Auto and motorcycle mechanics enthusiasts need various tools to perform repairs on their vehicle themselves. From tool sets to brake and clutch bleeders, through to tubeless tire repair kits and essential wrenches, it is always wise to be equipped with all the necessary gear.
A mechanic or any motor vehicle maintenance person needs sets of wrenches to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. There are different kinds.
- Open-end wrenches are also called spanners. Some brands offer sets of wrenches from 6 to 32 mm. It is also possible to buy them individually.
- Box-end wrenches are commonly called ring spanners. In their combination versions, they are paired with open-end spanners of the same sizes.
- Socket wrenches ranging from size 6 to 24; they can be male or female (to allow the threaded part of the bolt to pass through) and are L-shaped.
- Ratchet wrenches facilitate screwing and unscrewing as they do not need to be removed from the nut or bolt to be repositioned.
- Ratchet sockets have an ergonomics similar to socket wrenches, they allow for screwing and unscrewing without being removed from the bolt or nut. The sockets are interchangeable.
- Adjustable wrenches can be used to tighten or loosen nuts of different sizes.
- Pipe wrenches are similar to adjustable wrenches, but specially designed for use with racks.
The indispensable pliers for a mechanic:
- The multipurpose pliers allow for a firm grip on a bolt to make it easier to loosen;
- The cutting pliers are useful for cutting both electrical wires and hoses;
- The needle-nose pliers are used to grip cables, sleeves in tight spaces.;
- The exhaust clamp pliers.
Screwdrivers are also among the essential tools in mechanics. Their tip is based on the screw head type and it can be:
- Phillips;
- Flathead;
- Torx;
- Resistorx;
- A shape dedicated and specific to a manufacturer's screw (drain plug key for example).
Other tools or equipment are necessary such as hex keys (Allen keys), a mechanic's creeper, tool carts, etc.
Beyond the essential tools, a mechanic needs specialized tools for performing certain tasks.
- The brake caliper piston tool kit contains everything needed for the repair of a vehicle's braking system. Left and right thrust bolts as well as adapters allow it to be used on most car brands and models.
- The valve dismantle and lifter kit for cars and motorcycles is useful when replacing valve stem seals. The case contains various elements, including compression screws and adapters for repairing small engines of different brands.
Some mechanic tools facilitate the lifting of heavy objects easily.
- The motorcycle stand eases the lifting of the rear wheel. This stand is convenient as it can be handled alone. Casters facilitate the operation. Other versions are used for lifting a motorcycle by the front wheels.
- The engine support stand is useful for working on this essential element of the vehicle or on transmissions. The user has the option to rotate the engine 360° to access certain areas. This tool is mounted on casters for easy movement.
- The engine leveler for workshop cranes is essential for lifting heavy objects such as car engines by chains or cables.
Some tools allow the mechanic to perform specific tasks.
- The bleeder aids in the bleeding of air in hydraulic brake or clutch circuits.
- The timing set is useful for replacing a vehicle's timing belt.
- The ball joint puller is useful for removing and installing internal steering links on vehicles.
- Some sets gather the essential material for extracting or mounting bearings, presenting several sizes for the required dimensions.
We also find:
- repair kits for flat tires;
- tire levers;
- mechanic's stethoscopes;
- hose clamps pliers;
- clutch aligners ;
- hub pullers, pulleys, and gears;
- vacuum and pressure pumps;
- compression testers, etc.
To avoid unnecessary expenses, every user must choose mechanic tools compatible with the vehicle to be repaired. The extent of their expertise justifies their equipment.