10 Tools Every Professional Auto Mechanic Needs

Every tech knows that tools are their biggest investment... and a complete professional tool kit goes far beyond a simple set of wrenches, screwdrivers and sockets. Here is a rundown of the top ten tools that every professional automotive mechanic will find useful:

1. Tite-Reach TR38V1 Ratchet Extension, $59.95.

Image: Tite-Reach

Many mechanics have encountered cramped engine compartments, where even the thinnest socket wrench cannot reach. The Tite-Reach Ratchet Extension can be just the piece of equipment you need in tight spaces. Insert a socket in one end, a ratchet in the other, and you have an extra ten inches of reach. You save yourself the hassle of removing or disassembling another part to get to the right one.

Buy a Tite-Reach Ratchet Extension on Amazon.

2. Craftsman Universal Nutcracker 1049222, $21.00.

Image: craftsman

Is a hopelessly rusty or rounded nut bothering you? Take the easy way out with the nut cutter. This quality nut cutter will not damage the threads of the bolt and will quickly break the nut so you can remove it and get on with your job.

Buy the Craftsman Nut Cracker on Amazon.

Image: SK

So you unscrew a nut that's way down in some inaccessible place, you pull out a socket wrench and extension, and... the head is still stuck on that nut, or worse, it ends up in some even more impossible place. . A blocking extension can prevent this with a spring-loaded ring that holds the socket securely in place. Good ones like this SK will have a ribbed collar that can be used with greasy hands or even gloves.

Buy a set of SK lockout extensions on Amazon.

4. ACDelco ACDARM602-4 1/2″ Digital Torque Adapter, $55.91.

Image: ACDelco

You know there are connectors on a vehicle that require setting the torque to a very specific level or else you might run into some real problems. Older torque wrench designs (or cheaper ones) can be problematic, but digital ratchet or hound bar adapters with ½" drive are now available. The AC-Delco Digital Actuator has a very accurate digital torque display with an LED indicator and a buzzer or horn to let you know when you have reached your desired torque.

Buy an ACDelco Digital Torque Adapter from Amazon.

Image: Original Equipment Hotrod

Do not grasp the covers and buttons by brute force with a screwdriver or knife. Specialized tool kits help you gently separate delicate parts from door panels, radio or dashboard parts. Hotrod Hardware includes V-notch tools and other specialized tools for gentle handling of fragile parts.

Buy an original Hotrod Hardware tool kit from Summitracing.com.

Image: TECTON

Easy to get into hard to reach places, crow's foot wrenches are a must. Connect them to a 3/8" extension and get where you need to go - Tekton can be used with any ⅜" ratchet, extension or socket wrench. Just right for when a short wrench or socket won't work.

Buy a Tekton wrench set on Amazon.

7. GTC CT8002 Wireless Circuit Tester, $19.91

Image: OTC

You probably know that modern cars with CAN network electronics can quickly fail due to the volt/ohmmeter probe being placed in the wrong place. The computer-safe circuit tester from GTC can avoid this risk by requiring no ground or wires. Quality circuit sensors are safe to use near sensors, modules, and even microcomputers.

Buy GTC tester cleats on Amazon.

Image: Irvine

There are several different types of screw extractors and easy removal tools on the market, but one thing is for sure: a broken bolt head or stripped screw can stop you from doing any job. A quality screw extraction kit is a must, and the Irwin design has a multi-spline feature that eliminates the need to drill a start hole.

Buy an Irwin Hex Screw Extractor on Amazon.

9. OTC 4650 Mirror/Magnet Set, $20.01.

Image: OTC

Most likely, you will drop the part in some impossible place. A set of mirrors/magnets with extensions and swivel mirror attachments is indispensable in such difficult situations.

Buy an OTC mirror/magnet set from Amazon.

10. Bayco SLR-2120 120-LED battery-operated work light under the hood, $88.92.

Image: Baiko

Remember mechanical incandescent bulbs (with cage and cord) or fragile 20 year old fluorescent bulbs? One of the beauties of LED technology is that bright and reliable lighting is now cheap and even rechargeable. The Bayco SLR-2120 is a great example with a full array of LEDs and a battery life of 4.5 or 8.5 hours, depending on whether you use half or full brightness mode. Dual spring loaded grips make it easy to place Bayco where you need it!

Buy Bayco Underhood Work Lights at toolpan.com.

There is nothing more frustrating than being stopped for repairs because you don't have the right tool. Even aside from make and model specific tools (which help keep your tool maker and parts counters in dealerships running), a complete set of tools is a must for any mechanic!

If you are already a certified mechanic and would like to work with AvtoTachki, please apply online for the opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.