With so many types of automotive tools on the market today,
it can be difficult to figure out which ones you need to get started fixing
your own car.
To help you out, here are the top ten most essential automotive
tools that every DIYer should have on hand when they take on their next
automotive project! Don’t forget to read through our safety tips, as well!
1 Screw Drivers
Just like with any other tool, having the right screwdriver
for the job makes all the difference. The wrong one can strip your screws or
break them in half if you’re not careful.
Read on to learn about 8 of the best
screwdrivers that will make your jobs go more smoothly and help prevent
frustration from a damaged tool or broken screws.
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Phillips head screwdrivers are named for their cross-shaped
tip. It’s necessary to use a Phillips head screwdriver when turning screws that
have a cross-shaped slot in them.
The rounded end of each Phillips head
screwdriver should fit into such slots without damaging them. You can even find
triple-slotted Phillips head screwdrivers that have an added small flathead tip
at one end and a larger flathead tip at another end.
Robertson Head Screwdriver
Robertson head screwdrivers are named after their inventor
Peter L. Robertson, an Australian farmer, and mechanic. Robertson invented his
screwdriver design in 1932 and filed a patent on it in 1933.
A Robertson
screwdriver is recognizable by its square handle, which is shaped to fit into a
corresponding square recess in the driver’s blade. The tool’s blade fits into a
slotted recess in its handle that allows it to be removed from or inserted into
its handle without turning.
Torx Head Screwdriver
Torx is a registered trademark of Star Drive, but anyone can
make Torx head screwdrivers. When a manufacturer designs a product with
proprietary fasteners, you’ll often find that they use a Torx style head.
These
are commonly referred to as T-star or star screws, and their six-pointed shape
makes them difficult to use with other screwdriver styles.
If you have a
specialized toolkit for automotive work, then it will probably include at least
one Torx driver. If not, then it’s worth investing in one before tackling any
major repairs on your car.
Flat Head Screwdriver
Flathead screwdrivers have a wide shaft and are used to
drive slotted screws. They are also used to adjust screws that can’t be
accessed with other types of screwdrivers.
This is a very common screwdriver,
available in several different sizes and varieties. The flathead is one of only
two basic types of screwdrivers; most others are variations on it.
The flathead
has a single blade that sticks out from its handle at 90 degrees, making it
useful for pushing against items such as rails or walls when you want to turn
them without damaging them.
A variation on the flathead called an L-shaped head
has two blades sticking out at 45 degrees from either side of its handle.
Wing Nut Driver
The wing nut driver is great because it’s shaped like a
regular screwdriver but with a longer handle. The wing nut driver has an
angled, rotating head that allows you to adjust to your angle, giving you
greater control when fastening and loosening bolts.
This tool is ideal for
working under cars and in tight spaces. A wingnut driver set usually includes
both flat-headed and Philips styles.
2 Wrench
Hex Key Wrench or Allen Wrench
This is an L-shaped tool that’s used to turn bolts that are
otherwise too small or too tight to be effectively handled with a pair of
pliers.
The handle of an Allen wrench comes in many different sizes, shapes,
and colors. Hex keys come in sets, so if you don’t have one in your toolbox
already, you may want to consider buying a set from your local hardware store.
There are usually hex key wrenches available in sizes ranging from 1/16 inch to
3/8 inch.
Spoke Wrench
The spoke wrench is designed to fit a wheel’s nipple or
valve, and it’s ideal for tightening or loosening. Because it fits over one
side of a wheel only, you can use either an offset or straight-through spoke
wrench depending on which will work best with your bike’s design. Most wheel
nipples measure 7 millimeters in diameter, but some aftermarket wheels have
larger nipples.
To determine if your nipples are larger than standard, hold
them up against a ruler; if they’re more than 1 centimeter longer than 10mm
(0.39 inches), they’re likely larger and require an adjustable spoke wrench
that has been specifically designed for oversized nipples.
Lisle Oil Filter Wrench (Best tool for the job!)
As mentioned above, changing your own oil can save you quite
a bit of money. However, it’s not always as easy as it sounds. Be sure to watch
several video tutorials before attempting a DIY oil change, just to ensure that
you know what you’re doing before getting under your car.
The Lisle Oil Filter
Wrench is an excellent tool for removing and replacing your vehicle’s oil
filter. Its built-in magnet helps prevent dropped bolts from falling into
hard-to-reach places, while its rubberized grip makes removal and installation
much easier. If you don’t have one already, we highly recommend picking up a
Lisle Oil Filter Wrench!
3 Hammer
Automotive hammers are very commonly used by car mechanics
and DIY people alike. If you take care of your vehicle and love to tinker with
it, knowing how to use the right type of hammer in different situations can
save you from a lot of headaches and extra work later on down the road.
This
guide will show you what hammers are best used for each situation, so you can
do repairs on your own car the next time it breaks down on the side of the
road. I will cover some of these scenarios below
Ball peen hammer
The ball-peen hammer is a smaller version of a standard
carpenter’s hammer. Its primary function is to slightly round over and smooth
metal edges, but it can also be used for other jobs like removing small dents
and fixing small holes.
The major difference between a ball-peen hammer and any
other type of hammer lies within its name: Its head is made out of two curved
pieces (called peens) of metal, instead of one solid piece like most hammers.
Wood hammer
A wood hammer has a flat face, with a claw (the opposite
side) that is used for pulling nails. Typically made out of brass or iron, it’s
primarily used to drive nails into wood surfaces and remove them without damaging
their surface.
The heads are usually octagonal in shape, but there are also
ball-peen hammers that have rounded faces. The latter is typically used by
blacksmiths as they can deliver more powerful blows than regular hammers.
Claw hammer
A claw hammer has a flat striking surface and claw-like
gripping teeth. The end with a striking surface is called a face; one with
teeth is called a claw. It was previously used to remove nails, hence its name,
but its most common use today is still driving nails.
A claw hammer can be used
to drive wood or metal pegs and to strike chisels and punches. The length of a
claw hammer ranges from 16 to 24 inches (40.6 - 60 cm). If you are planning on
using your claw hammer for driving nails, you may want to consider buying an 18-inch
(45.7 cm) long model as it will give you more reach than a shorter version
will.
Mallet hammer
A mallet hammer is heavier than other types of hammers and
has a large face. It’s commonly used by automobile mechanics to remove rusted
bolts, nuts, and screws. Also called a planishing hammer or ball-peen hammer,
it has many uses on cars such as removing dents from body panels.
Because it
produces fewer sparks than a claw hammer when striking metal, mallet hammers
are also used to drive chisels and punches that remove rivets or other stubborn
fasteners.
Dead blow hammer
If you have ever had to remove something such as a nut that
was rusted on tightly, then you know that it requires a lot of force to get it
out. This is why auto mechanics will use a dead blow hammer rather than a
regular one.
A dead blow hammer looks like any other hammer but has an internal
weight. When you strike something with it, all of that force is transferred
into whatever object is being hit and none is lost due to vibration or
movement.
4) Pocket Flashlight
Three types of Pocket Flashlights that can be used for
Automotive Work
Side-Snap
These lights feature a clap on one side and a strong magnet
on the other, allowing you to hold them in place. When you want to reposition
your light, all you have to do is flip it around, keeping your hands safely
away from any moving parts.
These pocket flashlights are good options for
people who work near moving vehicles or as automotive repairmen; they allow you
to keep one hand free while still allowing yourself enough light to see what
you’re doing.
Ring
A circular-shaped flashlight, ring flashlights are best used
to illuminate work in tight spaces. This is because they’re smaller and more
portable than traditional flashlights.
However, they don’t provide as much
coverage as other options. If you’re looking for something small and portable
but not super bright, a ring flashlight may fit your needs well.
Hook
An automotive flashlight is a portable lighting device that
is powerful enough to project light over long distances, yet compact enough to
fit inside your car’s glove compartment.
These tools are commonly available at
most hardware stores and online websites. If you need extra lighting in your
garage or your driveway, here are three types of flashlights you should
consider getting
5) Flux Welder
A flux welder or electric arc welder (EAW) is a device that
joins two metal parts by melting and merging the two together, using an
electric arc and oxygen-fed shielding gas to protect the weld pool.
The heat
source may be direct or alternating current, but the term flux welding commonly
applies to the use of alternating current electric arcs in non-automotive
applications such as production welding, resistance welding, and cutting steel
and stainless steel materials. Flux Welder Types Used in Automotive Industry
Spot Welders
There are two different types of spot welders that are
commonly used for vehicle production. The first is a non-filler-type welder.
This type of machine creates puddle-shaped welds by melting metal with an arc
and depositing it directly into a pre-drilled hole in a metal panel.
When looking
at panels after they have been spot welded, you will notice small circles or
holes on your car’s chassis – these are made using spot welders.
SMAW - Gas Shielded Arc Welding
SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) is also called GTAW (Gas
Tungsten Arc Welding). It is a very versatile welding process used for both AC
and DC applications. SMAW is typically used for material thicknesses up to 3/8.
It can be used on ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
The shielding gas most
commonly used with SMAW is carbon dioxide, but argon can also be used. The
electrode that is most commonly used with SMAW is solid wire.
GMAW - Gas Metal Arc Welding
Gas metal arc welding is a common weld process used to join
a variety of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, tool steel, and
nickel.
It uses a consumable wire electrode to produce heat for melting
materials and filler wires can be used if thicker deposits are required. A flux
welder is often referred to as a gas tungsten arc welder (GTAW) when using
gases other than carbon dioxide.
FCAW - Flux Cored Arc Welding
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is a semi-automatic arc
welding process that uses a continuous electrode, wire, or stick of flux-cored
wire.
The electrode provides protection from impurities by releasing slag as it
burns away and also holds a reserve of flux to ensure consistent weld puddle
chemistry. Electric current flows from a wire feeder through a consumable
electrode into an arc on the workpiece where shielding gas is used for
protection against oxygen and hydrogen.
GTAW - Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) uses a non-consumable
tungsten electrode to create its arc. It is an excellent choice for welding
thin materials like aluminum and magnesium, which are difficult to weld with
other types of flux welders because of their low melting points. However, GTAW
is expensive and more difficult to master than other forms of flux welding.
SMAW - Stick Welding: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) uses a consumable
electrode wire that is fed through a hand-held or automated wire feeder. This
process can be used on most metals, including stainless steel and nickel
alloys. SMAW does not require as much skill as GAW welding, but it also doesn’t
allow you to achieve as high of quality results.
6) Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are an important part of any emergency car
kit, so knowing how to use them properly is essential. Whether you need to
start your car or just give it some extra power, there are different types of
jumper cables that can help you out, but knowing the differences between them
is key to ensuring safety and success when in a bind. In this article, we’ll
discuss the four most common types of jumper cables and how each can be used to
best serve your car’s needs.
Straight Hook Up
If you’re using a vehicle with a four- or six-cylinder
engine, you can use two different types of jumper cables. The most common type
is called a straight hook-up. To attach jumper cables using a straight hook-up
method, follow these steps
1) Attach one end of a red cable to your car
battery’s positive terminal and one end of a black cable to your car battery’s
negative terminal.
2) Attach one end of another red cable to your friend’s car
battery’s positive terminal and one end of another black cable to his friend’s car
battery negative terminal.
3) Start both cars and let them run for about three
minutes before attempting to start your own vehicle.
Inverted U Jumpers
The inverted U jumper is ideal for cars with small to
medium-sized engines because it has a relatively low amperage.
The cable
itself, which should be read, is more flexible and less cumbersome than most
jumpers. This type of cable often comes with a rubber mallet that you can use
in case you need to give your car a little bump after connecting it to another
battery or booster.
If your engine won’t start using an inverted U, there’s
probably something wrong with your ignition system. In that case, you may want
to consider calling a tow truck instead of jumping your car yourself.
Interlocking Y Jumpers
Y cables are similar to T cables except that they are
smaller. They are used to link batteries in series with a maximum distance
between them of 16 inches.
An interlocking Y cable has two clamps on each end,
while a non-interlocking Y cable has only one clamp per end. Non-interlocking
jumpers should be avoided when working with large voltages and currents as they
can cause high electrical arcs due to having only one connection point.
Maintenance Information
The type and quality of your jumper cables can make a big
difference in both how effectively they work and how safe they are to use.
Here’s a rundown on some common types you might see on today’s market.
Remember, while it may be tempting to save money by buying cheap cables, there
is a reason that some brands cost more than others: quality.
Cheaply made
jumpers could cause damage to your car or injure you during use; always buy
from trusted manufacturers when possible.
7) Vise Grips
There are many different types of Vise-Grips available on
the market today, but they all serve the same purpose – to make it easier to
grasp objects and hold them in place.
Whether you’re looking to grab something
small or something big, there’s probably a Vise-Grip that will fit your needs,
but knowing what those options are can help ensure you make the right choice
for your projects around the house and beyond.
The Basic Pliers – Straight Jaw
The straight jaw pliers are used for gripping, twisting, and
holding objects. This basic tool can be found in every home or workshop. There
are many types of straight jaws with different uses.
For example, needle nose
pliers have a very small tip that is ideal for working with small wires or
hard-to-reach places. Locking pliers have serrated jaws that lock onto an
object when pressure is applied; they’re often used as a second set of hands
when you need to hold something still while you work on it.
The Slip Joint Pliers – Locking Jaw
Slip joint pliers are also referred to as locking jaw vise
grips. The slip joint pliers have a movable outer handle that allows you to
change positions without releasing the pressure on an object.
The locking jaws
can be opened or closed by moving your thumb towards or away from them. This
hand tool is used for plumbing, automotive repair, computer repair, electrical
repair, and household repairs.
The Quick-Grip Pliers – Ratcheting Jaw
These pliers are made with a smooth jaw, perfect for
gripping irregular shapes. The smaller size is a good tool for woodworkers and
comes in 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 sizes.
It features two options: a regular
ratcheting grip or an adjustable locking grip that can be opened at any point
along its length. They also feature durable chrome vanadium steel construction.
The Double Locking Pliers – Double-Locking Jaw
These pliers are great for precision gripping, holding
cylindrical objects such as drill bits or screws. The handles are slim and grip
well, so they’re easy to hold onto.
They have a curved upper jaw that holds
round objects firmly in place. This set comes with both large and small jaws
that easily screw on/off by hand.
8) Tire Gauge
A tire gauge can be a very useful tool, especially if you
are looking to make sure your tires are in good condition and performing at the
best possible level to keep you safe and comfortable on the road.
However,
there are numerous types of tire gauges available, which can all be useful in
their own way depending on what information you are looking to gain from it and
how much accuracy you need to have it returned to you in, amongst other
factors.
Here’s a quick rundown of the various types of tire gauges that are
available to help you choose which one is right for you.
Analogue Tyre Pressure Gauges (TPG)
This type of pressure gauge uses a manometer to measure
pressure. The needle moves across a scale depending on whether you are
deflating or inflating, making it easy to read and easy to use.
It can be hard
to find one with just three settings though, as most will feature at least four
pressures: 30psi, 35psi, 40psi, and 45psi. They are also relatively expensive
and often require batteries.
Manual Tyre Pressure Gauges (TPG)
The most basic type of tire pressure gauge, it’s comprised
of a rubber bulb you inflate manually. Pros: Simple to use and durable, they’re
also cheap (most are less than $20). Cons:
You’re limited by how much air you
can fit into your vehicle’s tires, which can be difficult to determine if you
have larger rims or low-profile tires. Also, TPG gauges are often inaccurate.
For example, one study found that an estimated 20 percent of all manual gauges
were off by at least 3 psi—and more than half were off by at least 1 psi.
This
means you could put too little or too much air in your tires, leading to poor
handling and fuel economy respectively.
Other Types of Gauges
There is also all manner of specialty tire pressure gauges
on the market that you can use in a variety of situations. There are the
digital, dial, and analog dial tire pressure gauges, as well as digital and
analog tire tread depth gauges.
If you’re planning to check your tires
frequently or travel often with them, then it may be a good idea to get one of
these more specialized models.
9) Work Gloves
If you work in an automotive shop, then you probably know
how important it is to have the right pair of gloves at all times. Work gloves
are your everyday protectors from cuts, scrapes, and blisters, and you want
them to be as dependable as possible because if your hands are damaged, it’s
going to be hard to make any money!
So let’s take a look at some of the
different types of work gloves that are good for automotive jobs and see what
they have to offer.
Nomex (synthetic leather)
Nomex is synthetic leather that’s more durable than most, so
it’s great for people who do a lot of heavy lifting. Because Nomex is
synthetic, it doesn’t become stiff when it gets wet—meaning you can still work
on your car when it rains. Plus, unlike leather gloves, they don’t have to be
worn in and they never have to be broken in.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or nitrile rubber
Best for dry environments and tasks requiring a high level
of dexterity. These gloves are generally quite flexible, though not quite as
stretchy as vinyl gloves. Also, they have better abrasion resistance than their
vinyl counterparts. TPU or nitrile rubber gloves also feature an extended cuff
to prevent dirt and grime from getting inside your sleeves.
Suede/leather with Kevlar lining
These gloves are best for dealing with car parts. They
protect your hands from burns and other injuries, but they’re also great at
protecting your skin when you have to grip rusty or oily car parts.
Suede/leather with a leather lining: These gloves are just like leather/suede
gloves with a Kevlar lining, but they look nicer when you wear them in public.
Tools for automobiles will go a long way to keep your
automobile in great shape. While many people think that fixing cars requires
technical skills, it doesn’t have to be that difficult. All you need is someone
who can teach you what each tool does and how you can use it properly.
Hopefully, we’ve been able to provide you with some information on automotive
tools that will help you out. If not, then there are plenty of other resources
available online where you can learn more about these types of tools.
