Top 15 Automotive Tools Every Mechanic Needs

March 19, 2025

There are various automotive hand tools, each of which has a certain importance. There is no doubt that each tool has a purpose that makes it seem to not only bring in every penny but also bring in more bang for your buck. We don't need to go into much detail to take a look at some of these tools, and as a locomotive expert, you'll find them all very useful. There are different kits of tools for different engines and bodies. However, some tools are common to all vehicles, while others are specific to any vehicle and are supplied by the company to which the vehicle belongs through the tool kit. An expert knows all the tools and this is not easy to do. This can only be achieved through years of practice and hands-on experience. Talent is always important and this is the primary requirement.

Top 15 Automotive Tools

Let's take a look at 15 tools that every mechanic should have. They are as follows:

1. Wrench

To open a nut, you need to use a wrench. Wrenches come in various types. There are combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and wrenches of different sizes such as 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1/2 inch. The most common sizes are four. With a wrench, you can open any nut. There is a specific wrench for each nut though. Adjustable wrenches can be adjusted to different sizes, so the same wrench can be used for different requirements. However, it is important to buy always the best automotive hand tools.

Similarly, there are torque wrenches. It should be known that torque is applied at an angle of 90 degrees and torque wrenches are used to loosen tires. With the help of a torque wrench, you can loosen the tires. Similarly, you can consider other types of battery powered wrenches that are used frequently. You will surely use wrenches regularly and if you are an automotive expert, you cannot afford to be without one.

2. Ratchets

A ratchet consists of a rod or wheel with a set of angled teeth that can be embedded in the teeth to allow movement in any direction. There are adjustable ratchets, and short ratchets that can be bent for adjustment to loosen the nut at any corner. One can easily understand how important these are and why they need to be adjusted.

3. Pliers

Similarly, there are pliers. Pliers come in various sizes and can be used to open nuts of various sizes. There are also sockets, which come in various sizes and need to be chosen according to the size of the nut to be loosened. Keep in mind that practice and talent will help you find the best pliers in the shortest possible time, and that's exactly what the experts need. The best part about pliers is that they help you hold the nut at various angles, which is only possible with pliers that are offered as automotive hand tools.

4. Wire strippers and cutters

Wire strippers come in a variety of diameter sizes. Wire strippers are also a good choice because they reduce the chances of wires being ripped off. Cutting knives are also available.

5. Nut drivers

Nut drivers are available, and they are used to twist nuts in the same way that screwdrivers are used to twist screws. Ratchet screwdrivers are also available and range from basic kits to multi-bit kits.

5. Battery careers

These are a favorite among professionals working in the automotive industry. All you need to do is clamp the battery inside the jaws of the battery bar and finally, you don't need to do anything else but move on and transport the battery to any location. You'll find that it requires less force, so you'll find that you're saving energy.

6. Light up the hood

This tool is easily available. You won't find a better lighting tool than it, and the best part is that it works on all models of cars and trucks. Once you fix it, you can work on it endlessly until you want to.

7. Pneumatic tool holder

This tool comes with a latch that protects the tool, which all professionals agree is one of the best ways to store your tools. These air tools don't come with hooks and can fit in a drawer. Spend $23 on this air tool and you're all set. This is probably the best way to store your tools.

8. Air Hammer Quick-Change Collet

If you have to replace your air hammer, then in this case, you will find a lot of wasted effort in doing so. However, you will find it easy to perform all these replacements frequently with the quick change collet in this air hammer. It is one of the best hammers that come with a collar, collet and three chisels. So you can insert the collet or chisel as needed and press the trigger. You are done.

9. Flexible funnels

These funnels can be used for oil changes. You can mold, bend, and flex the funnel the way you want and give it different shapes. This is best for oil changes and various other uses that require fluid transfer.

10. Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are known by various names such as Philips screwdrivers and jewelers precision screwdrivers. Combination screwdrivers have box screws on one side, basic screws on the other, and cushion grip screwdrivers. Each type of screwdriver comes in different sizes.

12. Ratchet screwdrivers

Ratchet screwdrivers are also available and they are more versatile than simple screwdrivers.

13. Jacks

For lifting purposes, we have equipment such as mechanical jacks, hydraulic jacks and various other jacks. These devices can lift fairly heavy weights with minimal force. If you choose quality hand tools for the automotive industry, then you will find these to be the main tools.

Think about how useful a jack can be to you. Mechanical jacks have limitations and if you want to lift car tires, then in that case you need to use a more powerful device such as a hydraulic jack.

There is no doubt that the jacks that are considered to be the best are the ones that are capable of exerting man-made force.

14. Cutting Tools

Tools used for cutting include cutting knives and wire strippers.

15. Grease Guns

Similarly, there are grease guns and glue guns. You can easily understand how good oiling guns are and how useful they are. Oil filling and moving are two very important processes in auto repair.

There are a wide variety of tools used in auto repair shops, but the most important ones are the ones mentioned above. All these tools are more than just useful.

Similarly, tire repair tools also fall under the category of automotive handheld tools. They are useful, and it is now obvious that they are very useful. However, you need them and you will always find the list long. There is no doubt that you can't be a locomotive expert if you don't know much about automotive hand tools and you need to always buy the best quality automotive hand tools. If you are an automobile expert, you will never find the above-mentioned tools being avoided for a long time.