Must-Have Tools - A Beginner’s Guide

[coreystone11]

Hey guys,

I’m about to start my first restoration of a Model BN that’s been kept and passed down, but has never served for more than a yard ornament. That said, I wanted to ask and see what tools, especially those that are not ordinary/common. No need to list general hand tools, however, I certainly wouldn’t say no to any size-specific references/lists if so inclined to share. I plan to compile whatever you guys end up sharing and creating a reference guide or cheat sheet if you will that will be posted here. I’ll take it as far as able based on info received. I appreciate any and all time/effort spent by anyone sharing. I’m personally interested in model b obviously but to show appreciation, I’ll happily tabulate and create lists specific to other models and/or groups of models.

Cheers!

Corey

[Eugene]

The tractor was designed for the farmer to work on with common hand tools.

For more extensive work; impact wrench and sockets, 1/2" & 3/8" socket set.

Suggest not purchasing any tools until you discover that you need them. You will need some expensive to very expensive tools if you work on the engine's internals.

Edit: Purchase quality tools.

[Lt.Mike]

For more extensive work; impact wrench and sockets, 1/2" & 3/8" socket set.
Edit: Purchase quality tools.

If you buy a socket set particularly if it’s half in drive, buy the black impact sockets as they are stronger. I’ve broken many a chromed socket but never a black impact socket. Also Harbor Freight sells them cheap and they hold up just fine.
Grab a long breaker bar too that will help with wheel studs.

[Dale Finch]

I recommend that your sockets are 6-point sockets {rather than/or in addition to, 12-point)...fewer rounded of corners.

Something that has made my life easier are square pipe plug sockets, similar to these:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pipe+plug+socket+set&adgrpid=59875238761&gclid=CjwKCAjw5c6LBhBdEiwAP9ejG28Zq7sQyvjpx4FFAfXDzma9w9AR9l2_63ORCw-sq34IDZf7BRneOxoC3ksQAvD_BwE&hvadid=274776355823&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9009671&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13998654407382050444&hvtargid=kwd-296300241809&hydadcr=20350_9348762&tag=hydsma-20&ref=pd_sl_31onu03t19_e

They are good for the radiator drain plug, transmission "full level" plug, touch control drain plug, and steering housing plugs.

Some other tools I have found invaluable are engine hoist, rolling jackstand (search the forum...many ideas), compression tester.

Good luck!

[ricky racer]

You will need some expensive to very expensive tools if you work on the engine's internals.

I'm not quite sure I agree with you on this Eugene. The only expensive tools I can think of are micrometers but you can probably get by with a decent set of 6" dial calipers and a cheap set of snap gauges for checking bores. Those will let you see if bores need re-bored or if bearing journals need ground.

Now if you're talking about cutting new valve seats or grinding valves then yes, I'd agree with you but most folks will have a machine shop do that work for them.

[SamsFarm]

If your young or want to pass on a legacy, buy high quality USA made tools.

If your old, and dont care, not going to do much with the tools beyond this one time, buy whatever and a few extra boxes of bandaids. Keep in mind that resale value of harbor freight type tools is very low!

If your in the "not going to do much becides this tractor category" then skip the power tools too!

'

you can probably get by with a decent set of 6" dial calipers

I disagree with using dial (or digital) calipers for engine work.

Some people can squeeze too hard, some not hard enough, some will have the jaws cocked to whatever they are measuring.

[Mht]

I wouldn’t work on old stuff without my right angle die grinder and surface conditioning discs. Mine is a harbor freight 15 dollar version with their brand roll lock discs and it’s been a workhorse for years with very little care and no issues what so ever. My oxy acetylene torch is another must have for me. I almost never break a bolt off after heating them first. If you are just starting out buying hand tools the Best Buy out there is quality name brand tools from yard sales and flea markets. It might take a while to assemble a large collection but you don’t need a large collection to work in old tractors.

[Jim Naden]

One item not mentioned is a quality respirator with changeable filters. Older tractors can have asbestos in the gaskets and you don't want to be breathing that stuff, especially if you are fond of using 3M (style) cookies to prepare the gasket surface.