To those who know nothing much about tools one set may look very much like another, but apart from a few crossover pieces, in general the tools needed for something like DIY or carpentry are quite different from those required for other practical work. You could think of it in comparison to baking or cooking, where particular pieces of equipment are necessary to create certain dishes.
When it comes to fixing a car there are hundreds of Automotive tools a mechanic may want to use, but here we are looking only at five of the most important. Obviously, these are what would be used for more basic or general repairs, as complex problems are likely to need something extra.
Five essential tools you will find in every auto mechanic’s toolbox
Tool #1 – Ratchet & Socket Set
It’s not really cheating to pair these two together as they often do come as a set, but if necessary you can get away with just a decent socket set. Look for a good set with both metric and standard sizes, various socket types, such as thin-walled, drivers and sockets in a few sizes, including 3/8 inch and ¼ inch, (or 6mm up to 24 or even 32 mm.) Any mechanic will get plenty of use from this kind of set, and is it come with small, medium and large ratchets then you have hit the car fixing jackpot.
Tool #2 – Pliers and Wirecutters
A decent set of pliers (different sizes) and some wire cutters are good for tackling brake work, and electrical tasks, concerning headlights, music systems etc, in a car.
Tool #3 – Torque Wrench
There’s no doubt the tires are an essential part of any automobile, and you need a torque wrench, (preferably the clicker-type), to tighten the nuts correctly, and be able to unscrew them safely too.
Tool #4 – Wrenches
There are lots of different types of wrenches, so if you are unsure what to pick go for a ratcheting wrench set. They are an easy tool to use, you’ll get plenty of use from them, and if you go for wrenches made from something like chrome-vanadium alloy they will last as long as you ever need them, and then some. You can usually choose between metric and standard sets, and a maximum size of 21-24mm is usually enough for most people.
Tool #5 – Screwdrivers
No toolbox, however basic, is going to be much use without a decent set of screwdrivers. Ideally buy a set which includes a bigger sized flathead screwdriver, some really small ones for more delicate jobs, and a couple of short bodied (stubbed) versions for when you have to work in a compromised space. With a decent set you should be able to tackle pretty much any screw you come across.
Here we have looked at only a few key toolbox items – in reality there’s never going to be a limit on what you may feel is ‘absolutely essential’ to put in yours. Still, you have a lifetime to collect, so starting with the most useful items is always the best way to go.
