The Definitive Auto Mechanic Tools List Every Auto Mechanic Needs

Here is the most comprehensive, extensive and illustrated auto mechanic tools list ever in the Internet.

You will find three different groups of tools, from Basic tools, the ones you need to start doing any jobs in your car, passing by Intermediate tools, more specific sets of tools that will allow you to jump into more complex repairs, to Advanced tools, the ones the Professionals use for very specific cases and situations.

For the DIY home mechanic, car enthusiast or aspiring professional mechanic, what’s in this list is everything you will ever need to do 99.9% of jobs in any car or truck.

You will see that we speak about 3 aspects.

• 1. Functionality. As in how many different tasks does the tool enable you to do. The more gears you see, the more stuff you can do with it.
• 2. Use: Some tools, as the hammer, are a no-brainer. Some others like a bearing adapter kit, are more complex to use. Green monkey means easy, red monkey means hard 😀 We’re original like that.
• 3. Category: A quick way to sort tools by its mission. We have listed Hand Tools, Power Tools, Pneumatic Tools, Adapters, Supplies and Diagnosis Tools.​

BASIC TOOLS

These are the quintessential tools for any DIY home mechanic or car enthusiast that wants to do basic maintenance and fix the vast majority of minor problems in his or her car.

1. Wrenches (Set)

Functionality:

Extremely High

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

The most essential tool from this list, the wrench.

This is a must in any tool box. We recommend in investing in chrome-vanadium alloy tools as they will last you for a lifetime.

If you have to decide between metric and standard wrenches, go for metric. Is good to have both but we very very rarely use our standard sets.

The wrenches shown on the right are Combination Wrenches. Check this article if you are unfamiliar with the different types of wrench.

In metric, they go from 6mm up to any crazy size you may think about. Usually, having up to 21-24mm is fine.​

2. Ratchet and Sockets (Set)

Functionality:

High

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

There are three different sizes of ratchets: ¼” (small), ⅜” (medium), and ½” (large).

There are sets with all three, two like the one in the picture or just one size. With sockets of all kinds, or just the basic ones. Some sets come with ratchets AND wrenches… Try and get yourself at least a big and a small ratchet set with the basic sockets as those are the ones you’ll use the most.

Ratches allow you to work with freedom, speed and accuracy. One of the best possible investments for your tool box.​

Socket-wise, you want to have from 6mm up to 24mm and perhaps a single 32mm.

3. Screwdrivers

Functionality:

High

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

A nice set of screwdrivers is one of the basics of any well-assorted toolbox.

There are shapes galore although the most common are: Flat, Phillips, Allen and Torx.

If faced with an uncommon kind of screw, you can always check this extensive list and see what is the kind of screwdriver that you need.

Most ratchet sets include a few different screwdriver heads with the most common shapes and sizes.

Consider getting at least some stubbed ones, great for working in reduced spaces, and some regular length ones.

4. Pliers

Functionality:

High

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

Most jobs will require you to use some kind of pliers. From brake jobs to removing small electric connectors, pliers are a must.

From wire cutting  to working on reduced spaces with long nosed pliers keeping some of this will come in handy.

Get at the very least some regulars and wire cutting ones.​ Adding a Jaw plier that adjusts to a lot of different sizes will be quite helpful too.

5. Hammer

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

Amazing, huh? A good ol’ hammer.

Things get stuck with dirt, grease and rust, and sometimes a good whack with a hammer is all it takes for that rotor or that ball joint to come off. Specially when we work in brakes and suspension, things tend to get really hard.​

Look for a nice rubber handlebar to ensure good grip.

The one in the picture is a Ball peen hammer. If you work with big vehicles such as industrial vehicles, you may want to consider getting a Club Hammer too.​

6. Multimeter

Functionality:

High

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Tools

The essential tool for electrical diagnosis and troubleshooting, the multimeter.

It will allow you to measure Voltage, Resistance and Amperage (make sure you buy one multimeter that can read Amps) extremely useful to check batteries, fuses, work on car audio… an absolute must.

They range from cheap and inexpensive to crazy high expensive. We advise you to buy something of decent quality as you will give this tool a LOT of use.

7. Jack

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Garage Tools

Although not every car job will require you to lift the car up, there are many cases where doing so will speed up the process.

​Hydraulic Jacks are lifting tools only and are not meant to be used to secure the car up. For that purpose, make sure to always use jack stands.

Good jacks can be a bit pricey so you may want to use the mechanical jack that comes with your car as a substitute and maybe ramps.​

Here’s my recommendations to find the best car jack.​

8. Jack Stands

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Easy

Category:

Garage Tools

One of the essential tools needed for auto mechanic work are jack stands.

To safely secure a lifted car, mechanic jack stands are a must.

Consider getting at least a couple of them and to make sure that they withstand at least 2-3 tons of weight.​

9. Ramps

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Easy

Category:

Garage Tools

Ramps are extremely useful to work comfortably on your car.

They lift the car up in a secure way and even the most inexpensive one will do fine.

Space wise they are bulkier than jack stands

The only counterpart vs jack stands is that they do not allow movement of the wheels, so whilst they are great for jobs such as an oil change, to do brake or suspension jobs using ramps isn’t possible.

10. Oil Filter Wrench

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

Doing an oil change is perhaps one of the simplest, most money-saving operations we can conduct in our own cars.

Oil filters tend to get really stiff and is usually borderline impossible to remove them by hand.

There are loads of different tools for this purpose although we believe adjustable zip wrenches as the one on the picture and 3 Jaw wrenches are the most efficient for the job.

Getting at least one oil filter wrench of any kind (just the one that fits your car better, for instance) is an absolute must.

11. Oil Dripping Pan

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Garage Tools

Another essential for oil changes of any kind (be it engine oil, transmission oil, gearbox oil…)

To perform oil-related operations in a clean and environmentally friendly way, using a oil drip pan is essential.

They allow you to collect the used oil and help keeping your garage clean from dangerous oil spills.​

If you change your engine’s oil following the right oil change interval, you will be handling around 2-3 gallons of used oil per year depending on how much you use your car. Be sure to always dispose it at the right place!

12. Funnel

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

Funnels are a very simple yet extremely helpful tool.

Whenever we have to pour liquids during any mechanic procedure, using a funnel will help us avoid spills.

Specially useful during oil changes where oil spills around the engine will get it dirty, causing odors and gases.

Consider getting a set of a few different sizes and keep the ones you use for coolant or water separate from the ones you use for oil.

13. Scissors

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

A nice pair of precision scissors will come handy to cut zip ties, electric tape, wires… you name it.

Although not specifically a tool for mechanics, its versatility make them one of the basics of any well equipped toolbox.​

14. Assorted Fuses with Storage Box

Functionality:

High

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Garage Supplies

I cannot recall how many times I’ve faced some electrical issue caused simply by a blown fuse.

Being able to quickly troubleshoot it with a multimeter and having some gear4wheels1-20nt handy has saved me uncountable hours of frustration.

Consider getting a box that comes with 5, 7.5, 10, 20 and 30 Amp fuses at least. Medium size fuses are the most common size.

They are very inexpensive.

15. Electrical Tape

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Easy

Category:

Garage Supplies

Electric-resistant vinyl tape is one of those little things that many forget to have around until they need it.

Everytime you have to put some wires together, be it for lightning, car electronics such as a car stereo or some other control, you will be happy that you spent a couple of bucks in this.

Each tape has its uses so for heavy-duty “this and that must hold together” go for duct tape and then things that have current going on and will get hot, use electrical tape.

16. Hex Wrench (Set)

Functionality:

High

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

Manufacturers have this little secret passion about hiding Allen headed bolts in the most inaccessible spots.

For those cases where the allen head socket of your flamboyant ratchet set just won’t reach the bolt, you can probably do good with a good old hex wrench.

Sets of these tools are usually inexpensive and we recommend to buy metric.

17.  LED Headlamp

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Easy

Category:

Lightning

When we work in our cars, visibility isn’t always in our side.

Having proper lighting makes a huge difference in comfort whilst working on our car.

Led Headlamps are a great option.

Small, inexpensive and durable.

18. Brake Cleaner Spray

Functionality:

SO DAMN HIGH

Use:

Easy

Category:

Garage Supplies

All hail the brake cleaner spray.

Meant to do as the name indicates, cleaning brakes, is one of the most useful cleaning products for mechanics.

Wherever there is unwanted grease (besides interiors) a nice spraying of brake cleaner will get us a long way.

Use it to clean superhard joints, then WD-40 them and wait for magic. We’ve even used it to kickstart old engines.

And of course, whenever you conduct any brake operation, a nice spray will ensure your discs are clean from any dangerous grease or brake fluid.

19. Mechanic Gloves (Disposable and Non-disposable)

Functionality:

High

Use:

Easy

Category:

Protection

We are very fond of disposable nitrile gloves for quick in-and-out operations or when working on car interiors where old mechanic gloves can leave some grease traces.

I don’t advise going for latex as they are less resistant against chemicals.​

However, we always advise going for some serious quality gloves if you’re a professional or an everyday handyman. If your hands get messed up you can’t work, always remember that.

20. Hand Cleaner

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Garage Supplies

If you really get serious about fixing cars you will get dirty.

Even a simple oil change will leave your fingers all black around the fingernails and smelling like hell.

Even with gloves. Disposables tend to get ripped quite easily…​

Not brutally necessary altough quite useful.

It smells nice too!

The vast majority of the mechanic works you will perform in your car (or friends, or customers if you do fixings on the side) can be done with this first 20 tools. These are, in our experience, the most basic tools you’ll need to work on cars.

Now, there are some tools that you will need as soon as you start getting into more complex reparations. Let’s have a look at some upgrades and additions to this selection to help you step your mechanic game up.​

INTERMEDIATE TOOLS

In the following section of this auto mechanics tools list, you will find a mix of upgrades, tools that are more specific for certain jobs and others that although simple, we know aren’t as “essential” as the first ones listed before.

But as soon as you start to expand your collection, this 20 tools should be what you want to get.

Additionally, if you are spending a lot of time working on your car, you may want to consider getting a garage heater if the winters in your region are harsh​.

21. Wire Terminal Crimper

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Hand Tools

If you conduct some extense electric repair, you will most likely have to change a few dozen wire terminals.

Having a terminal crimper will allow you to get those terminals nicely fitted to the wire with a nice, professional end.

22. Wire Connectors (set)

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Supplies

These are the terminals we were talking about.

Terminals tend to get corroded by external agents. Some may cause malfunction of component.

When you conduct a reparation in some component and take out relays and connectors and sensors… sometimes you notice some terminals are gone. A smart thing to do is to quickly replace them with a healthy one.

A box of assorted terminals is usually just a few bucks and will come very handy when you need it. Make sure to buy good quality ones with heat shrink tube.

23. Torque Wrench

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Hand Tools

Looks like a simple ratchet but it isn’t. This tool will allow you to tighten bolts at exactly the specified torque given by the manufacturer.

This is a matter of special relevance when we conduct operations inside the engine or the transmission gear.

Really convenient to use when tightening spark plugs as nothing ruins a day faster than a spark plug that strip the threads inside the engine block.

Look for a torque wrench that reads both in ft.lb and Nm.​

24. Wrecking Bar

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Not As Simple As You Think 😉

Category:

Hand Tools

Who doesn’t love a big fat wrecking bar?

I’ll tell you who, overly-attached ball joints and shock absorbers heads. Man they love to stay together.

Luckily for us we can get a big badass bar in between, if we get some nice leverage point, and get them off each other and keep working on that clutch…

25. Rolling Tool Chest

Functionality:

High

Use:

Easy

Category:

Storage

Tools start to add up and when you notice you have your trunk full of mini boxes with small sets of wrenches, screwdrivers, fuses… on your garage you have a messy table full of expensive tools and it starts to get a bit chaotic and hard to find everything when you need it.

If your tool collection starts to look good and you want to keep it nicely organized, you may want to get yourself a tool chest.

Notice that some are quite inexpensive and that sometimes you will find deals of fully equipped tool chests so have a look at that if you have some budget and you haven’t yet got any tools.

26. Breaker Bar

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

Whilst some consider this a “basic” tool for any handyman or gearhead, it actually isn’t. It is just an evolution of the good old metal pipe.

A metal pipe attached to a wrech does the same as this and you don’t always need to have a 24 inch long metal tube hanging around your garage, specially when you only have a small portable toolbox to keep everything together.

It is however a very useful tool as it provides with greater torque, helping with hard bolts. The longer, the more powerful. Go only for chrome vanadium alloys on this ones.

27. Molding Removal Tool Set

Functionality:

High

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

Very inexpensive and tremendously useful.

This will help you remove door panels with ease and without breaking all those clips that hold the panel against the door itself.

Whether you are replacing a power window switch, changing the speakers in your car, or just troubleshooting some AC stuff on the dashboard, these little plastic things will make your life so much easier.

You can use them too to remove stereo units although some will require you to use the specific manufacturer tool.

28. Car Creeper

Functionality:

High

Use:

Easy

Category:

Garage Tools

We both know it:

Sliding underneath your car on top of some old cartons sucks.

So get yourself a Z-Creeper seat. It works both as a seat and then extends to be a full, flat creeper to slide under your car comfortably. Cool right?

They really aren’t very expensive and once you get one the comfort with which you work will improve dramatically.

Once you start working regularly on cars, this is the next essential investment.

Here are my recommendations on the best mechanics creepers.​

29. OBD2 Scanner

Functionality:

High

Use:

Complex

Category:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Tools

Want to know why is that “Engine Check” light on? Troubleshooting gets so much easy with an OBD2 Scanner.

Back in the day this tools did only read codes and they costed a fortune. Luckily for us, good OBD2 scanners can be found at around a hundred dollars with engine and ABS code read, scan and erase.

Some are brand-specific, some are “read only” and some can do it all, just like the software used at authorized dealerships.

We advise you to do your research when you purchase one of this tools. In our opinion, either get a $30 code reader, or a full blown scanner that will not only tell you what trouble code you have, but what it means, how to fix it, allow you to test parts in your car, etc.

Cars from 1996 onwards incorporate OBD2.

You can read more about my favorite OBD2 scanner here.​

30. Service Manual

Functionality:

High

Use:

Complex

Category:

Troubleshooting Tools

Not always easy to find, specific car (make and model) manuals are the Bible for your car.

They include everything, from pictures and diagrams on how to work on the engine, ignition, cooling system, fuel system, transmission, rear axle, brakes, electrical  and body to maintenance periods, troubleshooting, and specifications.

They are usually expensive although you can always sell the manual once you’re finished and will likely recover the whole price since they don’t lose any value if the conservation is good.

Only problem is that they are car specific. If you need information from many cars, then you have to upgrade to a software-based solution.

31. Brake Bleeder & Vacuum Pump

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Specialty Tools

Flushing old brake fluid and performing a brake fluid change without this tool is a beautiful nightmare in which you have to come in and out the vehicle, pump, open, close… borderline impossible without someone else helping you.

With a vacuum pump, the job is incredibly easy.

It can also be used to measure vacuum on the manifold.

32. Circlip Pliers

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Frustrating in most cases

Category:

Hand Tools

Circlips are one of those gifts from engineers to mechanics. Like a tiny “there you go, beloved friend” in the shape of a ring.

To be able to remove such well intentioned metal rings you will need a patience of steel  (not always but sometimes) and one of this specific pliers.

33. Hose Clamp Pliers

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Hand Tools

Another very specific kind of pliers.

This ones are used to compress hose clamps whilst working on the refrigerator circuit.

34. Pry Bars

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

One does not always need a big wrecking bar. Sometimes the job is smaller. In most cases, a thick heavy duty flat head screwdriver willd do.

A further addition to one’s tool box is a nice set of pry bars.

35. Flexible Magnet PickUp

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy. Just be patient 🙂

Category:

Hand Tools

Working on reduced spaces with difficult access is our bread and butter.

Sometimes, that bolt that you are barely holding with one finger whilst trying to get it on place, falls down to the abyss of the engine’s darkest realms.

Once you’re done with the swearing, simply use this magnet to roam around those hidden spots until the missing bolt sticks to the magnet.

It can save you uncountable hours of frustration.

36. Socket Adapters

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Easy

Category:

Adapters

Not something you are going to use everyday, yet a smart, inexpensive addition to your tool box.

Sometimes you have the socket that you need but the ratchet won’t fit in the space you have.

Sometimes the only socket that fits is from the small ratchet and the torque isn’t enough for you to move it.

Here is where socket adapters come into play.

If you buy some, make sure they are Impact sockets since you may eventually upgrade to some air compressed system and impact tools and regular ones won’t stand more than a few uses with an impact tool.

37. Cordless Drill

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Power Tools

One of the first power tools we should lay our hands on, is a cordless drill.

A million and a half uses can be given to this tool.

We recommend investing on a good one, specially if you do a lot of jobs in car audio or customizations in general.

​

38. Angle Grinder

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Power Tools

Sometimes things get ugly and you have to take drastic measures.

Specially useful when working on exhaust lines or in general metal-cutting works.

Make sure to buy a pair of security glasses with it and to operate it always wearing gloves.

39. Torx Wrench (Set)

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Easy

Category:

Hand Tools

Pretty much the same as #16, the torx wrench usually fits where a torx socket won’t.

These sets are usually inexpensive, and although some may consider this a “basic” addition to any toolbox considering the price, we know torx isn’t as super-common as hex.

If you get yourself a set, make sure to invest in good quality.

The smaller sizes are easy to break if they are crap.

40. Ignition Spark Tester

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Tools

There are two main reasons a car’s engine might not start.

It either has no fuel, or no spark.

To quickly discard (or spot) the last one, use a tester.

Simply remove the rubber boot from spark plug, insert tester & place tester boot on plug. Turn the engine, if it glows, you’ve got spark and can move forward.

Troubleshooting gets so much faster with this little tool.

So far we’ve covered 40 tools for auto mechanics and with this last segment, your toolbox already looks like you can tackle almost every problem. There are however some specialty tools that you’ll need for the most serious jobs.

ADVANCED TOOLS

The following selection of tools comprises power tools, total upgrades such as air compressed systems and some very job-specific tool kits that will allow you to conduct every job ever possible on a car.

41. Air Compressor

Functionality:

High

Use:

Complex

Category:

Garage Tools

Setting an air compressed system empowers you to conduct heavy duty jobs with minimal effort, maximizing the outputs of your job.

This should be a one-off investment, if you treat it well. Consider getting only the best air compressor for the money you have and then you can gradually build your air powered tool selection gradually.

The compressor you see on the picture is a pancake compressor. They usually offer a great value for money, are portable, and not extremely loud.

Get at least one good quality hose and you are ready to go.

42. Tire Inflator with Gauge

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Air Tools

The most basic air compressed tool, the tire inflator.

This is a must buy as soon as you get your compressor.

It will allow you to have your tire pressure always spot on.

Make sure to buy one with a gauge that reads at least up to 8 bar or 100 PSI.​

43. Impact Wrench

Functionality:

HIgh

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Air Tools

The next addition you should get for your air compressed tool family is an impact wrench.

They speed up heavy duty processes a lot, and things like removing wheel bolts that can be a pain in the back without this tool, become a “just a sec” kind of a thing.

They are great for any heavy duty jobs whether in suspension, steering or engine.

44. Impact Sockets

Functionality:

HIgh

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Air Tools (Accessories)

Regular sockets aren’t made for use on air compressed tools. They will break reather easily since they aren’t designed to withstand the impacts this tools produce.

You can get the impact variant of every single socket that you already have although that wouldn’t be very cost efficient.

We recommend that you get a set with sockets  from 10mm to 32mm.

45. Digital Caliper

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Easy

Category:

Measurement Tools

A good caliper is an essential tool when we conduct performance jobs on engines. Going for a digital over a classic caliper will simply make everything easier.

When you buy a caliper, make sure that it reads fractions, inches and mm as well as that it has a very high accuracy. When you are measuring engine components, this is crucial.

46. Female Torx Set

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Air Tools (Accessories)

Torx headed bolts aren’t extremely common although some manufacturers use them frequently.

If you are working on a Mercedes, for instance, you need these for almost everything.

There are many cars that use Torx for suspension bolts and head bolts.​

Get an impact set if you get one.

47. Jump Starter

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Garage Tools

A life saver in many cases.

If you are conducting several projects at a time or work with client’s cars, sometimes batteries die just in the worst moment.

Sometimes we are testing audio installations and before we realize we’ve sucked the life off of the battery.

For cases​ where simple jumper cables don’t reach and many more, the jump starter is there to save the day.

​

48. Underhood LED Light Bar

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Lightning

Underhood or Under the hood light bars are exaclty what you want when you are conducting complex jobs on the engine.

49. Radiator Pressure Tester (Kit)

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Complex

Category:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Tools

This tool allows easy testing for leakage in radiator system and quick change of coolant.

By pressurizing the system and being able to control it via the gauge, we can check for sustained pressure or lack thereof to diagnose a failing coolant circuit.

You need manufacturer-specific caps to conduct the operation so make sure that you buy a kit with the ones you are going to need.

50. Brake Caliper Wind Back Tool (kit)

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Complex

Category:

Hand Tools

If you want to be able to change discs and brakepads yourself and save some money, you are going to need one of this kits.

This tool will let you wind the caliper’s piston back in so you gain some space to mount the newer, thicker pads and discs.

Whilst not a major economical investment, brake jobs should be conducted with proper knowledge that’s why we consider this an “advanced” tool.

51. Cylinder Compression Tester

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Tools

This tool will allow you to conduct a quick check of cylinder compression to spot head gasket faliures and other problems.

Simply remove all spark plugs, plug the gauge on one of the holes and turn the key to try and start the car. The gauge will show you the pressure inside the cylinder.

Compare with manufacturers specs et voila.​

​

52. Cylinder Piston Rings Compressor (kit)

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Specialty Tools

Another kit for a very specific purpose.

If you strip an engine, you’ll have to get one of these to get the piston rings and the piston inside the cylinder.

These are usually inexpensive and come in many sizes fitting most pistons.

53. Bearing Adapter Kit

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Complex

Category:

Specialty Tools

These front wheel bearing adapters replace wheel bearings while keeping the steering knuckle and strut assembly in tact on the vehicle, eliminating the need for front end alignment once the work is done.

This tools require proper lubrication prior to use, as the threads are usually easy to strip.

54. Laser Thermometer

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Tools

Generally used to troubleshoot refrigerator circuits.

Very useful for diagnosing cars that overheat, as you can follow the circuit and check where the temperatures aren’t right.

Also very useful for diagnosing A/C systems.

55. Machinist Vise

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Garage Tools

This is just the extra pair of superstrong arms you many times miss when you work solo on your car.

A simple yet powerful addition to your garage.

56. Rethreading Set

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Definitely not idiot proof

Category:

Hand Tools

We cannot think about anything we hate more than having to rethread the hole of an oil pan. Is stupid, time consuming and just frustrating.

Yet we all strip plugs sometimes and when that happens this is what we need.

Consider getting yourself a small pack of Helicoils too. These act as a gear4wheels1-20nt for the lost thread.

57. Heat Gun

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Easy

Category:

Power Tools

There are a million and a half uses we can give a good soldering heat gun.

From bodywork to troubleshooting, the list is as long as you want to make it.

This isn’t an essential tool, although having one around will come in handy more times than you would think.

58. Rotary Tool Kit

Functionality:

Medium

Use:

Intermediate

Category:

Power Tools

With as many uses as there are accesories, we can sand, polish, cut, engrave…

The kind of tool that once you have it, you always find an excuse to give this and that “a little touch”

59. Wifi Video Scope

Functionality:

Low

Use:

Complex

Category:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Tools

The evolution of the stick-and-mirror,

A scope works great to see where otherwise would be impossible to know what is going on.

Be it remote areas or places like inside the cylinders, with one of this cameras you can see directly on your phone where is everything.

60. Autodata

Functionality:

Extremely High

Use:

Complex

Category:

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Tools

Autodata is a software (although now they have turned for a full-cloud version and CD versions are discontinued) that contains technical information on over 40.000 different vehicles.

From wiring diagrams, timing belt diagrams, torque values for parts, to component testing and just so much more.

This is the ultimate tool for professionals.

This auto mechanic tools list will be periodically updated, with more tools and recommended reviews inside gear4wheels.com