Here are some pics of some tools that I have acquired that who's value has been indispensible through the years. The first thing is a set of flare nut wrenches. These are not only useful for working on hydraulic lines (brake and clutch) but they come in handy when opening the turbo housings or anywhere else that you have a nut or bolt that is difficult to get a socket on and a lot of torques is need to break it loose.



Next up we have a set of reversible gear wrences. These things, whether or not they are reversible, are worth thier weight in gold. They even make them now that have a head that hinges. These things are expensive, I suggest buying them or any other big Craftsmen purchases on the day after Thanksgiving when they really mark the stuff down.


Here is a set of three different long needle nose pliers. The ones on the left have a 90 degree tip on them which comes in very handy, the second is a pair of the long needle nose that you can get at Advance. The last pair is an extra long set of needle nose. I have used these countless times to retrieve dropped nuts in places like the radiator. They have also saved me from having to jack up the car and remove the undertray to retrieve dropped tools, nuts, bolts and beer bottle caps.



Here is a newly acquired tool that I just used this afternoon to change the plugs. It is a lot easier to maneuver this stubby ratchet around the cross member, wiring harnesses, etc. that can sometimes be frustrating when you change the plugs.


Here is a couple of the Craftsmen sockets that have built-in universal joints. Tese come in handy in getting into spots that are too tight get a socket and universal joint into.



I know you can work on the car without a lot of these tools, but they sure make things easier. Some other tools I have are an impact wrench, one of the brake "cubes" and several different vise grips. Oh, and you cannot forget the almighty PB Blaster!

Do you guys have any other specialty tools that you have really found useful when working on these cars?

 

Man, I just love your pliers!!!

Seriously, very nice tools indeed. And thanks for the tips.
One tool (not really a tool) I'll never work without is an extendible magnet. It saves a lot of time grabbing/picking up nuts, bolts and even other tools when they fall to the floor smack dead-center below the car.

 

if you like craftsman you have to try some snap on tools, the difference in quality is amazing.

And for those of you like me who cant quite afford snap-on quality, cornwell makes very nice tools as well.

a personal favorite tool of mine are the mechanics brand gloves, they have saved my fingers from countless burns and cuts and they dont make it any harder to work on a bolt cause of the way they are made. However they tend to wear out really quick, expect to replace them every 6 months or so depending on how much work you do on the car.

I feel like i just gave a sales pitch


and here is my absolute favorite craftsman tool, perfect for stock hose clamps ect.

 

My lifesaver...

 

Yours is so much bigger than mine!

 

am I the only one that uses a sledge hammer when working on the FD?

 

I really like the looks of those reversible wrenches. Might have to get some of those. Thanks for the pics

 

A metric tap and die set to clean up 10+ year old threads....and make new ones.

I give a thumbs up to the gear wrenches too.

I'm gonna have to get a stubby ratchet.

 

What, no laparoscope?

Where did you get those long blue-handled needle-nosers? That's exactly what I need for my next little project.

edit: I mean were they actually at Sears or Craftsman catalog order?

 

sledge hammer is a bit heavy for me so I use a 2lb hammer for those hard to get out bolts

My vote is for the vice grips. Both of the large and small variety.

 

everyone forgot the most important tool ever made:

 

i was actually going to post dremel

"dremel- the cheapest hp you'll ever get"

but then i remembered the vice grips (the one on my computer was glaring at me - that's not a lie. I do have one on my pc...)