I'm sure this has been covered before, but whatever. What tools to you guys like/need in your garage? I'm actually talking about testers and things, like volt meters, battery testers, coolant pressure testers, compression testers, etc.

What do you like, and where did you find it?

1)Air compressor that can sustain full array of air tools.
2)Compression tester, Digital multi-meter, various other testers...IE: gravity, timing light.
3)Complete sets of metric wrenches and sockets.
4)Multiple lights from flourescent to basic trouble lights
5)Box of electrical connectors, solder and heat shrink
6)small collection of wood in various sizes from 2x4 up to 8x8 for use as blocks etc.
7)Jacks and stands...floor, bottle and screw type
8)Engine Hoist (crane) engine stand
9)Most commonly used in my collection...BANDAIDS!

Dont forget the various sizes of Metric Crescent Wrenches either...always nice to have in a pinch.

*Keep at least one complete oil change in the cabinet along with minimum one gallon of coolant along with misc. fluids just in case.

Did I mention Bandaids?
~Darin <img border="0" alt="[Baby]" title="" src="graemlins/baby.gif" />

**Just got back from Sears..added to my helpful tool pile a new cylinder hone, ring compressor and a handy dandy ring expander. My theory is if you are gonna do it, then do it right! lol

<small>[ June 30, 2003, 04:22 PM: Message edited by: Esquire812 ]</small>

One of the handiest things I've gotten in a long time is SAE and Metric sets of GearWrenches. Those combo wrenches with the box end that rachets. Those things are great.
Now they have reverseable one, flex joint ones, and others.

Coolant and battery testers are handy, haven't had much need for compression or vacum testers to buy (especially when I can borrow from a friend or parts store loan programs).

The new MIG has come in handy too.

I have a little question about air tools... When I was 15 I got my first Toyota, a 1986 4x4 std cab white pickup, on the condition I learned how to fix the broken head gasket. I did it knowing nothing about air tools, and now I can only imagine what it might have been like. Although They still worry me-- It seems like they round of the corners on bolts really quick? As this true or am I worrying about nothing?

Wish I had that kinda deal handed to me when I was 15! Dang. Trick to using air tools is moderation and using the right tool for the job. If you are gonna be using 150 PSI through an impact gun then use the right sized socket and make sure its a 6 point and you'll be fine. Never use them for re-assembly though..okay except for maybe the air ratchet and air nozzle. But then you still want to follow up with a torque wrench. For body work...air can be your enemy if not careful LOL. 15,000 RPMS with 180 grit can cut sheetmetal in a heartbeat...dont ask how I know this please <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />
I love my compressor and hate tearing anything down without it nearby...even if not used! lol Its a Tim Taylor kinda thing...
~Darin <img border="0" alt="[Baby]" title="" src="graemlins/baby.gif" />

I don't know how I lived without gearwrenchs and my set of stubby wrenches for so long.
I also could not live without my multimeter and testlight.
Shop air has turned nightmare jobs into simple tasks also. Air chisels rule!

<small>[ June 30, 2003, 01:44 PM: Message edited by: John Smith ]</small>

Everything in that Yankee workshop. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Sears is my friend.

A hot chick to hold my wrench <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

I just started in on "doing my own" for auto stuff except for replacing the odd "appliance" (starters, alternators, etc.). I'm finding out that Toyotas are built a lot different from Fords...

But anyway, I'm looking for a good set calipers, now. I only mention that because I haven't seen that tool mentioned on this thread, yet. But knowing what you've got seems to be a big part of the battle with fixing stuff. Feeler guages might not be a bad thing to have handy, either.