Whether you're restoring an old Landcruiser or you've got brand new Tesla that needs a service, you can eschew the dealer or workshop for some tasks and start doing your own car maintenance - okay, maybe not for the Tesla, but you get the idea. You'll find working on your own car saves time and money, and if something breaks you'll have the confidence and know-how to fix it. That said, you can't just drag your basic around-the-house toolbox out to the garage. A mechanic's tool set differs from woodworking and general DIY tools you may have already accumulated; here are the top ten basics you'll need to get started - in no particular order.
Socket Set
A socket set is arguably the tool you'll need most in order to work on your car. A proper mechanics tool set will consist of a variety of sockets in metric and imperial sizes as well as 3/8-inch, 1/4-inch, and 1/2-inch drivers. Most kits will include a mixture of deep and standard depth sockets as well as a few extenders, though any extra sockets or attachments you might need - including larger sized ones, can be purchased separately.
Spanners
A spanner set is an invaluable addition to any mechanical tool box, and will be used almost as much as a socket set. There are a bunch of types of spanners available to suit a variety of tasks, and covering a wide array of sizes. Some of the more specialty spanners include angled spanners that allow you to get to awkwardly placed fasteners, and ratcheting spanners - which can be a real timesaver because there's no need to remove the wrench on each turn.
Screwdrivers
A screwdriver set is pretty invaluable around the home and in the garage, and although you may already have a few, make sure that you expand your set to include both larger drivers and small ones of both flat and phillips head types. The larger flat head screwdrivers can even double as a prying tool in a pinch (though be sure not to rely on them for that as you can snap the end off!)
Hex & Torx keys
Commonly known as Allen keys, although that's actually a company trademark - hex keys are incredibly useful as a fair few fasteners will only be able to be removed with their use. The other commonly encountered type are the star-shaped torx keys. Sets of these keys will come in a mixture of sizes, and there are different types of drivers, from simple metal tools, to attachments for sockets and other drivers.
Torque Wrench
Setting nuts to the proper torque is often overlooked by beginner mechanics. Over torquing a nut can cause the bolt to shear off, damage the thread it is fastened to, and also makes it much more difficult to remove when needed. There are a few different types of torque wrench available; If you're on a budget, then a clicker-type torque wrench will do, otherwise the newer digital adapters for standard socket drivers can be incredibly useful. Also be sure not to use your torque wrench to undo stiff fasteners, since it can mess with the torque settings on the wrench.
Pliers & Wire Cutters
Pliers and wire cutters can be incredibly useful - whether in pulling out split-pins and locking tabs, cutting cable ties and wires, or just getting a good grip on something. They are also practically necessary for a ton of electrical projects - such as installing a head unit or speakers.
Dead Blow Mallet
Sometimes when you're working on stuff you may need to apply some force. A dead blow mallet will let you do this in a controllable fashion. Dead blow mallets are covered in tough plastic to prevent damage to metal surfaces, but are capable of loosening some of the most stubborn stuck bolts - especially with the addition of a little heat.
Soldering Iron
If you intend to do any wiring work on your car, and you want any joins you make to actually last, then it is always better to use solder rather than tape. A good quality soldering iron will make wiring jobs far more sturdy, safe and tidy. Try to get hold of a decent stand too, in order to avoid accidentally burning stuff.
Multimeter
A multimeter can be used in a variety of ways to diagnose and assess wiring faults. There's a wide range of multimeters available, with varying degrees of functionality and complexity - as well as price. Be sure to familiarise yourself with how to use one, and it'll make electrical work on your car that much easier.
Pry Bars
We mentioned earlier that you can use larger flat head screwdrivers to pry stuff, but you really should avoid the temptation unless absolutely necessary. Instead, look at investing in a decent set of pry bars. Careful use of pry bars can save both your other tools and the parts you are working on from damage, and most importantly, save you a lot of frustration and possible injury.
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