6GC Tools, What to buy? Options

[WALKER]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to get some advice on what tools should be on the must have if you plan on doing all your own work on your celica? I haven't really read through all that much of the BGB, just skimmed parts. I have never really undertaken all that much of my own work on my own vehicles, but would like to start doing all my own work so I don't keep paying the big bucks for simply jobs.

So basically, what are the list of tools that should be purchased. Below is what I was thinking of purchasing, but please let me know your thoughts and opinions. I don't really need to know about brands, since everyone has their own opinion and I have read quite a few of yours about Craftsman, Snapon, Stanley, Mac, etc., I will form my own opinion from my own research (plus I have my own opinions already!)

3/8" torque wrench (~25-250 in.lb. torque)
1/2" torque wrench (~30-250 ft.lb. torque)
3/8" and 1/2" Metric Hex Bit Socket Set (#10,12,14,17,19) <-- I believe most of the bolt on our car are metric. Any others?
3/8" and 1/2" ratchet + breaker bar
Spark Plug socket
Extensions

Please add to the list what other tools you would recommend or delete from my list.

[alltracman78]

If you're just starting off don't mess with air tools just yet.
Get a feel for how stuff comes apart and goes together.

I agree 6 point is much better, but 12 point has it's uses.
When you need one, you NEED one.

Most wrench sets only come in 12 point.

Spark plugs are supposed to be 13 ft/lbs. I do the feel method also. Make sure you use antiseize on the threads.

Lagos is right on with the sizes.
I wouldn't worry too much about 30mm right now though.
Once you need one [for axles and valve cover nuts for the 5SFE] you can pick one up.
24 isn't very common either. And for the record, there are some 21s also. PS and AC lines.

Once you are used to how bolts go in, and how they feel when they are tight, you won't need the torque wrench much at all. I only use it on heads, my aluminum wheels, manifolds sometimes. Mainly aluminum stuff.

A hammer is nice to have.
As is a tap and die set. You will want to start small with that one.
Craftsman is ok, but MAC/SnapOn is MUCH better quality for those. They cut alot better.
Cheater pipe.
Wrenches. Line wrenches are VERY handy to have when you need one.
Test light, or if you're feeling frisky, a multimeter.
Down the road a timing light is good.
You will need an 8mm for certain things.
If you ever mess with any airbag stuff, some of it takes Torx bits.
You shouldn't need much in the way of Allen wrenches. I can't think of anything other than the diff plugs in some Toyotas that need them.
A jewlers screwdriver [flat tip]. Good for helping to disconnect electrical connectors.
#2? phillips. Long and short.
Also a rounded off cheap flat tip is good to help get interior pieces up.
Needle nose pliers.
Wire cutters and crimpers.
Large and small Vice Grips.

I'm trying to keep the list small for you to start, so I'll stop there.

Crap.
Almost forgot.

For brakes, a C clamp is good to push the piston back in, and bungee cords [short] are good to hang the caliper on.

[WALKER]

I'm trying to keep the list small for you to start, so I'll stop there.

Hey don't worry about keeping the list small, list away! That is a great list, thanks for the input. Quite a few of the items that you listed I do already have. I do have some tools, just want to get more!

As for air tools, I don't feel like getting into that at all...at least not right now. I much rather feel it myself and do it myself.

As for a tap and die set, are they quite easy to use? I guess I am wondering if I would be able to tap the exhaust manifold for an EGT myself?

Once again, keep the list coming if people have other things they think of.