Must-Have Tools for People Who Are New to Auto Repair

First, you don't all need fancy tools. Leave the pricey Snap-On gun for later. When your new boss gives you a project, make sure you have the tools on this list. Every mechanic has a favorite brand of tools, so buy the one you want. Keep in mind that some tools can be bought cheap, but others can't.

This list is based on what I've learned over the last 15 years as an auto mechanic, but of course, everyone takes a different path. If I left out a tool that should be on this list, leave a comment below, and I'll add it right away.

A wrench for the oil filter

When you start as a mechanic, you'll mostly be doing things like putting on new tires, inspecting the car, and changing the oil. This is something you can't avoid. The first time a new mechanic does something, they have to go through this phase. You need to learn some things to become a pro one day: Besides, no one else wants to do it. Get used to it. Work hard and learn as much as you can, and one day, you'll be glad the new guy is also doing the tiring work.

Then, make sure you buy a good oil filter wrench while you wait. I use two or three different-sized oil wrenches. This is a better tool than strap wrenches or pliers, but if your oil filters are small and big, you'll need more than one. It all comes down to where you work. It's not the same for Honda and Toyota. On the other hand, Ford has a lot of different sizes of oil filters.

I think you should buy a medium-sized one first. The Honda Civic is the right size and will fit most cars, good enough to start with.

A Ratchet and a Socket

Our first step will be to go over the obvious things to look at. Next, you'll need three ratchets: one for each piece of wood.

You'll need a 1/4in, 3/8in, and 1/2in ratchet with the correct sockets. You'll also need a wrench that fits. This is likely the tool you'll use the most, so buy a good one. I think you should buy one of those complete ratchet sets. All the time, they are on sale somewhere. You can buy them for half price. In your life, you'll buy a kit like this once. Then, you'll add more things to it over time. I still use my first complete setup to this day. Since then, I may have bought a lot of 10mm sockets, but I don't know for sure.

To save money, buy the 3/8 ratchet with only Metric sockets if you want to buy a cheap tool. You can always buy the metric set for most of the tools on this list. Most cars you will work on will need metric tools.

I always wonder why I bought a standard socket set. So instead, buy a high-quality socket set and the most used 1/4" socket organizers.

Use it only when your 19mm screw won't fit on a rusty bolt. There are better ways to spend the money you have now: buy the mechanic's tool sets you need now and save the standard set later.

(Pro tip - Buy socket organizers so that you can complete the job without any disruption in the process.)

Wrench set

It's also pretty straightforward. But, of course, you'll need a good wrench set to do this.

Once again, you can start with the metric ones and then move on to the other sizes. Ratchet wrenches are also good to have. If money is not an issue, buy a set of ratchet wrenches as well. But know that these don't replace your regular ratchet set. Useful for many things, but the ratchet wrench's head is usually a little thicker and won't fit in every place. Make sure you buy the regular set first.

The impact gun is number four on this list.

I can't say it enough. Make sure you get a good impact gun right away.

And because we live in the future, buy a cordless one. You can't even imagine how free you'll feel until you get one for the first time. It was 10 years ago when I started working on cars as a novice mechanic and bought the Ingersoll-Rand gun that came with the tool. Cordless models were a lot more expensive than, and they weren't as powerful as air-powered ones. Then, after I saw everyone else on Instagram using the Milwaukee cordless model, I bought one of my own. Wow, what a difference!