Tool Kits

[danky]

Hey all, so it's starting to get nice out and I have urges to become more mechanically Inclined.

Is there a good tool kit that people here Recommend. I had already have some torx bits from my window regulator replacement but I'd like to be prepared for other diy activities.

Any recommendations? Thank you.

[chable]

A good set of standard depth and deep 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" hex sockets, extensions, ratchets, a long breaker bar and wrenches is the best place to start. Tools to add from there would be torque wrenches, ratcheting combination wrenches (stubby, standard length and long GearWrench), long/standard length/shallow bit sockets (hex, torx, security torx, torx plus, triple square - with bit sockets I would only buy Snap-On), universal sockets, crowsfoot oxygen sensor sockets, flare wrenches (line wrenches), pry bars, torque extenders, pass-thru sockets....then there are impact tools and special tools; and before long you have big cabinet full of tools you can't live without.

The simple version is that there are fastener specific tools, application/assembly specific tools, tools that gain additional access, and tools that have different lengths, depths and articulations. As little space to work as there is with Audi's, the more tool options you have the better prepared you will be to do any project.

Without making this post too much longer here are two examples where having a variety of tools worked. Removing downpipes from the exhaust manifold I used stubby & short combination wrenches, ratcheting stubby combination wrenches, universal sockets, 3"/6"/12" extensions, 1/4" & 3/8" universal joints, a few different length 1/4" & 3/8" ratchets (with and without flex head) and a crowsfoot oxygen sensor socket. Removing and reinstalling the valve covers I used a shallow torx bit socket, a standard torx bit socket, a long torx bit socket (at the dip stick), 1-1/2" & 3" extensions, standard & long 1/4" ratchets and all of the cuss words. To put correct torque on the VC fasteners, specifically the rear fasteners, I bought this Precision Instruments 1/4" torque wrench http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-i...-m1r200hx.aspx ; with this I was able to easily apply correct torque the rear VC fasteners.

[BCsniper]

^^^^

so in other words............ALL OF THEM

[danky]

^^^^

so in other words............ALL OF THEM

Lol yeah Really.

But seriously thank you chable. I will look to start off where you mentioned.

Another question: Do most people here use power tools or hand tools to remove screws/bolts? I feel like I've been stripping alot of screws and I don't know if using a drill I'd have better luck than by hand. (Also, I was on the last screw both times when they stripped. Unreal haha. )

[2004B6S4]

If I was to start over with a new tool collection I'd probably get the pass-through sockets. They claim to eliminate the need for having different depth sockets. I haven't used them before so I can't say how good they are but I would try them if I didn't already own a deep and a shallow socket in pretty much every size I'll ever need, the pass-through ones seem like a better system.

all of them is probably the best recommendation but if you don't want to go all out to begin with, I have a slightly smaller list that I think covers most of it. besides having a metric socket in all the common sizes, the main things I would recommend would be torx, hex, and triple square sockets; a variety of socket extensions, adapters, and universal joints (having options between all 3 of the common drive sizes - 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 - will be helpful); a set of metric wrenches - gearwrench types are great for convenience but are also expensive and you can get by with the standard ones; other than that just a variety of basic hand tools like different types of pliers and screwdrivers. That should cover at least 90% of your needs to complete any job on the car and then other various specialty tools can be acquired along the way as they are needed

power tools are more likely to strip/damage bolts. One tip of you're new to wrenching on your car - if you're using too much effort to try and get a bolt loose, you're probably using the wrong tool. step up to a larger socket wrench like one with a 1/2" drive and/or a longer handle. Sorry if that's already obvious to you I don't mean to imply anything - I felt like a fool when I learned that by breaking a socket trying to unbolt a brake caliper with a tiny little 1/4" drive socket wrench, lol

[danky]

Thank you 2004B6S4.

Honestly the only things I've done to the car so far are with screws, the Torx screws. (no actual bolts yet- that I can remember)

When I did my window regulator I bought a torx set, T15, T20... T45, T50.

I've used them pretty much exclusively except for a flat head or Philips heads. Both times I did the regulator I had an issue with the last screw. First one was a torx head. Luckily I got it out and when I was putting it back it stripped. I replaced it with an allen's head? haha Idk if that is right, but it was one that matched the same size/threading.

This time around, I couldn't even get it out. At that point I used an extractor. I could be using the extractor wrong, but what I did was nailed in the "screw" side and was going to use a wrench to rotate it out. Unfortunately the extractor broke lol. I performed major surgery to get the screw out, freaking out the whole time haha. Eventually got it out though. I just feel like there has to be a better way to remove a stripped screw that I'd feel "comfy" with and confident that it would work. (Rubber band trick has never worked for me).

Atleast replacing my air filter and cabin air filter was a breeze. Also did my fog lights without any problems. Too bad they are easy haha.

[badger.]

Another question: Do most people here use power tools or hand tools to remove screws/bolts? I feel like I've been stripping alot of screws and I don't know if using a drill I'd have better luck than by hand. (Also, I was on the last screw both times when they stripped. Unreal haha. )

I recently pulled and reinstalled my engine+trans without any power tools. A powered driver/impact/ratchet will more easily strip fasteners accidentally if you don't have the bit seated just right. However I probably would've used a an air ratchet or something to remove some of the easier stuff in interests of time but I don't have a compressor anyway. I did use a small Milwaukee driver to remove some stuff once I broke it loose by hand (bumper bolts, etc) that have long threaded sections. Hell I don't even have a toolbox yet, just a DIY pegboard. I thought I had a pic on my phone, but can't find it. Maybe I'll get another tonight, pretty much all the tools I used are on it.

Going from memory, my tool collection for the engine pull was:

Metric Sockets
3/8" std: 8mm to 20mm
3/8" deep: 8mm to 18mm
1/2" std 21 to 26mm
1/4" cheap screwdriver+bits

Torx
1/4" T15 to T25
3/8" T27 to T50

Hex
3/8" 4mm to 12mm
17mm straight hex (for axle bolts)
Allen wrench style fold out kit, up to 8mm maybe?

Triple Square
Bits: M8, M10, M12

Box Wrenches
6mm to 18mm, and a 22mm. I recommend buying a 19mm too, I needed one but didn't have it.

Accessories
Short/Med/Long 3/8 and 1/4 extensions
Adapters for 1/4 to 3/8, 3/8 to 1/2 and vice versa
Swivel Set 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2"
Breaker Bar

Ratchets
1/4" ratchet
2x 3/8" ratchet
1/2" ratchet

Miscellaneous
Assorted length (-) and (+) screwdrivers
Vice grips
Quick Grip Clamps
Channel Locks
Right angle pick for tubing/hoses
Hammer (I don't have a rubber mallet or deadblow but those would be useful I think)
Wire Cutters
Pliers

[JimmyBones]

I highly recommend that if you are just starting out to get the basic metric socket and wrench set with wrenches, shallow deep and sockets, ratchets, and extensions for 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive. Then get stubby/short Torx, Allen, and Triple Square socket sets. You can always add extensions to the stubby sockets if you need it to be longer for better access.

Make sure that you get a few different T30 Torx sockets like a stubby in 1/4" drive, normal length in 3/8" drive, and a long in 3/8" drive.

Also highly recommend that you get a good three pound ball peen hammer. That is by far the most used tool that I have.

Another question: Do most people here use power tools or hand tools to remove screws/bolts? I feel like I've been stripping alot of screws and I don't know if using a drill I'd have better luck than by hand. (Also, I was on the last screw both times when they stripped. Unreal haha. )

I prefer to use air tools after I already have broken the bolts/nuts free since most of the bolts that Audi uses feel like they are a mile long. Now if I am in a hurry then the fasteners get taken off and put back on with air tools. Unless I can't get access which happens to be a lot of the time for like 1-3 bolts of the 10-30 bolts that hold something on. Valve cover bolts are a good example of that.

17mm 1/2" drive Stubby Allen for the axle bolts

FTFY.

[badger.]

FTFY.

Thanks! I had 17 then thought it was 18. Guess I shouldn't second guess myself haha. FWIW I just have a straight hex key and I use the wheel lug bolt wrench that comes with the car on it to tighten it down.

[blai76]

Basic starter toolset for the amateur wrencher!

A ~6inch t30 torx driver, and a 12+ extension for a small socket wrench, 10mm deep socket bit, and wobble joint, for removal of bumper and headlights

Basic socket set and a channel lock, for replacing fluids!

Low profile jack, and two or four 1.5+ ton low profile jackstands.

That'll get you fully self-sufficient for all the basic things?

[4ringnut]

If you have the room, or the means get a large compressor with an
Air gun. Best thing ever. Pretty cheap too.