unitacx
Veteran Member
Choosing Tools
This is a bit presumptuous because it's difficult to guess what sort of work needs to be done, or event the type of D-I-Y work a random person would attempt. But when I got my car I asked the question, so I figured other may also.
Background:
There have been a number of posts addressed to the question I began searching for -- What tools do I need? Obviously there isn't really an answer here, but here's some reference material. (My background is listed at the bottom of this message.)
CHEAP TOOLS vs GOOD TOOLS
Obviously, we'd all like the Apprentice Set of tools from Snap-On, but want to pay for the ones in the "discount bin" at the local variety store. Here's my take on it.
Cheap tools are generally bad economy because they hinder you rather than help, either by being hard to use, by stripping fasteners, or by breaking. In one sense, the amateur needs better tools than the professional, because the tool goes a long way in helping the job along.
It may be possible to mix-and-match cheap and good tools. For example if you have a good set of short sockets, you can probably get away with cheaper long sockets. Even a professional mechanic doesn't need Snap-On allen sockets in the toolbox. So get at least a basic set of good quality tools, because they are at the core of the work you will be doing.
There's another alternative, listed in the next post, describing a core set of good tools.
The Brands
Some are better than others, but there are some good bargains, especially on Kobalt, Herbrand and independent Craftsman sellers (eBay "Buy-it-Now") (These are mostly N.American brands)
high quality
Armstrong, Snap-On, S-K, Hazet (Germany), Allen, Proto, Williams, Mac, Bonney
good quality
Kobalt, Herbrand, Craftsman, Nikko,
Note that high end tools on eBay typically sell for near list price. So unless you want to "play" on eBay, you're at least as well-off buying fixed price (eBay "Buy it Now"). You're better off at local used tool sources. On the other hand, I've found some good mid-quality stuff on eBay.
CARRY-IN-CAR SET
THE LISTS
Hence the Snap-On list (Apprentice Set of tools from Snap-On). I don't think this set is intended as a "purchase this set" set. I think it is a suggestion list. "Here is what VW mechanics suggest you may need if you become a VW mechanic." The reason I say this is that anyone accepting a job as a VW mechanic probably has at least some good tools. They're not going to buy the entire Snap-On Apprentice set.
SO HERE ARE THE SUGGESTIONS
... taken form other threads
First:
Topside oil drain:
Topsider or Pella (6000) are most popular, but there are others.
vacuum extractor (used as brake vacuum bleeder). Sears sells the miTvac as well ($35) for the brake fluid/fuel filter changes
Oil filter wrench - 76mm or 74/76mm, 14 flute (eco type oil filter). NOT for A3 or pre-99.5 TDI. Money is no object -- get a cheap one.
Torx: T-15, T-20, T-25. T-25 is important and often not in quick-change screwdriver kits. I found a 6-in-1 screwdriver by "Enderes" configured with torx bits which I found really nice, and included a T25.
Sockets: essential ones are 7mm 10mm 17mm 6 pt. sockets are better than 12 pt.
German cars use 6 , 8 , 10 , 13 , 15 , 17 , 19 , 21 , 30 , & 32 although you don't need all of these. also some 11, 12 and 16 on VW. Someone mentioned 16 and 18 but I'm not sure of those. (Japanese use 6 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 14 , 17 , 19 , 22 , 26 , 30 , & 34, so the 12 and 14 may be good to have.)
For sockets, get 6 point which are less likely to damage nuts. (The ratchet provides the fine positioning.)
Combination wrenches - get a set, common sizes 8 , 10 , 13 , 15 , 17, 19. Choose a set with the right "feel" for you. I personally found Kobalt to feel better than Craftsman. I personally prefer 12 point for these.
17 1/2 inch drive socket (wheel lugs, in case you need to apply 150 ft. lb to remove them)
a set of allen key sockets, 5, 6, 7, 8 You'll need at least the 5 to be short.
Torque wrench - you can get away with 75 ft-lb (wheel lugs are 80 ft. lb) but a 150 is more convenient. Most common torques are 15 to 25 Nm. I'd suggest a low range needle-bar type and an upper range clicker type. New needle-bar types are in the $25 range.
floor jack and jackstands
3/8 socket drive to fit cordless power drill
Flare Nut wrenches - including 11 (brake lines) 17 (injector lines). These must be good quality.
crowfoot 17 (to torque injector lines)
Rear brake unwinder tool - either screw-clamp (e.g., Metalnerd; 11 piece unwinder set),
hose clamp tool (band clamp pliers) - the "long reach flexible hose clamp pliers" (with a cable) is worth the extra money. examples: Astro Pneumatic AP 9409; SK (higher cost than Astro). Everyone who bought one of those hose clamp pliers with the cable is pleased with the purchase.
and...
The Bentley Repair manual
A VAG-COM
WISH LIST
5 & 6mm "long ball end hex bit"
1/4 sockets or ratchet wrenches.
8 mm 12 pt tool for struts -- I saw one suggestion for, 8, 10, and 12 triple square set.
Whatever size triple wrench fits the door hinges (perhaps the 8mm 12 pt tool used on the struts). The 8 also fits the seatbelt receiver. 12 for head bolts (so don't get the 6-8-10 set)
"clicker" torque wrench good for 150 ft.lbs. for lug nuts
ramps
radio removal tools (if I can't get Pendeflex "ape hanger" folder wires to work)
air or electric impact wrench.
Here's a List of Tools for Specific Jobs. These are not the complete sets for these jobs; just the specialty tools:
1/2 in drive sockets:
30 mm 6 pt: front axle nuts
24 mm 6 or 12 pt: steering wheel
36 mm 6 pt: Plastic cap on VR6 oil filter. (Used as an oil filter wrench)
22 mm 6pt: various, such as oil cooler. etc.
6mm star socket (EMPI brand) for CV joints
headlight aiming - 6mm allen
19 mm oil drain (but you might never open it)
12mm 12-point star (triple square) and 12 wrench for head
8mm 12-point star (triple square) - bolt for A4 seatbelt receiver, suspension on A4, A5
12mm 12-point star (triple square) - inner CV boot and alternator pulley (partial)
alternator freewheel pulley - 12mm 12-point star (triple square) and spline tool in Metalnerd set. (See HOWTO link)
axle end nut - 30 mm 12 Point Socket (Metalnerd sells impact grade)
rear brakes:
8mm allen drive, 15mm open wrench, piston windback tool, #3 philips socket or impact
front brakes
7mm allen, #3 philips socket or impact
alternator: 16 wrench & socket, T27 Torx (maybe __ triple square)
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/
Here's the Snap-On Apprentice set
buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=53972&group_ID=12736&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
VW Specialty Tools:
http://www.metalnerd.com/
One Craftsman dealer on eBay:
leontyleradam
OTHER THREADS ON TOOLS
Tool Kits
What tools/ set should i buy?
Tools for changing fuel filter?
CARRY-IN-CAR THREADS
What tools and parts do you carry in your TDI?
What few tools for trip?
What road tools?
trunk tools
MY BACKGROUND
I am not a professional auto mechanic. I am a qualified aircraft mechanic, although I'm no longer in the field. I've been maintaining my own cars, although I hadn't rebuilt a diesel or done some of the heavy work such as changing clutches for quite a while.
- stan
'00 Golf (Rocketchip II, 520, TT 17 wheels, Valeo ECE lights)
This is a bit presumptuous because it's difficult to guess what sort of work needs to be done, or event the type of D-I-Y work a random person would attempt. But when I got my car I asked the question, so I figured other may also.
Background:
There have been a number of posts addressed to the question I began searching for -- What tools do I need? Obviously there isn't really an answer here, but here's some reference material. (My background is listed at the bottom of this message.)
CHEAP TOOLS vs GOOD TOOLS
More on getting a good tool kit at a cheap price at the end of this post)
Obviously, we'd all like the Apprentice Set of tools from Snap-On, but want to pay for the ones in the "discount bin" at the local variety store. Here's my take on it.
Cheap tools are generally bad economy because they hinder you rather than help, either by being hard to use, by stripping fasteners, or by breaking. In one sense, the amateur needs better tools than the professional, because the tool goes a long way in helping the job along.
There are some compromises. The polished finish of Snap-On wrenches (also available from other manufacturers) makes the tool seem easier to work with. But the key to a good tool is whether it properly engages the fastener. This can be accomplished with mid-range tools like Craftsman, Kobalt (Lowes) or Nikko. Some of these are as good as top end -- for example I'm sure my Nikko allen (hex) drive sockets are as good as Snap-On, at least for most applications.example:
To unwind the rear brake caliper you can get either:
A jigged unwind tool, such as Metalnerd's or part of a set (Not the 6-piece set; it must include VW!)
A "cube" brake unwinder, which uses a socket wrench extension.
A block of wood.
The "cube" is a lot cheaper than the Metalnerd tool, but will fight you. Stay away from the cube unless it's the only option available. (The block of wood is obviously even harder.)
The Metalnerd tool sort of guides you along. So for under $50 you can get the Metalnerd tool and still save on a brake job which of course pays for the tool on the first job. Plus neither the block or wood nor the cube will spread the front caliper, but the Metalnerd tool is also a conventional caliper spread tool.
Get the Metalnerd tool or the 11-piece universal set.
It may be possible to mix-and-match cheap and good tools. For example if you have a good set of short sockets, you can probably get away with cheaper long sockets. Even a professional mechanic doesn't need Snap-On allen sockets in the toolbox. So get at least a basic set of good quality tools, because they are at the core of the work you will be doing.
There's another alternative, listed in the next post, describing a core set of good tools.
The Brands
Some are better than others, but there are some good bargains, especially on Kobalt, Herbrand and independent Craftsman sellers (eBay "Buy-it-Now") (These are mostly N.American brands)
high quality
Armstrong, Snap-On, S-K, Hazet (Germany), Allen, Proto, Williams, Mac, Bonney
good quality
Kobalt, Herbrand, Craftsman, Nikko,
Note that high end tools on eBay typically sell for near list price. So unless you want to "play" on eBay, you're at least as well-off buying fixed price (eBay "Buy it Now"). You're better off at local used tool sources. On the other hand, I've found some good mid-quality stuff on eBay.
CARRY-IN-CAR SET
(See post approx. 7 down in this thread.)
THE LISTS
Hence the Snap-On list (Apprentice Set of tools from Snap-On). I don't think this set is intended as a "purchase this set" set. I think it is a suggestion list. "Here is what VW mechanics suggest you may need if you become a VW mechanic." The reason I say this is that anyone accepting a job as a VW mechanic probably has at least some good tools. They're not going to buy the entire Snap-On Apprentice set.
SO HERE ARE THE SUGGESTIONS
... taken form other threads
First:
Topside oil drain:
Topsider or Pella (6000) are most popular, but there are others.
vacuum extractor (used as brake vacuum bleeder). Sears sells the miTvac as well ($35) for the brake fluid/fuel filter changes
Oil filter wrench - 76mm or 74/76mm, 14 flute (eco type oil filter). NOT for A3 or pre-99.5 TDI. Money is no object -- get a cheap one.
Torx: T-15, T-20, T-25. T-25 is important and often not in quick-change screwdriver kits. I found a 6-in-1 screwdriver by "Enderes" configured with torx bits which I found really nice, and included a T25.
Sockets: essential ones are 7mm 10mm 17mm 6 pt. sockets are better than 12 pt.
German cars use 6 , 8 , 10 , 13 , 15 , 17 , 19 , 21 , 30 , & 32 although you don't need all of these. also some 11, 12 and 16 on VW. Someone mentioned 16 and 18 but I'm not sure of those. (Japanese use 6 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 14 , 17 , 19 , 22 , 26 , 30 , & 34, so the 12 and 14 may be good to have.)
For sockets, get 6 point which are less likely to damage nuts. (The ratchet provides the fine positioning.)
Combination wrenches - get a set, common sizes 8 , 10 , 13 , 15 , 17, 19. Choose a set with the right "feel" for you. I personally found Kobalt to feel better than Craftsman. I personally prefer 12 point for these.
17 1/2 inch drive socket (wheel lugs, in case you need to apply 150 ft. lb to remove them)
a set of allen key sockets, 5, 6, 7, 8 You'll need at least the 5 to be short.
Torque wrench - you can get away with 75 ft-lb (wheel lugs are 80 ft. lb) but a 150 is more convenient. Most common torques are 15 to 25 Nm. I'd suggest a low range needle-bar type and an upper range clicker type. New needle-bar types are in the $25 range.
floor jack and jackstands
3/8 socket drive to fit cordless power drill
Flare Nut wrenches - including 11 (brake lines) 17 (injector lines). These must be good quality.
crowfoot 17 (to torque injector lines)
Rear brake unwinder tool - either screw-clamp (e.g., Metalnerd; 11 piece unwinder set),
hose clamp tool (band clamp pliers) - the "long reach flexible hose clamp pliers" (with a cable) is worth the extra money. examples: Astro Pneumatic AP 9409; SK (higher cost than Astro). Everyone who bought one of those hose clamp pliers with the cable is pleased with the purchase.
and...
The Bentley Repair manual
A VAG-COM
WISH LIST
5 & 6mm "long ball end hex bit"
1/4 sockets or ratchet wrenches.
8 mm 12 pt tool for struts -- I saw one suggestion for, 8, 10, and 12 triple square set.
Whatever size triple wrench fits the door hinges (perhaps the 8mm 12 pt tool used on the struts). The 8 also fits the seatbelt receiver. 12 for head bolts (so don't get the 6-8-10 set)
"clicker" torque wrench good for 150 ft.lbs. for lug nuts
ramps
radio removal tools (if I can't get Pendeflex "ape hanger" folder wires to work)
air or electric impact wrench.
Here's a List of Tools for Specific Jobs. These are not the complete sets for these jobs; just the specialty tools:
1/2 in drive sockets:
30 mm 6 pt: front axle nuts
24 mm 6 or 12 pt: steering wheel
36 mm 6 pt: Plastic cap on VR6 oil filter. (Used as an oil filter wrench)
22 mm 6pt: various, such as oil cooler. etc.
6mm star socket (EMPI brand) for CV joints
headlight aiming - 6mm allen
19 mm oil drain (but you might never open it)
12mm 12-point star (triple square) and 12 wrench for head
8mm 12-point star (triple square) - bolt for A4 seatbelt receiver, suspension on A4, A5
12mm 12-point star (triple square) - inner CV boot and alternator pulley (partial)
alternator freewheel pulley - 12mm 12-point star (triple square) and spline tool in Metalnerd set. (See HOWTO link)
axle end nut - 30 mm 12 Point Socket (Metalnerd sells impact grade)
rear brakes:
8mm allen drive, 15mm open wrench, piston windback tool, #3 philips socket or impact
front brakes
7mm allen, #3 philips socket or impact
alternator: 16 wrench & socket, T27 Torx (maybe __ triple square)
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/
Here's the Snap-On Apprentice set
buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=53972&group_ID=12736&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
VW Specialty Tools:
http://www.metalnerd.com/
One Craftsman dealer on eBay:
leontyleradam
OTHER THREADS ON TOOLS
Tool Kits
What tools/ set should i buy?
Tools for changing fuel filter?
CARRY-IN-CAR THREADS
What tools and parts do you carry in your TDI?
What few tools for trip?
What road tools?
trunk tools
MY BACKGROUND
I am not a professional auto mechanic. I am a qualified aircraft mechanic, although I'm no longer in the field. I've been maintaining my own cars, although I hadn't rebuilt a diesel or done some of the heavy work such as changing clutches for quite a while.
- stan
'00 Golf (Rocketchip II, 520, TT 17 wheels, Valeo ECE lights)
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