What tools for 21st!

[dangerous_daveo]

Might be a stupid question, but my 21st is coming up and the Ps probably would get me some tools as they are a nice 21st gift (decent tools anyway) so for general sorta stuff what would be best?

Atm all I really have is a small spanner set, so Id be guessing a socket set would be the next thing on the list?

More so, what are the most common sizes Id need, any other handy tools etc.

Just list them up. Thanks heaps!

[Lazy-Bastard]

I'd go for a decent ratchet (eg: Sidchrome) with a 1/2" drive...stay away from 1/4" drives IMO.

The most common socket sizes I have found on my R33 (yes, I know you have a Cefiro)are 10, 12, 14 and 17mm, but probably just get a semi-decent set (I think most sets range from 10 - 19mm).

A ratchet extension is handy as well while were talking ratchets/sockets etc.

Letting a guy loose in a tool shop is like letting a woman loose in a shoe shop so the list is kind of endless.

I think the key is to pay a little bit extra and get something of decent quality. IMO if it's made in Germany, the U.S or Japan then as a general rule the quality is pretty good.

edit: handy tools?!?!?...I want one of those 'magnets-on-a-stick with a bendy arm'. I am always dropping shit into the deepest darkest corners of my engine bay

[The Dan]

The magnets are an absolute life saver. I have two....a straight telescopic one and the bendy one.

Don't knock the 1/4 drive. They are very useful for the smaller stuff.

Half inch is alright but you will find that 3/8 drive rachet and sockets are much easier to use as they are not as heavy and can fit into smaller spaces. get yourself some decent 3/8 drive extensions and a universal joint to go with the rachet and sockets.

I have found that I rarely use my 1/2 inch stuff unless it's like brakes or something really really tight. 95 percent of the time it's 3/8 all the way. You can do anything engine bay and most body stuff with them. It is also harder to break stuff with them as they don't overtighten as much.

Maybe a decent multimeter as they can help a lot when testing for faults.

I couldn't really do without any one of my tools. I have around $3000 worth at work alone not including the box. All I can say is choose carefully and the bargains are not always the best. Go for quality, not quantity.

[strutto]

Yep go the good quality gear... I tend to use 3/8" stuff most of the time but there are definately situations where the 1/2" drive is necessary...

I also have a good quality 1/4" set and I find it invaluable... Tight situations and small bolts (ie 10mm, 8mm, 6mm) mainly...

Hmm what else... All of it!!! Assorted pliers, hammers, breaker bars, extensions, long nose sockets, allen keys, screwdrivers, drills, grinder, jigsaw, soldering iron, side cutters, tin snips, etc, etc...

[Bobjones]

Agree with most of the above.

I got a set of Stanley USA 3/8 and 1/4 Metric and imperial over here for $65US...

Then I bought some additional longer extensions for the big price of $15US with a lifetime warranty from Home Depot.

Then I got a set of allen keys both metric and imperial...

I need to get a decent job so I can come here more often and get tools...they are soooo cheap...I think I may be above the weight limit on my luggage though...

Oh and back on topic

You can't go wrong with a socket set, 3/8 drive I find easier to use than the 1/2 drive and I have all three sizes. I used the 1/4 for the little interior crap...

[krzysiu]

I'd go for a decent ratchet (eg: Sidchrome) with a 1/2" drive...stay away from 1/4" drives IMO.

The Sidchromes are really good. my dad got some for a present about 15 years ago. They are still perfect and using them on the 33 very often

[dangerous_daveo]

Ok, so we worked out what driver...

Whats the most common sizes Id need? And would I need both metric and imperial??? (as in need, would be more handy)