Every auto mechanic or car enthusiast will not deny the importance of professional automotive tools and equipment. Even the most basic automotive tools can make repairs or DIY much easier.
But with such a wide variety of automotive tools, knowing which ones to choose to add to the toolbox is not always a simple task. That’s why we’ve prepared this article: to help everyone understand essential automotive tools and what they are used for.
What are Automotive Tools and Equipment?
Car repairs require three things; knowledge, skills, and the right automotive tools. Automotive tools and equipment are used by mechanics (or owners) to detect vehicle problems and repair them, in order to keep car parts and systems in good condition. There are many different types of these tools, some of which are essential, such as some tools for removing and installing fasteners. Others are useful accessories that make repair work more efficient.
Automotive tools can be hand or power tools. Automotive hand tools include wrenches, ratchets and pliers to name a few, and power tools include drills, power wrenches and some types of tire inflators.
Most automotive tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers, need to be strong enough to withstand rough use. Therefore, they are usually drop-forged, made of hardened materials such as high-carbon steel or chrome vanadium, and coated to prevent corrosion. If plastic or rubber is used, it is usually of the heavy duty type.
Must-have Automotive Tools and Their Uses
- Wrenches (Set)
A good set of wrenches is super useful for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts. There are many different types of these automotive tools. Common ones include open-end, allen wrenches, and combination wrenches. Open-end wrenches feature a U-shaped end and allen keys have a hexagonal end. Combination wrenches use an open end and another closed end, making them more versatile.
- Ratchets and Sockets (Set)
Socket wrenches typically include a basic ratchet with a matching socket for removing and installing fasteners such as bolts. These tools allow for quick removal of fasteners and can be used in spaces that are difficult to reach with regular wrenches, such as under the hood of a car. Ratchet wrenches and sockets come in different sizes, usually small 1/4 inch, medium 3/8 inch and large 1/2 inch.
A screwdriver is a handy automotive tool that is needed in most repair jobs. It helps you pry parts, install or remove screws, and accomplish a whole range of tasks.
The most important aspect when choosing a screwdriver is the type of head. Examples include Torx, Phillips, Allen and Flatheads. The most common of these would be the flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers. Torx may also be useful for various repair and maintenance work on your car.
- Pliers
Pliers are useful for a variety of tasks, including cutting and bending wire ends and removing parts, such as snap rings. Pliers come in many different types and designs, such as slip joint pliers, locking pliers, needle nose pliers, wire strippers and hose pliers.
Needle nose pliers and slip joint pliers are a must, and locking pliers are quite worth having.
- Funnels
It is inevitable that oil, coolant and other types of automotive fluids will need to be poured during auto repairs. Funnels are the basic automotive tools designed for these tasks. They are simple, inexpensive and easy to use.
In addition to helping mechanics safely add fluids so they don’t waste or mess up the environment, funnels can also safely direct hazardous fluids. They are more useful than many people think.
Conclusion
In addition to the ones mentioned above, there are many different types of automotive tools that are difficult to cover all in one article. This guide is intended to provide help on the most basic automotive tools.
If there are other hand tools you are interested in, feel free to browse our website or contact us directly. SINOTOOLS is always happy to help.
