What tools for Beginners?

What now, lens cleaners? Ha!

 

Hit a thrift store in your travels, because no garage is complete without an old bookshelf or component stereo system with plenty of speakers blasting in every direction, and a nice comfy chair to ponder or reference the web in.

 

Keep old tshirts, sweatpants, jeans and hoodies. Set them aside for use while working on the cars. You won’t get mad when you spoil oil or wipe your hands on clothes you don’t care about

 

If you're a HF track member they are having a sale on the Badland 3 ton offroad jack for $249. I don't know what the sales dates are. @texasrho83 might know.

 

Not seeing it bud.

 

I didn't see the date either.

 

This. Good deals to be had at pawn shops and estate sales.

also, the big mechanic tool sets that go on sale around Black Friday and Xmas are a superb place to start.

ratcheting wrenches are a must.

Get a decent ratchet, nothing worse than those old raised panel craftsman knuckle busters.

Get some jackstands (not the harbor freight death trap ones either)

 

I don’t even know where I’d start if I had to start over. I took to concept of diy when I was in my teens 30 years ago and if I needed a tool I just bought it. I have a giant Matco toolbox bought used for pennys on the dollar decades ago. Full of quality tools. Not even a clue how much $$ in there but I’d cry if I had to start over. Rarely do a project that I don’t have the tools for.

 

Yeah buddy! Take pictures and keep receipts. If something happens, insurance likes to see proof and pictures also help you not forget anything on a claim.

 

HF parking lot sale today - Sunday to consider some basics including some really cheap additions like a $4 multimeter and discount on gloves.

$57.99 $99.99 $19.99 $19.99 (metric) $4.99 $3.99 $2.99 $1.95

 

Man… I wouldn’t buy anything at harbor freight I had to trust my life with. I’m looking at you HF Jack Stands!

 

I thought the same, so looked at what they now offer. HF has 6 and 12 ton again. The 12 tons look like a rebranded "Big Red" (no idea if that is another rebranding, but probably since they're on Amazon). HF must be off the hook from their 6 ton fiasco.

FWIW, I have the Big Reds and like them.

 

Don't own or have experience with HF stands hence weren't recommending them, but only said sale items could be considered. Everyone should do their own due diligence and make their own choices in considering what to buy and/or use. HF had recalls on different jack stands. But apparently the new with locking pins, gusset welds, etc. with reviews by The Drive (although acknowledge "participate in affiliate programs") and Project Farm reviewing them along with Big Red, Husky, and more.

What jack stands do you prefer and any thoughts from others for OP?

These Big Red 6 tons at Home Depot for $63.64 / pair seem to be the same ratcheting style with locking pins as the Daytonas, but these 7 ton and 12 ton Big Reds are a different design, and don't lift as high. You have the 12 ton ratcheting style?

 

If it hasn’t been suggested yet.

 

Yes, these are the ones. Wanted the extra height for a small lift and bigger tires.

 

Don’t take it personally. I was making light of the recent recall on Harbor Freight jack stands.

But since you asked! This guy is a gem.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T6ufAL5R0mg

 

Yep PF is great. Looks like he also did a 6 ton review and rated Big Red and Husky well for certain features.

Got some Husky torque wrenches on sale for about 40% off that tested for accuracy across the range.

Wonder if the jack stands go on sale too.

Also really like this guy: https://www.youtube.com/@Tools-Tested

 

I started with a Dewalt mechanic set. And then bought other tools as I needed them. I have a pretty decent set of tools. Both for the garage and the truck.

Latest purchase was a grease gun.

 

1/2" : $12.99 sale

 

- A couple of funnels (different lengths or sizes) and a fluid transfer pump are always handy.
- Building on impact wrenches: get two, one mid torque and a compact (maybe even replace the compact for a right angle impact)
- Lubes!:
* Grease compatible with driveshaft joints is also compatible with ball joints and tons of other stuff
* Silicone Paste (high temp) compatible with brake components
* Anti-seize
* PTFE Spray
- Specialty tools such as a ball joint press, tie rod forks, etc, can save a ton of time too, though I keep hearing you can rent these at autozone and O'reilys for free... but then you need one nearby.
- Small angle grinder or a rotary tool, if not for cutting **** out of the way, then for cleaning rust on parts that need a coating

 

When I first started working on my Tundra, I kept buying random tools, one at a time. Even some unique sockets. Looking back, this cost me a lot more than it would have if I bought tool sets.

Don't rule out Harbor Freight for things like:

Wrench sets
Socket sets
Pliers
Flare nut wrenches(brake work)


I've seen 150+ tool sets at places like Lowes too. Some were on sale for reasonable prices. The nice thing about sets is that they often come in tool boxes which you can take with you in your truck. If something happens, you'll have the tools you need, neatly organized.

 

This is usually only $14.99 at HF anyways, but with the this weekend, its $10.49. This is likely not considered by many a required tool, but I use a tool caddy with my creeper almost every time, if nothing else, to hold wrenches, ratchet, sockets and bolts removed for replacement. Mine clips onto the creeper like this, but mine's twice as large. However, a lot of work requires more capacity. And it looks like the large kind I have aren't found easily any more just maybe the

$26 Sealey Scrt Creeper Side Tray

1/2 size for $25.