I did a quick search but couldn't find this info... but are there any parts suppliers that make tool sets for mitsubishi cars? I know Snapon does Toyota sets (kind of expensive but cool)...

 

They're called "metric" tools. It's a crazy easy-to-use unit system that most of the world has embraced.

 

Haha...

True, they just use metric... however, the Snap-on set would be ideal for someone who doesn't have any good quality tools. No more stripped bolts from crappy Craftsman tools. The set comes with EVERYTHING you would need to take the whole car apart. I'm not sure how much diagnostic equipment it comes with, but it still is a neat set. Honda has a separate diagnostic set for $1200. At $3500 for the Toyota set, it's only for the hardcore mechanic though. I was wondering if there was anything for Mitsubishi. Since it was Toyota dealership master mechanics who sponsored creating the Toyota Snap-on set, I doubt the Mitsubishi dealerships have done anything similar.... but I could be wrong.

 

Any good tool set will allow you to do whatever work you want on your car.

And the toyote specific tool set you are talking about, as far as I am aware, is a very specific set of tools. They only include socket sizes that are used on the car....not a complete set.

So if there is a person out there who doesn't have good quality tools, I would recommend they go buy a whole set...not a specific one for a car brand.

Even Craftsmen tools will work wonderfully....not sure why you think they are crappy. Socket sizes are standardized. So if a 3/8 wrench is rounding off your bolts, your problem lies with the fact that you are using the wrong size, not that you are using the wrong brand.

You can't go wrong with tools that have lifetime warranties....

SC~ who has a full set of Craftsman Tools...and has never had a problem with them at all.

 

I havn't had any problems, working on my VW with my crappy plain old set of metric Craftsman tools, have not stripped anything out yet...

 

Ok, crappy may have been too strong a word... they're decent, but they're not perfect. I've had a 3/8" ratcheting wrench that twisted when the socket slipped off the wrench a little. Lifetime warranties are good but brands like Snap-on have them, too. I use Harbor Freight tools (Chinese-made and cheaper) and from what I can tell, they're no different from what I can get at Sears. However, when I pick up a Snap-on tool, there's a big difference. Snap-on tools fit bolts better, they're more precise. Plus, Snap-on tools are lighter and smaller.

Anyhow, I've been reading up on tools and most people say there are a few basic differences, but usually it's a matter of personal preference. I definitely don't know enough about the different brands to give a great opinion. But, most people on the net agree that Craftsman is not an ideal professional tool. Actually, one person made a distinction between old Craftsman and new Craftsman saying the new ones were bad. Who knows?

Didn't mean to step on any toes... I just wanted info on tool sets. BTW, if you're only working on one type of car, then those customized sets are fine. Keeping prices low by only buying what you need is not a bad idea. If money is no object, then by all means get a complete set

 

 

I did some research on this yesterday. It turns out the Toyota tool sets are as I thought, specified tools only...they are not complete sets of sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers...etc.

But here's the thing that contradicts what you are saying above. This tool set is by NO means affordable. Go to snap-on.com and search "Toyota". You will see that the Toyota Apprentice tool set is $3567.95! It includes things like impact wrench sockets and other pieces for air tools. So unless you have a compressor and the acillaries for the proper use of air tools at home, lots of the pieces in this tool set would be useless to you.

If you are fishing to find out what tool set you should get, you should ask yourself these questions.

1. How much are you willing to spend on buying tools right now. Even a good general tool set from Snap-on will run you near $1k. A really nice 2-300 piece Craftsman set will cost half that. You are not a professional mechanic. So the difference in percieved quality will be of no palatable difference. Mechanics sometimes have problems with Craftsman ratchets because they use the tool about 100 times a day. You would probably not use it 100 times in 5 years.

2. What will you be using the tools for? Automotive only? Or will you also use them to fix things/ build things around your home? If you will be using the tools for lots of things, it would serve your bank account better to buy a more general tool-kit, and not an automotive specific one.....since you will likely need a good hammer before you need a tie rod puller.

3. Are your uses generally employing metric or standard size hardware? If they are all metric, then it would be a waste for you to buy standard size equipment....and if you use both, you should plan to buy both....and realize this will be more expensive. Almost all home tool applications use standard sizes. Your Civic will be about 90% metric....I know, I owned one for a while.

4. How often will you use them? Again, the extra cost of Snap-on brand tools is not a wise place to put your $$, IMO, if you are realistically only going to use the tools once a week or month. If you are a casual user of tools, you can get Craftsman, and you will have no troubles for years. You could go even cheaper and get more Harbor Freight tools...but the brands they sell are generally of the cheaper qualities....those cheap tools are made from softer metals and are more likely to break, stretch or bend.


I hope this helps you a little in making your decision about what tools to get.

SC~ who uses his Craftsman tools 1-2x each week for the past 10 years and has never had one break or fail.

 

double post, so solly...

 

Thanks for the detailed reply... in any case, Snap-on does cost sometimes 5x what Craftsman costs. However, USED Snap-on tools are generally just double what Craftsman costs. So my plan is to buy a used Snap-on tool now and then, and maybe after a couple of years I'll have a full set to replace my cheap ones. It will be a little less painful than giving away $2k+ at once

I'm not a pro, so why do I want the better tools? Well, why do some people buy Z's and Porsches when they never intend to drive fast? Just because they're cool

Actually, my theory is the nicer it is, the better care you will take of it.

 

No problem. But I think you need to seriously analyze what you need vs what you want. There are better places to spend your money...places where you will actually see the benefit of spending more for something.

Tools have no "cool" factor...unless it's a new tool that does something better/faster/chreaper than before that you are talking about.

No one is going to be impressed by what used tools you buy. Actually, many people will think you are on a silly pointless journey looking to find a used tool, that is of equal or marginally better quality than a new one by a different brand... that also happens to be half it's price.

Buying a used tool every now and again is a good way to slowly build your collection. But it is not a good method if you have things you want to/ need to do now.

But by the sounds of things, you don't really need any tools...you just want to buy anything that is of Snap-on brand because of some percieved status symbolism you have associated with the name.

but in the end, I agree with you. You have very cheaply made tools now, ie Harbor Freight brand ones. As they break, upgrade them for higher quality versions.

My theory is that if I paid for it, I'm going to take care of it...regardless of it's brand or price.

SC~

 

90% of people will be just fine with a mid-range Craftsman set. I have a 260-270 piece Craftsman socket and wrench set (metric and standard) a couple screw driver sets, and a pile of general use tools (torque wrench, oversized sockets, pry bars, etc) I've spent well under $1000 on the whole lot of them, and I have enough tools to tear my Stealth down to the bare frame if I so choose.

It may just be an "old" Mitsubishi, but I'm sure it's put together the same way these new fangled Evos are. The bolts still have six sides, and you turn them clockwise to tighten. Very rarely will you need any of the special "dealer only" tools. The only time I've needed any special Mitsu tools for my car was when I was setting the timing belt. In the rare event that you need it, you can get stuff like that through OTC. (www.otctools.com)

The factory service manual (not that Haynes or Chilton garbage) is the best tool you can possibly own. They're pricey, but trust me, it IS worth it.

 

Now that is possibly the best piece of advice given in this thread. Thanks.

SC: I know you're trying to be helpful, but you're not talking to some 15 year old kid... please, cut the condescension a little. My comment about those tools being "cool" was half in jest. Sometimes, it's just a nice feeling to own something of high quality. Otherwise, my reasons for getting "Snap-on" or other brand tool is because they have a good reputation. And it would be nice to go car tuning professional one day, so I could be investing for the future.
As for taking care of tools, well, I wouldn't use an expensive screwdriver to mix paint and stuff like I do now.
In any case, thanks for your input...

 

Sorry....not trying to sound condescending.

I was just trying to get to the point that there is no additional benefit for a weekend mechanic to buy tools that are more expensive than they need to be.

And if you ever do become a professional tuner, that is when you should buy your Snap-on stuff. You could then write off the expense as business related and get lots of the $$ back in taxes.

SC~who says you shouldn't use ANY screwdriver to mix paint...thats why the make paint mixers. :P

 

I have an alternative: Go to Lowe's and buy Kobalt tools. They're comparable in price to Craftsman and have the "quality" (i.e. shiny finish) that Snap-on does. In fact Kobalt is a subsidiary of Snap-on.
It's been awhile since I've used a Snap-on tool, but IMHO, Kobalt tools are Snap-on tools but Kobalt does not have to cover the cost of financing mechanics who buy off the Snap-on truck. I also believe that Snap-on created Kobalt to get some of the lucrative market that Sears had to themselves for awhile. I've stopped buying Craftsman and now buy Kobalt only.

Disclaimer: I do not work nor have I ever worked for Lowe's, Sears, Snap-on or Kobalt. I've just used hand tools for 30+ years!