Christmas list tool recommendations

[bbig119]

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

[Ross]

Have a look at the recent threads regarding cordless impacts. Expect someone to pay ~$300 for anything worthwhile.

[shogun]

http://da.harborfreight.com/cpisearc...ench&Submit=Go

[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.

[bbig119]

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.

[bbig119]

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?

[markus]

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.

[Dave M]

Wasn't the verdict on that $70 impact that its a POS?

Yep, thats why I bought a corded one

[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 ;-)

[bbig119]

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?

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 ;-)