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.
- Improved durability & fit: black oxide tip provides improved durability and grip without compromising tip fitment
- Quick rotation control: speed and precision tactile zones provide quick rotation control for efficient run down and precision tasks
- Added grip texture: torque zone provides added grip texture and geometry for heavy torque applications
- 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 MATERIALS】: Professional screwdriver kit - Made of S2 Alloy Steel, high-end tool steel, the top material in screwdrivers. Excellent impact resistance provides ultra-high torque and hardness, and its strength and toughness and other comprehensive properties far exceed those of chrome vanadium steels.
- 【ERGONOMIC DESIGN】：Triangle stereo handle designto prevent rolling,endowed with magnetic,the handle conforms to the design of human body mechanics,hang hole design
- 【MULTI-PURPOSE SIZES】：5PC phillips screwdrivers，5PC slotted screwdrivers，4PC torx screwdrivers，9PC precision screwdrivers，1PC 40 in 1 screwdriver，1PC Magnetize&demagnetize，40PC Bit set
- Professional performance for all your tasks with this small screwdriver set - tackle a variety of assembly applications with up to 44 in-lbs. (5nm) of powered max torque with manual finishing capability up to 124 in-lbs. (14nm)
- Cordless speed and efficiency - drive screws fast with up to 360 RPM of no-load speed and 2ah integral battery that delivers up to 680 screws per charge*. Power screwdriver for rapid results
- Controlled delivery - match power to application with 6-stage torque adjustment with this reliable screwdriver set
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)
- BALLPEEN AND BRASSHEAD DEAD BLOW HAMMERS: Reduce the risk of damaging surfaces with this steel shot filled head that adds extra force to hammer blows and eliminates rebound & spark, ideal for auto body work and a must have mechanic hammer set.
- NON MARRING RUBBER HAMMER: This soft mallet is constructed of a unicast poly molded body that prevents the rubber mallet from wearing away between the head and handle. Material also prevents sparks upon impact and marring.
- HIGH VISIBILITY HAMMER: Bright color makes it easy to find and differentiate between other hammers in your tool kit. Use for machining, shaping metal, peening, automotive work, woodworking, sheet metal forming and other work.
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.
- Powerful Citrus Cleaning: Harnesses the natural power of citrus to deeply clean and remove stubborn grease and grime from mechanics' and industrial workers' hands
- Skin Conditioning: Fortified with aloe, lanolin, glycerin, and other skin conditioners to effectively clean while nourishing and conditioning the skin
- Gentle and Safe: Waterless formula without harsh chemicals, mineral oils, or ammonia, ensuring it won't irritate cuts or abrasions during use
- Powerful Citrus Cleaning: Harnesses the natural power of citrus to deeply clean and remove stubborn grease and grime from mechanics' and industrial workers' hands
- Skin Conditioning: Fortified with aloe, lanolin, glycerin, and other skin conditioners to effectively clean while nourishing and conditioning the skin
- Gentle and Safe: Waterless formula without harsh chemicals, mineral oils, or ammonia, ensuring it won't irritate cuts or abrasions during use
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.
- Medical-Grade 3.5 Mil - Supmedic nitrile gloves deliver exam grade barrier & tactile feel - provides 40% extra thickeness than typical food gloves, ideal for Cooking Cleaning and everyday task.
- Allerge Safe - 100% Powder-free & Latex-free gloves eliminates common allergies; skin-friendly material for worry-free wear on sensitive hands.
- Texture Grip - Micro-roughened fingertips plus smooth palms keep a confident hold on instruments, wet dishes or oily parts without sacrificing dexterity.
- These Inspire gloves are designed for BOTH medical and industrial use. Both exam-grade and durable 6-mil thickness, they are ideal for medical and industrial applications. These gloves are suitable for healthcare settings, laboratories, industrial environments, and household tasks.
- STRENGTH AND DEXTERITY: Inspire Nitrile Gloves provide strong protection every time. Rugged nitrile material is rip and puncture resistant, yet offers a secure fit, ease of movement, superior tactile control, and ultimate dexterity.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS: The exam grade industrial glove trusted by industrial and medical professionals. Whether emergency services, doctors, nurses or food and household use, Inspire disposable gloves hold up to the job at hand.
- The ideal solution for individuals sensitive to natural rubber latex and donning powder.
- Comfortable fit with textured fingertips for excellent tactile sensitivity.
- Extraordinary strength, stretchable durability and puncture resistance with premium iris blue color.
- Chemical and puncture-resistant nitrile gloves offer superior protection against liquids, gases, and sharp objects. The textured finish ensures a secure grip in wet or dry conditions. Each glove has a beaded cuff.
- Borje nitrile gloves are suitable for those who are sensitive to natural rubber latex and wearing powder.
- Stay clean and protected when dealing with messy foods with these food-safe prep gloves.
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!