Racers rely on a variety of tools to get the job done in the shop or at the track, from wrenches to caster/camber gauges to pipe bending equipment. Whether you're a Street Stock competitor racing for a hobby or a serious-minded Late Model racer looking to go places, we've compiled a list of tools that should meet your needs and appeal to your budget.
Behrent's Performance Warehouse offers a set of line wrenches for use on hard-to-reach line fittings. The wrenches, which are manufactured by Quantum Race Products, are angled 15 degrees on one end and 45 degrees on the other, and they're non-anodized so they won't damage the fittings. MSRP: $69.95. Behrent's Performance Warehouse, Dept. SCR10, 38 Meadow Rd., Florida, NY 10921; 845/651-7389; www.behrents.com | 
A thorough oil filter examination can reveal minor engine irregularities before they become costly problems that drain the budget. Quantum Race Products offers an oil filter cutter that allows a quick and easy examination with each filter change. MSRP: $39.42. Behrent's Performance Warehouse, Dept. SCR10, 38 Meadow Rd., Florida, NY 10921; 845/651-7389; www.behrents.com | 
Quantum Race Products has a digital spring rater that gives precise spring rates when setting up your race car, eliminating the guesswork on setups. The Spring Rater is easy to operate and accommodates springs up to 17 inches tall and coil diameters from 1 7/8 to 5 1/2 inches. MSRP: $894.78. Behrent's Performance Warehouse, Dept. SCR10, 38 Meadow Rd., Florida, NY 10921; 845/651-7389; www.behrents.com |
The Craftsman 3/8-inch Thin-Profile Ratchet is designed for those hard-to-get-to areas that a racer encounters in the shop and at the track. The gear head of the Thin-Profile Ratchet is 15 to 20 percent thinner than conventional 3/8-inch ratchets. Plus, finer gearing shortens the arc to a mere six degrees. This allows rapid fastener engagement and easier tightening and loosening in tight quarters. MSRP: $39.99 at Sears. www.sears.com | 
Craftsman Professional Adjustable Torque Wrenches are designed for industrial and professional users who need precise measurements. The accuracy of the wrenches exceeds industry standards. A lean profile allows the tool to reach areas of limited access. The wrenches are available in 3/8- or 1/2-inch models. MSRP: $159-$199. The Craftsman Professional Adjustable Torque Wrenches are available only through the 2002-2003 Craftsman Power and Hand Tools catalog. www.sears.com | 
Intended to eliminate those frustrating moments when you can't locate your tools, Craftsman Laser-Marked Sockets have extra-large markings legible up to 10 feet. The permanent, high-contrast graphics are also visible under low-light conditions found in garages, workshops, and toolboxes. The 3/8-inch drive socket sets are available in standard and metric sizes, and deep sockets are also offered. MSRP: $19.99 to $29.99 at Sears. www.sears.com |
Craftsman's new Bolt-Out Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set is designed to remove stripped, rusted, or painted nuts and bolts that can't be gripped or removed by ordinary tools. These tools have an interior spiral flute design that grips the fastener on multiple sides, allowing the user to turn the nut or bolt and remove it with a combination wrench, ratchet/socket combination, or locking pliers. This eliminates the need to drill, file, or cut damaged bolts. The tools also are designed to fit over longer studs and bolts. A 13-piece set will be available in October, and two five-piece sets are currently available at Sears. MSRP: $49.99, 13-piece set; $19.99 each, two five-piece sets. www.sears.com | 
The Craftsman Twin Cutter portable saw cuts through metal, wood, plastic, fiberglass, or a combination of these materials without a change of blades. Two 6 1/8-inch, 36-tooth, carbide-tipped blades run flush against one another and rotate in opposite directions, reducing kickback and vibration. Maximum cutting depth is 1 7/8 inches. MSRP: $189.99 at Sears. www.sears.com | 
Need that seldom-used specialty tool but don't want to fork over the money to buy it? AutoZone's free Loan-A-Tool Program might be the solution. The program offers more than 60 different tools for a variety of jobs, from suspension work to engine rebuilds. AutoZone requires a deposit for the tool, which is then fully refunded when the tool is returned. Deposit amounts vary respective to the tool chosen. Available at any AutoZone location. www.AutoZone.com |