02 I want to work on my VW. What tools should I get?
Description
This article is from the VW Technical FAQ, by with numerous contributions by Jan Vandenbrande others.
02 I want to work on my VW. What tools should I get?
A: I'd recommend Muir's (Complete Idiot) Stage I and Stage II tool list. Here
is roughly the "phylosophy" to follow:
Most people start with a couple of tools and then buy more as time
progresses and they learn how to work on their car.
It makes sense, except that it is usually cheaper to buy the most complete
"set" rather than buying a small set and then adding on (e.g., socket "set"
= 50 US cents a socket in the largest set, individual = 2-7 US$/piece).
My recommendation therefore is to buy the largest possible set of whatever
you can afford. Trust me, you will always be going back for more. In
addition, good tools will last you your lifetime!
Next, what brand name should you get. First look for tools with a life time
warrantee (though that may not be an indication of quality). In North
America, SnapOn, MAC, Stanley, Mechanix, Blackhawk, KD, and Sears Craftsman
tools (though their quality and warrantee policy is rumored to be
declining).
Avoid cheap tools, they are NOT worth the money, they can do more harm than
good (stripping), and may actually hurt you.
My order of preference is (and I'll be flamed for this, but this IS based
on 15 years of experience): Made in the USA or NW-Europe, & Japan. I
usually stay away from Taiwanese tools except for one shot "light" duty
items. They are getting better, but so far quality has varied too much to
be reliable.
A basic set should consist of:
Socket set:
Most versatile is a 3/8" ratchet drive set. It must contain 10, 13, 17,
19mm, and sparkplug socket, a couple extension bars and a 3/8-1/4"
adaptor.
12 pt sockets are the most common, but you may want to consider a 6 pt
set instead. They are MUCH less likely to strip and break if you need to
exert a good amount of torque.
Deep sockets are also useful in case you need to clear a bolt.
A torque wrench is also very useful. Unfortunately there is no one size
for all torques on the car. There are a variety of models: Cheapest are
those with a read out gauge. They work well but usually you end up in a
position that you cannot read the gauge.
I prefer the "click type" torque wrenches where you dial in the desired
torque and it will give you a loud click once you attain that.
Screw drivers:
Get a whole bunch of sizes, spade & Phillips
Allen Keys:
Get a whole bunch of sizes, though you may want to get Allen key Sockets
to use with your 3/8" drive (once you figure out the sizes you need).
Wrenches:
Get the largest set you can afford. Open and closed.
Same sizes as above. Get at least one large adjustable one.
Pliers:
Again, get the largest set you can afford, regular & miniature,
straight, needle nosed. Vise Grips are useful too.
Hammers:
Get a plastic & rubber one. The "normal" hammers are usually not used on
cars except in utter frustration.
Jack & Stands:
I'd recommend a floor jack over a bottle or scissor jack. A floor jack
will make raising your car *so* much easier. Stands are also a must. You
don't want you car crashing down on you. Use with wood and some foam
rubber to protect you car's undercoating.
Lights:
At the minimum get a knock-about light with a shatter proof heavy duty
lamp in it (don't even *think* of using a regular light bulb, dangerous,
and they only last 10 minutes under those conditions). A well lit garage
(i.e., 8" neon lamps is ideal).
Oil Filter wrench:
Different types exist and it depends on what works best for your car. My
favorite is the one that looks like an extension bar with a loop of seat
belt material.
Air Pump:
Pump up tires...
Tire gauges:
Dial types are usually the most accurate.
Odds an ends:
Tie wraps, electrical wires & connectors, elec. tape, vacuum hoses, hose
clamps.
"Oh-Oh" Type of Tools:
======================
Occasionally, things WILL go wrong, usually 5 minutes before all shops
close on a day before a long weekend, when your other car is gone or your
bike has a flat, all your neighbors with tools or out of town, and right
before you embark on a long trip, and a very unsympathetic spouse watching
on.
For many of these, you can wait for a sale, but do get them when you have a
chance.
Screw Extractor Set/Easy Out:
Get a set, just in case, to remove stripped screws/bolts/brake bleed
nipples.
Magnetic Pickup:
Basically a magnet on an antenna. Lose a nut down your intake manifold
throat or down a cylinder?...this should help. Don't even *think* on
starting the car.
Claw pick up:
Like the above except it has little claws on the end of a flexible tube
to pick things up. Similar use as above.
>>>> STILL NEEDS WORK <<<<<
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