Hand Tools for the Home Mechanic

Before posting more ideas for home auto repair, I think it's necessary to get a good grasp on what hand tools will be needed. Many tools can also be used for other projects around the house when something goes wrong.

Essentials to the home mechanic:
Screwdriver set - this is a pretty thorough set that includes an offset - Craftsman Screwdrivers
Pick set - here's a Craftsman set made in USA identical to my Matco - Craftsman 4 Piece set
Plier set - be good to yourself and buy a decent set, these are nice - Plier set
 *The plier set is on the steep side but just like a ratchet and socket set, you should only purchase one set in your lifetime. If you want to start with less at a reasonable price, check out Channellock - Channellock Pliers
3/8 Drive ratchet - S-K are my favorite, very high quality and made in USA - S-K Tools
 *S-K just went through a transition to new ownership but I believe they will still be made in USA and I hope they maintain their superior quality (be advised they are on the expensive side)
 *When buying a ratchet, consider buying two, a ratchet with a longer handle and one with a shorter handle
3/8 Drive socket set that includes 6-point sockets   *12-point sockets work for light-duty projects but may strip bolt heads when working with heavy-duty projects at high torque levels
Combination Wrench set - good wrenches won't hurt your hands when using them. I've used Craftsman, Matco(made by Danaher), Snap-on, and Gearwrench(made by Danaher)
Pry bars - go ahead and buy a set that includes lengths from 6" up to 24" *You might not use them all immediately but I promise you'll be glad you have them when you get in a bind

Of course, nobody is going to do real auto repair without lifting the car in the air. The home improvement stores carry floor jacks and stands. I don't have a particular set I'd recommend but I will steer you away from the Torin Aluminum jacks. My old shop owner bought three at a decent price but after a few months of daily use all of them were leaking oil from the main piston seal. As mechanics, we simply took the jacks apart and put new seals in. I don't recommend them because it's always frustrating for a home mechanic to have to stop a project to repair the tools. You shouldn't have to repair your tools, you should be using the tools to make the repair.

*When purchasing your socket and wrench sets, go ahead and buy Metric as well as Standard(fractional) sets. Standard sets should start at 3/8" and go to 3/4" and Metric sets that start at 10mm and go to 18mm (minimum) but most sets include the 19mm.


Tools are an investment. Not only do many people find it rewarding and fun to work on repairs (especially their car) but you can save hundreds, and even thousands of dollars, in the long run while learning something along the way.

Working on your car always involves a learning curve. Projects will often take more time than you think so be sure to give yourself a nice cushion of time in case you get in a bind. Take it slow and pay attention to the details. Rushing through a project can lead to stripped bolt heads or even worse, broken off bolts. This will be a major headache and super frustrating but as always there is a tool to remove broken bolts.