Useful Automotive Tools

[p51]

Just wondering what you guys/gals thought were the most useful tools to have for working on your car. Here's what I came up roughly prioritized in terms of usefulness and cost (low cost = better)...

Engine:
(1) Timing gun (with timing advance and rpm indicator)
(2) Multimeter
(3) Vacuum/pressure gauge
(4) IR thermometer
(5) Mechanic's stethoscope
(6) Compression check gauge
(7) Vacuum/pressure hand pump/gauge (eg Mityvac)
(8) Electrical back probe kit (for use with multimeter to track down electrical problems)
(9) Fuel pressure gauge
(10) Harmonic balancer puller tool
(11) Digital inspection camera (to peer into those hard to reach places)

Suspension:
(1) Spring compressor

General:
(1) Floor jack
(2) Car ramps and jack stands
(3) Telescoping mirror (to see around corners)
(4) Telescoping magnet (to pick up small things dropped in tight places)

 

[CougarCJ]

You forgot a set of quality wrenches and sockets.

 

[Maine gt/cs]

For the car. Point file, Feeler gauges, chock blocks for when using a pair of ramps, used spark plug boot for taking out hot plugs on side of road.

For the garage. In the winter, good heat. Well stocked fridge for looking at the car after you rip the hair and meat off your knuckles. Good supply of rags for blood and other spilled liquids. OH, and a bag of chips to go with the well stocked fridge.

Tim

 

[Don]

A pit full of money :wink:

 

[p51]

A pit full of money :wink:

Yep, definitely that is the most useful tool :smile:

 

[lilboss]

Don't forget a smartphone or tablet and wifi access in the garage to contact all these good folks in a time of need!