Do we sell tools? No. We sell parts. But we see customers trying to do their own repairs with the wrong tools and doing more damage than if they'd called a shop. This guide is honest about what you really need to start a home garage — and what's useless.
Level 1: minimum budget (~$200)
With just these tools you can do: oil changes, front brake pads, air filter, battery, tire rotation. That covers 60% of routine maintenance.
- 3/8" metric socket set (8-19mm) — $30-60. Decent brand (Stanley, Mastercraft, Gray Tools). Avoid the cheap stuff that rounds off bolts.
- Combination wrench set 8-19mm — $30-50. Same rule.
- 2-ton hydraulic jack — $50-100. Never less than 2 tons even for a small car.
- 3-ton jack stands (pair) — $30-50. Non-negotiable. NEVER work under a car on a jack alone.
- 3/8" torque wrench (5-80 Nm) — $40-80. Essential for correct tightening torque.
- Oil filter wrench — $15-25. Strap or cup depending on your engine.
- 6 L drain pan + funnel — $20 total.
- Nitrile gloves (box of 100) — $15. Used oil is carcinogenic.
Level 2: intermediate (+$300, total ~$500)
These additions enable: rear brakes, complex battery replacement, spark plugs, basic electrical diagnosis, light suspension work.
- 1/2" socket set (10-32mm) — $80-150. For larger bolts (suspension, wheel).
- 1/2" torque wrench (40-200 Nm) — $60- 120. For wheel lug nuts (typically 100-140 Nm) and suspension.
- Digital multimeter — $25-60. For battery, alternator, fuses, continuity.
- Bluetooth OBD2 scanner — $30-50. BlueDriver or BAFX. Reads and clears codes.
- Precision screwdriver set — $20-40. For bumper, grille, interior trim screws.
- Trim clip removal pliers — $10-20. Saves countless bumpers.
- Rechargeable LED work light — $25-50. Ideally magnetic.
Level 3: comfort and efficiency (+$400, total ~$900)
At this level you can do almost anything except major engine/transmission work. The investment pays back in 2-3 years of DIY maintenance.
- Mobile scissor lift or steel ramps — $150- 500. For longer sessions under the car.
- Electric 1/2" impact gun — $100-200. For stuck lug nuts and seized bolts.
- Portable air compressor — $80-200. For tire inflation, dust blowing, pneumatic tools.
- Heat gun — $30-60. For unseizing rusty bolts, removing stickers.
- Spring compressor — $80-150. For strut assembly replacement.
- Roll-plate alignment tool — $100-200. Optional if you do home alignments.
Tools we see often and do NOT recommend
- $100 300-piece all-in-one kits — quality is poor. Sockets round bolts, wrenches bend. Better to buy the essentials separately from decent brands.
- Plastic "high capacity" ramps — dangerous. Buy steel.
- $200 cheap color-screen OBD2 scanners — much less useful than a $100 BlueDriver with a phone app that updates constantly.
- A/C "Stop Leak" recharge kits — see our A/C guide. Can destroy an A/C system in 15 minutes.
Where to buy
- Canadian Tire / Princess Auto — great for basic tools on sale.
- Lordco, NAPA, PartSource — more pro-grade, fair pricing.
- Amazon — watch out for cloned Chinese brands. Stick to known brands.
- Flea markets / estate sales — sometimes quality vintage tools for cheap (Stanley, vintage Snap-On).
Safety — don't compromise
- Never under a car on a jack alone. Always stands.
- Level ground. No slopes.
- Safety glasses when hammering or working under the car (debris in your eyes isn't fixable).
- Ventilation if you work with solvents or in a closed garage.
Need parts for your first project?
Best starter projects: oil change, front brake pads, battery replacement. We stock parts for popular makes. Call us. See also our DIY oil change guide and brakes in Laval.