Bits of information here and there... some over here, some in the DIY write-ups on AudiWorld or elsewhere...

I was wondering if anyone else would find useful a compact list of must-have tools for the DIY owners?
Some seasoned veterans probably would say "I don't care; I know what I need". However, I believe that a list would be very useful for people looking for answers without skimming through tons of info scattered on several "help" forums.
Please fill free to chime in and add to the list, if I missed something.
__________________________________________________ ____________

LIST

* 2-3 arm Gear Puller (ex: HarborFreight.com)

* Crankshaft Locking Pin - For example: Tool # 3242 (Zdmak.com; ElPaso Tool - EBay)
* Camshaft Locking Bar - For example: Tool # 3243 (Zdmak.com; ElPaso Tool - EBay)

* 17 mm Allen-head bit or 22mm Allen-head socket (Tranny fill plug?)
* T-25/27 Torx bits (Tranny drain plug + pan bolts?)

* (Triple-square) NXZ-10/12 pt bits (CV Axle inner-side bolts)

 

45 views and no complaints... the list must be ok, then.
Silent approval sounds good.

 

Break Caliper tool for the rear brakes
Vag-com

 

Printing press with $20 plates --

 

You are unrecognizable being so modest...LOL

Make it with $ 100 bill plates...

 

+1 on the VagCom. While it's not a "tool" in the traditional sense, it's a must, must, must have. Even the free version! There have been plenty of times I needed the VagCom to tell me where to start using my real tools

But as for the real tools: I like the list. I think I'd skip on the camshaft and crankshaft locking tools, as they're tools that we're only going to use once or twice (or three times, if we're lucky) in the lifetime of the car.

What I would add is a good set of metric socketed allen keys and a set of socketed torx drivers. They're critical to working on just about any area of the car. Yeah, you can make do with the regular "L" shaped allen keys, but the socketed ones make life a hell of a lot easier.

-Red

 

Thanks for adding, Red.
Well, the list is here to stay so I guess I can make an extra comment.

I agree that the locking tools may be used only 2 or 3 times during the ownership span. Unless you stick with the same car, or stick with the same model (and Audi doesn't change the pulleys pattern), probably the $ 100 dollars you pay for both is not necessarily a "wise" investment.
However:

If you let's say rent the tools from BlauParts (provided you buy the TB kit from them), you have to pay the shipping both ways.
$ 35 + 20 + 20 = $ 75. This is just for one time of use.
I think that the extra $ 25 it makes worth actually owning them.
If you'd have to replace three times the TB + etc, then renting doesn't sound anymore appealing versus owning the tools, does it?

At least that's my opinion.