Common sockets for my Tundra?

I have a very basic socket set and want to get something a little bit better but I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a massive set. What should I be looking for if I just want to get something that should work for every bolt on the truck? For instance, my first mod will be adding a push bar.

 

Ass load of 10mm, cuz you will lose an ass load of them, then just the basic 12 through 24 mm sockets and wrenches. I bought a HF metric box and keep it in the underseat storage in the truck, but it usually swings from car to car. I have an old craftsman set at home and it doesn't leave the perimeter..

 

Costco has a nice dewalt socket set for $99.

 

Make sure you have a set of box end wrenches the same size as well. With the sockets, you want to have a few different length extensions and possibly a swivel as well. Some times you can find decent tools at pawn shops for a good price.

 

HarborFreight has some decent deep sockets for affordable. Definitely not the highest end but if you are looking to have some sockets on hand without spending a ton, it's worth a look. I also bought some socket adapters so I can switch between 1/2 and 3/8 going both ways so I can use any of my sockets on either tool.

 

One thing not to go cheap on is a torque wrench. A breaker bar comes in handy in certain situations too.
Isn’t it fun spending other people’s money

 

For cheater/breaker bar I use the upper end of the handle on my Arcan 3 ton jack

 

Almost any standard and deepwell metric socket set will work. Just make sure to get plenty of extensions in different sizes. As for wrenches, I like both 12 point and 6 point ones. I feel the 6 point grip the bolt better but they don't always work in limited locations. If you feel like spending a couple extra bucks then get a set of Gear wrenches. I don;t think they are as strong as a good old box wrench but the ratcheting action makes them very useful. A set of Torx and metric hex head bits to go along with the socket set is always nice.

Above all else what I can tell you is just break down and get them. Otherwise you will get into doing something and need a tool you don't have and spend an hour or more going to the store to get it. I don't care how close the store is it's never run it, grab it, pay, and walk out. Nothing bothers me more than having to stop, clean up, and usually change to stuff that I can be seen in public in just to get the tool or part I need.

 

Echoing Dr Al, get good tools. Nothing is more frustrating than having to run out in the middle of a project to replace a tool.

Back in the day (and maybe still), motorcycles came with the cheapest tools for their emergency kit. I always advise riders to replace them with high quality tools, as that is the situation where one can least afford a substandard tool.

Years ago, I would have recommended the Sears Craftsman line but their quality has suffered as the tools are no longer mfg in th US.

Do Not purchase Harbor Freight, false economy.

Purchasing a preassembled mechanics tool set gets you the best bang but it is hard to find one that is metric only.

Greg

 

I still use my Craftsman set I bought back in 81 ( yes, I know I’m old ). I have bought some Husky brand tools from HD and they seem to be holding up very well. It also never hurts to have a set of rounded nut extractors, they don’t cost much and are lifesavers when you need them. When it comes to any tool, you get what you pay for. $300 to $500 can get you a decent set, especially if you’re only buying metric. No need to spend a couple of thousand for Snap-On, even though they are the go-to tool for most mechanics. Keep an eye out for good used tools on eBay, CL, etc.

 

I just roll into Home Depot / Lowes with my remaining hair sticking up, grease on my forehead, torn shirt.. No one seems to care.

 

Toyota Trucks are Metric. So buy individual Gear Wrench Flex Head sets in Metric.
Sizes most common - 8-14 , 17, 19 , 22 ( O2 sensors are 22 mm )
Craftsman makes a really nice twisted box end wrench set 10-18 and they have the nicest ability to
really pull.
Lowe’s KOBALT 72 tooth 1/4, 3/8, 1/2” ratchets are the nicest I’ve ever had.
8-14mm 1/4” sockets short and deep are mandatory. Almost the entire interior can be removed with
10, 12 & 14 mm sockets. I’ve got Snap-On 1/4” 10 mm & 12 mm swivel sockets ( $14 ea? ) and are the most used of all.
I have a 54” double tool cabinet 60” high. I have one 24x2” drawer of SAE tools. That’s it.
It would seem you should get a decent plastic trim removal tool set. Any interior work will require this and you want to minimize damage to plastic as much as possible.
A good 1/4” bit impact driver 12 or 18 V Milwaukee or Ridgid or Dewalt etc is invaluable.

this for a start. Maybe others can add specifics too?.

 

In terms of sockets, I upgraded from very cheap china crap to a 200 piece husky set on sale for 99$ I think, some time ago. Has standard, metric, deep, 6pt, 12pt, all three driver sizes, basically anything I could ever imagine needing. I also have kobalt ratchets, some extensions and size converters. Probably into all of that for less than 300 bucks brand new.

I got an interior trim set of small plastic pry tools off Amazon when I had to take the door panels off to replace the door checks. Works well and glad I got it.
Then there is the breaker bar, impact driver, and impact wrench for any really stubborn bolts...

 

A good 1/2” drive torque wrench will run you around $80. You will need it for your sway bar install

 

10 mm seems like it will tear the truck down. Like many others have said, get a good metric socket set in standard and deep. I also have found that rachet box end sets are super helpful.

 

One other tool that is a must have is a telescoping magnet for when you drop a nut, bolt, etc in to some place you can’t reach.

 

Yeah 3 years late for a comment but one thing I've added to my tools is magnetic deep well sockets. They come in handy whenever working in spaces like doors where it's almost impossible to get the bolt started by hand. Had to put my bolt back on my drivers door handle the other day which is a 10mm and the magnetic socket came in handy just for this.