I started thinking of Essential tools for DIY Volvo care. The tools you need to consider buying first if you want to do some things to keep you Modern Volvo running.
My proposed list:
1. Volt/Ohm meter
2. Battery Charger
3. Code reader
4. Basic metric tools
5. Magnetic reach tool
6. Claw reach tool.
7. Oil filter wrench
Please add and discuss.
volvolugnut
Essential tools for DIY Volvo care.
-
volvolugnut
- Posts: 6224
- Joined: 19 January 2014
- Year and Model: 2001 V70
- Location: Oklahoma USA
- Has thanked: 927 times
- Been thanked: 1000 times
Essential tools for DIY Volvo care.
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
-
jonesg
- Posts: 3501
- Joined: 16 January 2008
- Year and Model: 2004 V70
- Location: Northern maine.
- Has thanked: 69 times
- Been thanked: 479 times
I have a tool problem,.
This is a partial list of tools I found essential.
nothing from HF.
Critical small LED flashlight, $10
LED lithium rechargeable headband lamp. $12
More lights.
4lb persuader.
Blue wrench, or yellow.
Milwaukee lithium stubby impact and power ratchet wrench. Sawzall, Hackzall, dremel with carbide disks, angle grinder.
7 gal compressor for tires and an air hammer.
goop hand cleaner
Automotive voltmeter. $35
Stethoscope $12
fox and hound elec circuit tracer $25
Quality flare wrench set $13
1/2" breaker bar.
Torque wrench.
Mig welder for broken bolts. Yes you will.
vida set up.
elm 327 obd code reader for my phone, I leave it plugged in the obd port 24/7.
spring compressors for suspension work.
Shallow 10mm universale socket for that intake manifold bolt, 1/4" drive. (thats why you'll need 12" x 1/4" extention.
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Drive-Uni ... r=8-6&th=1
#4 basic meric tools, all of em and more. I buy all mine from amazon, better than HF.
deep and shallow impact socket set, full set of metric wrenches,
Extentions, wobble drive. short and long 1/2" , 3/8th and 1/4 extentions.
3/8 drive Torx , get short and extended lengths, impact quality.
Extended length aviation wrenches (brake and suspension work)
https://www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-7-Piece- ... 175&sr=8-7
This is a partial list of tools I found essential.
nothing from HF.
Critical small LED flashlight, $10
LED lithium rechargeable headband lamp. $12
More lights.
4lb persuader.
Blue wrench, or yellow.
Milwaukee lithium stubby impact and power ratchet wrench. Sawzall, Hackzall, dremel with carbide disks, angle grinder.
7 gal compressor for tires and an air hammer.
goop hand cleaner
Automotive voltmeter. $35
Stethoscope $12
fox and hound elec circuit tracer $25
Quality flare wrench set $13
1/2" breaker bar.
Torque wrench.
Mig welder for broken bolts. Yes you will.
vida set up.
elm 327 obd code reader for my phone, I leave it plugged in the obd port 24/7.
spring compressors for suspension work.
Shallow 10mm universale socket for that intake manifold bolt, 1/4" drive. (thats why you'll need 12" x 1/4" extention.
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Drive-Uni ... r=8-6&th=1
#4 basic meric tools, all of em and more. I buy all mine from amazon, better than HF.
deep and shallow impact socket set, full set of metric wrenches,
Extentions, wobble drive. short and long 1/2" , 3/8th and 1/4 extentions.
3/8 drive Torx , get short and extended lengths, impact quality.
Extended length aviation wrenches (brake and suspension work)
https://www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-7-Piece- ... 175&sr=8-7
Last edited by jonesg on 11 Jan 2025, 14:30, edited 1 time in total.
-
Krons
- Posts: 1069
- Joined: 9 January 2022
- Year and Model: 08S60 05XC90 02S60
- Location: Des Moines, IA
- Has thanked: 193 times
- Been thanked: 202 times
Great search skills at https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums
08 S602.5T/05 XC902.5T/02 S602.4T
08 C702.5T (sold)
05 S402.4i (RIP, timing belt failure)
The non-Swedes:
25 Mazda MX-5 / 17 Frontier Pro-4X / 17 Ford Focus
17 R1200GS / 15 Versys 1000 / 11 DR-Z400S / 07 R1200GSA
08 C702.5T (sold)
05 S402.4i (RIP, timing belt failure)
The non-Swedes:
25 Mazda MX-5 / 17 Frontier Pro-4X / 17 Ford Focus
17 R1200GS / 15 Versys 1000 / 11 DR-Z400S / 07 R1200GSA
-
volvolugnut
- Posts: 6224
- Joined: 19 January 2014
- Year and Model: 2001 V70
- Location: Oklahoma USA
- Has thanked: 927 times
- Been thanked: 1000 times
I completely agree, but I wanted to start a beginners list of things to buy first.jonesg wrote: ↑11 Jan 2025, 12:31 I have a tool problem,.
This is a partial list of tools I found essential.
nothing from HF.
Critical small LED flashlight, $10
LED lithium rechargeable headband lamp. $12
More lights.
4lb persuader.
Blue wrench, or yellow.
Milwaukee lithium stubby impact and power ratchet wrench. Sawzall, Hackzall, dremel with carbide disks, angle grinder.
7 gal compressor for tires and an air hammer.
goop hand cleaner
Automotive voltmeter. $35
Stethoscope $12
fox and hound elec circuit tracer $25
Quality flare wrench set $13
1/2" breaker bar.
Torque wrench.
Mig welder for broken bolts. Yes you will.
vida set up.
elm 327 obd code reader for my phone, I leave it plugged in the obd port 24/7.
spring compressors for suspension work.
Shallow 10mm universale socket for that intake manifold bolt, 1/4" drive. (thats why you'll need 12" x 1/4" extention.
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Drive-Uni ... r=8-6&th=1
#4 basic meric tools, all of em and more. I buy all mine from amazon, better than HF.
deep and shallow impact socket set, full set of metric wrenches,
Extentions, wobble drive. short and long 1/2" , 3/8th and 1/4 extentions.
3/8 drive Torx , get short and extended lengths, impact quality.
Extended length aviation wrenches (brake and suspension work)
https://www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-7-Piece- ... 175&sr=8-7
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
-
jonesg
- Posts: 3501
- Joined: 16 January 2008
- Year and Model: 2004 V70
- Location: Northern maine.
- Has thanked: 69 times
- Been thanked: 479 times
its a good start, i didn't include my 2 post lift or tire changer.
But I would go for ramps and jackstands early.
I spend thousands on the workshop but save at least double the cost of tools by DIY.
But I would go for ramps and jackstands early.
I spend thousands on the workshop but save at least double the cost of tools by DIY.
-
abscate
- MVS Moderator
- Posts: 35273
- Joined: 17 February 2013
- Year and Model: 99: V70s S70s,05 V70
- Location: Port Jefferson Long Island NY
- Has thanked: 1498 times
- Been thanked: 3810 times
You can get a really nice set of professional grade harbor freight tools for three hours worth of mechanic’s labour.
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
-
scot850
- Posts: 14864
- Joined: 5 April 2010
- Year and Model: 2000 V70 R
- Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Has thanked: 1836 times
- Been thanked: 1709 times
Also a really essential tool for working on Volvos, is patience!! When for the 300th+ time you go to do what should be a simple job made difficult as some engineer decided to use one of the bolts to mount 10 other things on that must be removed first, then you have made the grade! I have to say I lost the patience part a while ago somewhere at Pick and Pull. Must have left in in a car..........! 
Neil.
Neil.
2006 V70 2.5T AWD Polestar tune
2000 V70 R - still being an endless PITA
2006 XC70 - Our son now has this and still parked in our garage
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 Limited
2015 Kia Sportage EX-L - Sold
1993 850 GLT -Sold
1998 V70 XC - Sold
1997 Volvo 850 SE NA - Went to niece in California - Sold
2000 V70 SE NA - Sold
2000 V70 R - still being an endless PITA
2006 XC70 - Our son now has this and still parked in our garage
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 Limited
2015 Kia Sportage EX-L - Sold
1993 850 GLT -Sold
1998 V70 XC - Sold
1997 Volvo 850 SE NA - Went to niece in California - Sold
2000 V70 SE NA - Sold
-
matthew1
- Site Admin
- Posts: 14463
- Joined: 14 September 2002
- Year and Model: 850 T5, 1997
- Location: Denver, Colorado, US
- Has thanked: 2652 times
- Been thanked: 1240 times
- Contact:
Liquid Wrench
any metric ratchet set
any metric wrench set
a few screwdrivers
gloves
That's how I started
any metric ratchet set
any metric wrench set
a few screwdrivers
gloves
That's how I started
Help keep MVS on the web -> click sponsors' links here on MVS when you buy from them.
Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a cut!
1998 V70, no dash lights on
1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace
2004 V70 R [gone]
How to Thank someone for their post
Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a cut!
1998 V70, no dash lights on
1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace
2004 V70 R [gone]
How to Thank someone for their post
-
abscate
- MVS Moderator
- Posts: 35273
- Joined: 17 February 2013
- Year and Model: 99: V70s S70s,05 V70
- Location: Port Jefferson Long Island NY
- Has thanked: 1498 times
- Been thanked: 3810 times
Hmmm. That escalated quickly.Mig welder for broken bolts. Yes you will.
Lets define basic care as all belts, fluids, and things in the repair manual for 5000, 10000, 30000 mile intervals.
Good set of wood or plastic car ramps for oil changes
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
-
volvolugnut
- Posts: 6224
- Joined: 19 January 2014
- Year and Model: 2001 V70
- Location: Oklahoma USA
- Has thanked: 927 times
- Been thanked: 1000 times
My undefined, unclear idea was a minimum tool set to start with. Maybe just a few tools for testing and oil change. Some people will find they are overwhelmed and lack patience to do any mechanic work at all. Others will grow their tool set as they grow their skill.
volvolugnut
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post