Buying new tools is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to learning a new skill or trade. Everyone loves new tools, but it’s also hard to justify the cost. The good news is that if you invest in quality tools, they should last a lifetime. I can’t afford the top of the line brands like Snap-On or Mac, but I have had good luck with what I have gotten. Since the theme for March is snowblowers, I’ve put together a list of 12 tools for the home mechanic.
Now, we’re not going to go over every single tool because a lot of them are common for the average DIYer. Tools like a socket set, wrenches, and hammers are usually found in a homeowner’s tool box. Instead, we’re going to cover some more specialized tools for the home mechanic.
Feeler Gauges
Feeler gauges are indispensable when it comes to mechanical repairs. They come as a stack of metal gauges that are machined to varying thicknesses. They’re needed for checking valve clearances, spark plug gaps, and even end play. Obviously, something as simple as incorrect clearances can prevent an engine from running. For as cheap as feeler gauges are, there’s really no reason not to grab a set. They come in very handy.
Compression Gauge
A compression gauge is useful because you need compression for an engine to run. This gauge threads into the spark plug hole when the spark plug has been removed. Then, as you turn the engine over you can see a reading for how much compression is in the cylinder. If an engine has low compression, this can be an indication of a blown head gasket, dropped valves, or even a stuck valve. The important takeaway is that a compression gauge helps to diagnose all of these problems right away.
Valve Spring Compressor
Valves have to be removed frequently to either grind the stems, reseating the valve, replacing or just cleaning. They’re held in place by a strong spring and “keepers” which retain the spring into place. Since the valves are often in a tight space, it’s difficult to remove the spring without this special tool. Even with it, I still struggle sometimes, but it’s better than not using it.
Valve Lapping Tool
Valves should be lapped whenever an engine is taken apart. It’s good practice to ensure that they valve mates correctly with the seat. If not, there will be a loss of compression and the engine will not run as efficiently, if at all. A valve lapping tool is basically a stick with a suction cup. You stick this on the end of the valve and grind a valve lapping paste which rubs a uniform surface into the mating area between the valve and seat. A very cheap and indispensable tool.
Impact Driver
Ok, so this is more of a want than a need. But if you’re going to be learning to be a home mechanic, you should splurge a little bit. An impact driver makes quick work of a lot of stuck nuts and bolts. I love this Milwaukee, but feel free to stick with whatever brand you prefer.
Calipers
Calipers are one of the tools that it’s easy to justify getting a cheap set. I would urge you not to. I’ve gone through a couple already that were of the cheaper variety, so it’s usually better in the end to just invest in a solid pair. You can’t get any better than this Mitutoyo. Also, I recommend that you get an analog instead of digital. If you’re in an unheated shop like me, those digital batteries will die quite frequently.
Metric and Fractional Tap and Die Sets
Tap and die sets are very handy to clean up and repair damaged threads. It’s not uncommon to gall threads up when attempting to remove nuts and bolts that have been seized into place over time. Using a tap and die set can help to repair them. Unfortunately, because the US still wants to be special, we need to buy two differently sized sets. Think about how much money we could save on tools if we just went metric like the rest of the world.
Spark Plug Tester
A spark plug tester is another diagnostic tool that comes in handy. Since spark is a requirement for an engine to run, this tool helps to determine if a spark plug is adequately firing. Now, you can certainly do the same thing without this tool by placing the plug on a surrounding piece of metal. However, this tool makes it much safer because that exposed plug makes it much easier to shock yourself. This tool just lights up to indicate spark with nothing exposed.
Drain Pan
Since we’re going to be repairing snowblowers and other outdoor power equipment, we’ll need a way to capture all of the old hazardous fluids so that we can dispose of them properly. This pan is perfect for that since it is large capacity and has an easy pour spout. Don’t think twice about a drain pan. It’s a necessity for the home mechanic.
Piston Ring Installer
A piston ring installer is pretty self explanatory; it installs the rings on the piston. Some people like to do this by hand, but since you have to stretch the ring over the piston, it’s easy to snap them. This tool applies a consistent, even pressure to help get the rings into correct position. It’s cheap and pretty handy.
Piston Ring Compressor
Once we’ve got the rings installed onto the piston, we’ve then got to compress them in order to install the piston into the cylinder. That’s where this tool comes in. It does exactly what the name says; it compresses the rings so they are flush with the side walls of the piston. This allows the piston to slide into the cylinder. As the piston slides underneath the tool, the rings then expand into the cylinder wall.
Parts Tray
I love these parts trays. They’re magnetic and super affordable. I bought a ton of them, which comes in handy. I can take an entire machine apart and keep the hardware in sections. For instance, one tray for the hardware from the engine; one tray from the hardware from the snowblower auger; another tray for the body; and yet another tray from the transmission, etc. Do yourself a favor and get a bunch of em. Since they’re magnetic, I just stick them on the side of my tool chest so they’re always within reach.
So that’s the list for now. 12 invaluable tools for the home mechanic. Most of them aren’t super expensive, and they really do help with automotive and power equipment repairs. Is there anything else that I’m forgetting? Let me know in the comments below!