The New "What did you do with your Z today" (with off topic replies) XXVI

Leingod

What do you recommend as good basic tools to have on hand? Still new to this stuff....

My tools consist of a basic ratchet set with a random assortment of fittings and my first power drill lol. I really want to buy this porter cable 4 gallon shopvac I saw at Costco lol

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madwi

All depends on which way you want to go. I prefer air tools myself.
WHen it comes to tools, if it is going to be used often buy something good that will last. Stuff like impacts that need some oomph, I like to get corded vs. battery. Most good tool brands will last a lifetime or three with proper maintenance and care.

Ghostvette

First, a monster tool box, way bigger than you think you will use. Don't worry, you'll fill it up.

Second, I'd say good tools, both standard (SAE) and metric. Granted, most of the stuff these days have metric fasteners, but every so often, you find a SAE fastener. Harbor Freight does NOT qualify as good tools. Normally, I'd say Craftsman as first choice, but since Sears sold the brand to Black & Decker, I'd wait and see what their warranty service is going to be. Most of my tools are now Snap-on, but I still have some Craftsman stuff floating in the box. The important thing is lifetime replacement warranty, you will break sockets over time.

Third, air compressor and air tools. Campbell Hausfeld makes some good stuff, just remember to buy air tool oil and put a couple of drops in the air inlet before you use the tool, it will contribute to longer life. Again, all of my air tools are Snap-on, only because they can be rebuilt for a small fee, most were so old I got new ones for 0 dollars.


Good tools aren't cheap, buy what you need as you need them is the best route (see first step..... )


Hope this helps.

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2015 Magma Red 6MT Sport Tech/2012 Fairlady MB 6MT Base (RIP 08032018)https://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/370Z/Coupe/

JARblue

Even most of my hand tools came from HF originally. The key differences are manufacturing tolerances for the HF sockets are far less strict and the materials used are softer. Any sockets I've ever used from HF have rounded within a few uses, so I've upgraded to better sockets since. But I'm still using the Pittsburgh ratchets without issue - I particularly like the telescoping feature they offer.

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Ghostvette

My dad has some Pittsburgh sockets that seem to be okay, granted they are 3/4" drive, so they don't get a lot of use.

I've destroyed several Pittsburgh impact sockets and twisted adapters in two, mainly working on old, rusted POSs that should have been scrapped rather than fixed...

It sucks having to borrow a socket from one of the other guys until I could get to Sears or the crack dealer (Snap-on) shows up. The harassment of 'ya shoulda bought some good tools.... etc....

I seem to have the luck of 'crap, I broke this socket... gotta go get a new one. What?!?!?!?! you don't have another one?!?!?!.... 5 stores later..... no Sears store has this socket, gotta go to HF.... 3 trips to HF later, the car is fixed.....

Now I research to make sure I don't need special tools, (which BTW, the Z requires a special socket for spark plugs), buy the tools, then buy the parts and install them. Much less frustrating....

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2015 Magma Red 6MT Sport Tech/2012 Fairlady MB 6MT Base (RIP 08032018)https://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/370Z/Coupe/

madwi

Because I am lazy... what does the Z need specifically?

Ghostvette

IIRC, it's a 14mm spark plug socket, that is set up different from the usual 9/16" socket (14mm & 9/16", same same), maybe thinner walls, magnetic plug holder instead of rubber sleeve... I'll post up the part number tonight when I get home. I found the info in a DIY thread here, I just don't remember where...

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2015 Magma Red 6MT Sport Tech/2012 Fairlady MB 6MT Base (RIP 08032018)https://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/370Z/Coupe/

Ghostvette

Three choices:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BP5RTEE...332200_TE_item


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://store.snapon.com/Retention-S...t-P645027.aspx


First two are relatively inexpensive, the Snap-on one... well, not so much.

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2015 Magma Red 6MT Sport Tech/2012 Fairlady MB 6MT Base (RIP 08032018)https://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/370Z/Coupe/

madwi

Basics to keep on hand? Hmmmm, All of them

A good set of screw drivers that you dont use as prybars or punches. A good pry bar set, Torque wrench, combination wrench sets are nice, imperial and metric. Impact is always handy for stubborn items that you want to conform to your will.

JARblue

Madwi makes great points. But if you're not ready to throw down the cash on Snap-On and such, consider tools from places like Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. They certainly aren't the best tools, but for the price the quality is quite good. I started with that stuff and have been gradually replacing the tools I use most with higher quality stuff either purchasing myself or asking for tools or gift cards for bday/xmas gifts.

Shopvacs are handy, and you don't need to spend a lot on one. I think I paid $30 on sale for a cheap one at Lowe's and it's still running like a champ 8 years later

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madwi

my air tools are generic no names. I keep them oiled and they work very well. I do put up with a small oil leak or other little quality issues but they continue to work for years. Other items (not hand tools) like my router or cordless drills are Bosch and dewalt. Take a look at the projects you do the most and see what is out there. Easy to replace, lifetime warranty hand tools is great too, if it doesnt take 3 years to get your new one back from China slow boat.