Equipping a garage with the right mechanic tools and gear is heavily dependent on real-world experience and is a highly personalized ordeal. It can be confusing and even intimidating to know where to start, or how exactly to elevate your current setup so you can take on new projects. The good news is, it is not impossible.
As you grow and build experience, you'll figure out the specifics as to what works best for you and will learn to tailor your collection to your needs. Starting out, however, is actually pretty simple, as long as you don't overthink it and you get the right advice from the right people. Well, you're in the right place because we've got a list of must-have mechanic tools that will help take any shop to the next level.
Mechanic Tool Set
Every collection starts with a mechanic’s tool set, and every gearhead has room for another, even if their garage is fully stocked with every tool they could ever want. Why? Because those tools never leave the shop, and you know better than anyone else that mechanics run into mechanical problems no matter where they go.
A medium set, around 200 pieces or so, is an excellent choice as a gift or as a starting point for a collection. These kits are generally small enough to easily carry around and won't take up too much room in the trunk of a car, but still include the tools needed to cover a wide range of jobs. If this is the first kit you’re buying, moving to a larger set is a great idea as it generally brings down the cost of individual components, reducing your overall investment.
Combination Wrenches
Mechanic's tool sets cover the basics but don't include everything. In fact, they often fall short on combination wrenches. So, if you're going to buy a mechanic's tool set, you should consider adding a set of wrenches to the mix.
Standard combination wrenches are the ideal starting point, as the simple and slender design allows them to reach more places than their ratcheting counterparts -- which would be an excellent idea for your next investment. Suitable sizes depend on the project, but it's best to look for something that covers metric sizes from 10mm to 19mm and SAE sizes 1/4-inch to 7/8-inch, as they are the most common fasteners encountered on foreign and domestic applications.
Torque Wrench
Torque wrenches are precision instruments, and you or the gearhead in your life might be inclined to purchase a state-of-the-art piece for serious specialty jobs. That isn't always necessary, though. Most projects are served just fine by an affordable torque wrench.
A budget-friendly torque wrench is perfect for quick projects like ensuring lug nuts and manifold bolts are snugged to spec. There are plenty of low-dollar torque wrenches that fit the bill and can even be used for slightly more serious jobs, making them an all-around great option. The added benefit being that manufacturers of said torque wrenches often make multiple sizes and versions, allowing consumers to build a comprehensive set for a relatively low investment.
Magnetic Bins
Nothing brings a gearhead down more than lost fasteners. In fact, bits of hardware wandering across the shop are often what turns a ten-minute job into a weekend-long endeavor. Magnetic parts trays are simple but extremely useful for every mechanical job. They can be mounted under the hood, to a fender, or even on a tool box, where they will safely hold onto hardware throughout a project, keeping gearheads from losing their wits.
Magnetic Pickup Tool
No matter how organized you are, hardware has a habit of miraculously falling down into the tightest spots possible as soon as they’re freed from the parts they’re holding. Even then, all the magnetic trays and supreme organization can't help you. Not to worry though, as a magnetic pickup tool has you covered.
Essentially a magnet on a stick, these little mechanic tools are infinitely useful and extremely affordable. They’re narrow enough to reach down into the darkest parts of any engine bay or under any bench, and sport an extending head to reach particularly stubborn items. It might not be the most extravagant tool you buy, but it will certainly steal the show, especially if you grab a few at various lengths.
Fuel Jugs
Square-shaped fuel jugs have grown to become such an iconic part of the automotive industry that no garage or race trailer is complete without them. That's not just because they have the right branding, either. The square design makes them exceedingly space-efficient and easy to store. They also feature a very wide mouth for easy filling and use a spout for clean delivery, which is often included with the jug itself. If you want to take things to the next level, you can purchase a few in different colors to more easily designate different fuel types.
OBD-II Scanner
The most convenient thing about modern vehicles is that they use an on-board diagnostic system to provide codes that help mechanics troubleshoot problems. You just need a code reader to retrieve them so you can translate what the vehicle is telling you.
An OBD-II scanner is the tool for the job. Even in its simplest, most affordable form, it’s a device that can read codes and be used to clear them once the proper repairs have been made. Compact and easy to store in any tool bag, it makes a great addition to any trunk kit or DIY garage.
Creeper Chest
Moving up the “must-have” mechanic tool ladder, a creeper chest combo combines a few essential components into a single piece of equipment. For starters, it’s a low-wheeling seat that's ideal for working on many projects. Then, the built-in tool chest allows the user to bring whatever they need with them so that trips to and from the main box in their shop won't interrupt workflow. Finally, most have a tray built onto the side for storage of extra parts and hardware. All of that makes for an extremely convenient setup that will become the go-to seat in the garage.
Working on a smaller budget? Consider a creeper seat with better ergonomics and a padded deck. It won’t have tool storage on board, but it will certainly make garage projects more comfortable.
Engine Hoist
Most things mechanics work on are heavy. As strong as these gearheads may be, they aren't lifting most of those things by hand without injuring themselves. That's where an engine hoist comes in.
As the name implies, this is used primarily for hoisting engines up and out of vehicles. However, it can be used for anything heavy that you can wrap a chain around. Most entry-level units are rated to lift up to two tons, which is more than enough for anything less than a heavy-duty truck shop. It is a bit of an investment as far as DIYer tools go, but it's well worth the money on account of the fact that it will make the garage a safer place and open the doors to projects that simply aren't possible without it.
Engine Stand
If you're going to lift engines, you're going to need a place to put them. An engine stand is the way to go. Don't let the name fool you, though, it can be used for a little more than just that. Engine stands feature articulating mounting arms that allow it to bolt up to different mounting positions, making it a great way to safely store engines, transmissions, and other major components. They’re also equipped with casters and a pivoting head that make it easy to move or reposition the workpiece as needed. It's an obvious companion for the aforementioned engine hoist if you're looking to elevate your garage.