Choosing your first car mechanic tool set can be tough. There are tons of different sets, different tools, and even different brands to pick from. A starter tool set, however, can get you going in no time, giving you exactly what you need without too many extras. There’s no need to break the bank, either—with just a few basic tools, you’ll be able to tackle hundreds of DIY auto repair jobs and have room to grow your set. Factor in how much you’ll save by doing the job yourself, and you’ll see that this investment pays for itself. Here are some basic tools you’ll need for your first car mechanic tool set, whether you’re shopping for a complete tool chest or building one yourself.
Building Your First Mechanic Tool Set
Wrenches
A set of combination wrenches (one closed end and one open end) should range from 1/4‑inch to 1‑inch SAE or 8 mm to 19 mm metric. Larger or smaller wrenches might be needed for certain parts, but you can get them separately to add to your wrench set as needed. If you only have space or budget for SAE or metric, metric has been the standard on vehicles since the late 1970s.
Sockets
A socket set is going to be your most used tool. Start with a 3/8‑inch drive set with sockets ranging from 1/4‑inch to 1‑inch SAE or 8 mm to 19 mm metric, plus extensions. If you need, expand with a 1/4‑inch drive socket set for smaller fasteners and a 1/2‑inch drive for high-torque situations. As with wrenches, if you can only pick one, go with metric.
Torque Wrench
Use a torque wrench to ensure that bolts have the right amount of tight. A 1/2‑inch torque wrench rated 20 ft-lb to 150 ft-lb or 27 N-m to 200 N-m covers most cars or trucks but will need a 3/8-inch adapter to fit your sockets. Something like an axle might need a bigger wrench.
Pliers
Start with needle-nose, sliding-joint, and locking pliers and a diagonal cutter as well as hose clamp pliers.
Screwdrivers
Some screws and fasteners require a Phillips, Torx, or flat driver. At minimum, #1 and #2 Phillips screwdrivers will be very useful.
Laptop or Smartphone
Knowledge is your most valuable tool. By learning from YouTube videos, online forums, and online (or paper) repair manuals, you can maintain, diagnose, and repair your vehicle yourself. When in doubt, ask someone for help before getting in over your head. Get a chair or stool to sit while you work.
Digital Multimeter
From checking battery and alternator output to fuses, relays, and switches, no mechanic should be without a digital multimeter.
Power Tools
An impact wrench makes removing wheels easy, and an angle grinder with a brush can clean corrosion in seconds. Oscillating tools can quickly shred old bushings. Power tool options vary, such as air tools or cordless tools, depending on your budget, workspace, and goals. But these aren’t great starter tools because they’re expensive, take up loads of space (you’ll need a bulky air compressor), and the average DIYer won’t use them all that often. Same goes for something like a welder. On the other hand, they’re wonderful to have. Some, like an impact driver or drill, you might already have.
OBD2 Scan Tool
Most check engine lights are an easy fix, but only if you can read the diagnostic trouble code. Some OBD2 tools can pair to your laptop or smartphone to show codes and live data to assist your diagnosis and confirm the effectiveness of repairs and adjustments. Others just show a code on the screen.
One rule of thumb the professionals follow is to buy the tool if you need to borrow or rent it more than three times. Really, there’s no sense in spending money on something you’ll use just once, not to mention the fact that you’ll need to find a place a store it. Once you’re on a roll with your basic mechanic tool set, there are a few tools that can make certain jobs much faster or easier. Check us out next time when we talk about our favourite time-saving tools.
Oh, and don’t forget storage. A tool storage cabinet or at least a small tool box will keep your tools organized. Because there’s nothing much worse in auto repair than not being able to find the right tool.
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An Angle Grinder is a very powerful tool. Any kinds of metal can be cut with it.