Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 07:23:39 EDT
Reply-To: Sean Bartnik <sbart7kb@WWW.MWC.EDU>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Sean Bartnik <sbart7kb@WWW.MWC.EDU>
Subject: Re: Need Suggestions for Craftsman Tool Set (NO Vanagon Content)
In-Reply-To: <19980415.213405.4086.1.turinsky@juno.com>; from "Kevin J
Turinsky" at Apr 15, 98 9:33 pm
>
> I've been thumbin' through the latest Sears tool catalog, ready to spend
> my hard-earned on a real tool set. Now, I'm pretty much a mechanical
> ZERO, so I probably don't need the 2-zillion piece tool "build a car from
> ore" set. Therefore, I submit to the list my request for your suggestions
> as to which sets to consider. (All that variety. It's very confusing.)
> So, any of y'all that have your catalog, or anyone else that just wants
> to give a few suggestions, I'd appreciate any direction very much!
> They're having a sale soon.
>
I would recommend:
A good complete set of metric wrenches, the kind that are open end on
one side and box-end on the other side.
I've used everything from about 6mm to 19mm on my van.
A good complete set of sockets. Sears has a fairly good kit that comes
with a 1/4" drive rathet, a 3/8" drive ratchet, and a 1/2" drive
ratchet, as well as a fairly complete set of sockets. I would recommend
getting that, as well as a good set of extensions (some for the each
ratchet). They've come in very useful. I've also found uses for
adapters, like 3/8" drive to 1/2" drive and vice versa.
I have found use for a 24mm deep socket. Rare size, but works well for
those oil pressure switches and the steering wheel nut.
One of the best tools I have ever bought is from Sears. It's a brake
shoe retaining spring removal tool. Looks like a screwdriver handle
with two round metal bits on each end, costs about $6. Well worth it.
A similar tool can probably be had for less elsewhere.
Pliers! You will need a regular set and a set or two of various needle
nose sizes. I've also gotten a lot of use out of locking pliers, or
Vice Grips. I've been told to get the Vice Grip brand, not the Sears
brand. (Lowe's sells the Vice Grip brand).
Timing light -- if you can swing it, get the fancy model that you can
dial in advance and check total advance...
Tach/dwell meter -- if you plan to set your idle, you might need this
:-)
Multimeter -- good for electrical troubleshooting. Measures voltage,
resistance, current.
Magnet on a stick -- a lifesaver. Most FLAPS will have this, it's just
a magnet on the end of a telescoping rod. Useful for retrieving dropped
parts.
A 6mm allen wrench socket bit. Just about every allen head bolt on a VW
is 6mm.
A 17mm allen key, for the transmission fill and drain plugs.
A nice hammer, ball peen
pry bar
A good set of flathead and philips screwdrivers. #3 and below Philips
should be fine, I've only encountered #4 Philips screws on my Karmann
Ghia.
A set of circlip or spring clip pliers. These are extremely useful for
removing spring clips. You squeeze the handle and the pliers open out,
expanding the circlip and allowing you to remove it. Useful for CV
joint repair among other things.
Clearly there are some things above that you can wait to buy until you
do the specific job, like the brake tool. But the basics are well worth
it. I'm sure this will put a nice dent in your credit card :-(
--
Sean Bartnik
Fredericksburg, Virginia
1981 Volkswagen Vanagon L Westfalia
1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia convertible
http://www.type2.com/bartnik/myvan.htm
http://www.mwc.edu/~sbart7kb/vwbooks.htm
