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