Classic tools: The Essentials Every Car Mechanic Needs in Their Workshop
Vehicle repair shops are the lifesavers of drivers from all over the world, the place where people find out what’s wrong with their car, get it fixed, and can also get advice on how to avoid the same situation in the future. Mechanics and technicians are always ready to help customers and can even help those who are adept at doing their own repairs. At some point, everybody needs the expertise of a specialist, as well as the necessary tools, which can be more challenging to come by.
If you own a workshop or are thinking of starting one, here are some of the tools you must always have nearby, no matter what.
Wrenches
A fundamental addition to any toolbox and a must-have for all mechanics, you’ll need a wrench to tighten or loosen up the bolts on the vehicles you’re repairing. Since they come in different sizes, you should have at least one complete set available at all times so that you always have the right tool when you need it. Some wrenches come with an open-ended side and ratcheting box ends so that you don’t have to remove them at every turn. Torque wrenches are a must as well.
Beginner mechanics often don’t understand the importance of this tool. Knowing how to use it well is essential. Over-torquing can lead to the bolts shearing off. Removing them is also much more difficult. They should never be used to remove lug nuts, with the impact wrench or breaker bar being much safer options.
Diagnostic equipment
As the name implies, diagnostic equipment measures and checks the vehicle’s systems in order to identify all the possible issues and rectify them accordingly. All areas of a car can be tested, including the engine and electrical systems and the brakes. Checking for any abnormal wear or inadequate performance is essential for the safety of the driver, other passengers and everyone else on the road. You can check out https://carvitas.com to get a wide array of diagnostic equipment, such as hand scanners, battery testers and code readers.
You can also get reset equipment appliances, including service interval resets, VAG coding, maxiDAS and error code readers. Carvitas has the most extensive range of OBD cables and OBD2 diagnostic equipment in all of Europe. If you operate a workshop in Europe, you can receive your delivery very fast and start working right away.
Drip pan
Drip pans are a much-needed item for everyone who works with oily machinery, so it is also a must for vehicles. They’re not just useful for oil spills and can protect surfaces from all other types of fluids. When you work in a repair shop, you know that there’s a lot of unpredictability involved. Keeping your working area clean will also allow you to be more efficient and carry out your tasks faster. Drip pans also prevent you from tracking spilled substances in clean rooms and floors. All the time that would go into cleaning those spills can be spent fixing another car or taking on more complex and profitable projects.
Multimeter
The multimeter is an instrument that can measure the electrical properties of a car. Similar to how iCarsoft offers scanners for every vehicle so that you can read and erase trouble codes from your car, a multimeter also gives measurements. The only difference is that they apply to voltage and resistance. Doing the guessing game when it comes to electricity can be very dangerous, so it’s better to have the right equipment on hand. Many cars experience troubles with their electric systems, so having a multimeter will come in handy quite often. Since the cause of the disturbances is not always easy to pinpoint, even by the most experienced mechanics, using it can also save you a lot of time.
If you’ve got a hot wire on your hands, the multimeter will let you know precisely how much electrical current is going through it so that your approach is safer. Pick a device with a large display so that usage is comfortable.
Zap-straps
If the ways you could use zap straps, also known as zip ties, in your workshop aren’t crystal clear, you may be guilty of overlooking the importance of these conspicuous yet essential items. Their first and most important use case is to tie wires or cables together to prevent them from bundling up or ending in the moving or hot parts. This allows you to protect them from becoming melted, shredded or ripping off during work. It also makes the working area much more visible and more accessible to work with. Nylon ties work as well, and you can buy them in bulk so that you have plenty of options readily available in case you need them.
Screwdrivers
Similar to wrenches, screwdrivers are another item that you simply must have in the garage. You should have them in all available ranges, from the largest to the tiniest. After all, you never know when you need each. The very small screwdrivers are particularly helpful for electronic work, where you require delicate tools or you could do more harm than good. At the same time, the larger ones can be pretty versatile as well. Apart from the typical use cases, they can also be used as small prying tools. The larger flatheads are particularly helpful in this case.
Work light
Under-hood work lights are essential, but as simple as it might seem to get one, you should actually look around a bit before settling on a model. That’s because different types of light will affect your eyes in other ways as well. You should aim for something that has at least 1,200 lumens and which comes with rechargeable light bulbs. You need something that can work for at least three hours. A work light with a longer battery light can also be used during power failures.
When you have a workshop, there are many different appliances and tools you should get. Having the necessary equipment allows you to do your job accurately and efficiently and provide high-quality services for your customers.
