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Must have tools for the garage

18K views 140 replies 57 participants last post by  jkaufman_95 
#1 · (Edited)
Ok, I have been searching around the forum for the past 30 minutes, and its safe to say either a) i dont know how to search worth a damn, or b) this hasnt been brought up before, which seems odd....

My question is, with me being new to Jeep ownership, what kind of tools are needed for the jeep. Im talking about the trick tools, the cant-live-without tools, any of them. The reason behind all of this is that I love the fact that the jeeps are easier to work on, but the problem is, i have no tools. I do have tools though, to wire any house with cat5 or satellite and any other type of telecommunication needs, but as for the car or Jeep in the driveway, errr not so much.

Yeah sure i have the basic drivers, sockets, screw drivers, drill, etc etc, but im realizing that there is more, much more. I am perfectly aware that i need a Torx set, even to replace a head light, but what else is there?

So, what are some tools that you are all finding that you have in your garage that would give a person a good list to go off to start getting as he makes his trips to the auto store?
 
#42 ·
Kinda pricey but, very useful. Do a search for "Mini Ductor 2" . I am a mechanic and use one at the shop quite often. It works on magnetic induction and will heat a nut cherry red in about 20-30 seconds without a flame. There is also an accessory kit available for it with different size coils that will fit up to a 2" nut. The whole tool is long enough to reach those problematic rear upper shock bolts. No flames so they are safe to use around fuel tanks too. I got mine through my Snap-on dealer for just over $600 but, you can get them through Amazon a little cheaper.
 
#48 ·
Hammerwalk said:
Right on man! I wanted to be an emt while the wife was in nursing school, but then my IT career finally got the boost it needed. And for your eagle rank, keep it up. That's the one big regret I have from my youth. Not finishing Boy Scouts. Had my life badge, then quit cause it wasn't cool any more. Biggest mistake :-(

As far as the rest, I'm greatly appreciated for all the responses. I'm glad this had an out come that I was hoping for. I think alot of the new owners like my self, that really want to take the reins, tend to get overwhelmed by what they do or don't need as far as tools, tricks, and supplies go to really take off on their own. Such an awesome forum. Glad I found it and became a part of it.
Yeah it's tough I'm really close though. Went to philmont this year two weeks and 70 miles through the nm back country it was great! Would make great jeep terrain too
 
#49 ·
Leave it to me to think "wrong"-but what tools do you always carry? For me 1/4 and 3/8 drive socket set-hammer,4 or 5 screw drivers, the torx socket set, black electrical tape, zip ties, blanket, first aid kit, rain coat, tow strap, mag light, and gloves.
I have found (so far) to always have what I need to get home where I can fix what ever the issue or problem is (with usually the same tools I had with me) but lighting better, and more comfortable. I do have more wrenches and tools at home but no impact. Have found myself working out of "the Jeep" box 85% of the time.

Anyone else do the same?
 
#50 ·
jp2611 said:
Leave it to me to think "wrong"-but what tools do you always carry? For me 1/4 and 3/8 drive socket set-hammer,4 or 5 screw drivers, the torx socket set, black electrical tape, zip ties, blanket, first aid kit, rain coat, tow strap, mag light, and gloves.
I have found (so far) to always have what I need to get home where I can fix what ever the issue or problem is (with usually the same tools I had with me) but lighting better, and more comfortable. I do have more wrenches and tools at home but no impact. Have found myself working out of "the Jeep" box 85% of the time.

Anyone else do the same?
Sure thing. My Jeep tool box is what I use mainly
 
#55 ·
I've actually found some great quality tools including snap-on at yard sales.

Yes, I'm a cheapskate :D
 
#56 ·
Harbor Freight, ToolTopia.com, Tool King, Ebay, and pawn shops are your friend.

I have been a Diesel/Heavy equipment field service technician for 5 years now. 95% of my tools are from Harbor Freight. The other 5% are the specialty tools they don't carry. In that time I have broken 8 separate tools, and all replaced no questions asked. I have a total of $22k invested including massive tool box at the shop (all paid for) compared to the "Off the truck" guys that have $90k+ and still making payments. I just never bought into the whole "Brand" thing. Why pay $100 for a basic wrench set when I can get the same for $19 with the same warranty. The name stamped on it does not make it work any faster or better.

You already have the basics covered. Look over the other odd and end fasteners and start making a list and gradually add to your set.

Here is what I would call a must have list. If it is bold I use it every day at work.

Panel popper (that is what I call it). Removes interior panels, like door panels with out breaking the plastic push lock fasteners.
Booger picks (AKA Hook and Pick set) for removing and installing o-rings and hoses (vacuum to radiator).
Radiator hose clamp tool (opens and locks the spring clamp style hose clamps).
Telescoping 2" inspection mirror.
Telescoping magnets (various sizes and one with a swivel on the end - great for starting nuts where your fingers won't reach).

Angle wrench set.
Multi compartment storage box (for keeping nuts and bolts separate & organized when taking things apart).
Flex head GearWrench set (SAE and MM).
Tap and die set (SAE and MM).
Brass hammer and punches.
Digital Volt Meter.
Test light.
Factory service manual for your jeep (NOT HAYNES)
3/8 & 1/2 drive crow foot wrenches (not flare).
Fuel line disconnect tools.
Fuel pressure test kit.
Spark plug tools (boot remover, tester, gap setting).
Breaker bar (18" & 36") that will fit over your ratchet handles.
Nut driver set.
Ball end allen wrench set (SAE & MM)
Paint marker (white, black, yellow)

Hit a pawn shop and double up on the wrenches that are most common on your jeep. For example, I encounter a lot of 9/16, 3/4 (19mm), and 7/8 nuts and bolts & hose fittings, where I need 2 same size wrenches to remove/install.
 
#84 ·
Harbor Freight, ToolTopia.com, Tool King, Ebay, and pawn shops are your friend.

I have been a Diesel/Heavy equipment field service technician for 5 years now. 95% of my tools are from Harbor Freight. The other 5% are the specialty tools they don't carry. In that time I have broken 8 separate tools, and all replaced no questions asked. I have a total of $22k invested including massive tool box at the shop (all paid for) compared to the "Off the truck" guys that have $90k+ and still making payments. I just never bought into the whole "Brand" thing. Why pay $100 for a basic wrench set when I can get the same for $19 with the same warranty. The name stamped on it does not make it work any faster or better.

I have to respectfully dissagree with you 100%, Quality over quantity my friend. the guys buying Snap-On and Mac tools can take out bank loans against their tools because they are good enough to be considered collateral by the banks. almost everything i have ever bought from harbor freight has broken. Most recently a 3/4" box end wrench that broke while i was cranking on a bolt under my buddy's truck, smashed my knuckles bad enough that it ended the night, buy good tools, and buy them once. Another example, my former employer had the same view point and kept buying Ryobi drills. He went through 5 drills in 9 months. I got a nice DeWalt XPR hammer drill at the same time as his first and still have it years later, and i used it every day. :punk:
 
#59 · (Edited)
Shop tools I have grown to love and will not live without :)

forklift
120 gallon 2 stage compressor
Miller 251 Mig
Miller 165 Tig
torch set
JD2 tubing bender and notcher
my custom built waste oil heater

What you have in your tool selection depends on what your main goal is. I started off with a 150 piece craftsman set, a grinder, and a chop saw about 13 years ago. I buy what I need but I research the heck out of it first. There are still things that are on my list :)
 
#62 ·
I've got a pair of speakers from Radio Shack on my shelf that plug into me Ipod. All the sounds I need and when I'm done, I unplug the Ipod and put it back in me Jeep. Cheap and simple. (not me, the music setup)
 
#68 ·
THE thing that's really needed the most - a big shop dedicated as the work place AND another separate garage or building for putting the things that are not being used at the moment - with smooth cement floors!

Propane heaters and a swamp cooler or AC.
Plenty of trash cans, so things don't end up on the floor.
Plenty of brooms and dust pans.
Buckets for liquids.
Plenty of good strong work benches - carpeting in front of them is nice too.
A sturdy steel welding table.
Storage cabinets and shelves to put things like angle grinders, drill etc.
Good strong lighting! Inside and outside.
A smooth cement pad outside.

And something I use all the time, probably more than anything else - a Little Red Wagon to move stuff between the shops.

You can have all the welders and tools you want, but if you don't have a good place to use and keep them they are useless.


Snap-On tools are unique - the triple chrome plating makes them almost operate themselves.
 
#71 ·
He He - seems like you can have all kinds of tools and equipment - but there's always something else you'd like to have.

I make myself justify something before I go out and get it - now I'm looking for an excuse to have a Bridgeport Mill.

I could still use a good excuse to get a lathe too.
 
#75 ·
He He - seems like you can have all kinds of tools and equipment - but there's always something else you'd like to have.

I make myself justify something before I go out and get it - now I'm looking for an excuse to have a Bridgeport Mill.

I could still use a good excuse to get a lathe too.
Good stuff there. Wish the ones in our machine shop would run faster than 3000 RPM, but for a shop, I doubt I'd be doing a lot of milling with 1/32" mills. I'd love to have one...with the automatic feeds, digital readouts, and a full assortment of collets. :D

That shop also has an old Cincinnati lathe that is just awesome to use. Pretty sure its from the 50's (just broken in).
 
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