Basic tools for DIY repair
Unfortunately, Lil Tykes has yet to manufacture a decent torque wrench. Image courtesy of imagesme.net
If you’ve decided that you want to start doing your own maintenance on your car, you’re going to need some basic tools to accomplish the task. Fortunately most of these tools are relatively inexpensive, and can be found at any auto parts store. Here are some of the items you’ll want for your DIY toolbox:
Screwdriver set: You’ll want various sizes of both slotted and Philip’s head screwdrivers to ensure that you can remove parts from your car.
Box wrench set: These are the wrenches with one closed and one open end. Between these and a socket set, you should be able to loosen most bolts.
Socket wrench set: These may be the most versatile tools for your kit. If you own a domestic car, you’ll want standard measurements for your sockets, and metric for foreign cars.
Hex keys: Also called Allen bolts, these small wrenches are useful for making bolts extremely tight.
Oil filter wrench: This unique-looking wrench is needed if you want to change your own oil, which is one of the easiest DIY jobs.
Torque wrench: Some bolts in the car have to be wrenched to a certain level of torque, and this wrench will ensure that you’re able to do so.
Jacks and jackstands: A hydraulic jack works best for painlessly lifting your car, and jackstands are a must for supporting your car, since you never want to leave it raised on a jack alone. You’ll want four jackstands total.
Mini crowbar and mini sledge: Mini crowbars can be useful when you are changing belts, and mini sledges can help repair minor dents and remove rusty bolts.
Wire brush, pressure gauge, and utility knife: These are useful for a variety of tasks from cleaning battery terminals to checking your tire pressure.
Work light: This can either be fluorescent or LED, but this is invaluable for seeing into those dark corners of your car.
Fire extinguisher, eye protection, and oil spill pan: Safety should always be your top priority when working on your car, and these are mandatory items for protecting yourself.
—Seth Berger
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