What tools for Beginners?

I’m going to start doing my own mechanical work on my cars whenever possible. I don’t own many mechanical tools, besides a few cheap socket sets, and plan to handle all the typical maintenance like swapping all fluids, rotating tires, spraying frame, and tackling any issues that appear.


Right now, I’m out of state for a couple months without my truck. I figured I could try to catch a sale on tools while I have time to kill. I was wondering what kinds of tools you guys would suggest, brands, and any good deals to look out for between now and October.


Besides a Tekton Socket set, a corded/Ryobi Torque Gun, and a jack, I don’t know what else to keep an eye out for.


Any advice is appreciated!

 

There is a thread on this, but, unlike some, repeat threads don't bother me.

First, you need a tool box. The size will depend on how many tools you plan on getting.

By corded ‘torque gun’, do you mean an impact wrench? If so, you’ll need some torque wrenches - 1/2”, 3/8” and 1/4”. Get a set of metric tools. The brand don't really matter if you are not a pro mechanic. Some good quality Asian-made tools include Tekton, Neiko, Sunex, Capri, Gearwrench, Astro, Powebuilt, even Harbor Freight.

Other tools you accumulate as the job dictates. Like BJ removal kit, brake kit, code scanner, multimeter, etc …

 

Harbor Freight 3 ton floor jack.
6 ton jack stands (3 ton were too short).
I have a selection of torque wrenches. 0-75 and a ~50-250 foot pounds both GearWrench. They ran about $100-150. If that’s a budget buster get beam-type.

 

what metric sockets are in that tekTon set you have
some sets are complete with all you need and some others are not and you have to get some individual sizes from time to time
the biggest size socket on these trucks i believe is to remove the front cv axle nut

the 35mm ?

 

For a beginner, generally collect your tool set by what you need to do. That starts with a good 3/8" drive metric socket set, open/box end wrenches, screwdrivers, various pliers, etc. You can go for a half inch drive if you can afford it, but a lot of places you'll work in are tight and the smaller profiles of 3/8 drive will help with that. A good breaker bar and torque wrench capable of over 150 ft/lbs is important but you can buy them later when you need them.

As you take on more tasks you'll need more tools. There's no sense in blowing thousands on tools you'll never use (other than tools are cool and you want to collect them LOL)

I can't stress enough the importance of a good set of jackstands (and wheel chocks.) there are various reasons to have both wheels in the air front/back, don't skimp on these, people have died using cinder blocks and the like. You will need some sort of jacking system depending on what you can afford and where to store it. I regularly use bottle jacks with lots of solid 4 X 4 blocks. If you jack a little, put a jackstand under, block under the bottle jack, jack a little more, raise the jackstand, it will get you in the air safely. A floor jack is great but I never bought one because I've no good place to store it LOL.

Over the years I've collected enough to fill a rolling box, but I still keep a craftsman 18" box inside the truck box loaded with all of the above, goes everywhere with me.

 

Boomshaka-laka!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ckets-and-wrenches-for-2nd-gen-tacoma.158302/

Edit - see you have a 1st gen....maybe it still applies.

 

Here's the 1st gen version:

Complete list of tools, sockets and wrenches for 1st Gen Tacoma | Tacoma World

 

Breaker bar.

 

buy the cheap shit as you go from harbor freight. something breaks? replace it with something of higher quality.

Used tools are also pretty abundant as with used tool boxes.

 

Swivels and extensions. Every size you can get. These keep you in the game when things get tough

 

For working imports this is my favorite tools

https://www.ebay.com/itm/385484752085


Wish I'd found these little wenches years ago...
they make things go so much faster.....
fast as a rachet...

 

Don’t want to snitch on myself, but I’ll actually be working on my 05’ tundra. Likely be parting ways with my 03’ tacoma

 

Always a good starting point to get tools as you need them for your project. Then you will have them. I usually will watch tools like gear wrench on Amazon. They go on sale all the time. Always a good idea to start getting supplies too. Shop towels, cleaners I like simple green. Lubrications for brakes and anti seize.

But my favorite tool. Ratcheting wrenches. They're a game changer.

 

Degreaser spray and a hose! Every job is done poorly if gunk gets into everything when you disassemble, and might be catastrophic.

Outside of the engine bay, once the bolt heads hit 14mm, an impact wrench is so nice. I just did my starter and needed the impact, extensions, and swivel or there was no way.

 

I have 6 point tools as less likely to strip the heads of bolts

I would use a 10mm deep socket to break the brake bleeder, tighten lightly, then proceed with your 10mm flare tool, bleed hose setup etc. These are old trucks now be very nice to them. Sometimes you need to loosen and tighten back forth to get enough play to open the bleeders.

I mentioned in another thread 10mm Hex socket for the front differential drain and fill - I think. Its been a year since I changed it. Here is a torque guide but I would only do 20ft-lbs for the oil and transmission pan drain plugs with new washer each time, be aware of conversion factors inch-pounds, foot-pounds, and newton-meters:
https://www.showstop.org/tacoma/torque-specs.php

 

The Icon line of hand tools at Harbor Freight are excellent quality. They will last you a long time.

 

Something simple but these come in handy for lug nuts.

 

Multiple 10mm sockets

 

Ive never lost a 10mm

 

Ha Ha Ha