Tools and Equipment Used in Automotive Industry

You need the correct equipment to fix a car, whether you’re just starting or have years of experience. However, knowing which tools to use might be challenging, particularly if you are a beginner mechanic.

It would help if you had essential equipment before you begin working on your automobile. There are also common instruments with specialised sets that enable you to do more involved maintenance.

Professionals also have access to cutting-edge tools for usage in rare and particular scenarios. To a great extent, success depends on having the proper tools and equipment. One’s ability to recognise when a tool is needed and how to use it distinguishes a good mechanic from a great one. Here is a list of things any car technician should have on hand:

List of Tools

Wrench and Socket Set

There is a wide variety of wrenches available. Those used often by car mechanics typically measure from 6mm to 24mm in diameter. A wrench set constructed of chrome vanadium is your best bet because of its durability and longevity.

Wrenches come in many shapes and sizes, with some common ones being adjustable. For example: Tube, line, combination, flare nut, flex head, box end, and open end.
Wrenches provide a secure hold and facilitate the use of torque. Fasteners like bolts and nuts are the primary targets of these tools. Metric wrenches are preferred over standard wrenches if you must pick between the two.

Wrenches and sockets may be included in certain tool kits. Sockets in the 6mm to 24mm (and even 32mm) size range are highly recommended.

Impact Gun

The term “Impact wrench” can also be used interchangeably with the term “Impact gun,” another name for the tool. It can also be used in other heavy-duty applications, such as the engine, the steering, and the suspension. To get an idea of the difference in power, picture using a cordless impact cannon rather than an air-powered one.

Pliers

Pliers are a must for the vast majority of auto maintenance tasks. Mechanics rely on pliers for various tasks, including removing and replacing hoses, fixing brakes, and manipulating various connections. They may be used to compress and bend materials and handle heated things. There are many different pliers, but some of the most popular are the bent nose pliers, slide joint pliers, lineman’s pliers, diagonal pliers, and fencing Pliers.

LED Flashlight

Sometimes it’s hard to see what you’re doing when you’re under a vehicle. Let’s say you’re traveling late at night and suddenly find yourself stranded in the middle of the road. In the absence of light, auto maintenance is next to impossible. An LED work light may be used as a backup source of illumination.

This will allow you to inspect the car thoroughly and zero in on the source of the issue. A significant improvement in repair success may be expected with the installation of adequate illumination.

Test Light

Checking for blown fuses, troubleshooting starters, identifying non-functioning light bulbs, and other common electrical issues all need test lights. An ideal test light would be one that may be used in either positive or negative polarity.

Any novice technician would benefit greatly from it since it aids in determining the source of electrical problems. This mechanic hand tools list is essential for every auto mechanic but is particularly useful for those who work on the cars’ electrical systems.

Tire Pressure Gauge

Fixing flat tyres and doing other routine maintenance are frequent occupations for mechanics. The car’s tyre pressure must be checked often during the day. If you have a high-quality tyre pressure and inflator gauge, you’ll have a much simpler time with it.

The simplest basic air-compressed gadget is a tyre pressure gauge. After purchasing a compressor, it would help if you got this tool as soon as possible. The tyre pressure gauge ensures that your tyres are properly inflated. The pressure gauge should read at least 100 psi (or 8 bars) before you buy it.

Multimeter

A multimeter is an absolute must-have when it comes to fixing electrical problems and figuring out what’s wrong. It functions as an ammeter, voltmeter, and resistance metere. There are several applications for this, but two that come to mind are testing fuses and batteries. Technicians may use this method to determine whether a wire is live and how much current passes through it.

Torque Wrench

A torque wrench may appear like a regular ratchet, but it is fundamentally different. As a result, one can ensure that nuts are tightened to the precise torque levels required by the manufacturer. This is critical for maintenance or repairs on an internal component, such as a transmission gear or an automobile engine. When tightening spark plugs, a torque wrench is the instrument of choice.

Screwdrivers

It is another must-have item for every self-respecting technician. Screwdrivers are time-savers and may be found in various sizes and lengths. Invest in a set of various screwdrivers, such as a stubby one, a small one, a long thin one, and a torque one.

A step up in technology is available in the form of powered, rechargeable screwdrivers. These screwdrivers may be used to turn electric or
air-powered motors.

Hammer

A hammer is an absolute need, and so is in the list of tools often found in vehicle repair shops. A hammer is useful for fixing or striking just about anything. It may be used to pry loose nail heads or free any other obstinate part.

Several varieties of hammers exist: therefore, exercise caution while shopping for one. A hammer with a rubber handlebar is preferable since it allows for a secure grasp.
Hammers come in various shapes and sizes, including ball peen hammers, claw hammers, club hammers, dead blow hammers, frame hammers, and sledgehammers. A ball-peen hammer is the standard tool for most mechanics. But when dealing with heavy commercial trucks, you’ll want to have a club hammer handy.

Vise-Grip

Locking pliers are another name for vice-grips. Akin to pliers in appearance, these clamps may be used with one hand. If you need to keep your grasp on an object for an extended period, or if you’re trying to grab something that doesn’t have any gripping qualities, this tool will come in handy. Although vice-grips are often available in four sets, you may get a single traditional grip if you find yourself in a bind and need help to afford a four-pack.

Grinder

A grinder comes in handy when dealing with metal or exhaust systems. Get your hands on a 90-degree angle grinder. The straight grinder has several uses, including cutting discs and working on exhaust systems.
However, the 90-degree grinder works best on wheel hubs, valve covers, wheels, and rims. Tools like grinders have a wide range of uses. They may be used to grind metal, cut pavers, stucco, tiles, and polish metal, among many other things.

List of Equipment

Jack

Most of your time will be spent raising vehicles so that repairs may be made below, most notably to the wheels. Additional auto repair procedures include hoisting the automobile. You may use a jack stand or a floor jack to help elevate the vehicle. Injuries may be caused by using a low-quality jack; therefore, you should never sacrifice safety for cost when purchasing a jack or jack stand. Pole jacks help support axles and other lifted vehicle components.

Hydraulic Lifts

To move or raise heavy things, hydraulic lifts utilise the force produced in a liquid piston under hydraulic pressure. There is the option of purchasing either a two-post or a four-post hydraulic lift. In a garage with low ceilings, a two-post hydraulic lift is preferable to a four-post lift, since the former requires less floor space. The truck can be positioned and loaded more easily thanks to the four hydraulic lifts mounted on the vehicle’s post.

ATF Changer

The automatic gearbox is one of the most complicated parts of a car. This device is very complex, as fluid is required to function its many moving elements that are controlled hydraulically and electronically. Lubricating the gearbox and engaging various clutches that aid in gear changes are two of the most important functions of automatic transmission fluid in most vehicles.

This fluid must be replaced periodically, and an ATF changer will make that process easier. Swapping out CVT Fluid is a breeze with an ATF changer on hand at your auto business.

Workbench with Vise

Bench vices, also called Workbench vices, are attached to workbenches and are used to secure workpieces for drilling, planning, and sawing. It contains two jaws and one stationary, while the other may be moved by a cam, lever, or screw. A 4 or 5-inch bench vise is suitable for most common home jobs.

Wheel Balancer

A wheel balancer is a device used to ensure that the combined mass of a vehicle’s wheels and tyres remains constant when travelling at high speeds. When installing a new wheel on a car, you must always balance it.

Using a wheel balancer is essential for any car technician who wants to guarantee that the vehicle’s weight is distributed uniformly across all wheels and tyres. The absence of vibration and smoothness of the ride are additional benefits of wheel balancing.

Injector Cleaner

In your career as a car repairman, you may encounter complications with fuel injectors. Dirt is usually the root of the problem; injector cleaners are a good first step. When used early on, injector cleaners may effectively remedy minor issues with gasoline injectors.
If you use injector cleaners regularly, you may prevent problems like blockage from occurring. Using these cleaners, you may expect your engine to perform better in power, throttle response, cranking time, and overall driving experience.

Polisher

You may also call a polisher a buffing machine. One may choose from corded or cordless auto polishers, which are widely accessible. As of late, the Cordless Car Polisher has become the most sought-after tool in the industry. Typically, it polishes brass, copper, and polymers like Perspex.

This machinery is essential in a car wash or auto repair facility. The two mops will spin rapidly once the “on” button is pressed. At least twice a year, you should take the time to clean your automobile.

Grease Gun

A grease cannon is often used in auto shops and garages for applying lubricant. It is used mostly on a nipple or grease fitting to administer lubrication via a small opening. It’s important to note that not all grease guns are the same. Grease guns may be powered by electricity, compressed air, or human muscle. Compared to their manual counterparts, air-powered and electric grease guns are much simpler to use.

Strut Compressor

When working with suspension systems or changing the strut, a strut compressor is a handy tool. Your auto shop’s bottom line will thank you for purchasing this equipment. However, using strut compressors is very risky. You should study and handle it carefully throughout the procedure to provide the best results.

Wheel Aligner

Using a wheel aligner, you may set each wheel’s alignment to the specifications set out by your car’s manufacturer. You’ll be able to provide wheel alignment services with this gear, which will allow you to measure caster, camber, and toe and track tyre trends for indications of improper alignment.

Portable Welding Machine

As an auto mechanic, you’ll sometimes have to deal with metals; for these occasions, portable welding equipment will come in handy. This tool ensures that your welding is both professional and secure. Portable welding equipment is user-friendly and effective. Because of its portability, it must be compact and light. Since just the specified quantity of gas and wire is applied to the weld bead, gas and wire waste is greatly reduced.

Engine Analyser

When diagnosing issues with an automobile’s engine, technicians rely on engine analysers and multipurpose and complicated instruments. In the event of restoration, it also helps in fine-tuning. Both diesel and gasoline cars benefit from using an engine analyzer.
A cylinder output test, an emissions/exhaust analyzer, a vacuum/pressure gauge, a tachometer, an ohmmeter, an ammeter/voltmeter, and a timing pump are only some of the possible test capabilities and components.

Importance of Tools & Equipment in the Automotive Sector

Having accurate measuring equipment is crucial in a garage devoted to automobile repair. To ensure proper operation and durability, components have tolerances that must be fulfilled.

Brake disc thickness, crankshaft diametres, and similar measurements are taken using calipers and micrometres. Gear clearance and the backlash may be measured via dial indicators. They are also used to evaluate endplay in an engine’s rotating assembly.
The right tightness of bolts and other fasteners can be guaranteed with the help of a torque wrench. This is crucial in avoiding problems like leaks, stripped threads, and accidental component separation.

To find out the opening temperature of the thermostat, the temperature at which the fans activate, and the maximum temperature of the engine, digital thermometres are needed. The temperature gauges are for the brakes.

A/C manifold gauges display the system’s high and low pressures. This allows for an assessment of the Freon level or the detection of any obstructions in the system.
Vacuum gauges help mechanics diagnose issues with engines. Damaged or missing rings, stuck or burned valves, vacuum leaks, and improper carburetor mixture are all things that may be seen. Vacuum motors are used to open and shut HVAC duct doors, and their functionality may be tested using these.

Conclusion

An auto repair company will need various tools and equipment when deciding what kinds of services to provide. The list above of auto mechanic tools and equipment includes basic tools required to fix any vehicle. More sophisticated ones are often only utilised by trained mechanics in automotive repair shops.

However, before beginning professional or DIY vehicle repair work, each mechanic has to learn about the equipment and how to utilise it. Many tools and equipment are available, so it’s important to evaluate your requirements beforehand. Investing in long-lasting tools and equipment of a good grade is also recommended.

 

Shachindra Tiwari
Subject Matter Expert, ASDC
Head of Manufacturing Operations,
Hitachi Metals India Pvt. Ltd