Top 20 Auto Mechanic Tools and Equipment List 2022 [New Update]

Auto Mechanic Tools and Equipment List

It doesn’t matter whether you work on your own vehicle in your garage or you’re a professional auto mechanic, you’ll need some common tools in your garage. If you work on your vehicle or other people’s vehicle regularly, these tools are must for you.

Your tools matter on your performance in auto servicing and maintenance. If you don’t have the proper automobile workshop tools list in your garage, there will be some problems. You can’t finish the task within the given time, or if you can, the performance will be poor.

That’s why you’ll need to have a properly decorated garage with a handful of tools and equipment that are necessary from the very beginning of the shop. Here I’m going to share an auto mechanic tools and equipment list with you. I hope this list will help you to choose the best auto tools for your garage or auto repair shop.

Top-Rated 20 Auto Mechanic Tools and Equipment List 2021 [Updated List]

1. Pliers from IRWIN – Best Tools Equipment Brand

In an auto repair shop, pliers have a wide range of tasks to perform and a must-have in your automobile workshop tools list, starting from loosening tight bolts to strip wires. So, if you don’t have this handy tool in your garage, you’re missing something. Try to buy a full set. But if the price of a full set exceeds your budget, go for a standard pair of pliers.

A set or a pair- whatever you buy, make sure that you’re buying quality products. Cheap pliers with poor build quality break easily while performing a tough task. So, choose wisely.

I recommend buying a set of ‘IRWIN VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers’. These are nice, handy and suitable for everyday jobs. The best thing about these pliers is the press-n-slide button feature that allows easy and quick adjustments. The set contains almost all the pliers you need for your automotive maintenance and repairing job.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: IRWIN
Item Weight: 7 pounds
Product Dimensions: 6 x 13 x 5 inches
Size: Standard
Usage: Commercial/Residential

2. Wrench Set

Wrenches are one of the most essential entry-level mechanic tools that every automotive mechanic, as well as DIY’ers, need. Almost all automotive repair job needs a wrench. So, this is a must to have a wrench set in your garage. It would be better if you have both metric and standard set. But if you can’t buy both, go for a metric set.

Wrenches come with different quality. I suggest you get a set of wrenches manufactured by chrome-vanadium alloy. These are strong, dependable and will be with you for years. If the budget is not enough, buy as strong wrenches as possible.

I personally prefer having a ‘Tekton Combination Wrench Set’ for garage works. These are made of premium chrome-vanadium steel. These wrenches have a mirror chrome finish to ensure a premium look. With a 15-degree offset box end, each of the wrenches from this set ensures ease of operation.

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Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: TEKTON
Item Weight: 11.02 pounds
Product Dimensions: 15 x 14 x 3 inches
Size: 30-pc. (1/4-1 in., 8-22 mm)
Style: Combined

3. Ratchet and Socket Set

Ratchet and Socket Set is a top product in our auto mechanic tools and equipment list. To help you work with bolts in tight places as well as awkward angles, a ratchet is probably the best tool. As a result, in automotive workshops, ratchets are a must-have item.

Ratchets come in three different sizes – small (1/4 inch), medium (3/8 inch) and large (1/2 inch). As like other tools, it is better to have the full set with all three sizes. But if money is a problem, try to get at least the small and large one. Besides, pick 6mm to 24mm sockets, and add one 32mm. These are enough.

In my workshop, I use ‘Stanley STMT71652 123-Piece Socket Set’. It comes with all three size ratchets. With the chrome-vanadium construction, these are solid, durable and great performers. You’ll find some more variants too. Check and choose the best set for you.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Stanley
Item Weight: 9.5 pounds
Product Dimensions: 15.9 x 11.2 x 3 inches
Size: 123-Piece
Color: Black
Power Source: Corded-electric

4. Screwdrivers

Screwdriver is one of the most important entry-level mechanic tools for any workshop. This handy tool helps you in handling the screws. Flat and Phillips are the most common types of screws. So, you must have these two screwdrivers in your toolbox.

Torx (six-pointed star-shaped) type screws are common in automobiles. So, get one of the Torx screwdrivers too. Also, try to have one Allen shaped driver. There are some more types, but those are not so common in automotive.

It is better to have magnetized screwdrivers. These drivers hold the screw secured while you’re working in an awkward position. It reduces the risk of losing screws.

‘GEARWRENCH 20 Pc. Phillips/Slotted/Torx Dual Material Screwdriver Set’ is my favorite set. These are magnetized drivers of different sizes and types. If you buy this set, I hope you’ll be able to handle almost all automotive screws.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: GearWrench
Item Weight: 4.5 pounds
Product Dimensions: 19.9 x 16.2 x 1.4 inches
Number Of Pieces: 20
Material: Alloy steel shafts
Usage: Professional

5. Hammer

Getting a hammer in an auto mechanic shop might not seem a necessary thing, but you’ll feel the necessity when working with a jammed part of the vehicle. Sometimes grease, dirt, and rust jam some components. As a result, those require some extra effort to come off.

In such cases, a hammer will give you great relief. I think you should have a normal hammer as well as a mallet. Some components are weak and have a possibility to break if you hit with a regular hammer. Mallet helps you to take out those types of components.

I use ‘Stanley 51-627 Grey Fiberglass Hammer’ in my workshop. It is strong, durable and comfortable to handle. The perfect grip prevents it from slipping from hand. My favorite mallet is ‘Tekton 30603’. This 16-ounce mallet is very easy to use. The handle is made of fiberglass that absorbs vibration as much as possible and allows working comfortably.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Stanley
Item Weight: 1.29 pounds
Product Dimensions: 13 x 6 x 1.4 inches
Size: 20-Ounce

6. Car Jacks

Many car jobs, especially when you need to work on tires, brakes, gas tanks and other part situated below the car, need you to lift the car. In those cases, car jacks are greatly helpful and a must have garage tools. Those help you to lift the car with less effort.

There are different types of car jacks you’ll find in the market. I suggest you have at least two car jacks in your garage. Find jacks that are strong and sturdy. If you work on SUVs, make sure the jacks are strong enough to lift those.

My favorite is ‘Torin Big Red Steel Scissor Jack’. This jack comes with heavy-duty construction that supports lifting up to 3000 lbs. With this jack, you can lift vehicles within a height range of 4-1/8 inches to 15-1/8 inches. The base is big to ensure maximum support and durability.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Big Red
Item Weight: 7.7 pounds
Product Dimensions: 26.4 x 19.1 x 9.4 inches
Folding: No

7. Jack Stands

Another top auto mechanic tool and equipment is jack stands. Car jacks are used to lift the car, but when it comes about keeping the car lifted, jack stands are the tools you should depend on. After lifting the car, the stands are placed under the car and adjust properly to hold it.

It is good to have 3-4 jack stands in a small professional garage. If buying 3-4 is not possible, buy at least two stands that come with good quality and able to hold at least 2-3 tons of weight. Also, after lifting a car, use at least two jack stands to hold it lifted. Otherwise, you are not safe under the car.

I’ve loved using ‘Torin Big Red Steel Jack Stands’. These come in different capacities. I mostly use the 3-ton ones. You can change the height within 11.22 inches to 16.7 inches. These are lightweight but strong.

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Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Big Red
Item Weight: 7.7 pounds
Product Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 8 inches
Folding: No

8. Ramps

Ramps are replacement of jack and jack stands if you want more stability. These come in pairs which are placed in a side of the garage. To lift your car, simply drive the car and climb on the ramps. After climbing, put stoppers behind the wheels if needed.

For oil change and other below-the-car maintenances, ramps are suitable. But there are some disadvantages too. Ramps don’t allow a huge lift. Besides, for wheel and brake jobs, lifting with ramps won’t help you because ramps restrict wheel movement.

However, if you are a pro and getting profits out of your garage, I suggest you install ramps. If you are just a beginner, not having ramps is totally okay.

My preferred ramp set is ‘RhinoGear 11909ABMI RhinoRamps’. These come with a rugged design. 17-degree inclined slope allows having enough space under low-clearance vehicles. With the ability to bear12,000 lbs, these are one of the heavy-duty ramps.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: RhinoGear
Item Weight: 18.15 pounds
Product Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 37 inches
Capacity: 12,000 pound GVW

9. Creeper

While working under the car, generally people use cardboard to keep the back safe. Movement is tough when you work lying on cardboard. Besides, cardboard can’t ensure a comfortable lying surface for your back.

Here, let’s creepers have your back. These are flat sleds with wheels. As a creeper has wheels, you can move easily lying on it. Besides, it offers comfort to your back as it has a padded surface. Another benefit of creeper is adjustability. You can adjust the size and angle in most creepers. Coming with pads, it saves you from injuries too.

Pro-LifT C-9100 Black is the creeper I recommend to my friends. With padded seat and header, this creeper ensures maximum comfort while working underneath the car. It can be folded easily to turn it into a seat. This 2-in-1 creeper will be a good addition to your garage equipment.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Pro-LifT
Item Weight: 23.1 pounds
Product Dimensions: 27.4 x 18.9 x 6.7 inches
Load Capacity: 450 pounds
Cover Included: Creeper^Casters^Manual

10. Air Compressor

Starting from inflating tires to use air-tools, an air compressor has a lot of tasks to do in an auto mechanic garage. So, consider having one in your garage. If inflating tire is the only need, compressors with low psi will also work well. For other purposes, I suggest you buy one with high psi. Those are costly but stay for a long time if maintained properly.

It is good to buy a portable air compressor. But if you don’t buy a portable one, extend the hose up to twice the length of your garage. It’ll help you to reach any corner of the garage.

My favorite air compressor is ‘Senco PC1010’. It is lightweight and portable. As a result, I can use it at any corner of my garage. Adding an extended cord helps to get more comfortable using experience. You can use a wide range of air tools with the help of this must-have garage tool.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Senco
Item Weight: 20 pounds
Product Dimensions: 14 x 13 x 10 inches
Size: 4 x 50 Feet
Color: Gray/Red
Style: Portable
Voltage: 115 Volts

11. Headlamp

To work in the comparatively dark areas is tough even with a flashlight in your hand. Flashlights are also important, but headlamps allow you to keep your hands free and easy focusing on the work spots. Headlamps easily focus on the exact spots where you keep your eyes.

At the time of choosing a headlamp, focus on getting one that is durable and rechargeable. Besides, make sure that the band is stretchable and comfortable to wear. The lamps with different brightness settings are better than normal lamps. So, keep your focus on this versatility too.

I use ‘PETZL – ACTIK CORE Headlamp’ for regular use. You can recharge it with a micro USB port. It comes with an adjustable band that allows you maximum comfort. Coming with two beam patterns, it offers variations. Besides using in a garage, you’ll be able to use it for outdoor activities too.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: PETZL
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
Product Dimensions: 4.9 x 4.7 x 1.9 inches
Power: 350 lumens

12. Multimeter

For electric works of your car, a multimeter or multitester is a must-have auto mechanic tool. It helps to find out the electricity flow and identify dangerous hot wires. Analog and digital- both types of multimeters are found in the market. Analog multimeters show the reading with the help of a pointer. On the other hand, digital multimeters show the reading in digits.

Before buying, make sure that your multimeter can measure the voltage, current as well as resistance. Also, invest a moderate amount on this tool. Cheap ones can’t measure the reading properly. Thus, you’ll fail to diagnose the problem.

I use Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter to inspect the vehicles in my garage. It is compact and perfect for one-hand use. This is a digital multimeter. As a result, it shows the accurate reading. It is CAT III and CAT IV safety rated to ensure your safety. It comes with a built-in thermometer too.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Fluke
Voltage AC/DC: 1000V
Current AC/DC: 10A
Capacitance: 10,000 μF
Temperature: (+) 1090 °C
Warranty: Lifetime

13. Wrecking Bar

Stuck joints or parts are common in the case of automotive works. But while working with that particular part, you’ll have to take that out. To break this forever lasting relationship, you’ll need a wrecking bar.

A wrecking bar is a strong steel bar with two different types of heads on the ends. It is used to get the stuck parts out using a leverage point. At the time of choosing one, you can get a cheap one. But make sure that it is strong enough. Besides, make sure that you get a firm grip when you hold the bar.

Stanley 55-104FatMax Wrecking Bar is the one I use in my garage. This is a 36-inch long wrecking bar with a sturdy design and additional slot for pulling nails. It is made of forged high-carbon steel. It ensures a firm grip and a large cross-sectional area.

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Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Stanley
Item Weight: 8.5 ounces
Product Dimensions: 35.8 x 4.5 x 1 inches
Included Components: Unit^Instruction Guide
Imported From: Mexico

14. Pry Bar

Sometimes, ‘breaking the love bond’ job is too small for a wrecking bar. Possibly you won’t get a leverage point too. In that case, pry bars should be your choice.

Pry bars are smaller than regular wrecking bars and help you to get the stuck parts out at the time of maintenance works. There are pry bar sets available in the market. It is good to get a full set. Otherwise, you can have a medium-sized pry bar that is strong and comfortable to use. You’ll get one within your budget. But make sure that it is strong enough.

‘Vaughan B215 15-Inch SuperBar’ is the pry bar I recommend. It comes with maximum prying power and highest leverage. This 15 inches long pry bar can be a good addition to your toolbox.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: SUPERBAR
Item Weight: 1.63 pounds
Product Dimensions: 15 x 3 x 1.8 inches

15. Rolling Tool Chest

You are having all these tools in your garage to ensure your performance, but what if the tools are not found when needed? You’ll need a tool chest to keep the tools organized and available when needed. If the chest has wheels under it, you can take it with you at any corner of the garage.

If you even own a medium-sized garage, a rolling tool chest will ensure great comfort. Make sure that the chest is big enough to hold all your tools. But for comfortable handling and moving, don’t invest on a huge chest.

I’ve made a customized tool chest for me. If you want to get it quick, there are many chests available in the market. I think ‘WEN 73015 Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest Seat’ is a good option. It comes with three drawers, two magnetic foldable storage trays and sixteen onboard tool keeping slots. Besides, you can use it as a seat too.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: WEN
Item Weight: 27.2 pounds
Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 27 x 16 inches
Included Components: Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest Seat
Warranty Description: 2 years

16. Jump Starter

To save you when the car battery is dead, a jump starter has no replacement. A jumper can help you, but only if it is within the range of its cables. Jumpstarters come with a really long cable. So, you can easily awaken the dead battery.

Make sure that the jump starter you choose comes good build quality. Look for a starter that comes with heavy-duty cables as well as clamps. Also, portability is important. A portable jump starter will allow you to comfortably use this device in your garage. Check the customer reviews too.

I recommend using the ‘DBPOWER 600A 18000mAh Portable Car Jump Starter’. This is a compact jump starter that ensures easy storing. The clamps and cables are protected and safe to use. It has an LCD screen that shows how much power is remaining. Coming with 18,000 mAh capacity, it ensures up to 20 jump starts with one charge. This is one of the basic tools for car maintenance in my garage.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: DBPOWER
Item Weight: 2.82 pounds
Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 1.6 x 3.5 inches
Batteries: 1 12V batteries required. (included)
Exterior: Polished

17. Brake Cleaner Spray

The name says it all. This cleaner spray is perfect for helping you to get rid of unwanted grease and dirt around the brakes. Besides, using brake cleaners regularly keeps the harmful debris away from the brake. Thus it extends the life span as well as reduces braking noise caused by those.

At the time of buying a brake cleaner, try focusing on the bottle size, nozzle size, and precision straw. Don’t buy a big bottle that you can’t use with one hand.

I prefer using‘CRC 05089 BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner’. It is non-flammable to keep you safe. It removes almost all types of contaminants from your brake including brake dust, grease, oil, brake fluids and so on.

Specifications:

Brand: CRC
Item Weight: 1.18 pounds
Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 11.2 inches
Size: 20 oz

18. Pressure Washer

To wash the cars, a pressure washer is the most convenient way. So, if you own a garage, a pressure washer is a must-have garage tool. It uses water pressure to remove the dirt and grime from your car.

But at the time of buying a pressure washer, you’ll have to keep several things in mind. To prevent damage, don’t buy an industrial pressure washer. Keep the psi moderate so that it can clean easily but doesn’t harm the paint of your car. Besides, buy a portable washer. But the reservoir should be large enough to help you wash the car without filling it again and again.

My favorite presser washer is ‘Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Joe Electric Pressure Washer’. It is a versatile washer with two different removable tanks to carry two different types of cleaning liquids. With some other helpful features, this is one great pressure washer for garage and home works.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Sun Joe
Item Weight: 31 pounds
Product Dimensions: 15.6 x 13.5 x 33.9 in
Motor: 14.5 Amp/1800 Watt Motor
Power Source: corded-electric

19. Brake Bleeder

While working on the brake of a vehicle, you won’t have to waste the whole afternoon sitting and watching the brake bleeding slowly if you have a brake bleeder in your garage. This is a tool that helps you to finish the brake bleeding job easily and quickly.

At the time of buying, make sure that the reservoir is big enough to store fluids. Some bleeders come with a pressure gauge that helps to determine when to stop. Try to buy one with pressure gauge. Invest at least a moderate amount of it to get a good performing one.

Motive Products European Power Brake Bleeder 0100 is one of my favorite brake bleeders. It is made of corrosion-proof materials to make sure that it serves for a long time. It comes with a hand pump. As it is a portable one, you can use it at any corner of your garage.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Motive Products
Item Weight: 2.3 pounds
Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.1 x 6.7 inches
KIT INCLUDES: pressure tank, hand pump, gauge, 1100 adapter, gasket and hose

20. Battery Carrier

When working with batteries, you’ll have to bring it out of the engine and carry it somewhere. In that case, using a battery carrier will help you to comfortably get it out from the car and carry easily to the destination. It is manufactured to make it easy to lift and carry the batteries.

Carrying batteries using a carrier is also a safe way. At the time of buying a battery lifter, make sure that it is strong enough to be used for a long time. These are not that much costly, so invest in a quality product.

‘Lisle 57850 Battery Carrier’ is the one that I use in my garage. It can carry nearly all batteries. The steel jaws are strong enough to carry batteries easily. There are small teeth in the jaw for a strong grip. The handle is also great and gives a comfortable grip to carry.

These are some tools and equipment that you need to have in your garage or automotive workshop. These will help you to fasten the speed of your automotive jobs.

There should be some common tools and equipment too. For example, you should have some cleaning equipment like soap, sponge, buckets; oil changing equipment like oil dripping pan, funnel; safety equipment like glasses, gloves; and other regular equipment like scissors, tape, zip tie, air tool oil, etc. As these are common, I am not going to discuss details about these.

Specifications About Our Recommended Product:

Brand: Lisle
Item Weight: 0.16 ounces
Product Dimensions: 14 x 6 x 0.8 inches
Special Features: Can hold up to 65lbs
Lift Type: Manual

Must-Have Auto Mechanic Tools and Equipment List (Video Review)

Final Verdict

If you want your automotive maintenance and servicing tasks to be great, you’ll have to invest on these auto mechanic tools and equipment. So, note down the names and start collecting those. I hope this will help you to get a good result in the future.

Don’t forget to share your opinion with me. If you think that I’ve missed something, tell it in the comment box. Good Luck.