December 7
0 comments
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Tags
Pressure cookers have become kitchen staples for many, promising speedy meals without compromising flavor. But have you ever wondered how hot does a pressure cooker get?Understanding the temperature inside this culinary marvel is more than just kitchen trivia. It’s a vital aspect of safe and efficient cooking.From unlocking the secrets of rapid cooking to ensuring
Read MorePressure cookers have evolved into indispensable allies in modern kitchens, capable of conjuring quick, mouthwatering meals with ease.Yet, amidst the kitchen whirlwind, there’s a familiar culinary stumbling block that can swiftly transform your gastronomic aspirations into a culinary catastrophe. Yes, we’re talking the menacing issue of pressure cooker burn marks on the bottom.Few things are
Read More