Best Mechanics Tools
Best Mechanics Tools
Welcome to Wonkee Donkee Tools guide for the best mechanics tools.
Whether you are a professional mechanic and have a garage or a car enthusiast and spend most of your spare time fixing things, you’re going to need a variety of tools.
As you’d expect, there are many mechanics’ tools out there – including specialist tools that help to get vehicles repaired and back on the road. Although these allow you to work faster and bring better results, they don’t come cheap.
The great news is, our team at Wonkee Donkee Tools regularly works with a large group of mechanics so, we know all the best mechanics’ tools – including ones that you can rely on every day and buy for an affordable price.
Take a look at the list of mechanics’ tools below. If there is anything your toolbox is missing, be sure to click on the items for a little more information and the latest price.
Adjustable Spanner
An adjustable spanner is going to get a lot of use whether you are a professional or just an enthusiastic home mechanic, so invest in a good quality set. They are extremely versatile and their adjustable jaws allow you to set them to a range of sizes. Once set, the jaws will stay in that position leaving you free to work with both hands.
Spanner Set
A decent spanner set will be an excellent purchase for any worker. They are an iconic tool for all kinds of mechanical work. The open end of a combination spanner is ideal for loosening those jammed bolts. The closed-end is especially adept for work in tight spaces because it provides more grip and prevents stripping of the nut or bolt.
Socket Set
The socket set has various uses, especially in many automotive jobs. The ratchet system promotes ease of use in awkward spaces; ideal when you’re under the chassis of a car. Make sure that you have both metric and imperial sizes as constantly having to convert is a pain. These tools have excellent amounts of torque.
Allen Keys
Most DIYers can’t make it through a day without needing to reach for a set of these. Allen keys are used in many automotive, mechanical, and domestic tasks.
Screwdriver Set
Hardly anybody gets through life without needing the odd screwdriver from time to time, but as a mechanic, you should invest in a good quality screwdriver set with a variety of lengths and heads. Most machinery will use Phillips head screws but anything older is more likely to have flat head screws. Keep a range of each driver with varying lengths for those hard-to-reach places.
Punch Set
Punches come in many varieties and are typically used to drive objects like nails and pins into or out of a particular piece of machinery.
Hydraulic Jack/Trolley
The hydraulic jack is used to lift heavy objects (usually cars) off the ground so that the underside can be accessed. Although the jack is used to lift it should not be used to support. Use your axle stands to hold the car up once you’ve lifted it off the ground.
Ball Pein Hammer
The ball pein hammer is a piece of standard kit that really needs no explanation. The flat face drives and the ball end shapes. Used in combination with your punches for many automotive tasks.
Screw and Bolt Extractors
Screw and bolt extractors are solid metal tools used for extracting broken, damaged, embedded screws, bolts or studs. They are often used in automotive engine repair and maintenance.
File Set
Hand files are used to cut fine amounts of metal from a workpiece and can be incredibly accurate, especially when removing burrs or trimming a part down to size.
Torque Wrench
It is easy to forget about the torque wrench if you are mainly involved in DIY projects but it is still one of the most important mechanical tools you can own. Every nut and bolt was designed to be tightened to a specific level of torque and maintaining that level is definitely advised. Investing in a good quality one will provide you with years of service.
Breaker Bar
A breaker bar is a simple tool which can be attached to a range of hand tools such as torque wrenches and spanners. It will increase the amount of leverage and torque you can apply, making those tough jobs a lot easier.
Car Creeper
A creeper is a simple bodyboard on wheels that allows you to scoot around on your back, making it a lot easier to get in and out from under your next project.
Circlip Pliers (Snap Ring - Internal and External)
Circlip pliers are used for inserting and removing circlips. Circlips are typically used to hold a shaft in place and are commonly used for keeping gudgeon pins in pistons but they can also be used in universal joints for holding the pins in place.
Electric Tape
Electrical tape is a must for any worker and especially essential if you are a mechanic. It is versatile, easy to use and provides you with the quick insulation of wires when you need it most. It can also be used to hang up the calendar in the workshop or garage.
Magnetic Tray
A magnetic tray is a handy little tool that will help you to keep track of all your nuts, bolts, screws, and washers. This can be a mechanics best friend, making sure you don’t lose anything that you need whilst working.
G-Clamp
A G-Clamp is an invaluable tool in any workshop or garage. Provides a pair of extra strong hands that can grip anything that will fit between them allowing you to work with both of your own.
Long Nosed Pliers
Longnose pliers are some of the most useful and functional pliers you’ll ever own. They are adept at reaching into those tight crevices and nooks you just can’t access with a standard pair of pliers. They can cut, twist, strip, snip and grab. If you don’t have a pair of these yet, get some.
Hacksaw
This versatile tool will cut through plastic, wood, metal and moon rock if you give it half a chance. A hacksaw is especially adept at removing the heads off rusted bolts that refuse to budge.
Cordless Combi Drill
A cordless combi drill combines all the features of a standard driver whilst having the added benefit of being able to drill as well. Add that to the fact that it is cordless and you have a seriously handy use-anywhere power tool. Don’t have one yet? Get one.
SDS Drill
An SDS drill is your key power tool when it comes to drilling jobs. Robust, durable and if powered from the mains, there’s no chance of the battery running out on you. You will only need a simple drill for most jobs but one with a built-in hammer action and roto stop will help to separate those stubborn parts.
Combination Pliers
Combination pliers are useful for many tasks. Use them for gripping, twisting, cutting, and crimping.
Side Cutters
These handy little side cutters are great for cutting and trimming wire. Their cutting edge runs from the base of the jaws to the tip so that you can snip those wires even in the smallest of spaces.
Extension Cable
An extension cable provides extra reach when you need it the most. Purchasing one with at least four sockets is well advised because it will allow you to plug in all your new power tools.
Telescopic Magnet
Have you dropped your teaspoon down the back of the oven again? Do not despair! You can pick up all manner of metallic objects with this handy gadget without having to leave the comfort of your armchair. Can also be used for serious professional work.
Mole Grips
Another invaluable tool of which every mechanic should have at least a few pairs. Mole grips are excellent for use on rounded bolts and their locking mechanism means they can be set in place to hold two pieces of material together. Ideal, when you are welding.
Mig Welder
Mig welders use electricity to create a high-temperature welding arc. These tools are quicker than other types of welding equipment and are typically used on aluminium and steel workpieces.
Light Source/Lamp/Headlight
Working under the bonnet of a car may be difficult at the best of times. Shed some light on the problem with this handy head torch.
Soldering Iron
A soldering iron is used to melt solder between two pieces of metal to create a bond. Often used in automotive mechanics, electronics and circuitry.
Plier Set
Having a wide range of pliers is invaluable to any mechanic. Make sure you have at least a couple of each. (Slip-joint pliers; needle-nosed; side-cutters; linesman’s pliers; pump pliers, and round-nosed). Invest in a good quality set and they will provide you with years of service.
Grease Gun
A standard piece of garage equipment. The grease gun is used to apply lubricant to a specific area with control and accuracy.
Axle Stands
Axle stands are designed to support several tonnes of weight and used in conjunction with your hydraulic jack. Invest in a good quality pair or set. It may be tempting to save money and buy cheap ones but when you have three tonnes of automobile balanced above your head you want a product you can trust. These tools really only have one use but they are built specifically for that use, so use them.
Oil Can
An oil can is a simple tool with various applications. Keep your tools, projects and workpieces sufficiently lubricated.
Feeler Gauges
Feeler gauges are used to accurately measure the gap and clearance between two parts or objects. They are also essential for the setting of spark plugs.
Electric Circuit Tester
A circuit tester is a simple tool that measures the continuity of a circuit. It is such a useful tool when ensuring you are picking up the correct cable between two points. You won’t regret purchasing this tool!
Multimeter Tester
You can measure current, voltage, resistance, continuity, and even temperature with a multi-meter. They are an invaluable tool for any mechanic and it is well worth investing in a good quality one.
Tin Snips/Metal Cutters
Tin snips are a type of shears used for snipping sheet metal. Their long handles provide great leverage and certain models have a compound-action handle which increases the mechanical advantage. A really useful tool to have at hand when working on car bodywork.
