Notices
993 Forum 1995-1998
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Slightly OT: Tools for Beginning 993 DIY'er

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-15-2009, 05:55 PM
  #1  
logan2z
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
 
logan2z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Los Gatos, CA
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Slightly OT: Tools for Beginning 993 DIY'er

I'm thinking about doing some simple DIY stuff to my 993 but don't really have a good set of metric tools. Can the experienced DIY'ers here let me know what I'd need (sockets, wrenches, etc.) to do some basic maintenance on the 993? FYI, I did a search of the forum but didn't really come up with a post giving a basic list of tools.

Thanks in advance.
Old 01-15-2009, 07:21 PM
  #2  
IamSMC
Rennlist Member
 
IamSMC's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 3,686
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Not exactly what you're looking for, but if you read through each of the DIY projects, some list tools to be used.

http://p-car.com/diy/diy.html
Old 01-15-2009, 07:43 PM
  #3  
jaholmes
Drifting
 
jaholmes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Get a good set of tools from Sears. The 100 + kits is what I started with and slowly add to it. You will probably find you need more wrenches.
Old 01-15-2009, 07:49 PM
  #4  
jimq
Burgled
Rennlist Member
 
jimq's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Altamonte Springs, Fl/Gwynns Island, Va.
Posts: 22,384
Received 14 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

a good set of allen wrenches up to 10mm. Cheap ones may not fit right and can round the heads off.
Old 01-15-2009, 08:00 PM
  #5  
UserA
Rennlist Member
 
UserA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 2,845
Received 183 Likes on 80 Posts
Default

Watch Grad Torino, there is a very good explanation of necessary tools.

Seriously though buy quality and you can keep them forever.
Old 01-15-2009, 08:07 PM
  #6  
Edward
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
 
Edward's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: So.CA
Posts: 6,114
Received 347 Likes on 195 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by jaholmes
Get a good set of tools from Sears. The 100 + kits is what I started with and slowly add to it. You will probably find you need more wrenches.
Beat me to it. Tough to beat Craftsman for overall bang-for-buck, IMHO. Sears is located everywhere, is open Sundays, and has a liberal exchange policy on their wrenches and screwdrivers ...this makes for a tool set that can last lifetimes. Any of the "general kits" Sears offers is a good starting place, much cheaper than getting the pieces in smaller sets. Just don't go any "cheaper" than Craftsman, IMHO ...lots of "lesser" tools out there, and they typically end up being more trouble than they are worth.

Edward
Old 01-15-2009, 08:10 PM
  #7  
RallyJon
Weathergirl
Rennlist Member
 
RallyJon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SE PA
Posts: 4,895
Received 16 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

LOL--first two tools for working on a 993: long flexible magnetic pickup tool and a long flexible claw pickup tool!
Old 01-15-2009, 08:11 PM
  #8  
VNTGSPD
Rennlist Member
 
VNTGSPD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SoCal
Posts: 821
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Here's a start:

8, 10, 13, 15, 17mm wrenches (probably cheaper to buy a set)
8, 10, 13, 15, 17mm sockets with 1/4 and 3/8 drive ratches (buy a set)
4" and 8 or 12" 3/8 drive extensions
hex bit socket set up to 10mm
allen wrench set up to 10mm
needle nose, standard, and adjustable pliers (another set here)
Blade and philips screwdrivers from "stubby" to 12" or longer
Good quality torque wrench


As others have said, you can save a lot or at least get more stuff that you may not need now (but maybe in the future) by buying a set. Also, check out Craigslist as there are many people in need of cash selling rolling toolboxes full of tools for $0.50 on the dollar or less.
Old 01-15-2009, 08:29 PM
  #9  
NC TRACKRAT
Rennlist Member
 
NC TRACKRAT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Posts: 3,969
Received 458 Likes on 286 Posts
Default

Good question. IMHO, for starters, Sears Craftsman produces the widest assortment of tools and they have a no-questions asked lifetime warranty. If it breaks, bring it back and get a new one. You'll want 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive ratchets, along with short and long reach socket sets. (They make 'em in 6 pt. and 12 pt. versions. Six point means less chance of rounding off a nut, 12 pt. gives you more maneuverability.) Also a set of Torx sockets, both male and female. A set of metric hex wrenches, too. You'll want combination wrenches (open on one end, closed on the other). A small set of what they call ignition wrenches and larger sets from 6 mm up to at least 19 mm for a start. A larger set up to 27 mm or more maybe later. A good set of slotted, Philips and Torx screwdrivers and a good set of pliers and wire cutters with various nose configurations should suffice. Additionally, a set of extensions in 3 different lengths for 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" and adapters to go from one drive to another are helpful. You'll want two ranges of torque wrenches, one up to 150 lb.-ft. and a smaller one up to about 30 lb.-ft. You don't need to get it all at once unless they're offering a super sale. We're talking hundreds of bucks for all the tools listed here. Sets always cost less than purchasing individual items. Just remember to buy quality. Cheap tools can be unsafe to use. Also, there's a right and wrong way to use 'em. Get an experienced mechanic to show you the right way....and remember...no matter what you're doing, there's always a new tool you'll need to do the job!
Old 01-15-2009, 10:27 PM
  #10  
mstolo
Instructor
 
mstolo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lilburn & Blue Ridge, Georgia
Posts: 206
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

Don't forget about a mirror and headlamp.
Old 01-16-2009, 04:03 AM
  #11  
travanx
Pro
 
travanx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 681
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Don't buy anything cheaper than craftsman. I suggest Snap-On allen wrenches. And suggest just actaully buying snap-on sockets since you'll slowly learn that you will want more tools after buying one of those basic 100+ toolsets from sears. Also a craftsman double ball bearing toolbox that they typically have on open box sales every few months is a must!! And probably 2 torque wrenches. I bought a cheap one off of ebay for wheel duty and then a craftsman one for everything else.
Old 01-16-2009, 08:45 AM
  #12  
TMc993
Rennlist Member
 
TMc993's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Dahlonega, Georgia
Posts: 3,584
Received 550 Likes on 347 Posts
Default

Don't forget to get a good tire guage and jack and set of jack stands. This thread shows the better type of stand ( https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...-buy-65ea.html ).

I also have several sets of the Griot's tool kits for special fasteners, etc. People sometimes say they are expensive and aren't the best quality, but you use them so infrequently that, to me, they are a pretty good value.

Finally, I found a long time ago that the best way to build your tools set after you get your basics is to keep a handy-dandy tool list and when the wife, girlfirend, mother or kids say, "What do you want for your birthday/Christmas/Father's Day?" I whip out the list complete with website and parts number. Makes it simple for them and I get exactly what I want.
Old 01-16-2009, 09:17 AM
  #13  
bluejam
Rennlist Member
 
bluejam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Snap-on is probably THE best, next to Mac, but they are SO expensive I consider them a ripoff.
Now, don't laugh! I actually like the chrome Huskey(from Home Depot) wrenches better than Craftsman. They're a lot like Snap-on and carry a lifetime warranty.
+1 on the magnetic retrieval tool.
Great idea about the tool gift list!
Old 01-16-2009, 12:46 PM
  #14  
james944
Instructor
 
james944's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by NC TRACKRAT
...there's a right and wrong way to use 'em. Get an experienced mechanic to show you the right way....
Unless you have been taught the correct way to use tools get a book like Tools and Their Uses Available online (http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14256/) or for a few dollars from amazon. From what I understand this is (an adaptation of) the manual the Navy uses to teach sailors how to use and take care of tools. Even if you know most of what is in the book, reading it will remind you to respect your tools and the work you're doing. Which is invaluable when you've been working on your car for too long and something won't fit, or a fastener won't move, and you start to get ideas...

Also, don't forget to get a set of 6 8 and 10 XZN tools as well as 19 mm wrenches and sockets for doing engine mounts and changing wheels.

And since people are touting their favorite tools... Snap on is pretty nice (the best I don't know), but I'd say get Hazet.
Old 01-16-2009, 01:13 PM
  #15  
TheOtherEric
Rennlist Member
 
TheOtherEric's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Chicago
Posts: 12,065
Received 36 Likes on 24 Posts
Default

Here's the absolute minimum starting point IMHO: (i.e. I use this stuff on nearly every project)

- Sears tool kit with 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives (~$150)
- Deep socket set
- Universal joints, all 3 sizes
- Hex bit socket set (crucial)
- Wrench set, up to 18 or 19mm
- Ratcheting wrench set, up to 18mm (yes you need two or three wrench sets!)
- Magnetic pick up
- Oil filter caps with socket fitting (we need 2 sizes)
- Screwdriver set, pliars set
- BFH
- Anti-seize compound


Quick Reply: Slightly OT: Tools for Beginning 993 DIY'er



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 08:16 PM.