Catharpin

I have DIY'd everything other than tires/alignment for 30+ years and have a healthy compliment of tools. When I got my 911 I found I needed more torx, I only had a few and they weren't very substantial so I bought a complete torx bit/socket set.

CSK 911 C4S

I've been building my Craftsman tool collection for the last 40 years supplemented with a few Kobolt and Harbor Freight for the "Oh Crap" moments when I need something I don't have in a pinch.

It's done everything I've asked it to do.

I shade tree on VW/Audi/Porsche and Sea Rays.

AnimusAudens

That Sonic kit is absolutely incredible. I love that everything has a precise place and labeling, etc. Those are quality tools that will last. That being said, even if you can throw $4500 at it without issue, you can get good quality tools for far less money, starting with a basic kit and expanding over time for more complicated jobs.

I say this as someone that just got his first 911 a month and a half ago, and before that mostly worked on BMWs, but: the other problem is, for as nice as it is, it doesn't have everything. I can think of several tools I've used when working on my cars that aren't in that kit, including a properly big breaker bar-type socket wrench, crows feet wrenches, thin/flat wrenches, rasps and files, plastic trim tools, pry bars, etc. So whether your car is the only thing you'll ever use tools on or not, be ready to have to buy more even after getting a kit like this.

I started with one of the medium-sized Craftsman socket and wrench sets, and super cheap screwdrivers. Over time, that's expanded to include everything from better screwdrivers, to torque wrenches in 3 sizes, the tools I mentioned above, air tools, etc., etc., etc. I'm pretty confident I could replace it all with quality gear for less than $4500.

polobai

Another option is to look for used sets locally. My cousin got a $10k snap on tool box filled with snap on and MAC tools for $2500 from a Mechanic who was retiring. Keep an eye out, you may be surprised-for me I use mostly Crafstman and some Snap-on (inherited from my father who had his own shop)-the ones I need most for the P car are Torx sockets by far.

Norge911

Torx and E torx.
some interior pieces use T8 and T10.

May also need 12 pointed sockets.

bkrantz

We started with the same initial buy. In 1973 I bought a Craftsman metric 3/8 inch socket set (from the good ol' days, when Craftsman tools were made in the USA to a serious amateur or light pro level). Over almost 50 years and more than 30 vehicles I have filled a couple of chests with more buys, mostly small sets or individual tools.

A couple of negative things about huge single make sets: the price includes lots of tools that will probably never get used. And no brand can be the best for all types of tools, even mechanics hand tools.

But I get the attraction.

SFOJAM

Garfunkle,

Do it. You turned me on to the OG theme some time ago. They'll give you years of joy.

GraSox

I’d like to replace my set of flat head and Phillips screwdrivers. Any good brand names that come to mind other than craftsman?
just would like ones with good solid tips.
thanks fellas!

Catharpin

I know you said no craftsman but I recently got a set similar to this and they are really nice
https://www.craftsman.com/products/8...crewdriver-set

garfunkle

Thanks! the new Garage is coming along. I went with basically the everything Kranzle and CR spotless rinse setup from OG but with the comet pressure washer. I have power concerns with the Kranzle and didn't want to pull a dedicated circuit.

flgfish

Exactly what I found. If you have sockets and things, you probably have most of what you need - but Porsche requires Torx almost everywhere for fasteners, where American cars certainly don't...

darylbowden

I usually think Snap-On are overkill and overpriced, but their screwdrivers are the one thing I really love from them (and the tech wrench/torque wrenches). I have 3 phillips sizes and 3 flathead sizes. Great grip of the screw and they work wonders on screw heads that are getting rounded in my experience.

Sarawnty

This oxygen sensor tool was very helpful when I installed Soul sport cats on my T

The Fat Kid

I only use manual tools because the experience is so much better. I tried a bunch of automatic tools, but they felt too easy, and the turbocharged versions sounded terrible.

Edit to add: Wow, not even a nibble from R-Funkle; the RL re-education camp is effective

My favorite tool is the Dewalt 20v max impact wrench, and highly recommend it to any wheel/brake DIYers looking to upgrade from a breaker bar.

Jeahbladejeah

Where'd you get that?!