10 expensive automotive tools worth investing in

Of course, a professional mechanic needs a lot of tools, and they need to be tools he or she can rely on—tools that won't break or fail in the process. Between tools and tool box, it's not uncommon for a mechanic to drop $7,500 to $11,000 for a complete set. Most technicians prefer tools from manufacturers such as Snap-On, Matco, or Blackhawk because of their design, tight tolerances, and the quality of the material used. Here's a rundown of tools that are truly worth the investment:

1. Milwaukee Cordless Impact Wrench, 18.0V, $282.75

Image: Milwaukee

A cordless impact wrench can't provide as much torque as a pneumatic model, but it's certainly useful - after all, a compressor or air tank and hose aren't always available. This Milwaukee Cordless Impact Wrench features a lithium-ion battery and LED light and weighs only 5.7 pounds. With 750 lb-ft of torque, the Milwaukee has enough power to loosen just about anything, even axle nuts.

Buy a Milwaukee cordless impact wrench at Amazon.

2. Proto Air Ratchet with Sealed Head, 3/8 Drive, $323.13.

Image: Proto

There are all kinds of air ratchets around but they are definitely a get what you pay offer. The Proto is light and compact enough to get into tight spaces, with an easy opening mechanism and an ergonomic trigger. Put the head on the right nut or bolt, pull the trigger and save yourself a lot of time and sweat.

Buy Proto Sealed Air Ratchet at Zoro.com

Image: Mac Tools

The Mac Tools Flex Head Ratchet helps you get into tight spaces with a comfortable plastic grip that delivers more torque and slides down easily to become a speed knob.

Buy the Mac Tools Spinflex Flex Head Ratchet at Mactools.com

4. Steelman STE97202 Wireless Chassis Kit, $211.69.

Image: Stillman

For decades, mechanics have been using stethoscopes (or a piece of vacuum hose) to detect annoying noises in a car. However, the stethoscope has two drawbacks: it amplifies noises that may not be related to the problem, and it cannot be used while the vehicle is in motion. The Steelman Wireless Stethoscope comes with four microphones/transmitters and clips, a receiver, earphones and mounts. You can place the microphones where you think the noise might be coming from, test the vehicle and listen to each microphone individually until you can isolate the source of the noise.

Buy the Steelman EAR Wireless Chassis Kit at Amazon.

5. 17-Piece Craftsman Standard & Metric Flex Head Set, $69.99.

Image: craftsman

Sometimes you just need to get into impossible places without taking apart other things to get there, and this is where a set of flexible heads comes in handy. bolt you're going after.

Buy the 17-piece Craftsman Standard and Metric Flexible Head Set at Amazon.

6 Chicago Pneumatic CPT-7748 Impact Wrench, $203.37

Image: Chicago Pneumatic

Don't skimp on pneumatic wrenches. The Chicago Pneumatic model is up to the big job, with 922 lb-ft of reverse torque on even the toughest rusty bolt.

Buy a Chicago Pneumatic impact wrench at Zoro.com.

7. Mityvac MITMV8500 manual vacuum and pressure pump kit, $51.96.

Image: Mityvac

Manually operated vacuum pumps are essential for one-person bleeding of brakes, checking vacuum-operated gauges, or finding a leaking vacuum line. The Mityvac unit is comfortable and well designed and can be easily switched to pressure instead of vacuum with the flip of a switch. It comes with all the necessary attachments and accessories.

Buy Mityvac Manual Vacuum and Pressure Pump Kit at tooltopia.com

8. GearWrench 81229 3-Piece Offset Handle Ratchet, $69.70.

Image: GearWrench

Save your knuckles with a bent handle ratchet that's still long enough to give you real leverage under the hood. The GearWrench Flex Ratchet Kit comes with two deep well spark plug sockets with integrated flexible extensions.

Buy the GearWrench Offset Handle XNUMX-Piece Ratchet at Amazon.

Image: SK hand tool

A handy little ratchet with an adjusting wheel can save you a lot of time and hassle when you're trying to get to the connector under the dash and there's no way to put a big Spintight-style driver there. Just take this little ratchet with a ¼" drive pin, find the socket, find the connector, and spin without removing the driver to get another bite.

Buy an SK Hand Tools Ratchet with Adjustment Wheel at Amazon.

10. Torin T82040 cart with stand and slider, $93.99.

Image: Thorin

When you are under a vehicle, nothing is more important than your safety. A quality floor jack and good jack stands are an absolute must, and Thorin's kit includes a handy vine to help you get around while you're out there. It's also a good idea to use a jack crossbar, a carrycot that gives you two separate points of support under the car when you raise or lower it. Crossbars can be used on almost any jack with a removable saddle and can lift the entire side, front or rear of the vehicle without damaging the chassis.

Buy a Torin trolley jack on Amazon.

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