WTB: Tools/Car maintenance Parts store recommendations

[Wildfire]

This is a ultra noob question.

Im going to attempt to change my rear brakes for the first time(it should be fun, I have never done this before). Im using this opportunity to slowly build up my tool set here. I need to buy a Hydraulic Jack and a brake caliper compression tool.

Can anyone recommend stores where they purchase car auto tools/parts from at decent prices? My reason for asking is because I have no idea here as the stores are different (back home I'd run to Halfords or B&Q to buy tools and parts). Over here the only place I know of is Canadian Tire and that Princess Auto parts place.

Any suggestions appreciated.

[FlyBoy]

Re: WTB: Tools/Car maintenance Parts store recommendations

Mastercraft (Canadian Tire) and Craftsman (Sears) are both good. Look for the stuff with the lifetime warranties for the best items. Both have sales almost constantly so if they don't have what you want this week, try next week.

Mac and Snap-On are probably the best stuff, but the biggest $$.

Princess Auto is good for cheap stuff that you don't plan to use much, and don't care how long it lasts.

Remember you get what you pay for.

I have bought some of the special tools here: http://www.metalnerd.com/

[Satnam]

Re: WTB: Tools/Car maintenance Parts store recommendations

you could borrow the brake caliper tool (need to turn/screw in the piston for rear caliper) from part source/ autovalue...
It's not a tool that you would use much, princess auto has the cube thing for about $6 - $10 that you could also use.
floor jack - places mentioned, Costco
maybe some Metric hex tools that fit on a ratchet - princess auto
an impact screwdriver (used with a hammer - sometimes need it to loosen the phillips screw that holds the rotor on).

[stefan]

Re: WTB: Tools/Car maintenance Parts store recommendations

As far as torx and hex bits, I just got this on sale and it was worth it IMO:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

The cube brake tool mentioned above kinda sucks. I have one and I've lost a lot of skin with it. The proper tool is way nicer. May not be worth buying that one though since its not a frequently used one. I'd borrow or rent the nice calliper tool and not bother with the cube.

[Stonewall]

Re: WTB: Tools/Car maintenance Parts store recommendations

Wait till sears has a sale on their basic 100+ piece tool sets. You are way better off buying craftsman then mastercraft in my experience so far as it seems Cambodian tire has a major turn over in the tools they carry. I also second PA for cheap items that you are not going to use often or may not need high precision (like pliers etc). I also own a couple metalnerd tools and they are great quality.

[Kor]

Re: WTB: Tools/Car maintenance Parts store recommendations

POWER FIST! Princess Auto is awesome, cheap tools do the same job 95% of the time.

[dJ]

Re: WTB: Tools/Car maintenance Parts store recommendations

POWER FIST! Princess Auto is awesome, cheap tools do the same job 95% of the time.

rofl. Like already posted, buy tools from their with only the intension's of using them a half a dozen times. Any more and you are setting yourself up to fail lol.

[Kor]

Re: WTB: Tools/Car maintenance Parts store recommendations

rofl. Like already posted, buy tools from their with only the intension's of using them a half a dozen times. Any more and you are setting yourself up to fail lol.

I have had tons of tools that I've used for years - it depends on the tool.

I have full sets of metric and imperial wrenches and sockets for example - they're awesome. All my screwdrivers - awesome. Never had a problem with my torque wrench.

[Stonewall]

Re: WTB: Tools/Car maintenance Parts store recommendations

The only think I wouldn't get from PA are things like wrenches, sockets and ratchets. You are way better off buying craftsman as if they break you get a new one. The other thing is you can rely on them to not break at a bad time and leave you with a bloody hand.

[Benjamin]

Re: WTB: Tools/Car maintenance Parts store recommendations

Alright, here is what I have to say about this. As somebody who used to work in a shop and used the boss's snapon sockets and wrenches all day there is a difference. To the average person though most of you will never notice the difference or be put in a situation where you have to. The biggest difference between the two is the type of metal used and also the fit. I found the snap on's didn't wear as fast or the same as those from Craftsman or Mastercraft. Now to most of you, including me, we will probably lose the socket well before we wear it out.
You will notice the big difference a month after use and you get a half corroded bolt in a bad spot. The high priced tools you have a better chance at getting it out then one of the ones mentioned. Its true, and in the world of mechanics time is $$, and more time screwing around with a stripped bolt is $$ you don't make. Now as backyard mechanics that live in a province with little salt, probably save your money and wait for a sale on a big socket set.
I don't love Princess Auto for sockets, but the quality will not be far off those from Mastercraft or Craftman. I have tools from all, typically though if I plan on using it a lot or its something like a triple square bit I spend the extra for it. If you plan on doing oil changes the odd brake job, or just a few things on your car go cheap, the expensive stuff will never be worth it to you.

Just my 2 cents...

Benjamin