So i'm relativity new to working on cars and I'm wondering if there's any must have tools ....especially for working on a civic ?

ie. best ratchet set to own etc

 

Depends on what you want to spend. For most people, Craftsman tools are just fine. Snap-On are amazing, but so is their price. Whatever you get, make sure there's metric sizes in there from 8mm to 17mm or larger, and preferably in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive. If you can find them with 6-point sockets, get those instead of 12 (6 point are usually less likely to round a frozen bolt).

You'll also want to invest in a good set of open-end wrenches (usually have an open end and a closed end), again in 8mm-17mm sizes. The ratcheting types are okay, but usually don't handle the torque of stubborn bolts. Don't go cheap on these - I have a cheap 14mm one that I show off for fun because I bent it 45" laterally and 10* in another direction while trying to free a rusted bolt. I'm stunned it didn't snap in half.

I'd also get a good torque wrench. They make two types - beam, and dial (I think that's what it's called - you adjust it at the handle). Beam tend to be pretty accurate (aircraft mechanics are required to use those), but the dial type are usually close enough that you'll be okay. If you get a dial-type, skip Craftsman. They typically break, and they're the one tool that Sears won't guarantee for life. I have two that are broken and completely useless.

I'd also recommend a long, 1/2" breaker bar.

You'll also want to get a timing light, and a good multi-meter. I'm sure there's a few more tools I've forgotten.

 

at some point you end up spending more money on toolsthen you intended,id get used to that.lol.um.. descent jack,jackstands,a manual on your car specifically is always nice,i set of deep dish sockets(8mm to 18mm),and a 12" extension to get down into that head,a cheap drop light(prefurrably led,they always get droppped)a magnetic extendable retreaver for fallen sockets(they make em now inside a flashlight,cool)a heavy dudy peace of pipe to put on breaker bars for leverage,a pickle fork(you never need 1 untell you need 1)ducktape,bailing wire,wd 40...get it all for like 20 dollars at harbor frieght,hahaha

 

Yes.. Harbor freight is a great place for starters and for people who are budget conscious. As tools break (which they will), you can start to see a trend on what tools you use the most and eventually begin to get better quality replacements in the future.

 

You should only need 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 and 21 mm, unless someone has switched some of the bolts with "American metric" used on other cars. Why does every set include 9 and 11 mm as well? The only place I've ever encountered those size bolt heads is on a Slovenian moped.

 

0. Helms manual, not haynes
1. Hydraulic jack and heavy jackstands, not little stands because they're not as stable
2. Socket set and a regular metric wrench set. I use craftsman because my discover card can pay back with sears gift cards, so most of my stuff I got for free. I agree that you may only need certain sizes, but it's so much cheaper to buy the entire set of sizes upfront and be done with it instead of buying a few pieces separately. My socket set came with 3/8" and 1/2" drive.
3. socket extension set
4. Breaker bar and propane torch
5. Oil filter wrench

the list will go on forever, trust me.

 

Thanks every one for your responses it really helps

 

^^ No kiddin.. got top and bottom full of tools on my Snap-*n box and still buying, and am just a weekend DIY'er

 

Thats the fun part with tools though! Once you get started, its perfectly fine to keep going buying new ones, because they're not single-purpose!

I live in an apartment now so all my good garage equipment is gone, but I've got about 4 toolboxes full of various stuff. Everything from standard ratchet sets and open/box ended wrenches, to one box entirely full of nothing but specialty tools.