Picking out a few tools. Your input welcome

As ski season winds down and autocross season starts up, I've been
thinking about learning how to rotate (swap) tires myself. Since
Sears is having a sale this week, and I don't have any of the
appropriate tools, I put 2+2 together and have started picking some
stuff out. If any of you all have a minute, you're welcome to chime
in on my selections or what I should get, since my experience in this
area is pretty limited.

Craftsman 2-1/4 ton floor jack, 29.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ord=floor+jack
I was actually looking at some of their more expensive jacks, but they
seem to get pretty mixed reviews until you step up to the $300 (279.99
on sale) Craftsman Professional aluminum model. That thing looks
sweet, but someone said this one works well enough so I figure I'll
buy in for $30 and see how I like working on the wheels.

Central Machinery 3 ton jack stands with rubber pads
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38846
These seem good because they have a groove that might fit well over
the lip on the underside of the car, which I understand is a good
place to prop it up?
Will I need more than just one pair? I'm thinking two stands is
enough to prop up the left side, swap front & rear, then repeat with
the right side.

Craftsman Torque Wrench, 1/2 in. drive, 69.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=torque+wrench
First of all, I want 1/2 in drive, right? The mixed reviews on
several of their affordable torque wrenches sort of concerns me.
Craftsman also makes a dedicated "Tire Torque Wrench" that gets better
reviews, but it's $140. Sorta hoping this one would be good enough
for tightening lug nuts.

Lug nut socket? Where should I get one, is it just a generic socket?
I have the OEM 16" wheels on a 2003 Shinsen edition.

I'm thinking I might also want a helper wrench or two, curious as to
what people like.

Gracias & ZZ
Eric

In article
>,
wrote:

> Lug nut socket? Where should I get one, is it just a generic socket?

Yes, one of the standard sizes (which one depends on your lugs). Get a
large X wrench instead of a socket.

Instead of jackstands, some folks rip a slot in a 2x4 so it fits over
the rocker panel seam, and use it to jack one side directly below the
outside mirror. Make sure to set the handbrake firmly.

--
Lanny Chambers
St. Louis, MO
'94C