I am looking at doing some work on my 1999 996. I am new to this and am just starting to purchase some tools. I would like to buy a socket set and want to make sure I buy a set that will allow to complete some beginner DIYs . E.g. Oil change, accessory belt, coolant flush...
Any suggestions on a size range for the sockets.
Thank you

 

200 bucks on sale at cdn tire, i have had mine for over 10 years

i purchased i dont know how many sets before and was always missing something

 

Snap-on is arguably the best. I'd start with 3/8" drive 8-22 mm. You can pick them up used on eBay or Garage Journal.

 

Go to Harbor Freight and get a set of deep metric sockets and short sockets. 7mm-19 will get you through most chores. Then just buy a bunch of one offs as you need them. If you like wrenching, you can upgrade to better tools. I've still got a couple drawers of HF tools and use them. Professionals might need higher quality, but for most of the weekend mechanics, cheaper tools fit the bill.

-td

 

Flame on
Nuttin wrong with HF tools for a DIYer. No need to spend big $ for snapon
A pro, sure. DIYer, not needed

 

Buy cheap sockets but invest in good ratchets. I would say 10-24mm in every size, standard and deep. Plus a variety of extensions up to about 18 inches. You may also need at least an 18in breaker bar. Wobble joints/universal joints are useful as well. Craftsman has been my brand but I have a huge 120 piece set from HF (Pittsburg brand) that I have used every day for the past 10 years.

 

In addition to wrenches you will need low profile trolley jack, a hockey puck and 4 jack stands. A 24MM socket on the end of a large torsion bar works well for the serpentine belt removal. A collapsible spider for wheel nuts.

 

A torx screwdriver set will come in handy too

 

I wonder if suggesting a torque wrench would be useful. I bought one at HF about 8 years ago and still working well. The "click" type. Not all anticipated jobs will need it, but it will happen soon.

Which reminds me -- as another 996 noob -- does anyone know if there is a quick reference on torque specs for the 996, perhaps a small tech book PDF or web site or something like that? A couple of things popped up by search, for example this http://lnengineering.com/education/9...utomobile.html ($59.95 ???) but are there other references ? Thanks.

 

What is a "collapsible spider"

 

For the core tools I've always gone with craftsman. They're somewhere between harbor freight and snap on in terms of price and quality (closer to snap on IMHO) and have an incredible replacement policy. Look for a set that has sockets and ratchets for 1/4 and 3/8 (1/2 comes in handy from time to time). A good set of screw drivers and some pliers as well. I'd also recommend a torque wrench - probably 3/8 drive that can do 10-75 ft/lb. since the oil drain plug requires one. You can also rent torque wrenches for free from autozone to start with.

 

Check the pawn shops for good cheap tools...

 

Also Craigslist can be a good source for used tools. Always better to buy better quality, nothing worse than having a cheaply made socket strip out a critical bolt.

 

HF also has lifetime free replacement on most hand tools

 

A set of Gearwrenchs is very handy, I have both the fixed and the swivel heads. I am OK with most Mastercraft tools from CT, and Craftsman from Sears. For screwdrivers I do stick with Snap On. Except for when I am working on Jap cars/bikes, then for screwdrivers I use the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) sets from Vessel Tools. The Jap cross heads screws are indeed different from US/European ones.