So I recently retired and I would like to start doing minor maintenance and repairs on my 99 TJ. It is in good working condition now so nothing specific needs to be done. What is a good basic tool collection to put together.
Starter tools for novice mechanic
- Thread starter lngmp
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- starter tool kit
A few 10mm sockets and wrenches!
A good set of sockets, extensions, wrenches, screwdrivers, some torx bits etc. From there you can grow your tools as needed.
A couple of years ago I purchased a set of ratchet wrenches, those things are a life saver at times.
Maybe a small electrical tool set / tester.
A good set of sockets, extensions, wrenches, screwdrivers, some torx bits etc. From there you can grow your tools as needed.
A couple of years ago I purchased a set of ratchet wrenches, those things are a life saver at times.
Maybe a small electrical tool set / tester.
As you gain experience you can graduate to a BFH.
Look for one of those big sets that has a full selection of SAE and Metric sockets and wrenches. These days I think Husky is respectable. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-M...223/323565221?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US Then later you can add a piece here and there if needed. The screwdriver parts that come in the kits aren't the greatest so buy some good quality screwdrivers as well. I like Klein. You can get by with the Torx bits they give you but a nice set of good torx drivers like Wiha is good to have. If you get more advanced you will need some bigger Torx stuff up to 50mm that will fit your ratchets, lots of Torx stuff on a TJ.
You guys joke but I never go to work on my Jeep without my 3lb sledge and ladys foot pry bar. Absolute necessities
Harbor Freight will be your friend.
Some inexpensive tools will get you started and as you gain experience you can upgrade to more expensive tools. I would avoid “all in one kits” because most are worthless. One thing to not go cheap on is a set of screwdrivers. Milwaukee makes a great set and they are not too costly. The list below is comprehensive and you don’t need many on the list to get you started. YouTube is great for reference but make sure you view several because some are More right than others.
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/82/02/F23FE5EF-959C-4C9A-B5AD-31A8989D54DE/3.Tool-List-all-3-programs.pdf
Some inexpensive tools will get you started and as you gain experience you can upgrade to more expensive tools. I would avoid “all in one kits” because most are worthless. One thing to not go cheap on is a set of screwdrivers. Milwaukee makes a great set and they are not too costly. The list below is comprehensive and you don’t need many on the list to get you started. YouTube is great for reference but make sure you view several because some are More right than others.
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/82/02/F23FE5EF-959C-4C9A-B5AD-31A8989D54DE/3.Tool-List-all-3-programs.pdf
Thanks to all for helping me get started. Turns out I already have a BFH 
My rule with tools is that I'll only ask to borrow it once. If I need it again, time to head to Harbor Freight.
When I bought my first Jeep my buddy told me "Congrats on your new tool set". He wasn't wrong, everything project seems to get me at least one new tool. Harbor Freight is great, they have a super cheap line and a higher quality line.
Tekton has an excellent 212 socket set kit that doesn't have all that filler crap. Their warranty is "No time limits, no receipts, and shipping on us". I personally have this set and used it as a marine mechanic for years with no issues. https://www.tekton.com/6-point-socket-and-ratchet-212-piece-set-skt95304
In addition to your home tool collection you'll likely want to put together a small road kit as well. Separate stuff that you don't have to remember to put together for every trip. Of course if you just go with a very basic and small kit for only maintenance and basic emergency repairs and leave everything else to a mechanic you can use one small kit for everything.
Don't forget the 2x4Thanks to all for helping me get started. Turns out I already have a BFH
Some good info here. Also need a decent code reader. You can get decent ones you can connect to your smart phone with an app. I have one I take with me. I also have dedicated code readers at home.
I like Gearwrench ratchets and wrenches. Pretty good value. Their ratchets are really nice.
Husky, Kobalt, and Craftsman will also be decent. Not top of the line but plenty good for a homeowner. Icon at Harbor Freight are good but what I dislike about them is you can’t just walk in and purchase a single socket. I like having spare sockets of the kind I use the most (looking at you 10mm)
Get an air compressor. Airing tires up and blowing stuff off is handy. I wouldn’t be without an air compressor. If you have a decent one, you can run air tools like impact wrenches. Yes cordless impacts are nice but they are pricey. If you have an air compressor (and a compressor is still a necessity in my opinion) you can run air tools which are usually cheaper than battery ones. Harbor Freight has some good options. I’d be looking at 20-30 gallon compressors if I was in your situation. Upright will take up less floor space. I have a 60 gallon compressor now but made do with a 20 gallon for years. Today I have a 60 gallon in the shop, a 20 gallon in the house garage, and a small 1 gallon portable. I like having compressed air……
I like Gearwrench ratchets and wrenches. Pretty good value. Their ratchets are really nice.
Husky, Kobalt, and Craftsman will also be decent. Not top of the line but plenty good for a homeowner. Icon at Harbor Freight are good but what I dislike about them is you can’t just walk in and purchase a single socket. I like having spare sockets of the kind I use the most (looking at you 10mm)
Get an air compressor. Airing tires up and blowing stuff off is handy. I wouldn’t be without an air compressor. If you have a decent one, you can run air tools like impact wrenches. Yes cordless impacts are nice but they are pricey. If you have an air compressor (and a compressor is still a necessity in my opinion) you can run air tools which are usually cheaper than battery ones. Harbor Freight has some good options. I’d be looking at 20-30 gallon compressors if I was in your situation. Upright will take up less floor space. I have a 60 gallon compressor now but made do with a 20 gallon for years. Today I have a 60 gallon in the shop, a 20 gallon in the house garage, and a small 1 gallon portable. I like having compressed air……
X2 on Tekton. I like that they sell sockets/wrenches individually when you have to fill in missing/broken parts of a set.
I bought their torque wrenches and have been pleased.
Harbor Freight is good for starting off, but some things you’ll want to upgrade over time.
mudhog55
Member
I remember starting out Craftsman had a sale on kits. I bought like a 300 piece tool set that I still have most of it with me. The kits typically have all the sockets you need. 1/2, 3/8, 1/4" and all the basics such as Allen wrenches etc. I been adding to that collection every sense. That was a long time ago at sears, but I think craftsman still has those tool kits.
Yep, I also have that 3/8 socket set from above and their torque wrenches. They are a step up over Harbor Freight in quality.
Besides the usual sockets & wrenches etc, the #1 thing I see missing here is a really good impact. I swear by my mack daddy M18 Milwaukee, but I get a ton of use out of the M12 stubby impact. too.