Ask experienced mechanics of what their favorite tools are and the answers may shock you. No one thinks to mention of a compressor may driven nail gun or the overpriced table saw. A few may mention power tools, but the majority will say a pair of pliers, steel ruler, or even a block plane.
While it’s good to have expensive specialty tools for some odd jobs mechanics encounter, there’s always a selection of tools that they can’t live without.
If you ever wondered what tools mechanics can’t live without, here are the top 7.
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Impact Wrench
If you spend a lot of time as a mechanic in the yard yanking major parts out of old cars, this tool is an excellent choice. An impact wrench is a must have tool whether you’re working indoors or outdoors. This tool is ideal when working under the hood.
Air Ratchet
Also known as pneumatic ratchet torque wenches, air ratchets are useful and popular tools mechanics use to tighten and loose bolts. You’ll find it being used also in aerospace and heavy construction industries. Air ratchets work by harnessing force from pressurized gas, which then convert into powerful torque through a series of gearboxes, turbines, and ratchets. Some people may confuse the impact wrench and the air wrench. The difference is that the impact wrench has a high torque and it’s used to crack nuts loose while air ratchets only deal with low to medium torque bolts.
Car Lift
For majority of mechanics who specialize on car tires, the car lift is one of the must have pieces of equipment they use on a daily basis. The invention of car lifts came to be as a modification of the previous in ground lift. In the past, when mechanics wanted to work on the underside parts of a car, they would have to park the car in a ramp and perform their work from there, inside a pit they dug. This was expensive as building an inn ground lift required excavation and constructions.
However, thanks to technological advancements, mechanics can now find a variety of car lifts that make their work easier. Quick jack car lift is strong lift in the market. A car lift is used to change the car tires as well as check out for any fault on the car that comes in. This tool can be used in different ways. However, a mechanic needs to exercise caution,
Also, you can find auto lifts which are suitable for a mechanics who does this on a daily basis. Moreover, auto lifts last longer compared to the manual ones. Auto lifts are available as two types. There are other particulate lifts meant for other uses such as parking and those used in motorcycle repairs.
Vacuum Pump
Vacuum pumps are hand operated and no mechanic can function without one. You can a vacuum pump with Mitty Vac Kit at a reasonable price. The real thing is that it comes with all the attachments you will ever need.
Mechanics use the vacuum pump to test motors and vacuum controlled sensors. Alternatively, they can be used to find a leak in the vacuum line by plugging each and applying the vacuum. In case it holds, it’s good. The gauge can also be used to find a vacuum leak. Spray the carb cleaner around potential leak sites. If you spray a leaking area, the gauge will flutter. If you want to bleed the brakes on your own, just attach the vinyl tubing and fluid transfer bottle to the pump. Use refill adapters to keep the cylinder full as you suck out the brake fluid from the screws. Pump until you see fresh fluid. Vacuum pumps can also be used to flush power-steering fluids.
Battery Carrier
Car batteries are very heavy. What’s more, they are clamped in tight. Fortunately, mechanics do not have to struggle with their hands to carry the battery. All is required is to open the chops of a battery carrier, clamp it over the battery and lift it out. You can now comfortably carry the battery away from your clothes and at your side. Moreover, you can use the carrier to load in a new battery. Work is done and you can still go home with clean sleeves.
Screwdrivers with Hex Bolsters
While you may not always need the hex bolsters, when you need torque, this pair of tool comes in handy and does the trick. The name bolsters means where the shank meets the handle. All you need is to slide the wrench down the screwdriver shaft onto the bolster. Push the tip of the screw’s head and lean into it as you turn the screwdriver with the wrench. This action of leaning in keeps the screwdriver bit seated in the heated. You can enjoy added leverage thanks to the wrench.
Automotive Stethoscope
Customers are always concerned about the strange noises their vehicles make and their concern is to have the mechanic find and fix the problem. Unfortunately, lazy mechanics will just guess where the noise is coming from and replace all the necessary parts until the noise goes away. This becomes an extra cost when these small fixes fail to work. However, professional mechanics uses an automotive stethoscope to find out where the noise is coming from.
Although this tool is very essential, the only disadvantage is that it will not trace noise when you are in driving. In such a case, the mechanics use a wireless stethoscope to find the source of whirs, thumps and clunks.
Also, some kits have microphone clamps and multiple transmitters, hook and look straps, and a receiver. Just place the microphone on the suspected noisy areas, take the vehicle for a spin, and listen out to know where exactly the noise is coming from.
These are some of the tools that a mechanic can’t live without. If you happen to stock your toolbox, these tools can handle any job such as restoring a broken car, repairing, or even maintenance.
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