An oil change is one of the most common works for an entry-level mechanic. An oil filter wrench is an essential tool that is used to remove spin-on-type oil filters. Oil filter accumulates a lot of grime and grease, and thus it could be impossible to remove them without the right tool. An oil filter wrench enables you to remove any oil filter. It enables you to hold the canisters of the oil filter for easy removal. The different types of oil filter wrenches you can use are strap-style wrenches, specialist wrenches, universal oil filter wrenches, or socket-style wrench.

2. Wrench and Socket Set

Wrenches are of different types and sizes. Those meant for regular auto mechanic use range from 6mm to 24 mm. It is recommended that you get wrenches set made of chrome-vanadium since it is quite durable and long-lasting. There are different types of wrenches. They include adjustable wrenches, tube wrenches, line wrenches, combination wrenches, flare-nut wrenches, flex-head wrenches, box-end wrenches, and open-end wrenches.

Wrenches offer a tight grip and help you in the application of torque. Their main use is to turn different fasteners in your car, like bolts and nuts. If you have to choose between buying the standard and metric wrenches, it is advisable to consider the metric wrenches. Some sets will contain wrenches and sockets. When it comes to sockets, you will most probably need to have those that range from 6mm to 24mm and sometimes up to 32mm.

3. Screwdrivers

This is another basic tool that every mechanic needs to have in their toolbox. Screwdrivers come in different gauges and lengths, and they save a lot of time. Get a screwdriver set that contains stubbed and small screwdrivers, skinny and long screwdrivers as well and torque screwdrivers. If you want something more advanced, then you can consider powered screwdrivers that come with rechargeable batteries. These screwdrivers are used to rotate air or electric motors.

4. Impact Gun

An impact gun is also known as an impact wrench. It is used to remove wheel bolts and speed up other heavy-duty processes, whether in the engine, steering, or suspension. Between the cordless and air-powered impact guns, consider the cordless one since it is much more powerful.

5. Hammer

Your toolbox cannot be complete if it does not have a hammer, and it also must have any automobile workshop tools list. A hammer enables you to do anything that needs mending and hitting. You can use it to knock out nail heads or work with any stuck component. There are several types of hammers, and you need to be careful during purchase. It is advisable to get a hammer with a rubber handlebar since it ensures a good grip. Some of the types of hammers used are ball peen hammers, claw hammers, club hammers, dead blow hammers, framing hammers, Drilling hammers, and sledgehammers. The most common type of hammer used by mechanics is the ball-peen hammer. A Club hammer is, however, necessary when dealing with big industrial vehicles.

6. Pliers

Most vehicle repair jobs will require one to have pliers. Pliers are used by mechanics when changing hoses, repairing brakes, and even when working with other connectors. They are also useful in handling hot objects and compressing and bending materials. Some common types of pliers are bent nose pliers, slip joint pliers, lineman’s pliers, and diagonal pliers, Fencing Pliers, among others. When fixing coolant hoses and clamps, you need to use pliers that come with vice-grips. Pliers came in different sizes and shapes. However, ensure that you have a cutter, long-nosed, and normal pliers in your toolbox. The tool will save you big time when dealing with tough bolts and nuts.

7. Vise-Grip

Vice-grips are also known as locking pliers. They are handheld clamps with a shape similar to that of pliers. This tool is useful when you need to hold something which is in an awkward position, grip something in place for a long time, or grab something without gripping features. Vice-grips are mainly sold in a set of 4, but you can also buy one classic one if you are not in a position to get the full set.

8. Ratchet

Ratchets are also known as socket wrenches. They have a socket on one side which allows a one-way turning. They are used for several automotive uses and are easy to use on cramped, awkward angles and small spaces. You can use them to loosen or tighten bolts easily and quickly. Socket wrenches set should at least contain three different sizes. There is a large one (1/2), a medium (3/8), and small one (1/4). They allow you to work with accuracy, speed, and freedom.

9. Funnels

Funnels are helpful to mechanics when they need to pour any type of liquid or oil to avoid spillage. Funnels have no alternative. If you change the oil of your vehicle without using a funnel, the spilled oil may cause gasses and odors, which may end up affecting the engine. You are advised to use different funnels for different purposes. Avoid using the same funnel you use to pour oil for pouring water or coolant. If you do not want to buy a set of funnels, ensure that you have a long and a short funnel in your toolbox.

10. LED Flashlight or Work Light

When working on car repairs, visibility is not always obvious. Imagine you are driving at night and getting stuck in the middle of the road. It is impossible to repair a car in the dark. An LED work light acts as a backup to provide you with light whenever you need it. This will enable you to look in every corner of the vehicle to know where exactly the problem is. Having proper lighting will make a big difference during a repair. At times, you will also need the flashlight during the day to pull and fins specific bolts from the vehicle. A headlamp is a great option when working beneath the car since you will be able to use both of your hands.

11. Scissors

Scissors are an important tool for a mechanic since they can save them in an emergency. It is part of a tire puncture repair kit. It can help in cutting wires, electric tapes, and zip ties, among other tasks. It may not be a specific tool for mechanics, but it is basic for a well-equipped toolbox due to its versatility.

12. Test Light

Test lights are used during the inspection of blown fuses, starters diagnosing, light bulbs not working, and other simple electric problems. The best type of test light you should buy is a dual-polarity test light. It is of great help to any beginner mechanic for it will help them to make a correct electric diagnosis. Every Auto mechanic Should Include this tool mechanic hand tools list, especially those who repair the Vehicle’s electrical system.

13. Jumper Cables

This is one of the most important tools for both beginner and experienced mechanics. Jumper cables function as a bridge in the supply of 12v from working to a dead car battery. A mechanic should have their own set of jumper cables, especially if you are in your repair shop.

14. Tire Pressure Gauge & Inflator

A grinder is quite useful, especially when working on metal cutting works or exhaust lines. If possible, buy a straight and 90-degree angle grinder. You can use the straight grinder for exhaust works, brake system maintenance as well as cutting disks for different purposes. The 90-degree grinder, on the other hand, is ideal to use on wheel hubs, valve covers, wheels, and rims. Grinders are very versatile tools. They perform multiple tasks, from sharpening, polishing, sanding, routing out mortars, cutting pavers, stucco and tiles, and grinding metals.

16. Multimeter

A multimeter is a crucial tool for electrical troubleshooting and diagnosis. It enables you to measure amperage, resistance, and voltage. Ensure that the multimeter can read amps. This is useful in checking fuses and batteries, just to mention a few. It also helps mechanics to check if they have a hot wire and the amount of juice flowing through it.

17. Feeler gauge

A fleer gauge is a gauge that consists of several thin blades that measure clearances or small gaps. This tool gives measurements in inches and millimeters. It gives the mechanic an idea of the wideness of a gap by filling the gap with blades of known thickness value. They are ideal for use in places where other measuring tools, such as calipers and measuring tapes, cannot fit.

18. Torque wrench

A torque wrench looks similar to a simple ratchet, but it is not the same. It enables one to tighten bolts at the exact torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer. This is very important when dealing with operations inside the transmission gear or car engine. A toque wrench is an ideal tool to use when tightening spark plugs. Consider a toque wrench that reads in both Nm. and ft. lb.