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Must have tools

FatBoyM

FatBoyM

Rookie owner
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Hello again..
I'm not a mechanic or training to be one but I would like to own some of the "must have tools", so I can troubleshoot, repair or adjust the fairly basics.
I have a Holley Carburetor & I need a Vacuum gauge to help me better tune the carb. I do not have a tachometer & my ears are not professionally tuned for this.
What gauge do you like & what other specialty tools would you recommend, beyond the basic man tools we should all own.
Tools that can help me be a responsible papa to my K5..
 
a vacuum gauge can tell you many thing about how an engine is running, and about it's mechanical soundness. They are not expensive, you could get a vacuum hand pump, it is great for checking vacuum advance, egr, HVAC door vac pots, and the like. It will also read engine vacuum, so 2 for 1.
Timing light for your K5. Distributor wrench. A quality DVOM, 12volt test light, Harbor Freight infrared thermometer. stethoscope automotive type.
 
Wes Harden said:
a vacuum gauge can tell you many thing about how an engine is running, and about it's mechanical soundness. They are not expensive, you could get a vacuum hand pump, it is great for checking vacuum advance, egr, HVAC door vac pots, and the like. It will also read engine vacuum, so 2 for 1.
Timing light for your K5. Distributor wrench. A quality DVOM, 12volt test light, Harbor Freight infrared thermometer. stethoscope automotive type.
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Any specific brands you like? I'm thinking analog on the vacuum gauge, not sure of the brand. I love me some harbor Freight time.
 
for the vacuum gauge/pump,stethoscope, test light, and the infrared HF is fine I try not to buy Pittsburgh forge or the lowest price brand, any more.

On the test light get one with an Incandescent bulb, not led. As for the dvom I am sure HF has a decent one, but I haven't looked into them. Fluke would be my choice, but they are $$$.
You might luck on FB market place on some used tools. I have gotten some decent bargains on Snap on hand tools on Ebay in last couple of years
 
Wes Harden said:
for the vacuum gauge/pump,stethoscope, test light, and the infrared HF is fine I try not to buy Pittsburgh forge or the lowest price brand, any more.

On the test light get one with an Incandescent bulb, not led. As for the dvom I am sure HF has a decent one, but I haven't looked into them. Fluke would be my choice, but they are $$$.
You might luck on FB market place on some used tools. I have gotten some decent bargains on Snap on hand tools on Ebay in last couple of years
Click to expand...
Agreed. I'm ok with spending money on quality, the "disposable" or basics I get at HF..
 
kennyw said:
Most of us have built our tool selection one at a time as we needed them. You will never get one complete list. Most of us forgot about half of the tools we actually own.
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Yes, I agree.
People here have more experience may have suggestions for a (few) tool that they rely on or learned the hard way that it's a must have for general maintenance/ repair.
I'm not going to need piston removal tool or exhaust cutting, etc...
Looking for some basic advice about must have tools for a new K5 owner to keep her running while out on the road.
 
Here’s my list of the basics:

Decent socket sets 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” drive
Screwdriver set
Combination wrenches (I prefer ratcheting style, but don’t have to be)
Hub nut socket for your axle (10b and d44 use the same one)

I’m with the others getting a test light, DVOM, mechanic stethoscope and a vacuum gauge.

Keep in mind on the sockets and wrenches you’ll need both standard and metric sizes as GM took for ever to transition to metric in the 80’s.

That should put you at a solid starting point.

As you move forward adding in electric will speed things up. Like an electric ratchet and impact gun. The electric stuff has completely eliminated the need to have an air compressor for wrenching duties at home or in a pro shop.
 
FatBoyM said:
Hello again..
I'm not a mechanic or training to be one but I would like to own some of the "must have tools", so I can troubleshoot, repair or adjust the fairly basics.
I have a Holley Carburetor & I need a Vacuum gauge to help me better tune the carb. I do not have a tachometer & my ears are not professionally tuned for this.
What gauge do you like & what other specialty tools would you recommend, beyond the basic man tools we should all own.
Tools that can help me be a responsible papa to my K5..
Click to expand...
FatBoyM said:
Hello again..
I'm not a mechanic or training to be one but I would like to own some of the "must have tools", so I can troubleshoot, repair or adjust the fairly basics.
I have a Holley Carburetor & I need a Vacuum gauge to help me better tune the carb. I do not have a tachometer & my ears are not professionally tuned for this.
What gauge do you like & what other specialty tools would you recommend, beyond the basic man tools we should all own.
Tools that can help me be a responsible papa to my K5..
Click to expand...

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