There are times when your garage is more than just a place to park your car. It could easily turn out to be your hanging spot when you’re at home. This is especially so if you enjoy working on your car.
Most of us would like to brag to our co-workers about how we repaired our own cars: “I changed the gearbox myself.” We’re sure that is something that we would all like to brag about, although it is not very realistic.
We can however, bring ourselves closer to that dream by ensuring that we at least have the right tools to repair our vehicles should the need ever arise. It would not only give you bragging rights, it would save you the money you would have spent at a garage.
Remember, not all mechanic tools are pocket friendly. There are those that feel like they cost an arm and a leg. They might be pricey, but they are some of the best tools.
In this article, we are going to discuss the top mechanic tools according to the mechanics themselves. The advantage of these tools is that they can be used for other things in the home, and not just cars.
Battery-powered impact wrench
This is one of the most popular tools according to most mechanics. Many mechanics spend a lot of time gleaning components off junk vehicles so that they can use them on other cars. This is one of the reasons why this battery powered impact wrench turns out to be one of the top power horses. The most popular are the ½” and the 3/8”, which can be used to do a host of jobs.
Air ratchet
This tool might be pricey, but you will not regret it the moment that you start using it. With this ratchet, you just slide the socket over a bolt or nut, and then press the trigger. The torque will amaze you, and it can remove even the tightest of bolts. You should however, make sure that the bolt’s threads are in place when reinstalling it since this ratchet can tear right through them.
Flex-head ratchet
This is another favorite amongst mechanics. It has an ultra-thin head that penetrates tight places. The flex feature allows the mechanic to pivot the handle for maximum leverage. This way, bolts and nuts are easily loosened in seconds.
Automotive stethoscope
This is also a very important tool when it comes to diagnosing your car. A wireless one would do a better job of figuring out where those annoying noises or clatters are coming from as you drive. All that you have to do is to place the microphones near places that you think the noises are coming from.
High-torque pneumatic wrench
It looks very inconvenient to buy an impact wrench, but the moment that you come across rusty bolts and nuts, you will wish you thought twice. With this high-torque pneumatic wrench, all you have to do is to plug in the impact socket and hit the trigger. The immense power will make even the rustiest and most stubborn nuts or bolts bulge.
Vacuum pump, bleeder, pressure—testing kit
This hand-operated vacuum pump is one of the most popular tools that a mechanic can have. With this pump, you can check your vacuum-controlled sensors and motors. You can also use it to find leaking vacuum lines by plugging each one of them and then applying the vacuum.
If it does not hold, you have a problem. You can also use this to find a vacuum leak. All that you have to do is to spray the carb cleaner around the areas that you suspect are leaking, the spots that flutter are leaking.
This can also be used to bleed brakes by attaching the fluid transfer bottle and the vinyl tubing to the vacuum pump. Make sure to keep the master cylinder filled using the refill adapter as you suck out brake fluid from the bleeder screws.
Keep pumping until fresh fluid appears. This can also be done for power steering fluids.
We could go on and on, but these are some of the most popular mechanic tools.
Or, maybe you’d like to check out the top 10 budget friendly DIY Mechanic Tools here.
