Do It Yourself Fixes Toolbox

I am excited about this blog post because tools for do it yourself repairs makes the fixes more fun. After all, my motto is “Let the tools do the work, not you”. What I mean is this, the tool is what ultimately gets the job done, and you are just a guide. In addition, the right tools can save you a ton of time with do it yourself repairs. Because of the tight spaces and angles needed to make some repairs, you will need a special tool for those repairs. Now let's get started with putting together a do it yourself toolbox. 

Toolbox Basics:

Every mechanic has his or her own toolbox because tools are necessities to be in the auto repair industry. If you want to be a do it yourself person, you will need a basic toolbox to make repairs. Tools can be purchased from manufacturers such as Snap-On or Craftsman. Also, tools can be found online at one of my favorite places to shop Amazon. A basic toolbox should include the following tools: 

1.      A Socket and Ratchet set will be used to remove nuts or bolts from the car.

Socket & Ratchet Set 

2.     Some Wrenches will be needed to take off certain nuts or bolts because the socket and ratchet will not fit into the space. 

Wrenches

3.     A good Hammer is needed because you will have to tap or hit on the part sometimes to remove it or install it. 

Hammer 

4.     Screwdrivers will be needed to remove screws from the vehicle, but Picks are used to help remove hoses like those on the radiator. 

Screwdriver & Pick Set

5.     Pliers are used to squeeze clamps on hoses for removal or to hold a spinning nut.

Pliers

Specialty tools:

In certain cases, you will need a special tool that has been designed for that repair to complete the job. Some common specialty tools with do it yourself repairs are listed below:

·       The brake caliper tool is used to push the caliper piston back into the caliper, so the rear brake pads can be replaced. This caliper differs from the front because the parking brake is connected to it which requires the piston to be twisted back into the caliper.

·       The ball joint tool is used to press a ball joint out of or into the control arm. Usually, this do it yourself repair requires pressing the old ball joint out and pressing the new ball joint back into the control arm.

·      The inner tie rod tool is used to take out the inner tie rods of the car. This tool is designed to fit on the inner tie rod and allow you to loosen it for removal.

Air tools:

Air tools cuts the time needed to do a repair dramatically. In addition, getting some nuts require a lot of turns which will be tiresome. However, when the wrench or ratchet turns for you, the job is a breeze.

ü  Air Impact Wrench is used to remove large nuts or bolts such as lug-nuts on the tire.

ü  Air Ratchet is used to remove smaller nuts on the car which are usually on the engine or inside of the vehicle. 

This is a good YouTube video demonstration by Snap-On of how their air impact wrench works.

As always, all comments, feedback, sharing or questions are welcomed by Do-It-Yourself Fixes.