Shop Essentials

For years we have encouraged and supported DIY folks in doing their own work. But when embarking on a DIY project, one would be foolhardy to not use the right equipment. These are some essentials that pay for themselves many times over, and are essential shop tools. Here are some products that we use on a daily basis and no DIY garage is complete without. We rock most of these in our toolbox and use them regularly.

Tools:

Specialty - These are the unique tools/supplies that you will want when dealing with older & performance vehicles.

https://amzn.to/41uJA8G - Metal zip tie tool & set. Used for securing header wrap and other items.

https://amzn.to/3EQyIcH - DEI "Space Tape." This works great to shield intercooler, intake pipes, and plastic valve covers, PS reservoirs, and many other items from radiant heat.

https://amzn.to/4tiHTpX - "Where have you been all my life" is what you will say when you first use these. After decades of breaking brittle old electrical connectors, you can say goodbye to having to zip tie everything back together when you use these tools to properly release the tabs. 

https://amzn.to/4t6UhKl - This is the plier version of the electrical disconnect tool. We recommend the genuine Lisle brand over the cheaper assortments, these are more precise, which is critical with these old components.

https://amzn.to/415ax21 - Thermal imager. So to be honest, we considered these mostly gimmicky products in the past. Back in 2015 when they were first becoming more common in shops, you had slow response, terrible resolution, and they were expensive. And then as technology improved, you would be amazed how helpful these are! You can see jets of hot gas in exhaust leaks, plugged pipes/stuck thermostats, imbalanced cylinders, and even troubleshoot overloaded wires. Absolute game changer in the maintenance industry. Oh, and you can also spot where your house or garage is drafty!

https://amzn.to/4saq4bW - The Foxwell Y400 is an articulating camera that can do 180 degrees, and is smaller than most. This is our choice for a cheap borescope.

https://amzn.to/4cjUELo - Hose clamp pliers. Do it the right way so you do not distort them or send them flying 100 feet.

Electrical - Weather doing a full harness on a classic exotic or adding a few gauges and lighting, these are the essentials to doing it right. For space shuttle work and anything worth close to the price of a house we always recommend getting the brand name connectors, but in 99% of cases your wideband or truck lights will be fine using the amazon variant at 1/10th the price.

https://amzn.to/3Dg4LC8 - Deutsch DT connector assortment. Easy & clean way to DIY electrical connections. Used by Haltech systems and many more. 

https://amzn.to/41gZKBd - Deutsch DT connector tool/crimper.

https://amzn.to/41m6QVs - Battery charger and maintainer. We use these in the shop to keep our batteries healthy, and it works on lead acid, AGM, and lithium units.

https://amzn.to/4kltMMV -  The Autel 808 is the DIY go-to for being able to access onboard systems and perform advanced diagnostics/bidirectional communication. There is also the 808 pro, this one is a bit more but allows full TPMS coverage.

https://amzn.to/4biJsN3 - The Autel 900 is the new pro version, this will do most of the things the $5000+ Snap On units do.

https://amzn.to/4tlC4rM - Weatherpack crimpers. Simple and cheap.

https://amzn.to/4c4j6z8 -  When you have a bunch of wires to splice together the right way is not a blob of solder, but to physically crimp them. Utilize the butt connector in conjunction with some heat shrink and/or liquid electrical tape to make weatherproof/vibrationproof connections.

https://amzn.to/4ifgwYt - Heat shrink tubing assortment.

https://amzn.to/4bWPB24 -  Wiring wrap that works great to keep your wiring looking good and protected. Cut with a hot knife for best results and finish with heatshrink on the ends.

https://amzn.to/4dlbhaw - If you are relocating your battery, these circuit breakers are essential to preventing car fires. Also act as battery disconnect when leaving the car for long periods.

https://amzn.to/4tmwwNR - Lever nut assortment. We love using these to make "draft" connections and testing. They are easy to use as splices/busses, and for non-critical applications like gauges, you can just leave these in, they will not vibrate free. But do not try to temporarily wire a hellcat fuel pump (for testing) with one, ask us how we know. But if you do, the thermal imager will show you the error of your ways very quickly!

https://amzn.to/4dYkqWI - Low voltage connectors. These are perfect for trailer lights and other interior wiring. 

General Maintenance - Learn from our bruises! These save your fingertips, ears, lungs, back, or possibly a shattered glass window when you throw things out of anger.

https://amzn.to/4v7zdEO - Wheel hub removal tool. This style tool allows removing the hub while preserving your hearing. You can safely leave your BFH at home when you have this kit.

https://amzn.to/4tte7zc - Fluid Film is a lanolin based protector. Here in the northeast we have tried it all. Undercoating, POR 15, WD 40, used motor oil....but this is what you want. It does not harm rubber bushings or hangers, and will not trap moisture like paint/undercoating can. Apply every year or two and your car will last an extra decade. Spray it with one of these: https://amzn.to/4tte7zc.

https://amzn.to/4sHVWFK - Battery operated transfer pump. We prefer the AA battery version. They last forever and you can just stick a set of cheap rechargeables in there. You can then leave the gas can on the ground while you fill your mower or racecar, and the autostop works amazingly well!

https://amzn.to/4sHVWFK - Roloc bristle discs. Useful for getting that last bit of silicone off aluminum and steel surfaces, or bead sealer when the tire shop gets a little too excited. Make sure to clean the part thoroughly afterwards, we do not recommend any abrasive to be used on the block or head surface. Instead use plastic razor blades and some brake cleaner.

https://amzn.to/4stOIo9 - Latex gloves. This is what is used by 90% of mechanics, they are heavier than your standard ones and last a while.

Fabrication - Helpful fab tools & safety.

https://amzn.to/4scdEQL - For any roll bar/cage work, this tubing sander is essential.

https://amzn.to/3PD52Fk - This Vevor chop saw works great on aluminum pipe to give a machined, square finish. Much safer than using a slowed down miter saw. 

https://amzn.to/4sep1b1 - Safety may sound boring, but aluminosis, mesothelioma, cancer; and the sensation of impending death are not--in all the wrong ways. The p100 will filter out sanding dust and significantly reduce welding fume exposure. These specific ones fit easily under a welding helmet. We never weld without them anymore.

https://amzn.to/4sNKpov - Dust collection is not just for woodworking. Most shops are covered in toxic brake, concrete, sanding dust and much more. Most shop vacs have filters that only catch the big stuff. These dust collection units capture the really nasty stuff in a bag instead of spraying them all over your shop. They also "clap" the bag, which keeps things from clogging.

https://amzn.to/4seuwWR - We have one of these in every corner of the shop. They really are fogproof and are easy on/off, and stay in place.

Decor - Look as good as you are.

https://amzn.to/4sRm5SK - The fancy hexagon lights you see everywhere. But they are pretty awesome. With "DIY Diversity Design." 

https://amzn.to/4sNiCV4 - UFO lights. We have been using these in the shop for years, they give a nice spread and are efficient. If you have ceilings less than 12', you'll want these instead. We use a combination of both. The latter in the center of the shop to spread out the light, and the UFO lights in the corners/over the bays. Make sure to get similar color temperature.

Vehicle Specific - Specialty tools for your special vehicle.

https://amzn.to/3Q14Dwp - Duratec/MZR alignment set. We use these for timing.

https://amzn.to/4c7FQOR - OBD2 Extension/splitter. If you are having connection issues on the 86 or MX5, use these. Just make sure there's not a second device plugged in when datalogging or flashing as they can conflict on the CANBUS.

https://amzn.to/3PHmNDr - Suspension removal tool for B58 Supra vehicles & many other euros.

 

Please note that we earn a small commission on most of these products, but we really do use (or have used) all of this at the shop!