GO FISHING, use SLABSAUCE Fishing Attractant
Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 22

Thread: Christmas list tool recommendations

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    352

    Default Christmas list tool recommendations

    I'm new to wrenching and trying to build up my tool collection.

    On my Christmas list this year are:

    Car Jack and stands
    Torque Wrench (1/2")
    Cordless Impact Wrench

    I'd like to know what brands or specifics you'd recommend for these items. Basically my parents and girlfriend won't know what to get so I need to be fairly specific on what is good or what not to get. Although it would be great, nobody I know is gonna drop $500 on a torque wrench for me, so good valued items that are relatively easy to get are more useful to me.

    I know there are a number of tool related threads on here, and some of them are a little dated or some recommended items are tough to find now.

    Thanks for your help

    Bryan
    '94 540I 6spd/205000 miles

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Chicago, Il. U.S.A.
    Posts
    4,243

    Default

    Have a look at the recent threads regarding cordless impacts. Expect someone to pay ~$300 for anything worthwhile.
    "The gas pedal wouldn't go to the floor if it weren't meant to be there"

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    9,281

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Thunder Bay, Ontario
    Posts
    2,538

    Default

    Think about what type of work you'll do most and get the most suitabletorque wrench . This 10-150 ft/lb has a great range. Many I've seen start at 25 ft/lb and are therefore useless for a bunch of common repairs.

    Oh, and definately head the advice and do some research on the cordless impact. After hearing the stories here, I just bought a corded one for $70.

    Good luck and have fun.

    10/90 Build 525im, 630,000+km, Eibach/Sachs, Engine Rebuild
    *RIP Oskar the DOG *

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    352

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ross
    Have a look at the recent threads regarding cordless impacts. Expect someone to pay ~$300 for anything worthwhile.
    I spent a good bit of time with that thread this weekend. From what I was able to find, I agree, between $250 and $300 for one of these.

    However, the one that Bill raves about isn't really much cheaper than a (Dewalt. So I'm not sure where I'm at with this... Hell its alot of money for a tool that right now mainly aim to use for lugnut removal and installation.
    '94 540I 6spd/205000 miles

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    352

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave M
    Think about what type of work you'll do most and get the most suitabletorque wrench . This 10-150 ft/lb has a great range. Many I've seen start at 25 ft/lb and are therefore useless for a bunch of common repairs.

    Oh, and definately head the advice and do some research on the cordless impact. After hearing the stories here, I just bought a corded one for $70.

    Good luck and have fun.
    Wasn't the verdict on that $70 impact that its a POS?
    '94 540I 6spd/205000 miles

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    NEPA
    Posts
    936

    Default

    basically heres my toolbox. I was a porofessional wrench and quit not too long ago. Avoid Snap-On unless you absoloutley need the best. But anwyays id go to sears and get myself a nice mechanics tool set for $150. They have metric ones now too I think which is what you will need. Its a great setup for the home mechanic who just works on his car on the weekend. You will need various metric sockets, shallow and deep 6mm-24mm. Also dont underestimate the 1/4 inch drive stuff. I have a complete Snap-On 1/4 inch drive set from 4mm to 13mm deep and shallow. Get some water pump pliers, small and a nice big set for those brake jobs. A c-clamp, vice grips of all sizes, also get a nice heavy BFH because they come in handy. A nice screwdriver set can be had at sears for 20 bucks. Also get a nice 3-ton jack because these cars are heavy. I would also recomend getting items as you go along, like pickle forks and sprng compressors and if you really get into it a peake research tool. A benchtop vice and a cutting wheel is also good to have as well. Id avoid electric impact guns because the ones I haved used literally sucked ass and had no power in reverse. get an aircompressor and use air tools. Also a big cheater pipe is good to have. Hope this helps.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Thunder Bay, Ontario
    Posts
    2,538

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by bbig119
    Wasn't the verdict on that $70 impact that its a POS?
    Yep, thats why I bought a corded one

    10/90 Build 525im, 630,000+km, Eibach/Sachs, Engine Rebuild
    *RIP Oskar the DOG *

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    9,281

    Default

    You are not a professional using these tools every day.
    Therefore a cordless impact wrench for less than 100 $ will do in my opinion.
    Cordless has some advantages, if you just need it now and then.
    Have a look here
    http://da.harborfreight.com/cpisearc...pact&Submit=Go

    The torque wrench Dave M recommends is quite nice nice. Can be used for most of the 'daily' applications
    Actually I have a similar one and a large one. Large one is for example for the front axle nut which on my 750 needs 290 Nm to fasten it.

    I would also recommend this one to buy

    21 PC. 3/4'' DRIVE HEAVY DUTY METRIC SOCKET SET
    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=5494

    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1793

    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=31203
    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93574
    and maybe a DEEP SOCKET SET

    And now I better stop ;-)

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    352

    Default

    You're probably right about the impact. I'll be putting my lugnuts on and torquing them to 80-90 ft-lbs, so its not gonna have to break super tight lugs off. Dave, you think your $70 job could do 80ftlbs?


    Quote Originally Posted by shogun
    You are not a professional using these tools every day.
    Therefore a cordless impact wrench for less than 100 $ will do in my opinion.
    Cordless has some advantages, if you just need it now and then.
    Have a look here
    http://da.harborfreight.com/cpisearc...pact&Submit=Go

    The torque wrench Dave M recommends is quite nice nice. Can be used for most of the 'daily' applications
    Actually I have a similar one and a large one. Large one is for example for the front axle nut which on my 750 needs 290 Nm to fasten it.

    I would also recommend this one to buy

    21 PC. 3/4'' DRIVE HEAVY DUTY METRIC SOCKET SET
    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=5494

    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1793

    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=31203
    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93574
    and maybe a DEEP SOCKET SET

    And now I better stop ;-)
    '94 540I 6spd/205000 miles

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Specialty tool house recommendations?
    By Robin-535im in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-13-2007, 11:51 AM
  2. OT: What I'd like for Christmas...
    By pingu in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 06-28-2006, 11:27 PM
  3. Air Compressor & Tool Recommendations
    By Evan in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 04-15-2006, 05:41 AM
  4. Basic Tool List for BMW DIYers
    By dternst in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 03-06-2006, 10:40 AM
  5. Tool list
    By Steve N in forum 5 Series BMW
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 04-01-2004, 11:56 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •