Mechanics Tool Set Recommendations

[Christianmacart]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to pick up a starter tool set to be able to work on my car (B8 avant) down at college. If anyone has recommendations for specific tools and tool/socket/bit sets, it would be greatly appreciated if you could drop a comment.


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[Spawne32]

Aside from a regular mechanics tool set you can get basically from anywhere (check slickdeals as alot of them are on sale this time of year) some specialty tools you will need will be triple squares, and torx sockets. Power tools also help.

[Spawne32]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-232-...est/5000183119


This kit is a little heavy on the 12 points but its got alot of stuff you need.

[Christianmacart]

Aside from a regular mechanics tool set you can get basically from anywhere (check slickdeals as alot of them are on sale this time of year) some specialty tools you will need will be triple squares, and torx sockets. Power tools also help.

For the triple square and torx socket I’m assuming you’re referring to the bit sets? I found some 10-piecers that seem to do the job


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[Spawne32]

For the triple square and torx socket I’m assuming you’re referring to the bit sets? I found some 10-piecers that seem to do the job


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Something such as this

https://www.amazon.com/LISLE-27200-T.../dp/B0002NYBZU

and these

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-16138-S...e%2C173&sr=1-5

It is helpful to get low profile first because of how many odd ball bolts wind up in tight spaces.

[Christianmacart]

Something such as this

https://www.amazon.com/LISLE-27200-T.../dp/B0002NYBZU

and these

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-16138-S...e%2C173&sr=1-5

It is helpful to get low profile first because of how many odd ball bolts wind up in tight spaces.

Got it, thanks for the recommendation!


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[Nano909]

Ross Tech VCDS. You'll save LOTS of money with it.

[Nano909]

I didn't have special tools at first and did mostly everything with a regular set of wrenches, ratchets and sockets. Eventually I learned I needed torx tools so I bought a set of torx keys (like the Allen keys) at Autozone that hasn't failed me. You don't necessarily need specialty tools but they do make the job easier. You do need a Ross Tech cable though to be able to diagnose and work on your car without hitting up the dealer.

[Iceman502]

If you don't have one in your spare tire kit, a wheel hanger is always nice to have (or pair), just makes it a lot easier if you're doing your own tire rotations, suspension, or brake work.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&psc=1&fpw=alm

It's good to have a torque wrench too. Wheels get torqued to 88 ft-lbs so something with a ~25-100 range can do pretty much anything on the car. For smaller hardware you might want one with a 1/4" drive/lower range if you're particular about that stuff.

[Spawne32]

Ross Tech VCDS. You'll save LOTS of money with it.

Actually, a OBDeleven device is way better for someone on a college campus. I keep one in my car wherever I go just in case.

[Nano909]

Actually, a OBDeleven device is way better for someone on a college campus. I keep one in my car wherever I go just in case.

How so? I know college kids have laptops so I don't think that would be the issue. $199 is a great price for one of the best diagnostics tools for our cars.

[Christianmacart]

How so? I know college kids have laptops so I don't think that would be the issue. $199 is a great price for one of the best diagnostics tools for our cars.

I’m sure I could figure out either system, cost is honestly the most important thing currently as I don’t have much disposable income.


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[Nano909]

I’m sure I could figure out either system, cost is honestly the most important thing currently as I don’t have much disposable income.


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OBD11 is cheaper and does some of what the Ross Tech cable does. I guess it's a bit more cost effective.

[Smac770]

My growing complaint with OBD11 is the structuring of the DTC and vehicle information. OBD11 users post something and think it's an informative DTC, yet it's missing 60% of the information that would have been there in a copy/paste from a VCDS log.

Take this thread. "what's the DTC"? From OBD11, we get "Fault b200049 Static". While a VCDS autoscan log would have:

Address 44: Steering Assist (J500) Labels: 8K0-909-144.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 909 144 G HW: 8K0 909 144 B
Component: RCEPS H40 0508
Revision: 00001000 Serial number: 0015589422
Coding: 100000000001
Shop #: WSC 02391 785 00200
ASAM Dataset: EV_RCEPSAU48X 008015
ROD: EV_RCEPSAU48X.rod
VCID: 35614D929407E5969D-8060

1 Fault Found:
0770 - Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error
B2000 49 [137] - Internal electronic failure
MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 1
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 8911 km
Date: 2015.06.13
Time: 02:44:23

I get the module address, module part number, module coding if any, DTC date, etc.

Or they post screen caps of basic text. I don't have OBD11; I do wonder if there's a better way to log the vehicle scan and users are just not leveraging that aspect because the tool does not take them there by default?

All the info is probably there in OBD11, but you're going to have to find it and compile it to match what VCDS produces on its own.


As to tools, kind of depends on the component at hand. As soon as you need to replace a door handle sensor if you have advanced key, you're going to want long shaft Torx bits. If you're doing any interior work, you'll want trim tools; I've made a lot of use of https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DD6ZPYV swivel sockets, obviously metric, have come in handy from time to time (removing cat from turbo, etc). Torque wrenches, from the small 1/4" to the big (relatively) 1/2". I've built my collection as a I go, as I tackle each new task. Same as I did with my Probe back in college. Otherwise, you could prepay on a lot of tools one could use, but which you won't in a college parking lot.

[captain_video]

For a college kid on a tight budget, Harbor Freight is your best friend. You don't need VCDS or OBD Eleven for basic maintenance tasks. You only need them to diagnose serious problems which would probably be outside of your budget to repair anyway. They're great tools to own, but they're not something you would get as part of a starter tool kit. Just get some basic sockets and wrenches. I prefer the impact sockets from Harbor Freight because they grip the bolt and nuts better (6-point vs. 12-point) and are nearly indestructible. Get one of those cheap 4-way screwdrivers. Two things that every metric socket and wrench set leave out are 16mm and 18mm sizes and cars always seem to have fasteners in those sizes. I believe a 5/8" socket or wrench is essentially the same as 16mm so you can easily substitute the 5/8" tool. A couple of socket wrench extensions can come in really handy for those hard to reach spots. Torx and hex bits for a 3/8" socket wrench are also nice to have on hand. A pair of vice grips, adjustable wrench, and needle nose pliers are good to have as well. Beyond what I've already mentioned, you start getting into more specialized tools that may only be required for specific tasks. A 3/8" socket wrench will handle most tasks. A 1/2" drive socket wrench is almost a must for any suspension work. A 1/4" drive socket wrench is nice to have on hand, but you probably won't need it that often. You can get a decent torque wrench in both 1/2" and 3/8" drives at Harbor Freight and they go on sale all the time.

Just get the basics and add what you need as your budget allows. As was suggested earlier, you can pick up complete mechanic's tool sets pretty cheap this time of year that should contain most of what you need. One tool that I really love that Harbor Freight has is a telescoping magnet for retrieving dropped parts in tight places. I think they were only about $1-2 when I got mine, but they have one now with a 15-lb capacity for about $5.

[Theiceman]

you wanna fix a vag product ?? get a set of torx and triple square ( XZN) bits for a 3/8 drive ratchet.... on top of your regular tools.
i also have a set of allen keys that are torx that are nice that i use often.

but my real advice ?? if your a college kid on a tight budget ? dont own a B8.

[Christianmacart]

you wanna fix a vag product ?? get a set of torx and triple square ( XZN) bits for a 3/8 drive ratchet.... on top of your regular tools.
i also have a set of allen keys that are torx that are nice that i use often.

but my real advice ?? if your a college kid on a tight budget ? dont own a B8.

Very good point. Thankfully it’s all paid off (parents are passing it down to me) and I’m nearly graduated but it’s definitely not the cheapest option. 62863841214__159B4D50-99E4-4CFB-B90F-D370268B276A.jpg
62863841214__159B4D50-99E4-4CFB-B90F-D370268B276A.jpg


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[Nano909]

For a college kid on a tight budget, Harbor Freight is your best friend. You don't need VCDS or OBD Eleven for basic maintenance tasks. You only need them to diagnose serious problems which would probably be outside of your budget to repair anyway. They're great tools to own, but they're not something you would get as part of a starter tool kit.

I highly disagree. You can't remove the service light without it. Indy shops and dealers charge $50-$90 just to diagnose and remove a light. It is quite literally something you need with these cars.

[captain_video]

I highly disagree. You can't remove the service light without it. Indy shops and dealers charge $50-$90 just to diagnose and remove a light. It is quite literally something you need with these cars.

LOL, I have VCDS and I still get the service reminder. I'm just too lazy to drag out my laptop to turn it off. While I agree that you do need it for certain things on occasion, you can still get by without it if you don't mind a few minor annoyances like the service reminder popping up each time you start the car. It disappears after a few seconds so it's no big deal. The OP is looking for a starter set of mechanic's tools with the emphasis on "starter set". While many may deem it a necessity for working on Audis and VWs, there are a lot of basic maintenance tasks that can be performed without it. It's definitely something any mechanic should have in their toolbox to work on these cars, but it's not something you'd necessarily have to invest in right away, especially if you're on a tight budget. You can buy a lot of tools for $199. It all depends on what kind of maintenance the OP plans to do and what he is capable of doing. It's also a matter of priorities. Do you want to buy a set of hand tools to actually do some work on the car or blow it all on a diagnostic tool that tells you what's wrong and leaves you with no way to fix the problem? I know what it's like to live on a college kid's budget so you have to get your ducks in a row and decide what you need vs. what you can actually use.

[Novarider]

How will he figure out what's wrong without diagnostic software? You can't fix what you don't know is broken.

[Novarider]

Here is another starter tool set. I'd get Husky over Kobalt simply because Lowes is killing off the Kobalt line and replacing it with Craftsman. Not happy at all about that at all, I have many Kobalt tools.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Me...0MTS/309161789

[Theiceman]

im a craftsman guy because of the lifetime warranty . , but to be honest i have had some of them over 40 years and never needed the warranty once, ever..

oh wait once, i had a ratchetting 10mm that would bind ....

[FR_A4]

Look for the Christmas sales at Home Depot. My Husky stuff is good enough and has lasted me years. Cheap vs expensive tools are only going to matter when that bolt is stuck as hell or in a tight space. Luckily this is an Audi so there is none of that

But seriously craftsman or husky will do you fine. On sale they are usually better priced than HF stuff.

[schwiz23]

If you're on a budget, look on craigslist or fb marketplace for a used set of metric tools. SAE is less important. After that, find your specialty torx and triple squares. Both can be had on Amazon for ~$30 together.

10 years ago I went to a buddies estate sale he put together for his dad that passed away. Scored a huge set of craftsman tools, box, and a starter set of power tools for $150. Wheel and deal where you can if you're on a budget.

[Nano909]

How will he figure out what's wrong without diagnostic software? You can't fix what you don't know is broken.

[Theiceman]

this is getting better than an oil thread ...

for the record i have VCDS ... but i did without it for over 20 years of owning Audis ... I really only got it to make some tweaks ..

the stark reality is a lot of what breaks on these cars you dont really need VCDS , but its a very nice to have and i enjoy playing with it. there are other tools that will do 80% for just a few bucks. But as i said im glad i have it. i have used it to fix zero problems on my car.

uses a ton of oil , water pump leaks, valve cover leaks, oil leaks galore, bad stats, leaking coolant flanges, dead starters, bad alternators, blows out cv joints , sagging suspension, cracked mufflers, leaking flex joints. All very common car or Audi issues that don't need VCDS or ANY diagnostic tools to resolve and keep you on the road driving an Audi or any other car ...
I would say hold off on it till you need it ... you may never need it. or at least can put it off a while ..

[old guy]

I also have VCDS. I bought it when I purchased my new 2003 A4 and have used it ever since. but to be perfectly honest, 99% of the time I get my information utilizing the $5 TorquePro app on my cell phone. You can read/reset codes and monitor numerous different preloaded PID's in real time. You can even add additional custom PID's if you like. It's probably the most useful tool you can get for $5.00

[Christianmacart]

this is getting better than an oil thread ...

for the record i have VCDS ... but i did without it for over 20 years of owning Audis ... I really only got it to make some tweaks ..

the stark reality is a lot of what breaks on these cars you dont really need VCDS , but its a very nice to have and i enjoy playing with it. there are other tools that will do 80% for just a few bucks. But as i said im glad i have it. i have used it to fix zero problems on my car.

uses a ton of oil , water pump leaks, valve cover leaks, oil leaks galore, bad stats, leaking coolant flanges, dead starters, bad alternators, blows out cv joints , sagging suspension, cracked mufflers, leaking flex joints. All very common car or Audi issues that don't need VCDS or ANY diagnostic tools to resolve and keep you on the road driving an Audi or any other car ...
I would say hold off on it till you need it ... you may never need it. or at least can put it off a while ..

I think I’ll hold off for now, my primary goal is getting the damn thing to run again. I snagged some 034s motor mounts and an 034 hfc so I’m
Gonna start with those two (and obviously the new engine).

I’d love to go the whole K04 route but for now a boy can dream


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[Nano909]

I think I’ll hold off for now, my primary goal is getting the damn thing to run again. I snagged some 034s motor mounts and an 034 hfc so I’m
Gonna start with those two (and obviously the new engine).

I’d love to go the whole K04 route but for now a boy can dream


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Baby steps man. First thing to do before mods is all your maintenance.

[CONative]

Baby steps man. First thing to do before mods is all your maintenance.

+1. Some of the best advice on this forum.


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[captain_video]

How will he figure out what's wrong without diagnostic software? You can't fix what you don't know is broken.

I'm pretty sure that most basic maintenance tasks don't require diagnostic software to know what's wrong, such as replacing brake pads and rotors, control arms, oil changes, or just about anything mechanical. Diagnostic software is a must if you have engine problems or anything reporting an issue to a black box. You really don't need VCDS unless you get some kind of warning indicator such as a CEL. The one task that you need it for is to replace the rear brakes if the car has an electronic emergency brake, but there are workarounds for that too. Audi makes these cars far more complex than they need to be when it comes to maintenance so I wholeheartedly agree that VCDS should be a necessity when doing any serious maintenance. You can just get a cheap OBDII reader for most engine problems. If you have issues that are non-engine related then you will need VCDS for those.

[SNice]

I think I’ll hold off for now, my primary goal is getting the damn thing to run again. I snagged some 034s motor mounts and an 034 hfc so I’m
Gonna start with those two (and obviously the new engine).

I’d love to go the whole K04 route but for now a boy can dream


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Agreed on baby steps but If you are installing an HFC, you will need something that will allow you to read and clear codes. The HFC will pop your check engine light. The reader/clearer will help you land on a spacer that will prevent the check engine light.

I have obdeleven. It has worked well for me and I would purchase again as it is not too expensive, portable, and quick. You just need to run it on a phone or tablet with internet/data as it needs to be on the network to run. In the beginning, I used it to monitor temps, etc. and any present faults. Now I use it for logging as I have changed major components and I need to make sure I don’t blow anything up. I have thought about upgrading to vcds, but I’d rather spend the additional fund on other things.

YouTube and these forums have been my best resource - there’s videos on almost anything you would need to do. Watch the vids to figure out what tools you need to get the job done. The right tools make all the difference. I started with a small basic mechanics toolset. I’ve ordered unique vag tools as needed. Just try to have all the tools you need before starting the job!

It’s gonna get expensive. Plan and have a budget. Have fun and enjoy the car!


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[kwilson]

My growing complaint with OBD11 is the structuring of the DTC and vehicle information. OBD11 users post something and think it's an informative DTC, yet it's missing 60% of the information that would have been there in a copy/paste from a VCDS log.

Take this thread. "what's the DTC"? From OBD11, we get "Fault b200049 Static". While a VCDS autoscan log would have:

Address 44: Steering Assist (J500) Labels: 8K0-909-144.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 909 144 G HW: 8K0 909 144 B
Component: RCEPS H40 0508
Revision: 00001000 Serial number: 0015589422
Coding: 100000000001
Shop #: WSC 02391 785 00200
ASAM Dataset: EV_RCEPSAU48X 008015
ROD: EV_RCEPSAU48X.rod
VCID: 35614D929407E5969D-8060

1 Fault Found:
0770 - Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error
B2000 49 [137] - Internal electronic failure
MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 1
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 8911 km
Date: 2015.06.13
Time: 02:44:23

I get the module address, module part number, module coding if any, DTC date, etc.

Or they post screen caps of basic text. I don't have OBD11; I do wonder if there's a better way to log the vehicle scan and users are just not leveraging that aspect because the tool does not take them there by default?

All the info is probably there in OBD11, but you're going to have to find it and compile it to match what VCDS produces on its own.


As to tools, kind of depends on the component at hand. As soon as you need to replace a door handle sensor if you have advanced key, you're going to want long shaft Torx bits. If you're doing any interior work, you'll want trim tools; I've made a lot of use of https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DD6ZPYV swivel sockets, obviously metric, have come in handy from time to time (removing cat from turbo, etc). Torque wrenches, from the small 1/4" to the big (relatively) 1/2". I've built my collection as a I go, as I tackle each new task. Same as I did with my Probe back in college. Otherwise, you could prepay on a lot of tools one could use, but which you won't in a college parking lot.

Smac,

I think that what you are seeing posted from OBD11 is user error. Following is a recent log that I emailed to myself through OBD11. It has a lot more info. Also, what turns me off on VCDS is that they limit the vins. I have a revolving door of Audis at my house. I'd use those up in a few months.

OBDeleven data log

Date: 2020-11-06 16:48

VIN: WAUBFAFL2BN040808
Car: Audi A4
Year: 2011
Body type: Saloon
Engine: CAEB
Mileage: 192410 KM

---------------------------------------------------------------
01 Engine

System description: 2.0l R4/4V TF
Software number: 8K2907115AG
Software version: 0002
Hardware number: 8K2907115D
Hardware version: H19
ODX name: EV_ECM20TFS0118K2907115AG
ODX version: 001002
Long coding: 0104010A290F0160

Trouble codes:
P029900 - Turbo/Super Charger Underboost
static
Date: 2020-11-05 14:37:03
Mileage: 192319 km
Priority: 2
Malfunction frequency counter: 2
Unlearning counter: 255
Engine speed: 3158.00 1/min
Normed load value: 73.7 %
Vehicle speed: 60 km/h
Coolant temperature: 94 °C
Intake air temperature: 32 °C
Ambient air pressure: 820 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 13.334 V
Dynamic environmental data: 209628

[Smac770]

Yeah, if OBD11 users were posting that log rather than a screenshot or a few words from the screen, it would usually be more helpful. As you noted, it's good to have alternatives for different types of users. So long as the alternatives deliver the same level of diag information; you show OBD11 can produce it.

[Christianmacart]

Agreed on baby steps but If you are installing an HFC, you will need something that will allow you to read and clear codes. The HFC will pop your check engine light. The reader/clearer will help you land on a spacer that will prevent the check engine light.

I have obdeleven. It has worked well for me and I would purchase again as it is not too expensive, portable, and quick. You just need to run it on a phone or tablet with internet/data as it needs to be on the network to run. In the beginning, I used it to monitor temps, etc. and any present faults. Now I use it for logging as I have changed major components and I need to make sure I don’t blow anything up. I have thought about upgrading to vcds, but I’d rather spend the additional fund on other things.

YouTube and these forums have been my best resource - there’s videos on almost anything you would need to do. Watch the vids to figure out what tools you need to get the job done. The right tools make all the difference. I started with a small basic mechanics toolset. I’ve ordered unique vag tools as needed. Just try to have all the tools you need before starting the job!

It’s gonna get expensive. Plan and have a budget. Have fun and enjoy the car!


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Would you recommend I hold off installing the hfc for now? My reasoning behind getting it now was that I’ll already have the engine pulled and the stock cat has 90k miles on it


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[SNice]

Would you recommend I hold off installing the hfc for now? My reasoning behind getting it now was that I’ll already have the engine pulled and the stock cat has 90k miles on it


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Wow!!! Sounds like you are waaaayyy beyond baby steps! HFC is nothing compared to pulling the engine so completely up to you. But - since you have pulled the engine and have unhooked connectors, etc. - I think it is a MUST that you invest in a device that will allow you to read codes and log parameters. Obdeleven at minimum. Vcds if you are feeling fancy.


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[Grouch]

Would you recommend I hold off installing the hfc for now? My reasoning behind getting it now was that I’ll already have the engine pulled and the stock cat has 90k miles on it


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Def put the hfc on if you're going to have the engine pulled. That thing is a huge pain in the ass to install.

[Christianmacart]

Wow!!! Sounds like you are waaaayyy beyond baby steps! HFC is nothing compared to pulling the engine so completely up to you. But - since you have pulled the engine and have unhooked connectors, etc. - I think it is a MUST that you invest in a device that will allow you to read codes and log parameters. Obdeleven at minimum. Vcds if you are feeling fancy.


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I don’t have much hands on experience with cars but am an engineer and car junkie and I’m hiring a mechanic to help me - thankfully the swap seems straightforward. I’ll give OBD11 a look


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[Novarider]

Smac,

I think that what you are seeing posted from OBD11 is user error. Following is a recent log that I emailed to myself through OBD11. It has a lot more info. Also, what turns me off on VCDS is that they limit the vins. I have a revolving door of Audis at my house. I'd use those up in a few months.

OBDeleven data log

Date: 2020-11-06 16:48

VIN: WAUBFAFL2BN040808
Car: Audi A4
Year: 2011
Body type: Saloon
Engine: CAEB
Mileage: 192410 KM

---------------------------------------------------------------
01 Engine

System description: 2.0l R4/4V TF
Software number: 8K2907115AG
Software version: 0002
Hardware number: 8K2907115D
Hardware version: H19
ODX name: EV_ECM20TFS0118K2907115AG
ODX version: 001002
Long coding: 0104010A290F0160

Trouble codes:
P029900 - Turbo/Super Charger Underboost
static
Date: 2020-11-05 14:37:03
Mileage: 192319 km
Priority: 2
Malfunction frequency counter: 2
Unlearning counter: 255
Engine speed: 3158.00 1/min
Normed load value: 73.7 %
Vehicle speed: 60 km/h
Coolant temperature: 94 °C
Intake air temperature: 32 °C
Ambient air pressure: 820 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 13.334 V
Dynamic environmental data: 209628

VCDS allows you to scan cars without using a Vin allocation.

[kwilson]

VCDS allows you to scan cars without using a Vin allocation.

Yes, it appears that you can scan any car, but I have auto ADD and am constantly shuffling my fleet. I would soon lose any ability to do more than scan my cars.