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I have been meaning to do a full tool review on the "must have" 10mm socket set for DIY.
Set includes 10mm sockets in 1/4" & 3/8".
>> This set rocks because it has sockets stepped in incremental lengths that let's me get in the tightest places for more difficult jobs like Timing Belt, Rear Valve Cover, Dash Repairs, and anywhere space is tight without busted knuckles.
Also, I also have many of these sockets for 12mm & 14mm I bought separately when I found good deals on EB but the 10mm set are "must haves" for me.
PS- this set is almost exactly like the Gearwrench set.
Where to by: Autozone
Brand: Duralast
Sku#582151
Includes: 10 sockets all 10mm
Socket types: magnetic, shallow, mid length(my favorite!), deep
Cost: $19.99
Pictured here are the 1/4" sockets on left and 3/8" sockets on the right showing the incremenal lengths.
The magnet sockets are strong enough to hold the screws.
The "Mid Length" sockets can be a lifesaver in tight places when a deep socket won't fit and the shallow socket won't work.
The swivel sockets I don't use much but have it if I need for that perfect size in between the other sizes.
I like this socket caddy and it fits in the trunk under the flap in the back neatly tucked out of the way- got it at Lowes.
Modified it by drilling out the rivets and replacing them with screws so I can lay out the rows with 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" as preferred. Extra socket clips can be robbed by buying some single rail socket holders and stealing the pieces if needed.
Last edited by Margate330; Jan 9, 2021 at 09:47 AM.
looks like a worthwhile "buy". I need to get at least a decent socket wrench set so i can do some things on my own; but seeing as how some of them arent cheap! it may have to wait.
Got these 45 degree bent long reach at Harbor Freight for $7.
Reaches in tight places.
They now have a 90 degree bent available so I want a pair of those too...
More fun DIY tools that are nice to have.
I have been using this Harbor Freight ratchet for the last few years and I consider it max "bang for the buck" when it comes to ratchets.
Cost is around $30, has extended reach for getting down deep in tight spots, slim profile, flexibe head, and plenty of strength without flexing.
Also, recommend the extra long extensions- cheap and nice to have a selection of different lengths from the longest to mid size.
The long 3/8" is nice to reach down the front motor mount nut comfortably from above the radiator.
The long 1/4" is nice for that hard to reach alternator adjusting bolt when used with an impact swivel and a hard angle.
Here is a nice tool and since I do all my own repairs with the help of the people on this forum I don't mind splurging once in a while for cool tools.
This is a spark plug socket with a swivel extension and it's magnetic! Loving it.
It fits down in the spark plug hole with just enough length to get a ratchet on it for the back bank 1.
For front back 2, I like to use a small extension to give it extra length but it's long enough to clear the valve cover.
What I like most is the spark plug socket can't slip off down in the hole and it's magnetic and hold the plug well.
MFG: Gearwrench
PN: 3928D
Where to buy: ebay and other
Ya'll free to post up cool tools and "must have's" for DIY repairs.
These become handy, once in a while! You will thank yourself many times. Highly suggest you invest in them, they do not cost too much. You will thank yourself on use #1!
Last edited by mandyfig; Feb 3, 2022 at 06:01 AM.
Reason: add caption
Lisle 55000, probably the best 15 bucks I have ever spent. Makes soldering jobs in tight spaces and weird angles a LOT less of a nightmare! Make sure to put some heat shrink on the ends to avoid digging too hard into wires. It pays for itself every single job I use it on for my Highlander and RX.
GearWrench XP120 flex head ratchets and GearWrench ball joint tool. I hardly ever use regular ratchets again, and I enjoy using these more than my Snap On ratchets by a whole lot. There is hardly any slop and the 120 teeth make removing tight suspension fasteners a breeze! The ball joint tool is a beast, it has saved me from destroying countless ball joints, outer tie rods and control arms on my friend’s cars.
Some other notable mentions: Bernzomatic MAP gas torch, Lisle’s wheel stud tool and inner tie rod tool. Fantastic quality and works like a charm, Tekton has some nice offset wrenches too as well as ratcheting wrenches. Performance tool’s impact sockets from Rockauto are a fantastic deal and are made in Taiwan too.
I thought I should add another tool I just used today that I think Ya'll might like.
No reason to use my Saelea Logic for basic digital testing when a $10 ebay logic analyzer will do the job.
Bought the 8 channel shown below and also a 16 channel and they were supposed to be my backups but the accuracy is just fine when reading data near or under 1 mhz and use them all the time.
On the left is a remote starter switch to use when you're working alone.
The brake flaring tool made by Lisle makes easier and better flares than the other style (with the wingnuts), but you're limited only to 3/16 and 1/4 double flares, no bubble flares.
However, this tool is very easy to use on brake lines on the car in small spaces.
From Left to Right: the telescoping Lisle Hood Prop. You can prop up hoods, liftgates, and I've even used it on the brake pedal to help me bleed brake lines. Current price is about $30.
Next is the Bead Buster. I just used it the other day to change a TPMS, and I didn't scratch the wheel. $120.
An old school "Short Finder" I picked up off ebay for a few bucks. The idea is to keep the circuit live long enough without blowing the fuse and moving the gauge over wire harnesses. The needle will move and lead to the break in the wire.
Then there is relay bypass switch kit with amp loops. This cost about $80 and could save a trip to the mechanic with the fancy computer and fancy tools.
Finally, a pair of Yellow Jacket AC gauges for quick and easy pressure checks without the hassle of hoses and loss of refrigerant. $60.
Tool Reviews for Affordable DIY
