Car tools you need!

[@highdownmartin]

Like the soft jaw moles. Great idea. Invaluable for bleeding my landrover brakes, TLS drums are a real pain.

[@orbitaaltube]

Yeah they are a handy one because you have two tools in one. When you need the mole grips just pull off the fuel lines again.

[@highdownmartin]

@@orbitaaltube I’ve got about 7 pairs of them anyway so bespoke is the way to go. I’ve got three girling style brake pipe clamps but they’re a bit of a fiddle to fit and tighten the moles are a one hand job!

[@Carlostype]

I changed my Flexi brake lines without fluid loss by pressing down brake pedal a few inches then wegding a length of wood between that and the seat- no loss!👍

[@orbitaaltube]

good tip thanks

[@BenEyah]

I think socket wise, I’d always recommend a Halfords advanced box when they’re on sale I got the old one 200pcs box for £127.50 ‘cause it was half price and had a code for 15% off. The old box the shallow metric and imperial sockets are all 12 point but in the new box they’re all 6 point, box boxes have pros and cons but for the right price they’re a bargain, if you break anything in the box, you can take it to any Halfords and they replace it there and then. In it you get deep, shallow, impact sockets. ratchets, extensions, universal joints and size adapters to suit everything in the box and you even get a big 1/2’ breaker bar now instead of a little 150mm 3/8” breaker bar. But you also get torx bits, etorx sockets, Alan bits (although I think they still miss the 7mm for brake callipers), I think you get spline bits now as well (vw/seat/Audi/Skoda) and you also get 8-19mm (possibly 21 now) ratchet spanner’s and it’s all in 1 box and everything has a lifetime guarantee in the advanced range. In the old box the tx27 always seems to crumble so if it does swap it for a t27 and the flathead bits are sometimes poo but like I say, you can just walk in and get it replaced on the spot, unless you have the black edition of the old set then they have to order them in

[@orbitaaltube]

The halfords stuff seems like good value especially with the guarantee, ideal for a workshop where you dont need to carry your sockets around.

[@chocolate_squiggle]

I think I've followed a very similar progression to you over the last decade. Had a small jack, now got a dual piston. But the small one is quicker and easier to carry out to the driveway for small jobs. Love my cheap 600mm breaker bar. Started with 12-pt sockets, upgraded to 6-pt sets when learned a bit more. But my 12-pt set has a particularly small extension that got me out of a bind recently. And I had to grab my old regular spanners once instead of my newer ratcheting spanners because the old ones are thinner and the open jaw fit onto a slim recessed fastener where the newer ones couldn't (too thick). So what I've found over the years is that my old and new tools compliment each other in ways I never realised they would. I've only ever bought a single 10mm deep socket (for battery clasp nuts), I always got away with the ratcheting ring spanners if there was anything protruding. I got mine from Halfords when I lived in the UK. But I did recently run into a PCV valve where I wished I had a proper deep socket, it was in very tight. So deeps are now on the list. I don't even do that much work but there is something extremely satisfying when you want to do something and you can just reach for a tool that makes it possible. What i would add to the list is my digital calipers - even for just around the house, I'm always measuring screws or hose diameters. I bought to check one thing really but I've unexpectedly found I use them at least weekly.

[@orbitaaltube]

Digital calipers are awesome, use them all the time here too. thanks for the comment.

[@highdownmartin]

Built my collection of tools up from 1980 when I got a honda125 then a 200. Then shortly after that a Triumph 650. Tool explosion after that. That bike broke me in , taught me a lot and progressed my tool kit no end. I’ve almost never thrown any tools out or got rid and sometimes even now when I’m struggling with something on my Landy I’ve got there using a particular spanner mole grip or drift orwhatever that’s goes back to the early days having tried everything this was the one that was the right shape or right length You can’thave too may tools. Having said that I have disposed of some as I’ve now got 1/4 3/8 1/2” socket sets that are nearly all Britool ditto with spanners. All car boot sale handfulls for pounds. Enjoy yourself

[@orbitaaltube]

​@@highdownmartin do you follow britannica restorations for the Landy stuff, Mike on that channel is brilliant, could watch him doing repairs all day. I started off with a suzuki 125 myself and moved up from there to working on bigger stuff.

[@highdownmartin]

@@orbitaaltube for specific stuff yes. Trailer fitters toolboxes good for proper how to’s. Max Ironthumper for fun. And Steamwally. He’s detailed.

[@ferndog1461]

Flea markets are great for robust good tools that just need a rust cleaning. Craigslist is great where folks who are clearing out garages.

[@Harleyforever20]

There is some very good content in this video. Especially the jack! Also a flex head ratchet and flex head wrench set have got me out of some tight spots.

[@orbitaaltube]

Agreed flex heads are great. I don't actually own any believe it or not. Maybe I could ask santa for one this year lol.

[@theboywholived2]

Really good video, so many tools needed as I'm finding out on my new journey of car maintenance. After decades of going to garages and spending thousands enough is enough I'm doing all the work myself now. Thank you as there were a few items I never gave any thought to.

[@orbitaaltube]

You are welcome, they are a good investment over time when you think that even a basic service is around 100bucks. The tools pay for themselves quite quickly.

[@tonyrice3348]

Great collection! Best thing I got recently is a battery ratchet, had to replace my egr on my 1.6 hdi picasso, egr at the back of the engine, ratchet was a lifesaver! I must get one of those jacks from coleraine halfords lol

[@orbitaaltube]

Yeah the halfords jacks are a good job, - my old one is like some sort of toy in comparison. Its hard to beat having the right tools.

[@johnm7882]

Thank you, great tips.

[@orbitaaltube]

You are welcome

[@Your32Maker]

I have everything except the torch and brake caliper tool set... I recommend adding a headlight to your tools, or a magnetic light...

[@orbitaaltube]

Yes a light is also an essential tool. I may do a part2 video to include some of the other suggestions. Thanks for your comment.

[@SteverRob]

A great addition for socket sets is the one inch (25mm?) extension. When a short socket is too short and a deep well too long.

[@orbitaaltube]

Agreed a small extension is sometimes all you need.

[@Mr2at]

12 point and 6 point socket tip is good to know.

[@orbitaaltube]

You are welcome

[@olafschermann1592]

I bought an expensive so ket set from proxxon. They are hexagonal but slightly convex so that they dont grip at the edge but in the middle. Therefore you never get rounded nuts.

[@orbitaaltube]

They sound good I will check them out b

[@ajwalou-nack2343]

Get a Odb2 diagnosis as well there cheap and I use them alot . Under £10 and well worth it .

[@orbitaaltube]

Yeah good shout. Those elm ones aren't too bad for basic code reading. Might need to do a part2 video to include that.

[@johnnycruze7846]

Awesome stuff man. Thank you!

[@orbitaaltube]

Thanks - glad you liked it.

[@casmithc2]

Great Tips!

[@orbitaaltube]

You are welcome

[@demetriusboyle5165]

Good trolley Jack

[@Redsr5]

I had so many old clapped 90s Chevys that I alwys had to buy tools and parts to work on them haha so eventually I had a ton of tools and millwukee impacts and ratchets and lights so I ended up buying a snap on box and hitch for a good deal . But I still have my little first box I started from .

[@orbitaaltube]

Yes buying tools becomes a hobby when you work on vehicles a lot.

[@MorrowSind]

A flex-head ratchet in both 3/8" and 1/4" are life-changers. That would be my number 1. A Rocket Socket set for removing rounded off bolts are nice to have. A small compressor is worth getting; I bought a RolAir model called "The Bull", which tucks away nicely in my closet.

[@orbitaaltube]

Agreed, several other folks have mentioned the flex head also.

[@kirk1907]

I got a £20 Amazon voucher from Churchill insurance, so I bought a 18 piece impact set from Laser tools , only thing I only use the with a breaker bar as there Chrome Vandium . Proper impacts should be Chrome Molybdenum so they can take the pressure of impact wrench.

[@MrZimmaframe]

If I were to recommend a tool set to someone I would say a 175 or 200 piece set from Halfords, they pretty much cover almost everything you are going to ever need from a fastener stand point. Also if you wait for their Black Friday sale every year the 175 piece set is only £150, which I think personally is a steal considering it is a lifetime warranty on everything in the set. The black Friday deals also sometimes include trolley jacks and a few other things. A friend of mine gave me a broken 3/8 ratchet because he though they wouldn't warranty it because it was very old, 5-10 years old, I tool it into my local store and was great this a "Hi, one minute I will go fetch you your brand new ratchet". couldn't be happier with the service.

[@orbitaaltube]

Agreed the Halfords stuff always comes up as a recommend especially if starting off with nothing and needing a full set.

[@orbitaaltube]

Hi Guys - check out the links in the description if you are interested in buying any of the products shown in this video!

[@conorthomas89]

Great video thanks

[@arthurandrews8755]

Halfords tools have a life time guarantee and are good snap on

[@orbitaaltube]

Yes indeed I have some Halfords tools as well. They are highly rated in the trade.

[@terrmaso]

I despise 12 point sockets. I am disappointed in many manufacturers as they are moving away from the 6 point sockets. Not sure where you are located, but Harbor Freight now has some great hand tools. Their ICON line is truly outstanding for the price and I am replacing all the "other" brands in my tool box. Even the Pittsburgh brand is quite good. The great part is that their warranty is one of the best. I have even seen comparisons between Harbor Freifht and Snap on torque wrenches. Harbor Freight won with more consistent/accurate readings.

[@orbitaaltube]

Agreed - 12pt socket sets are really bad for hexagonal bolts. I dont live in the US but I did visit MN a few years back and visited harbour freight and thought there were some good deals to be had there, I bought a dealblow hammer for a few bucks. I will look out for the ICON brand next time I visit.

[@douglasgreen437]

Great video..

[@orbitaaltube]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Nckolas20]

LOL My father's workshop for some reason does not have other important tools like a breaker bars, impact guns, damaged bolt extractor sets, etc. Super frustrating but hey easy Christmas gifts

[@orbitaaltube]

Yes you need the right tools for the job as they say.

[@xandervk2371]

No need to clamp brake hoses. Just push the pedal so that the master cylinder pistons are just past the fluid ports, and hold with a board or something.

[@ajwalou-nack2343]

That's good to know as clamping the pipes can cause problems 👍

[@orsoncart9441]

Daft idea. OMG!

[@xandervk2371]

@@orsoncart9441 Which one?? They even sell a tool for this purpose, for use by professional mechanics. Yes, you do need to pull out the fuse for the brake lights, to avoid discharging the battery.

[@orbitaaltube]

That works too but it can drain your battery as the brake lights stay on. If you walk away and come back a few hours later.

[@xandervk2371]

@@orbitaaltube Oh yes, thank you, I forgot to mention pulling the fuse. Oh wait, I didn't.

[@edwardbiglang-awa7313]

Some Amazon reviews are fake I put a one star review and it was denied

[@jameskoralewski1006]

Replace your pick tool and get a brass one, instead. A brass one will never damage the metal around the O ring.

[@orbitaaltube]

I've never seen brass pick tools for sale, only steel ones. Is there a particular manufacturer that sells them?

[@jameskoralewski1006]

@@orbitaaltube Amazon sells them. Here is one set that they sell. www.amazon.com/Busy-Corner-Installation-Extraction-Extractor-ringKit/dp/B08R6YHFSQ/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=brass+pick+tools&qid=1621482119&sr=8-3

[@orbitaaltube]

@@jameskoralewski1006 Thanks for the link

[@MMRe13]

@@orbitaaltube please can you share link to brass pick tool. Thnx

[@lvgio]

are halfords tools worth it? ( the 2 ton jack ) ive heard pretty bad things about them

[@orsoncart9441]

Like what?

[@lvgio]

@@orsoncart9441 like they had recalls, and would break under load

[@stevebrodie7777]

Best penetrating oil Diesel .

[@phillipbegay2837]

Agree

[@davidmattice2613]

If you hold the brake pedal down the fluid won't leak!

[@orbitaaltube]

True but it causes the brake light to stay on and can drain your battery if you forget about it.

[@Vyraxis]

I thought the car was gonna fall off the jack at 3:04

[@24revealer]

0:51 If you are going to crush your brake lines, then you better add new hoses to your repair.

[@orbitaaltube]

Good idea.

[@313Orlando]

My neighbours saved my life because I had a stuck guide pin and I nl use a gas torch and he aint told me to get the gas map as well thanks it's well thanks

[@orbitaaltube]

You are welcome

[@artwonnowtra1987]

Why does the frame look like it was bending? Is that the frame?

[@orbitaaltube]

It's the beam axle of the car, It has a little flex in it.

[@MJ-tn5qp]

Torque wrench

[@sirtnfol8476]

That could damage old lines but they need replacing if it does i guess

[@orbitaaltube]

Yea Eric the car guy used to discuss that topic. Said that as long as you apply the right pressure it doesn't damage the flexible hoses. I have been doing it for quite a while and have not had to replace any hoses because of any damage.

[@kevinoverbeck4250]

Dang watching that rear end slip out from the jack was making me cringe!!! yikes

[@bockariemansaray9196]

Are you irish

[@orbitaaltube]

Yes sir.

[@SPIDERM0OSE]

@@orbitaaltube Sir ? Must be Donegal ? Inishowen In guessin

[@diabeticpanda8979]

No

[@orbitaaltube]

Yes

[@brianharkin2308]

Snap on is very over rated over priced and brakes just as easy as cheaper tools now I use Halfords advanced pro all tool has life time warrants

[@orbitaaltube]

Yeah theres a lot of alternatives, the appeal of snap-on seems to be the ability to get stuff fixed under warranty easily by the guy on the truck. And with snap on code readers the guy on the truck will do updates for you as part of the service. Its more suited to fully professional outfits that can afford it and for folks who want to pay back the cost of tools over time. Agree the halfords stuff is decent. I have quite a few bits from halfords which have all held up well.

[@brianharkin2308]

Snap on is a hassle I'm a mechanic for 25 years now I now use Halfords draper and Sealy tools and dewalt power tools and a launch pro and if anything goes wrong with in the warranty I never have any problems

[@brianharkin2308]

And my tools are heavily used 6 days a week

[@orbitaaltube]

@@brianharkin2308 good to know thanks.

[@orsoncart9441]

" brakes just as easy as cheaper tools ". Er no.