Buying your first set of tools for car DIY

Car DIY fixes would require that you have certain tools and there’s nothing more annoying than starting off a DIY fix only to discover that you cannot proceed due to the lack of a tool >:(. However, as I grow in the number of repairs I take on DIY, I’ve found that tools are endless and yet available funds finite. What then are the basic set of tools needed for one to start DIY fixes on his/her car? This would depend on your car make, model and planned repair or maintenance task.

A set of spanners and/or ratchet and sockets is a good place to start. Its good to know that you actually do not need an entire box set of the above, as car makes/models often have their common sizes of bolts. For example, for the 7th generation of Honda Accord, spanners or sockets sizes; 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm and 19mm would take you through through most tasks. So as you can see, you do not need to buy that expensive complete set of spanners/sockets for you to get started. If you choose to go the way of ratchet and sockets (I prefer these and only use spanners if I’m limited by space), the 1/2″ ratchet would be my recommendation as sockets for these are the most abundant in Nigeria. There are short and deep sockets. You may start with just the short sockets and pick up the deep ones for tasks that need them if you’re on a budget.

Watch out for fake sockets or spanners that would wear your bolts! I’ve found these black ones very sturdy (They go for NGN100-150 per socket). Other utility tools such as pliers and screw drivers to say the least, should also be got at the onset by the intending DIYer. These do come in handy in many tasks.

The other major determinant of needed tools is the repair or maintenance item you intend to do on your vehicle. A quick read of the procedure for carrying out the repair should let you know the additional tools needed. E.g. an oil change would need an oil filter wrench, replacement of spark plugs would need spark plug socket plus ratchet extension or spark plug wrench etc.