Tools for the DIYer
by Kevin Schappell
If you are a car owner who occasionally works on his or her own
car, please don't go out and spend thousands of dollars on high priced tools.
Professional mechanics make a living with their tools and need the best.
If
you are doing minor repairs on your own vehicles a lower cost tool set
will
do just fine. We have teamed up with AutoBarn.com to bring you the best
price on tools for the DIYer. Keep in mind you can find most of these
tools
at your local parts store, but probably not at these prices. Let's look
at
the basics you will need for most common jobs.
The oil change:
Lifting tools: To gain access to the oil pan you need to get the front
wheels off of the ground safely. Never leave the car supported only by a
jack. A good set of jack stands or ramps are the safest way to go. Also
don't forget to chock up the rear wheels to keep the car from sliding
back.
Even though you may have the emergency brake set, they can fail.
Oil filter wrench: Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get an oil
filter off without the right wrench. I have gone to the extent of poking
a
screwdriver through the filter to spin it off..... this is not the
cleanest
way to change an oil filter.
Funnel: You have to get the new oil into the engine, and the less you
spill, the less will burn off later while driving. Any funnel will do,
but
look for one with a long flexible neck which will help getting into those
tight places.
The brake job:
Disc brakes: You will need some special hex or torx sockets to get the
caliper loose. Do not try using the wrong tool like a vise-grips or filed
down bit.... you will damage the bolts. You will also need to retract the
brake pistons once you have the old pads out. Using a C-clamp does work,
but you have to be careful not to damage the pistons.
Drum brakes: There are special tools which allow you to remove the clips
which hold the shoes to the backing plate. Also you will need an adjuster
to adjust the shoes once you have everything back together.
Bleeding the brakes: Get a good kit which includes a sealed container to
collect the expelled brake fluid.
General tools:
A good Quality Tool Set: Make sure you have metric wrenches as all import
cars have metric fasteners and most if not all new domestic cars do also.
If you plan on doing advanced work, or plan on eventually working as a
professional mechanic consider buying a set of CraftsmanT tools. I have
found them to be the best value and you can not beat the lifetime
guarantee.
Plus wherever you are, there is a Sears store to take your broken tools in
for replacement.
Auto Repair Manual: You wouldn't bake a cake without a recipe.... would
you?? Make sure you have a manual by your side before you start working
on
your car. I can only give you general guidelines, but the manual will
give
you all of the specifics for your car, truck or SUV.
Good Luck,
Kevin Schappell
Kevin maintains http://www.autoeducation.com where he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.
The above article is provided for the interest and entertainment of our visitors. The views expressed in this article are only those of the author, who is solely responsible for the content. AutoGuide.net does not endorse any of these views, and is not to be held responsible for any of the content provided in the above article.
Click here to read Kevin's past articles!
