Features of the Best Automotive Tools and Parts
Do you want to do your own car repairs and maintenance to save money? If you plan to do so, you’ll need some basic automotive hand tools for you to be able to work on your cars. Some people can take anything apart easily with a screwdriver and vice grips, but for serious do-it-yourself car works, you need to have the right tools. You can invest in top quality car tools like a professional mechanic does, which is backed up with a lifetime free replacement guarantee, so you don’t have to spend a fortune on your car tool collection. The minimum requirements for automotive hand tools you must have are a combination of ratchet wrenches, adjustable wrench, set of sockets, screwdrivers, several pairs of pliers, and assorted purpose tools which includes funnel, oil filter wrench, a pair of safety stands, small floor jack, catch bucket or pan for oil and coolant changes, and a good tire pressure gauge. Let us discuss each basic tool for you to have an in-depth understanding on its parts and functions.
For simple maintenance jobs, you will need a set of open and/box end wrenches ranging 10 mm to 19 mm, and wrenches are used to handle all bolts and nuts you are likely to encounter. To be able to cover all your bases, you need to invest both in a metric and SAE wrench set that ranges from 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch. It is also recommended to add 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch drive socket set and ratchet wrench to your car tool collection, for faster removal of fasteners. A set of flare nut wrenches or an adjustable wrench is helpful in loosening large flare nuts or in holding one end of a bolt while you tighten a nut.
Screwdrivers are needed for variety of automotive works, and it is good to invest in at least two different sizes of regular or flat tipped and cross tip screwdrivers, with assorted short and long handles to give you flexibility and versatility. For screwdrivers, you need to choose one that offers a good grip whether you prefer a wooden or a plastic handle. Plastic handles with rubber liners are also available but when they tend to become greasy, it slips. It is highly recommended that you also have a good pair of regular pliers and a pair of long needle-nose pliers for your toolbox, as well as a pair of interlocking pliers. Grip is also important for pliers, and it should be plated for corrosion resistance and of tempered steel. Vice grips are adjustable locking pliers that can grip almost anything, but be cautious and use it properly because it can damage fasteners. You basically need an oil filter wrench for changing oil and make sure you use the correct size in fitting the oil filter to your car.
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