Hand Tools
What Hand Tools Does an Auto Technician Need?
Most auto repair shops require their auto technicians to have their own tools. When you are just starting out, it’s sometimes hard to know what you’ll need, especially if you are in an entry-level position. In addition to the hand tools, you’ll need a locking toolbox to store the tools. You should preferably get a fire-proof toolbox. In the event of a fire at the business, your tools will be protected.
1. Sockets and Ratchets
Buying sockets one by one can get quite pricey. Look for quality socket sets to add to your hand tool collection. You’ll need several types of socket sets:
- American (standard) and metric in ¼-inch, 3/8-inch and ¼-inch drives. Most socket sets contain the most common sizes.
- Impact sockets in American and metric sizes in ½-inch drive.
- Tall sockets. You can get away with getting these in 3/8-drive for now, but you will need them in American and metric sizes. You will eventually need them in ¼-inch drive.
You will also need at least one ratchet in each of the drive sizes: ¼-inch, 3/8-inch, and ½-inch drives.
Most sets have the most popular sizes. You can purchase additional sizes later if you find you need them. However, if you work on large equipment, you will need those “special” larger sizes right away.
Finally, you should have a good set of American and metric flex sockets. While you can get away without them for a while, they are a good thing to have – a ratchet combined with a swivel and socket may not fit into some tight spaces.
2. Wrenches
Other hand tools you should buy in sets are wrenches. You will need:
- Combination wrenches in American and metric.
- Line wrenches.
- Crow-foot wrenches.
- Flare nut wrenches.
- Service wrenches.
- Ratcheting wrenches in American and metric.
- Adjustable wrenches. You will need one small, one medium and one large adjustable wrench.
3. Pliers and Cutters
Pliers come in many forms, but for now, if you are just starting you, you’ll need:
- Curved-jaw locking pliers in small, medium and large.
- Straight-jaw locking pliers in small, medium and large.
- Duckbill pliers.
- A set of snap ring pliers.
- Needle-nose locking pliers.
- Needle-nose pliers.
- Lineman pliers (standard pliers).
- Dykes in small and medium (cutting pliers or electrician’s pliers).
- Wire strippers.
- Boot pliers to grab spark plug wires without damaging the boots.
When working on vehicles, you often work with electrical components. At least some of your pliers should have insulated handles.
4.Driver Tools
You will also need various driver tools, including:
- A set of Phillip’s screwdrivers.
- A set of flat-head screwdrivers.
- A set of hex keys.
- A set of nut drivers.
Though not driver tools, you will also need a telescoping magnet and a telescoping inspection mirror. They are often listed with driver tools. You will drop sockets, wrenches, screws, and more into an engine. Often, the only way to get them out is with a telescoping magnet – and the only way to see them is with a telescoping mirror.
5. Torque Tools
You will also need a torque wrench. Most people can make do with a foot-pound torque wrench, but it’s better to have an inch-pound and a foot-pound torque wrench.
6. Extensions
If you have sockets and ratchets, you need extensions. They come in various lengths. You should have at least one 6-inch, one 8-inch, and one longer extension for each size drive you own. You should also have a swivel in each drive size. A swivel can attach to a ratchet between the ratchet and socket or between the ratchet and extension.
In some cases, no matter how hard you try, your arm is not going to bend the way it needs to get into some of the tight spaces in engine compartments. They’re more crowded than sardine cans. The only way to do it is to use a socket on the end of an extension with a swivel. In some cases, you’ll find yourself using a swivel on the ratchet, then between two extensions and finally between the second extension and the socket. We kid you not.
7. Drill Bits
You will need drill bits for metal when working on cars. They will come in handy when you need to fabricate a piece or drill a hole bigger. In some cases, you can even drill a broken bolt out with a drill bit if you set it up correctly and use the proper size.
8. Pick and Hook Set
We know this sounds like it should be in a farrier’s kit, but you also need a pick and hook set in your automotive toolbox. You’ll use this to grab small pieces of gasket that get stuck on surfaces or in holes that are too small to stick a screwdriver in.
9. Spark Plug Sockets
Most cars use one of two size spark plugs: 5/8-inch and 3/16-inch. Spark plug sockets are special-sized sockets just for getting plugs out of a head. They have narrower walls and are tall enough to fit over the spark plug.
10. Floor Jack and Jack Stands
Unless you want to crawl under a vehicle and not have any room to work, you’ll need a good floor jack and jack stands. The floor jack should be able to lift at least ¾ of the vehicle’s weight, so it’s strong enough for pickup trucks. A 2.5-ton jack stand is usually good for most passenger vehicles, but it’s safer to have a larger floor jack – go with a 3-ton or 3.5-ton jack. You’ll also need two sizes of jack stands – 2-ton and 4-ton.
11. Insulated Tools
When working around electrical components, especially high-voltage components on hybrid and electric vehicles, you’ll need insulated tools. These tools have insulated handles to help protect you from getting zapped. If you get shocked with high enough voltage, you could damage your heart.
12. Non-Sparking Tools
If you plan on working on fuel tanks, you’ll need non-sparking tools. Often, you need a hammer and punch to get the access cap on a gas tank loose. Non-sparking tools are made of copper-aluminum alloys, bronze, copper-nickel alloys, brass, and copper-beryllium alloys that do not spark when you strike them.
While these tools are more common in the oil and fuel industry, it is a good idea to have them in your automotive toolbox rather than risking a spark setting off fumes while working on a gas tank.
13. Measuring Tools
No self-respecting auto tech will be without measuring tools, including a good set of feeler gauges and at least one tape measure. You may be wondering what you would ever use a tape measure for… take our word for it – when you call to order parts for the vehicle you’re working on, it’s going to happen sooner or later – someone Mickey Mouse’d the wrong part onto a car, and you need to fix it.
You can’t go by the part number on the current part. You may have to measure it. And you can’t go by the standard part that would normally fit. When someone makes a change, it’s usually more than one change.
The other reason is sometimes, when you call the parts store, no matter how many times they send the “right” part, it’s just not going to fit. Someone may have replaced a bracket or fender or another part with something from a different year vehicle. While the part fits the engine or vehicle, the accessory might be modified.
14. Diagnostic Tools
Often, shops purchase large diagnostic tools and equipment but will require you to have your own smaller diagnostic tools. You’ll need:
- Voltage tester
- Continuity tester
- Outside calipers
- Inside calipers
- Dividers
- Multimeter
- Infrared thermometer
Tools such as voltage testers, multimeters and continuity testers are required when diagnosing electrical problems. Multimeters can also tell you if an alternator is charging, a battery is holding a charge or a sensor is receiving the proper voltage. Calipers are used to measure parts, whether you need to fabricate something or are trying to find the right size hose or metal line.
Infrared thermomoters are the best way to get an accurate engine temperature reading or air conditioning temperature.
15. Shaping and Cutting Tools
Finally, you’ll need a variety of shaping and cutting tools, including:
- Round file
- Flat file
- Scrapers in various shapes and sizes
- Box blade
Files come in handy when you need to sharpen a knife or blade and scrapers help get stuck gasket material and built-up crud off surfaces.
Visit Abolox for All Your Hand Tool Needs
Abolox carries several types of quality hand tools, including name brands. You can fill your toolbox for less, since we don’t have the overhead a tool truck has. Browse through our hand tools categories to find what you need. Automotive technicians also need personal protective equipment, which you can also find on our site.
If you have any questions about our tools and personal protective equipment or you need something you don’t see, contact us by filling out the contact form or calling us at (321) 610-1896 for more information or special requests.