I started with a half in square drive socket set and a 3/8 inch square drive set. A good set of screwdrivers, a set of combination spanners and a hammer.
I then bought more tools as I needed them.
With all tools buy the best you can afford.
Many places will sell you a basic tool kit to get started.
Good luck.
start with a simple set of tool. you can get it at any store that sells tools. lowes hardware, home depot, sears, etc. they run any where from $50 and up. the more pieces there is in the set the more it is going to cost.
A 200 piece socket and combination wrench set (SAE and Metric)
SAE and Metric Alan wrenches
Pliers (line-mans, needle nose, channel lock, vise grips, snap ring, wire strippers)
Screwdrivers (mini, short, long, and extra long/strong; phillips and flat)
Torx drivers
Metal chisel set
Torque wrenches (Ft./Lbs. & Inch/Lbs.)
Telescoping magnet
Telescoping mirror
Floor jack
Jack stands
Tire chocks
Ramps
Oil catch pan
Auxiliary pans / parts washing
Eye protection
Cheater bars (extensions for wrenching = pipe)
Anvil
Bench grinder / wire brush
Heavy hammer (2 Lbs)
Multi-meter
Flashlight / drop light
Rags
Hand cleaner
Work bench
Creeper
Vise
Tapping set
Sandpaper, steel wool, emery cloth
Buckets for extra bolts (trail mix) NEVER THROW AWAY ANY EXTRA FASTENERS
Specialty / advanced Tools:
Air compressor
hoses
air wrench
air impact gun
air blower nozzle
welding torches
engine stand
You will need metric tools. SAE sizes haven't been used on cars since the 80's.
A set of sockets and ratchets is petty much useless without a wide range of extensions and adapters.
You'll need an ODB, ODB2 code reader, or code scanner, or diagnostic tool.
When a car's Check Engine Light comes on, this is the tool that would tell you what is wrong with it.
Then you get your socket wrenches, screw drivers, multi-meter, torque wrenches, etc.
start with a basic mechanics toolset available at most any store, and a set or 2 of good endwrenches. rome wasnt built in a day, it takes time to buy tools.
Trying to get into working on cars, and have no idea where to begin.
