So, you’re starting to wrench on your car and you’re finding that you don’t have everything you need to do the job? Well, you need to have a toolbox and at least a basic set of tools or things will get difficult. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to do some work and not having a tool to do it. Even worse, not having the tool and trying to use something else to do the job only to make it worse. Avoid all the problems and build yourself a basic toolbox that will pretty much tackle any job. Here is what you need.
- Socket and ratchet set – the most important set of tools for anyone working on a vehicle is a good socket and ratchet set.
- SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Metric sockets and SAE metric bit sockets – in order to effectively use your socket and ratchet set you should pick up some sockets and bit sockets that should cover you off for just about everything you would need.
- SAE Metric combination wrenches – you can’t wrench on cars without a wrench, so these are no brainers!
- SAE Metric hex keys – you would be amazed at how handy these are to have. I would just buy any kit that has a few dozen of them in it.
- Extension bars and adapters – still part of the socket and ratchet set. These are extremely handy as many parts of a vehicle are harder to get to these days.
- Ratches and universal joint adapters – all part of the socket and rachet set.
- Screwdrivers – you definitely will need Philips and standard screwdrivers but also consider an offset screwdriver that will let you get those hard-to-reach screws a bit easier.
- Pliers
- ½” Breaker bar – handy when things have gone south and you just need to use some power.
- Vice grips – you would be amazed at how effective a pair of vice grips can be when wrenching on a car. Everything from allowing you to easily measure and cut hard to hold objects to freeing a stripped bolt.
- Flashlight – when you’re working on cars it isn’t just handy at night. A flashlight will let you get into those dark deep corners that are pitch black even in broad daylight.
- Wire cutters – very handy when dealing with electrical issues and situations where you need to splice wires.
- Multimeter – cars have a lot of electrical power in them and you really should be double checking any wires you are cutting. A multimeter is also handy for troubleshooting electrical problems.
Happy wrenching!
