Tools you'll need to start basic wrenching on your car, beyond oil changes and brakes
Good metric socket set. Almost all cars in the last 20 years have completely metric fasteners now. Don't waste money buying "all in one" sets in shitty blow mould boxes that include sizes like 25/32". You won't need them. Just get a quality set of metric.
Talking about wrenches and sockets, don't get 12 point, get 6 point only. 12 points do have their place, but for someone just starting out, you don't need them.
You'll need two of each size of wrench. I suggest one set regular combo wrenches, one set of ratcheting wrenches.
A GOOD fine tooth ratchet. Get at least a 72 tooth count. Spend some money here. Go with the good stuff, don't cheap out. You don't have to buy new, and not buying new can save you a ton of bread. Gearwrench, Proto, Blackhawk, Williams, Blue-Point, Cornwell, SK, Matco, Mac, Snap-on. Despite what jealousfags will tell you, Snap-on isn't a meme. For ratchets, you'll want 2 of each size: 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2, one of those 2 should be a long flex head.
Expensive screwdrivers are also not meme. Same brands as above. They just fit the fastener better, plus feel better in your hand. The better fit on the fastener, plus the better fit in your hand means you can get more torque on screw. More torque means you strip the fucking thing out.
Got to HF for your general shop tools: jacks, jackstands, creepers, oil catch trays, magnetic trays, etc.
For pliers, Knipex is GOAT, but they're expensive. You can start out with Stanley or Klein. HF Pittsburgh PRO if you're on a super budget.
And finally a compressor. Yes, you'll need one. Ignore shit like "150 MAX PSI" and "BIG FANCY LETTERING ADVERTISEMENTS". There is exactly one, and only one spec that matters: SCFM @ 90psi. You want a bare minimum of 5 SCFM @90, and 6 is better. Anything over 6, and you're golden. CL is a great place to get a compressor, but everyone knows this, so they go really fast.
