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Must Have Mechanic Tools for A Newbie or An Experienced Auto Mechanic

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Must Have Mechanic Tools for A Newbie or An Experienced Auto Mechanic

If you're a newbie mechanic or planning to do some auto maintenance yourself, here are some essential tools you'll need to get started.


Hammer

A hammer is an essential tool for any mechanic. Beginner 16-ounce claw hammer with solid wood handle Upgrade to a fiberglass handled model with a padded grip. As you gain experience, you may need to add special hammers like:


  • Ball-Peen hammer: used in metal fabrication where precise blow placement.


  • 2-pound maul, but it's still small enough to work in tight spaces. A maul comes in handy when working on suspension components that require hard hits to separate ball joints or tie-rod ends.


  • A soft-blow hammer can deliver a blow without damaging the material's surface. This hammer is commonly used in engine work but has many other uses.


Screwdrivers

A good set of screwdrivers is a must in any toolbox. Look for a set with a mix of straight and screwdrivers. A good screwdriver can be used as a mild pry bar and adrift.


Pry Bar 

A pry bar is needed to tighten belts or check joint suspension play. A starter toolset should include two or three pry bars of varying lengths. A large screwdriver or a carpenter's crowbar can also be used.

Wrenches Like screwdrivers, a good set of wrenches is worthwhile. These types of Wrenches are good to start with:


Wrenches: 

You can add specialty wrenches as your needs grow. Combination wrenches have a box end (closed) and an open-end (open). Look for a metric/English combination wrench set (inches). Consider sets with 8 mm to 19 mm and 1/4" to 13/16" sizes.


An adjustable-end wrench is versatile. An 8", 10", and 12" handle three-wrench set.


Pliers


Simple pliers will serve you well. Pliers, like wrenches, operate by squeezing to grip whatever shape or size is required. A basic set of slip-joint pliers is a must, but consider adding locking, groove-lock, and needle-nose pliers as well.


Socket Sets

Nothing beats a good ratchet and socket set. Ratchets and sockets come in various sizes and functions. You can start with a good set of ratchets and bare sockets and add specialty ratchets and sockets as you gain experience. Consider these for a basic starter set:

Ratchets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" If money is tight, start with a 3/8" ratchet and upgrade to 1/4" and 1/2" drives later.


Flashlight

An excellent magnetic flashlight can help you light up dark areas without tying up your hands. Choose a small light that can be stored easily. Rechargeable and LED versions have long battery life.

Filter Wrench


Portable oil filter wrench

A portable oil filter wrench is helpful for fundamental oil changes. Watch out for ratchet-mounted oil filter wrenches for specific vehicles or oil filter sizes. Some vehicles don't have oil filters conveniently for those adjustable-size wrenches so they won't work on all vehicles.



Gap Gapper

A spark plug gapper is an essential tool that every mechanic needs. Most auto parts stores have these for a dollar near the checkout. Please pick up a couple because they can easily chip or nick, reducing their usefulness.


Gauges

These gauges are used to set valve lash and measure spark plug gaps. Feeler gauges are inexpensive and helpful when needed.


Jack and Jack

A good floor jack and jack stands help lift and hold a vehicle so you can work underneath it. Never use the jack alone to support the vehicle! Simple oil changes may necessitate lifting the front end.


Not only these tools, but to organize these tools, you need mechanic toolbox organizers that will efficiently organize the storage of your toolbox. 


Toolbox widget offers the best modular mechanic toolbox organizers made with high-quality material and are affordable.

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