"What tools should I buy if I want to start working on my car?" Q&A with Faye #2!

Hey everyone! In this video, I answer my second question in my "Q & A with Faye" series. One of my students asked me what tools she should buy to start working on her car herself. This video is the answer!
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Now, this is just from my perspective based off of the most common repairs that I perform with my students after they have completed a basic automotive class with me. These repairs are most often:
- oil changes
- transmission fluid exchanges
- differential services
- spark plug replacement
- battery / alternator testing and replacement
- air filter replacement
- headlight bulb replacement
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If you have something to add, please keep your comments constructive. I'd love your feedback and recommendations!
The products mentioned in this video are:
​
​Dorcy Flashlight: www.sears.com/d...
Atak Flashlight: www.summitraci...
Harbor Freight Multimeter: www.harborfrei...
Harbor Freight Torque wrench: www.harborfrei...
HF Breaker Bar: www.harborfrei...
Craftsman Socket Set: www.sears.com/c...
Craftsman 300-piece tool kit: www.craftsman....
320-piece tool kit: www.sears.com/k...
Weird random Toyota (and others!) spark plug socket: www.amazon.com...
​Torx / star bit drivers from HF: www.harborfrei...
magnetic tool tray: www.harborfrei...
Screwdriver set: www.amazon.com...
Craftsman oil filter adjustable wrench: www.sears.com/c...
Craftsman adjustable oil filter pliers: www.sears.com/c...
Green oil drain pan: www.amazon.com...
Napa jack stands: www.napaonline...
​Channel lock pliers: www.lowes.com/...
3-pack 10mm sockets: www.amazon.com...
Magnetic pick-up tool: www.amazon.com...
​
Girls n' Garages article: www.girlsngara... ​
PB Blaster: blastercorp.com...
Ergo kneel knee pad: www.pksafety.c...
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Follow me on IG: @pistonsandpixiedust
find me on Facebooke: @pistonsandpixiedust
www.pistonsandpixiedust.com
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Please gimme a thumbs-up if you found this video helpful, and subscribe to support my content creation!!
Thanks!
-Faye
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[@kellyanderson2501]

Yay! I got mentioned. :-) andykel74 is me. Great list, Faye. Thanks for letting us give our input. My two-cents about the adjustable wrench. I personally do not like to use them either. At least not for automotive applications. I've rounded off too many nuts and bolts and managed to smash my fingernail off when one loosened up and slipped while I was trying to undo the drain plug on my Vespa Scooter back in my "pre-enlightenment" tool days. Thank you for making these videos happen. I know how busy you are and I really appreciate you and all your hard work. See you in a couple of weeks for engine building!!!!!! So excited!

[@FayeHadley]

Kelly Anderson oh my gosh I was literally just thinking of you and engine building class and and then this comment popped up! We are literally connected through the universe! Well thank you so much for making up such a great recommendation that I thought was so helpful! I'm going to see if I could edit the video through KZbin and add an asterisk with your actual name haha!!

[@FayeHadley]

Kelly Anderson also thank you for your feedback on the adjustable wrench. I'm glad you feel that way too, that reinforces my thoughts from someone I really respect! And also: thank you for appreciating my videos!!! ... they do take so much energy and effort and hours of editing to create. But it is also really fun to make them and I really enjoy it! I'm so glad that you find them helpful!

[@stevensevek6151]

The adjustable wrench can be useful as a backup wrench for when you can't find your regular wrench of a certain size. That way one of these can back up numerous different sizes. Sometimes you have a nut and bolt that go together and both take the same size wrench, so you need either two sets of combination wrenches (open end/box end) or one combination and a socket etc. But if worse comes to worse an adjustable wrench can work as a backup.

[@raffieb762]

When I was a kid I loved taking things apart, but putting it back together was a pain, maybe because I never had a shop chicken🤔

[@FayeHadley]

It really is the answer to most problems 😂

[@kissitnow898]

I'm older.... battery powered impact wrench for those lug nuts. Good for lots of other things too 🙂

[@joubess]

Hi Faye! I'm 58, about to be 59, and with the right tools, you don't have to be that strong to work on your car. I'm retired with a bad back and I can do most things if I don't rush and rest sufficiently between tasks. You need a hobby once you aren't working for the good of your body and mental health. I also do not personally like adjustable wrenches. Get the correct size wrench! But, they can be useful around the house when you find a broken screw in a board or drywall. You can grab what's left and get it moving. My mentor (ex-hubby) strictly forbade the use of adjustable wrenches on any car. I only worked on my own car, I've never done it for money. He is a Chrysler certified mechanic, and made a living and paid for college working as a mechanic. Speaking of two cents, I use a penny to test tire tread depth. If you can see Lincoln's hair, your tread is worn and you need to save up for new tires pretty quickly. For oil changes, I bought plastic ramps. They were inexpensive and I don't have the money for a jack and jack stands yet. I'm saving up. I will need to replace the entire front and rear suspension and steering rack on my 97 Honda CR-V. It's all worn out and probably won't last another year. Getting the service manual is a great suggestion I didn't think of, and I'm getting one. Lastly, kudos for being a successful woman in a predominantly man's world. When I started out as a chemist in 1985, I only ran into secretaries in the restroom, and there was only one for women. Thank goodness that changed over time.

[@donotwantahandle1111]

One tool I use when nothing else works is spring loaded clamping spanner normally used for rounded off nuts and bolts but great if you don't have the right size spanner or socket!

[@jims2507]

I love my HF long reach pliers (set of 2) $11, and hose pliers (set of 3) $14. Great for pulling off hose clamps, and removing rubber hoses when you don't have super strong hands, or need to reach in where you can't get your whole arm!

[@leerichards9293]

Great video, I am glad to see you mentioned safety stands before the jack/lift . One thing I would add would be for people who are going to work on cars to get a hat or something to protect their head and hair when under a vehicle , gloves , safety glasses and hat are great protection from oil , grease and chemicals when working on your car or truck.

[@davidweum9334]

I just changed my oil on my Saturn in the cold snow. I used a vice grip. Fuck it. David Alberta

[@InClaymont]

I like 4 way tire irons the best. It makes it easier to get torque on the lugs from both sides of the tool. I specifically stay away from using breaker bars on lug nuts because they tend to snap lugs if they are corroded or the lug nuts are cross threaded.

[@drwisdom1]

For many years I carried an 18 inch breaker bar in my vehicles for changing tires. But there is something even better, but it is expensive if you don't get it used on ebay. The Snap-On SN4B is a combination breaker bar and speeder making it really effective for changing tires, and it is easy to store with the spare tire. I keep one in each of our vehicles.

[@Bittrich1]

I don't like using adjustable wrenches either. They are handy for certain hydraulic hose applications on heavy duty tractors. Also for a beginner Tekton tools are a great option due to price and quality. Are also lifetime guaranteed.

[@Jack-yl7cc]

Great tip about keeping a breaker bar in your vehicle to change a flat. I keep a 30" breaker with a "Keyfit Tools Breaker Bar Ratchet Adapter Socket 1/2"" and socket specifically for that task. It makes changing a tire supper easy, even on my pickup truck with its lug nuts torqued to 135 ft/lbs. In fact, I have more difficulty putting the tires back on now than I do with the lug nuts, compared to when I was using a 4-way to change my tires and I dreaded having to fight to get the lug nuts off. For socket sets I would recommend Grey Pneumatic's Duo socket set(thin walled, impact rated sockets); they have a lifetime warranty and are are rated for both impact and hand use. They are nice because you don't have to buy a duplicate socket set in the future if you decide to upgrade to power / impact tools from your standard hand tools and more importantly you save space in your tool box for a larger variety of tools. I have them in 1/4(goes from 4mm to 15mm!), 3/8 (7mm up to 22mm), 1/2 sockets(10mm to 36mm), in both metric and standard, and they have served me very well for years as a serious DIYer. I also really like them because of the fact that they don't skip sizes in there sets unlike so many of the cheaper sets out there(Technically they do skip a 1/2 inch, 31mm socket but, that is the same size as a 1-1/4 socket so it's still covered). I actually bought them after I got tired of the normal impact sockets not fitting on a ton of stuff, including my lug nuts(pesky alloy wheels). One important thing to note about warranty on tools now days; most manufactures consider "shopping search engine" websites(IE: Amazon, Bonanza, eBay, Craigslist, Newegg, Rakuten, Walmart, etc.), to be unauthorized dealers and will not honor any warranty claims when purchased through them. So, buyer beware. Keep up the great work Faye!

[@boilerhand1]

Good video. Cool stuff for beginners. Thanks. I would like to suggest a downloadable or printed bolt grade/size torque chart to allow a cross reference when torque specs aren't available. It's good to have for unknown mechanical work due to lack of torque specs that are sometimes not supplied. An invaluable reference. One can never have enough information. Also, get the chart with lubricated or dry specs for each one.

[@DavidDavisDH]

Basic socket sets, vise grips, wrench sets, screwdriver sets, hammers, needle nose pilers. I love my used 12 inch Matco 3/8 ratchet, I paid $40 a few years ago. I think it's really cool you teach other women car basics. When I worked at a shop a few years ago, I couldn't believe how many women didn't know how to check the oil or coolant.

[@eguitarplayer6689]

I would have to agree with all of Faye's suggestions. For brake cleaner though- I have switched to "non-flammable" because, if there is cleaner over-spray it won't effect rubber lines or plastic pieces. One thing I always use is a battery charger that can charge AGM/Gel/Wet (lead acid) batteries. If you get a new battery from an auto store it is never fully charged- also brand new vehicle batteries are never charged fully when you receive it. It is an obvious but highly overlooked occurrence.

[@henrygonzalez1201]

One tool I purchased thirty years ago and still own and use is a craftman two leg puller, even better yet a three leg puller. These pullers have helped me hundreds of times in the past and worth every penny I spent to purchase the pullers

[@bert5209]

Instead of raising car up on jacks most of the time I do most service, I take 2x4 and/or 4x4 to raise the vehicle drive on it raise it high enough with cardboard to lay on. Or drive one side of car on sidewalk curb.

[@davidtreichelpppj5304]

Thank for mentioning SAAB. I had a lot of fun working on my 1978 COMBI. One good camping car . It looked so COOL I thought anyway...

[@jacklabloom635]

Toyotas are my favorite vehicles. I have three of them and one Ford F-150. I'm glad I found your channel. I watch all the top KZbin mechanics to learn how to do car stuff correctly. Your channel is as good, if not better, as any of them. I suspect you'll have 100K subscribers in short order. Keep up the good work. I appreciate what you're doing to educate us.

[@whitehistorymonth3563]

Jack LaBloom Toyotas are the best I got a 2002 Tacoma for sale right now only 89000 miles :-)

[@Jack-yl7cc]

I would actually recommend an adjustable wrench but, only for a very specific, rare use case scenario and, a very specific type too. Specifically, a slim jaw adjustable wrench for those rare occasions when you need to deal with a Jam nut(or something similar with a set of double stacked nuts) and you don't use it enough to justify the extra cost or space, a set of decent slim wrenches(cheap one deform too easily) would take up. The only time I have needed a slim wrench was to deal with after-market brakes that had an odd setup for how the sliding pins were held on and I ended up being able to get the job done with a pair of needle noose vise grips(parts were being replaced). Now if you plan to own a table saw one day, I recommend just buying a set of slim wrenches and forget about the adjustable wrench. Because chances are you will need them to change out the blade if you want to get a bit fancy and get a dado blade set(useful in furniture or cabinet making).

[@brotherbrian1]

The other day I was working on the GM 3400 V6, and needed a 5.5mm socket to change out coil packs. Luckily when I started, I got a 101 pc Craftsman Mechanic's set which was all sockets and ratchets. This is a great video for beginners.

[@YTInnovativeSolution]

If you are serious about your tools and you use them daily as your profession, not just a hobby, here's a great package to buy from Snap-On Tools: Buy the 1/4 inch socket set first! Get the metric mid-depth 6-point sockets 5.5mm - 15mm and add a 1/4 inch socket to this set. A high quality 1/4" tool set can get used as much as the 3/8 inch sockets of any brand name. Buy the Snap-On TM737 1/4" Swivel Head Ratchet. It has the hard plastic ergonomic comfort grip and forget about the new style red and black shitty-grip version. This tool will not disappoint you! Add to this a set of 1/4" extensions of different lengths and get the knurled wobbly ones - they are extremely useful. Anytime you are starting a tool set, get the metric kit first unless your job is strictly SAE standards. The metric fitment to SAE sizes are better than the SAE fitting too snug on metric fasteners. The larger the socket drive (ex. 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" 3/4" 1" etc...) the less you need to worry about it being a Snap-On quality tool. If you're breaking a 1" socket on a 1/2" drive tool, chances are you have other problems. The Harbor Freight Pittsburgh PRO series of 3/8" and 1/2" sockets will get the job done at a fraction of the price. Save your knuckles and don't go cheap on your daily "go-to" tools. Don't discredit cheaper tool makers and don't discredit the leaders in the industry either. I don't need Snap-On air tools because my AirCat tools work great and cost far less. Thankfully we have choices to shop from these days unlike the days of old. Amazon, Harbor Freight, auctions, Northern Tool, etc... And just so you know... MATCO doesn't make any of their tools! They are ALL sourced from other places. The only thing they make is their tool boxes and not the entry level ones. The good ones! MATCO makes the best tool boxes IMO - but the competition is strong!! I've been a technician all my life and I have more tools than most mechanics. I'm not a tool snob, I'm just serious about tools in general. I know what works and where money will be wasted for the most part. Work smart and shop wisely.

[@not_jon_vendi]

Where have u been all my life?! I've spent the last couple years watching chrisfix and scotty kilmer!

[@freedog632]

Probably been mentioned already, but Vise-grips. Tons of uses for these. Safety glasses too, especially with old, rusty, and northern crusty cars.

[@raywalz4952]

Very Informative Channel...I proceeded in aquiring a chicken as per your suggestion. Greatly improved my productivity but with one glitch: My 10mm socket was MIA and every replacement met the same fate.Upon investigation I discovered a "Poulet" stash of shiny objects in a corner of the shop. Buried in the bottom of the stash were the missing 10mm sockets. Seeing as how the chicken has become invaluable as an assistant, no disciplinary action was taken. When missing,I go over to the stash and simply recover the 10 mm and carry on with the task. So, I suggest you look for your chicken's stash..you may be pleasantly surprised! Best to you and yours.

[@tjyork1983ia1]

I have the same oil filter wrench from Sears. I love that thing!!

[@dreamrealitysyndrome]

Instead of a flashlight, I recommend a good quality LED headlamp. I use an Energizer brand. I've never been happy with headlamps from Harbor Freight Also, the "soft hammer"is known as a rubber mallet Wow, Saab!! That is so cool!! One last thing, my city offers a free oil change kits that include a good size bucket, a bucket top that can be used as a pan and seals the bucket, a funnel, a 2-pack oil filter drain, and rags

[@ranct1815]

Tire plug kit, valve core remover for tire changes, thread gauge, brake gauge and tire pressure gauge. Besides claw or plier for oil filters, the swivel strap wrench (sm & med) less likely to puncture filters & oil filter sockets for cartridge filters... 👨‍🔧

[@joubess]

Ditto on breaker bars. I'm looking for a 3-ft pipe to go over my 2 ft breaker bar. You are so right, tire shops tighten the lug nuts so tight I can't make them move without a lot of leverage. Several other nuts and bolts are also massively over-tightened throughout my Honda and Subaru. South Texas is dry a lot, but south Louisiana is very wet so there is a lot of rust on bottom car parts from driving through lots of water. I use Seafoam because it is a good penetrating fluid and rust-preventer. The project farm channel has good videos on comparing various brands of things from penetrating fluid and engine oil to duct tape. It's useful information.

[@user-sp7kt7vw7w]

I think your videos are great. When I bought my first car at 15 for 200 dollars in 1971, I got a 6.99 rachet set for Christmas, I later bought a Chilton's manual to help me because I really didn't know much about cars. They didn't have the internet or KZbin, but it is great you do the video to help beginner, I would have liked your kind of help back then.

[@decm12768]

Faye I think you are so cool . It's great that you are helping lady's see that auto service doesn't have Tobe just for guys . You showed me several good ways to tackle some aggravating job's thanks !

[@briansantefort]

I have to disagree to a minor extent about the adjustable wrenches. Growing up on a farm and being a Industrial mechanic for 27 years I find the adjustable wrench an invaluable tool at times. I agree with what you are saying, and I agree that the correct wrench or socket is better, But there is times when you need to hold a "Part" while removing the fasteners with the correct tool, and the part just happens to lend itself well in shape to use an adjustable wrench. Many times I use the adjustable as you would pliers for certain things. I also use them to bend materials in a vice similar to a sheetmetal brake. And two adjustable wrenches side by side make a great pair of shears for opening banded crates or shearing away rusted muffler hangers to get better access. You could almost teach a class alone on the right & wrong way to use adjustable wrenches. I have 6-10 of matching set sizes. Dont buy cheap sloppy ones either. Tighter the mechanism the better.and keep them lubricated.

[@johnnellis3025]

i agree. i use them alot for those uses.

[@heavymechanic2]

I think a decent Vise Grip Pliers is a good tool along with a basic punch chisel set. Something I use is a good degreaser and some pot scrubber pads to clean parts and prep gasket surfaces. GR8 demonstration on tools to get started, every vehicle or application may require certain items such as snap-lock release tools or specialty oil filter wrenches. (just sayin)

[@markn0024]

Faye, I've only recently discovered you and your channel. Your videos are great. So much knowledge, and so much personality!

[@Shockwave_760]

we need an update without sears stuff but love the suggestions, I'd also recommend a little pick/hook for the gaskets and O-rings

[@AlexWalker-ci6dp]

WAIT, WAIT!!!! A Straighter valve wrench. Very important!!! . Great class every 1. ," Wang, pay attention!!"

[@rodneyatleson2861]

A really good penetrating oil that we use is a 50/50 mix of acetone and automatic transmission fluid. It is even better than pb blaster.

[@kermit3lily992]

to add to your tool list, i would say I recently purchased a couple small vises and they come in handy.

[@jspur01]

You did a great job here. Only recommendations I would are the following. Some extractor sockets in sae, because they usually work on metric bolts as well. A manual impact driver. Oh a caliper compression tool ,one with all the different types....other than that...bravo,good work!

[@BeardedSeabee82]

How the hell do you only have barely 500 subs? This is actually some good info for novices and intermediates alike. Keep up great work!

[@FayeHadley]

Bearded Seabee82 Awww thank you so much!! Well, my channel is pretty new, so I have hopes that it will take off someday!! And thank you so much for the encouragement and kind words!

[@cierragirdy9966]

Damn, watching a year later and she has 35k . Definitely deserved 😭🙏🏾 Keep up the good work Faye! My dream is to open a performance shop. Currently enrolled in automotive technology

[@whiskerbiscuit6209]

and now almost 54k!!

[@CapWalks1]

Love your videos. Thanks to you, I just changed (two drop and fills) the transmission oil on my Jeep. I found that the garage who did a drop and fill a few years ago didn't get the transmission fluid level correct -- added another 1 1/2 quarts. I've also changed an O2 sensor, changed the transfer case and differential oil, rotated tires, changed the cabin air filter... The Jeep still runs so I'm not that bad of a Faye Hadley mechanic. I'm about to replace the engine oil pan. When I took the belly pan off to do the transmission fluid job, the engine oil pan was all flaking rust - $40 for a new pan is cheap insurance verses trying to save the old pan.

[@boris9331]

Oh yeah this reminds me, I buy many 10mm sockets and spanners, then I spray paint them Chevy orange, so if they get lost in the toolbox or on a table afar, you can spot them immediately. Now I colour code my 12's and 13's too.

[@psycho-nutkase9233]

I would suggest on items #2 for PPE safety glasses a couple pairs wether clear or amber tint , an if you do a lot of working out side tinted safety sunglasses Z87.1 rated. 🙃 For newbes Also for covering oil filters make sure you know what kind you have. For a example my 07 Tundra is a canister style with a changeable element inside it requires a canister socket to remove it.

[@Mordorer]

Getting the basic “harbor” tools is a great way to learn what a busted knuckle feels like. Helps you appreciate the over priced snap on stuff.

[@scubbarookie]

This is such a great video with many tool suggestions by audience viewers! You really put a great personality to being a mechanic. Sometimes however; I find that starting a project can be an ever evolving process, like becoming a professional mechanic. Thank you Faye.

[@tomtroszak]

It's just eerie, I have a 1/4" Craftsman ratchet with an identical pipe extension, a locking flex-head 3/8" Matco88, and a giant 1/2" breaker bar in my "go-to" bag, along with the PB Blaster. Outstanding judgement you have! Only other "essential" thing I didn't see was a metric/SAE set of 1pc stubby hex drivers, and a $20 set of impact sockets for the giant breaker bar. And shop goats to keep the shop chicken company. Otherwise, you nailed it. I have more than 100 tons of tools, but what I carry around _always_ is basically just what you described. Great video!

[@kazper2011]

Great video Faye. I am one of those who want from not being able to open their good to doing oil changes, brakes, replacing and sensors, etc. One important tool not mentioned is a willingness to learn. Not everyone needs to know or understand how to replace a timing belt, but understanding how to check fluids and tire pressure is incredibly important for all motorists. Keep up the good work!

[@2010johnking]

I started out in 2006 with a 95-piece Craftsman tool set. I still have almost that complete set today, I think my previous Tacoma ate a 10mm socket and I lost one of the screwdriver bits.

[@pokejuice1495]

Telescopic. A cheap scan tool got me very into working on my own car and I have researched a lot more than I otherwise would have.

[@thebatmanakathedarkknight922]

You can also have a shop fan, especially for moving out bad fumes, and keeping cooler and not so sweaty.

[@yogib37]

in my tool box, I got all different brands. all from Snap-on to Harbor Freight. Have a pretty good box also.

[@osvaldo8393]

Get a good set of shallow and deep from 5 to 15 Larger sockets are for higher rated bolts ie truck bumper bolts and bed bolts. Anything over 15 I also bought a good magnetic socket set from sunex And I have a electric ratcheting wrench A good set of ratcheting wrenches Gear wrench has a good 20 peace for around 36$ A good variety of extensions Also usually you sometimes will need torx bits I bought a 20$ set from ViM that were torx plus as well That’s what I use the most . On daily R&I Other helpful tools are pry tools, A 4 peace small hook set Trim removal tools There’s so many tools out there, I have a lot of random things from working in a body shop. Like a 3/4 huge breaker bar I use to break VW hub bolts Or my snap on air hammer Spot weld drills, Wire blasters, Belt sanders

[@joubess]

My 2011 Subaru Forester has several 17 mm and 19 mm bolts. The oil drain plug is a 17. The PCV valve is a 19 mm.

[@osvaldo8393]

Sherri Joubert yeah typically body bolts don’t go over 15 Non body components have larger bolts

[@nickreyes4570]

Best thing I found is the 3/8 drive rachet with telescopic handle at home Depot. Husky makes it.

[@NYstranger74]

Did I miss vice grips? I would recommend vice grips.

[@joshhanneman499]

Crescent wrenches are trash haha, for the most part anyway. I think they are a good ( not great) shop tool but not a good car mechanic tool. I would say as a beginner I lost a ton of bolts because I would leave them on the side of finders ect. but a magnetic bolt tray is so nice to have. I also hardly ever see anyone use my favorite pliers, duckbill pliers. They are in between regular pliers and needle nose pliers and work much better for factory radiator hose clamps ect. They are my go to pliers most of the time. I have a bunch of vehicles and I usually just grab a Stanley tool set from Walmart, open 24/7, the sets come with 70% of the tools needed in a pinch, they are fairly cheap and comes in a decent case. Great video for beginners though, very informative!

[@stephenfhauk]

Those Adjustable wrenches are good for lightly bending back flat metal usually inner fender flairs or under the hood, Or doors. Every tool has a purpose just not necessarily a good one.

[@joechicago5687]

My first tool set came was from flea markets as I can afford it. Always looking out for name brands (Craftsman) that had some kind of warranty.. can relate to everything you're saying it is always on point and honest. Your video editing is so on point. I've always bought secondhand cars. My first car was a Datsun after that it was always been Honda and Toyota no matter what brand is on the outside Pontiac, Saturn lol 😆😂

[@Trabbas]

I like using adjustable wrenches. The downside is that you can't get away with using a cheap adjustable wrench. You gotta spend the extra dough! The channellock brand are my favorite!

[@maingun07]

There is one simple tool that I know I can't live without on any job, auto, plumbing, carpentry, whatever. A good pocket knife, preferably with a clip-point blade. I can open packaging, scrape mating surfaces, cut vacuum lines, dig crud away from fasteners... hell, I could make a list as long as my arm. I wear carpenter's jeans and the flashlight goes in the tool pocket on the right thigh, my Gerber pocket knife in my right back pocket, and my Leatherman in my right front. I feel naked without those three tools, but if I had to pick just one, it would be the pocket knife.

[@zerkermond]

Might be Overkill but if you're working with electrical and wiring components alligator clips t pins and test light, more simple than a multimeter but it'll tell ya if you have current coming from the wire youre staring at and one last piece of overkill would be a timing light for distributor work after you a tune up etc...love this channel and the content keep it up 💪

[@bert5209]

Can't afford a creeper best that I like to use is cardboard as a creeper and also for your knees. I actually threw away my creeper sick and tired of rolling around when trying to loosen nuts and bolts. Also when your on concrete cardboard is not cold. Or spent money by rubber mats.

[@jesse-leelong4727]

You need a calendar poster With things you like the most like your silkie chickens as well as your favourite cars

[@nao_tomori]

Harbor Freight has some good tool sets on a budget. I keep a 225 piece set in my car (less then $125 with coupon) and also recommend their 301 piece set for less then $200. Great sets for a new mechanic

[@FayeHadley]

Chin Chilla awesome suggestion, thank you!! Do you have a link to the specific kit that you are recommending?

[@nao_tomori]

www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hand-tool-sets/225-pc-mechanics-tool-set-62664.html

[@nao_tomori]

www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hand-tool-sets/301-pc-mechanics-tool-set-63464.html

[@FayeHadley]

Chin Chilla oh this is excellent, thank you!!!

[@nao_tomori]

welcome!

[@rickstebbens5135]

You're a very good my Mechanic. I hope you continue success in your business of mobile mechanic it's great idea. I think you're doing everything right congratulations again I enjoyed your channel

[@NickCornaglia]

Hey! This video works for guys too!!! Thanks Faye!

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Get a slim socket and a torque stick for tightening the lug nuts.

[@perryreasch1209]

I could watch and listen to you all day

[@eividaskrikstaponis5728]

Hi, I am a little bit late but as a self proclaimed mechanic from land with a lot of bad weather I would like to add a wire brush to the set. ;)

[@FayeHadley]

Great addition!!!!

[@MaddoggOG70]

Automotive wire strippers. Used for stripping and cutting wire and crimping connectors

[@A_Bone1972]

went down a KZbin rabbit hole. so glad to have stumbled across one of your videos (instant sub), & used it for a tangent for something continuous. anyway, from a tale that i'll refrain from telling i acquired a graduated (sae on 1 side & mm the other) adjustable wrench. i used it to help me learn to eyeball socket size to bolt heads that i wasn't already familiar with, and if i could squeeze it in on a few bolts that i could only get to by feel. i know, a year & a 1/2 late, but...æ

[@jad6126]

If you are going to use an adjustable wrench, spend a little extra to get a decent quality product. Sometimes Harbor Freight is not the best option and sometimes they are just take your time and look at several brands, do some research.

[@bronwynleonardi8245]

I like the wrench ring, good idea. I dont wear jewelry of any kind when working. Saw too many accidents. Except for Walmart watches less than 12.00 bashed them all. Toolage...Ive been very lucky at swap meets and internet sites.

[@aubreystanley1124]

I like you. You use a socket rail. My best breakover was 1/2 inch thorsen. I liked my Craftsman tools. But loved MAC and Snap On as well.

[@gregh3544]

Hey Faye. Corpus Christi Texas here

[@Indyzato]

I bought cheap tools for the house from Walmart and if I needed to work on the car used them. The one set maybe was $20 and I still use it, 15 years later. The only thing that broke was that stupid adapter to use a 3/8 drive with 1/4 inch socket (bad idea anyway). I've added tools when I decided to try more difficult stuff. I'd recommend someone just starting out to get tools as the job presents itself. And there many tools even if used just once is worth it, but don't get tools because "maybe I'll need it." However, the one thing I really need now is a chicken.

[@FayeHadley]

:)) chicken is highly recommended!!!

[@attachedsilver8929]

those semi deeps are a life saver!

[@justinbennett2633]

35:05 I don't like them, but would recommend having one or two around for those times that you don't have the right wrench.

[@johnrtrucker]

For the wrenches I highly recommend ratcheting wrenches with the swivel head there are a little bit more spendy but trust me where a socket wont work and a wrench does it's in a tight space if not invest in a shop chicken because you'll need that laughter to keep wrenching with the standard solid wrenches lol

[@XenomorphLV426]

That chicken looks cool. Dinosaur genes. Lol

[@HotStunna80]

Totally agree on the adjustable wrenches! I hate them. They’re more of a pain than anything. About the only time I find them useful is for doing plumbing work. They’re really handy as a multi tool for that, since you’re working with PVC or some metal fitting that’s a lot more forgiving with tools like this.

[@GH-oi2jf]

The Crescent (adjustable) wrench has its place, which is why it became a classic. Suppose you have a trailer hitch. The ball has a large nut on the bottom. Would you buy a fixed size open end wrench for that? You won’t use it anywhere else. Then, if you need a larger ball, it will have a larger nut. Another single size wrench? A large Crescent wrench is the best tool for this job and many others, even though it is not a replacement for a set of combination wrenches in common sizes.

[@hawong00168]

Tools can get expensive and the some cheap ones have low quality. As such, I try to get only ones that I need.

[@chrispurse3931]

SiliKroil is some great stuff. Use it all the time at our plant and my vehicles.

[@freddy2064]

Faye I love your channel. It's great you inspire young ladies into the automotive field. Your personality is contagious and your from my state a state I love, N.H! Subscribed!

[@robertdarcy2168]

Faye, have to say. If only all Mechanic's looked as pleasing to the eye, especially those cute Short's. And best of all, you actually know what you're talking about 👍❤️💋

[@toytech468]

Very informative video for all those techs starting out, awesome job! Ever think of doing a toolbox tour??

[@FayeHadley]

Warren Higaki thank you, and YES! I do you plan on doing a video like that, but geared more towards my mobile setup because it's kind of unique and interesting! It is also a work in progress though and I have a couple upgrades I want to do before I show the world what I got going on! Great idea!

[@toytech468]

Faye Hadley Awesome! Nonetheless, I think that would be a great video that a lot of people would love to see. As a technician myself, I like to see what other techs have in their toolboxes and use on a daily basis! 👍🏼🔧

[@oby-1607]

Hey, what about a toolbox? Gotta have one or more of those to store and pack around those precious pieces of metal. Another tool recommend is the Power Probe for electrical diagnostics. Not too pricey and indispensable for electrical problems. Milwaukee makes a stackable set of toolboxes that can link together and you can start low budget and work up from there. I use everything Milwaukee in 12 volt and 18 volt in the Fuel versions.

[@garyjacques5982]

Hey Fay I agree with you on the tool sets for the beginning ones harbor freight makes some decent tools. I've used a couple of them on various things I was researching Walmart and I can't even find Craftsman no more I don't even know if they make Craftsman tools anymore one of my favorite I would say is probably a husky I've had very good luck with husky tools and there's a home Depot everywhere but the harbor freight ones I think they're made in Chicago maybe Canada they've got a lifetime warranty on them and they come in one of them fold-up kits they work great.ohI like your shop chicken that's a trip there's a guy speed guy or something on KZbin he works on old cars with this wife kids he has goats and potbelly pigs in his videos.

[@joechicago5687]

Craftsman tools are in Lowe's at Ace hardware

[@jimbo3934]

What's the VIN on your wrist? A Toyota?

[@jamiepsmithpdx]

SO HELPFUL! Thanks, Faye :) Can't wait to meet you in PDX! xx

[@softball4fun00]

A set of flair nut wrenches would be a good addition for when you have to work on fuel lines.

[@e67stang]

How about a video on how to store / carry tools when you don't have a garage.

[@FayeHadley]

Tj Mac oh my gosh, fantastic question for a movile mechanic like me! I'm actually in the middle of building my travel toolbox, but when I have it squared away, I'll make a whole tutorial on it. Great idea, thank you!!

[@jimbo3934]

I work on most everything and mostly use metric. 9/16 or 5/32under the dash or just interior trim. I use 15/16 and 1 1/4 on semi alignments but really that's all the standard I use

[@ranger178]

seems like everyone is coming out with big sets of wrenches in blowmold cases dewalt has one now and milwaukee with a pretty good assortment of wrenches for around 200 bucks cheaper on sale dewalt has 192 piece for 169 on amazon almost every wrench you would usually use

[@solidjockey2963]

I actually use my adjustable wrench as a poor mans calipers to find the size for the right wrench. LOL Seriously though, I am a machine designer and use those as a versatile tool to check bigger bolts on machines but I shy away from using them to do any actual repair or assembly work.

[@blazeandcyrus]

"I actually use my adjustable wrench as a poor mans calipers to find the size for the right wrench. LOL " I do the same

[@rodneyatleson2861]

The shop chicken! That's one tool I haven't invested in quite yet I'll have to see if Matco has them on their truck...😅😅😅

[@Krillekris]

Great video that covers what a newbie needs. Harbour Freight or Craftsman seem to be good value, and working good. But my favorite budget brand is Gearwrench. The 120xp ratchet are awesome, and they can handle a lot of abuse. I have their sockets to, good quality.

[@marveseth]

Faye, I know I'm several years late on comments and questions haha, tell me about your left hand ring, it is beautiful and very cool! I'm wondering what the main stone is, very, very cool!

[@FayeHadley]

Not sure but I'm guessing it's my sapphire?

[@patharmon9760]

Well, if you drive a Honda, 8,10,12,14,17, and 19mm sockets and wrenches. Throw a 22 in there if you have a pilot or odyssey

[@danieltolle148]

Very cool Faye dear. Well done.

[@shelbydog1100]

The only adjustable wrench I own is a vice grip but not everyone will sell their soul and first born to the Snapon truck