Engine Repair Tools: An Overview

If you want to become a car mechanic, not only do you need to learn the proper and methods and techniques, you need the proper engine repair tools to do the job. So, here is a list of tools that entry-level mechanics will need to perform most types of engine repair.

• A wrench set. You will need a set of wrenches in almost any repair job you do. You should purchase a set of wrenches that uses US measurements as well as one that uses metric measurements. Although many modern vehicles use metric nuts and bolts in the engine, many older vehicles still use US-based measurements and will require US-sized wrenches
• A ratchet set. Just like your set of wrenches, you'll need a complete set of ratchets and sockets in US sizes and metric sizes
• A car jack and jack stands. Make sure you get a quality car jack so that you can raise the vehicle and make it easier work on. When you purchase a jack, make sure that it has at least a 3-ton capacity and is made by a reputable manufacturer. To support a vehicle once it is jacked up, get four high-quality jack stands
• Air compressors and air tools. If you are serious about becoming a good mechanic, invest in a quality air compressor and some air wrenches as well. These will allow you to quickly remove wheels on cars and remove highly torqued bolts quickly and easily
• A voltmeter. A voltmeter measures the electrical current that passes through various circuit systems. With a digital voltmeter you can measure the electricity flow through the battery to all of the different electrical systems
• A digital auto gauge. The digital auto gauge monitors the proper functioning of the various electrical parts of your car. Be careful when using this gauge, however, as readings are not always accurate if it is not connected to the central ECU system. Still, these gauges are a great way to determine whether a system is functioning as it should
• An internal pressure monitor. An internal engine pressure monitor measures the pressure inside of the various parts of the engine. This is crucial for anyone concerned about engines overheating or causing other problems. The engine pressure monitor displays results in terms of millimeters or inches of mercury. In order to properly adjust the engine, you'll need to be familiar with how to interpret these results

Tips for Buying Quality Engine Repair Tools

While you should attempt to save money when possible on the purchase of your tools, you'll also want to buy quality tools that won't break, snap or otherwise malfunction.

Buy American
While you can certainly get quality tools from some European countries, always avoid tools made in countries like Taiwan or China. Better still, always search for quality engine repair tools that are made in the USA. Some of the most popular car mechanics tools made by Snap On, Craftsmen, Mac and OTC are all manufactured in United States. There are also other many American high quality tool companies that produce first-rate tools as well.

Look for Lifetime Warranties
Once you purchase a particular tool, you never want to purchase it again. So, look for brands that offer lifetime warranties on their engine repair tools. All of the manufacturers mentioned above offer lifetime warranties on their tools and have a no questions asked policy when exchanging broken or snapped tools. Although these high-quality tools cost more than cheaper imported tools, buying the tool once versus three or four times is always cheaper.

Wait for Sales and Promotions
Although you want to purchase high-quality tools, there is no need to spend too much money on them. Look in your local newspaper and keep an eye out for stores offering sales on name brand car repair tools. Also, ask the driver of the Snap On or Mac Tool truck when they will be having promotions as well. Planning your purchases to coincide with sales can save you thousands of dollars in tooling up your garage.

Visit Discount Online Tool Retailers
Also, don't forget to visit discount online tool retailers like JEGS, HarborFrieght.com and even Sears. These online retailers often have sales on engine repair tools that can save you a lot of money versus buying them at standard prices.

Look for Garage and Yard Sales
If you don't mind having engine repair tools that are slightly used, you should always be on the lookout for local garage or yard sales in your area. Often, people will offer car repair tools for sale at very cheap prices so they won't have to take them when they move. Or perhaps, the repair tools simply aren't needed anymore and are being sold at a cheap price.