What Is the Perfect Tool Kit?

[The Pinkfingers]

Never since I owned my VW bug have a bothered to work on my vehicles, but I can't wait to get my hands on the Jammy Dodger. Our first repair will be the captain chair wobble fix.

I've got some basic tools at home - nothing fancy. But I also have a few gift cards to Rona. I think a metric wrench set will probably be our first purchase.

So here's my question - what should I buy for working on the Deli? What is the perfect tool kit for Deli-work?

Please divide your answer into these categories:

HOME TOOL KIT:
- absolute essentials
- not essential, but good to have around

ON THE ROAD TOOL KIT:
- absolute essentials
- not essential, but good to have around

If there are some good responses, I'll compile them all in a separate post for new owners / wanna be mechanics like me.

Thanks everyone.

[marsgal42]

The usual stuff: socket set, wrenches, screwdrivers. A good jack and sturdy jackstands. I always use a torque wrench on critical stuff like wheel nuts/bolts.

More as you find you need it. I couldn't figure out how to get the windshield washer bottle out, for example, so I top it up with a turkey baster. YMMV.

There is no perfect tool kit, because as modern Japanese vehicles, our Delicas need relatively little maintenance.

...laura

[BCDelica]

Those combo socket set (metric), wrenches and screw driver kits work wonders as a all in one, in vehicle tool kit. If it's work well it could double as a home set too, just store it in the van. Countless times on small jobs one uses the kits from the truck when there's a full sized tool chest sitting just inside the shop.

[Parassazam]

I couldn't figure out how to get the windshield washer bottle out, for example, so I top it up with a turkey baster

fyi there is a screw on the side kind of hidden on the bottom of the bottle, unscrew that, and then pry it out to the right and than slide it out towards your self and it should slide out on the rail. i just did it yesterday, and never filled it since i got my deli, so i know that is the axact way to do it.

[marsgal42]

I couldn't figure out how to get the windshield washer bottle out, for example, so I top it up with a turkey baster

fyi there is a screw on the side kind of hidden on the bottom of the bottle, unscrew that, and then pry it out to the right and than slide it out towards your self and it should slide out on the rail. i just did it yesterday, and never filled it since i got my deli, so i know that is the axact way to do it.

Everybody knows that. Oddly enough, I know it too.

There's theory, and there's practice. I figured anything that was that reticent to move (mine wouldn't budge) might as well be left where it is, and figured out another way to fill it. A funnel with a hose on it would work too, but I came across the turkey baster first while grocery shopping.

...laura

[Green1]

For an "on the road" toolkit I use the one that came with it, in the same compartment as the jack, it includes several metric wrenches and a couple of screwdrivers, I have added a multi-tool and a tire patch kit, I also carry an air compressor.

For at home, ramps and jack stands, I also purchased a metric wrench set with ratcheting box end and flex-head:

These things make accessing many otherwise impossible bolts actually doable.

Beyond that, the usual useful tools at home, a good screwdriver set, some pliers and vice grips, and a normal socket set with TWO extension pieces (or one long one)

[scott]

For on the road (or off road), zap straps, tire sealant, baling wire, and i've found that a flexible screwdriver attachment comes in pretty handy sometimes.
cheers,
s

[TardisDeli]

Tool Kit stuff: When off-roading, it's a huge list, but just these basics for all times:

We carry one of those cheapo Cdn Tire tool kits, cuz then the fates know to pick another vehicle to wreak havoc on. Seriously, the cheapo Jobmate everything kit, only need metric. Best get a set with long sockets, as hard to get to some things.

Can of silicon spray, I just spray it liberally, squeaks, rattles, sticky windows.

Tool kit includes tow stuff, for others.

Most important part of tool kit, does your spare tire fit? Also Does your wrench fit in the fancy aluminum rims (they do differ, big issue). Most tires are the wrong tire size (not the same as the beefy tires), so they will fit in the basket. So assess. One person keeps his 30 inch tire in there by just inflating to only 33 psi, then keeping a compressor / starter / portable power thingy in the van, to pump up to 45 if needed (yes, he did need it on the back road).

Fire extinguisher -- cuz if u install an inverter, gotta install a huge fuse, and no one does! for a 1000 watt inverter, need 300 amp fuse, yes it costs more than the inverter. But 2 deli's recently had inverter fires, both when not in use, fortunately drivers in vehicle quickly dealt with it. Cheaply made inverters, even Zantrex now made in China.

Something to lie on. Not cuz the vehicle will break down, but cuz it is so COOL that all your neighbours want to lie down under it (or maybe we just have wierd neighbours), and you want to admire it.

[Mystery Machine]

Pretty much covered, but here are my essentials:

On board tool-kit extra to the standard kit/jack:

* 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm sockets with 3/8" drive, UJ adapter and one short, one long extension
* 21mm narrow sleeve socket on a breaker bar (narrow sleeve needed for wheel nuts on some alloys)
* 10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 17mm ratchet wrenches with flexi heads (as per Green1's post)
* 2 x cross head screwdrivers (phillips, not pozidrive....but not sure what you call them in CA??)
* Gerber multi-tool (pliers, knife etc...)


Home tool-kit:

* Comprehensive metric socket set in 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" drive with various extension bars, UJ's etc...
* Comprehensive range of ring/open and ratchet wrenches
* Various cross & flat head screwdrivers
* Various pliers, long nose pliers, cutters etc
* 3 ton high lift garage jack & various other trolley jacks
* 4 x 3 ton stands
* 4 x 6 ton stands
* Pair of ramps
* Oil filter wrench (perfect for removing auto freewheeling caps too)
* Range of hex bars (we call them allen keys)
* LED maglite for seeing into those awkward spaces
* Custom 17mm torsion bar tool
* Thick neoprene foam crawl/kneel mat
* Angle grinder/disc cutter
* Dremel with loads of different bits
* Cordless drill and various drill bits
* Penetrating oil
* Oil catch/drain tank
* Home made platforms for axle stands (get the car REALLY high!)
* Hammer and large club/lump hammer
* Hacksaw and mini hacksaw
* Wire brush
* Metal files
* Copper grease
* Axle grease
* Cable/Zip ties
* Can of anti-rust black spray (for covering any raw/exposed metal)

The list goes on, but all of these are tools I use on a fairly/very regular basis when toying with any of the L300's.

Oh - and a camera to hand for recording your work/progress....or if you get stuck with something, a pic is great for posting on the forum to get advice. It might sound odd - but I often photograph things step by step as I go (start to finish) so that I can see what goes where if the work drags on and I forget over time what bolt/fitting went which way around??

If I know a job is going to be a major one, I also sometimes label things to remind me. A range of small boxes for keeping removed items in....easy to find the bits later rather than hunting through a pile of parts/bolts for the one you're looking for. Being a bit organised with how you disassemble things can save you hours of frustration/headaches and heartache. I've learnt the hard way in the past.....

[Green1]

* LED maglite for seeing into those awkward spaces

I know that bruce put this in his "home" kit, but I must say, get the brightest, smallest flashlight you can find, and carry it in the vehicle at all times, I carry a SureFire 6P and it is worth it's weight in gold! (To be honest, I probably wouldn't be carrying such an expensive flashlight normally, but I had it "left over" when I upgraded my work one to the 6P LED)

[fexlboi]

Do I need metric or SAE tools for a Delica?

[konadog]

Do I need metric or SAE tools for a Delica?

Japanese vehicles = metric tool

[fexlboi]

Which brand for tools would you recommend? Craftsman? Mastercraft? Husky? Try to find a good set to start with.

[marsgal42]

Use whatever you can get - it's not that critical.

Most of my hand tools are Craftsman and Mastercraft. Shop at places that actually sell tools - Canadian Tire, Sears, KMS, Princess Auto, etc. Do not buy tools at a discount store like Costco unless you know exactly what you're doing.

Good tools are an investment. Treat them accordingly.

...laura

[Schwa]

The Home Depot Husky brand is pretty good value - I bought a set for a friend of mine and it's held up to a lot of abuse.