Recommended Tool Set?
Thread Starter
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Recommended Tool Set?
I've decided to start doing some work on my p-car myself to reduce the cost of ownership. Changing fluids, belts, etc. I may have to do the alternator in the next few days. I've got some tools now, but I'll definitely need some more.
Is there such a thing as a "Porsche Tool Set" that would cover some of the basic DIY items?
Is there such a thing as a "Porsche Tool Set" that would cover some of the basic DIY items?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,300
Likes: 2
From: Nor Cal
This page might be a good place to start:
<a href="http://www.cuberootconsulting.com/~jchan/blog/archives/cat_auto.html" target="_blank">http://www.cuberootconsulting.com/~jchan/blog/archives/cat_auto.html</a>
<a href="http://www.cuberootconsulting.com/~jchan/blog/archives/cat_auto.html" target="_blank">http://www.cuberootconsulting.com/~jchan/blog/archives/cat_auto.html</a>
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: plano
You cant go wrong with a set of Mechanic Craftsman tools..I have a 254 piece set and love it. I also bought some open ends with racheting drive...Lifetime warranty and serious quality..cant go wrong here is the link to the set I bought, you can go more expensive or less expensive just depends on what you want.
<a href="http://www.sears.com/download/misc/33354DOC.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.sears.com/download/misc/33354DOC.pdf</a>
You can see it at <a href="http://www.craftsman.com" target="_blank">www.craftsman.com</a>
The item # is 33354. I have no affiliation with Sears or Craftsman..Just a long time happy customer
<a href="http://www.sears.com/download/misc/33354DOC.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.sears.com/download/misc/33354DOC.pdf</a>
You can see it at <a href="http://www.craftsman.com" target="_blank">www.craftsman.com</a>
The item # is 33354. I have no affiliation with Sears or Craftsman..Just a long time happy customer
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: San Ramon, CA
I agree with the Craftsman Tools. They are available at all Sears stores, they are guaranteed for life, and they are actually very good quality. They truly are the last tools you will ever buy. Just to give you and example, My dad broke a Craftman hammer that was more than 20 years old, he returned it, and it was replaced with a brand new one, no questions asked. They are probably as close to getting Snap-On tools but for a lot less in cost. The set 96P993 mentioned is a great one to start with. I would also recommend the metric allen head hex set as well for ratchets. You'll need that as well.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 24
From: Indiana
This probably goes without saying, but when buying a tool set that is going to be used specifically for working on your Porsche you want to make sure you get as many metric tools as possible. If you are only concerned about your car Sears does make a couple of sets that can be had in metric only.
If you are looking at the Craftsman tools then pay particular attention to the actual number of sockets and wrenches included. Their advertising can be misleading because the number of pieces they advertise includes every little piece included such as the number of allen wrenches and other small pieces that you may not consider. Pay particular attention to the number of sockets. The Tool catalog available at the stores list all the sets (the stores usually only carry a small number in stock) and usually gives a break down of the range and number of sockets and wrenches. Be aware that no matter what set you get (unless you get on of the monster sets) you will most likely still have to purchase a few things ala cart, such as a couple of bigger wrenches, and things such as torx and hex keys in sockets (not necessary but makes things really nice for some jobs). A good torque wrench (actual a couple of different sizes is better) is also necessary.
I started down this slippery slop about 2 years ago. You will find you can never have enough tools. Basically the more tools the easier a job can be.
If you are looking at the Craftsman tools then pay particular attention to the actual number of sockets and wrenches included. Their advertising can be misleading because the number of pieces they advertise includes every little piece included such as the number of allen wrenches and other small pieces that you may not consider. Pay particular attention to the number of sockets. The Tool catalog available at the stores list all the sets (the stores usually only carry a small number in stock) and usually gives a break down of the range and number of sockets and wrenches. Be aware that no matter what set you get (unless you get on of the monster sets) you will most likely still have to purchase a few things ala cart, such as a couple of bigger wrenches, and things such as torx and hex keys in sockets (not necessary but makes things really nice for some jobs). A good torque wrench (actual a couple of different sizes is better) is also necessary.
I started down this slippery slop about 2 years ago. You will find you can never have enough tools. Basically the more tools the easier a job can be.
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 828
Likes: 23
From: Williamsport, MD
If you are like me and are constantly losing things the minute you sit them down, get a couple extra 10mm and 13mm sockets. Also have a good array and mixture of socket extensions and swivels. You will definitely need a picker-upper. (One of those extension rods with a magnet to pick up dropped pieces of metal.) A good pair of vice grips will come in handy. Get a philips and flat head stubby screwdriver with a total length of about 2.5 to 3 inches as well as perhaps a good, long, big flat head. (For those small pry bar applications.) Get a good spark plug socket - preferrably one with a built-in swivel on it. You also might want two big oil drain pans and an oil filter wrench to fit your filters. I also make regular use of safety goggles to block the flying bits of dust, grease, and dirt when working from below. Rubber gloves help immensely in the clean-up department. You might also come in contact with a lot of allen nut heads so a couple allen sockets will also be handy although you might need different allen sockets/wrenches for different applications so they might be a get-as-needed tool - along with the occassional star-bit. And finally, for those exacting applications - a torque wrench.
Needless to say, get a solid floor jack and four good jack stands along with a wheel chock or two. Those could save your life.
I spent my first weekend last week doing a spark plug change - which was my first diy use of my air compressor, air ratchet, and impact wrench. WOW! What time and effort saver that is.
Needless to say, get a solid floor jack and four good jack stands along with a wheel chock or two. Those could save your life.
I spent my first weekend last week doing a spark plug change - which was my first diy use of my air compressor, air ratchet, and impact wrench. WOW! What time and effort saver that is.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: plano
To a point I agree with Brian..there are some things that come with the kits that you "think" you wont ever use. When it comes to auto repair or any DIY imagination is one of the most important tools. The kit I bought came with about 20 allen wrenches which is fine cause I use them and break them..but 20 out of 254 leaves a ton of tools that are "useable"
Kim is right the 6 point are better then the 12 point but, if you have both and a Sears near you, you cant go wrong. You really cant beat Lifetime Warranties!!
Kim is right the 6 point are better then the 12 point but, if you have both and a Sears near you, you cant go wrong. You really cant beat Lifetime Warranties!!
Trending Topics
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 967
Likes: 1
I agree with the many recommendations for Craftsman tools. I have a bunch, and they rarely let me down. When they do, there’s always a Sears store nearby. They swap the broken tool for a new one without batting an eye. There might be some slightly higher quality tools out there, like Snap-On for example, and if you were a professional mechanic you might want to look into these other brands. But they are way, way more expensive, only slightly higher quality, and you have to wait for the truck to come by to swap a broken tool for a new one.
Tom
’95 993
Tom
’95 993
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches
Verdad Gallardo
9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand
Verdad Gallardo
I've Written 500 Rennlist Articles: Here's How Porsche Has Changed Along the Way
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Unnecessary Porsches Ever Built (And Why We Love Them)
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche 911 GT3 S/C vs 718 Spyder RS: 10 Categories, One Winner
Joe Kucinski
This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People
Verdad Gallardo
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 24
From: Indiana
Kim, glad I could help you for once, because your modification experience has only resulted in me adding to my “want list” every time you finish something 
I am convinced that tools may be worst than modifications. In fact my modifications are directly limited by the tools. Maybe it is because when I started down this path, my tools were so horribly inadequate, but it seems that every time I do a modification I have to buy tools I will be working on something and realize…dang…no 21 mm combo wrench, or dang…. my allen wrenches are too short…hey those “T” handle allens would be nice….hmmm this would be a lot easier with another extension…or it looks like I need a special spanner wrench. It just never ends! The money I save on DIY goes straight to tools. I borrowed a compressor and some air tools from a friend and now I am thinking I really “need” one of these.
I am convinced that tools may be worst than modifications. In fact my modifications are directly limited by the tools. Maybe it is because when I started down this path, my tools were so horribly inadequate, but it seems that every time I do a modification I have to buy tools
I will be working on something and realize…dang…no 21 mm combo wrench, or dang…. my allen wrenches are too short…hey those “T” handle allens would be nice….hmmm this would be a lot easier with another extension…or it looks like I need a special spanner wrench. It just never ends! The money I save on DIY goes straight to tools. I borrowed a compressor and some air tools from a friend and now I am thinking I really “need” one of these.
Race Car
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,655
Likes: 1,098
I used to have a Snap-On truck in my driveway chock full of tools. At any time a successful dealer will have about $100K worth of tools on their trucks. I miss the business but I dont miss the deadbeats I had to chase around for payments. <img border="0" alt="[ouch]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" />
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: San Ramon, CA
Snap-On tools are great. I sometimes borrow tools from my friend's shop when I need to use a tool that costs to much for me to afford for a job. But I think for the best bang-for-the-buck, you can't beat Craftsman tools. If I had a shop of my own, or really did alot of DIY's on a regular basis, then Snap-On would be my choice. But with what I do, which is probably a DIY once a month or less, then the Craftsman do me fine.
