Just make sure that you use the right tool for the right job. You might be using to weak of a wrench for the job and break it like that, or use the wrong extension etc.

 

uhmm.. yeah.. C clamp is what i used.. one of them adjustable C clamps.. heh.. pliers..

i was at it with some needle nose ones.. stickin them in the little grooves.. that was a pain in the forearms..

 

But Craftsman tools (what I have as well) are so good - you'd be lucky to actually find a "broken" Craftsman!

For about $200 get a simple metric socket set, a set of box wrenches, a channel lock, 2 adjustable wrenches (large and small) and a pair of screwdrivers for both + and -. If you go during sale time, you'll have enough change for a pretzel and an Icee

That should cover a majority of the basic auto work you'll be doing... then as time goes on, if you find you need a specific sized tool or what not, then obviously you'll have to hit up Sears again. However, before you know it, you'll have so many tools and you'll wonder many a time what you would've done without them!

To add my 0.02, I prefer the brake spreader to the C-Clamp. $5.99 @ Kragen

 

hmmm.... methinks i'll have to look into that lil doodad...