Mechanics Tool Sets Start a Tool Collection Quickly
A general auto mechanic tool set or mechanical tool set is a good starting point when stocking a do-it-yourself auto repair tool set. One of these hand tool sets lets you take on numerous repair and maintenance tasks. Look for a mechanics tool set that comes with a hard case — like one of the sets in the images to the right — to protect your tools from damage and make them easy to transport.
Typically, a mechanics tool set contains tools such as ratchets and sockets in various sizes, as well as a set of wrenches.
Large, comprehensive mechanicals tool sets include both a metric tool set and a standard (Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE) set, each with a wide range of sizes. They may include socket extensions and adapters, hex wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers, as well as interchangeable driver bits. You can find these with hard cases as well.
Look for sets that include spark plug sockets. Also, look for ratchets with 72 teeth or more. With more teeth, you can turn fasteners in tight places more easily.
When using any tools, chemicals or fluids in your work, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, safety and proper safety gear.
If your mechanics tool set doesn’t contain the variety of tools you need or if you want to build your own custom tool box, you can add pieces individually. In addition to ratchets with various drive sizes and a mechanics socket set that includes metric and SAE sizes, you’ll want a selection of:
Need help finding the right ratchets, sockets and wrenches for your projects? Take a look at our Socket and Ratchet Buying Guide and Wrench Buying Guide to learn what’s available.
Hand Tools Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve got a standard tool set, there are some other hand tools you’ll want to have available.
You’ll need a torque wrench for applications in which you need to torque nuts or tighten bolts to a specific torque. These tools accept sockets and function similar to a ratchet. Set it according to the tool instructions, and it’ll indicate when the fastener’s at the specified torque.
A breaker bar uses sockets like a ratchet does, but you’ll typically use it to remove nuts or bolts. It doesn’t have a ratcheting action, but a long, sturdy handle gives you leverage to loosen stubborn fasteners.
A screw or bolt extractor set will come in handy when you run into a fastener with a stripped head. If a screwdriver or wrench won’t work on it, an extractor will help you remove it. In most cases, you simply drill out the fastener head and then attach the extractor to the drill. Extractors are designed with reverse threads or flutes. When you reverse the drill, the threads bite into the fastener head, allowing you to back out the damaged fastener.
For more delicate work — such as wiring in tight locations or replacing seals or gaskets in areas where your hand won’t fit — a pick and hook set’s a handy addition to your tool kit. Look for sturdy, ergonomic handles and a variety of tip configurations.
Put together a small truck or car tool kit with commonly used tools — such as wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers — to keep in each of your vehicles so you’ll be equipped for emergency repairs when you’re away from the garage.
Tools for Elevating and Positioning a Vehicle
For some work on cars or trucks, you’ll need equipment to lift, position and keep a vehicle stationary. While the jack that likely came with your vehicle will suffice for lifting, if you’re going to be regularly doing automotive work, you may want to look for a heavy-duty floor jack or garage jack. Models with casters allow you to easily move and position the jack where you need it. A few pumps on the handle will raise a vehicle, and jacks are often fitted with release systems to safely and easily lower the vehicle when the work’s done. Before using a jack, make sure its weight rating is sufficient for the vehicle and check the vehicle manual for the proper jack points to avoid damage.
Once you’ve elevated the vehicle, keep it securely in place with a set of adjustable jack stands. These are crucial if you’ll be working underneath a vehicle. Again, make sure the stands are rated for the proper weight and that you’re positioning them correctly under the vehicle.
Once your jack stands are in place, you’ll want the comfort and convenience of a mechanic's creeper. Simply lie down on the platform, and the casters allow you to roll under the vehicle and position yourself as needed while you work. These are often padded — easier on the back than a bare floor or driveway — and some have adjustable headrests for extra comfort.
To allow you to move the vehicle around the work area without having to start it, get a set of tire dollies, also known as tire skates or wheel dollies. These devices have casters and rest under the vehicle tires to allow for easy movement. As with the jack and jack stands, make sure they can safely support the vehicle weight.
Air Impact Wrenches and Other Tools for DIY Auto Mechanics
An Air Impact Wrench or Electric Model Makes Work Faster
Use an impact wrench to quickly remove or install lug nuts and other hex-head fasteners. Simply attach the correct impact socket and you’ll be able to power the fasteners on or off much more easily than with a hand tool. Choose from:
An Air Compressor Powers Air Impact Wrenches and Other Tools
An air compressor keeps an air impact wrench running, and you can use it to power other time-saving air tools, such as grinders and grease guns. You can also use the compressor to keep your tires properly inflated. If you just need to maintain tire pressure, you can opt for an inflator that’s small enough to keep in your vehicle. In fact, it’s a good idea to keep one of these devices with each vehicle so you can always keep the tires properly inflated.
Make sure you’re getting an air compressor that’ll power all of the tools you need to use. Read our Air Compressor Buying Guide to learn about the different types and how to match one to your work.
A tap and die set lets you create threads for nuts and bolts. A tap inserts into a tap wrench so you can turn it to create internal threads in holes drilled into a metal work piece. A die inserts into a die stock, allowing you to turn the die on a metal rod, cutting external threads into the rod. Make sure the tap and die set is designed to work with the metal you’re using. You may need a couple of other pieces of equipment — for example, a vise to hold work pieces steady and a grinder to prepare the rod for the die — but you’ll find they’re also useful for other work around your shop. You may need cutting oil as well.
Tools for Working With Lubricants and Fluids
Changing the oil and replacing an oil filter are relatively simple parts of automotive maintenance, but you need the right tools for the job, including an oil filter wrench or oil filter pliers that fit your filter and can reach the filter. You also need an oil drain container to collect the used oil. These often have reservoirs with lids that seal them up, allowing you to transport the oil for recycling or proper disposal.
For working with lighter-weight lubricants and other fluids, make sure you have plenty of funnels in a variety of sizes — including long funnels that can reach areas deep in an engine. Funnels are typically inexpensive, so it makes sense to have several around the shop to prevent spills.
There may be times when you need to transfer fuel or other fluids out of or into a vehicle. A fuel transfer pump can help you do this quickly and safely. Keep in mind that not all pumps are designed for all fluids. Check the pump documentation to make sure it’s appropriate for whatever fluid you need to move.
When working with fluids, a few spills are inevitable. Keep spill absorbent material in easy reach for cleanup and to reduce the risk of staining your garage floor or driveway. Just make sure the material’s designed to pick up the fluids you’re dealing with and that you dispose of the material properly after it absorbs the spill.
A grease gun’s a handy tool to have around the workshop if you’ll be working on older vehicles or if you’re maintaining lawn or farm equipment. These are available in manual and air-powered models. You’ll simply need to load the grease cartridge, locate and clean the grease fittings on the vehicle or equipment, attach the hose to the fitting, and operate the gun to add the proper amount of grease.
Specialty Mechanics Tools
These tools are highly specialized, and while you won’t need them for every job, if you’re working on a vehicle engine, they may become necessities.
A remote diagnostic tool or an OBD2 scanner will help you interpret engine maintenance codes. OBD stands for onboard diagnostics, and if you have a vehicle manufactured after 1996 that has OBD2, a scanner can help you determine vehicle problems and find solutions. If you want to verify the system on your vehicle, look on the underside of the hood: There should be a label that specifies if the vehicle has an OBD2 system or the original OBD1 system. OBD2 scanners can connect to an equipped vehicle with a cable or, in some cases, wirelessly.
Compression testers help you track down problems with engine valves, cylinders and rings. They’re designed with a hose that you insert into the spark plug sockets. After you prepare the vehicle according to the tester instructions, you can use the device to check the compression for each cylinder. Readings of less than 100 PSI (pounds per square inch) and differences in readings of 10% or more between cylinders indicate problems that need attention, such as damaged or worn rings or valve problems.
Hose clamp pliers make it easy to release tension clamps when you’re replacing hoses. Models with cable extensions are great for hard-to-reach clamps.
If you plan on doing brake work, look for brake tools such as lining gauges and bleeders as well as brake service kits that let you handle a variety of brake adjustments.
Tool Storage
While many mechanics tool sets include cases or organizers, you’ll likely need more storage options. Tool chests and tool cabinets help keep your tools clean, secure and organized so they’re ready when you need them. Look for lockable storage, casters, and a mix of shallow drawers that make hand tools easy to find and deep drawers or cabinets with room for power tools and bulky equipment. If you need portable storage, you’ll find that modular stackable tool boxes are great options. Small tool boxes and tool bags are perfect for keeping a basic set of tools in your vehicle.
See our Tool Storage Buying Guide for tips on finding the best storage systems for your tools.
Other Items for a Mechanics Workshop
Once you have your shop outfitted with the auto mechanics tools you need, think about other necessities.
- A fender cover will protect your vehicle from scratches, dents and grease while you’re working under the hood. Some have magnets to help them stay in place or ridges to keep tools from falling if you set them on the fender.
- Have the right lubricants available. From penetrating lubricants that help loosen rusted fasteners and spray lubricants that protect against corrosion to heavy-duty greases that resist wear and protect against high pressures, you’ll want a variety available so the right one’s ready for your projects.
- Degreaser can come in handy for cleaning engine parts. Look for a product formulated for tough automotive and shop work and make sure it’s intended for the surface you’ll be cleaning. Stock up on cleaning cloths and cleaning gloves — not just for use with the degreaser but for any cleaning up you need to do.
- A well-illuminated work area will be safer and more efficient than a dark space. Get a set of work lights so you can easily see what you’re working on. Stand lights can illuminate a large area, while a handheld light with a hook or magnetic base makes it easier to work in an engine compartment or under a vehicle.
Safety Gear
Before you begin any work, make sure you have the right safety gear. Eye protection’s required for most, if not all, auto mechanics work. A well-fitting pair of mechanics gloves protects your hands and gives you a good grip on tools and small parts. Keep a supply of disposable gloves to protect your hands from fluids. Note that latex gloves may not stand up to chemicals such as turpentine and petroleum-based fluids as well as nitrile gloves do. You should also have hearing protection and respirators or safety masks on hand. Invest in a pair of steel-toe work boots or work shoes and consider getting some work shirts and work pants.
To be effective, safety gear must be matched to the hazards you’re facing and needs to fit well. We’ve got several guides that’ll help you choose the safety equipment you need:
• Find the Best Safety Glasses or Eye Protection for Your Work
• Find the Best Work Gloves for Your Project