What are the essential tools needed to work on these cars?

Post by **jtp** » 26 Oct 2007, 21:38

I'd appreciate some of the experienced members' opinions on what tools are an absolute must for DIY's with 850's and s70's. With the little stuff I've already done I realize I need a metric ratchet set and torx bits (ya, I told you I was inexperienced). I've been borrowing from my brother's huge collection but I'm moving to TN in January so I've been looking around ebay for my own stuff. I don't want to buy stuff I don't need but I also don't want to have to stop in the middle of a job a lot either.
Right now I'm pretty much limited to fluid changes, bleeding brakes, cleaning throttles, removing door stays (grrrrrr...) and simple stuff, but eventually I'd like to be able to do more advanced projects as I keep learning so I'm down to invest some dollars.
Also, would you guys suggest going for the brand-name pricier tools (Snap-on, Mac, etc...) or are the cheaper brands no one's ever heard of good enough for the non-professional? Thanks for any input and a continued thank you for such an awesome site!

Post by **Wagonizer** » 27 Oct 2007, 01:24

I think Sears Craftsman tools are great. You can find a lot of them on ebay. They have a lifetime guarantee. If a tool breaks you can bring it in to a Sears and they'll replace it with no questions asked. On the low end you can get stuff from Harbor Freight that might last- extensions and adapters. A lot of the time really cheap tools don't fit properly and strip fasteners or they'll break so its generally not worth buying them. Its a good idea to buy the best tools you can afford and get them as needed. You can generally find out what you need for a particular job by utilizing this excellent forum. Have fun. Oh... and get one of those gooseneck things with a magnet on the end for nuts and bolts you drop in hard to reach places.

jbm · Post by **jbm** » 27 Oct 2007, 18:40

I agree, Craftsman is fine for home mechanics. Stay away from the cheaper Sears line, companion. The snap-on tools are better than Craftsman, but they aren't really worth the money unless you are using them to make a living.

I would suggest:

torque wrench
combination wrenches, metric (6 point is best)
snap ring pliers
floor jack and 2 jack stands

Arbelac · Post by **Arbelac** » 27 Oct 2007, 18:59

Sears stuff is fine for the home mechanic.

In addition, if you want to have the tools handy for other stuff:

- Full set of socketable TORX bits
- Set of Safety TORX bits
- E5 Torx bit
- Bone tools for removing trim without damage

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 27 Oct 2007, 19:35

Let me add:

7mm hex tool (fits on a ratchet) for your brake calipers.
Plastic bone tool for taking apart interior (and some exterior) trim pieces
feeler gauge for your spark plugs and other clearance items
a few needle nose pliers...one that has a bent tip (though I use hemostats)
several socket extensions (different sizes help)
A Fire Aide 2000 fire extinguisher mounted under my driver's seat.
An Innova Equus Scan Tool that's kept in my trunk
A DRAPER Reset tool, also kept in my trunk (works on '96-'98 Volvo's).
14mm and 11mm flange wrenches to disconnect the brake lines (different sizes in front vs. back).

I also keep a 10mm socket on a short ratchet in my glove box as well as a couple of standard torx drivers and an small adjustable wrench. 10mm seems to be a common size of small stuff on our cars...including what holds on the the air dam or plastic wind deflector under the front of the car...the torx drivers also come in handy and the adjustable wrench is good to take battery loose, etc. in a pinch. Oh, and I also carry several different bulbs, a digital air gauge, spare fuel pump relay and a coolant expansion tank lid....all of these along with a small piece of cloth and a couple of pairs of latex gloves. You just never know when you'll be dressed up and can't get dirty when something goes wrong.

Free2drive! · Post by **Free2drive!** » 28 Oct 2007, 13:21

MIJ hit on some good 'spares' as well, I'd add spare serp belt and diagram of its routing, they do snap and can leave you stranded. As well as a strong flash light, you never know when you need to change a tire or whatever in the dark. If you replace ignitions leads and plugs and dist cap/rotor then keep the old ones as spares(get you home if something happens). I have mine bundled up in the spare wheel area.
Good Luck
Matt

Post by **jtp** » 28 Oct 2007, 18:49

Good stuff. Thanks guys, this is definitely getting printed out. Especially useful is what you keep on you in the car, really good to know BEFORE I break down. I just got some craftsmen metric sockets on ebay today and bid real low on a snap-on 3/8 flex ratchet and somehow won it, but craftsmen is usually more my speed pricewise. Must have been during a big football game or something so all the mechanics weren't paying attention. I definitely need to get the magnet tool ASAP because I'm pretty clumsy. I got lucky the other week lifting the cam up and the screws I dropped fell through to the driveway but this will probably jinx me.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Nov 2007, 11:00

Just added another item and made this a sticky...just think others can benefit from this list.

oceanman · Post by **oceanman** » 04 Nov 2007, 14:51

what is a 'plastic bone tool'? i have taken some of the interior trim panels off in the past and just crossed my fingers and hoped not to hear a crack/snap.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Nov 2007, 15:03

http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-C70-1998-20 ... -737-2758/