Tools to DIY ?
 

I have some tools but their mostly for home repair, not auto. Is there a definitive list of specific tools you'd need for every day maintenance on the 986? For example I'm certain I need a more robust socket set but...what sizes? Is there a set I should put on my wish list? What else will come in handy?

Never mind just found a thread. Not sure how to delete this one. Sorry for the repeat post!

Get 101 Projects for your Boxster. The opening chapter lists recommended tools and the various projects are good.

Thanks that's on my list, didn't realize it had that in it-nice!

Get complete sets rather than specific sizes ... you'll need them all eventually and it's probably cheaper in the long run.

I just buy as I take on specfic jpbs
Get deep socket for your lug bolts and a torque wrench that can handle 96 ft lbs

A set of security torx bits are a cheap investment. You'll need the security style to Remove and clean your MAF sensor. Can think of other spots where torx are used but the MAF is the only one that I can think of that needs the security style. The bits are cheap...~$5 for a set.

The car uses all the typical tools of any other cars for routine maintenance. Good sets of 1/4" and 3/8" metric sockets are needed (deep and shallow) and drives.

Also bought a threaded stud to thread into the wheel hub during wheel R/R. Makes it so much easier to remount a wheel.

You will find that it uses some socket sizes that normally aren't in the standard socket sets. When you tackle a repair or service job, check that you have the required sockets.

Most of my 986 specific tools were purchased as needed, but besides standard sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc, here a few of the 986 specific things I have acquired:

Durametric
Uview Airlift
26mm Deep Socket for LN Oil Filter Adapter
24mm Deep Socket for Drive Belt (Deep not required)
16mm Triple Square for 2.5L Transmission Drain Plug
17mm Hex for Oil Drain Plug
T20 Security Bit for MAF
E12 Socket for Seat Rails

Need a Breaker Bar and 2 Torque Wrenchs: 1 for large jobs e.g. wheels, alternator, etc, and one for small jobs e.g. oil drain plug, filter, plugs, etc

Make sure that the torque wrenches you buy are high quality. A bad torque wrench can turn a good day into a really bad day!

Any examples of high quality ? I'm not sure I'd know the difference

I'll just leave this here...

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1511652877.jpg

Heck, you could fix ANYTHING, not just Boxsters, with this toolkit. I understand it's even standard equipment on the International Space Station.

Just sayin'..............

TO

Snap-on and Craftsman are examples of high and good quality. Harbor Freight is an example of low quality. Price is usually a very good indicator. Spend a minimum $50 to $100 for the 1/2" wrench for the bigger jobs. A Snap-on will run you several hundred dollars.

You mean 8 mm Hex for Oil Drain Plug, right? :)

If you can`t fix the problem with a hammer then it`s lectrical.

Good catch, I meant the Transmission Fluid Fill Plug.

^^^Right---unless he drives an S model, of course. Then it's a 10 mm for both filling and draining the transmission. Crazy, the inconsistency, eh? :cheers:

Get a good set of metric sockets - a mix of 1/4" and 3/8" drive.

2 good quality (or better) torque wrenches (Craftsman - good, Snap-on - better). A 1/4" drive for the small/usual stuff, a 1/2" for things like wheel lug bolts, suspension parts, etc.

Then the Boxster specific tools others have mentioned. That will depend on which model/year you have. For instance, someone suggested 10mm and a triple square for the transmission - right, if you have a manual transmission. If you have a tiptronic, you'll need (I think) a 17mm socket (for the drain/fill plug) and a 2X mm (varies) torx bit to get the pan off.

Someone suggested the 101 Projects book. Absolutely! It has a nice description of general tools you will need, and each project has a list of tools specific to that job. The cheapest place I found to get a new one was to order it through the Pelican web site - it can sell for up to twice that price on ebay.

With Christmas coming up, you might want to put a Craftsman multi-piece set on your list for Santa. Sears usually runs some pretty steep discounts on multi-piece sets between now and then.