What are the Best Tools for Fixing Cars at Home?

Here's a tip I heard from an aircraft mechanic:
"Buy cheap tools to start and the tools you break are the ones you use the most, so upgrade them."

Friend: -Do you have a 10mm socket?
Me: -Yes I do. Do you want to know why I have one?
Friend: -Why?
Me: -Because I don't lend it to anyone.

Chris, you are a staple to my son and I. He is 18 and getting into car repair. We are spending so much quality time together that I am in heaven. He is welcome to all of my tools and, actually, he knows there is nothing I wouldn't get him if it was reasonable. Thank you for inspiring both of us. My own dad was NOT mechanically inclined (to say the least) so I am playing catching up and enjoying every step along the way.

My dad passed away last year. He had the best tool collection ever and I’m so lucky to inherit it. I’ve saved thousands working on my own car because of him, it’s just sad that now I’m really good at working on cars he’s not here to see. I would have loved working on cars with my dad.

I'm a 25 yr old girl, started driving last year and I'm really interested in maintaining my own car. I did my first oil change today and it's all thanks to you Chris fix!

everyone know that early mechanics just borrow the best kind of tools, their dads tools.

Been flipping through some old videos of yours & just wanted to say how much you've helped me & my friends over the years. I went from a teenager who didn't know how to change spark plugs to being able to fix nearly anything myself. Largely bc you showed me that I could. I really appreciate what you've done for me and the millions of others out there.

Same here Chris, I’m a delivery driver at Pizza Hut and with the amount of wear we put on our cars it can get expensive having to constantly go to a mechanic to fix your car. I got tired of it and started working on my car myself and with the help of yours and many other youtuber videos, I’ve managed to save thousands of dollars getting the job myself all thanks to people like you👍

“This discount is up for a week”
**me watching 4 years later**

Don’t forget to buy a locking safe/vault for your 10mm and 13mm sockets.

I waited until the like 250+ set of tools from home Depot went on sale for $100 and I'm really happy with it. It comes with 2 lower plastic drawers which are kinda goofy, but it's well organized and I can still carry it around. Also, Husky does lifetime warranty and I've heard from friends it's as easy as taking a tool back to home Depot and leaving with a new one.

Analogy: Harbor Freight tools are like the straight piped hona civic that races down your street at 3AM

my tools are like a cop car...never around when you need them but always there when you don't.

It's so satisfying seeing you opening them draws and seeing all those filled spaces, anyone else?

Not exactly the most ideal case but I've been slowly building my tool box the last couple years and my dad bought me a 225 piece Pittsburgh tool kit for about $100 at Harbor Freight to add to my collection. It has literally been my saving grace at times!

Couple things I highly recommend even if you are just starting out. Long needle nose pliers, straight, and 45°. Also a good telescoping magnet tool. Matco makes a magnet that has a solid flexible long magnet tool that I really like and it doesn't cost to much. And a good flashlight, ones with a magnet built in can be really helpful, or just a small bright light.

A magnetic bowl or two. Seriously one of the best investments ($6) and I use them all the time. No more lost nuts/bolts/screws etc.

“How to get tools for free?”
The secret ingredient, is crime.

Hey Chris I'm graduating from college this week :) You've made my study breaks much better and I can't wait for start working on my car. Imma do my oil change first and eventually (once I have my a torque wrench, breaker bar and jack (stands)) the front brakes and rotors. Keep it up 🔥

Bro I say this with complete honesty. You have the single best, most well put together channel on KRplus. Helped me a bunch through the years. I pray for you and your channel bro. 💯

a shop tried charging me $100 to change the oil on my truck..... did it myself for $25..... that is what made me decide to do all the work on my truck myself..... so far I've changed CV axles, hubs, tie rods, ball joints, transmission fluid, thermostat, my oil..... I've saved so much money..... thanks Chris

Why dont they call them postive and negative screw driver

I just got my own 03 Mustang about 2 weeks ago and your videos are so helpful when planning out what I plan to do with my car. I got a lot of work to do, but watching your videos just makes me excited to get to work.

Thanks Chris, always a pleasure to listen to and watch your videos. Glad to be a part of this channel.

If it moves and it shouldn’t: Duct Tape
If it doesn’t move and it should: WD-40

I'm an automotive instructor and am going to show this to students. I always get asked "what tools should I get?" and hate hearing how the tool dealer sold these kids one tool for $200 when they can get full starter sets for the same amount. Great video with good useful info!

I’ve been subscribed to you every since you where at 30 subscribers and you have changed my life with cars and helped me save so much money. THANKS CHRIS!!!!

If you live in a location where cars get rusty, another must-have tool is a can of Liquid Wrench or similar quality penetrant (I like PB Blaster) to loosen stubborn, rusted on nuts, etc. But be patient! If you don't have a rushed repair, pre-soak whatever you'll need to loosen and let it soak in and do its job for a few hours. You'll thank me and yourself, trust me! If it 's really, really stubborn, you'll want to gradually attempt to loosen and start working the parts apart and re-soaking with penetrant each time. When you put all the parts back together, go a step further and apply a light coat of Never-Seize to the threads so they will come apart much easier next time. Great video, Chris! And to end, a quote borrowed from another great KRplus professional mechanic, "If I can do it, you can do it." Don't be afraid to learn how to work on your car, especially you girls and guys who think you can't or it's too hard. We (ChrisFix, neighbors, friends, other youtube channels) are here to help you and encourage you. YES, YOU CAN!

"You're gonna need that 20 and this will just drive you nuts."
Isn't that what a socket set is supposed to do?

Always have a drawer full of 10mm sockets. You have to make them feel at home or they will leave your toolbox.

Love that you have blinker fluid handy on the shelf! Great video. I started with Craftsman tools in the late 90s, I'd say they were like the Diesel Trucks of tools. They did the job and as long as you didn't abuse them they lasted a long time. Those were USA made Craftsman though... and yes, I still have the professional wrenches (and OG Rally box) however sadly some sockets, ratchets, and extensions didn't make it.

I've been using the Pittsburg 225 piece kit for a few years now. I have zero regrets and I use them a lot on 3 vehicles. All organized within the box. I do have the 1/2" and 3/8" Icon torque wrenches. Love them both...accurate and priced right.

Chris is like the cool uncle the shows us cool stuff😂😂👍👌❤

Top tip: DON'T LET YOUR DAD TOUCH YOUR TOOLS. HE WILL MESS UP EVERYTHING

I'd like to add that good practice as a new mechanic is to not spend so much on a toolbox, but spend that money that you would spend on the box on a good 200 or 300 piece set of tools. it'll have almost everything you need besides specialty stuff and comes with a plastic box that organizes them. Better than tools that keep snapping leaving you stranded halfway through a simple rotor job.

For $99 a year ago I got a husky mechanics 270pc set already in a box with everything. If you can name it it’s in there hand tool wise, oh and it’s lifetime warrantied from Home Depot.

Great advice Chris. As a kid, I spent my school holidays in a service station. When I started to buy tools, an old mechanic advised. Never leave a gap in size, and buy two sets, one for each side. My most handy tools, are a couple of sets of open end wrenches, with a box (ring) spanner on the other end.

yo i been stuck on your videos since you taught me how to detail my car properly now I'm a big fan , I appreciate how genuine and honest you are and you really wanna uneducated people like me to understand and do things the correct way I think you dope and I'm a new subscriber

I've always enjoyed using my SCA Tools here in Australia. SCA is like a bit of both the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore. They're tough, great quality, and can be used very quickly if you know the proper technique. They're budget friendly too

ur attention to detail is insane. u got the tools you don’t recommend to show us. for example the ones that skips sizes. i’m watching all ur vids to build my future rally car

It’s been three years something tells me I missed out on the discount

This video is oriented toward building a comprehensive home tool set (over time, of course) for someone who will do a lot of work on cars, with things like a roll-around tool cart and such. I’d like to give my experience from the point of view of someone who had limited resources and wasn’t aiming for a big home garage, being poor and moving frequently. I just wanted to fix a few things myself that didn’t require a lot of expensive specialized tools - brakes, clutches, water pumps, etc. I will also talk about brands, although I have no connection with any brand.
My first piece of advice is that a tool set can contain many brands. Don’t eye those huge sets with envy. You will get a big set of one brand only by spending a lot of money, or getting inferior quality. Don’t rule out used tools.
I started with a 3/8” drive ratchet. I bought it in high school, more than 50 years ago. I’m pretty sure it was 2nd hand. I still have it. It’s a classic 3/8” drive SK and it’s like an old and true friend. I knew even then that SK was a good one to get and that turned out to be true. I didn’t get a set because I didn’t have enough money. I just bought things as I needed them. Naturally, I built up a hodgepodge collection of sockets and extensions.
If I were starting over today and had a little money, I would definitely get the SK again, but I would get a small set. The ratchet, with one extension and a set of either US or metric sockets is about $200. It includes a metal box with room for a few additional pieces. I would add another extension, a universal coupling and a spark plug socket. This little kit will last your entire life. You will need another box for more tools, but there is nothing wrong with that.
My spark plug socket, by the way, is Snap-on. It’s an example of why sometimes you have to have another brand, which might be more expensive. In my case it was because I bought a car for which my socket wouldn’t fit, due to inadequate clearance at the top where the extension plugs in. The Snap-on socket has a narrower shoulder, so fits in a tighter space.
I made do with a hodgepodge of inexpensive additional wrenches for years, bought as I needed them. Eventually, I reached a point where I had more money, and I upgraded to set of Proto combination wrenches. This was before Proto was bought by Stanley. Mine are really nice, but I don’t know what they are like now. I would say look over several different brands looking for affordable quality. There is no reason they should be the same brand as your sockets. A pouch that keeps them in order is nice, so finding the right one is easy.
I have always had some oddball wrenches that don’t match anything. I used to have a short open end I used only to adjust the distributor on my Slant-6, now long gone. Now I have a double 10/13 mm open end which is my battery wrench, as I need just those two sizes to disconnect my battery. A wrench like that is easier to find in a box full of loose wrenches, or it can be kept in a separate kit.
Ultimately, your tool set will reflect your individual needs, experience, and taste. It will be unique. You will probably keep your tools long after you have lost interest in working on cars, until you pass them on to some deserving family member.

I have purchased many of my tools at estate sales. I've gotten Snap-on, Matco, Mac, Bonney and Craftsman, among others. I have made up some very nice sets but they are of various brands. All the good quality brands work well, so it's fine by me if there is a little mixing and matching.

I am a aviation mechanic and I work whit Gedore all the time. I love the tools and the service they have!

oddly this is one of my biggest stresses on moving out. im going to remember how much i rely on my dad's tools when im on my own

If your new to tools, just buy the cheapest ones you can and don't beat on them. They'll most likely last you until your friends barrow them and never give them back.

It's funny and amazing that your garage is more sofisticated than many mechanic garages! Even professional ones.

Hey, man. Thanks for your inspiration and tips. I've done the service on the engine and transmission of my light truck. Already improved the fuel economy from 17mpg up to 20mpg. Planning to clean up my maf sensor and throttle body since the idling is a bit low but I'm very satisfied with its overall performance now.

I bought a husky car set from Home Depot on sell for $100. It has over 260 pieces. I love it. My first DIY I did was change the thermostat, water pump and radiator on my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

How to get free tools: borrow from a friend on a permanent basis.

I started working on my own car a few years ago in highschool. I wanted to be able to do the basics like oil changes and brake jobs. Now I'm pulling engines and welding exhausts ( poorly I might add, but I'm doing it).
My goal was to get the tools that will get me the farthest for the least money. Most possible jobs done for the least money (without danger). Looking back I accidentally did a really good job and would recommend it to others. I will list below a long list of tools but they will allow you to overcome a huge number of car repair jobs.
I will also note, I am not much of a tool snob, but harbor freight doesn't make the greatest tools. However, they give the greatest value imo because all their tools have lifetime warranty, the customer service is great, and I've given my set pretty hard use and have never had a socket break. One time I broke a ratchet and they replaced my whole set for free. Another time the licking pliers broke and I got them replaced for free as well.
I bought the 3 ton low profile harbor freight jack for 100 bucks on sale and I have never needed anything else. I got 2 pairs of husky 3 ton jack stands for about 30 bucks each. I originally got harbor freight jack stands, but after two recalls in a row, I bought husky. I got 3 ton everything because it's easier to work under a car knowing the things holding it up have a ton more capacity than what is on them. And I could do just about every car on the road.
Then I bought the 130 dollar harbor freight Mechanics tool set. It was a medium size one. The biggest one was actually full of crap you don't need. I'm glad I couldn't afford that one because I would have bought it.
Mine came with a ton of 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive long and shallow sockets, rachets, extensions, and joints. It came with Allen keys and screwdriver bits and pliers.
I'd also recommend a 1/2" breaker bar, 1/2" torque wrench, and 3/8" torque wrench, and a dual 3/8 and 1/4 drive flexible head ratchet from harbor freight. Using coupons over a period of time I got all of those for between 11 and 16 dollars a piece.
The dual head ratchet is my ratchet with the thinnest head and can fit in really tight spaces which isn't most of the time but is important some of the time.
I'd also recommend getting a set of extractor sockets. The kind you hit on with a hammer. The number of times thats saved me in the past 3 months I've owned them is ridiculous.
All in all, I think that's less than 600 dollars and will get you really really far. I've grown my collection past that but most of the improvement has been in speed and convenience, not capability. For example my 3/8" Milwaukee M18 compact impact wrench has sped up my work by maybe 20%, but not made new jobs possible.

can we appreciate literally all the videos he makes we can watch for free. Thank you Chrisfix!!

Finally somebody who looks after there tools and has them squeaky clean

To get free tools: go to a pick a part and look in vehicles for tools other people left behind.

Wow. That first toolbox you got when you were a kid was the same one I got about a year ago from my grandpa. He cant drive out anymore to where I live so I only get to see him couple times a year. I miss him alot and wish to see him soon.

I love your reasoning out of purchasing tools. I do the same, only I always wished someone was paying me that difference, LOL. This is how I get my wife to agree of on the money spent. Every once in a while I'll let my local mechanic do a job (one I just don't want to tackle) so it bring into reality how much it does cost. He does let me purchase the parts and pay cash for the labor. Thanks for your great channel. In life you either got to be rich or learn how to do things yourself. My adult children think dad will always be here to do it. I do guide them, in doing their own, with your help of course.

That toolbox (loaded) is $1983.99 if anyone is wondering
EDIT: The toolbox is much cheaper now but it sells out quick

Throw all you tools in a single drawer and spend a whole hour trying to find a non existent 10mm

I know this is an old video but the best tools I've used was the set my wife gave me when we first got together. The Hart 215 piece mechanic set. This has been my go to set and has been the best set I've owned.

Im a teen who likes working on cars and I'm new to it and your vids help me a lot so thank you so much for making them!

DON'T LOSE YOUR 10MM SOCKET!

Black and Dekker is like a riced out 1998 honda civic with a busted out tail light but somehow lasts 10 years

One of the best tools I ever bought - ratchet screwdriver. If I hold the centre, it also turns the same direction no matter which way I twist. It’s great when taking apart facia, removing door cars etc.

This is the best car Chanel ever! I have learned so much with this guy

For toolboxes, I wholly recommend buying 2nd hand. Sometimes they're a bit beat up but with a quick sand down and a bit of paint they come up lovely 👌

Always keep dirt cheap tools on hand for certain sacrificial situations! Like when you round a bolt head off, you can hammer on the next size down !!!

Chris , your an inspiration to me. I love your videos and you scientific knowledge is excellent. I could only hope and strive to attain your expertise.

Huge collection... Droolworthy
Chris is king to have such a massive collection.
And no doubt, he is pro in his job. 👍👌

Man! Your tools are perfectly organized. Great job!
Thumbs up if you search Craigslist for tools wayy too much.
Buying a whole toolbox filled with tools is a great way for a beginner to get started.

My number One rule, sadly s NEVER LEND OUT MY TOOLS, people never return them or return damaged and never offer to pay to replace

I started with a $350 Craftsman tool set and a Dremel. Now I have quite the collection. Each time I needed a tool for a job, I would purchase it. If I thought I would use it a lot, I would buy a decent quality, if not, rando China brand. I now have a set that rivals my master mechanic Dad's set. Albeit his is all Snap-on and much nicer, but I still can get the job done in my small garage

Your videos are always good, honest and informative.

Chrisfix is just one of those people you can look up to and trust every word he says. Just an amazing dude!

I bought a 52” snap on box for 600 found it at a yard sale from a retired machinery engineer he was a nice guy helping me out alot

I got two large stacked tool boxes from an estate sale. The guy took care of his tools and Its been 6 months and I'm still finding new useful tool. It's like a bag of wanting

When I first discovered this channel my "toolbox" was a bin in my garage that only had a simple $20 socket set. For a while that was (and for the most part still) all I needed. When I need a specific tool I typically will just buy-use-return. Great video though, I hope for the day I can have a proper tool set.

Ingersoll Rand: like a Chrysler. 70% of them come out the factory broken nowadays, but when they're a well made one, they work *very* well.

“Best tools to get”
Me: duct tape and zip ties

My mum just got me a huge WZG toolbox to celebrate finishing my GCSE’s!! Love it

If I were to do it all over again from scratch, I would've started by buying a mechanics tool set w/ the hard plastic case (ie. Craftsman's 450 piece set). Plenty of tools for most people and their needs at an affordable price. The trays/drawers can come out, which means they can be placed in a larger tool chest at home when the time is right to upgrade. When it's time to hit the road, head to the track, lend it to a friend, etc. just slap the drawers into the case it came with and you're good to go. All the tools remain organized in there too, so some kaizen foam to hold the tray in place is all that's really needed. Even if more tools are eventually bought for the tool chest, it's always nice to have that case of tools on hand for the sake of portability/convenience.

this is the best mechanical channel on youtube in my opinion, straight to the point and no bullshit

i usually just use vise grips they double as wrenches and a hammer

Hey Canadian here, just started working on my new truck (2010 Ranger) and found that investing in a good rust remover and some gun or tool oil is a great help to prevent rust from condensation in the cold weather, oh and don’t know if this is common but foam dance mats make great kneeling/tool pads

Milwaukee automotive tools have never let me down. They’re a bit pricey. But so worth it. 3/8 drive compact impact wrench works wonders doing suspension work.

One of the best natural teachers on You Tube! Informative in an entertaining style.

*My tool analogy:*
Craftsman is like BMW. They don't make them like they used to.

Nice vid brother. Think you. Explained it very well. I've been doing maintenance work for like 40 years. I have a mixture of every brad. Chris is very right, starting out you don't need the high end tools unless you work automotive as a living. If your DYI cut some corners. Nice job Chris.

Finally deciding to look into repairing my own car. The times of inflation have driven me there. Thanks for putting material out. This makes a major difference and has put me on a path in life that will help me be more financially stable and also be able to help others...and if I actually persists...maybe make some money for myself.

Without even watching the video. I can tell you, as a professional mechanic, any tool that gets the job done is the best tool. Makes no difference if it's a snap-on, or a cheap ass off brand. ANY tool is better than not getting it fixed! Yes I have expensive day to day tools, but my set I carry arround with me in my car is a mish-mash of off brands, and misfits.

2:43 that random cumbia music 😂

Hello Chris.
Tools at ur place are cheap but labor is expensive.
After getting inspiration from you and few other people like you ...I have started to gather my own tool set.

I was a few years Chris I've enjoyed watching your shows. But here's something that would be worth showing on one of your videos taking a set of different wrenches brand. Example 13 mm open wrench and measure each opening of each wrench. You'll be surprised how much of a difference there is. It's a good reason why people strip off bolts and nuts

craftsman is like a old ford truck. tough reliable strong and gets the job done

I love your presentations, styles, explaining & your workshop. Best of luck. Love from Pakistan.

I got one of those big read leatherman sets of sockets and wrenches and I love it!

craftsman would be like the Subaru of tools. Not as fancy as the Snap-On but you can't kill it. Runs like new for practically forever. Super reliable and a great gold standard.

I was going to buy a impact wrench to do a brake job on my car to make it easier. I realised I could use a socket adapter on my impact driver it did the job saved myself $190. Always research the tools you want to buy first !

This guy loves a good box

Ima be honest best youtuber you cover everything in your vids hope to see more drift videos

Tool analogy
Anything free or found is just the car your uncle gives you when he gets a new one, it’s just something different that still works fine, you’ll probably replace it in a few years but it’s nice to have one