Be the Mechanic of Your Vehicle: Essential Hand Tools for DIY Repairs
Being able to perform small repairs and maintenance tasks on your vehicle not only saves you time and money but also empowers you with a sense of self-sufficiency. To become your own mechanic, you need the right set of hand tools. This blog will provide you with a comprehensive list of essential hand tools that every vehicle owner should have. Whether it's fixing a minor issue or conducting routine maintenance, these tools will equip you to handle various tasks confidently.
1. Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are fundamental tools needed for disassembling and assembling various components in your vehicle. Here are the common types of screwdrivers you should have:
a. Philips-head: Used for most screws in cars and bikes with a cross-shaped head.
b. Slotted: The most basic type with a single flat blade, commonly found in older vehicles.
c. Star: Used for screws with a star-shaped design, often found in security-sensitive parts.
2. Wrenches
Wrenches are indispensable for applying torque to rotate bolts and nuts. There are several types of wrenches:
a. Open-end Wrenches: Hold nuts or bolts on opposite sides and grip both ends.
b. Ring or Box End Wrenches: Hold nuts in a 360-degree manner, making them easier to use.
c. Combination Wrenches: Feature an open-end wrench on one side and a box-end on the other.
3. Hammers
Hammers are used for applying force to objects or inserting nails. A standard hammer with one nail-hitting side and one nail-removing side should suffice for most vehicle-related tasks.
4. Pliers
Pliers are versatile tools that serve multiple purposes, such as cutting wires, tightening bolts, and pulling out stuck screws and wires.
5. Hex Keys (Allen Keys)
Hex keys, also known as allen keys or allen wrenches, come in an L-shaped design and are used to loosen nuts in scooty guards and remove body panels.
6. Spanners
Spanners are similar to wrenches but encompass the complete nut with a pipe-like construction, providing a 360-degree grip.
7. Tyre Lever
If you repair punctures by opening the tyre, a tyre lever is a must-have tool for efficiently removing the tyre from the wheel.
8. Lifting Jack
Essential for repairing punctures at home, a lifting jack lifts the car so that you can remove the wheel and address the puncture.
9. Tyre Air Compressors
After repairing a puncture, a tyre air compressor is essential for refilling the tyre to the desired pressure.
10. Utility Knife
A utility knife is handy for cutting wires, connections, and various covers that protect the wires.
11. Hood Light
A powerful lighting instrument that illuminates the engine bay and under your car, especially useful in dark garages.
12. Measurement Tape
Useful for measuring wire lengths, wheel rim diameters, and various other measurements during repairs.
13. Flexible Funnel
Helpful for draining and emptying the fuel tank and filling it back up when working with the fuel system.
14. Vacuum Pump
Aids in draining brake fluids and refilling fresh oil in the brakes, as well as detecting leaks in the vehicle's systems.
Conclusion
Having the right set of hand tools empowers you to take charge of small repairs and maintenance tasks for your vehicle. From screwdrivers and wrenches to hammers and pliers, each tool serves a specific purpose to make your DIY mechanic experience successful. Owning these essential hand tools will not only save you money but also give you the satisfaction of being a capable and self-reliant vehicle owner. So, invest in these tools and enjoy the freedom of being the mechanic of your own vehicle. Happy repairing!
Reviewed by Tech Sneha
on
August 04, 2023
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