With so many different types of jobs that can be carried out on a car, putting together some mechanics hand tools for your garage can seem a never ending job in itself and the truth is, you will always need something you just don’t have when you need it. Working on modern cars is also getting much more difficult and some will require specialist tools.
Many of the tools will come in handy for general DIY jobs, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble convincing your wife/partner that you need them?
Nice tidy organised garage setup.
Spanners
Having a good selection of spanners is a must. Open ring, adjustable and ratchet, all come in handy. Oh and sorry for the untidiness of my spanner tool box.
Socket Sets
A definitely much needed tool. Get a few sets of varying size sockets (I mean length here), trying to get the sockets to reach nuts/bolts or fit into tight places can be a pain. Extension bars are a must and you can also get multi-jointed extensions for those awkward to reach places.
Torque Wrench
For tightening those nuts/bolts to the correct tightness (torque).
Allen Keys
You’ll be surprised at the amount of car parts put together using Allen bolts.
Hammers
From ball pein (shown) and lump hammers to rubber hammers (not shown).
Screwdrivers and Bits
Keep a good selection of screwdrivers – flat/philips (I generally buy mostly cheap screwdrivers for the jobs that will probably break them and keep the good ones for the more delicate jobs). Also get a good ratchet screwdriver with a good bit/hex bit sets. Another handy screwdriver is the trim removal tool, of which there are many different types.
Drill
Who hasn’t got one?
Drill and Bit Set
Again, I buy a cheap set and keep a good set for the more precise jobs.
Pliers and Grips
Get all types – pointed, snip-nosed, combination and side cutters. Also handy to have, are mole grips and adjustable grips.
Punches
A set of punches is always handy to have, especially for those hard to push out brake caliper/pad pins.
Spring Compressor
Perfect for compressing those suspension springs.
Ball Joint Splitter
Now you can get that front end sorted.
Brake Tool
Not all brake calipers just push back, this tool is for those that twist and compress at the same time.
Breaker bar
Ideal for those bolts/nuts that just wont undo (like car wheel nuts tightened by over-zealous tyre mechanics!). Take care though not to end up damaging the bolt/nut or thread.
Oil Filter Wrench
Sometimes those oil filters just never want to come off.
Spark Plug Tools
A good socket set should be OK, however these can be handy for tight spaces.
Universal Wire Puller And Grab Bar
An excellent tool for when you drop that nut, washer etc in the engine bay (Note the extended grabber in the second picture).
Junior Saw and Stanley Knife
There’s always something that needs cutting.
Working Tool Tray
Nothing worse than having your tools all over the floor.
There are many more useful tools available to help the diy mechanic. Why not take a look at the other useful tools article.
