So You Want to Become a DIY Auto Mechanic...
Are you itching to become a DIY auto mechanic? Yes? That's great! But do you have the right instruments at your disposal to complete repair jobs on your car? If you're not sure, don't worry — we've got you covered. Yes, we're going to take a closer look at the 26 most useful tools to keep around for DIY tasks right here.
Impact Wrench
Looking to loosen up some tight nuts and bolts from your car's ball joint? Well, it might be wise to have an impact wrench to hand. This powerful tool exerts a strong torque that should get things moving. All you need to do is squeeze the trigger!
Torque Wrenches (1/4″ and 1/2″)
Arguably some of the most useful tools to have at your workbench, torque wrenches can help anyone out of jam. Need to loosen a few smaller bolts? Grab a 1/4″ size wrench. How about something bigger like a wheel bolt? Well, a 1/2″ should get the job done.
Digital Vernier Caliper
How's this for a cool measurement tool, folks? A digital vernier caliper is a very handy instrument to have if you're completing DIY tasks around cars. This thing will calculate measurements for you on the display, so you don't need to manually take down the number. Neat!
Impact Driver
Not to be confused with the impact wrench, the impact driver is a slightly smaller tool. But it's just as helpful! With this, you can focus on lighter DIY jobs in the garage. For instance, if a tiny bolt has become corroded, you should have no trouble removing it with an impact driver.
Zip Ties
If you need to temporarily fix a component inside your car, then this will be welcome news. Yes, zip ties are very useful for jobs like that. They can hold cables and wires in place under the hood. In addition to that, a zip tie could secure a loose bumper for a short period, too.
Tap and Die Set
You'd be surprised at just how helpful a tap and die set can be when you're working on mechanical issues. These tools give you a chance to fix, or clean, the threaded holes in nuts and bolts. You can also create new holes if the need arises.
Brake Cleaner & WD40
Are your brakes in need of a proper clean? Well, a can of brake cleaner will get the job done. It's extremely strong — dirt and grease don't stand a chance! Alongside that, it's also handy to have some WD40 in your workspace. It cleans muck, loosens bolts, and silences squeaks in cars.
Colored Socket Sets
There's nothing more frustrating than trying to find the right-size socket when you've got a box full of them. This could help, though. Colored socket sets are indeed a thing, giving each size a different shade. Think of all that time you'd save! They'd make your life much easier.
Heat Gun or Blow Torch
Are you on the fence about buying a blow torch or a heat gun? Well, take it from us — they're great tools for DIY jobs in the garage. The heat they produce can help dislodge a corroded bolt, or remove thread lock. Just be sure to mind your hands, though!
Slide Hammer Bearing Puller
If the wheel bearings on your car need to be removed, what tool can you use to complete the task? Well, say hello to the slide hammer bearing puller! You'll get the job done in no time. This instrument is also handy when you're dealing with a vehicle's engine casing.
Mechanics Gloves
This one might sound obvious, but it's worth mentioning anyway! It's vital to have mechanics gloves around if you're working with sharp objects or harsh chemicals. Nitrile and polyester are the ideal materials to go for here. Latex is out of the question, though. It's not as resistant.
Brake Cleaner Dispenser
Cans of brake cleaner do have a tendency to empty after just a few uses. It's quite annoying! But this could make things much simpler. Yes, by buying a large bottle of cleaner and a spray dispenser, you can make the product last a lot longer. Think of all the cash you'll save here.
A Bag of Rags
Do you have any spare rags in your garage? If not, now may be the time to remedy that. Rags are perfect for cleaning up messes around vehicles, especially when you're working on them. Discarded shirts are an alternative option, but store-bought rags will be better in the long-term.
Automatic Wire Stripper
Have you ever tried to strip a wire without a specialized tool? It's extremely tricky — and potentially dangerous. To swerve those headaches, you should try to pick up an automatic wire stripper. It's easy enough to use, and will get the job done in a flash.
Brake Caliper Piston Wind Back Tool
It is possible to swap out the brake discs on a car by yourself. But you'll need this specific instrument to get it done. Yep, a brake caliper piston wind back tool is a must here. Once you've mastered it, the task won't feel as daunting in the future!
Parts Washer
Don't you just hate cleaning your tools after a long day of DIY work? It sucks! Mind you, this instrument should make things much simpler. Parts washers are great for clearing the muck and grease off tools. Given its price and size, the benchtop version is a good one to go for.
Hook and Pick Set
There's no denying that long nose pliers and screwdrivers are excellent tools for DIY car jobs. They always have a use. Yet they can be too bulky to complete certain tasks. For the more intricate projects, a hook and pick set is absolutely perfect.
Lights
It goes without saying that you need lights in your DIY workspace. But what kind? Well, LED bulbs are a good choice if you've got a bulb splitter. Meanwhile, handheld inspection lights, head torches, and magnetic light bars are great options to have, too.
Mini-Grease Gun
When it comes to greasing a bolt or a bearing, things can get very messy. Having said that, there is a cleaner way to complete those tasks. All you need is a mini-grease gun. It's simple to use and will get the job done fast.
T-Handle Sets
No DIYer with an interest in mechanics can be without a T-handle set. These tools are perfect for getting into tight spaces inside your car, allowing you to fasten or loosen any troublesome bolts. You'll get plenty of use out of them, folks.
Hose Clamp Pliers
Struggling to take off your car radiator's hose clamps? Well, this is the right tool for you! Hose clamp pliers are fantastic instruments. Thanks to the ratchet mechanism, the handles stay shut even when pressure's being applied to them. A transformative addition to your workspace? Absolutely.
Large Adjustable Wrench
Do you have a large adjustable wrench in your lineup of tools? No? Well, it's time to change that. This instrument is perfect for removing, or tightening, nuts and bolts. It'll quickly become one of your go-to choices when working on a vehicle.
Colored Wrenches
Much like sockets, it can be tricky to remember the size of all your wrenches as well. So why not go down a similar route to our earlier suggestion? By opting for a colored wrench set, you'll be able to tell the difference instantly.
Damaged Stud/Screw/Bolt Removal Set
Dealing with a broken screw or bolt can be the stuff of nightmares if you don't have the correct tools. So make sure that you've got some specialized removal sets handy just in case. They'll get you out of trouble!
Air Compressor
Air compressors are ridiculously helpful tools to keep around your workspace. You can use them to blast dust and dirt out of the garage, or clear the muck from your car's carburetor fuel passages. They may be noisy to operate, but the positives far outweigh the negatives here.
Set of Mini-Wire Brushes
Getting into the nooks and crannies of your car can be really hard work. How are you supposed to clean those spots! Well, this might help. Mini-wire brushes are ideal for tight spaces. Thanks to the strength of their bristles, they can remove dirt and grime with ease.
