Recommended tool set or tools for basic/moderate ES300 repairs
07-05-13, 08:44 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Recommended tool set or tools for basic/moderate ES300 repairs
I am new to auto repair and would like to start performing basic to moderate repairs myself. For example, oil changes, tire rotations, brake and rotor replacements, and spark plug changes.
Any recommendations for types of wrenches and sockets I should purchase for a 99 ES300? Do Lexus vehicles only use metric sockets? My budget is up to $200 for now. Is it wiser to buy individual wrench and socket sets separately or purchase something like a 200 piece tool set which includes them already?
Any recommendations for types of wrenches and sockets I should purchase for a 99 ES300? Do Lexus vehicles only use metric sockets? My budget is up to $200 for now. Is it wiser to buy individual wrench and socket sets separately or purchase something like a 200 piece tool set which includes them already?
07-05-13, 09:02 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
go with a socket set that has a half inch, 3/8 and 1/4 inch drive rachet with sockets.
on our cars with a 10mm and 12mm socket, you can take apart a lot of stuff already.
and then get wrenches in metric size only, flex heads are good to have but use sparingly cuz they are kinda clumsy since they are fatter.
on our cars with a 10mm and 12mm socket, you can take apart a lot of stuff already.
and then get wrenches in metric size only, flex heads are good to have but use sparingly cuz they are kinda clumsy since they are fatter.
07-06-13, 10:42 PM
#4
Get a set, it will be cheaper and more useful in the long run. Make sure it comes with deep sockets and extensions. For removing the wheels, I recommend buying that separately (21mm deep socket + 18" breaker bar). You will also need a 1/2" Drive Torque Wrench that can be used at 80 lb ft for tightening the lug nuts. Everything else will depend on what you plan to do. For example, an oil change requires a special oil filter wrench. A transmission fluid change requires a 10mm Allen socket. Brake pads require a C-Clamp. Tire rotations require a jack and 4 jack stands. And so on and so forth...
07-07-13, 04:11 PM
#5
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
go with a socket set that has a half inch, 3/8 and 1/4 inch drive rachet with sockets.
on our cars with a 10mm and 12mm socket, you can take apart a lot of stuff already.
and then get wrenches in metric size only, flex heads are good to have but use sparingly cuz they are kinda clumsy since they are fatter.
on our cars with a 10mm and 12mm socket, you can take apart a lot of stuff already.
and then get wrenches in metric size only, flex heads are good to have but use sparingly cuz they are kinda clumsy since they are fatter.
Does it matter what contact points are on the sets that I buy? Is it better to have 12 pt vs. 6 pt? Does that just mean more teeth to grasp the nut/bolt?
07-07-13, 04:47 PM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
12 points are are better when you are working on stuff that's hard to reach, but i think 6 points are less prone to stripping rusty bolt heads. it's up to you really, not a huge difference. work on stuff you can handle first and then buy tools that you are missing for the next job and go from there.
07-07-13, 06:10 PM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Buy the whole socket set. You will need it eventually and will cost you less in the long run. A socket set usually comes with metric and imperial. Our Lexus uses metric.
Also, if you are planning to do brakes, tire rotation, or getting underneath the car, please use jack stands. Don't cheap out. Your life is not worth saving $40 on jack stands.
Also, if you are planning to do brakes, tire rotation, or getting underneath the car, please use jack stands. Don't cheap out. Your life is not worth saving $40 on jack stands.
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07-07-13, 08:56 PM
#8
Honestly I have a simple 100+ piece socket kit/set that I bought for 70$ [reg. price 170$] and a set of ratcheting wrenches for 30$ [reg. 90$] and I've parted out multiple cars with basic tools like that. In fact I took apart half my ES today to do some minor rust repairs all over within minutes.
Its not the tools you have but how you use them
*no not really, GOOD tools and a complete kit will make life easier, but with that said, these cars need not more than simple ratchets and sockets. You can rip apart most of the car with 10,12 &14mm sockets. I took two GS' apart over a few weekends with a kit like this;
Lifetime warranty and durable finish. You're not getting into any trades so no need for a box with Snap-On tools...
Its not the tools you have but how you use them
*no not really, GOOD tools and a complete kit will make life easier, but with that said, these cars need not more than simple ratchets and sockets. You can rip apart most of the car with 10,12 &14mm sockets. I took two GS' apart over a few weekends with a kit like this;
Lifetime warranty and durable finish. You're not getting into any trades so no need for a box with Snap-On tools...
07-08-13, 08:46 AM
#9
Buy a 154pc mechanics set from sears, it will run you 100$. Buy a good breaker bar, $25. Buy socket extension set to get to those hard to reach places, another 25$ or so. It will do magic when combined with the breaker bar! Buy decent gloves - 10$, car stands - 20$ and ramps-20$ (used Craigs list).
You should come out at ~200$ and this will do most of the DIY jobs. Hope this helps!
You should come out at ~200$ and this will do most of the DIY jobs. Hope this helps!
I am new to auto repair and would like to start performing basic to moderate repairs myself. For example, oil changes, tire rotations, brake and rotor replacements, and spark plug changes.
Any recommendations for types of wrenches and sockets I should purchase for a 99 ES300? Do Lexus vehicles only use metric sockets? My budget is up to $200 for now. Is it wiser to buy individual wrench and socket sets separately or purchase something like a 200 piece tool set which includes them already?
Any recommendations for types of wrenches and sockets I should purchase for a 99 ES300? Do Lexus vehicles only use metric sockets? My budget is up to $200 for now. Is it wiser to buy individual wrench and socket sets separately or purchase something like a 200 piece tool set which includes them already?
07-09-13, 05:01 PM
#10
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Honestly I have a simple 100+ piece socket kit/set that I bought for 70$ [reg. price 170$] and a set of ratcheting wrenches for 30$ [reg. 90$] and I've parted out multiple cars with basic tools like that. In fact I took apart half my ES today to do some minor rust repairs all over within minutes.
Its not the tools you have but how you use them
*no not really, GOOD tools and a complete kit will make life easier, but with that said, these cars need not more than simple ratchets and sockets. You can rip apart most of the car with 10,12 &14mm sockets. I took two GS' apart over a few weekends with a kit like this;
Lifetime warranty and durable finish. You're not getting into any trades so no need for a box with Snap-On tools...
Its not the tools you have but how you use them
*no not really, GOOD tools and a complete kit will make life easier, but with that said, these cars need not more than simple ratchets and sockets. You can rip apart most of the car with 10,12 &14mm sockets. I took two GS' apart over a few weekends with a kit like this;
Lifetime warranty and durable finish. You're not getting into any trades so no need for a box with Snap-On tools...
07-11-13, 09:17 PM
#11
Driver
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: VA
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I don't know how much this will help out but I got http://www.lowes.com/pd_338518-22328...7C1&facetInfo= for $100 on Black Friday. I love this set to the end of the earth and the box isn't the best but it holds all of the stuff and is great to sit on. I rarely use the tools I have outside this set unless I need to grab something from my torx or allen sockets.
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