Garage Basic’s Tools and Supplies

[chrisblaze]

Now that I have became part of the Jeep family, I’m interesting in working on my own jeep (installing side steps and other accessories). What are the basic tools that Jeep owners need an their garage?

Sponsored

 

[Speedy_12139]

What are the basic tools that Jeep owners need an their garage?

At least, at a very minimum..... Just getting your bases covered, for most essential needs. And would be plenty for this applicatation, Id have to say.....



TWO OF EVERYTHING

 

[Phljeeper]

Heavy duty jack stands, 3 ton floor jack, electric impact gun (I like my dewalt), full set of 1/2” impact sockets, torque wrench, Allen socket set, star socket set, socket extension set. That should get you started to do most projects on the Jeep.

 

[smlobx]

OK ...
‘This is a rabbit hole that you need to jump in and I’m sure everyone has their own opinions sooo here’s mine!

To start off:

1. A 3/8” drive socket set, both metric and SAE
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200680394_200680394

2. A combination ratcheting wrench set
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-20-...2-onuvWyQm8ItwjQnxkaAsX7EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

3. A 1/2” torque wrench
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-1-2-in-Drive-Click-Torque-Wrench-50-ft-lb-to-250-ft-lb/1000772366

4. 1/2” drive sockets set for above.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...h5Vilcr6YkySI0nMWjsaAoiyEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

5. A decent floor jack
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200345429_200345429

6. Jack stands
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200756195_200756195

7. Of course a set of screw drivers and a hammer!

8. Oil filter wrench and pan to do your own oil changes.

the items I linked are just so you can see what I am referring to, not necessarily what I have. Being a former Porsche driving instructor and amateur racer my shop is a little more comprehensive than this but this will cover 99% of what most people do.

Good Luck!

 

[Klutch]

You can NEVER haver too many tools! Seriously, I've been expanding my tool set since 1983 and I still have to occasionally buy more tools. Here are my suggestions:

- I used to like Craftsman tools and still have many. But don't bother buying new Craftsman tools. They are now made overseas and the quality is not good. Also, the warranty now involves swapping out a broken tool for a "remanufactured" tool and those tend to be even more sketchy.

- Sure, Snap-On tools are still good. But you'll have to get a second mortgage to get a decent set of Snap-On tools. And you'll have to find a local Snap-On truck to sell you tools and do warranty exchanges. No thanks.

- I now buy Husky tools and Home Despot. Yeah, they're made in Asia just like everything else these days. But I find the the quality to be pretty good. And if I need a warranty replacement, I can go to any Home Despot anywhere for a one-for-one exchange no questions asked. KOBALT tools from Lowe's are also pretty good, but I like the Husky stuff a little better.

- Use six-point sockets whenever possible. There are very few situations where you need 12point sockets. The six-point sockets will break almost anything loose without stripping. The 12-point sockets are notorious for stripping bolts.

- To start, buy the BIGGEST and BADDEST set of tools you can afford. Sure, it will have some things you don't need or want, but this is WAY cheaper than buying tools a la carte. Buying tools piece by piece will cost you several hundred percent more money in the long run.

- The new, cordless tools are pretty spiffy. But I REALLY like having compressed air in my shop. It was a bit of money and some hassle to buy and install a 65 gallon, two-stage compressor with air lines, but it was so worth it. If you are able to do this, I highly recommend it. If not, sure, go cordless. Air tools are less expensive than cordless tools and, if they're of good quality, they will outlast you.

- Cordless power tools for the trail are a GREAT idea.

 

[Jim_n_Tx]

Ty-raps, duct tape, and bailing wire (oh, also popsicle sticks).

 

[kevman65]

1/2" breaker bar, the longer the better.

Assorted length's of 1/2" extensions.

These will go onto the above mentioned list.

Trust me on the breaker bar. 130 ft lbs of torque on lug nuts, you're going to want the breaker bar to remove them. Leave the breaker bar in the JT, not your tool box.

 

[brianinca]

I got one of the collapsible wheelnut wrenches when we had an H2, one of the first things I bought for this Jeep was one just like it (already have on in the YJ). I wouldn't want to carry my 1/2 breaker bar on the trail, would cut into payload too much.

1/2" breaker bar, the longer the better.

Assorted length's of 1/2" extensions.

These will go onto the above mentioned list.

Trust me on the breaker bar. 130 ft lbs of torque on lug nuts, you're going to want the breaker bar to remove them. Leave the breaker bar in the JT, not your tool box.

 

[chrisblaze]

Are ramps necessary or are jacks and jack stands better?

 

[kevman65]

Are ramps necessary or are jacks and jack stands better?

Just about everything you're going to do , jacks and jack stands. I can think of no reason for ramps other than you want to be on a creeper to change oil.

 

[kevman65]

I got one of the collapsible wheelnut wrenches when we had an H2, one of the first things I bought for this Jeep was one just like it (already have on in the YJ). I wouldn't want to carry my 1/2 breaker bar on the trail, would cut into payload too much.

Having broken a 3/4", 3' long breaker bar trying to loosen nuts on a pipe flange, I don't want anything that is already collapsible.

 

[TJDave]

You will need an array of metric and sae tools. Whatever metric end wrench set you get, make sure it has an 18mm. Seems both sets of mine jumped from 17mm to 19mm. I went and grabbed a couple 18's to finish the set, and put one in my to-go tool bag.

 

[DeezJT]

just stay away from Harbor Freight ratchets.

 

[kevman65]

You will need an array of metric and sae tools. Whatever metric end wrench set you get, make sure it has an 18mm. Seems both sets of mine jumped from 17mm to 19mm. I went and grabbed a couple 18's to finish the set, and put one in my to-go tool bag.

Throw a 21 or 22 mm wrench in there, depending on whether you have stock or aftermarket tie-rod bars and drag link bar.

 

[kevman65]

just stay away from Harbor Freight ratchets.

I will say, I am impressed with the Icon brand they have. But yes, the Pittsburgh line is trash, usually pop first time you put a load on it.

Sponsored