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Engine rebuild tools

L

Levibridge

Member
So it's getting good cold and it's getting dark earlier unfortunately. I'm gonna rebuild the engines on my JD 50 and AC WD. Since I'm only planning on restoring a couple tractors for the fun of it, I don't want to spend a lot of money on expensive name brand tools which I'll only use a few times. Whats everyone thoughts on the tools from harbor freight? They have readers and other tools for cheap.
 
I got most of my engine rebuild tools from O'Reilly's and have less then $300 in all of them. Ridge reamer, ring compressor, torque wrench, cylinder hone etc.
 
In the last 5 years or so Harbor Freight has stepped up the level of quality of the items you can purchase there. Notice I said level, so they have went to carry multiple levels of quality. I am not sure if you have a store you can travel to within reason but to purchase tools for the tasks you have in mind I would suggest if at all possible to physically go to the retail store. You can feel and see the better quality tools they offer. I do believe that overall you can now get fairly decent quality hand tools from them quite a bit less expense then say Proto, Klutch(Lowes), Master Craft(Menards) or Craftsman.
 
As said, they have gotten better over the years, and they do offer refunds and exchanges. Still, use some caution, some things are just not worthy of taking home.

I still shy away from their power tools.

Be aware anything you buy that needs consumables will be very likely to not be there the next time you visit.

BTW, when you need some specialty tool that you know will likely be a onetime use, remember to check out the major auto supply's 'loan a tool' program. They keep various tools that you buy the tool, with the understanding when done you bring it back for a full refund. Saves a ton on specialty tools that can be very expensive otherwise.
 
Wrong time of year unless you're in the tropics but I've found a lot of them at garage sales. SnapPOn jakstands for $20, glaze breaker and ridge reamer, valve spring compressor, all $5 or less. Also a few things from J.C. Whitney but not sure if they're still around.
 
Yea I don't use their power tools. Got milwaukee for that. But they are good for other stuff. The auto stores around me have a rent program that I can use.
 

Looks like the name is still around but not the selection of items they had years ago. They were merged into CarParts.com in 2020.
 
Make a list of what you need from what your definition of rebuilding is for each of those tractors
When a guy says cheap ?what does that mean ?cause quality cost less !
Up to you , on Craig list for example , a rebuild is a really rattle can paint job.
 
From what I've seen over the last couple decades, HF's Pittsburgh Pro and Quinn brands of common mechanic's tools -- combination wrenches, sockets and drivers, screwdrivers, and pliers are in the same general quality league as most of the tools that the big-box and fast food auto supply stores sell, and HF's prices are often quite bit lower.

Beyond that, I've always been amazed at how many mechanics maintain that ONLY prestige brands of tools are strong enough to be worthy of their skills, but grind down weak inexpensive tools when their fancy tools won't fit into a tight spot. For some reason, the ground-down cheap tools usually do the job.
 
Forgot to mention that many of the Auto Parts will rent you tools to do your rebuilding. Take your list to them and see what they offer in the loan a tool program they offer .
This will save you a lot
 


My local independent auto parts store loans a lot of those tools no charge. You can make your own sleeve puller if needed. You will be taking the block and head to your local automotive machine shop right?
 
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