Recommended tools for a beginner?

[golharam]

Hi all - I have 03 V8 4Runner with 125K miles on it. I'm tired of spending money at the dealer doing routine maintenance while I read on here how easy it is to do this work yourself.

I have some mechanical skills, but I'm definitely not an expert. I also have the basic tools...screwdrivers, phillips, socket wrench, etc etc. I DONT have any specialized tools like a torque wrench or car jack, etc, etc. I'm wondering what else I need, and if its really worth the time, money, and effort to buy this stuff to do the basic maintenance myself.

Opinions, thoughts?

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[Gerdo]

Some of my favorite garage tools are:
good floor jack
jack stands, tall enough to reach the frame when lifted/jacked up
floor creeper
Makita 18 volt impact driver (it's strong enough to speed things up w/o damaging things)

Trail tools:
A set of gear wrenches (combination)
set of sockets
CV socket (35mm for 3rd gens)
breaker bar
space blanket to lay on

Dual purpose tools:
Makita 18 volt impact driver (it's strong enough to speed things up w/o damaging things)
Torque wrench, ft/lbs, the inexpensive "click" type are fine (expensive ones are great for engine/gear builders)

 

[mrpanic7]

+1 for ^^^ plus, impact sockets to me are an awesome investment. and you cant ever under estimate the power of a breaker bar. leverage is key.

 

[Gerdo]

impact sockets

As a second set but impact sockets have a thicker wall and may not fit into tight spaces.

 

[honda_nos]

Agree +
- good muitimeter, don't break the bank a $15 one will do just about everything you *need
- good work light (new LEDs ones are great)
- a drain pan or two + funnel

 

[zimm]

In order of importance:

1) Metric 1/4 and 3/8" socket sets (craftsman is fine), with shallow and deep sockets. I prefer the separate $40 sets as they're easier to carry and work with rather than the big suitcase "mechanic" set that lets the sockets get loose inside.

2) Metric combination wrenches 8mm-17mm

3) Test light (multimeter is fine, but a $5 test light will tell you what wire are hot, ignition hot, and ground).

4) Jack stands

5) Floor jack (don't even think about getting under without the above jack stands

6) Cross-handle lug nut wrench (save your money- you don't need impact stuff yet)

7) Pliers, side cutters, channel locks, work light, wire strippers/crimpers, nice assortment of heat-shrink type electrical crimp connectors

That should get you started. All the hand tools you can carry in the back of the 4runner in a home-depot cheapo zip up tool bag.

 

[Sungod]

I don't see any need in buying tools just for the sake of buying tools. I buy tools as I need them. I justify it by the fact that I am not paying someone else to do the work, and then when I get to use them again, I am saving. You can go broke buying speciality tools. My garage is full of tools that I have used once, but that is the joy of owning tools. The challenge is after many years trying to find that brake spoon or the special socket that you bought for an axle that you need to use again.

 

[zimm]

I don't see any need in buying tools just for the sake of buying tools. I buy tools as I need them. I justify it by the fact that I am not paying someone else to do the work, and then when I get to use them again, I am saving. You can go broke buying speciality tools. My garage is full of tools that I have used once, but that is the joy of owning tools. The challenge is after many years trying to find that brake spoon or the special socket that you bought for an axle that you need to use again.

I agree- but I stand by my beginner list above- then as you find you need tools for certain jobs- buy them piece by piece. After 30 years you'll have a nice collection! I still have my front hub bearing socket for a 1977 F150 Dana 44 that will probably never get used again- bought it in 1991, still got it. But that's because it was cheap. If you find that you need an expensive tool, say a spring compressor for a lift kit, just borrow one from autozone for free for the day.

 

[Gecko123]

Grease gun to grease slip yolk
Air compressure for tires - buy a cheaply one for 10 bucks

 

[4RunnerFan]

I'd throw in a 10mm hex bit for the front diff (for those w/frt diff) and a micro torque wrench for tightening various plugs (spark plugs, front & rear diff plugs, xfer case plugs, etc). Also a pump to fill diffs with new gear oil and a breaker bar to help get those pesky fill and drain plugs off. These tools paid for themselves the first time they were used. I bought all this stuff for the first time I changed out the diff fluids and spark plugs and saved a bundle over having it done at a shop or the dealer. Reminds me of that saying about the gift that keeps on giving.

 

[Stuffman]

I use theses tools the most. Good 2.5 ton floor jack and stand, sockets, box end wrenches, air compressor and impact gun, breaker bar with 4 foot steel pipe, slotted screw driver for prying, fluid pump for Trans and diffy fluids. All very cheap at harbor freights except the sockets (craftsman).

Option, Dewalt 18V battery impact, hammer, socket extensions, adjustable wrench for oil filter (I run a larger oil filter on the V8, PH-16 fram). I never used my torque wrench so I gave it away - do by feel. Buy the tool as needed for the job. Tools can be a money pit.

 

[Atlanta_man]

cheap but necessary if you are butter-fingers like me:
telescoping stick with a magnet on the end

 

[Cale]

Basic metric socket set and torque wrench will do most jobs.

 

[combatmedic]

cheap but necessary if you are butter-fingers like me:
telescoping stick with a magnet on the end

I used mine today to pull part of my radiator cap that fell into the radiator =P

 

[MikeInNH]

If you're NOT using an impact wrench then there's no need for impact sockets. You'll NEVER be able to break a good set of wrenches...even jumping up and down on a 3' long breaker bar.

Snap-on are about the best you can get..but very expensive. And not needed for the home mechanic.

Look for sales at Sears. Craftsman tools are EXCELLENT. Come with a life-time warranty...and their sale prices are hard to beat.

Home Depot carries Husky. Husky is made at the same factory as the Craftsman tools. I still have my original 3/8 ratchet set...at least 40 years old.

 

[Atlanta_man]

don't be using a breaker bar with a ratchet wrench (like shown in this thread)

 

[V8T4R]

I would also stick with some of the higher quality tools like those brands that have been mentioned(Snap-on, Craftsman, Husky, Klein etc) as they pay off in the long run. I've actually had a couple of cheaper quality hand tools ( 2 crescent wrenches and a socket extension) break on me recently. Or maybe I just happened to get a bad batch, who knows.