What tools do I need to buy?
 

What tools are needed for simple maintenance and upkeep (nothing too fancy, such as big bodywork or removing an engine)? I’m fairly young, not terribly mechanical and have never had a project like this before. My everyday driver is a Mercedes ML 320 that I don’t dare touch for fear that, if I screw something up, it’s $2K to fix.

I have a small set of socket wrenches, and a set of regular wrenches. That’s about it.

What else do I need?

Re: What tools do I need to buy?
 

plyers, 3/8 standard socket set. deep sockets. extenders. sparkplug socket. vice grips, channel locks. assorted screwdrivers. electrical tape, duct tape. some kind of light. i prefer the led ones that have a few plugs in the handle so it can be used as a drop cord and they dont break the bulb every time you drop it. breaker bar for your socket set.
with that you can pretty much fix anything minor. (and should probably be carried at all times in an old truck.)

Re: What tools do I need to buy?
 

You mentioned a socket set and some wrenches. I hope they are of suitable quality. Cheap tools only make more work for you. As far as things you don't have that you will wish you had.
Hammer
Pry Bar 24"-36"
4-way lug wrench.
Floor Jack and stands
3/8" extensions 3", 6", 12"
3/8" impact wobble joint
On sockets I use my 3/8" drive,deep,6 point. For 85% of the work on my 72.

Re: What tools do I need to buy?
 

Something to stand on, rags and safety glasses.
And a camera.

Re: What tools do I need to buy?
 

Gotta ditto that one. Cheap jackstands are a disaster waiting to happen. Invest in jackstands like your life depended on it.

ones on the left are rated at 15,000 pounds each,, will hold a 3000 pound car 28" off the ground SOLIDLY and STABILY

http://www.small-block-chevy.com/ima...liboosters.JPG

Stupid over kill?? maybe,, but I was pinned under a car that fell off a jack once,,, it won't happen again.

Re: What tools do I need to buy?
 

anytime when you first buy another vehicle, the first thing you should buy is a repair manual; chilton, haynes, etc.
you can get most of your tools from harbor freight, steves wholesale, other discount tool places. you can get about 70% of the tools you need at these places for less than half the cost, but you will need to use good judgement on some choices. and you will get burned on a few, but that's how your going to gain judgement. (like don't buy cast pry bars)

Re: What tools do I need to buy?
 

A lot of these tools you will have for the rest of your life, so put a little time and effort when looking for the pricier ones.

Someone on here once recommended high quality ratchets, and medium quality sockets. I think that is a good recomendation.