BimmerJeeper

I already own a basic set of tools.
But, I just got an XJ, and it looks like I am going to need to pick up a few additional things for my collection (like stuff to deal with rusted bolts)

I just need help in picking one from each group.

So, I am hoping someone here knows which tools are worth spending more on, and which are fine to stick with the cheaper stuff. I just need "good enough", but I do not want to to buy junk that breaks. Some of these tools I may never even use. Yes, a $400 ratchet handle would be nice, but my $150 Craftsman 355 piece socket set has been fine for my basic uses. I can't spend $10,000 on pro quality tools (Snap-on, Matco, etc) Anything job that requires pro caliber tools is probably out of my league anyway. The heavy lifting is shopped out to a real mechanic anyway. I am a "tune up" kind of guy. I have plenty of light-duty stuff from Harbor Freight that has worked fine for me. In some cases, getting a cheap tool from HF allows me to have one in the first place (B/c spending 4x more would just mean not owning it at all. Like a $99 welder) That said, I bet CERTAIN tools are not to be cheaped out on b/c they break.

I will post some links to give you an idea of what tool I am talking about. I am really looking for ideas of the right one to buy. Best price/performance combination. If you know of a better item or place to buy, please post a link. Thanks for the help.....

1) Screw Extractor Set.
I have read that the "square" ones are the best ones, hands down.
I also read that many cheap ones just snap like a twig.
So, this seems like a tool that's not worth cheaping out on, since a lot of force/torque may be applied.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966196000P
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-...p-00952315000P
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...estid=10476745
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piec...set-40349.html

What are these about?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...estid=10476443

Do I also need this?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...estid=10476822

Or this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MEDIUM-GENER.../250850898999?


2) Bolt extractor set. These are reverse threaded sockets that grip onto the bolt?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=486979_0_0_


3) Tap and die set. Used to re-create threads after drilling out a screw or bolt.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-40-pc...p-00952105000P
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...ier=54577_0_0_


4) Tap Socket set? What is this for? Should I get these?
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_saca...%20set&_sop=15


5) Torch to heat bolts. I can't remember the type I was told to get. It was hotter than propane and cost about $50. Do you know what kind of torch I need?

6) Hose clamp pliers. I want to replace all 4 radiator hoses. Which should I get?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...mString=search


7) Impact screwdriver. Don't cheap out here?
http://www.harborfreight.com/impact-...ase-37530.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece...set-93481.html
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=529289_0_0_
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...y%20Toolsmv=rr


8) Quick disconnect tool (fuel and tranny lines)
I see 2 styles. Are these the same thing? Or are they for different uses?
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece...set-38732.html
vs.
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece...set-96834.html


9) Pitch Gauge tool. Do I want 55 or 60 degree? Or both?
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

10) Angle Grinder $20? Which one?
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...ngle%20grinder

11) $99 Welder to patch a small hole in the rocker panel (Or to replace entire rocker)
http://www.harborfreight.com/Wire-We...ux-68887.html?


Misc things I am going to add:
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece...aps-67011.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eig...het-98668.html

jake92

From what it sounds like, Craftsman would be a great mix of quality and price but that's my opinion. I change oil, tires, and batteries daily at a tire shop and my Craftsman tools have handled extremely well even in some situations where they did fail, Sears was extremely easy to deal with. Gearwrench is also good but more expensive but carries a similar warranty.

As far as welders and torches, I'm no help lol

motorcharge

nvm, misread

TR1PTIK

I've invested mostly in Craftsman and Harbor Freight tools - more Craftsman though. I use Harbor Freight for tools that I'm less familiar with or that seem to cost too much at Sears for the mediocre quality that you sometimes get (ie. torque wrenches, air impacts, air ratchets, and other air tools - just make sure to oil them with each use). I also have a 3 ton floor jack from HF that I absolutely love. I rely on Craftsman for tools that have given Craftsman its good reputation like wrenches, saws, and such - I have a Craftsman 19.2V Hammer Drill that trumps any other drill I've used at the same price point. There are plenty of brands out there that produce higher quality stuff, but it's all about how you intend to use the tools as well as how frequently you use them. I don't really use my air impact or air ratchet too much unless I'm rotating tires, and both have paid for themselves in that regard. Do the research, read some reviews, and keep in mind your budget and tool usage.

Btw, definitely spend the extra money on quality drill bits and screw extractors - I'm currently paying for that mistake.

BimmerJeeper

Thanks. I am looking for specific recommendations on the 10 items I posted above. Any help with what exactly should I buy from each group?

TSea99XJ

A Map Gas torch is what you are looking for, burns about 4x hotter than propane. Can be used for heating and/or cutting.

mr white

The only tool I use extensively on your list is the grinder.

squirrelnw

I have bought some tools at home depot, cant think of there name at the moment but some of them carry a lifetime warranty and quality is on par with craftsman...

BimmerJeeper

Mr.White, that is exactly the kind of item by item response I was looking for. Thank you for your guidance.

BimmerJeeper

Can someone tell me where to get a "good enough" pair of Vice Grips?

Also, I think I need a Channel lock or slip joint. Anyone suggest an all-purpose one?

I read you need the Quick disconnect tool (fuel and tranny lines) to replace the radiator. There are tranny lines going into the radiator.

Lowrange2

You also need a 36mm socket.

mr white

.

BimmerJeeper

Channellock is an American company that produces hand tools. It is best known for its pliers—the company manufactures more than 120 types of pliers[1]—particularly its eponymous style of tongue-and-groove, slip-joint pliers

BimmerJeeper

For what?

BimmerJeeper

These?

Irwin is not the real deal, right? Are they good enough, though?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_97480-281-05...ductId=3071635