Must have tools for a mechanic?

[LRflip]

My birthday came and went and I ended up with some Lowes giftcards.

Not a huge amount but enough for me to purchase some things I wouldn't normally buy unless I REALLY needed them.

So, in order to furnish my newly acquired garage, what are some of the tools every garage MUST HAVE?

I already have most of the basic hand tools, a power drill, a skill saw, a power sander, two jack stands, vehicle ramps, battery charger, yada yada yada...

So, what's next? I was thinking air compressor but, I didn't get that much. And even if I shell a little extra out to get a small one, I wouldn't be able to afford any of the pneumatic tools to go with it.

What will it be?

 

[chrisvonc]

A small shop air compressor is better than no air compressor and makes a world of difference when working on your truck. A cheapo air tool combo set can be had for surprisingly little money. My kit came with like 5 air tools and really the only tool I use consistently is the ratchet. You think that some of the other things will be cool to have but end up taking up room for a few years until you realize that you seriously arent going to ever use some of those things.

 

[Robbie]

compressor is always a good idea and some deals will come with a cheapy kit. use that for now, but try and upgrade piece meal style to quality tools. ebay and craigslist is a good place for these.

other things I would recommend:

- plenty of light. maybe some of the free standing adjustable work lights. dim garage sucks.
- extension cords
- mini sledge
- 6" vice (if you have a place to mount it - if not work bench)

 

[ratboy]

blue wrench.

 

[roverMc]

Welder - always handy around a Disco!

 

[pdxrovermech]

The best tool purchase I've ever made was a set of combination gear wrenches.

 

[whatroad]

Bath towels, soaps, body lotion, chanel.... tools that keep the wife OUT of the garage.

x2 for a vise.

 

[jymmiejamz]

I'd buy a set of gear wrenches, a second set of jack stands, an electric impact, and lot's of consumables because that shit adds up quick.

 

[d1driver]

The electric impact is a good one! I have two air compressors but want an electric impact! They work great and you don't have to wait till they pump up with air either.

 

[jymmiejamz]

I don't like the electric ones, but he said an air compressor isn't an option. Buying a small air compressor is a waste of money in my opinion. I think my sixty gallon IR is too small.

 

[brianhoberg]

Yeah using an impact with a pancake air compressor is a bad idea

 

[flyfisher11]

Yeah using an impact with a pancake air compressor is a bad idea

Yep. High pressure but low volume=not good.

 

[Plain2000DII]

I have a hand held, hammer actuated impact wrench with a set of larg-ish sockets and adptors for the smaller tools like torx and phillips. came in very handy before I got the air tools. really helpful in getting those bolts on the front brake disks out. And a VICE get a vice. a big heavy kick ass vice, you won't regret it.

 

[varova87]

I vote air compressor. That's next on my list when I actually have a garage to use it in.

 

[kennith]

Those damn gear wrenches were the best tools I ever bought for my Rover. The first time I used them, I wondered how I ever got on without them. I like the kind with the flexible head. Completely versatile. I can get to any damn thing now.

They are made of rainbows, gold, and the dreams of kittens; thrown in a barrel of battery acid with rocks and ammunition, and blended with chainsaws.

They are THAT cool.

It all depends on what you already have, however. The first thing I'd do is fill out my sockets, ratchets, drivers and wrenches. I'd do that well before bothering with any air compressor. That's just me, though. Every man does things differently in the garage.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[rover4x4]

I love my gear wrenches. I bought some locking extensions and a flex head ratchet both of which will get a ton of use.. Id get a Power tank before a compressor. jack stands are a must. Lighting is important and Ive got a magnet on a telescoping extension that has been extremely useful.

 

[adriatic04]

this is the cats meow

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947390000P?vName=Tools&cName=Auto&MechanicsTools&sName=Auto%20Specialty%20Tools&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

get it before doing anything with your cooling system to save yourself a massive headache.

and this for any brake work

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P?mv=rr