What tools do I need

Alright guys, I'm going to buy at least a socket set and a few other tools if I don't already have them but I need a little help with what sizes I should be buying and if there is any other must have tools to do some general maintenance on my 02 Tacoma. I'm sick of going to my dad's and digging through his messy toolbox to find a few sockets. Am I going to want metric or standard? 1/2" drive or 1/4" drive? Bare with me guys I really don't know what I'm doing but I'd really like to start knowing some things at least.
And I apologize if this already is a thread somewhere I searched a bit but found nothing what I was looking for.

 

90% of all modern cars regardless of make are going to be Metric in exception of a few rare instances. There’s a few fasteners on the truck that are Standard, but you won’t notice it in most cases.

You’re going to want a combination set of SAE and Metric, 1/4, 3/4, and 1/2 drive. Any big box store socket set will do 99.999% of all fasteners on your truck. I bought my socket set from Costco and it’s never failed me.

Then you get into speciality bits like Torx, E-Torx (Female), Allen, JIS (Japanese Industry Standard), Pozi Drive, Hex, etc etc etc.

 

In “Mods & Tutorials”, “2nd gen how to”, “list of sockets and wrenches”. Doesn’t appear to be one for 1st or 3rd gens. Should be of some use as a template.

Get metric plus a set of deep sockets. 3/8 inch drive, eventually you will want 1/4 drive. Simple beam torque wrench 3/8”. Set of 6 ton jack stands, 3-4 ton are too short.

 

Get a $99 Craftsman kit and add what you need as you go.

 

I'm not a huge fan of 12 point sockets, they can round bolt heads especially since you're likely to be dealing with rust up there in Michigan. I think rnish has the right idea. I would get a ratchet and set of metric impact sockets like this:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-10-...ive-6-point-Deep-Impact-Socket-Set/1000248557

I use my flare end wrenches a fair bit:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...tric-Flare-Nut-Open-End-Wrench-Set/1000600333

And some ratcheting wrenches are also nice to have:

 

Ratcheting Wrenches are one of my favorite tools. They’re super useful in tight places.

A simple electric impact driver is a good investment too. I have a cheap DeWalt hammer drill with the socket chuck adapter and it gets most of fasteners I need except for large ones.

 

Couple of nut drivers for hose clamps never hurt. Flashlights. Mag mounted lights. Jacks. Jack stands. Oil filter tool. Breaker bar for oil filter tool.

 

Nice set.

FWIW - I don't like to use any type of chrome plated (e.g. non impact grade) socket for anything. Of course there are exceptions like a spark plug socket. For the most part, I've had very few cases where nut or bolt heads get rounded off with black impact grade sockets. They just seen to cling to whatever you're trying to remove -- impact or no impact driver.

 

Reversible ratcheting wrenches.
A magnetic spark plug socket, I dont like the kind with the grommet.
Extra long wrenches/ratcheting wrenches.

 

So with the impact sockets I would just buy a ratchet to use them with correct? But with that kobalt set I could also use say a battery impact and use the socket bit without buying specifically an impact only for that purpose.

 

Add a 1/2" drive Impact Wrench (won't need more than 650lb) and a set of metric sockets from 12mm-24mm or 27mm, a 3" and 6" extension, and you'll be able to knock out removing and replacing the bigger drive train components as well.

In the vehicle alone; I have sockets between 10mm-19mm in 3/8" drive, and 14mm-19mm in 1/2" drive as well, a 3/8" drive socket wrench, a 1/2" drive socket wrench, 1/2" drive breaker bar, wobbly 10mm socket, ratcheting wrenches in 12-14mm (super useful), a pick up magnet, a dish magnet, LED flash light, brass drift, and a few extensions and I can knock out everything from maintenance to full blown suspension replacement.

Having this in my truck means I never have to go inside the house to get anything more than maybe my creeper, and impact wrench if I deem it necessary.

 

An easy $200,000.00 in tools over 45 years it seems there is always something that makes a job easier.

 

@Emmetjmcc4

Bad picture but went out and took one.

Forgot I also have some wire cutters, pliers, and snap ring pliers with different heads to replace with (been useful), microfiber towels, ball joint separator, and other useful items.

 

you should organize your Dad's toolbox and sockets for him so you have less trouble finding them!

flare nut 'line' wrenches is on my wishlist so i can take my fuel filter off

you must have one heckuva air compressor!

 

Only have a 7 1/2 HP Snap On my Portable one got sold with my almost New Welding Rig during the Divorce to generate fast cash

 

Start with a good 3/8" drive socket and a basic set of regular and deep metric sockets. Add in a variety of pliers and spanners and screwdrivers and you'll be able to about 60% of DIY tasks. It'll take time to get your setup built up. Eventually, if you stick with it, you'll start getting tools for every odd job on your vehicle. For example, my 1/2" and 3/8" impact socket drawer alone looks like this:



Notice that only a handful of them have seen heavy use, and you can probably point to them. 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", and 15/16" sockets here cover the vast majority of sockets you'll ever see on a vehicle (less axle nuts which I have a different set of sockets for). For pliers, I use the sliding channel locks, vice grips, needle nose, and bent needle nose most often. most often.



A good set of Metric and standard hex wrenches will get you started and will work with most of the fasteners (less the bed and tailgate fasteners which are torx). I highly suggest you invest in a set of wrenches. Ratcheting wrenches are a huge help! I wish I had invested in the flex head combo wrenches, but I'll wait until I bash these things up a bit more. My 14mm is shot from heavy use (as yours will be too).

 

I keep three tool boxes to separate tools based on type of vehicle or purpose.

1) Metric for Toyota and Nissan 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, with selects up to 36mm in verious shapes and types.

2) Metric for Honda and non-Toyota/Nissan 9mm, 11mm, 13mm, 15mm - the odd-ball stuff.

3) SAE - Mostly stuff from years ago.

 

I’d never say a 1/2” electric or pneumatic impact is a must have, especially for new guys who will break more shit than they’ll fix with one.

The prices are affordable for an entry level tool, but a breaker bar gets the same job done much safer and much more expected without risk.

 

There is one for 1st gens, here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ckets-and-wrenches-for-1st-gen-tacoma.481748/

 

Don't forget a set of nylon interior tools to remove panels & such. Frustration & damage of not havin' 'em far outweighs the few bucks they cost.