Tools go missing. Whether you leave them under the hood of someone else's car, drop them in a junkyard, or they simply grow legs and go on their merry way, you're going to lose them. As annoying as that may be, you can reduce some of the frustration by investing in spares.
That's not to say you should head to the hardware store and buy two of everything. Unless you're able to put a small fortune into your tool collection, you will need to figure out which tools are most likely to go missing and double down on those. That's what we're here to help you with. We've been around the block and are more than familiar with which tools always need a backup.
Keep in mind that having spares isn't only good for when tools go missing. It’s a practice that can really come in handy when something breaks or when you have a friend helping and want to multiply productivity. Basically, don’t let “having a backup” lower your guard. Think of it more like a safety net to keep you moving just in case something goes missing.
Sockets
The elusive 10mm socket is the butt of every bad mechanic joke -- and for good reason. One would swear that tool manufacturers design them specifically to go missing.
Sockets are a crucial part of any project, so you'll want to buy at least one backup set. Since sockets are available in both standard and deep sizes, and you do need both, you should buy spares of both. That said, you really only need spares of the common smaller sizes. It’s very unlikely that you’ll lose any big, specialty sockets that are reserved for special jobs.
Ratchets
Ratchets are less prone to being misplaced since, as a primary tool, you're likely to keep yours within reach at all times. However, they do still go missing occasionally. Additionally, given that ratchets are equipped with mechanical parts that may fail and keep you from working, it's wise to have a couple of them in your toolbox.
You don't have to buy multiple standard ratchets. There are many variations with specific design features that excel in different situations, and these can be used interchangeably. That means, you can buy ratchets with diverse features, serving both as backups and upgrades to enhance the versatility of your tool collection.
Box Wrenches
Much like ratchets, box wrenches are pretty easy to keep track of. That said, they still disappear. (After all, they fit perfectly into the many dark bottomless crevices that will swallow up anything they can.) Regardless of whether they ever go missing, you’ll still want multiple sets. Stubby wrenches, ratcheting box wrenches, and combination wrenches should all be in your collection.
OBD-II Scanner
On-board diagnostic systems make it easy to pinpoint mechanical issues, requiring only an OBD-II scan tool to diagnose problems. This makes these scanners a crucial tool for any job involving modern vehicles. It’s also why you want to have at least two in your toolkit.
Many jobs will take you outside of the garage, and it's easy to lose or damage an OBD-II scanner when they do. Having one you keep in the shop at all times and one you're willing to use remotely prevents this from putting a halt to your work.
Flashlight
Since you'll always need a flashlight, it’s likely you'll take yours everywhere you go. That means you're eventually going to lose it – or leave it in a pack, or an old pair of pants, a glovebox, on a shelf... You get the idea. Having a spare (or two or three) in a few different sizes is just good sense.
Pocket Screwdrivers
Pocket screwdrivers are affectionately dubbed a mechanic's "eleventh finger" by the industry at large. They'll prove useful in so many instances on account of functioning as a screwdriver, a pick, and a pointer. They're very small though, making them easy to lose.
If you are the type to carry these with you and have grown dependent on them, picking up a few spares is a good idea. Yes, we do mean a few. They're very affordable, and you will burn through your stockpile quickly.
Magnetic Pickup Tools
A magnetic pickup tool is the one tool that can save you from the tragedy of dropping bolts into tight spaces, including an open manifold. They are right there with pocket screwdrivers, though. You'll use them all the time, learn to become dependent on having one around at all times, and end up losing them all of the time. So, it's worth having a few on hand. Especially since they tend to disappear right when you need them the most.