What are some tools you need when starting to do basic DIY Mechanical work and possible home improvement in the future. (midwest.social)

submitted 1 month ago by Edgarallenpwn@midwest.social to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

47 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I took my wife's car into the dealership for a warranty a few weeks ago and while they were checking stuff, they said the car needed 1300 dollars of work (piston soak and replace some transmission parts). I ended up doing the soak with my grandpa and took it to a shop for the transmission (wasnt even an issue, just a rivot replacement on a wheel well cover) and ended up saving 700 dollars after accounting for tools, jacks, jack stands, etc.

I want to start working on my own cars for things that can be done easily without expensive specialized tools, and I might be buying a house in the next year. I just want to start getting a decent collection of tools to hopefully save money in the long run.

I currently have a huge range of screwdrivers, soldering equipment, plyer set, socket set, file set, wire cutters and a small tool kit with some misc stuff.

I am mainly looking towards a torque wrench and a good spanner/wrench set, but looking for suggestions on what to get. Holding off on power tools until I wrap my head around brands and batteries.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] EndOfLine@lemmy.world 12 points 1 month ago

Here are a couple of items that I wish that I had picked up earlier. They are not required, but they greatly simplified my life.

headlamp: Trying to balance or prop up a flashlight while working used to result in so much frustration.
tin sheers: I love these so much that they have replaced scissors in most day-to-day applications
flexible drill bit extender: So many screws are in places inaccessible to a drill body. This inexpensive item solves that problem. Magnetic wristbands: Keep those screws and bits from getting lost.
level that is at least 2ft long: I really appreciate having a level that can span two studs (16")
precision / mini needle nose pliers: I don't need them often, but when I do I am always happy that I have them
painters tape: I am surpised how often I use painters tape for all sorts of applications

[-] Edgarallenpwn@midwest.social 2 points 1 month ago

My grandpa was a painter so I understand how awesome painters tape is lol.

I was gifted a 3FT level and have some long needle nose pliers. Got some flexible extenders at the store when I was buying stuff for the last project. A good headlamp or bright lantern is definitely on my list

this post was submitted on 27 Nov 2024

31 points (97.0% liked)

Ask Lemmy

27391 readers

1240 users here now

A Fediverse community for open-ended, thought provoking questions

Rules: (interactive)

1) Be nice and; have fun

Doxxing, trolling, sealioning, racism, and toxicity are not welcomed in AskLemmy. Remember what your mother said: if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. In addition, the site-wide Lemmy.world terms of service also apply here. Please familiarize yourself with them

2) All posts must end with a '?'

This is sort of like Jeopardy. Please phrase all post titles in the form of a proper question ending with ?

3) No spam

Please do not flood the community with nonsense. Actual suspected spammers will be banned on site. No astroturfing.

4) NSFW is okay, within reason

Just remember to tag posts with either a content warning or a [NSFW] tag. Overtly sexual posts are not allowed, please direct them to either !asklemmyafterdark@lemmy.world or !asklemmynsfw@lemmynsfw.com. NSFW comments should be restricted to posts tagged [NSFW].

5) This is not a support community.

It is not a place for 'how do I?', type questions. If you have any questions regarding the site itself or would like to report a community, please direct them to Lemmy.world Support or email info@lemmy.world. For other questions check our partnered communities list, or use the search function.

6) No US Politics.

Please don't post about current US Politics. If you need to do this, try !politicaldiscussion@lemmy.world or !askusa@discuss.online

Reminder: The terms of service apply here too.