In order to systematize the approach to choosing the tool necessary for the repair and maintenance of a car, below are three lists of tools, conventionally titled as: «Tool kit for routine maintenance and minimal repairs», «Tool kit for general and overhaul» And «Special tool». Vehicle owners with no practical experience in mechanical work should start by performing procedures limited to the use of tools from the first list, while improving their skills and gradually expanding the range of their activities. As you acquire skills, you can move on to more complex tasks, gradually replenishing the range of tools available on hand. After some time, the experience gained will allow you to move on to more complex work that requires the use of a tool from the second list (for general and major car repairs). When the qualifications of the performer reach a sufficiently high level and allow you to save significant funds on the independent implementation of complex repair procedures, you can think about purchasing a special tool.
Micrometer with a set of nozzles
Dial meter with a set of clamps and nozzles
Dial/vernier caliper
Vacuum pump with manual drive
stroboscope
Compression tester with a nozzle for installation in spark plug holes
Damper/Steering wheel puller
General purpose puller
Hydraulic tappet removal tool
Valve spring compression tool
Valve spring compression tool
Countersink for removal of stepped wear in the cylinder
Piston ring cleaner
Piston ring removal/installation tool
Piston ring crimping tool
Hone for processing cylinder mirrors
Brake shoe guide spring cup removal tool
Hone for processing brake cylinders
Clutch Alignment Tool
Set of taps and lerok
A set of tools for routine maintenance and minimal car repairs
The list below includes the minimum items of tools needed to perform routine maintenance and minor vehicle repairs. The authors of this guide recommend that you start by purchasing a set of combination wrenches (with a regular open end on one end and a flare on the other). Despite the increased cost of this kit compared to the cost of a set of conventional wrenches, the costs will be justified, because. such keys have the advantages of both types.
- Combination wrench set 8 to 19 mm
- adjustable wrench (up to 35 mm)
- Candle wrench with rubber insert (petrol models)
- Gap adjustment tool (petrol models)
- Probe set
- Nipple wrench for bleeding brakes
- Screwdrivers:
- with a flat sting (100 mm long by 6 mm in diameter)
- With a cross sting (100 mm long by 6 mm in diameter)
- Combination pliers
- Hacksaw with a set of blades
- Tire Inflator
- Tire pressure gauge
- Grease gun (syringe)
- oil canister
- Fine sandpaper
- Wire brush
- Tool for stripping terminals and battery wire contacts
- Oil filter wrench
- Funnel (medium size)
- Supports for fixing the car in a raised position (2)
- Drainage tank
If routine maintenance includes basic adjustments, you will also need to purchase a quality strobe light and a combined tachometer/breaker contact timer. Although these tools are part of the list of special tools, they are mentioned here because they are absolutely necessary for proper engine ignition tuning, which is part of the vehicle's routine maintenance procedures.
A set of tools for general and overhaul of a car
This tool is absolutely necessary when carrying out any car engine repair operations and is offered in addition to the first list. This listing includes a complete set of interchangeable sockets. At a significant cost, a set of interchangeable heads brings invaluable benefits due to its versatility and ease of use, especially in combination with the various types of actuators included in the kit. It is recommended to give preference to drives with a section of 1/2 inch (not 3/8 inch), because they, although more expensive, can be used with almost any type of torque wrench (Ideally, a good mechanic should have both types of drives at his disposal). A cheaper alternative to a set of interchangeable sockets is a set of tubular wrenches.
- Set of interchangeable sockets (including type heads) (or tubular wrenches), sizes corresponding to the sizes of wrenches from the previous list
- Ratchet reversible drive (for use with interchangeable sockets)
- Gate length 250 mm
- cardan drive (for use with interchangeable sockets)
- torque wrench (with drive of the same size as for interchangeable sockets)
- Self-locking forceps
- Hammer with round face (about 230 g)
- Soft-faced hammer (plastic or rubber)
- Screwdrivers:
- with a flat sting (150 mm long and about 6.5 mm in diameter)
- with a flat sting (strong No. 2, 8 mm)
- With a cross sting (No. 3 x 8 inches [203 mm])
- With a cross sting (strong No. 2)
- Clamping pliers
- Pliers:
- For electricians (with insulated handles)
- narrow-nosed (needle nose pliers)
- For retaining rings (internal and external)
- Chisel 25 mm
- Scraper (made of flattened and pointed at one end of a copper tube)
- scriber (scriber)
- Kerner
- Beards with a thin sting (1.6, 3.2, 4.8mm)
- Hose clamp kit
- Brake bleeding kit
- Drill set
- Steel Ruler / Flatness Gauge
- A set of hexagon bar keys (Allen) (for heads with internal hexagon)
- File set
- Wire brush (big)
- Second set of supports
- Jack (hydraulic or pantograph type)
- Carrying with a closed lampshade
Another constantly required tool is an electric drill with a chuck up to 9.5 mm and a set of good quality drills.
Special tool
This category includes tools that are sufficiently expensive, are not regularly required, or require the manufacturer's instructions to be followed when used. If the field of activity of an amateur mechanic does not include the frequent performance of complex mechanical operations, the acquisition of such a tool will be a bad investment - it would be wiser to buy it together with friends, or, if necessary, rent it from car service workshops.
The list includes only those tools that can be found in retail trade or are available for distribution to service centers of representative offices of car manufacturers. Occasionally, in the text of the Guide, the reader will encounter references to such special tools. Usually, the authors try in parallel to propose an alternative method that avoids the obligatory use of a hard-to-reach tool. If it is impossible to avoid the use of a special tool, and acquiring it for use is problematic, it would be more correct to entrust the performance of the relevant work to car service specialists.
- Valve spring compression tool
- Valve Lapping Tool
- Piston ring cleaner
- Piston ring crimping tool
- Piston ring installer
- Cylinder Compression Gauge (compressometer)
- Countersink for processing the edges of cylinders
- Hone for processing cylinder mirrors
- Cylinder diameter gauge
- Micrometer (micrometers) and/or dial caliper
- Clutch disc centering tool
- ball joint extractor
- Universal type puller
- impact screwdriver
- Dial meter set
- stroboscope (with inductive sensor)
- Manual combination pump (vacuum/pressure)
- Set of taps and lerok
- Tachometer/instrument for measuring the duration of the closed state of the contacts of the breaker
- Universal tester for electrical measurements
- lifting rigging
- Brake spring removal/installation tool
- trolley (rolling) jack
Purchasing a tool
A novice mechanic can be offered some practical advice in terms of acquiring the tools needed to perform vehicle maintenance and repair procedures. When preparing for routine maintenance or minor vehicle repairs, it is wise to purchase the tool separately. On the other hand, in the case of planning larger-scale work, it is easier and more reliable to buy a set of modern tools in a retail store. Purchasing a kit usually costs a little less than individual purchases and is often accompanied by a tool box in the kit. In the future, to expand the range, individual tools, additional sets and a larger tool box can be purchased. The gradual expansion of the set of tools will allow you to stretch the costs and decide on the choice of really necessary tools.
Specialized tool shops are the only source for purchasing some special tools. Regardless of the source you choose, avoid cheap purchases, especially when choosing screwdrivers and replacement sockets, as they are likely to have a short life. As a result, the costs associated with the replacement and restoration of a cheap tool will be incomparably more significant than the costs of a one-time purchase of a quality product.
Tool care and storage
A good tool is a valuable investment, so it is wise to take care to keep it clean and ready for use at all times. After using the instrument, always thoroughly wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth before storing it to remove any traces of dirt, grease and metal particles. Never leave the tool scattered. After completing the work, carefully check the area under the hood and under the car for the presence of a forgotten tool.
For storing tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, etc., a tool comb mounted in a convenient place on the garage wall is ideal. Sets of wrenches and interchangeable sockets should be stored in metal boxes. Precision measuring tools must be stored in a dry and clean place inaccessible to corrosion.
You should always pay attention to the condition of the working surface of the tool. The impact part of the hammer head is subject to riveting during use, screwdrivers lose sharpening of their stings over time. Don't be stingy with taking a little time and attention to use sandpaper or a file to remove rivets and tidy up the cutting edges. Irreversibly worn or damaged tools should be replaced promptly.
With careful care, the tool is able to serve faithfully for a very long time.
Workplace equipment
Speaking about the tool, it is impossible not to mention the equipment of the workplace. If more serious work is to be done than simple vehicle maintenance, care should be taken to prepare a suitable work site.
We have to admit that many motorists are forced to dismantle the engine and other similar work far from being in a garage or workshop. However, in any case, an important requirement is the presence of a roof or awning.
Whenever possible, any disassembly procedures should be carried out on a clean workbench with a level work surface, or a sturdy table at a comfortable height. The workbench must be equipped with a vise with a jaw opening of up to 100 mm and with soft pads on the jaws.
As mentioned above, the work site must be equipped with a clean, dry place for storing tools, lubricants and cleaning fluids, fillers, paints and varnishes, etc.
It should be noted that an absolutely necessary tool is an electric drill, therefore, the work site must be equipped with a power source to connect it. The presence of a drill with a chuck up to 9.5 mm and a set of high-quality drills will greatly facilitate many procedures.
Finally, the workplace should always have an ample supply of old newspapers and clean, lint-free rags for picking up spilled liquids and wiping down the work area, tools, and vehicle parts.
Waste working fluids should be handed over to recycling centers in sealed containers.
Never do any work on the bare painted surface of car body panels, use protective fender pads, or, at worst, cover polished surfaces with old blankets.