Budget Tools Every Gearhead Should Own
Wrenching on one’s own car is a rite of passage for most gearheads. Starting with some of the easier tasks like oil changes and working up to more complicated repairs like brake swaps can be a great way to save a few bucks while learning some new skills.
Safety is a big part of wrenching, so make sure you only take on task with which you’re comfortable and have the space to complete them. Hauling the engine out of your car in your condo’s underground lot is probably going to anger half the building.
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Gathering up a few tools is also essential. Trying to complete just about any task in life without having the proper tools generally just leads to annoyance and more than a bit of frustration. One needn’t drop a bundle of money all at once, either; gradually building up an arsenal of tools can be very rewarding.
Ratchet and Socket Set
Without question or shadow of a doubt, this should be one of the very first things in which a budding backyard mechanic should invest. It will help with repairs from the basic to complicated since just about every job requires the removal of bolts and fasteners. Look for a kit with plenty of sockets in different sizes, in both standard and metric. The inclusion of deep well sockets (that’s the tall ones which can be a lifesaver in some situations) is a huge bonus. Don’t fall prey to kits touting enormous ‘piece counts’ since some of them pad this number with the likes of drill bits and screwdriver heads.
Oil filter removal tool
That engine oil is the lifeblood of an engine, so changing it at recommended intervals is critical. Saving a few bucks by doing it yourself is even better. Most employ a filter in the shape of a metal cylinder, accessed from under the car and spun counterclockwise for removal. The chances of doing that with yer bare hands is infinitesimally small, so a proper tool is handy. There are different types, ranging from rubber belt tensioners to metal rings to plastic cups specially sized for each job. Some cars have their oil filter in a canister atop the engine; if so, a ratchet from thag socket mentioned above may help.
Floor jack and stands
Most of the repairs using the tools listed above are going to require raising the vehicle, either to access the offending part or to remove a wheel. A hydraulic floor jack will be many light years more helpful in this task than the jack supplied in the trunk of the car. Look for a jack that will far exceed the weight rating of whatever you plan to lift and try to find one from a major brand for quality considerations. Safety is big here, so also spring for a set of stands which support the weight of the car once it is in the air, instead of letting it rest on the jack whose hydraulic system may fail, causing the whole car to crash down on your head.
