Tools to get started

Budget tools that handle every guide on ModBuddy. The must-haves come to about $439.

The must-haves

Enough to do almost every guide on ModBuddy.

• Pittsburgh 225-piece mechanics tool setSockets, ratchets, extensions and wrenches in metric and SAE. Covers most bolts on any car. In-store only.About $140
• Pittsburgh 3 ton low-profile floor jackGoes as low as 3-1/8", so it slides under low cars like the RX-8 and Z.About $170
• Daytona 3 ton jack stands (pair)Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Get two pairs if you'll lift all four corners.About $55
• Haul-Master rubber wheel chockBlocks the wheels still on the ground so the car can't roll. Sold one at a time; get two.About $5 each · get 2
• Pittsburgh 1/2" drive 25" breaker barLong handle for stuck lug nuts and suspension bolts.About $22
• Pittsburgh 1/2" torque wrench (10–150 ft-lb)For lug nuts, suspension and brake caliper bolts.About $22
• Pittsburgh Pro 3/8" torque wrench (5–80 ft-lb)For smaller bolts like spark plugs and intake parts.About $20

Nice to have

Makes jobs easier and cleaner.

• Pittsburgh 6-piece pliers setHose clamps, clips and cotter pins.About $15
• Pittsburgh 70-piece screwdriver setPhillips, flat and Torx for trim screws and clamps.About $30
• Pittsburgh 6-piece trim removal setPops plastic clips and panels without breaking them.About $22
• Pittsburgh 4-piece pry bar setExhaust hangers, stuck parts and lining up holes.About $17
• Braun 500 lumen rechargeable work lightMagnetic, so it sticks to the car where you need light.About $30
• Hardy nitrile gloves (100 pack)Keeps oil, coolant and brake fluid off your hands.About $6
• Pittsburgh 16 qt. oil drain panCatches oil and coolant, then seals up to take it to a recycler. In-store only.About $20
• Pittsburgh low-profile creeperRoll around under the car instead of lying on concrete.About $40

For brake jobs

• Maddox 11-piece brake caliper tool kitPushes or twists caliper pistons back. Some rear pistons (like the RX-8's) must be twisted, not pushed.About $20

Borrow, don't buy

Spring compressors, ball joint presses and other one-time tools: borrow them free from AutoZone, O'Reilly or Advance Auto Parts. You pay a deposit and get it back when you return the tool.

Prices change often. Check the store before you buy. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.