22 Tools Every Mechanic Needs

Have you ever asked yourself what tools a mechanic must have? Well, there is no need to ask anymore. On this page, you'll find a list of essential automotive tools every mechanic needs to maintain and repair their vehicles.

 

Whether you enjoy fiddling with something fun under the hood or are a trained mechanic at an auto repair shop, the tools on this list will ensure that you build a high-quality mechanic's toolkit with the must-have tools you should have in your mechanic's collection.

 

Mechanical Hand Tools

Hand tools are the basic mechanical tools that form the foundation of any quality mechanic's toolkit. These tools are essential for accomplishing complex tasks in limited spaces and are the most common mechanical tools used for vehicle maintenance.

1. Sleeve sets

A high-quality socket set is an essential tool that every machinist needs to tighten and loosen fasteners of different shapes and sizes. We recommend investing in a socket set that includes both metric and inch sizes.

This will ensure that you are equipped to handle the various nut and bolt styles encountered on different vehicles.

2. Ratchet Wrenches

When it comes to accessing fasteners in hard-to-reach places, a ratchet set can be a game-changer.

As with sets, you will need to purchase both imperial and metric-sized ratchets to ensure that different makes and models of nuts and bolts can be accommodated.

3. Torque wrenches

Torque wrenches are a necessity for mechanics who need to tighten nuts or bolts to precise tension. The most basic of these is a manual click wrench, which makes a clicking sound when a specified torque level is reached.

This can limit you from under- or over-tightening a bolt and help prevent fastener damage.

4. Screwdriver

The screwdriver is one of the most basic mechanical tools and one of the most widely used. It is essential for tightening or loosening screws and is an essential multi-tool for mechanics.

The best screwdriver sets for mechanics are undoubtedly flathead and Phillips screwdrivers. They allow you to handle most types of screws in the body.

5. Adjustable wrenches

Adjustable wrenches are essential for automotive repair work involving a variety of bolt sizes.

The jaws can be widened or tightened as needed, giving the mechanic the flexibility to work with fasteners of different widths using only one tool.

6. Pliers

Pliers are a must-have tool for mechanics because of their versatility. Pliers can be used not only for gripping, cutting, and bending wires but also for other automotive components, providing mechanics with extra hands to help them with the day-to-day tasks associated with vehicle maintenance.

To quickly (and cost-effectively) build your pliers arsenal, we recommend investing in a mechanical pliers kit that includes the basic pliers needed for automotive applications.

7. Oil filter wrench

You can't be a mechanic without an oil filter wrench. Designed for the automotive industry, this tool is your go-to when you need to change your vehicle's hard-to-remove oil filter.

8. Hexagonal wrench

Hex wrenches, as their name suggests, are the perfect mechanical tool for working with hexagonal bolts commonly found in automobiles. They are lightweight and compact, making them a great space-saving tool in your toolkit.

To fulfill your basic requirements, be sure to purchase key sets in both metric and imperial sizes.

9. Breaker levers

Mechanics use breaker bars when they need extra leverage to loosen stubborn bolts.

They are especially good for providing you with high torque in tight spaces, such as when you're working under the hood of a vehicle.

10. Pry bars

Mechanics rely on pry bars to apply force to safely separate difficult-to-disassemble parts without damaging them.

They are primarily used for assembly tasks such as panel removal.

11.Chisels andPunches

Chisels and punches are two other essential hand tools that make a machinist's job easier. They are ideal for precision metal work such as shaping or cutting metal parts, unscrewing stubborn fasteners, and pulling out pins.

12. Bearing Pullers

When it comes to removing bearings and gears, a bearing puller is just the tool you need. Designed for these purposes, the Bearing Puller is a must-have automotive tool in every mechanic's basic toolkit.

Mechanical Power Tools

When you need more speed or power, nothing beats power tools. Our list of top mechanic power tools prioritizes the types of power tools that play a key role in vehicle maintenance and repair.

1. Cordless Impact Wrenches

Cordless impact wrenches allow you to quickly and easily remove and tighten bolts on your vehicle. They are a great tool to have on your side if you are pressed for time. Many mechanics find them especially useful for tire changes and vehicle suspension maintenance.

2. Cordless Drill

Cordless drills are an essential tool for mechanics for a number of reasons. As well as helping you drill with precision, they come with attachments for a variety of automotive applications, from polishing and fastening to grinding - giving you great value for money!

3. Angle Grinder

The angle grinder is another power tool designed for vehicle maintenance. It can be used to cut, grind, and polish metal (depending on which disc attachment you use), making it a top power tool for mechanics to invest in.

4.PneumaticRatchet

The pneumatic ratchet is a powerful mechanical tool capable of high-speed tightening in tight spaces. Aside from its speed, one of its main benefits is that it can help prevent repetitive wrist strain, so if you're looking for ways to work harder and smarter, then the pneumatic ratchet is the way to go.

5. Die Grinder

While an angle grinder is a rough-cutting tool - great for rust prevention - a die grinder gives you more control and precision, allowing you to etch, grind, and cut materials, including glass and metal, to high-quality specifications.

 

Machine Diagnostic Tools

Mechanics rely on diagnostic tools to help them collect and interpret vehicle data from numerous sensors. For automotive applications, the following diagnostic equipment is among the must-have tools for mechanics:

1. OBD-II Scanner

OBD-II scanners are essential for reading and clearing error codes on modern vehicles. Mechanics rely on these scanners to help diagnose and resolve issues that affect vehicle performance, making OBD-II scanners one of the most important diagnostic tools in a mechanic's toolkit.

2. Multimeters

A multimeter is an essential mechanical tool for diagnosing electrical problems in a vehicle's operating system. Specifically, a multimeter allows you to evaluate voltages, currents, resistances, etc., providing you with a wealth of data to help you make informed decisions about your vehicle's sensors, fuses, and wiring.

3. Brake Exhaust Kits

A brake bleed kit simplifies the process of bleeding air from your vehicle's brake system. The kit uses hydraulic fluid to release trapped air bubbles in the brake fluid. It then restores hydraulic pressure to the brake system to help with brake sensitivity issues.

4. Compression Tester

A compression tester measures the level of compression in engine cylinders to help mechanics diagnose performance issues related to a vehicle's engine. With this device, you can quickly troubleshoot signs of worn piston rings, faulty cylinder head gaskets, or leaking valves.

5. Tire Pressure Gauge

Tire pressure gauges enable mechanics to inflate a vehicle's tires to the correct pressure. A tire pressure gauge is an essential tool for a number of reasons, not least because tire pressure affects a vehicle's fuel efficiency, tire life, and driving safety.

 

Conclusion

Investing in high-quality mechanical tools is essential if you repair and maintain your vehicle in a professional capacity, but it is also beneficial if you refurbish your vehicle for hobby or personal use.

 

Tool storage is just as important as the quality of your mechanical tools. A well-organized tool system will allow you to work more efficiently while protecting your tools from damage that could compromise their integrity. For this reason, we recommend investing in custom foam padding to keep your machine tools easily accessible, efficiently organized, and in perfect condition.