Best Factory Engineer’s Tools
Best Factory Engineer's Tools
Whether you’re an apprentice or a well-established tradesman, every self-respecting engineer has a bag of tools they can’t be without. At Wonkee Donkee, we understand how vital it is to be equipped with all of the necessary types of engineer tools you could need to get a job done, which is why we’ve compiled our list of the best tools for engineers!
From spanners to socket sets, our team have put their heads together to make sure you will have everything you need in order to design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems in the role of factory engineer.
Why every factory engineer needs the complete toolkit
Factory engineers are imperative for the safe and smooth running of larger operations, including everything from quality control and logistics to production coordination. To this end, it’s vital that as a factory engineer, you are equipped with the best engineering tools available to assist you in your everyday work.
In some cases, your input may only be minimal, but often you will be expected to work on everything from initial concept through to the design and management of a project. So, as well as technical knowledge and strong problem-solving skills, it makes sense that you would have a wide range of engineering tools for every eventuality.
Engineering tools necessary for the job
Whilst in some trades you may be able to get away with a select few pieces of equipment, for engineers, the job is simply impossible without certain essential engineering tools. And, of course – as most of these tools come with various specifications, it’s important that you make sure you have a good range of fixtures and fittings available to hand for those unexpected moments. So, how can we help?
At Wonkee Donkee, we’ve highlighted everything from the basic engineering hand tools to the more specific pieces of equipment to ensure that when you go out to a job, you’re as well-equipped and professional as possible. From hi-spec factory engineers tools such as the cordless combi drill, to the best way to store your engineer brand tools – our collection has everything covered!
The best engineering tools to complete a job from start to finish
The perfect engineer’s toolkit should include more than just the necessary tools to fix the problem. That’s why our list of engineering tools incorporates equipment that can assist in the prep of an engineering job, including the design and development. Not only this, but we’ve also included essentials to ensure the project is finished up neatly and professionally, leaving no trace of maintenance behind.
Browse our exhaustive list below, and if there’s anything there you feel your kit is lacking – simply click through for the most competitive current prices available.
Spanner Set
A good quality open ended spanner set is essential for an engineer. Spanners are used to loosen and tighten bolts of various sizes.
Punch Set
Punches are used in a variety of engineering tasks; from making starter holes for drilling, to driving pins into or out of a piece of machinery. There are many different types of punch, so purchasing a high quality set with a few of each type will allow you to perform any task of any size.
Tap and Die Set
These cutting tools are the quickest and most efficient way of adding a screw thread to a work piece. Taps cut internal threads and dies cut external threads. They can also be used to clean up old, broken and damaged threads.
Engineers' Square
The engineers’ square is the metalworkers’ equivalent of a try square and consists of a steel blade attached to a heavier body at an angle of 90 degrees. The engineers’ square is used to check the squareness of an angle.
Drive Ratchet
The drive ratchet is essentially a wrench to which you can attach sockets of various sizes. The ratcheting mechanism allows you to turn the wrench in both directions but only applies force in one direction. This mechanism makes tightening and loosening nuts and bolts a much quicker process. Ideal for working in tight spaces.
Socket Set (3/8''-1/2'' drive)
A good quality socket set is absolutely essential for use with your drive ratchet.
Hand File Set
Allen Keys
Allen keys are used to unscrew hexagonal Allen nuts. They are used in a wide variety of engineering tasks, so it’s always handy to have a set of them around.
Metal Rule
The rule is a simple length of metal with precise metric and imperial measurements on it. Used for marking, measuring, and ruling in all areas of engineering.
Vice
Having a vice is like having an extra pair of strong hands that can grip anything that will fit between their jaws. A thoroughly useful tool that allows you to work with both of your hands.
Screwdriver Set
Screwdrivers are important tools in all areas of engineering as screws are so often used to hold individual parts together. A good quality set with a variety of types and sizes will provide you with years of service. Low quality screwdrivers may be cheaper but their blades will break and twist after a few uses.
G-Clamps
G-clamps are very useful tools with multiple applications. You can use them to grip a workpiece to your bench, or to hold two workpieces together, leaving you free to work with both hands.
Wire Brush
A heavy-duty brush with wire bristles typically used as an abrasive implement for cleaning, removing rust or paint or generally scouring areas prior to work.
Engineers' Scriber
An engineers’ scriber is a solid metal hand tool with a sharp tip and knurled shank. It is commonly used to mark lines and points in metal working.
Riveter
A riveter is a tool often used in engineering to fix rivets through two or more pieces of material in order to join them together.
Bench Grinder
A bench grinder is an absolute must for any engineer. They are reasonably cheap and will keep your tools sharp for years to come. The bench grinder will eventually pay for itself when you’re flying through your jobs because your tools are so sharp.
Hand Held Angle Grinder
A hand-held angle grinder is a supremely powerful tool that can perform a wide variety of tasks. With its various attachments you can cut, grind, polish, buff, and even sand through solid oak in a matter of seconds. One of the leading power tools brands are Bosch. They also make a mean angle grinder. If you want to know which model is their finest work then read our best Bosch angle grinder review.
Cordless Combi Drill
The cordless combi drill gives you the ability to drive screws as well as drill holes. There are a variety of interchangeable bits and attachments and because it is battery powered you can use it anywhere you want.
Chest Tool Box
Ratchet Ring Spanners
Ratchet ring spanners are ideal for use in tight spaces. Their ratcheting mechanism allows you to quickly tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. The ring end provides better grip and reduces the chance of you rounding off your bolts.
Various Hammers
The hammer was man’s first tool and is still as useful today as it was all those many thousands of years ago. In the world of engineering, you will need a variety of hammers for a variety of jobs. A ball peen hammer; claw hammer; lump hammer and mallet should cover all the basics.
Telescopic Magnet
Telescopic magnets are used to retrieve metallic objects from awkward spaces. They are ideal if you have lost a vital screw down the back of your workbench. They extend for longer reach and retract into a compact form. They can be stowed in a top pocket or behind an ear.
Grease Gun
The grease gun is used to apply lubricant to a specific area with control and accuracy.
Combination Spanners
Combination spanners have both a ring end and an open end, giving you the option of either with a simple rotation of the tool. Having a set of metric and imperial measurements will avoid you having to make tiresome conversions. A good quality set will last for years.
Tape Measure
The tape measure consists of a simple steel tape that can extend out rigidly across several feet of open air and retract back into a coil for easy storage. You will want a tape that extends to at least 5 metres (16 feet), this will be sufficient for most jobs. Longer tape measures are available.
Digital Vernier Calipers
Digital calipers are precision tools with one fixed and one sliding jaw. They are used for measuring the distance between two opposing sides of an object. They are often used in engineering where accurate measuring is essential.
Plier Set
Having a wide range of pliers is invaluable to any engineer. (Slip-joint pliers; needle nosed; side-cutters; linemen’s pliers; pump pliers, and round-nosed). Invest in a good quality set and they will provide you with years’ of service.
Torch
Torches, lamps and light sources are always useful to have at hand. They make working in areas of limited light and space much easier.
Terminal Crimping Pliers
Crimping pliers are used to apply pressure to an object until it holds on to another object. This joining of two objects through deformation is called ‘crimping’.
Digital Multimeter
You can measure current, voltage, resistance, continuity, and even temperature with a multimeter. They are an invaluable tool for an engineer and it is well worth investing in a good quality one.
Soldering Iron
A soldering iron is used to heat solder so that two workpieces can be joined together through a metallic bond. They are often used in various areas of metalworking, installation and repair work.
Soldering Pad
A soldering pad is a heatproof mat that protects the surrounding area from damage when using a blow torch or soldering iron.
SDS Drill
The SDS (special direct system) drill is a powerful mains supplied power tool that has many times the power of a standard hammer drill and is heavy-duty enough to drill into masonry, brickwork and metal.
Hacksaw
The hacksaw is a versatile cutting tool that can slice through almost anything. A must-have tool!
