[jeffko]

Well we can all agree on the necessity for quality tools. I would also agree that Craftsman tools provide adequate service for a reasonable price. Additionally you cannot beat the guarantee and store locations.

Air vs. power tools seems to be up for grabs. Although I would love to have a compressor I view it as a luxury item, much like a welder, which I want more than a compressor. I know myself well enough to say I would spend 5 to 6 hundred on a 60 gallon upright and accessories. A little 15 gallon tank will have to do for now. Air tools became body shop favorites for good reasons. They are lighter, more of a finesse tool due to the low torque and they generally provide more rpm’s. However, my paint & body guy specifically told me to leave the bodywork to him. For me you can’t beat a Milwaukee or Bosche tool. They have power to spare and rarely fail. To top it off you can get the best air tool ever, torque wrench, in an electric version.

Of course any garage worth hanging out in has a frig, posters, calendars, comfortable break chairs and a stereo.

Adding it all up is $675. Additional cost are shop fab materials that I can’t scrounge up back there, gotta have its and unexpected needs. I think it reasonable to put the tool costs at $850, which provides for an extra $175.


Tools: $530 Rentals: $115
1. torque wrench (ebay $50 Craftsman ½” drive 25-250)
2. piston dead center stop (shop fab from Car Craft article)
3. engine stand ($50 shop fab)
4. dial indicator with magnetic base ($30 ebay)
5. timing light ($20 Chraftsman ebay)
6. cam degree wheel ($20 shop fab duplicate)
7. piston ring compressor (rent)
8. valve spring compressor (rent)
9. Craftsman wrench set ($40 ebay)
10. Craftsman socket set ($50 ebay)
11. dremel ebay $100
12. ‘c’ type, jaw type & paddle vise grips (have 4 of each)
13. drills (have a 3/8” and cordless)
14. multimeter (Fluke 77 $15 ebay)
15. jack stands (shop fab)
16. (4) adjustable height rollers (shop fab)
17. floor jack (AC Delco at sears $40)
18. rolling work seat creeper combo ($80 sears)
19. 4” grinder (have this)
20. drill bits (have these)
21. punch set (have these)
22. breakover bar (have this)
23. hoist (rent)
23. crankshaft socket ($8 sears)


Supplies: $30
1. engine silicone
2. assemblers lube
3. plasti gauge
4. shop rags
5. dry sweep