For most tools (wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, etc) I use MASTERCRAFT. I think it's only available in Canada (Canadian Tire stores), but these babies last forever and they can handle the rough jobs (lifetime warranty! not that you'd ever need it). CRAFTSMEN is also excellent.

For the jack, I use the Michelin "Aluminum Racing Jack". Fast and light! $200 well spent.

 

After losing my kobalt mechanics tool set, I waited at work (pawn shop) for a nice set to come through. I ended up with a ampro set for a 20$ bill. Lifetime warranty on them too.

 

Yes, it was an early TSB that revised the spec. Drivers complaining of clicking noises when turning. The noise was from movement in the wheel/hub interface. Not a good thing. I'd rather risk a problem at wheel change time than at speed.

I agree the 108 is pretty high but I haven't had any problems. Rotating the tires regularly should help ensure you don't get seized nuts (ouch!). My only real concern is the effect the high torque may have on the wheel locks. I do see a bit of distortion and every time I have the wheels off I tell myself I should really replace them with the plain nuts. One of these days...

 

I'm starting to see galling on the stock rims due to the torque. I'm wondering if they're too soft and won't be able to hold up to the torque requirements.

 

Hah. I'm using that one next time someone is near me when I'm doing a nut check.

I'll probably stick to 90 for regular driving and torque up a little on track days. How Mazda went from 65-82 to exactly 108 is beyond me.

 

i bought the low profile jack they have at costco. it was $130, seems to be much better quality than the one they offer at harbor freight.
and tools from sears, just wait for holidays and they usually have like 50% off their bigger tool sets. standard size is worthless on import cars but they do offer nice sets for the price. if you break anything just bring it back in and they give you a new one.

 

For what it's worth here's what I got from Harbor Freight. Crazy good prices:

Rapid Pump™ 4000 Lb. Capacity Lightweight Low Profile Aluminum Racing Jack

The price online is 199 but at the store I got this out the door for $166 (a/t). It was even listed on sale at 179. No idea why it was so cheap at the register. Perfect jack. It's long, low profile, light, and can elevate to 18". The bar splits in two so it easily fits in my car.

Also got this torque wrench:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...Itemnumber=239

10-150lbs is mainly for the wheels but it's able to go down enough that it can handle torqueing on some DIY projects under the car if it can fit. Hard to beat for $20.

Gonna keep an eye out for a low torque wrench for smaller spaces. Almost grabbed this: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...Itemnumber=807 but decided to hold out for something smaller.

 

I torque my lugs to about85 or 90 ft/lbs.....I have craftsman and a couple snap-on tools for the price craftsman is great and you can get like 154 socket set fro 99 bucks when on sale usually once a week at any sears.....plus any hand tool u break just take it back and they will replace no ?'s asked...but the torque wrenches are only warrantied for a certain amt of time the cheap ones are for 90 day i thik some go up to a year or so!!1