OUTFITTING YOUR AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOP

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It is good to have a set of three or four adjustable wrenches that will let you change jaw width quickly, and here be doubly sure to get the finest quality you can. Sloppily made adjustables slip off nuts and bruise more knuckles than any other tool I know. Be ready to pay more than $30 for a topquality set.

You will need a set of low-priced monkey wrenches iii three sizes; get an extra big one too. Plumbers need finely machined pipe wrenches, but subtlety doesn't matter in auto repair where these tools are used to apply brute force to stubborn fasteners. When you can, pick up a length of steel pipe that will slip over the handle of the large-size monkey wrench to apply extra leverage-say, to a recalcitrant axle nut that hasn't come off in 25 years. A set of three goes for $35.

While we are discussing nut-removal tools, get a set of nut-splitters too to use as a last resort. They cost only $10 a set and will repay their cost many times the first time you use them to get a stubborn nut off a stud-a headless screw with one end sunk into the engine block. If you put too much force on a nut you can break off a stud that must then be drilled out. Split the nut and the stud remains intact.

Ratchet-Handles and Sockets

Another tool where quality is essential is the clicking ratchet-wrench handle with a little forward/backward switch and socket quick-release button on top, and underneath on the business side-a square bit that fits into a round sockets having 6point hexagonal or 12-point universal mouths in a variety of sizes.

Handles must be industrial strength and sockets must be precision shaped to fit snugly over bolt heads and nuts; must be drop-forged to hold up to great stress; and be triple chrome-plated to last for years without rusting. You can fork over $10 and more for a single socket bought from Snap-On. Sets are much cheaper, but the expense is justified; a top-quality socket set will last your lifetime and pass on to your mechanically inclined daughter without a nick on them.

Handles and socket sets are Categorized by the size of the square drive bit that holds the sockets. Little 1/4" drive handles are for working in tight spaces where you don't need to use much force, and the sets usually come with small-size sockets. Most of the work you will do—using small sockets as well those up to 3/4"—will be performed with a 3/8" handle. Half-inch drive handles and sockets are for when major force must be applied (sometimes to small sockets over small nuts). Even larger drives are needed to work on farm tractors, 18-wheelers and industrial equipment. I have never needed a 3/4" -or 1" drive handle or sockets badly enough to spend the megabucks they cost. So far, I've found that a monkey wrench works on the big jobs.

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