With a view to start at the beginning and for the benefit of the person who wants to either start or do more of their own maintenace on their Volvo it seemed logical to start with the essential of running through what basic tools you need. I have included some pictures as well for those who might not know exactly what any given tool looks like. I am suugesting what I would regard as a minimum for basic work - as I cover other jobs I will endeavour to say what additonal tools may be needed.
First of all there is one essential that is needed before any work can commence but is not available form the tool shop:
This is one of the most used tool and is invaluable when you run into a problem - I guarantee it should solve at least 75% of them!
The pic below illustrates the first part of your tool kit:
The first tools needed will be your sockets, ratchets and extension bars. A lot of sets are only 3/8 inch. Your 240 tends to have bigger and heftier everything than most cars. A 1/2 set is better to start with - you can buy a set or individuals.
Starting from the left there is a 2", 4" and 9" extension bars with wobble ends. A wobble end enables the socket which fits onto to work a little out of square (useful in tight spaces) Ordinary square ended ones are better for anything very tight and in the early days was all I had.
Next is the ratchet - there are various types. I prefer the chrome one which has a little lever on the side to change direction of the ratchet. The one with a slider (or a twist) tend to move when your hand is applying light pressure to help the ratcheting. I have also shown a little stuby ratchet with a wobbly head - useful in awkward places but not essential. The hammers are essential - the 2lb ball hammer is the stock mechanics hammer. The lump hammer can also be very useful as well.
Next starting from the left is a Stanley knife - has many uses with the blades being useful for scraping off old gaskets. Next there are a couple of pairs of pliers standard and fine hosed (there are many other different types) Going from top right there two pairs of mole grips which have many uses and also a large (18") waterpump pliers (handy for changing brake pads). Across the bottom is a pry bar (a set of different lengths are handy for a variety of uses).
Going on from there is a set of combination spanners. You will need the following sizes 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 22
Next you will need your sockets:
There are thre different styles. From the left there is the flat sided or hex socket - this I find gives excellent grip but in very confined spaces will not always work easily. Next is a relatively uncommon one which grips on the centre of the flat - supposed to be very good for gripping damaged heads but find hex as good usually. The one on the right is the bi-hex which is quite common - good but on a tight nut ot bolts the hex is far less likey to slip off.
You will need 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 22
Also need is a 25mm socket or spanner for the sump plug.
Moving on to this also needed for oil changes will be something to remove the filter. There are many types - on 240s I find the best is this one:
This three legged oil filter remover which fits best into the limited space. There are others such as this chain one:
This tends to get in the way of the alternator.
Finally it is worth get a set of allen keys (preferably with a ball end which enables them to be used off square):
Also if you have one of the last 240s torx fittings are used are used in places so a set of these are useful. They look like the allen keys but have a star end.
I have found that the cheapest place for a lot of these is your local market - most have a tool stall and you can often get items for 1/2 or less of the price of the likes of halfords. Just have a look to see if the same reasonable quality. The oil filter removal may well have to come from a tool shop or halfords as it is a little more specialist.
In addition to this once you start needing to raise the car you will need to invest in jacks and axle stands. The 240 is a heavy car so make sure what you buy is substancial. The little trolley jacks at £10-20 are ok but if your budget will stretch to a garage type jack down the line they are far better and more stable. I tend to carry one of the small trolley jacks in the car in case of punctures. A good pair of strong axle stands that will lift to a reasonable height or also essential. Many people like to use car ramps instead - again look for ones that will take the Volvo - ie big and strong.
I hope this gives you some idea of what I condider a good starter tool kit - you will dubtless find there are other things that will be useful and if the bug gets you spend hours drooling over various tools.
Mike