Recommended Automotive Tool List for New Techs

Image Recommended Automotive Tool List for New Techs
By Dennis Bandy Copyright ©

New automotive technicians enrolled in a tech school or planning to gain experience "on the job" have the task of acquiring the tools required to perform a multitude of automotive repairs. The good news is, quality automotive tools can last a lifetime. If working as a flat rate auto technician, choosing the right tools can increase productivity and therfore money earned. Power and air tools should be used whenever possible in order to complete repairs faster. Depending on the brand of the tools and where they are purchased the cost of tools can vary greatly. Mobile tool trucks selling tools mainly on "truck accounts" although convenient, tend to have the highest prices. Many times the mobile tool trucks price their products higher than the MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price). The tools listed below will help new technicians form their own list that can help them earn a good income for many years to come.
General Automotive Tools - List:
 
Socket Set - 1/4" Drive
1/4" - 1/2" Standard Depth (6 Point)
1/4" - 1/2" Deep (6 Point)
 
6mm - 12mm Shallow (6 Point)
6mm - 12mm Deep (6 Point)
Ratchets
Extensions - 3", 6"
Flex/Universal Joint/Swivel

Socket Set - 3/8" Drive
5/16" - 3/4" Standard Depth (6 Point)
3/8" - 3/4" Deep (6 Point)
9mm - 19mm Standard Depth (6 Point)
9mm - 19mm Deep (6 Point)
Ratchet
Extension - 3", 6", 12", 18", 24" 
Flex/Universal Joint/Swivel Fractional 
Standard Flex/Swivel Impact Socket Set 3/8" - 3/4"
Metric Flex/Swivel Impact Socket Set 9mm - 19mm
1/4" - 1/2" Standard Depth (6 Point)
1/4" - 1/2" Deep (6 Point)
 
6mm - 12mm Shallow (6 Point)
6mm - 12mm Deep (6 Point)
Ratchets
Extensions - 3", 6"
Flex/Universal Joint/Swivel

Socket Set - 3/8" Drive
5/16" - 3/4" Standard Depth (6 Point)
3/8" - 3/4" Deep (6 Point)
9mm - 19mm Standard Depth (6 Point)
9mm - 19mm Deep (6 Point)
Ratchet
Extension - 3", 6", 12", 18", 24" 
Flex/Universal Joint/Swivel Fractional 
Standard Flex/Swivel Impact Socket Set 3/8" - 3/4"
Metric Flex/Swivel Impact Socket Set 9mm - 19mm


Socket Set - 1/2" Drive
7/16" - 1 1/8" Standard Depth (6 Point)
7/16" - 1 1/8" Deep (6 Point)
10mm - 25mm Standard Depth (6 Point)
10mm - 25mm Deep (6 Point)
Ratchet
Breaker Bar
Extension 3",6",12"


Combination Wrenches
1/4" - 1" Standard
7mm - 24mm Metric


Line Wrenches

3/8" - 3/4"
10mm - 18mm

Hex (Allen) Wrenches
050" - 3/8" Fractional
2 mm - 7mm Metric


Screw Drivers
Blade Type
Stubby
1/4" x 6"
1/4" x 9"
3/8" x 9"
3/8" x 16"
Offset
Phillips
#2 Stubby
#1 Tip
#2 Tip
#3 Tip
Offset
Torx Bits, Tamper Proof Torx Bits (Screwdriver or Sockets)
T-8, T-10, T-20, T-25, T-27,
T-30, T-40, T45, T47, T-50,
T-55, T60 
 
Torque Wrenches
Pliers
Slip Joint 6"
Needle Nose 6"
Diagonal Cutter 7"
Channel Locks 12" (water pump pliers)
Long Reach End Cutter 
Vise Grip Locking Pliers 10" 


Snap/Retaining Ring Pliers
Internal Retaining Ring Pliers
External Retaining Ring Pliers
Snap Ring Pliers 


Files with Handles
Flat 10" Mill
Round 8" - 10"
Three Cornered


Hammers
16oz Ball Peen
16oz Dead Blow
Hand Drilling 3 to 4 lb.
Hubcap Hammer 

Punch and Chisel Set
Center Punch
Pin Punch - 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16"
Taper Punch 3/8", 1/2", 5/8"
Brass Punch - 3/4"
Cape Chisel - 5/16"
Cold Chisel - 3/8" - 3/4"


Pry Bars
Rolling Head 16"
Straight 16"
Assortment 


Brake Service Tools
Brake Spring Pliers
Hold Down Tool
Caliper Wind Back Tool Set 


Safety Equipment
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protectors (ear muff type)


Electrical Tools
Digital Multi meter or Power Probe III 
12 volt test light or LED circuit Tester
Remote Starter Switch
Insulation piercing test probes

Small Tools
Pocket Flash Light
Pocket Knife
"O" Ring Pick Assortment 
A/C, fuel line disconnect set
Inspection Mirror
Spark Plug Feeler Gauge (gap tool)
Feeler Gauge (Blade type)
Flexible Magnetic Pick Up Tool
Tape Measure 12"
Hack Saw
Tubing Cutter
Gasket/Carbon Scraper (putty knife)
Air Blow Gun 


Air Tools
3/8" Impact Wrench
1/2" Impact Gun
3/8" Air Ratchet
Air Chisel and Bits
Cut-Off Tool
90 Degree Die Grinder
 
Tool Box
Roll Away Service Cart
Breaker Bars
 
 
Scan Tool or Code Reader
Spark and Fuel Injector Test Kit
Fuel Pressure Test Kit
3/8" & 1/2" Drive
 
 
Rechargeable Drill and Flashlight Combo
 
 
 
 
 

"If you have to borrow it more than once, you need your own" .

Every new auto technician has to begin somewhere this automotive tool list will help tech's evaluate what is needed to start their career