Introduction
The choice of good tools is the key to good service and successful car repairs. For car owners who do not have such tools, their purchase will cause significant expenses, which can only be partially avoided by making some of them yourself. However, if the purchased tools are safe and of good quality, they will last for many years and be an extremely useful purchase.
To help the car owner decide which tools they need to perform the various jobs described in this manual, we have compiled three lists of tools under the following headings: «Tool kit for maintenance and minor repairs». «A set of tools for medium and major repairs» And «Special tools and fixtures». Owners with no repair experience should start by purchasing a tool kit for maintenance and minor repairs and limit themselves to simple jobs. Then, as you gain confidence and experience, you can move on to more complex tasks, acquiring additional tools as needed. Thus, it is possible to increase the set of tools to a set intended for medium and major repairs. Experienced car enthusiasts can have a set of tools suitable for most repairs, and complement it with tools from «special» list if they are sure that the acquisition costs are justified by their frequent use.
Tool kit for maintenance and minor repairs
This list provides the minimum set of tools required for maintenance and minor repairs. We recommend buying combination wrenches (ring wrench on one side and open-end wrench of the same size on the other).
- Wrench set: metric from 8 to 19 mm inclusive
- Adjustable wrench-jaw 35 mm (approximately)
- candle key (with rubber insert) *
- Spark Plug Gap Adjuster*
- Feeler set
- Wrench for unscrewing the brake bleed nipples
- Screwdrivers:
- with a flat end - 100 mm long x 6 mm diameter
- with a cross-shaped end - 100 mm long x 6 mm diameter
- type «Torx» – various sizes (not for all vehicles)
- Pliers set
- Hacksaw (small)
- Pump
- Tire pressure indicator
- butter dish
- Oil Filter Remover
- Fine sandpaper on a cloth basis
- Wire brush (small)
- Funnel (medium size)
- Wrench for unscrewing the drain plug of the pallet (not for all vehicles)
* For models with petrol engine
A set of tools for medium and major repairs
These tools are a must for any major vehicle repair and complement the toolbox for maintenance and minor repairs. This listing includes a set of interchangeable sockets. It is absolutely necessary for more or less serious work. We recommend purchasing a socket set with a 1/2 square socket", as they can be used with most torque wrenches.
Tools from this list sometimes need to be supplemented with tools from «special» list.
- socket set (or box keys) in the range of the previous list (including type heads «Torx»)
- Collar with reversible ratchet**
- Extension 350 mm long **
- Cardan joint**
- Flexible or T-piece **
- Torque wrench**
- Self tightening wrench
- Hammer with round face
- Soft-faced hammer (plastic or rubber)
- Screwdrivers:
- with a flat end - long and strong, short (wide), narrow (for electrical work);
- with a cross-shaped end - long and strong, short (wide)
- Pliers:
- with long lips;
- side cutters (for electrical work);
- spring ring pliers - outer and inner
- Chisel - 25 mm
- Marker
- Scraper
- Kerner
- Punch
- Hacksaw
- Hose clamp kit
- Brake or clutch bleed kit
- Drill and drill set
- Steel ruler/tape measure
- Allen's keys (including slotted and type «Torx»)
- File set
- Wire brush
- Car stands
- Jack (rolling or hydraulic)
- Portable lamp with extension cord
- Universal electrical multimeter
** For use with sockets.
Special tools and fixtures
The tools and fixtures on this list are those that are infrequently used, expensive, or specialized. Buying many of these tools will not pay off if complex mechanical work is rarely done. If this is the case, then you could team up with your friends (or join the club of motorists), to buy such tools or rent them from specialists.
The following list contains only those tools and accessories that are commercially available, and not those that the vehicle manufacturer makes specifically for dealers and service stations of the company. You can occasionally find references to such tools in the text of this Guide. An alternative method of doing the job without such tools is usually given. However, sometimes there is no alternative. If this is the case and the appropriate tools cannot be purchased or rented, you will have to have the dealership work with you.
- Tightening angle indicator
- Valve spring compressor
- Valve grinding tool
- Piston ring compressor
- Piston ring remover/installer
- Honing head for machining cylinder mirrors
- Ball joint pin puller
- Suspension spring compressor (depends on design)
- Two and three arm pullers for hubs and bearings
- impact screwdriver
- Micrometer and/or calipers
- Dial indicator
- Strobe lamp
- Ignition coil on angle meter/tachometer
- A device for reading fault codes
- Compressometer
- Manual vacuum pump with pressure gauge
- Clutch disc centering tool
- Brake pad remover
- Press tool for bushings and bearings
- Stud extractor
- Set of taps and dies for threading
- Lifting device
- rolling jack
Buying tools
Supermarkets and large parts stores often offer excellent high quality tools and accessories at low prices.
Remember, you don't have to buy the most expensive instruments, but avoid buying the cheapest ones as well. beware «beneficial» purchases of tools offered in car parks or in auto shops. There are many good tools on the market at reasonable prices, but you should always try to buy products that meet safety requirements. If in doubt, check with the store owner or manager.
Tool storage and maintenance
Once you have purchased the necessary tool kit, keep it clean and in good condition. Always clean dirt, oil, and metal particles with a clean, dry cloth before putting away tools after use. Never leave them strewn around the place of work. For tools such as screwdrivers and pliers, an ordinary shelf on the wall is very convenient. Store wrenches and socket wrenches in a metal box. Any gauges, indicators, etc. should be stored in a place where they will be protected from damage and rust.
When using tools, take the time to care for them. Sooner or later, nicks appear on the hammer head, and screwdriver blades become dull. A small and timely treatment with sandpaper or a file will quickly restore their good condition. Workplace
We should not forget about the workplace. If the work to be performed is outside the scope of normal maintenance, a good workplace is essential.
We understand that many motorists, due to circumstances, are forced to remove the engine or similar units from the car in conditions that are not as favorable as those available in the repair shop. Such work should always be carried out under a roof.
Wherever possible, any disassembly should be done on a clean and flat bench or table of suitable height.
Any workbench should be equipped with a vise with a jaw opening of at least 100 mm, which is suitable for most jobs. As mentioned above, it is necessary to provide a dry and clean place for storing tools, as well as for all kinds of lubricants, liquids, touch-up paint, etc.
One of the most popular tools in the garage is an electric drill with a chuck for drills up to at least 8 mm in diameter, which can be used for a wide variety of jobs. Such a drill, as well as a large set of drills, are absolutely necessary when installing various auxiliary equipment.
Last but not least, keep old newspapers and clean, lint-free rags in your work area at all times and keep your work area clean.
Sockets and ratchet wrench
Key and socket type «Torx»
Device for removing air from the brake system
Hose clamp
Tightening angle indicator
Micrometers
Band key
Dial indicator
A device for reading fault codes
Compressometer