Tools Question

Hey guys I am looking to be able to do a few Jeep related projects in the future and want to have the right equipment to do it. I would like to get some air tools and a compressor that will be able to operate them properly. I'm not rich so Snap-On is out of the question. Any good suggestions on compressors along with tank size and required HP for the motor. What is the difference between oiled? and oil-less? Also good suggestions on what tools should be purchased for general mechanic work on a JK to include metric/SAE sizes. Thanks!!!

LIFT, you need a LIFT! Then let us know when you get it

I run a Husky 60 gal / 1.5 - 5 HP oiless compressor. I got it for $300.00 on sale with a set of air tools with it (Impact wrench, air hammer, air ratchet, tire chuck, and fittings) from Home Depot almost 7 year ago and it hasn't let me down yet.

get yourself a set of impact sockets in Metric to start. If you got the $$ get a set of SAE too and the larger socket for the front axle shaft nut.

Then a 3/8" ratchet set. Husky is a decent brand for the $$ and they offer a warranty similar to craftsman on hand tools (at least last time I check... been a while tho) - bring it in & they should replace it if broken.

That is a good start.

Can't beat Craftsman wrenches and sockets. Best bang for the buck. Invest in a good set of gear wrenches SAE and Metric with open end on one side then geared boxed end on the other. These things are great in a tight spot. I hardly use sockets now.

I also use a small Dewalt air compressor with impact gun an other various air tools. Pawn shops are also a great sorce for tools.

On the air compressor min 30 gal but what you want to keep in mind is what you are gonna use it for just about any will run a impact or ratchet or air chuck but if you plan on running air grinders or cut off wheels or sanders you want to look at the CFM and make sure the compressor can keep up with you once you decide what you want check out the Sears store on 410 between culebra and military they sell refurbished craftsman compressor cheap and warranty them

Having Snap-on or Mac tools is great, but i really bought them more for speciality tools i needed when i was a mechanic. You cant go wrong with Craftsman tools as most of them have a lifetime warranty. I have a 30 gallon Craftsman compressor that i have for about 10 years and never had any problems other than needing to replace the air hose when it showed signs of cracking. It will do the job in most cases. Some jobs i have done ive had to wait for the pressure to build back up, but i new ahead of time that would be the case. Just my 2 cents.....

Like chris said, PAWN SHOP baby! I've bought broken craftsman tools and taken in under warranty no questions

Thanks for the replies. I have a decent set of Craftsman wrenches in SAE and a 3/8 socket set (no name) and also a pretty decent mixed 1/2 inch socket set. Any opinions good or bad on compressors from Campbell Hausfeld, Husky and Craftsman??? I saw a decent 26 gallon Husky at Home Depot which inluded a 1/2 in impact and 3/8 ratchet for around $220....

Been checking out pawn shops as well.....

edit to my above post, I have a 32 gal Husky compressor.


the 26 gal w/extras for $220.00 sounds pretty reasonable.

Ya what he said.

Picked up the 26 Gallon Husky with tools for about $260/including taxes. Thanks for the responses peeps!

I know that I do this stuff for a living......I have been disappointed with Craftsman stuff recently. At Christmas time I was looking for a starter set for my son. I walked out of Sears with nothing. The Pittsburg stuff has as good of a finish as Craftsman with the same warranty at a fraction of the cost from Harbor Freight. They stand behind their stuff and I have had no trouble getting warranty stuff taken care of
(wearing a greasy uniform and driving a service truck). If I were in your shoes I would talk to a Snap-On guy and get a catalog and a price list. Then when you hit the net or pawn shops you have an idea what stuff sells for. Snap-On also sells some other lines that are still good quality with a more reasonable price. My son got a Blue Point socket set with wrenches, sold and warranted by Snap-On. This set was comparable in price to Sears and with much better quality. Home Depot and Lowes stuff is also fairly priced with good quality.

It's still not wrenchin' unless you bust some knucles...
Does anyone know where Pittsburg, China is? I think that is kinda funny.....

Good hunting!!

What part of Texas is that?