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Other Useful Tools:
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| An adjustable table vise can keep objects secure while you're working on an object, freeing up both your hands to work. |
A good table vise secured to one of your work benches can double as that extra hand you're always needing. They often come in handy with helping to press out bushings when working on suspension. Soak the outer sleeves of the bushing in some PB Blaster. Drill a few small holes into the rubber and use a table vise or shop press to hold a control arm in place while you press out the bushing. You may need to go at it with a small hacksaw or chisel to get the rubber out. The sleeves are typically aluminum so you can cut a slice in it and use a punch to bend it inwards to press it out. Or use a socket in similar size to the bushing ring to press it out.
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| An engine hoist deposits the engine right onto a dolly where it can be moved out of the way while working on it or in the engine bay. |
Anytime you're pulling a tranny or dropping an engine, chances are you won't want to leave it on the floor right where you pulled it from. Load whatever heavy thing you need to get out of the way onto a cheap dolly (not the Polyethylene Pam kind) and maybe you won't throw out your back dragging it across the garage.
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| Get an assortment of zip ties and cotter pins for all sorts of jobs. |
Zip ties are good for everything from attaching bumpers and holding a timing chain in place to tying my hair in a pony-tail. Rope can do the job of a zip tie at a much greater level. You'll definitely need different sized cotter pins for many jobs, especially brakes. Don't forget an assortment of funnels since almost everything you're pouring liquids out of has a big mouth sized fluid cap and everything you're filling up is sized like a straw.
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| Tape and funnels are helpful tools for many garage jobs. |
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| A toothbrush will work for lightly corroded terminals but a battery terminal cleaner is a good tool for heavier corrosion and build up that leads to starting issues or poor connections. Use the wire brushes on the cables and the reamer on the terminals. Remove the battery cables from the terminals and secure them away from the terminals while cleaning them. Baking soda is a good cleaning solution. |
With the right tools, any garage can handle every job a motorhead needs to complete. Most tools don't need to be top of the line. See what you use the most and decide if it's worth spending more money on getting a better quality tool. I'm obviously a fan of Harbor Freight and they provide warranties for most of their tools, making it free to replace anything that breaks. I also have a small fortune invested in Craftsman products and have seldom had to use their warranties. I'd love to have matching SnapOn stuff but it doesn't fit in my budget. If you can't afford, improvise. Just don't skimp on safety for doing some of these jobs!
