pro_star wrote:
The link doesn't work directly - is that a floor jack? I wouldn't buy one with a really narrow base like that one, and you might find that it's tough to get that thing under your crossmember. Look for a lower, wider one, and it's a whole heckuvalot safer. You'll probably want some good jack stands as well. Princess Auto has this stuff fairly cheap.
For a well-equipped starter box, you're going to need two sets of metric combination wrenches ranging from 6mm to as much as 24mm (10-19mm is okay for one set, to save a bit of money). You're going to want a set of metric sockets in 1/4" drive ranging from 6mm to 13mm, a set of metric sockets in 3/8" drive ranging from 10 to 19mm, and a set of metric sockets in 1/2" drive ranging from 10 to 19mm (up to 24mm optional). You'll also want a set of deep sockets in both 3/8" and 1/2" drives, same sizes. Get some extensions as well, and maybe a universal joint for each of the 3/8" and 1/2" drives. You'll want a tray of screwdrivers, mostly in Phillips and flat blade, but if you're working on your S70 you'll need an assortment of Torx as well. You'll want a pair of slip joint pliers, a pair of needlenose, a pair of side cutters, and a pair of regular pliers. You'll want a couple hammers, too - I use a good heavy ball pein, a lighter ball pein, and a deadblow (rubber) mallet for most of my stuff. You'll want some metric Allen (hex head) wrenches as well, ideally with a "wobble ball" on the long side.
Optionally, you'll want a couple Vice-Grips (I've got one short, one needlenose, and three regular), a couple "Saskatchewan Socket Sets" (crescent wrenches), some drifts/punches, some socket drivers, an impact driver (sort of a screwdriver you hit with a hammer - miracle worker!), a good long breaker bar for the 1/2" sockets (you can substitute a piece of pipe to fit over the ratchet in the meantime, but watch yourself!), a bench grinder with a grinding wheel on one side and a wire wheel on the other side, a trouble light or two (fluorescent preferred if you've got heat, LED if not), and who knows how much else more?
No matter how many tools you own, you'll still find something that you'll need. If you ever want to do front wheel bearings or need to replace your CV joint boots, you'll need the more massive socket to turn that nut. That you'd buy specifically to the job. Ditto for the front brakes - you need a special allen wrench for that, preferrably on a 3/8" or 1/2" socket.
Obviously, you'll need some place to put all these tools: a top box or a cheap combination of boxes, or a couple tool boxes, pegboard, or even some Rubbermaid containers for the stuff you don't use all that often.
I've gotta get back to work. Chew on this for a while, look through the Canadian Tire catalog, keep your eyes open for sales, and we'll talk more later.
let's put my vacation money to good use!
