Essential tools for DIY Volvo care.

[BlackBart]

That's true, mine has a core of items from my HS Montgomery Ward tool box. They're still floating around in the drawers.

Montgomery_Ward_-_1968_(color).svg.png (10.03 KiB) Viewed 854 times

(Broadway in Denver Matt, remember them?)



If you had an old Land Rover, your list would be:
1 - crescent wrench
2 - rock

[850 LPT]

If you consider replacing brake pads basic, then one absolutely essential tool is the 7mm ext hex socket for the brake calipers.
Something like this:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/7mm-he ... NOEALw_wcB

[scot850]

I'm still using my Halfords 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" socket and ratchet set I bought close to 45 years ago. All that has given out so far is the plastic carry case it all came in and I lost an 8 or 7mm socket down inside a Volvo sometime in the last 10 years, never to be found again. I'm sure they came with a lifetime warranty.............

Same thing with a 1/4" and 3/8" socket set from Stanley. Tools have held out well, but the plastic case is failing on the plastic hinge. I think it also had a lifetime warranty..........! I wonder if the case is included?

We had a set of stout metal ramps we used for years. I think my brother still has them.

Like many, including engineers like me, tools are a dangerous thing as they tend to multiply, a bit like my parts stash!

Some tools are high quality, most are a decent home user grade like Stanley, Vice-Grip, Motomaster (Canadian tire), Pro Point (Princess Auto) tools. They have mostly held out. I have broken a couple of 1/2" drive breaker bars (they did!) trying to remove the front P80 axle hub nuts, and a 19mm thin wall socket on a lug-bolt. But generally they have held up. Quality is based on how much I will use a tool and the chances a bad tool will cause a bigger issue.

Neil.

[matthew1]

That's true, mine has a core of items from my HS Montgomery Ward tool box. They're still floating around in the drawers.

Montgomery_Ward_-_1968_(color).svg.png

(Broadway in Denver Matt, remember them?)

I don't, but I've seen photos of the building, historical posts, etc.

[BlackBart]

It was NOT your Sears Craftsman quality of tool! But it got me started!

[vtl]

A six pack, to keep you in a good mood. VIDA + DiCE to read the codes. A web browser to post them on MVS.

[vtl]

If you had an old Land Rover, your list would be:
1 - crescent wrench
2 - rock

I carry a flat screwdriver, 3/8" ratchet with 1/2" socket and 10 mm wrench in my Toyota pickup. First two are for the chainsaw.

[EngineeringBloke]

For changing headlamp bulbs, getting under the over engine air pipe and plastic engine cover for plugs. And for cabin air filter. And so much more.

[tfo]

as a beginner myself, i'll say my metric socket set, 3/4" ratchet and an adjustable monkey wrench have gotten me surprisingly far. like lugnut said, my toolset scaled with my confidence. started doing exhaust work on two ramps (and it sucked, but hey budget restraints), and only have bought an oil filter wrench and some low-profile sockets and ratchet wrenches, and extractor sockets for the reeeeeally rusty stuff.

zipties, duct tape, and some super glue goes a long way for the little things like rattling trim pieces and flappy wheel-well panels.

maybe a Torx screwdriver set for those deep-set bolts in the steering wheel and for removing the DIM.

i've ended up getting to borrow a jack and stands from a neighbor, so thats been a convenient cost-saver! otherwise basic hand tools will get it done for your beginner stuff. metric sockets btwn 8-20mm and torx 25-27 (dont quote me on torx) do basically everything on the P2s afaik.

[abscate]

Tekton is a solid mid range tool line, with lifetime mail in warranty. Made in Grand Rapids MI GRR (Taiwan steel)

Big step up from the Harbor Fright , Cheeseman tools from the big store, without the StrapOn tax