What tools are a "must have", Just starting my collection Options

[stags14]

I am just starting my tool collection and want to hear what tools you think are a must have for a newbie like myself that wants to work on his 914...

[lapuwali]

A complete set of GOOD combo wrenches (open on one end, box on the other). You'll be using these ALL the time, so don't stint. Craftsman is adequate, but buy better if you can. The cheap $20 Harbor Freight sets are useful for an in the car emergency kit (less painful if stolen or lost), but that's about it. Buy an extra 10mm and 13mm wrench, as you'll use these two a great deal, and you'll often need two at once (locknuts).

1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" rachets. 1/2" breaker bar. 1/4" sockets from 4mm to about 10mm. 3/8" sockets from about 8mm to 19mm. Same set, but in deep well. 1/2" sockets from 13mm to 24mm. 1/2" torque wrench (ft/lbs). Short and long extensions in all sizes.

Needle-nosed pliers and diagnoal wire cutters.

One big-assed cheap flatblade screwdriver (for applying leverage), plus two others in medium sizes. Two Philips in the medium sizes (there is more than one size and shape of point).

A VW CV Joint tool (look in Bug places).

Soft-blow hammer/rubber mallet. Ball-peen hammer.

Vice-Grips.

Handheld shop light. I prefer flourescent (doesn't get as hot).

One good floor jack and a pair of jackstands. IMHO, Craftsman's smaller floor jacks are crap right now, but the bigger Harbor Freight units (like 3 ton) are a pretty good value. A pair of ramps may be preferred (and aren't usually expensive) if you need to get under the car, but don't need to remove a wheel.

This should cover the majority of tasks you'll need to do. One of the big "mechanic's tools" sets from Sears, et al, will have most of these, and aren't a bad place to start if you have nothing at all.

Things that are nice to have: stubby screwdrivers (flat and Philips). Offset box-end wrenches (often have different sizes at each end, and a 10-11mm and a 12/13mm or 13/14mm will be the most useful) can make certain jobs much easier.

You'll eventually start to buy tools in ones and twos as you need them for specialized jobs. Things like big sockets (axle nuts), a second pair of jackstands, scrapers, punches, etc. The above list will be the tools you use 90% of the time, however.