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Great Tools for every mechanic! What tools would you add to this list?
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items Are you A new mechanic? Tools every mechanic needs! I have been a heavy equipment mechanic for over 30 years and the are my favorite Amazing Tools you can find on Amazon and other places online that are very useful and great deals! Shopping these aff...
Sections
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Flashlights and Shop Lighting
Hand tools
Power tools
Shop Safety
Diagnostic Tools
Tools that help with very specific jobs.
Flashlights and Shop Lighting
To be a great mechanic you need to see what you are doing. Here are some Great lighting products!
A great flashlight that can illuminate wide areas and then focus with a quick lens change to help start fireplaces or campfires. One of my favorites!
SKYFIRE 1376 LED Rechargeable 2000 Lumen Tactical Flashlight Green
This is a great under the hood light with multiple mounting options making it extremely verstile!
Magnetic Rechargeable 3000LM LED Work Light
When I have a vehicle on a lift or am under a truck I like a stable floor light and this one is very bright and very tough!
Hybrid 50W LED Work Light 6000LM Rechargeable
Hand tools
Tools can be expensive and account for a lot of debt for new mechanics. Here is some cost saving suggestions on Hand tools!
I really like this offset extension! It is perfect for tight and hard to reach places and supports all drive sizes (¼, 3/8 and ½ Inch) and is tough enough to use with power tools!
15" Offset Extension Wrench Set with Adapters
I have used this on 5 trucks so far. So easy to use and a lot easier than forks and hammers.
5pc Ball Joint Separator, Pitman Arm Puller, Tie Rod End Tool Set for Front End Service, Splitter Removal Kit (BL06)
TESMEN is hands down one of the greatest tool companies out there due to a combination of affordability and quality. This tool makes electrical work quick and easy and pays for itself with time saved very quickly!
TESMEN TWS-322 4-in-1 Wire Stripper & Voltage Detector
Are you just starting out and can't afford a $400 DMM? Then I recommend you check this multimeter from Tesmen out. Very affordable, durable and can do almost everything the much more expensive do. Top 10 list of tools every mechanic needs.
TM-510 Digital Multimeter 4000 Counts Green
I love tools that can give you a return on investment. This tool can actually show and prove to your customer they have water in their brake fluid and can help sell that brake flush. Can also be used by DIY enthusiasts who want to be able to test the...
KAIWEETS Brake Fluid Tester Pen with Alarm
Hose clamp pliers can save you busted knuckles, frustrations of other pliers slipping off the clamp and the lock on this one can free up both hands for stubborn and stuck hoses! this is the one I use!
Radiator Hose Clamp Pliers - Corrosion-Resistant, Non-Slip, Ratchet Lock
The importance of an infrared thermometer in a mechnics toolkit cannot be overstated. It is one of the most useful diagnostic tools you will ever have. Can check cylinders for misfires, wheel ends for brake issues, the effeciency of coolers. You need...
Kizen Infrared Temp Gun -58F to 1112F
Visibility is key. As a technician you need to be able to see in some very dark, awkward and tight spaces. This kit help you do all of that at a very affordable price and is from a brand that I have purchased multiple products from and like!
EWK 5 Pcs Telescoping Magnetic Pick Up Tool Kit
Electrical connectors and panels on Modern vehicles can be difficult to remove without damaging components and connectors. A set of tools like this will enable you to fix problems without creating new ones.
3PCS Electrical Disconnect Pliers for Cars
Need a basic set of hand tools but don’t have tool truck money yet? Or maybe your professional tools set is at the shop and you need something convenient for home. This set is affordable, storeable and affordable.
Prostormer 240-Piece Mechanic Tool Set
Torque wrenches are critical for doing the job right. Digital ones are really nice to have but can be very expensive. This is a good qulaity Dewalt with a decent price tag!
DEWALT 1/2 In Drive Digital Torque Wrench
The last thing you want to do as a technician is return a customers vehicle with the paint all scratched up. These covers are critical to maintaing professionalism yet don't break the bank!
3 Pack Microfiber Leather Fender Covers with Hooks & Magnets
Not sure how I feel about having a tape measure that might be smarter than me but it is pretty cool.
4-in-1 Laser Tape Measure 16FT AutoLock
Nothing worse than trying to remove damaged screws, keep one of these kits handy to reduce migraines and the urge to throw scredrivers at a wall!
10 PCS Damaged Screw Extractor & Drill Bit Kit
A good pick set is ideal for removing O-rings, getting gasket material out of tight spaces and plenty of other uses. THis is a good one available on Amazon!
12PCS Auto Hook & Pick Tool Set, Precision Puller
I have another compressor on this list but I believe in competition, choice, and the right tool for the right job. This inflator might be a better choice for Heavy duty, commercial truck owners as it has a slightly better flow rate than the other one...
WOLFBOX 150PSI Tire Inflator, 3.5'' LED, 20'' Hose
I love a good wrench with a ratcheting closed end. Perfect for those tight spaces that a ratchet and socket won't fit and really sppeds up the process over a regular wrench. These are a must have tool in my book.
MoJoTools 15-Piece SAE Ratcheting Wrench Set
I hate picking up screws that I drop (probably because I am old and my back hurts) and that is why I LOVE magnetic screwdrivers. Especially strong magnetic screwdrivers like these and this price is OUTSTANDING!
Magnetic Screwdriver Set 10PCS w/ Magnetizer
What a genius idea! Put the tools you will need for a job in a big bag, roll it up, zip it, carry it by a handle to the job site….so convenient. Wish I had one of these when I was doing mobile maintenance!
Portable Foldable Waterproof Tool Bag Organizer
Make quick work of all those weird little caps and fuel filter collars with this very handy tool!
61110 Diesel Fuel Filter Wrench 6" for Davco
Power tools
The best power tools at the best prices! If it's on this list I own or have owned it!
Perfect small portable tire inflator. No more waiting in line at tire shops or throwing money in air machines!
Portable Tire Inflator 150 PSI Cordless Pump
This electric ratchet wrench is my best seller as a TikTok Shop affiliate. That is due to it's incredibly long battery life, not overpowering the user but still capable of over 45 ft lbs of torque. The light is pretty cool also. The kit comes with tw...
3/8" Cordless Electric Ratchet Wrench Kit 18V
Acme Tools has great tools at great prices. If you work on big stuff sometimes that ½" Dr doesn't cut it. Go big or go home with this ¾" Dr Electric Impact!
DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3/4 Inch Impact Wrench with Hog Ring (Bare Tool)
For smaller jobs this ¼' Impact and drill combo won't hurt the wallet and is extremely handy to have around, especially if you build lots of stuff like I do!
21V Cordless Drill & Impact Driver Kit, 2×2000mAh
Air tools are useless without an air supply capable of giving you the air flow and pressure you need. I found that tractor supply has a variety of high quality compressors for reasonable prices. Check them out!
Iron Horse Stationary 80 gal. Air Compressor at Tractor Supply Co
I have made many demo videos on multiple EWK products over the years but this one is my favorite, I can extract fluid via shop air or I can do it with the hand pump. Both modes are very fast and it comes in a few different sizes. Great for oil change...
EWK 6.5L Pneumatic/Manual Oil Extractor Pump
Shop Safety
Staying safe at work is everyone's responsibility! Here are some items that help keep you in one piece and healthy.
If you work in a small shop or garage or even are renting a cabin with a fireplace carbon monoxide is the silent and deadly killer. Having a portable detector like this one can literally save your life!
AGT-2309 Portable CO Detector, Rechargeable
I love these gloves, keeps hands warm but not sweaty hot, keeps all kinds of fluid off your hands and can be washed off under the sink when done. Best part for mechanics is that you can still use touchscreens while wearing them!
Waterproof Winter Work Gloves, Touchscreen, XL
Nothing is more dangerous than shop floor clutter. Air hoses, extension cords and tools on the ground are all accidents waiting to happen. These Gator Magnetic hooks have incredibly strong magnets that can support a great deal of weight yet are easy ...
GATOR MAGNETICS MIDI 4in 25lb Magnetic Hooks 3pk
Same as the other one but can hold even more weight. Check out my video on Amazon to see how impressive these are. amazon.com/vdp/0b5308f11a80408ea252e839b27fd0b1?ref_=aipsfvideo&linkCode=ssc&tag=charleyhelvy-20&src=aipsf
GATOR MAGNETICS 25 lb Magnetic Hooks 4 Pack
Organization directly improves safety and efficiency and I am a big fan of those. That is why I like and highly recommend storage organizers like this one! Wide variety of sizes available
MaxWorks 80694 30-Bin Wall Mount Parts Rack
Safety glasses are really important when working in a shop but I hate it when they get scratched up or fogged up and I can't see. These glasses solve both those problems. Scratch resistant, anti-fog, and they have UV protection!
NoCry Clear Safety Glasses Anti-Fog UV Shield
I don't like sliding side protection off and on my prescription glasses, it bend them and wears them out but this pair of safety glasses fit over prescription eyewear without feeling overly bulky!
NoCry Safety Glasses Over Eyeglasses, 10-pack
Diagnostic Tools
It is hard to fix things if you can't find the root cause of a problem. Diagnostic tools can help you do that and here are a few of my favorites!
New mechanics don't have unlimited funds but still need something capable of doing basic tests and diagnostics. Topdon makes very capable tools at a very good price which is why this is my recomendation for new technicians. Very good scan tool.
TOPDON AD600S OBD2 Scanner & Code Reader
Members of my YouTube channel (Garage Cats) get special perks and badges. these include first in line to get questions answered, help finding specs and advice, specif video topic and requests. Try it out!
Charley’s Garage
If you are looking for a great digital source of automotive manuals and diagnostic help Then AllData is the way to go!
ALLDATAdiy
while alldata might be a go to source for automotive if I am looking to buy a specific manual for a truck, heavy equipment etc...Emanualonline is a great resource!
Repair Manuals Online, Buy Workshop Manuals, DIY Service Manuals
As an Amazon affiliate I get to see what other products are being purchased when someone clicks on my links. I hadn't posted or made videos about this but many people who clicked on and bought other electrical products are getting this kit as well.. ...
HORUSDY 22PCS Back Probe Pin Kit with 5 Color Wires
When you are first starting out as a technician or buying tools for DIY stuff you shouldn't have to take out a second mortgage to pay for tools. This DMM from AstroAI is fully functional, tough and very affordable. I did a demo video available on Ama...
AM33D Digital Multimeter for All Needs | AstroAI
Water in your brake fluid can be very problematic and lead to some serious issues. Convincing customer of the need for a brake fluid flush isn't always easy but a tool like this one where you can actually show them test results and explain why the wa...
TESMEN TBF-200 Brake Fluid Tester Pen DOT3/4/5.1
Tools that help with very specific jobs.
These are tools that are extremely useful doing very specific jobs.
When you are doing a job on disc brakes the last thing you want is the caliper hanging from the brake line or removing that line with no need to. These hangars will support the weight of the caliper while you work on the rotor or other brake componen...
2PCS Brake Caliper Hanger Tool with Rubber Tips
This is more of a part than a tool but still something I recommend every one have in their toolbox, glove compartment, service truck. So much better and cheaper than finding the exact right size at the parts store and paying a lot more! Great tempora...
Stainless Steel Hose Clamps 50FT Strap + 24 Fasteners
If you work on or drive commercial trucks DOT (FMCSA/CVSA) has some very specific rules on what is allowable tread depth. Less than 2/32" on rear axles and no less than 4/32" on the steer axle. The guys are inexpensive and will allow quick checks of ...
Tire Tread Depth Gauge Color Coded 2pk
Soldering is a basic skill a technician needs to repair automotive wiring and circuits. You don't have to spend a fortune on expensive kits though. This one will get the job done!
80W LED Soldering Iron Kit Adjustable Temp
A heat gun is a must have tool for a technician for using solderwire connectors, heat shrink, drying out computer connectors and a host of other jobs. This one works well!
1850W Heat Gun 2 Speed 4 Nozzles DIY
Classic car mod ideas
Here is a cool way to modernize a classic car without permanatly altering it!
7-in-1 295W Car Lighter Splitter w/ USB-C & Lightning
If your classic car sits in the garage waiting for nice weather or the weekend a battery tender might be needed, no more dead batteries when you finally get to take the old beauty out for a ride!
Battery Tender Charge N Start 4120 12V 4A Charger & 1200A Jump Starter
Nothing spices up a classic car interior like a digital dash upgrade. The nice part is you don't have to change the appearance of your classic, you use your original dash bezel and just replace the stuff behind it. The one I posted is the one I used ...
LED Digital Gauge Panel for Mustang 67-68 DP7002T
Looking to rev up your car? Demon Tweeks has a little bit of everything for everybody including great articles to get tips and ideas from!
Performance Car Tuning Parts & Upgrades | Top Brands
One of the best mods of a classic car is an upgrade to the cooling system. This electric fan is going to improve cooling efficiency and reduce engine parasitic load. (any fan, doesn't have to be this exact one) Keep in mind though that increasing ele...
16in 3000CFM 10-Blade Electric Radiator Fan Kit
Less belt driven accessories equal less parasitic load on an engine plus this water pump has a constant flow rate not dependant on engine RPM, well worth the upgrade! I did this on a 1968 Mustang and it made a huge difference!
Small Block Ford Electric Water Pump 289 302
Replacing worn out bushings is a must when restoring a classic car. This will especially help with thing like wander and off tracking and make driving your classic less work and more fun! The one here fit on my 68 Mustang!
TRW JBU1213 Stabilizer Bar Bushing for Ford Mustang 1965-1973
A great classic car needs great wheels and these Torq Thrust wheels are beautiful and just screams American Muscle Car!
American Racing Vintage VN515 Torq Thrust II 15X7 5X4.75 Polished
1 Key thing to restoring classic cars or performing upgrades to classic cars is that the wiring is ussually a mess. Having a set of fuses and fuse hholder like this handy is a huge help!
100Pcs Car Fuse Kit + 10x 16AWG Fuse Holders
Car Basics
Buying in bulk can save money if you have room to store it. Things like this windshield washer fluid, coolant and other items can cost way more buying single containers at the parts store.
12 Pack Rain X Green Washer Fluid 1 Gal