Essential tools for any automotive repair efforts

[volvolugnut]

Here are some Essential tools for any automotive repair effort:
Most are cheap but really handy when you find you need them in the middle of a project.

Extendable magnet on a stick. Get a large and small magnet to retrieve dropped metal parts.

Spring handle retractable claw tool. Grab those dropped non-metal parts.

Tape rolls for making sticky tools to grab parts or hold fasteners in a tool to get them started. Wider tape to cover openings. Tape to label wires and make reminders to do something later.

Camera (phone) for before pictures to help reassemble.

Torx bits in various sizes. Get them in socket drive and the standard hex drive inserts. These are everywhere on newer cars.

Socket drive adapters - 1/4 to 3/8. 3/8 to 1/2, Universal joints, Various length extensions.


Add your own favorites to this list.
volvolugnut

[BlackBart]

Great list, LN.

I just used my extendable magnet on a stick. I dropped a nut in the bowels of the rear body of my 850 changing taillights. I tried everything, a magnet on a coat hanger wire. Finally compressed the magnet stick small enough to turn it 90* inside the body and it dropped out of reach. Used a VERY long needle nose to grab the case, pull it up, and bend it in half. Still works, just doesn’t extend….

[volvolugnut]

Sometimes you need a magnet on a string.
volvolugnut

[volvolugnut]

I sometimes use a plastic bag over a magnet to pickup metal cuttings. When finished, pull the bag inside out off the magnet and toss it. This works on dirt and gravel where you can't just sweep.
volvolugnut

[BlackBart]

Clever!

[abscate]

I sometimes use a plastic bag over a magnet to pickup metal cuttings. When finished, pull the bag inside out off the magnet and toss it. This works on dirt and gravel where you can't just sweep.
volvolugnut

Awesome! Picking up screws nuts bolts washers too!