MTL_4runner
03-28-2007, 07:36 AM
Here's a good starting point list of tools anyone wanting to start working on their vehicle should have. This list is meant to be a bare minimum. People like myself are on the other end of the spectrum and need to have every tool for every job.....hey, it beats stamp collecting. :D
Basic Tools to Fix a Car
There are two types of people in the world. Those that tinker with their cars and those that do not. Having some experience fixing your own car can be a great help for minor break downs and in remote areas. When a car breaks down and there is a serious problem then there is often not much you can do about it. But if the problem is minor and you have the appropriate tools then it can help you to have some knowledge of fixing your car. This is also helpful in saving money as sometimes the auto shops charge exorbitant amount for simple fixes that can also be done by you, simply using basic tools. Having the correct tool and the knowledge of using that tool helps the car owner to know more about their car and at the same time saves a lot of money.
The following are some of the tools required by a car driver that maybe very useful at the time of car breakdown.
Oil filter wrench (there are different types, including cap, plier and strap type wrenches). You will have to decide which provides best grip of the filter, based on accessibility. I use a plier style wrench myself.
Catch pan (for capturing used oil and coolant....preferably one for working with each fluid)
3/8” basic socket wrench set, including sockets (only need metric sizes for Toyotas, preferably buy 6 point sockets because don't round off nuts/bolts like 12 points do) ratchets, extensions, adapters, and spark-plug sockets
Torx sockets or bits (metric sizes)
Combination wrench set (metric sizes)
Hex-key wrench set (commonly referred to as Allen wrenches)
Flare-nut fitting wrenches (most commonly used to help prevent the rounding-off of brake line fittings and bleeder fittings)
Fender cover (to protect the finish of your car while working under the hood)
Basic screwdriver set
Test light (for checking the availability of voltage and ground in circuits)
Multimeter (a more advanced electrical checking tool that provides readings of voltage, ohms, amps and sometimes more)
Slip-joint, groove-joint, needle-nose, and locking pliers
Torque wrench (a wrench that indicates the “tightness” of nuts and bolts)
Air pressure gauge
Radiator hydrometer
Penetrating oil (used to help free and lubricate seized or frozen fasteners)
Soldering gun & solder
Electrical pliers
Jack stands or Ramps
Wheel chocks
Hydraulic Jack
Battery charger
Items in red above are the BARE MINIMUM you should have for doing basic maintenance.
Basic Tools to Fix a Car
There are two types of people in the world. Those that tinker with their cars and those that do not. Having some experience fixing your own car can be a great help for minor break downs and in remote areas. When a car breaks down and there is a serious problem then there is often not much you can do about it. But if the problem is minor and you have the appropriate tools then it can help you to have some knowledge of fixing your car. This is also helpful in saving money as sometimes the auto shops charge exorbitant amount for simple fixes that can also be done by you, simply using basic tools. Having the correct tool and the knowledge of using that tool helps the car owner to know more about their car and at the same time saves a lot of money.
The following are some of the tools required by a car driver that maybe very useful at the time of car breakdown.
Oil filter wrench (there are different types, including cap, plier and strap type wrenches). You will have to decide which provides best grip of the filter, based on accessibility. I use a plier style wrench myself.
Catch pan (for capturing used oil and coolant....preferably one for working with each fluid)
3/8” basic socket wrench set, including sockets (only need metric sizes for Toyotas, preferably buy 6 point sockets because don't round off nuts/bolts like 12 points do) ratchets, extensions, adapters, and spark-plug sockets
Torx sockets or bits (metric sizes)
Combination wrench set (metric sizes)
Hex-key wrench set (commonly referred to as Allen wrenches)
Flare-nut fitting wrenches (most commonly used to help prevent the rounding-off of brake line fittings and bleeder fittings)
Fender cover (to protect the finish of your car while working under the hood)
Basic screwdriver set
Test light (for checking the availability of voltage and ground in circuits)
Multimeter (a more advanced electrical checking tool that provides readings of voltage, ohms, amps and sometimes more)
Slip-joint, groove-joint, needle-nose, and locking pliers
Torque wrench (a wrench that indicates the “tightness” of nuts and bolts)
Air pressure gauge
Radiator hydrometer
Penetrating oil (used to help free and lubricate seized or frozen fasteners)
Soldering gun & solder
Electrical pliers
Jack stands or Ramps
Wheel chocks
Hydraulic Jack
Battery charger
Items in red above are the BARE MINIMUM you should have for doing basic maintenance.