Tools

Zigen5

Alright, I'm looking into buy some tools. I don't need a fancy set... But I do want them to last for a long time.. I don't own any but the basic around the house tools I bought at Target. What are most people on here using? Is Craftman a good brand? I know if you break it, the replace it for free. I need a good set that handle my 370z... Is there a set for beginners? I know how to use them, just never had a set of my own... Much help would be appreciated!

Mike

a basic set of metric sockets and wrenches and a good screwdriver set are a great start. Craftsman is great, and mostly what I have, but Kobalt from Lowe's and whatever Home Depot's brand name is now, are also both good ones with I believe, the same lifetime warranties.

After the basics, just add as you need something.

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NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

spearfish25

Home Depot = Husky. I have some and they do the job just fine.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

Modshack

....Also Sears (Craftsman) offers some very nice kits that will include most everything you will need. Prices seem to range from $100-300 depending on how extensive you want to go. Join the craftsman club and you can save 10-50% depending on the sale of the week..

If you're serious, add as needed as Mike pointed out. I still use some tools I bought 40+ years ago....Tools should be considered a lifetime investment that will save you a ton of money in the long run..

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Steal my car! (SOLD)...Now Porsche Cayman S
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cossie1600

Sears, lifetime replacement

Trips

I agree with a basic set. As you get more capable you'll be adding to your collection.
Yes also

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Chan Chee Hoe

Well American should support American brands like Snap-on or Proto....for those with budget get Stanley.

MightyBobo

The biggest things I offer to get:

-Good sockets (you'll want metric mainly, but imperial wouldnt hurt, either). Make sure you get some deep sockets!
-Same with wrenches. I also recommend that, as you do work on the car, look for certain tasks you may do often that take a special tool. Good example, a 10MM ratcheting wrench has come in handy for me MANY times.
-Breaker bars - smaller ones (like 1/4" drive) are kinda pointless. But, a good 3/8" and 1/2" breaker bar should be mandatory.
-Extensions. At LEAST one for each drive that you have.
-Torque wrench - you'll find they are NOT covered under Craftsman's free return policy - something about them being a precision tool or something. Anyway, I wouldnt go TOO cheap on one...I have one 3/8" and one 1/2" drive.
-Varying screwdriver sizes (phillips and flat head, of course)...always annoying when you try to attack a small-*** phillips screwhead with a driver thats too big, and it strips it out.

Those are the very basics I'd roll with.

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I don't own a car anymore.

Mike

oh yeah, also stay away from Harbor Freight. Their tools = one time use disposables.

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NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

kenchan

I hate getting inferior tools and having to rebuy later on. I get my tools from SnapOn, Facom, SK, and some CraftsmanPro series. Which reminds me, I need to get some Beta screw drivers...

cab83_750

I highly recommend the craftsman socket and wrench set. If you only own non-American cars make sure you just buy the 'all metric only set.". That should give you 100% ROI

if you can afford the Snap-on, go get them.

Oh, don't buy the craftsman jack. They fail around the 4th month and warranty is only a few months.

MightyBobo

Mine has lasted me years.

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I don't own a car anymore.

fullmonty

Snap-On makes some good stuff

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alvinmathew88

Harbor freight is an awesome place to pick up tools!

As a former employee of Sears, Craftsman is overpriced, and the quality has gone down in everything in their lines. Sears is now really strict in their "lifetime warranty" as well, they've denied a lot people's claims! Craftsman used to mean quality, not anymore! If you DO pick it up, pick it up on sale, don't pay retail! DO NOT PICK UP THEIR JACKS, it is not like it used to be!! I can't emphasize this enough, we used to get atleast 5 returns a day!

Snap-on is great, but pricey!

Kobalt is on the same level as Craftsman honestly.. Kobalt is like getting Craftsman on the cheap! Ive gone through their warranty return, and its the way Craftsman used to be, "no questions asked".

But again as usual... YMMV!

NeedforZ

I've got a little bit of each - Craftsman, Stanley, Husky, and some off-brand Autozone stuff. I think I've broken one screwdriver and thats because I was using it to pry something. If I had the $$$ then sure I'd buy all Snap-On tools. I have one Snap-On and that's a small torque wrench that's been calibrated.