911 Crazy

What would you say are the required tools for a DIYer for a 911? I consider myself a novice but can change oil, fluids and the like. Have also bought the "101 Projects for your 911" book and am willing to learn. Thanks.

salukijac

There is a bunch of threads on this topic.

For example:https://rennlist.com/forums/911-foru...oohickies.html

Do a search for "tools" and you'll find a bunch of info.

masterdave

I do all my work my self, as an engineer I get almost uneasy when I even think of other people touching my car. My tool collection has grow over the years but is not as vast and complicated as you may think. If I am doing a project that needs a special tool I buy it as I need it, I have never really preemptively bought tools. But here is a list of what i think you will need,

At least....
(socket sets from 5 or 8mm to 17 or 20mm at least)
1 set of deep metric sockets
1 set of regular metric sockets
1 set of metric wrenches
I Have 2 sets of all the above listed things as many bolts need to be cranked from both sides and may require 2 deep sockets of the same size.
A large variety of extensions and universal joints for said sockets.
A variety of socket wrenches, all sizes movable heads etc.
A variety of screw drivers, all shapes and sizes.
A set or two of metric Allen keys
A hammer and rubber mallet
An Ice pick (this is more handy than you think)
A crow Bar
Torque Wrench
A variety of pliers, all shapes and sizes and what not.
A variety of Vice grips
A few Crescent wrenches.
wire cutters
E clip removers
razor blades/a good knife
Jack
Jack Stands
Feeler gauges
Caliper
Soldering Iron
creeper (for going under the car)

Those are the hand tools I use on a regular basis.
If you are looking in to power tools/ the next level of stuff I would suggest...

Air compressor
-impact wrench
-grinder
-air chisel
-air socket wrench
-all sorts of other air chuck attachments etc.
-an air jack will make life go much faster
Drill
dremmel
Bench grinder w/wire wheel
Break bleeder
A good vice of your bench
A good tool bench
Engine Crane

And now if you have 30K and up to blow...
Lathe
Mill
Band Saw
Drill Press
Waffle Iron (in case you get hungry)
Lift
Engine Jack
You get the idea.....

In reality the tools listed above in my hand tool section will allow you to do about 99% of the work you may ever have to do. I know its not as complicated as a 911 but I rebuilt the entire top end, bottom end, and cam system of a 1931 Ford Model A with a Flat head Screwdriver, 3/4 inch socket 5/8ths socket, crescent wrench and a pair of pliers. But like I said I dont buy tools if I dont need them. You may find it best to pick a project then get the tools you need and build your collection that way.

Regards
Dave

theiceman

There is a ton of info but a complete set of metric gear wrenches and a good highy quality 1/4 and 3/8 drive metric sockets will get you on your way . also a good set of hex bits for the socket head is Handy . Its easy however to get carried away. Start with these then add tools as you need them.

911 Crazy

I'm already off to a good start Dave. I have a waffle iron! LOL!

Amber Gramps

Tim, I'm turning into a tool nut. I've got 100's of metric sockets, multiple speed wrenches and combo wrenches of each size. As important as my tools are the guys behind the parts counter at my local Pep Boys. Tons of my tools come from Pep Boys, but the chemicals and lubricant help I get from them is priceless. The blue paper towels, the pressure washer, and the scrap cardboard sheets I take home from the office are also great tools.

Don't forget that the factory toolkit will get you through changing plugs, belts, and even your wheels.

Brett San Diego

One of the Craftsman mechanic's sets is a very good starting point. All the basics will be there in a reasonably priced package. And, pick up a torque wrench for lug bolts at the same time.

Brett

masterdave

As for the craftsmen sets I will agree they are good. The only thing I dont like from them is the actual socket wrench its self. The sockets are fine but I would advise a different wrench, I have had some issues with the craftsmen socket wrenches in the past. I was lucky as my grandfather was an auto mechanic and left me with his set of tools which includes some very nice 40's snap on socket wrenches which I love.
If you are looking to buy some good places to check are Ebay, Craigs list, and garages going out of business. Unlike most things I find with hand tools the older they are the better they are for the most part. The build quality of some vintage tools I find to be just much better. For example I have a 2 ft socket wrench for BIG bolts. These days they would most likely be made from a hollow tube or a poorly cast solid rod. The one I have form the 40's is forged aluminum and its rock solid. I would take that thing in to battle with me. Check local estate sales for large tool collections, you can get good deals on lots of stuff. If you find a good estate sale that is one of the few times i would preemptively buy tools.
This forum is your friend as well, if you need some thing huge you may be able to find some one locally you can borrow it from.

regards
Dave

Reiver

precise measuring tools, micrometers
C clamps (third hand)
rubber, brass mallets/hamers
and when you get serious....a 4 or 2 post lift. (best tool I have)

ivangene

Mic's double as c'clamps....
One big *** hammer


BEER

(cuz beer and waffles ROCKS )

911 Crazy

Great advice all. And did I mention, I have a waffle iron!!! .....and beer!

ivangene

Freak!

Brett San Diego

But, at least you do get a replacement whenever you need one, and there's a Sears close by for a lot of us in the US.

There definitely is something just a little bit better about Snap-On. A little more thought given to design. I picked up a Snap-On adjustable wrench once, and it felt so good in my palm. It had a widened contoured grip that was so much more comfortable to press your palm against than anything from Craftsman.

Brett

Ed Hughes

I don't see a jack pad mentioned. Rechargeable drop light, magnetic LED are also handy. Go with a good set of basic tools, and add things like punch sets, gearwrenches, etc as you go. It's always fun to walk the aisles at Sears. Even HF has some useful items-hose pinching clamps, Boroscopes, etc.

Then, one day-engine stand, z block and metric dial indicator for setting cam timing, cam holding wrench, cylinder retaining nuts, ring compressor, rod bolt stretch gauge, etc. What?! Doesn't everyone have that stuff?

Ed Hughes

I'd not use HF for Tq wrench, sockets, screwdrivers, or tools of any "precision". You get what you pay for, and if tools are off just the tiniest in dimension, you can turn a stubborn bolt into a well-rounded mess. Sure, many tools come from offshore, but there are varying levels of quality. Just my opinion.