Jobs are made easier with the right tools. This is especially true for hands-on and skill-based jobs. As an auto mechanic, we are as only as good as our tools. With the proper variety of equipment on hand, we can tackle any auto-related tasks.
Regardless of the job, there are some tools every mechanic should own. Some of the tools are very basic, but they help get the job done efficiently and keep the mechanic safe whilst doing so. Today, we are going to look at the absolute essentials, and with that, compile a list of the ones we would need lying around in our workspace.
Auto Mechanic Tools and Equipment List
These are the must-haves of the mechanic world. Having these will allow us to tackle a variety of auto-repair related tasks with varying degrees of difficulty. And these tools are mostly basic, but you could get away with using them and not investing a fortune on the more advanced ones.
1. A Screwdriver, Wrench and Hex Wrench Set
This is a staple toolset. All vehicle and machine companies use screws to attach components together in their vehicles. And all repair jobs require screwdrivers at the primary level. Try to secure a high-quality set as these go a long way, and you would not want to spend money on a new one every now and then.
Wrenches are essential for almost every auto repair project. Since the cars you will be repairing will come from different origins, it is best that you own a standard and a metric set of wrenches.
Try to get a strong-alloyed set, such as chrome-vanadium ones, as they can be used for years with minimum wear and tear. Get one of those adjustable wrenches too. To tackle those worn-out screws, a conventional wrench will have a difficult time tackling.
If the vehicle does not use screws, it is very likely that it is held together with hex bolts. Therefore, having a hex wrench set would allow us to tackle these projects.
- Top quality magnetic screwdriver set, 10 professional grade screwdrivers that are designed to serve a multitude of uses.
- Premium materials, the screwdriver bar is made of chromium vanadium steel for durable. Black finish blade with magnetic tips which could conveniently attracts screws.
- Cushion grip handle for comfort and control,With ergonomic TPR handle, it helps you to use very easily.
- Top quality magnetic screwdriver set, 10 professional grade screwdrivers that are designed to serve a multitude of uses.
- Premium materials, the screwdriver bar is made of chromium vanadium steel for durable. Black finish blade with magnetic tips which could conveniently attracts screws
- Cushion grip handle for comfort and control,With ergonomic TPR handle, it helps you to use very easily
![AXTH 25-in-1 Small Precision Screwdriver Set, Professional Magnetic Mini Repair Tool Kit for Phone, Computer, Watch, Laptop, Macbook, Ring Doorbell, Eyeglass, Electronic, [Bearing Steel] Screw Driver](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Gu3qrD6mL._SL160_.jpg)
- [25in1, Household Must-Have] The small screwdriver set comes with 24 different bits (Phillips, Flat, Torx, Torx Security, Pentalobe, Hexagon, etc.), ensuring you have the smallest but complete set of repair kit.
- [Bearing Steel Bits] All precision bits are made of the best Bearing Steel (Steel for tanks) and the hardness can reach over HRC65°, resist abrasion, oxidation and corrosion, ensure long time use. In addition, the strong magnetize-able tip easily pick-up and hold screws, helping you handle all tiny screws.
- [Ergonomic Design] Super smooth swivel cap for easy screw removal. Frosted particles and streamline handle makes sure you can turn any screw.
- Premium materials, Screwdriver bar made of 6150 chromium vanadium steel, stronger and tougher than most carbon steel；it is chromium plating treated for corrosion resisted and nice appearance.
- 43-piece magnetic screwdriver set consists of 8 Conventional screwdriver，6 Precision Screwdriver and 25 screwdriver bits.There are 5 different screw types including Phillips, Slotted, Torx, Hex and Pozidriv, 1 Magnetizer Demagnetizer Tools
- Magnetizer demagnetizer tool,Converts any tool blade to a magnetic retriever of screws, nuts and metallic particles. We have flexible socket extensions bar and Magnetic bit holder for the screwdriver bits that allow you to use them in complex situations.
2. A Hammer
Most mechanics fail to realize the importance of a hammer, right until the point where they have to straighten out a piece of metal or loosen up a part.
Try to obtain one with a rubber grip, as it would help you get some leverage when you need it. We recommend ball-pen hammers over clawed ones for use in vehicles.
- Comfortable, textured handles for handling ease
- (1) 16 oz. Ball Pein Hammer (63316), (1) 32 oz. Ball Pein Hammer (63024)
- (1) 32 oz. Rubber Mallet (63232)
- 【Package Include】Each pack comes with 5 hammers that include 16oz Ball Peen Hammer, 32oz Ball Peen Hammer, 32oz Rubber Mallet, 3lb Sledge Hammer and 3lb Cross Peen Hammer.
- 【Forged and Polished Steel Head】Forged from heat-treated high carbon steel, rust and corrosion resistant, forged carbon steel heads provide strength, durable, easy to clean.
- 【Ergonomically Designed Handle】Our set is designed with a non-slip TRP thermoplastic handle that features a high-strength fiberglass core to provide a secure and comfortable grip while helping absorb vibrations to reduce fatigue.
3. Hand Cleaner
Your workshop may be a dirty place. It would be difficult to grip objects if you have grease and grime stuck to your hands. Conventional soap simply does not cut it when it comes to removing automotive grease and grime. You might not want to get to your lunch with dirty hands.
Invest in some good automotive grade hand cleaner for mechanics, as scrubbing away with normal soap is not ideal. Try to keep the tub of cleaner somewhere close, where you could reach it without going through doors. Remember, your hands are your most important tools. Take care of them.
4. Disposable Gloves
Chemicals, in general, are not good for the skin. Automotive chemicals, well, you get the gist. They could wreak havoc on your skin in the form of rash and burns. Moreover, in the chance that they do not, they are bound to leave stains on your hands.
If you do not want to walk around with rashes and stained hands as your badges of pride, we recommend buying a box of disposable gloves for mechanics. Simply grab and pull a pair over your hands before you get working, and keep using it until it needs to be replaced.
However, for cleaner jobs, we recommend high-quality permanent gloves. Place all your gloves in places that are easy to access without the need to go through doors and drawers.
5. Rags and Paper Towels
These aren’t exactly tools, but they are essentials for any shop or workplace. They make it easy to clean up spills and maintain a safe and clean environment. And let us face it, spills will happen.
Place them somewhere where everyone in the shop can grab them in emergencies. We recommend placing rolls of paper towels in various corners of the workshop.
6. Brake Degreasers and Spray Cleaners
As a mechanic, brake jobs are the second most common jobs you would come across after oil changes. Brakes do not function properly if they are covered in dirt, grease, and grime. Having a brake degreaser means you can service a brake easily without too much hassle.
The same goes for spray lubricants; you never know when you would come across that random bolt that refuses to loosen up. Or perhaps, you simply need to lubricate some moving parts.
7. A Pliers Set
Need to loosen a bolt? A plier is a tool you need. Need to strip some wires? A plier will get the job done. We cannot stress this enough. Pliers are the next must-have tools, right after screwdrivers and wrenches, simply because they can be adapted to do a variety of different things.
Investing in a decent set of pliers will go a long way. We recommend investing in a set that some with needle-nosed pliers, wire strippers, and channel-lock ones if you have the budget, of course.
8. Drip Pans
Need to do oil changes? You need a drip pan to catch that engine oil and prevent it from spilling. They have a low clearance, so they are easy to slide in beneath cars. Some new ones come with a plug, so disposing of that oil is easier than ever.
9. Angle Grinder
Working on vehicles means that at some point, you would have to cut through metal. A hacksaw takes forever to do the job, and the finishing is not as nice as with grinders.
Purchasing a grinder is an investment worth considering as these cut through metals of varying thickness with ease. Remember that grinders are dangerous, so along with a grinder, you should consider purchasing safety glasses, a tool-guard, and a face shield for grinding.
10. Hydraulic Jack
Working beneath a car requires clearance. A hydraulic jack is useful for lifting the car and holding it in place. They are expensive but are also totally worth the investment.
Conclusion
There you have it. We have compiled a Checklist of 10 Essential Auto Mechanic Tools and Equipment List that you should have as an auto mechanic. With these 10 tools, you can finish any basic or secondary level projects. You can attempt hundreds of different kinds of projects with these.
If you are starting out as a mechanic, do yourself a favor and acquire all of the above before you attempt a repair. You would not want to be that person who realizes he is short of a tool mid-repair. No garage is complete without the aforementioned tools. We hope you have had a blast going through our guide.
Happy hunting!