This workshop assumes you have everything in the Weekend-DIY’er workshop.
So I won’t list things like a hammer or a measuring tape because I’m assuming you have those already.
This list will consist of more specific tools that will be useful for someone who is getting into at home car maintenance.
Trying to set up a workshop to work on cars can get a little intimidating.
A lot of mechanic workshops are filled with large tool chests, tons of tools, and shelves lined with car manuals and various jugs of oil or coolant.
This can be a concern for someone who is just getting into working on cars, because they might think all of this stuff is necessary.
In a way, they’re right! It is necessary, but it’s really only necessary for professional auto mechanics who work on hundreds of cars.
For most people, at home car maintenance is a way they can save themselves money and explore an amazing hobby.
The kind of workshop they need is a lot smaller than a professional mechanic’s workshop.
So here is the list of things you will need to be ready to tackle most car work in your own garage.
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Tools
Ratchet & Socket Set (Metric) with Extensions & U-Joint Adapter
Probably the most used tool for a mechanic is a ratchet and socket set.
There are a lot of parts held on your car that can only be taken off via a socket, so investing in a great set is very important for the at home hobbyist.
One thing to note. There are many cheap socket sets that may seem like a great deal.
Before buying any socket set, make sure it doesn’t skip a size.
If you don’t have a 16mm socket because the set you bought skips from 15mm to 17mm chances are you will find yourself needing that 16mm a lot.
For beginner mechanics the size range I would recommend you have is from 8mm to 22mm
If you are serious about being a mechanic then invest in a quality set.
This set from Milwaukee is my personal favorite.
It has a removable tray so you can go from storing your sockets in the carrying case to storing them in a tool chest while keeping everything organized.
The sockets are also squared off on one end to help prevent your sockets from rolling away from you and into an engine bay or under your workbench.
Quality Car Jack
A quick car jack can make your life a whole lot easier, and is in my view an absolute must have for any mechanic.
The car jack that comes with your car is fine for when you need to change the occasional flat tire.
But if you want to lift your car up more than once a year, I would recommend upgrading to something that does it in seconds rather than minutes.
You don’t have to go out and buy the most expensive jack in the world, just find something that works and works reliably.
Steel Jack Stands & Tire Block
After you’ve gotten a quality jack stand to lift your car, you will need some strong jack stands to keep your car lifted.
The second part is very important.
They make strong aluminum stands, but steel is cheaper and will work just as well.
In addition to your jack stands, you will also want a tire block.
Tire blocks are very cheap and help your car from rolling when lifted on your jack stands.
Chain Hoist
For at home mechanics who want to do serious work on their cars I would strongly recommend getting a chain hoist.
This will help you when you take the leap from changing your oil at home to changing your engine at home.
Chain hoists are fairly inexpensive and extremely useful when you need to hold up something heavy like an engine or transmission.
What’s even better is that they take up less space in your garage then dedicated engine hoists, and can’t be tipped over like engine hoists.
Breaker Bar
Another essential tool for an at home garage mechanic is a breaker bar.
This will help you get tight bolts unstuck and save your wallet from the swear jar.
Full Wrench Set
Sometimes a socket wrench will be too big to reach a tucked-away bolt.
In that case you’ll need a wrench.
Like with the ratchet & socket set you’ll want to get a full set that doesn’t skip any sizes and is measured in metric.
You don’t have to break the bank with wrench sets either.
Even cheap sets can come with lifetime guarantees, so if you break it you can get it replaced for free.
Quality OBD2 Scanner
Any modern car you work on will have a computer in it.
To get error codes from that computer to know what needs to be fixed, you’ll need to get an OBD2 Scanner.
There are many different scanners in different price ranges.
I would say to get a mid-tier scanner. Not the absolute cheapest out there, but also not the most expensive.
Large Flathead Screwdriver
Sometimes you just need a little more leverage to pry something apart.
A large flathead screwdriver works great for prying.
I’ve used one with great success when I changed the disc brakes on my car.
There are plenty of jobs you wouldn’t think you’d need to pry something loose, but you will and that’s where a flathead comes in.
Set of Pliers
Pliers are extremely useful and you will need a few different kinds.
You’ll need at least a pair of needle nose pliers, and a pair of vice grip pliers.
Needle nose pliers can help you with smaller things like holding onto wires in your car.
Vice grips can help you keep a bolt from spinning endlessly, and sometimes act as another pair of hands.
Multimeter
Speaking of wires in your car.
In order to do most electrical jobs, you will need a multimeter.
Sometimes you’ll need to check if a current is running to certain wires.
Other times you’ll need to check if your battery still has a charge.
In either case, you’ll need a multimeter handy.
Organization
Quality Tool Box
The last important thing that every at home mechanic needs is a good quality tool box.
Organization makes the work more enjoyable.
Keeping all the tools you need in one spot is great for when you need them all at once, and for when you need to put them all away.
Some of the items on the list won’t fit in a tool box, but a lot of them will and you’ll be glad to have them all where you need them when you need them.
