Workplace tools and equipment (Skoda Felicia)

Contents: A set of tools for routine…⬇ A set of tools for general and major…⬇ Special tool ⬇ Purchasing a tool ⬇ Care and storage of the instrument ⬇ Workplace equipment ⬇

Selecting a quality tool is one of the fundamental requirements for anyone planning to perform maintenance or repair procedures on their vehicle themselves. At first glance, the costs associated with purchasing the required set of tools may seem disproportionately large, but when compared with the costs associated with performing routine maintenance and simple repairs to a vehicle at a service station, they will be quite reasonable.

To assist the average DIY mechanic in selecting the tools needed to perform the various vehicle maintenance procedures described in this manual, three tool lists are provided below, conventionally titled: Routine Maintenance and Minor Repair Tool Kit; Set of tools for general and major repairs; and Special tools. Car owners who do not have practical experience in mechanical work should start with procedures limited to the use of tools from the first list, while improving their skills and gradually expanding the range of their activities. As skills are acquired, you can move on to more complex tasks, gradually expanding the selection of tools at hand. After some time, the acquired experience will allow you to begin performing more complex work requiring the use of a tool from the second list (for general and major repairs of the car). When the performer's qualifications reach a sufficiently high level and begin to allow significant savings on independent performance of complex repair procedures, you can think about purchasing a special tool.

A set of tools for routine maintenance and minimal repairs of a car

The list below includes the minimum tools needed to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on your vehicle. The authors of this guide recommend starting with a set of combination wrenches (with a regular open-end head on one end and a socket head on the other). Despite the significant cost of this set compared to the cost of a set of conventional open-end wrenches, the costs will be justified, since such wrenches have the advantages of both types.

Set of combination wrenches from 8 to 19 mm
Adjustable wrench (up to 35 mm)
Spark plug wrench with rubber insert (petrol models)
Spark plug gap adjustment tool (petrol models)
Set of measuring probes
Brake Bleeding Nipple Key
Screwdrivers:

With a flat tip (100mm long by 6mm in diameter)
With a cross sting (100mm long by 6mm in diameter)

Combination pliers
Hacksaw for metal with a set of blades
Tire inflation pump
Tire pressure gauge
Grease gun (syringe)
Oil canister
Fine grit sandpaper
Wire brush
Tool for stripping battery terminals and wire contacts
Oil filter removal key
Funnel (medium size)
Supports for fixing the car in a raised position (2)
Drainage tank

Note. If routine maintenance procedures include performing basic adjustments, you will also need to purchase a high-quality strobe light and a combined tachometer / instrument to measure the duration of the closed state of the breaker contacts. Despite the fact that these tools are included in the list of special tools, they are mentioned here in view of the absolute necessity of their use for high-quality tuning of the engine ignition, which is part of the car's routine maintenance procedures.

A set of tools for general and major car repairs

This tool is necessary for any car engine repair operations and is offered in addition to the first list. This list includes a complete set of replaceable socket heads. Despite the significant cost, a set of replaceable heads brings invaluable benefits due to its versatility and ease of use, especially in combination with the various types of drives included in the set. It is recommended to give preference to drives with a cross-section of 1/2 inch (and not 3/8 inch), because they, although more expensive, can be used with almost any type of torque wrench (ideally, a good mechanic should have both types of drives at his disposal). A cheaper alternative to a set of socket heads is a set of tubular wrenches.

Set of replaceable socket heads (including "TORX" type heads) (or tubular wrenches), sizes corresponding to the sizes of wrenches from the previous list
Ratchet reversible drive (for use with interchangeable socket heads)
Gate length 250 mm
Cardan drive (for use with interchangeable socket heads)
Torque wrench (with the same size drive as for socket heads)
Self-locking pliers
Round-head hammer (about 230 g)
Soft-faced hammer (plastic or rubber)
Screwdrivers:

With a flat tip (150 mm long and about 6.5 mm in diameter)
With a flat tip (strong No.2, 8 mm)
With cross blade (No. 3 x 8 inches (203 mm))
With a cross sting (strong No.2)

Clamping pliers
Pliers:

For electricians (with insulated handles)
Narrow-nosed (needle nose pliers)
For retaining rings (internal and external)

Chisel 25 mm
Scraper (made from a copper tube flattened and pointed at one end)
Scriber (scribe)
Kerner
Beards with a thin sting (1.6, 3.2, 4.8 mm)
Hose clamp kit
Brake Bleeding Kit
Set of drills
Steel ruler/flatness gauge
Set of Allen key rods (Allen) (for hexagon socket heads)
Set of files
Wire brush (large)
Second set of supports
Jack (hydraulic or scissor type)
Carrying case with closed lampshade

Note: Another tool that is always needed is an electric drill with a chuck up to 9.5 mm and a set of good quality drill bits.

Special tool

This category includes tools that are quite expensive, not needed regularly, or require following the manufacturer's instructions when using. If the hobby mechanic's scope of activity does not include frequent complex mechanical operations, purchasing such a tool would be a bad investment - it would be wiser to buy it together with friends or rent it from auto repair shops as needed.

The list includes only those tools that can be found in retail trade or that are produced for distribution to service centers of representative departments of car manufacturers. Sometimes in the text of the Manual the reader will encounter references to such special tools. Usually the authors try to simultaneously offer an alternative method that allows to avoid the obligatory use of a hard-to-find tool. In case it is impossible to avoid using a special tool, and its acquisition for use is problematic, it is better to entrust the performance of the corresponding work to car service specialists.

Valve Spring Compressor Tool
Valve grinding tool
Piston Ring Groove Cleaning Tool
Piston Ring Crimping Tool
Piston Ring Installation Tool
Cylinder Compression Gauge (compression meter)
Countersink for processing cylinder edges
Hone for processing cylinder mirrors
Cylinder Bore Gauge
Micrometer (micrometers) and/or dial caliper
Clutch Disc Centering Tool
Ball joint extractor
Universal type puller
Impact screwdriver
Dial Gauge Set
Stroboscope (with inductive sensor)
Hand Combination Pump (vacuum/pressure)
Set of taps and dies
Tachometer/breaker contact duration measuring instrument
Universal tester for electrical measurements
Lifting rigging
Tool for removing/installing brake springs
Floor jack

Purchasing a tool

A novice mechanic can be offered several practical tips in terms of purchasing the necessary tools for performing routine maintenance and repair procedures of the car. When preparing to perform routine maintenance procedures or minimal repairs of the car, it is reasonable to purchase tools individually. On the other hand, in case of planning larger-scale works, it is easier and more reliable to buy a set of modern tools in a retail store. Purchasing a set is usually somewhat cheaper than individual purchases and is often supplemented by an attached tool box. In the future, to expand the choice, individual tools, additional sets and a larger tool box can be purchased. Gradually expanding the set of tools will allow you to stretch out the costs and decide on the choice of the really necessary tools.

Specialized tool stores are the only source for some specialized tools. Regardless of the source, avoid cheap purchases, especially when choosing screwdrivers and socket heads, as their service life will likely be short. The costs associated with replacing and restoring a cheap tool will ultimately be incomparably greater than the cost of a one-time purchase of a quality product.

Care and storage of the instrument

A good tool is a valuable investment, so it is wise to take care to keep it clean and always ready for use. After using the tool, before storing it, always wipe its surface thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth, removing traces of dirt, grease and metal particles. Never leave the tool scattered around. After completing work, carefully check the space under the hood and under the car for forgotten tools.

A tool rack mounted in a convenient place on the wall of the garage is ideal for storing tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, etc. Sets of wrenches and socket heads should be stored in metal boxes. Precision measuring tools should be stored in places that are free from corrosion, dry and clean.

You should always pay attention to the condition of the working surface of the tool. The striking part of the hammer head is subject to riveting during use, and screwdrivers lose the sharpness of their tips over time. Do not skimp on spending a little time and attention to remove riveting with sandpaper or a file and tidy up the cutting edges. Replace irreversibly worn or damaged tools in a timely manner.

With careful care, the instrument will serve you faithfully for a very long time.

Workplace equipment

When talking about tools, we cannot help but mention the equipment of the workplace. If more serious work is to be carried out than simple maintenance of the vehicle, it is necessary to take care of the preparation of a suitable work site.

It must be admitted that many car enthusiasts are forced to dismantle the engine and other similar work far from a garage or workshop. However, in any case, an important requirement is the presence of a roof or awning.

If possible, any procedures for disassembling parts of vehicle systems should be performed on a clean workbench with a flat work surface, or a sturdy table of a comfortable height. The workbench must be equipped with a vice with a jaw opening of up to 100 mm and with soft pads on the jaws.

As mentioned above, the work site should be equipped with a clean, dry place for storing tools, lubricants and cleaning fluids, putties, paints and varnishes, etc.

It should be noted that an absolutely necessary tool is an electric drill, therefore, the work site must be equipped with a power source for its connection. Having a drill with a chuck up to 9.5 mm and a set of high-quality drills will greatly facilitate the implementation of many procedures.

Finally, the workplace should always have an adequate supply of old newspapers and clean, lint-free rags available for cleaning the work area, tools, and vehicle parts.

Waste must be delivered to recycling centers in sealed containers.

Never carry out any work on the uncovered painted surface of the car body panels, use protective pads on the fenders, or, at worst, cover the polished surfaces with old blankets.