DIY maintainance - what tools do I need

[ttper]

Dear RFDers,

I have a 2001 Civic 4 door. What kind of tools do I need if I want to do maintenance such as changing engine oil, oil filter and engine air filter at home?
Is this socket set worth it for long run?
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=HZIjn9rH8Hqj8C96mgIc jEuriuEqXPY46OCajdr16KQFWW1C341D!-859310307!172915477!7205!7305?postal=l4c0l2&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443287995&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396674301&bmForm=form_set_price_list&bmFormID=1205438627253&bmUID=1205438627253&bmHash=81182565e8d087e92964767e600cc8f50f290ab1

Thank you for your answer.

[mtl4]

Dear RFDers,

I have a 2001 Civic 4 door. What kind of tools do I need if I want to do maintenance such as changing engine oil, oil filter and engine air filter at home?
Is this socket set worth it for long run?
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=HZIjn9rH8Hqj8C96mgIc jEuriuEqXPY46OCajdr16KQFWW1C341D!-859310307!172915477!7205!7305?postal=l4c0l2&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443287995&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396674301&bmForm=form_set_price_list&bmFormID=1205438627253&bmUID=1205438627253&bmHash=81182565e8d087e92964767e600cc8f50f290ab1

Thank you for your answer.


That's a pretty good set and should get you through most basic maintenance items. Most people find out pretty quickly that having the cheapo tool set from Walmart and doing DIY stuff is a bad mix. The only other item I'd suggest is a set of oil filter pliers, very handy for stubborn filters! I assume you already have a set of ramps or jackstands that you'll be using to keep the vehicle in the air while working under it. If not, I'd suggest a floorjack and jackstands for your list too.

They go on sale for $17 or you can find them at almost any auto parts store:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=140847439 6672922&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441899943&bmUID=1205439657293&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true

Decent floorjack & jackstand set:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444295 2215&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672442&bmUID=1205440222894&deptid=1408474396672395&ctgrid=1408474396672399&subctgrid=1408474396672442

[hamant]

yes.. thats a good socket set. Don't get jobmate. i've broken 2 wrenches (and really hurt myself in the process).

The pliers are nessasary, but helpful if you don't have a large adjustment wrench

you need a pan to catch the oil (I use a dishwasher detergent container) and a bunch of rags

[Notorious_T]

If your only doing oil changes your only going to be using one wrench unless you want to do other things so it depends what you need it for but just a thought.

[Whitedart]

Dear RFDers,

I have a 2001 Civic 4 door. What kind of tools do I need if I want to do maintenance such as changing engine oil, oil filter and engine air filter at home?
Is this socket set worth it for long run?
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=HZIjn9rH8Hqj8C96mgIc jEuriuEqXPY46OCajdr16KQFWW1C341D!-859310307!172915477!7205!7305?postal=l4c0l2&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443287995&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396674301&bmForm=form_set_price_list&bmFormID=1205438627253&bmUID=1205438627253&bmHash=81182565e8d087e92964767e600cc8f50f290ab1


If you don't have a lot of experience with car maintenance, does a local high school offer any DIY Basic auto maintenance courses?

I know they used to be popular years ago, but I don't know if they are still offered.

Regarding the tool kit, it would be a useful all purpose set of decent quality tools. One wrench for the oil drain plug, and an oil filter tool/pliers are all that is needed for the oil change in tools. A drain pan and wiper cloths would also be needed. The air filter should likely use snap on clamps, and may require a flat screwdriver, if any tools at all. Mine I snap open and closed by hand.

For a Civic, you are probably going to want a hydralic floor jack and jack stands to safely support the car if working under it. The drive on ramps I have are too steep to use with an Accord.

[TenzoR]

I would start by getting a repair book, bentley for example.

This way you can read over the stuff you need to do and what tools you'll need and have an idea what you'll need.

I'm sure there are a lot of DIY guides online but I find the bentley book very resourceful and easy to use ;)

[craftsman]

They go on sale for $17 or you can find them at almost any auto parts store:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=140847439 6672922&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441899943&bmUID=1205439657293&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true


I got a vise grip version from Princess Auto for $8.

[lumlum1013]

- Set of metric/imperial sockets & screw drivers +/-100 pcs 1/4" & 3/8" at least, +1/2" optional(craftmans (Sears) or Mastercraft maximum (CT) for life warranty)

- set of metric/imperial ranch +/-20 pcs

- 1/2" torque wrench and a long extended socket that fits your wheel nuts

- Various size of Pliers (pointy and flat)

- Jack stands (MUST)

- Oil drain pan and funnel

- latex gloves....

[weales]

- Set of metric/imperial sockets & screw drivers +/-100 pcs 1/4" & 3/8" at least, +1/2" optional(craftmans (Sears) or Mastercraft maximum (CT) for life warranty)

- set of metric/imperial ranch +/-20 pcs

- 1/2" torque wrench and a long extended socket that fits your wheel nuts

- Various size of Pliers (pointy and flat)

- Jack stands (MUST)

- Oil drain pan and funnel

- latex gloves....

Pretty much with what I started with.

OP, just buy the basic standard tools buy & more stuff later on if you see yourself doing suspension work or dropping a K in your car :cheesygri .

Since you own a civic, you can find service manuals online in PDF format pretty easy. Just google around or PM me and I'll can send ya the service manual if no one else helps out.

[huskylord]

Get some wheel chokes too.
And learn where to properly lift your car and place the jack stands (too many people damage the underbelly of their vehicles by improperly lifting)

[hamant]

Get some wheel chokes too.
And learn where to properly lift your car and place the jack stands (too many people damage the underbelly of their vehicles by improperly lifting)

Very good point.
make sure you do this safely above all else. I normally use 2 jacks. The extra one is just incase.

It might be over kill, but the extra 2 minutes could potentially save your life. Another thing I do when taking a wheel off is I put the wheel under the car. That way if the worst should happen, the car will land on the wheel rather than the rotor (or worst, you).

[Exas]

Don't forget the funnel! I remember forgetting to get a funnel first time I changed my oil.

[IoannI]

Bro are you the same guy who posted DIY: Basement, what tools do I need?