To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Most useful speciality tools for non-pros?

oldschoolcraft

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 31, 2017
Messages
1,829
Location
Bay Area, California
I’m in a tool accumulation phase, looking for deals, making a list and checking it twice. The amount of specialty tools car mechanics have is staggering. I define specialty as it does one specialized job like takes off an air sensor in Fords made between 2009 and 2015. And it does nothing else.

I‘m learning more about car repair and I’ll probably never be a pro, but I like tools and I like getting my hands dirty. I learned about radiators and coolant systems and researched pinch off pliers and hose clamp pliers to buy, once I see some good deals, I’ll buy some. No rush since I’m not doing work now, but since I understand how it works and it’s relatively easy with the right tools, it makes sense for me to own.

There’s some things I’ll never do. Like replace an entire engine. I don’t have a ”lift” and that seems highly advanced, I can’t watch a YouTube video and do that. But I can probably change my brake pads and rotors from a YouTube video.

What specialty tools would you recommend both for cars and stuff around the house, that have specific single functions but are something a handy person can watch a few YouTube videos and have a good chance of doing it themselves if they own the right tools?

Looking to build the wish list now so I can shop sales and deals over time. Also because if I need new brakes and I lack the right tools on hand, now there’s friction for me to do it myself. Now I’m out of my only car until I both get the tools, get the parts, and do the work. If I have the tools already in advance, im more likely to do it myself when it’s needed.

Of course if the tools are super specific to a model car, that might not sense to buy, since I won’t own my car forever. I also don’t know what’s reasonable for me to fix myself in a driveway watching YouTube videos. I changed a radiator, motor and transmission mounts from YouTube. And an intake manifold gasket.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

cgrutt

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 4, 2016
Messages
8,449
Jack, jack stands, good assortment of 3/8 and 1/2 sockets and ratchets, good set of screwdrivers, ball peen and dead blow hammer, a few pliers to start...
 

Benny Franklin

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 9, 2023
Messages
85
Dremel tool, grinder, deep and shallow sockets, flex head ratchets, torx, etorx, and hex key sockets. Flex head ratchet wrenches, screwdrivers, and picks, and some pliers.


A battery impact is awesome too
 

Boogerman

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 28, 2021
Messages
836
Location
aspen cove hill
To be truthful, at level you intend to work, I'd not buy specialty tools at all. Buy good quality basic tools that meet your needs, and buy specialty stuff at time you need it, if makes $$ sense then.

At level you describe, tools you should have:

Decent 3/8" socket set, breaker bar, ratchet, extensions
Hex and torx socket set
couple of adjustable wrenches
combination wrench set
3 or 4 pliers
Set of screwdrivers
set of picks
1/4" insert bit screwdriver and/or bit ratchet and extensive set of bits.
scraper and putty knives
cordless drill and set of drill bits
1/4" cordless impact is also nice
Set of punches and chisels
L shaped hex key set
Ball peen hammer
Set of files
Couple of pry bars
Utility knife with disposable blades
hacksaw
Work light and flashlight

Only thing I'd describe as a specialty tool that I would buy is a plastic interior trim removal tool.

If you feel you have to buy more tools, things that are very nice but not necessities usually are:

Flex sockets, I prefer 1/4" drive but that would cost you another ratchet set
tap and die set
Other hammers, including deadblow, soft face, small sledge
left handed drill bits and Lisle extractor set (get full set of reverse spiral extractors if you want to splurge)
Reversible ratcheting wrenches, if can afford good ones. Don't waste money on Gearwrench quality or below.

I did minor puttering around work today, this tools list I used for example:
Utility knife
#0 philips
#2 philips
flat screwdriver
hex key set
ratcheting wrench
combination wrench
pliers (several kinds, several times)
adjustable wrench
socket and ratchet
punch and ball peen hammer
cordless impact
cordless Drill
putty knife and scraper
pick set
half round file

I have steering column/ignition switch problem fix tomorrow, tools I'll need for that are

Several sizes/types of screwdrivers
pick set
Talon Pliers
1/4" socket set
bit ratchet and bits
flashlight
couple of combination wrenches

You could easily replace engine with basic tool list posted above, along with some blocking, cherry picker hoist, and piece of chain and few bolts. Most work can be done effectively with basic tools, specialty tools and nicer tools just speed up work and make easier.
 

Komet

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 27, 2022
Messages
287
Location
WA
Boogerman pretty much nailed it. I didn't buy all that stuff at the same time but I ended up with that list and yes I needed all of it.

I'd make sure the ball peen is also a deadblow. One of your pliers should be vice grips. Work lights with hooks and magnets are nice, sometimes you need a headlamp. Impact drivers and impact sockets are cheap and can reduce fatigue a lot for larger jobs. If you're doing suspension and chassis work you might need a high torque impact. I only buy specialty tools as needed when the job requires it.

Also, safety glasses for chemicals and grinding work. You do not want brake cleaner in your eyes, and you do not want to find out there's steel in your eye when you get an MRI. I also have some safety goggles that seal to my face for under body work because it seals out the rust and dirt flakes.
 

rockettauto

Well-known member
Joined
May 12, 2023
Messages
745
None.

Independent shops accumulate that sort of thing as they're purchased on an as needed basis.

Even the dealership won't have every specialty tool listed in their service manuals. They usually buy the minimum required group every few years and maybe pick up a couple along the way as they run into those jobs.

There are some common ones everyone ends up with like ford spark plug repair tools for all the tritons but you don't really go out looking to purchase these types of things until the need is realized.

I didn't have a Toyota crank pulley tool until I had to pull one apart the first time.

If you're just looking for some of the odds and ends that are beyond the basics ( or just non standard hand tools items) that's a different story and still id stick mostly to things not available on loan a tool from parts stores but some are kind of a tossup in just owning a cheap version yourself so ill throw them in here.

I'll mention a multimeter even though it's so valuable Id consider it basic.
Long retractable test lead ( crazy handy).
Spoon back probes and t pins.
Best code reader you can afford/justify.
Extractors both socket type and spiral flute type and a good center punch and cold chisel.
O2 sensor socket
Laser thermometer
Razor scraper
Magnet stick
Bungee cords ( these are underused for holding things out of your way)
Picks
Vacuum coolant filler
Cooling system pressure tester
Combustion gas detector
Vacuum gauge
Compression tester
Leak down tester
Oil pressure and trans pressure gauges
Pickle fork
Double flaring tool/tubing cutter/bender
Snap ring pliers
Feeler gauges
Cable hose clamp pliers
Master torx set
Triple squares
serpentine belt tool
Hose picks

These are more like odd supplies:
zip ties
multiple grades of sandpaper
solder seals
generic assorted heli-coil kit.
vacuum caps and an assortment of hose clamps
Master cylinder bleeder set.( Comes in handy for much more)
paint crayon or at least chalk
Body clip assortment
Fuses of course
Starting fluid


If you intend on drum brake work then most of the tools that go along with that.
Any older vehicles then maybe a timing light and distributor wrench.
 
Last edited:

VolvoRyan

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2019
Messages
1,339
Location
Kentuckiana, USA
Good shop/repair manual and parts diagrams. Dunno how Ford does it, but everything is digital these days.

Hop on a Ford forum and ask people how they do the task, and what niggles they run into. Tool up for the job. Get a feel for when things tend to brake, how to diagnose, and what tools you need. Practice preventative maintenance.

In short, do lots of research. YouTube is OK (I'm guilty ;)).... but get more info from the horse's mouth: official literature. Lots of great content on YouTube, but lots of equally sketchy stuff.

If you enjoy the work, never say never. DIY is a very slippery slope. As you tool up, you're always just another tool away from doing bigger and bigger jobs. :)

-Ryan
 

grumpychevy

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 6, 2010
Messages
67
Location
Indiana
Single or dual piston caliper compressor (I’ve used my dual piston on single piston calipers many times)
If required a rear disc brake caliper set for screw-in caliper pistons
Brake caliper hanger/ S-Hook hanger
Battery handle/carrier
Tap & Die set
Pickle Fork set
Magnetic swivel spark plug sockets
Oil filter Wrench/ Cup type filter wrench
Anti-Freeze tester
4” - 6” 3 jaw pullers
 
Last edited:

a390st

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 9, 2008
Messages
920
Brakes and many other basic jobs don't call far torque wrenches. However, there are a number of jobs that do.

I think aside from most of your very basic items, you'll pick up what you need as you go. The problem with that is that you get in a bind and need something right away and buy a junk tool because that's what is available quickly or locally.

Try to think ahead and be prepared with good tools for maintenance that's coming up.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

wafrederick

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 3, 2010
Messages
6,060
Location
Holton,Mi
Certain specialty tools,you can rent if you do not use them a lot.It is $10.00 from Oreilly's and you get your money back returning it after use
 

AEAdam

Well-known member
Joined
May 27, 2023
Messages
2,895
Location
SE PA
Bunch of goodies above. Decent torx sockets are a must. Flex head ratchet. Lots of extensions, including lockers and wobbles. Some long wrenches like the DBEs harbor freight sells. Ihave the snap on versions and they are pretty great. Also have the 15 degree offet DBEs. Impact gun for darned sure.

Here’s stuff you might want to look for and may not be on your radar.

multimeter
fuse buddy
test light?
battery brush

brake caliper compressor tool
mityvac brake bleeder
bleeder wrenches or flare nut/line wrenches

spark plug socket
oil filter sockets
hose picks
hose clamp pliers

plastic pry bars/interior prybars
striking prybars
brass drift?

puller set…see if you can find used snap on on eBay. Be patient!
 

Hannahranga

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 8, 2023
Messages
218
Kinda specialised tools but a flexible screw/nut driver for hose clamps, the correct tool for those spring type hose clamps is also worth it if your car uses them.

Drive shaft sockets are well worth the small cost, they make life much easier (especially if they're the only AF fasteners on an otherwise metric vehicle)

Thread chasers are kinda of a luxury compared to just using a tap but you don't have to be as careful with them.
 
Last edited:

Oh_Snap

Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2023
Messages
17
I’m in a tool accumulation phase, looking for deals, making a list and checking it twice. The amount of specialty tools car mechanics have is staggering. I define specialty as it does one specialized job like takes off an air sensor in Fords made between 2009 and 2015. And it does nothing else.

I‘m learning more about car repair and I’ll probably never be a pro, but I like tools and I like getting my hands dirty. I learned about radiators and coolant systems and researched pinch off pliers and hose clamp pliers to buy, once I see some good deals, I’ll buy some. No rush since I’m not doing work now, but since I understand how it works and it’s relatively easy with the right tools, it makes sense for me to own.

There’s some things I’ll never do. Like replace an entire engine. I don’t have a ”lift” and that seems highly advanced, I can’t watch a YouTube video and do that. But I can probably change my brake pads and rotors from a YouTube video.

What specialty tools would you recommend both for cars and stuff around the house, that have specific single functions but are something a handy person can watch a few YouTube videos and have a good chance of doing it themselves if they own the right tools?

Looking to build the wish list now so I can shop sales and deals over time. Also because if I need new brakes and I lack the right tools on hand, now there’s friction for me to do it myself. Now I’m out of my only car until I both get the tools, get the parts, and do the work. If I have the tools already in advance, im more likely to do it myself when it’s needed.

Of course if the tools are super specific to a model car, that might not sense to buy, since I won’t own my car forever. I also don’t know what’s reasonable for me to fix myself in a driveway watching YouTube videos. I changed a radiator, motor and transmission mounts from YouTube. And an intake manifold gasket.

Thermal Imager.
 

Max

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
3,391
Location
Georgia
A lot of great suggestions above. I would add a torque wrench - both for critical fasteners as well as to get a general feel for how tight to get things. I’d start off with a 3/8” in the normal range, and add smaller or larger as you need them.
 

Wiz02

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 13, 2007
Messages
2,399
Location
Southeastern PA
A lot of great suggestions above. I would add a torque wrench - both for critical fasteners as well as to get a general feel for how tight to get things. I’d start off with a 3/8” in the normal range, and add smaller or larger as you need them.
This, you shouldn't tighten the lug nuts that hold your wheels on without using a torque wrench. I would go with 1/2" though for lug nuts. Other lists are great, but a torque wrench belongs at the top of the list, after sockets and ratchets.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Max

Max

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
3,391
Location
Georgia
This, you shouldn't tighten the lug nuts that hold your wheels on without using a torque wrench. I would go with 1/2" though for lug nuts. Other lists are great, but a torque wrench belongs at the top of the list, after sockets and ratchets.
I wasn’t thinking lug nuts so much as caliper bolts and anything that is threaded into aluminum. A lot of my wrenching experience us on motorcycles and the engines are Al. But you make a good point as well.
 

cherrybomb

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 18, 2016
Messages
895
Location
Near Madison Wi.
All good sugestions on the tools.Just like this forum where we all learn from others mistakes and good fortune,I would get on a forum of the vehicle that I owned.If you develop a trust with members,you have an opportunity to contact them.You can get some ideas as others work on their vehicles, using tools and techniques, you can use.I have found other members are happy to share their knowledge. Good luck!Never stop learning,their are no dumb questions
 

TdK71

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 10, 2014
Messages
69
Electronic service information subscription to tell you how to use those specialty tools. :lol:

My vote for something special and common, would be a rear disc brake caliper tool kit that retracts rear disc brake pistons.
If you're doing brakes get a decent caliper wind-back kit. it makes all the difference in a job well-done.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom