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Buying a Mechanic Tool Set

Having the right automotive hand tools is essential for DIYers who want to maintain and repair their vehicles.

Begin by setting a realistic budget based on the type of repairs and maintenance you plan to do. Will you need metric or standard tools, or both?

If you’re only doing light maintenance such as changing fluids, engine tune-ups and the like, then a few hundred dollars should suffice. However, if you’re planning to replace brake pads and rotors, make cooling, exhaust and suspension system repairs and other vehicle upgrades, the cost will quickly increase.

Tools you probably already have

Every DIYer should have these tools in their home toolbox that can also be used for auto maintenance and repairs:

• Screwdrivers: Consider a set with soft, ergonomic handles. This provides the greatest turning power with the least amount of effort. They’re a sound investment.
• Pliers. You need a set that includes a diagonal wire cutter, along with slip-joint, needle-nose and groove or arc-joint pliers.

Tool you’ll need for auto repairs

• Ratchets and sockets are the most important tools to have in your toolbox. They’re sold individually or in sets, in 1/4-in., 3/8-in. and 1/2-in. drive sizes. Ratchets with 72 teeth or more work better in confined spaces, and “quick-release” models make removing sockets with greasy hands easier.
• Sockets come in standard (SAE) and metric sizes and different lengths. There are specialty designed sockets for removing and installing spark plugs. Look for sockets with stamped or laser etched markings for easy identification. Consider six-point sockets. In our experience 12-point sockets work great for most household repairs, but car and truck repairs require six-point sockets. They have thicker walls and apply force to the flat shoulder of the hex bolt/nut instead of the corners, reducing the likelihood of rounding off a rusted or overtightened bolthead. Look for sets that include Torx and hex sockets.
• Socket extensions and flex (universal) sockets help work around obstacles, or reach nuts and bolts in awkward spaces from different angles. For a better grip to help you start fasteners by hand, look for extensions with knurled shafts.
• Box wrenches in standard or metric and/or combination wrenches speed up any repair. Offset, angled or ratcheting wrenches can easily access nuts and bolts in tough to reach areas.
• Nut drivers, or an all-in-one nut driver that takes different size hex and Torx bits, are helpful when working on trim or around the dashboard.
• Accessories included with sets vary, even by the same manufacturer. Review the itemized parts list to know what you’re getting.
• Mechanic tool set manufacturers often boast about the number of pieces in each set. Keep in mind each individual socket, hex key and bit counts as one piece. Before buying, check the parts listing, usually found on the manufacturer’s website, to know exactly what tools are in the set.

Not all mechanic sets come with all these tools. To complete your set, you may have to purchase specific tools or accessories separately. Quality hand tools can last forever, but look for ones that come with a ‎limited lifetime warranty and meet American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.

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Best Mechanic Tool Set for Beginners

The Kobalt 81240 (129-Piece) Standard and Metric Combination Mechanic Tool Set packs a lot of tools for a beginner into a nice, small carry case.

Though there’s no 1/2-in. drive ratchet, the 1/4-in. and 3/8-in. drive 90-tooth ratchets are great for working in confined places. The open-end wrenches, hand hex-nut driver and bits make this set a worthwhile purchase for anyone just starting out in basic vehicle maintenance or repairs.

Honorable mention: Although missing a 1/4-in. drive ratchet, the DekoPro ‎8542037480 192-Piece Mechanics Tool Set comes with pliers and screwdrivers. It’s another good value for beginners. DekoPro may not be a familiar brand, but this well-priced set comes in a blow-molded case, with the tools necessary to make minor automotive and DIY home repairs.

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