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]

I know this is a little bit old, but I wanted to add a bit to it.
Mainly just for FYI.

First off, regarding tool brands.
There is more to a tool than a lifetime garauntee, or even weather or not it breaks, regardless of said garauntee. Also, how long it lasts [not so much breaking, but stuff like sockets wearing out inside, wrenches doing the same thing, ect], how well it fits the part it's removing [accuracy of machining], the actual design of it [Not all wrenches are the same angle or length, even comparing exact size/type wrenches. Some are easier to break nuts/bolts loose than others] and how ergonomic it is.
This stuff matters alot to me because I'm a tech. I make a living using tools. To you in your driveway, it might not matter as much. It still did to me. I hated using crappy tools.
If you are going to get Craftsman, get the professional stuff. It is made better than the regular tools.
However, though Craftsman tools are pretty good, they are not as good as Mac, Snap On/BluePoint, Cornwell, and to some extent, Matco. And probably some other more expensive brands I don't know about. Weather or not you want to pay the premium price for these better tools is up to you. I just want you to know the difference.
And I wouldn't suggest Huskey. They're better than some tools, but definitly a step down from Craftsman.

As far as tap/dies.
Once again, quality matters. I have had Craftsman sets [due to lack of $$$ most of mine still are], but the Mac, SnapOn, and ones I get from by buddies machine shop are DEFINITLY a step up. They cut MUCH faster/cleaner/smoother. It's a noticeable difference. But you will pay the $$$.
Regarding sizes.
The vast majority of Toyota sizes are
6 x 1.0
8 x 1.25
10 x 1.25

So no need to go out and buy a large set just yet.
This will cover most of the repairs you will do for now.
One exception.
The dist cap bolts are 4 x x.xx I don't remember off the top of my head.
But they can come in useful if you need them.
Also, 12 x 1.25/1.50 is nice to have.

If all you are working on is your Celica [or any foreign car], you need NO standard sizes.
Stick with metric. They will fit better, so you're less apt to strip a nut/bolt head.