Basic Tools And How To Use Them

If you’re like us you started reading 4x4 magazines before you ever owned a 4x4. We remember drooling over Armstrong tires, triple shocks, and winches ready to rescue us before our driving permits ever arrived in the mail. When we finally scraped together the nickels to buy our first 4x4 it was a project that barely ran—and when it did run it wouldn’t stop—yet we were blurry-eyed with dreams of vertical rockcrawls, mega-deep mud pits, and trophy truck–style high-speed insanity. We didn’t have that 4x4 very long when we realized we needed more than just dreams. We needed tools. But unlike that 4x4 that lived and died years ago, those tools have stayed with us.

It’s not uncommon that we hear of folks who lost their first truck to rough financial times, rust, or a growing family, but those same people held onto their toolbox. Tools will become an integral part of your 4x4 hobby, not to mention home repair, assisting neighbors, and becoming the guy that can solve the problem. “I can help. I have tools.”

So what do you need to get started? What should you buy first? Or better yet, maybe someone asked you what you’d like for your birthday, bar mitzvah, graduation, Father’s Day, or whatever holiday is coming up. Tools are always a great answer. You can never have enough, and there’s always one more that would make your project a little easier.

Craftsman Heritage
The Craftsman tool brand has been around 85 years, with tools first sold through the Sears Roebuck stores in 1927 for fixing early cars and tractors. Craftsman tools can now be purchased through Sears, Kmart, OSH, Ace Hardware, Summit Racing Equipment, and of course Craftsman.com. Craftsman currently offers over 6,000 different handtools in the Evolve, Standard Craftsman, Craftsman Professional, and Craftsman Industrial lines with a lifetime warranty on all handtools (the beginner Evolve line requires a sales receipt). The tools come in a variety of finishes, but the chrome and black oxide finishes are most popular and extremely resistant to rust and wear due to intensive water and salt spray testing. Although the majority of Craftsman handtools are made in the USA, those that are not must still pass stringent testing at Craftsman Laboratories to earn the Craftsman name. Even though most new vehicles use metric fasteners, the inch tools are still outselling metric according to Craftsman’s research, but the gap is closing. Want to see some abusive testing of Craftsman tools? Visit www.craftsmanlabs.com.

This is $450 worth of new Craftsman tools and what we consider a great starting point. For that price we came home with metric and inch wrenches and sockets, a really nice ratchet with extension, pliers, screwdrivers, and a hefty hammer. We assembled this set of tools at Craftsman.com and picked each for strength and simplicity.
This is $450 worth of new Craftsman tools and what we consider a great starting point. For
Though the tools we chose are great quality, you can actually get more tools for less if you purchase one of the Craftsman mechanic’s tool sets, such as the 154-, 258-, or 260-piece sets ($150-$300).
Though the tools we chose are great quality, you can actually get more tools for less if y
If you are purchasing wrenches and can afford it, we recommend getting two of every size since most bolts use the same size wrench on the nut. We also like to paint our tools, especially if you are taking them on the trail. Then you’ll never wonder if you buddy didn’t return your wrench; you can see it in his tool bag.
If you are purchasing wrenches and can afford it, we recommend getting two of every size s

Wrenches are available in 6-point and 12-point varieties, and each has its place. A 6-point wrench will only work on a 6-point nut or bolt, but a 12-point wrench will work on both. Also, you’ll find that a 12-point wrench is useful when the work area is tight and only a small amount of wrench movement is possible.
Wrenches are available in 6-point and 12-point varieties, and each has its place. A 6-poin
A variety of pliers is useful, and pliers often come in sets of four or six. Pliers are great for just about any repair, but don’t use pliers on a bolt or nut unless you absolutely have to, since they can quickly scar the head and make it hard to remove. Instead, use the proper wrench or socket.
A variety of pliers is useful, and pliers often come in sets of four or six. Pliers are gr
Screwdrivers, though designed for one thing, will eventually be used for chiseling, prying, punching, and scratching too. If you expect the tips to stay nice and sharp you’ll have to confine your screwdrivers to driving screw duty. Of course, we know this will never happen, so we recommend picking up some used screwdrivers or the proper chisels, prybars, and punches for those other jobs.
Screwdrivers, though designed for one thing, will eventually be used for chiseling, prying

Sockets are one area to invest in wisely. Sockets are available in 1⁄4-, 3⁄8-, 1⁄2-, or 3⁄4-inch drive, but if we were buying only one set to start we’d buy a 1⁄2-inch drive impact variant. The 3⁄8-inch is also very good, but 1⁄2-inch drive deep-impact sockets (non-chrome) are designed to take abuse and are less likely to break under load.
Sockets are one area to invest in wisely. Sockets are available in 1⁄4-, 3⁄8-, 1⁄2-, or 3⁄
Buying new tools is great, but we know it’s not in the budget for everyone to drop $200-$500 for a new tool set. One way to save money on good handtools is visiting yard and estate sales as well as pawnshops. We’ve come home with countless $1 and $2 wrenches and pliers from weekend sales. Used handtools, especially wrenches and sockets, often have plenty of life left, particularly those made in the USA. Plus, you may not need both inch and metric tools, as most late-model and import vehicles are all metric.
Buying new tools is great, but we know it’s not in the budget for everyone to drop $200-$5
You don’t want your wrenches sliding around in the bed of your truck or bouncing out . We were able to stuff all those tools (except the hammer) in a steel ammo can and a small tool bag. The tool bag would be our first choice for a trail vehicle, as it’s easier to grab and can be stuffed under a seat or strapped down. However, an ammo can be bolted to the floor or bed of the 4x4 to give easy access and is a safe, permanent alternative.
You don’t want your wrenches sliding around in the bed of your truck or bouncing out . We