[cruisingdownthestreet]

What tools should a first-time car owner immediately invest in in an increasingly electronic car world?

[Chihuahua]

obviously it totally depends on budget, but if you are on a shoestring budget and want to get started, I'd get the following:

basic generic OBD2 scan tool
full set of metric wrenches
full set of metric sockets with ratchets (and extensions), 3/8 and 1/4 drive
set of screw drivers
oil filter wrench
3/8 drive torque wrench
1/2 drive torque wrench with 17mm through 21mm sockets

[yousefnjr]

It's a never ending list really, just depends on how much wrenching you're planning on doing yourself, and also what car this is for. For DIY on a Z4, in addition to the above:

Low profile jack
Jack stands
Wheel chocks
Fluid drain pan
Adapters (1/4 to 3/8, 3/8 to 1/2, 1/2 to 3/8...)
Torx socket set
Allen socket set (metric)
Plier set

Not immediately important, but nice to have:
Pry bar
Breaker bar
Cordless impact
Tweezers set
Trim/push pin removal set
Telescoping magnet
Feeler gauge set
List goes on forever...

As with most things, you get what you pay for. Higher priced tools are often tougher, have better clearance, etc. Some things you can get away with being cheap, other things you'll have to consider as an investment if you'll be doing this often

[jfl503]

triple ay

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by cruisingdownthestreet

What tools should a first-time car owner immediately invest in in an increasingly electronic car world?

Good question. A few things I wanted to add.
Research Alldata
http://www.alldatadiy.com/?gclid=CLC...FYOPswodLjwGPg

And chk if Haynes or Bentley make a repair manual for their car.

OBDII reader are great also research FLUKE automotive multimeter ( what type of probes to buy), learning how to test a car battery or charge a car battery is worthwhile. Lots of people do it wrong.

As for hand tools: I wouldn't go out and buy a two-hundred piece set. It's nice to buy tools from a few different makers and get a feel for what you like.
If your tools are going to be in a garden shed where other might come across them, then I would NOT be leaving Snap-On tools in that shed. Or if taking tools to a race track, go with less expensive tools.

Craftsman has some nice ratchet handles, but I like my swivel head Easco.
And RATCHET SPINNERS are great for working under the dash.

I aquired my tools mostly buying what I needed for a particular job and accumulating through time.

As for brands, I like GearWrench tools. But for heavy jobs like 21mm sockets for suspension where I need a lot of power, I aquired Snap-On or Matco. But be smart if you walk onto one of their trucks you see at a dealership, those guys may try to take advantage and if your not familiar with pricing sell you an impact socket at some enormous price, when the hand-tool socket is 1/4 the price.
I really like my craftsman socket handle, but I like my swivel head Easco handle the best.

These things are lifesavers when working on alternators and water pumps.
http://m.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc-un...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds

[ZeeVaughn]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

I aquired my tools mostly buying what I needed for a particular job and accumulating through time.

+1

I started with basic tool sets that included metric and standard sizes etc. and acquired more specific and specialty tools by doing various DIY's. Just be ready to stop a job in the middle because you're missing a certain socket or tool and have to run to the store to grab one we've all been there.

[08njSTEP]

Only buy snap on used. Their prices are crazy. Great tools, but people sell their whole box full of tools on Craigslist for reasonable prices. I would only own a Snap-_on box though. They really are the best. Sooooo heavy duty. 1 time purchase, for life. But again buy used.

[chillindrdude]

torque wrench

good set of sockets, ratchet, and extender/flex joints

low angle ramps, jack, and jack stands.

[Captain Apex]

something others have not posted:

- tire pressure gauge (I recommend Longacre)

[Jdub679]

Originally Posted by Kyle B

obviously it totally depends on budget, but if you are on a shoestring budget and want to get started, I'd get the following:

basic generic OBD2 scan tool
full set of metric wrenches
full set of metric sockets with ratchets (and extensions), 3/8 and 1/4 drive
set of screw drivers
oil filter wrench
3/8 drive torque wrench
1/2 drive torque wrench with 17mm through 21mm sockets

Any recommendations for the OBD2 scan tool? I've got a beater '03 Toyota that I need to check a code on. Thanks.

[MightyMouseTech]

As a tech, most used tool is a 1/2" impact gun.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

As a tech, most used tool is a 1/2" impact gun.

pneumatic or electric ?

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

pneumatic or electric ?

Well, at work I use pneumatic. I have a cordless electric for use at the track. Actually, have two pneumatic for at work, both are currently out for repairs (dammit!), and I am using my track cordless here at work.

If you have a compressor, get pneumatic.

[3GFX]

Toolbox...

...then slowly acquire any tool you need as you go. OBD Scanner for sure, and a good 100+ piece ratchet set. Torque wrench is a must.

[cruisingdownthestreet]

Originally Posted by 3GFX

Toolbox...

...then slowly acquire any tool you need as you go. OBD Scanner for sure, and a good 100+ piece ratchet set. Torque wrench is a must.

there's something about toolboxes i just don't like. i don't know why. it's kinda like seeing a shredded guy at the gym of the same ethnicity as you. you just wanna kick his ass out of YOUR gym

[3GFX]

The wifey got me a decent setup last year for fathers day or birthday.

Until that point I had all my tools in bins and drawers. Having everything in one spot and building tools and sets in certain drawers provides me with a personal sense of satisfaction.

I can happily say I have most of the common tools you'll ever need, plus a good selection of nuts, bolts, screws and other random gear.




ZIPTIES by the way, are essential

[insanecoder]

If you want to do regular maintenance:

Reputable ramps + reputable jack + dependable jack stands

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by Kyle B

full set of metric sockets with ratchets (and extensions), 3/8 and 1/4 drive

imho 1/2 and 1/4 drive. There are a lot of bolts on the undercarriage that have to be tightened beyond 3/8 spec.

A 3/8 set is comfortable to work with (lighter than 1/2 drive) but it's not a necessity.

Most important tool for working on bmw's: Laptop/tablet with TIS and some obd2 diagnostic capabilities: INPA/Rheingold if possible.

[3GFX]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

rking on bmw's: Laptop/tablet with TIS and some obd2 diagnostic capabilities: INPA/Rheingold if possible.

Found this out the hard way....software currently on order

[R3dliner]

carly for bmw is very useful. No laptop necessary and can diagnose and code from your iphone or android

[Bluewater328iT]

Originally Posted by R3dliner

carly for bmw is very useful. No laptop necessary and can diagnose and code from your iphone or android

Agreed. I have one as well.

[Captain Apex]

Originally Posted by cruisingdownthestreet

there's something about toolboxes i just don't like. i don't know why. it's kinda like seeing a shredded guy at the gym of the same ethnicity as you. you just wanna kick his ass out of YOUR gym

well where do you put your tools? lol