Whether you’re just starting out in the classic car hobby or looking to upgrade your toolkit, here’s a list of basic hand tools to get you started:
Wrenches
- Metric: 8mm to 19mm
- SAE: 1/4″ to 1″ Finding a set that goes to 1¼” can be nice to have for the larger projects.
Here’s a link to a Craftsman set from Lowes: https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-32-Piece-12-Point-Standard-SAE-and-Metric-Combination-Standard-Combination-Wrench-Set/1000594209
If the budget allows, Gear Wrench ratchet wrenches are very nice to have tools: https://amzn.to/40NBCpG
Socket Sets
- 1/4″ Drive:
- Metric: 5mm to 14mm
- SAE: 3/16″ to 9/16″
- 3/8″ Drive:
- Metric: 8mm to 19mm
- SAE: 5/16″ to 3/4″
- 1/2″ Drive:
- Metric: 10mm to 24mm
- SAE: 3/8″ to 1″
A Master set of sockets in a box are great to have to stay organized. Here’s a Craftsman Set from Lowes: https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-VERSASTACK-Mechanics-Tool-Set/5014463547
Here is a Master set of Gear Wrench sockets and combination wrenches at a surprisingly good Price: https://amzn.to/42P39JU
Pliers Set
- Needle-nose pliers
- Slip-joint pliers
- Diagonal cutting pliers
- Locking pliers (Vice-Grips)
Here’s a good set of Kobalt pliers 10pc from Lowes: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-10-Piece-Household-Tool-Set/5013189353
Here’s a well liked set on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42GvMsK
Additional Essential Tools
- Screwdrivers (flathead, Phillips and Torx)
Screwdriver set: https://amzn.to/4hfpzbP
- Adjustable wrench
- Breaker bar (1/2″ drive)
- Torque wrench
Torque Wrench start with ½” drive: https://amzn.to/3EsBOU4
- Digital MultiMeter
FNIRSI in Amazon is showing they’re making some good electrical tools: https://amzn.to/4hGaNus
Diagnostic Tool
For modern cars or engine swaps, we recommend the Topdon Scan Tool. This versatile tool helps diagnose issues and read error codes, making it an invaluable asset for any automotive enthusiast, especially since it can be used to work on your newer daily drivers and saving you money to use on your classic cars!
I use the Artidiag 900BT, Use this link and Snow10 to get 10% anything from Topdon: https://topdonusa.com/collections/mid-level-diagnostic-tool/products/artidiag900-bt?ref=SnowFamilyRacing
The Artilink600 will definitely get you started in diagnosing modern OBDII cars. Use this link and Snow10 to get 10% anything from Topdon: https://www.topdon.us/collections/service-tools/products/al600-obd2-diagnostic-scan-tool?ref=SnowFamilyRacing
Remember, quality matters, but that doesn’t mean you need tool truck brands. Harbor Freight, Lowes, Home Depot and Amazon all have good deals that on quality hobby level tools.
Happy wrenching!
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