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Project: SNKVENM
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Project: SNKVENM |
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Tools It's always been said that you need to have the right tool for the right job. I cannot emphasize enough how true this is. Over the years, I've owned a number of tools, starting with a Craftsmen 3/8 drive 13 pc. socket set, 9 pc. metric sockets, 6 pc. screwdriver set, a Dwell Tach., a timing light, and some gap-gauges, plus a tool box, all bought way back in 1976. From those humble beginnings I've added tools and have only broke a total of 3 that I can remember. Today, I have literally hundreds of tools, a nice large rollaway, two hydraulic jacks and just a few specialty tools. I think everyone will probably agree that there are some standard tools everyone MUST own if they are to do any work on their own vehicles. While a dwell tachometer and timing light may be of little use to us these days, there are still a number of tools that I would heartily recommend you have. Now before I start rattling off what you may need, I realize there's a large audience of readers here ranging from the 18 yr. old with little more than the tools that came with the car, to some old timers with garage lifts! But at some point, we've all had to start somewhere. A few things you should always factor in: 1. Space - do you have space to store your tools? Do you live in an apartment or do you have your own private garage? It's likely you'll be putting tools in a tool chest and/or rollaway. If you live in an apartment, you'll be somewhat limited; I would suggest you get the largest tool "chest" that's designed to sit on top of a rollaway so down the road, when you finally have your own private garage, you can purchase the "bottom half" to complete your storage system. 2. Money - as I mentioned at first, I had enough to buy bits and pieces. IF possible, I always recommend buying tool "sets". The Craftsmen line (also, Husky Tools) tend to sell complete sets that have ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, hex drivers, Allen wrenches, etc. A few years back when I bought my Passat, I decided to splurge and bought my rollaway plus a 180 pc. "mechanics" set. This gave me the most common metric and SAE sized sockets in both normal and deep sockets, as well as in 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" drives. While there will always be some things that crop up (such as the breaker bar or a 3/8" drive T45 torx driver), a set will cover probably 75-80% of the tools you'll ever use. But the real key here is that whole kits are a better value than if you bought things individually. A 17mm socket by itself normally costs about $5! That same $5 in a kit buy's about 3 of those sockets. If you need to get started right away, then buy the largest kit you can afford but if you can save up more for the next kit size up, I'd whole heartily recommend you do so. 3. Quality - I like Craftsmen. But in the early days, I did find they didn't chrome their box-end wrenches very well, resulting in some painful cuts by the flakes of chrome that remained. But overall, I'm happy with Craftsmen. The present day quality is very good, and the chrome stays on! Some of the other name brand tool companies are Snap-On Tools, Mac Tools and Matco Tools. All of these are likely to be found at your favorite mechanics toolbox. What I would look for is how well they chrome their ratchets, sockets and boxend/open end wrenches (to prevent rust and for ease of cleaning off oil and grease), and how they "feel" in your hands. This is purely a subjective matter. Other things to look for is how "fine" a ratchet allows you to move in a tight spot, if they have a good mechanism for keeping a socket or extension on the ratchet, and how easy it is to reverse the direction with one finger or thumb. I would also suggest that once you've selected a brand, that you stick to it for compatibility. I've tried using an S&K socket on Craftsmen ratchet and the I was unable to seat the socket fully onto the ratchet. Worked fine on the S&K ratchet though. I can't say that's typical; it might be isolated, but regardless, I'd just stick with one if possible. Here's a list of the most popular tool manufacturers: Ratchets and Socket: The following covers the most commonly used sizes on our Passats:
This should get you started. Some of the specialty items that I have can be rented at some places. Since I've been doing other peoples work, I've gone ahead and bought my own tools. 1. VW Rear Brake Caliper "piston" tool. This tools is specific to VW, in collapsing the brake piston. The piston must be turned and pushed simultaneously. Various manufacturers make this tool. The one's sold at PepBoy's, typically called "the cube" is a poor man's version of the tool I use, which is from SP Tools. Here's a photo of both just to give you an idea (SP Tool on the left, "the cube" on the right): While the SP Tool is about $55, the cube does cost about $6-7.
This and other tools can be found at Autobarn.com.
I'll be adding to this as time goes on. Perhaps I'll add anchors when it get's too large! |
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2.
(MacPhearson) Strut Compressor - while I have done a number of suspension
upgrades, I cannot justify a high quality $700 professional grade compressor.
I currently have a Powerbuilt Stut compressor as shown on the right, however,
I've noticed recently, that the bolt heads on both bolts, are cracked.
I am now ordering a nicer unit. It's a "clam shell" style compressor
which I had used a couple of years ago. As you can see below, it only
uses 1 bolt instead of two independent units. And unlike the bulky units
above, the hooks don't interfere with the upper or lower spring plates.
The unit sells for around $259-269 dollars, however, I got mine at Autobarn.com
for $239 w/free shipping! Yes, it's still more expensive than your $39-49
compressors on the right, but I can tell you it's much easier to use and
far safer (no more of the hooks creeping towards each other as you tighten
them down - a very dangerous problem.)
3.
Magnetic Pickup - I wouldn't go so far as to say it's "special"
but when you drop that 10mm nut down in the recess of the engine bay,
you'll call it special. I have both a flexible and rod style magentic
pickup. I also have a flexible 3-claw "grabber". These little
guy's don't see much action until you drop a nut or bolt, followed by
your favorite 4 lettered profanity. They're inexpensive and there's no
reason not to have one in your toolbox:
4.
Impact Driver - I've only used this on a few occasions and typically,
you'd use them on very stubborn screws. I'd say it's probably something
I've never used on a Passat only because it's still relatively new. The
impact driver uses a mallet to help twist a screw; it's a spring loaded
device. I happen to have it only because of my old 65' Mustang. Now if
you live in an area where you're prone to rust, perhaps this would be
a nice little addition.