Top 10 Must Have Mechanics Tools for Your Home Garage
Mechanics are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that around 46,000 new positions will require filling.
Cars are changing fast as technology enables more complex features. In turn, this means that mechanics must stay up-to-date with how to repair vehicles that are all-but computer run.
The downside is that it has only gotten more expensive to repair your car and do routine maintenance. The average person will spend about $1,186 per year on their vehicle.
If you’re a would-be mechanic looking to save yourself a hefty repair bill, there are several must-have mechanics tools you should have in your garage. Keep reading for the top ten tools everyone should have at their home.
1. Torque Wrenches
First up on the automotive tool list are the torque wrenches.
If you intend to work on your car from home, then you can’t go without a torque wrench. Torque wrenches are essential on any auto mechanic tool list. One of the primary uses for a torque wrench is loosening and tightening lug nuts on wheels. However, there are several different kinds of torque wrenches.
Common Types of Torque Wrenches:
- beam or deflection
- dial indicator
- clicker
- digital
2. Flex-Head Ratchet
Among the tools every mechanic needs, a flex-head ratchet is high up on the list. It’s a thin tool that allows you to squeeze into tight spaces while you’re trying to loosen fasteners and spark plugs.
3. Extension Bar
The extension bar deserves a spot on every car tools list. Extension bars allow you to reach sockets that are deep inside the car’s engine. Use a locking extension to ensure you pull the socket free of the bolt head without any problems.
4. Vacuum Pump
There are many tools for mechanics, and a vacuum pump is one of them. It allows you to test your sensors and motors in the car.
5. Hood Light
Working on your vehicle late into the night? Brighten up the engine under the hood with a hood light.
6. Flexible Funnel
If you plan on doing your oil changes yourself, you’ll want a flexible funnel to make the job easier. This funnel bends and flexes with ease, allowing you to channel the oil into the drain pan without any problems.
7. Screw Pitch Gauge
Need to know the specific size of a bolt? Have no fear, there’s a tool for that! The screw pitch gauge allows you to measure the exact size of the bolt you require.
8. Spark Plug Pliers
You can’t use regular pliers to grab plug wires. Instead, you need the padded clips on spark plug pliers to handle the job.
9. Automotive Stethoscope
It might seem weird to use a stethoscope on a vehicle when they’re by and large associated with doctors. However, an automotive stethoscope will enable you to locate a certain strange noise your car is making without replacing every part imaginable until it stops.
10. Battery Carrier
If you’ve ever changed the battery in your car yourself, then you know how heavy they are and how wedged into a tight space they happen to be. A battery carrier will make it easier for you to get a good grip on one, pull it out, and transport it safely.
Must Have Mechanics Tools Depends on Your Needs
If you’re an aspiring mechanic who wants to do automotive work yourself without going to a car repair shop, there are many different types of tools you’ll need. This article listed several must have mechanics tools that should give you an idea of where to start.
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