Tool Kit Recommedations?

[snake11eyes]

ive had my car ('94 nsx) for about 6 years now and ive only started to tinker with it recently (partly because little things here and there are breaking down and party because i also enjoy working on my car...both for the satisfaction of getting something done on my own and because i feel like i learn a lot more doing hands on work as opposed to just reading the tech manual and reading posts on prime...no knock on prime of course but theres definitely no substitute for getting your hands dirty).

in any case, im pretty novice when it comes to DYI stuff so i only have a very basic toolkit that my ex gf bought me a while back. it has basic stuff like pliers, socket wrench with various attachments, screwdrivers etc. however, ive already notice during some of my feeble DYI attempts that either 1) i couldnt do the job at all because i didnt have the tools required or 2) could have done the job a hell of a lot faster if i had the right tools. for example, i replaced the struts for my trunk the other day. i was able to do it but it too way longer that it SHOULD have because i didnt have a proper crescent wrench...so i basically had to use my grip of death on the pliers that i did have to loosen the bolt holding the strut in place.


given this, can anyone recommend a good basic tool kit for me? im putting this out on prime in case there are any particular tools that would be especially useful or required for work on nsx's. thanks in advance!

PS im looking for recommendations in terms of brand of tools, what should be included in the toolkit, any prepackaged toolkits out there, and of course pricing!

 

[DocL]

Every so often Sears has a sale on the 100 or 150pc tool kit. It has all of the sockets, wrenches, drivers, allen keys, and everything else you would need for simple DIY repairs. There are some tools, such as the brake piston key, that you can buy at any auto parts store.

I just replaced the rear hatch struts and it took me five minutes.

 

[EdinKali]

I will second that recommendation for a decent size Craftsman tool set. Might want to pick up one of those small roll around mechanic's tool chests while you are at it.

 

[NSXclear]

Get a craftsman 260pcs set

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934260000P?vName=Tools&cName=Tool+Sets&sName=View+All

I've seen them as cheap as $140.00 when on sale or coupon.

If your using if for you cars, make sure you get a good metric set. Don't use the 12pt sockets on you car. Use the 6pt sockets..

Get the wrenchhead or craftsmen flex metric ratchet wrench sets.

You'll be using the 3/8" set more often then the 1/4" or 1/2".

You might also consider getting some tools at Harbor Freight also.

 

[W]

I spent good money on the basic tools that I'd use a lot like sockets, ratchets, wrenches and whatnot. I also didn't cheap out on other tools like torque wrenches. I filled in the rest with a lot of Harbor Freight tools. My reasoning for buying cheap is that I'll buy a good version if I use it enough to break it or wear it out. This thread just reminded me that I need to replace a tap and a number of drill bits that I've broken so far this year.

 

[pgilliam1]

You being a novice, I'd recommend getting aquainted with a torque wrench and using it often on this car. There's a lot of aluminum on this car and stripping bolts, plugs, etc. can get exspensive. I've worked on a variety of cars and this one seems to require a little more exactness in it's mechanics (not a good car to learn on in my opinion). Have Fun Learning and Happy Motoring!

 

[gsrboy]

Get a craftsman 260pcs set

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934260000P?vName=Tools&cName=Tool+Sets&sName=View+All

I've seen them as cheap as $140.00 when on sale or coupon.

If your using if for you cars, make sure you get a good metric set. Don't use the 12pt sockets on you car. Use the 6pt sockets..

Get the wrenchhead or craftsmen flex metric ratchet wrench sets.

You'll be using the 3/8" set more often then the 1/4" or 1/2".

You might also consider getting some tools at Harbor Freight also.

have this one and love it. I used it to take out most engines and even the nsx's.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

All of the above are great tools. One thing not mentioned is that Craftsman hand tools are warranteed for life.

When I was 23 years old I purchased a set of 3/8" metric 6point deep sockets. About two months ago, using a 13mm socket out of that set, with a three foot breaker bar (total abuse), I cracked the socket. Went right back to Sears and got a new one free, no questions asked. BTW, I was 23 years old 32 years ago.

I actually do not prefer their ratchets though. If you have a chance to use a FACOM ratchet, you will like it.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Racerxjling]

All of the above are great tools. One thing not mentioned is that Craftsman hand tools are warranteed for life.

When I was 23 years old I purchased a set of 3/8" metric 6point deep sockets. About two months ago, using a 13mm socket out of that set, with a three foot breaker bar (total abuse), I cracked the socket. Went right back to Sears and got a new one free, no questions asked. BTW, I was 23 years old 32 years ago.

I actually do not prefer their ratchets though. If you have a chance to use a FACOM ratchet, you will like it.

HTH,
LarryB

Amen, their ratchets are terrible. I also prefer the socket set with the blow molded plastic case so it's easy to keep things in order and easy to identify if you are missing a socket after a job. SK, Facom, and even used Snap On ratchets on fleabay/Craigslist. Be careful as some are very beat up. I also prefer the Craftsman Professional series of screwdrivers vs. their standard ones. Just keep an eye out for the sales on their "club days"..join the club as it's free.

Jeff