To help the car owner decide which tools they need to perform the various jobs described in this manual, we have compiled three lists of tools under the following headings: "Tool kit for maintenance and minor repairs", "A set of tools for medium and major repairs" And "Special tools and fixtures".
Owners. Those with no repair experience should start by acquiring a set of tools for maintenance and minor repairs and limit themselves to simple tasks. Then, as you gain confidence and experience, you can move on to more complex tasks, acquiring additional tools as needed. Thus, over a long period of time and without large one-time costs, it is possible to increase the set of tools for maintenance and minor repairs to a set designed for medium and special repairs. Experienced car enthusiasts can have a set of tools suitable for most repairs, and complement it with tools from "special" list, if they are sure that the cost of their acquisition is justified by the frequent use of these tools.
Tool kit for maintenance and minor repairs
This list provides the minimum set of tools required for maintenance and minor repairs. We recommend buying combination wrenches (ring wrench on one side and open-end wrench of the same size on the other), Although these wrenches are more expensive, they have the advantages of both types of wrenches.
- Set of wrenches:
- metric - 6-19 mm inclusive
- inch (if necessary) 1/4 to 1 inch
- Adjustable wrench - jaws 35 mm (approximately)
- candle key (with rubber insert) - for models with petrol engine
- Spark Plug Gap Adjuster - For Petrol Engine Models
- Feeler set
- Wrench for unscrewing brake purge nipples
- Screwdrivers:
- with flat end - 150 mm length, 6 mm diameter
- with cross-shaped end - 150 mm length, 6 mm diameter
- Pliers
- Hacksaw with spare blades
- Tire pressure indicator
- butter dish
- Oil Filter Remover
- Fine sandpaper on a cloth basis
- Wire brush
- Funnel (medium size)
- Wired glasses
- Car stands [2]
Note. If it is intended to include in the service also the main adjustments of the ignition and fuel injection. then it is desirable to supplement the specified set with a stroboscope and a car tester, which can perform the functions of a tachometer and an angle meter for the on state of the ignition coil. Although these devices are listed in the special tool list, they are mentioned here because without them it is difficult to make adjustments with acceptable accuracy.
A set of tools for medium and major repairs
These tools, in addition to the previous list, are essential for a car owner who plans to do a major car repair. This listing includes a set of socket wrenches with interchangeable heads. Although it is expensive, it is absolutely necessary for more or less serious work. We recommend purchasing a socket set with a 1/2 square socket", as this kit includes large sockets and can also be used with most torque wrenches.
- Socket set in the range of the previous list (including type heads "Togh")
- Collar with reversible ratchet (for use with thorium heads)
- Extension 250 mm long (for use with sockets) wrench with cardan joint (for use with thorium heads)
- torque wrench (for use with thorium heads)
- Retractable wrench
- Hammer with sharp face
- Soft-faced hammer (plastic, aluminum or rubber)
- Screwdrivers:
- with a flat end - long and strong, short (wide), narrow (for electrical work)
- with a cruciform spear - long and strong, short (wide)
- Pliers:
- with long noses:
- side cutters (for electrical work)
- spring ring pliers - external and internal
- Chisel - 25 mm
- Marker
- Scraper
- Kerner
- Punch
- Hacksaw
- Hose clamp kit
- Brake or clutch bleed kit
- Drill with a set of drills Steel ruler
- Allen's keys (4 to 10 mm)
- File set
- Wire shank
- Car stands
- Hydraulic jack
- Portable lamp with extension cord
Special tools and fixtures
The tools and fixtures on this list are quite expensive and not used very often. Buying many of them will not pay off if complex mechanical work is rarely done. If the depot is the case, then you could team up with your friends (or join the club of motorists), to buy such tools or rent them from specialists.
The list below contains only those tools and accessories that are commercially available, and not those that the vehicle manufacturer makes specifically for dealers and service stations of the company. You can occasionally find links to such tools in the text of this manual. An alternative method of doing the job without such tools is usually given. However, sometimes there is no alternative. If this is the case, and the appropriate tools cannot be purchased or rented, then you will have to entrust the work to the firm's specialists.
- Valve spring compressor
- Valve grinding tool
- Device for removal / installation of piston gauges
- Honing head for machining cylinder mirrors
- Ball pin puller
- Suspension Spring Compressor (depending on design)
- Two and three leg pullers for foot and bearings
- impact screwdriver
- Micrometer
- Dial indicator
- Strobe lamp
- Ignition coil on angle meter / tachometer
- Fault code reader
- Cylinder compression indicator
- Manual vacuum pump with pressure gauge
- Clutch disc centering tool
- Brake pad remover
- Tool for pressing out / pressing bushings
- Stud extractor
- Set of taps and dies for threading
- Lifting device
- Jack on wheels
Buying tools
A novice car owner who is going to start with only maintenance and minor repairs and does not plan to carry out complex repairs yet will be able to get by with a tool purchased by the piece. If more serious work is planned, then it is better to purchase a tool in a set and then supplement it with a piece tool as needed.
Remember, you don't have to buy the most expensive tools, but avoid buying the cheapest ones as well, especially screwdrivers and sockets. Beware of 'bargain' purchases of tools offered in car parks or sold from car trunks. A cheap tool will not last long, and you still have to replace it with a better one.
Tool storage and maintenance
Once you have purchased the necessary tool kit, keep it clean and in good condition. Always clean dirt, oil, and metal particles with a clean, dry cloth before putting away tools after use. Never leave them scattered around after work. For tools like screwdrivers and pliers, an ordinary shelf on the wall is very convenient. Store wrenches and thorium wrench sockets in a metal box. Any measuring devices, indicators, etc. must be stored in a place where they will be protected from damage and rust.
When using tools, take some time to care for them. Sooner or later, nicks appear on the hammer head, and screwdriver blades become dull. A small and timely treatment with sandpaper or a file will quickly restore the good condition of such tools.