| Basic Car Tools |
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That’s about it. You can do a lot with just an adjustable wrench and two screwdrivers (one standard or straight tip and one cross or Phillips tip). So what are all the other tools in a mechanic’s tool chest for? To turn nuts, bolts, and screws under special conditions. The bolts may require lots of pressure (torque) to loosen so there’s a torque wrench. To get into some places, larger, smaller, longer, shorter, or more powerful tools are needed. However, the majority of a pro’s tools are simply for turning nuts, bolts, and screws.
Another tip: Get what you need. Your auto parts clerk can help you select a tool set that matches your vehicle and your goals. If your car is imported chances are the parts are measured in metrics (mm for millimeter) rather than standard (in. for inches). Don’t bother buying a metric tool set for your Buick. However, sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a packaged set that includes both standard and metric rather than one or the other. And finally, you may need a safety tool or two depending on what you’re doing. If handling a battery or caustic fluids get a pair of safety gloves. If working around parts that can fly get a pair of safety glasses. And use them. Car Words Metric is a measurement system used throughout the world – except in the United States. Parts and tools made elsewhere typically are sized in metrics. Remember: There are 25.4 millimeters (mm) to an inch: ½-inch is 12.7 mm. The most common sizes of metric wrenches are 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15 mm.
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With all the automotive tools available today it’s amazing how few you really need for basic car care and repair. You may even have them in your toolbox right now. If not, here’s what you need and why:
I’m going to pitch quality again, suggesting that you shouldn’t buy tools out of the discount bin at the auto parts or other stores. They typically are made with inferior materials and can break when you need them most. Instead, invest in a good quality set that will last you many years. A good set on sale costs little more than the junk. And you can pay for the tools with savings from your first (or maybe second) do-it-yourself job.
