Your handiest tools

[LicensedToM]

Hey everyone,

I'm just starting to undertake DIY projects on my e30, and I've started to order parts and tools. As I'm going through this process, I keep coming to this forum to check on what tools people recommend, but I haven't found a consolidated list of recommendations. Essentially a "starter kit." So here's what I've got and what I'm planning on getting... any recommendations for specs and brands would be super helpful!

1. Soldering iron - I picked up the Weller SP23LK Marksman 25 Watt Soldering Iron Kit from Amazon
2. American Terminal AT-31604 60-40 Rosin Core Solder
3. Wire crimper/striper - any specific brands or specs?
4. Multimeter - I hear Flukes are the best, but Extech, RSR, Equus, and Mastech are also good.
5. Heat gun & shrink wrap - No idea what to look for
6. BMW specific tools?

Any recommendations would be great!

[jan318]

PD Blaster

[AT-JeffT]

+1 on the PB Blaster

I just buy tools as needed. works well for me. That said, I couldn't live without my breaker bar. 90% of the time all you need for a DIY project is a set of metric sockets (3/8in) and a set of metric combination wrenches. I bought a set of Greatneck wrenches from autozone and that's what I've been using for the past 3yrs.

[dothadance]

Animal Kotulak multi tool

[nomansland92]

When I started wrenching I got a craftsman kit. I think it came with like 260 pieces or something. It was only like 200 bucks or something. It came with a set or metric and standard wrenches and 1/4 3/8 1/2 sockets with deep and short well 6points and 12points. Has 3 ratchets also. I still use the sockets pretty much everyday and I have no complaint. And for a multimeter the only thing you would need it for is testing continuity and 12 volts and a $20 craftsman will do fine, no need for a fluke or anything special.

If your just starting a set of torches might be out of your price range but I've found that a "bernzomatic torch" helps out and lowes and home depot have them cheap

Hope this helps for you

[MaksV]

CraftsMan 3/8" Drive Flex Head extra long ratchet

[yyi]

Bfh

[Quadrajet]

A 3/8" socket extension, that locks the socket to the extension. Or "Ball swivel" sparkplug sockets. These items are spendy, but if you do enough work they save on frustration.

[kronus]

8, 10 and 13mm gearwrenches

[TurboJake]

By far, the handiest tool I own is an air compressor.

[Danny]

1/2" electric impact.

[AsharC]

My hands.

[kumulonimbus]

3. Wire crimper/striper - any specific brands or specs?
4. Multimeter - I hear Flukes are the best, but Extech, RSR, Equus, and Mastech are also good.
5. Heat gun & shrink wrap - No idea what to look for

Automatic strippers cost a bit more but make stripping wires SO much simpler. Radio Shack has a good one for the cheapest I've found - $18 (also has a crimper built in).

For shrink wrap, I've found heat shrink butt connectors to be amazing. No soldering needed.

Anybody have suggestions on multimeters? I'm a total noob at this.

[Mossman]

only handy if you work on bmws. But if you do work on bmw's it's quite handy!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flexible-6mm-Hose-Clamp-Nut-Driver-Tool-Mercedes-BMW-VW-Audi-Porsche-Saab-Volvo-/350573495602#ht_949wt_922v

[B-well]

I take this Kobalt set with me any time i go parts hunting, takes up very minimal space and it goes on sale regularly for $20 (regularly $40)

http://www.lowes.com/pd_338525-25428...roduct_price|0

also they have a wrench set with matching sizes for $20.

there are so many tools i use/love/need, i buy tools just about every week when i make my trip to lowes/depot/sears/HF