A Comprehensive Guide to Having the Right Tool for the Job: Part 2
As we pointed out in Part 1 of our tool guide, a starter collection of tried-and-true hand tools is essential to getting the job done right—the first time. But some tasks require more specific instruments, and this is where specialty tools come in.
Now, picking the right specialty tools can be a very costly part of setting up your shop. That’s why, a good rule of thumb is to start out renting these tools. Then, if you catch yourself renting them frequently, consider investing in some of your own. For example, some kits that weekend warriors should consider renting are ball-joint presses, bearing pullers, and pulley pullers. These aren’t the types of kits you need on hand, unless you’re doing specialty jobs regularly. Basically, it won’t hurt to have them around, but you can save a lot of money by renting when you need them.
It’s difficult to pin-point exactly which specialty tools you’ll want to keep on hand, as it really depends on the kind of work you regularly do. But some are useful to just about every gearhead. So, as promised in Part 1, here are some specialty tools you should consider factoring into your budget, as well as some quality manufacturers you should turn to when shopping.
Specialty Tools Worth Adding to the Home Garage
Disc brake caliper tools are surprisingly affordable—and immensely useful.
Even the casual wrencher will likely learn to service the brakes on their vehicle. And while we’re all guilty of using c-clamps to press in caliper pistons to get the job done—it’s not a good idea. For one, it’s awkward, and you can waste a lot of time lining things up just right. Plus, you run the risk of damaging the caliper. Trust me when I say a disc brake caliper tool kit won’t sit around collecting dust.
Performance Tool and OEMToolsTM (a brand under GreatNeck Tools) both offer good quality sets that, at under $50, certainly won’t break the bank. While they may not stand up to daily professional use, for the weekend enthusiast they’re a smart purchase. For a heavier-duty investment that can withstand daily beatings, check out this 7-piece kit by Snap-On.
Speaking of brakes, a line flaring tool will be needed.
There will be times when you need to make brake lines up from scratch and having the right tools on hand can save a lot of money in the long run. SpeedFX, a brand distributed exclusively through Keystone Automotive, now offers a line of tools… and this tool specifically. For the money, you can’t beat it.
From pliers, pullers, and sockets to comprehensive installation kits, SpeedFX has a growing list of hand and specialty tools to help you build your collection.
Snap ring pliers also make life extremely easy.
How many times have you tried to work a snap ring out of place with a flathead screwdriver? Now, how many times has that snap ring flown across the room and sent you on a wild goose chase trying to find it? Or worse, how many times have you snapped the screwdriver? I know that I, for one, have spent countless frustrating hours doing this in the past, but snap ring pliers changed that forever. Pick up a pair, you won’t regret it.
GearWrench has a nice selection that are great for enthusiasts working on a DIY budget.
Don’t forget a good torque wrench and a slide hammer.
Honestly, I think every tool box in the world needs these two specialty tools for many reasons.
A torque wrench is great for all sorts of jobs. Mostly used for precision work—like engine, transmission, and suspension jobs—many people may not realize that even something as simple as changing a wheel requires one. While there are a few different styles, GearWrench, TEKTON, and Precision Instruments all make great all-around torque wrenches that are durable, cost-effective, and easy to use. CDI Torque Products, a subsidiary of Snap-On Tools, specializes in electronic and mechanical torque tools—offering quality that’s on par with its parent brand—but at a much, much lower price.
Slide hammers will be really useful for pulling wheel hubs (and other bearings of that nature). And while you may be thinking, “Why should I invest in a specialty tool for something that specific?” Trust me—when you catch yourself in a situation with a stuck wheel bearing and you don’t have a slide hammer, things can turn sideways quickly. On paper, hubs should fall right off. They never do.
Check out a brand like Specialty Products Company, who offers a wide variety of specialized alignment parts and tools. Plus, if you need a little guidance on a project, the company’s website has a ton of educational videos and training programs. SPC even has its own smartphone app that instantly links installers to OEM specs, making diagnosing and solving alignment issues fast and easy.
And of course, you will need to look at setting yourself up with a scan tool.
Again, professional grade isn’t always necessary but having the ability to pinpoint that check engine light in seconds will save you hundreds of dollars during troubleshooting. There’s no shortage of aftermarket brands in this department, and they can really run the gamut on price. However, there’s no reason you can’t find a perfectly good scanner for under $100. Performance Tool’s version (Part No. W2977) is an absolute bargain-buy at around $30. And BlueDriver has been getting some great buzz online, as it offers the same insight of a professional-grade scanner at around $95.
Wrenching On-The-Go
It’s worth mentioning that if you’re the type of enthusiast (or professional) who needs to take their tools with them, investing in a quality toolbox is critical. Now, maybe you just need something that can be transported from the garage to the truck and back again. But if you require something a little more comprehensive (and theft-proof) we recommend checking out one of Better Built’s truck bed toolboxes.
These guys have been in the business since 1989, and while their product line has expanded over the years to include a number of work-oriented accessories, high-quality truck toolboxes have remained the flagship offering. The company breaks them down into four unique series, each with different features and benefits, so you can pinpoint what’s best for your needs.
We recommend starting with the oldie-but-goodie, Crown Series. Named the “Original Aluminum Truck Toolbox,” this level of toolbox provides versatile, durable, and secure storage at an affordable price point. With a low-profile design for increased visibility, the Crown Series truck toolbox features a sturdy single-piece body construction with patented integral end design, a double-ribbed lid brace for minimal flex, and locking stainless steel paddle handles built for aggressive wear-and-tear. Additionally, auto-lift shocks and patented self-adjusting strikers make opening and closing a breeze.
Build Up That Toolbox
As we said in Part 1, every toolbox looks different depending on what your brand of car enthusiasm is, and it’s impossible for us to cover every tool worth having on hand. But one thing’s for certain: whether you’re just a backyard mechanic who prefers to do his own repairs, an amateur drag racer who hits the track a few times a month, or an off-road junkie who wears mud like a badge of honor, building up your cache of hand and specialty tools will take time, budgeting, and more than a few busted knuckles and muttered curses.
