Common Types of Automotive Tools list
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- Aug 28,2024
Common Types of Automotive Tools list
Automotive tools are many types, so many that it’s almost impossible to own them all. Your tool choices depend on several factors, chief among them necessity. If you’re a DIYer, your collection is most likely composed of basic automotive tools and if a professional, both basic and advanced types. Below is a list of basic tools and another for professional tool types.
Basic Automotive Tools List
Basic auto tools refer to common hand tools that find use in almost every car repair and maintenance task. Examples include those listed below.
Wrench set- to remove and install bolts. One of the most used automotive tools
Ratchet and socket set- for fastening and unfastening bolts in tight spaces. Also among the most used
Punches and chisel set- for a wide range of uses including removing and positioning components
Screwdrivers- to remove and fasten screws. Come in different shapes and sizes. Also a prying tool
Pliers- useful when cutting wires, bending parts, and other tasks
Multimeter- one of the diagnostic automotive tools and measures current, voltage, and capacitance
Jack and jack stands- used to lift a vehicle and allow working underneath. Jack stands to ensure safe support
Wheel chocks- wedges or any other structure that prevents the vehicle from accidentally moving when you’re working on it
Pry bar- a large bar for jobs that involve prying or separating parts such as ball joints and shock heads
Breaker bar- a socket wrench with a longer handle (around 24 inches) used to break loose stubborn bolts and nuts by increasing leverage
Scissors- a type of heavy duty scissors used to cut things such as wires
Hammer- usually a dead blow hammer and useful when you have to bust components
Air compressor- stores compressed air that can be used to inflate tires or operate pneumatic tools such as impact wrench
Cordless drill- to drill holes or remove fasteners such as rivets
Funnels- used to pour liquids and avoid messy spills
Oil drip pans- to catch liquids that may spill when changing the oil filter, bleeding brakes, and more
Wire terminal crimper- a useful automotive tool when working with cables and used to prepare wire ends for installation
Flex magnet pickup- to find and pick bolts and other metal parts that fall in hidden spaces
Socket adapters- useful when a ratchet cannot be used with the socket due to space constraints
Test light- used to test for the presence of current or voltage in electric circuits
Flashlight- to light up areas that are not well illuminated
LED headlamp- you need this to illuminate dark areas when working on a vehicle. Straps to the head for convenience
Underhood LED light bar- a tool to light up a vehicle’s underhood when fixing things underneath a vehicle
Creepers- allow you to slide under your car safely and comfortably during the repair
Tire inflator- used to inflate tires. Often comes with a gauge and uses electricity
Torque wrench- lets you tighten fasteners to the correct and manufacturer-specified torque values
Impact wrench- makes removing bolts a breeze by using a powered mechanism
Ramps- provide a means to elevate a vehicle so you can work underneath. Many people find them less safe compared to jacks
Machinist vice- used to hold things firmly when working on them. A useful automotive tool for parts rebuilders
Angle grinder- used to cut metal parts quickly and conveniently or level edges
Digital calipers- for measuring different components to ensure their correct dimensions or to detect flaws
Jump starter- allows you to start a car when the battery is not working
Protective gear- allows you to use automotive tools and equipment safely. Includes eye protection goggles and hand gloves
Professional Automotive Tools List
These are popularly used by mechanics or vehicle owners who take their repair projects seriously. The most used include the following.
Oil filter wrench- used when removing and installing the oil filter
Wheel bearing removal tools-used to replace wheel bearing when wheel bearing broken
Ball joint removal tools-used to remove ball joints,tie rods ends,control arm,and pitman arm
Coil spring compressor-used to replace car suspension shock absorber
Hub puller-used to extractor axle hub from car
Bearing puller-used to extractor bearings( rolly bearings,tapped bearings,ball bearings etc.)
injector puller-used to extractor injector
Ignition spark tester- tests if a spark plug is producing a spark or not
Spark plug socket- for tightening or removing spark plugs instead of regular sockets
Spark plug gauge- used to gap spark plugs
Tire pressure gauge- ensures vehicle tires are inflated to the correct pressure
Brake caliper wind back kit- used to force back a brake caliper piston and allow enough space to mount brake pads or brake discs
Laser thermometer- measures heat to diagnose car problems that involve overheating
OBD11 scanner- to read trouble codes, especially when dashboard lights come on. One of the most expensive but essential types of automotive tools
Wi-Fi video scope- allows you to view hidden places such as inside engine cylinders. Consists of a camera and screen linked by a Wi-Fi connection
Brake bleeder and vacuum pump- used when draining or changing brake fluid to make the process easier and more efficient
Rethreading set- also popular among tools for rebuilders. Used to replace the stripped thread
Radiator pressure tester kit- measures radiator pressure to detect leaks. Useful when changing the coolant
Cylinder compression tester kit- mechanics use this tool to check cylinder compression and diagnose gasket problems, among other issues
Besides the automotive tools and equipment described above, there are supplies that every car owner or repair technician needs to stock. Important ones include electric tape, zip ties, a set of fuses, and wire connectors- not forgetting the user manual.
Other important supplies include lubricants, penetrating fluid, and cleaners. In addition to commercial cleaners, it’s crucial to have soap or detergent and several buckets around. Your list is also incomplete without sponges and towels to help you wash and wipe surfaces or fire extinguisher to handle small fires