Ok so as GeorgeC was suggesting, I and quite a few of the rest of you, look after our own vehicle to a greater or lesser degree and consequently know our way round a tool catalogue. However not everyone else does. So I propose that we start a list of those tools that we find super useful that will be of assistance to those just starting out.
First for me is some kind of basic diagnostic tool. There are many and various types but honestly for quick and dirty understanding of why the engine warning light is on the sub 20 pound types with a built in screen are more than adequate. If nothing else it will give you some more information to give the breakdown man an understanding of what's happening when you call.
A set of combination spanners as in one end open the other end a ring. Being a Japanese car the common sizes are 8mm 10, 12,14,17and 19 that covers most things.
A basic half inch drive socket set is also going to be useful for those recessed fittings. They usually come with a couple of spark plug sockets too which is great.
A matching drive breaker bar.
Hammers.
A selection of different screwdrivers will always be useful.
Things now start to get a little more special.
Torx drive sockets both male and female.
Allen wrenches.
A bench vice.
A blow torch.
A torque wrench that matches the drive size of the socket set.
A selection of pry bars.
A hacksaw.
This is just a few of the hand tools that immediately spring into mind. Over time we can add things that we can't do without.
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
ADOS Attention Deficit Ooooh Shiny!
Next is lifting equipment. I can't overstate this. There's absolutely NO excuse for buying cheap lifting equipment. If it fails when you are under the car you are going to be seriously hurt. Or maimed. Or dead.
Drive up ramps.
Trolley or floor jacks.
Bottle jacks.
Axle stands.
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
ADOS Attention Deficit Ooooh Shiny!
Circlip pliers screwfix £15 set of four
Slip joint pliers 10" ones that you can take apart with nut and bolt (good for pulling out oil seals)
A strong long thin wallpaper scraper good for removing trim panels
Depending on your skill set it is not unreasonable to have a few bits of electrical equipment but it is definitely not for everyone.
Multimeter, the more expensive and reputable the brand the more you can expect repeatable results that can be trusted.
Side cutters.
Wire strippers.
Crimping tool.
All these can be found in a combination tool or as separate items. There are also many styles and sizes of each of them.
Soldering iron. Again many different styles and sizes including mains, gas and now battery power ones.
The thing is that auto electric work is something you either can or can't do and it helps if you want to do it even if you can. For me it falls in the major potential for writing the car off in a ball of flames category and I avoid it as much as possible. I would sooner do some more paid work and visit a professional, but that's just me.
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
ADOS Attention Deficit Ooooh Shiny!
Apart from a basic steel ball-pein happer, I hugely favour the dead-blow hammer - it's a mallet filled loosely with lead-shot, the idea being it imparts more energy into anything you might be trying to fit/remove. A steel hammer often bounces off the target with little result or has the potential to crack a casting.
Halfrauds sell them cheaply(ish) and its plastic and therefore ideal for brittle casings etc that you wouldnt dare hit with a steel hammer
Good point. There's actually quite a lot more to hammers than just swinging them. As mentioned above there are deadblow hammers, soft face hammers which include things like nylon, rubber, rawhide and copper which all have different applications but are essentially for hitting things gently. There are also body hammers which are fascinating to see used by someone competent to move sheet metal.
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
ADOS Attention Deficit Ooooh Shiny!
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I be an Ignorant cynic at heart, who cant spell. Haha hehe