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The Right Tools (for working on a snowblower)

5.3K views 17 replies 13 participants last post by  nt40lanman  
#1 · (Edited)
I've decided that I've gone too long with incomplete socket sets, poor or aged tools, it's time to get some tools that will be relied upon and stay organized.
That being said, I won't over spend for a supply truck brand (been there done that) and since I no longer have a job that is on a supply truck route there is no advantage to going with supply truck brands.
I picked up a ratchet wrench flex head set 20pc made by tekton tools. Good warranty (a must for swivel head ratchet wrenches) and should be a good go to tool for many jobs.
I picked up 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets (84 tooth :) ) made by gearwrench and now I need a good socket set. I really want a set that is color coded metric vs standard with blue and red to help keep things organized. I've only found that kobalt brand sockets and duralast brand sockets are the
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ones that have the color differentiating markings. which socket set do I get? I'd like to take advantage of a presidents day sale if possible.
I'd also like to open up discussion about other great tools you've had good experiences with. I know there has to be a couple of tools in your Arsenal that you find irreplaceable. Thanks guys!
 
#2 · (Edited)
For basic small engine work I recommend the following

Need
Torque Wrench (inch pounds)
Compression gauge
Set of feeler gauges for setting points gaps and valve clearances
Ratchets, open end wrenches, pliers, and so on (Basic mechanics tools)

Optional
Spark gap tester (this id close to being on the need list in my opinion)
Air compressor (good for blowing out carb passages, fuel lines, and any part that is covered in something you want off)
Zip ties

I'm sure if I think long and hard I could double this list.
 
#3 ·
Kobalt tools arent bad....look for the stuff made in Taiwan (not China). I believe the same brand that makes Gearwrench is currently making the Taiwan-ese Kobalt stuff.

Check the number of "points" in each socket. 6 points are better than 12, in the case of removing not-so-perfect nuts and bolts (i.e. rusty old stuff from snowblower)

Agreed with scipper and his list, depending on what you want to do. I havent torn an engine down, but I do work on my snowblower. You need wrenches, sockets, etc to do the basic stuff like shear pins, spark plug, etc.
 
#4 ·
I have a 6 point metric Duralast socket set that I got probably 10 years ago or so and I have never had any problems with any of the sockets. They came on a nice organizing rack as well with each holder marked. They have the red stripes around them.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Many, not all, socket sets come with a dotted line etched all the way around the metric sockets. I have a US made craftsman mechanics tool set that comes in an organized plastic carrier. Very easy to find anything I want. If my sockets were loose I think I'd loose my mind.

I added zip ties to my above list. They make great hose clamps. One of my evinrudes came from the factory with zip ties instead of hose clamps.
 
#6 ·
If you have a tecumseh... You will want to get a tecumseh carb tool.

to add to the list I have just a regular hand cylinder torch to heat up small parts when needed. Same thing plumbers use on pipes but I have the map gas one.

A good pry bar never hurts.

I have been using off brand socket wrenches. I usually break them very easy. So far the best ones for a cheaper price I have found was at a harbor freight. They are the black ones. So far I haven't broke them but eventually they will wear out. I will definitely get them again though.

I also have an electric impact wrench from HF. I don't use it very often but for the price and amount of time I actually use it it was a great deal. Its great for taking off skid shoes and plates that are rusted on.
 
#11 ·
Tools

Couple I didn't see: Phillips and flat screwdrivers, long breaker bar and strap clamp to hold things like flywheels. Add a flywheel puller and sparkplug socket. Another is a bunch of baggies when disassembling things to keep the bolts together and add a camera to record how things came apart for reassembly help. Add some penetrating oil too.
 
#14 ·
I would also add a large bench vise, not essential but very useful. I would also look for a tray of some sort to lay out the tools you're using, just makes it easier to keep them in one place.
 
#18 ·
I would shoot for Craftsman stuff. It's pretty good and warrantied. You can find it on Craigslist and other places. Just make up a list and check them off as you find them. Get some socket racks to keep it organized so you know what's missing.