Tool Sizes

[willfxp]

Is there a guide that says which size wrenches and sockets I will need to perform different things? I don't really have a tool collection yet. Building it as I go along. I want to change my accessory belt, but I need to buy the right size wrench. I will need to take off the entire air intake system just to see the size, put it back on, drive to Sears, and take the air intake back off. Seems like a lot of work, and I'd hate to keep asking for tool sizes here.

 

Thanks!

[Rotorwrench]

Go get a set of metric combination wrenches, 10mm to 17mm and this should get you started. You'll need an 8mm if you want to disconnect your battery.

[willfxp]

Go get a set of metric combination wrenches, 10mm to 17mm and this should get you started. You'll need an 8mm if you want to disconnect your battery.

I didn't want to buy a whole set now though. Figured I'd only buy what I need. I don't have a lot of room. Plus, I'd have to get wrenches and sockets. But looking at all the trips to Sears that I'm taking, it might be justified .. Thanks,

[Shaners]

I didn't want to buy a whole set now though. Figured I'd only buy what I need. I don't have a lot of room. Plus, I'd have to get wrenches and sockets. But looking at all the trips to Sears that I'm taking, it might be justified .. Thanks,

If you don't have alot of room, or cash, then buy the tools at Walmart... They stand behind their tools as well as Sears does!!!

[willfxp]

If you don't have alot of room, or cash, then buy the tools at Walmart... They stand behind their tools as well as Sears does!!!

Heh. I've rarely been to Walmart. It's too far (Sears is about 2 miles away vs ~15 for Walmart) and the lines are always so long. My dad uses Sears/Craftsman, so I kinda have to follow in his footsteps... heh.

[Tucson_02Silverado]

The basic sizes on the GM vehicles seem to be 7mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 1/2, 9/16. For the serpentine belt you can use a 1/2 breaker bar or socket wrench handle. You'd want open end/box wrenches and a 3/8 ratchet set.

 

For Sears tools, if you look carefully, it's a lot cheaper to buy a multi set than the individual pieces. Like the box wrenches, you could get an almost complete set of metric and an almost complete set of SAE for the price of just 3 or 4 individual wrenches. There's a 26 piece 12pt Metric and a 26 piece 12pt SAE open end/box wrench sets for $63 each. The individual price is $7-$25 for each piece.

I have never had a problem nor hassle with the lifetime "Craftsman" warranty.

 

However, most are now offering lifetime warranties. If I were starting again, I would look at http://www.harborfreight.com Their wrench sets are around $20. They have a few retail stores in SoCal so you could save on shipping.

 

For the battery 8mm, get the ratchet battery wrench. It costs just a little more but the ratchet is worth it in tight spots.

[willfxp]

The basic sizes on the GM vehicles seem to be 7mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 1/2, 9/16.  For the serpentine belt you can use a 1/2 breaker bar or socket wrench handle.  You'd want open end/box wrenches and a 3/8 ratchet set.

 

For Sears tools, if you look carefully, it's a lot cheaper to buy a multi set than the individual pieces.  Like the box wrenches, you could get an almost complete set of metric and an almost complete set of SAE for the price of just 3 or 4 individual wrenches.  There's a 26 piece 12pt Metric and a 26 piece 12pt SAE open end/box wrench sets for $63 each.  The individual price is $7-$25 for each piece.

I have never had a problem nor hassle with the lifetime "Craftsman" warranty.

 

However, most are now offering lifetime warranties.  If I were starting again, I would look at  http://www.harborfreight.com  Their wrench sets are around $20.  They have a few retail stores in SoCal so you could save on shipping.

 

For the battery 8mm, get the ratchet battery wrench.  It costs just a little more but the ratchet is worth it in tight spots.

Yeah. I've priced it out. I just don't want all those tools even though I can probably find a place to hide them.

 

I just feel that maybe now, I've bought all the tools I need. I know in the long run, I'll regret it. I found that it was roughly 8 regular wrenches for the price of about 13 or so (I might have only compared one or two sets, so not real accurate...), and if I only needed one right now...

 

Speaking about sets, there is this 200-some-odd mechanics set for $150 or so. If I go for a set, why not get everything? It's a toss up. Maybe if I realized I was going to be doing all of this, I probably would have went that way. I'm just shocked GM uses all these metric sizes.

 

Thanks,

 

Oh, regarding the Craftsman warranty.. My dad used hammer and a big screwdriver as a chisel. Over time, that handle was pretty much gone. One day he went it and got it replaced for free, no questions asked.

[Tucson_02Silverado]

Those Mechanic Sets are real good for a starter. But look carefully though if you're on a tight tool budget. There maybe a lot of stuff in there you might already have, like hack saw and the like. But then again if you're starting with basically nothing, most do come with a tool box and the price over the individual pieces is definitely hard to beat.

[RyanbabZ71]

Will I would suggest buying a whole set. At first i bought a few small sets (15 piece) and found out quickly i didnt have everything i needed so i checked on how much it would be to buy all the sockets/wrenches to complete my set vs buying a whole complete set and it was MUCH cheaper (2-3 times cheaper) buying a whole set rather than a piece here and there. I just bought a 22 piece (i think) std and 22 piece metric wrench set from sears (craftsman) for $49.99 each regularly $69.99. My 79 piece mechanics set was only $49.99 each also

[RyanbabZ71]

I'm just shocked GM uses all these metric sizes.

 

everything is going to metric its not a gm thing. The whole world is supposed to be going away from std units. The units thing really sucks especially in school when they use both in the same problem. Alot of converting things

 

As far as the warranty on craftsman I have had no problem. I went to use my 1/2 drive for the 1st time this spring and found out the little ball bearing to hold the socket on was broke. Took it in and they gave me a new one

[MCourson]

The box in my race trailer is filled with Craftsman. We have always had good luck with them and never any warantee problems. We do have a few Snap on tools but for the price difference over Craftsman they were not worth it. The sets are a good deal. Even though my tool box is sitting in the trailer slam full, I still find my self going to Sears and getting some more. 95% of the tools I need are included in the starter kits and the are definatly cheaper.

[willfxp]

everything is going to metric its not a gm thing. The whole world is supposed to be going away from std units. The units thing really sucks especially in school when they use both in the same problem. Alot of converting things

Our family has only owned GM cars. If I recall correctly, most of the tools were imperial (I think that's what they call inches/feet). Times have changed... heh. I guess all for the better.

 

The mechanics set I wanted Craftsman Set is $80. I've spent probably $20 so far and almost done with everything I've wanted to do.

 

With hindsight being 20/20, I would have saved a ton of money. But, I can't say I made a bad choice either.

[Greek]

If you can buy a tool set that has both metric and English sizes that will be good. In the long run you will save $. I have been very satisfied with the Craftsman tools and have had no problem replacing them. Almost all reputable tool makers now offer the lifetime warranty that SEARS has. You can get the Husky line at Home Depot, Wal Mart has their own line and K-Mart also has a line. Stanley is good as is Snap On. I like the tool selection at SEARS but I also buy tools at Home Depot. Whatever tools you get (if you get good ones) will last you a lifetime.

[Z71GUY]

I know for about $200-$230 I put together one heck of a tool set when Sears was running sales. I picked up a very large socket set (had other small tools) for $100, I then picked up my wrenches, screw drivers and misc pliers. So far its been the best $$$ spent this year.

[k1500chevy97]

Got some craftsman tools they work ok.

 

But if you really want to build a good set the way to go is either mac or snap on .

I prefer Mac myself