pretty big markdown.

I do wish it were metric only, though. . .

[John_AZ]

Drive around your neighborhood and watch for yard sales. With so many people moving and others getting rid of stuff, you might pick up a nice tool box. The inexpensive drawers have metal slides. I picked up a 10 drawer top box for $20 and the estate left a bunch of miscellaneous tools inside.

Many individual good brand tools can be found. Odd pieces you need.

Start with a spark plug socket and a quality 3/8" torque wrench.

GL
John_AZ

[porsche4life]

+1 on buying good used. I have a pretty nice assortment that my dad has gotten me for holidays and birthdays and stuff. There are a few little odd sockets and stuff that I have picked up at Pawn shops though.. A good pawn shop is a start...

[krystar]

shop craigslist.

sears just put out a sale on jack, stands, creeper
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/ProductDisplay?partNumber=00950188000P&storeId=10153&catalogId=12605&aff=Y&origin=prod&sid=I0084400010000100383

[jcommin]

++1 on used tools. I bought a Snap On 18 inch breaker bar and a small 1/4 socket set.

Amazon.com has an amazing array of tools all brands. Free shipping on many items too.

Good luck