max ride 41

iTrader: (4)

was at sears and bought a basic tool set, metric. what is the recommended socket sizes and best place to get??? how many deep sockets do i need, and extensions and anything else. im not a rookie, but money crunch is forcing me to start doing some repairs myself and i havent done too much to this car as of yet. thanks>>>>

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

You can do pretty much anything with just a basic set of metric sockets, a good assortment of deep and shallow. You'll definitely want deep 10, 12, and 14mm sockets. A shallow set of 8-19 will do for most everything else.

You really only need them in 3/8" if you're only going to be doing small stuff. 1/4" usually makes it easier to snake into small spaces (generally in the engine bay) and 1/2" if you plan on doing any medium-heavy underhood work. 36mm socket for the axle nuts, and you'll need a T50 security torx bit if you want to remove the airbags (for dash or steering wheel removal).

Get extensions in your desired drive in at least 1", 3", 6", and 9" lengths, you never know what you're going to need. Some swivels will help, and if you get 1/2" stuff to do bigger work, go ahead and get a breaker bar too.

Definitely want a good selection of phillips and flathead screwdrivers (make sure you have a #2 phillips head, that's what most Nissan screw heads use).

I started off with a 151pc set similar to this - http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...nics+Tool+Sets

Was able to do everything from minor interior work to replacing my trans with that set (with of course a few additions, like the axle nut socket). Cheap(ish), but well worth it.

Also FWIW this section would be a better place - http://forums.maxima.org/garage-76/

jlockhart_715

I had a basic set for years now working on my car and friends/family cars and have never had much issue. My set has metric 8-16mm I think and it works great for most japanese cars, you'll use 10, 12 and 14 for most everything. Get a big hammer or pipe to break the rusted bolts loose and your good to go, and make sure to get some PB Blaster as well best tool you can buy is PB Blaster.

Then start buying better tools as you have money, as you get the new stuff you'll wonder how you lived without them.

BLACKonBLACK98

iTrader: (42)

this time of year is a great time to pick up a craftsman mechanics set on the low. a good size metric set (or combo if you work on older american cars as well) will get you on the fast track to success, then just add the few specialized pieces as pmohr said.

ajcool2

iTrader: (43)

You can find some good info here. http://forums.maxima.org/garage-76/

black_maxed95

iTrader: (41)

I agree with pmohr but in addition dont forget pliers and a razor blade knife.

To get an idea, this is what i take with me when I go to the junk yard:

3/8" drive ratchet
10-19mm deep sockets
3" and a 6" extension
one philips and one flat head screw driver
needle nose pliers (I think 6")
wire cutters
razor blade
10,12,14mm wrench.

Youll be suprised how much you can do with just those things. If you plan on doing suspension work though, I would suggest a 1/2" drive ratchet and the 12-22mm sockets (+36mm) in addition to the 3/8" drive.

Its also a good idea to have electrical tape and RTV on hand too.

petro2342

Any tool set is good, but there are alot of small pieces you need to get that you'll save time when working on the car. A breaker bar is a MUST when changing suspension or other parts that are hard to unbolt.

ImmaSquashYou

iTrader: (7)

Get craftsman unless you are on a BIG budget. Craftsman are lifetime. I coudln't afford another set of craftsman since i moved from my parents house and my brother and i share tools at home. I have a basic tool set from sam's club. However, you will not possibly acquire all the tools you need in one shot unless you are made out of money. PMOHR listed all the things you shold need. I also agree with blackmaxx for hte 10-19mm deep sockets. You will also need a 21mm socket. I think i've used them quite a bit. Bit the most you will ever use is, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, and 21mm.

black_maxed95

iTrader: (41)

I have mostly Toolshop brand which is the Menards cheapo brand since I am in college. (Menards is similar to Lowes or home depot) Toolshop is lifetime and have always served me well. A set of deep sockets 10-19mm is only like $4 and Ive replaced a tranny with my tools so no, you dont need expensive tools if you are on a budget.

ImmaSquashYou

iTrader: (7)

sorry, just re-read my post, i meant to say get craftsman unless you're on a budget. I agree with you, the tool set i have comes with mostly what i need. Extensions is a must a long with a breaker and torque bar. If you are on a really tight budget, i would say go to harbor freight and have a blast there. You can probably spend less than $100 there and get every socket, wrench, etc needed to work on your car

maxima-junky

iTrader: (8)

I've taken apart many Maximas and you can get most of the car apart with a 10mm socket LOL.