Looking for a set of motoring tools for some DIY car maintenance

Hyperxr

Hey guys,

I've decided to take the plunge and I'm in need of some basic tools for simple car maintenance such as oil changes, brake fluid change, gearbox oil change etc. nothing more.

I've had a look at some tools and I'm not sure whether I'd be better of with a 1/4 drive ratchet socket wrench or a 3/8 drive? What about a socket torque wrench? Some DIY guides online state that you need to tighten so and so plug to 30 ft lb of torque etc, but having looked at the prices of torque wrenches they're definitely are not cheap, however you can get some on eBay for £25 brand new.

Is an electric drill worth it? Amazon sells one for around £35, would not sure how useful it would be?

OddballJamie

Just get the local Toyota dealer to do it.

Hyperxr

OddballJamie wrote: »

Just get the local Toyota dealer to do it.

Not very helpful is it?

Ebe_Scrooge

You can get any number of "basic" socket sets that have a mixture of 1/4" and 3/8" drive. One of these would probably be a good start, and cover the sizes you're likely to need. In general you're much better off buying a few decent-quality tools than a "bargain bundle" - there'll be things in there that you don't need and they'll not last as long.

I'd maybe start out with a small basic socket set, a few screwdrivers and pliers, and a small combination spanner set, then from there on buy individual tools as and when you find you need them.

Electric drill - not really needed for a car tool set, unless you're dealing with a lot of bodywork issues, rust etc., in which case a wire brush attachment can make life easier. But it is also useful for more general DIY around the house.

Torque wrench - the perfectionists will say it's essential, but for most simple jobs I wouldn't worry too much. If you get into things like replacing head gaskets then yes, definitely get one. But for less "critical" bolts let common sense dictate.

Hope this helps.

OnanTheBarbarian

The Halfords professional stuff is pretty good quality and they often have good discounts on the stuff.

bob_a_builder

Oil changes ?

Likely need a tool for the filter, a strap wrench or similar

Ebe_Scrooge

bob_a_builder wrote: »

Oil changes ?

Likely need a tool for the filter, a strap wrench or similar

Unless, like mine it's a cartridge filter and you have to buy a 27mm socket specially for it

OddballJamie

Hyperxr wrote: »

Not very helpful is it?

Recommending a used M3 to someone doing 50k a year isn't either.

JustinR1979

OnanTheBarbarian wrote: »

The Halfords professional stuff is pretty good quality and they often have good discounts on the stuff.

Yep, look out for the big set when it's down from £150-£100, or whatever it is now.
Good quality, and plenty of tools in there.
Just leaves you with a few more specific bits to get.

JustinR1979

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

Unless, like mine it's a cartridge filter and you have to buy a 27mm socket specially for it

Or a great big pair of grips

Hyperxr

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

Unless, like mine it's a cartridge filter and you have to buy a 27mm socket specially for it

I had a read up on these universal oil filter straps and people prefer to use the oil filter sockets. Can get that from amazon for under a tenner and probably much easier to use than a strap