The Do It Yourself Dilemma

Or, how I’m trying save money and increase my self-reliance by doing things myself, but because I’m relatively new to it, I’m spending much (most?) of the monetary savings on tools.

For example, the Saab was recently up for spark plug replacements, so I ordered the spark plugs and did that job. While I was in there, I realized the air filter and ventilation air filters were both overdue to be replaced. I haven’t been doing such a good job on keeping up with some of these things, so of course I’m turning to the geeky solution — find an application to help!

The engine air filter was easy, just a couple of clamps I removed by hand. To replace the ventilation air filter, I had to remove the windshield wipers, which of course required a socket I didn’t have. I went to Sears with Scott on the way back from lunch one day to get this 13mm socket, and ended up buying a 155-piece tool kit, on sale for 33% off. I figured I’d be set!

Not two days later, the front brakes on the Saab started squealing. Inspection and consultations with friends and mechanics pointed out that the brake pads and rotors both needed to be replaced — we’ve put 32K miles on the car and the pads weren’t new when we bought it! I may or may not need a Torx T40 to replace it. I guess I should jack up the car first to see. Of course, the toolset I bought last week doesn’t have a T40, so if I need it, that’s another trip the hardware store.

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