Having the right tools for the job is critical for efficient diagnosis and repair as an automotive technician. In this short article, we'll go over five of our absolute favorite tools that'll make your job easier without breaking the bank. From saving time and frustration to making everyday jobs quicker and more efficient, we'll go over why each of these needs to find its way to your toolbox.
Our Favorite Budget Automotive Technician Tools
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Lisle 55000 Wire Holder For Soldering
This might be our absolute favorite tool, and it'll be yours too if you find yourself doing a lot of wiring repairs. Ever find yourself wishing you had an extra hand or two when soldering? Well here they are! This simple but awesome little gadget consists of a magnetic base and two arms with alligator clips. Attach it to any metal surface and grab your wire ends with the clips to keep your hands free to make a perfect solder every time. Not to mention its usually less than $15.
GEARWRENCH Extra Long 120 Tooth 3/8" Drive Ratchet
The ratchet you never knew you needed. Your other 3/8" drive ratchets will collect dust in your box because you won't want to put this one away. The extra leverage from the long handle and the precision of additional teeth compared to 1/2" drive ratchets is the perfect formula for those tight bolts that shorter ratchets can't handle but don't call for the 1/2" breaker bar. Not to mention fewer busted knuckles; we're willing to bet your other 3/8" ratchets have a ding or two from being thrown at the wall because of this.
Lang Ratcheting Brake Caliper Press
If you didn't know this one existed, you're welcome. Put the C-clamps and giant channel locks away because there's a much easier and better way to compress brake caliper pistons, and its this guy right here. Just pop in brake caliper, ratchet away and watch it change your life. Oh, and don't let anyone borrow it because you probably won't get it back. If you do a lot of brake jobs, it might be the best 50 bucks you ever spend on a tool.
Universal Wheel Hub Breaker
This one's for the rust belt folks. Ever toiled away endlessly trying break a wheel hub loose from a knuckle? We sure have, and its not fun. Well, that is until we discovered this thing, which is both easy and fun to use. Plus, it looks silly and is perfect for shop shenanigans. Simply secure it to the wheel studs and get the whole shop to line up to take turns whacking it with a big dead blow and before you know it your hub will be out and the Thor of the shop declared.
Lisle 64970 Parasitic Draw Testing Tool
For our electrical sleuths out there, this nifty tool is perfect for making parasitic draw testing a little easier. Not only does it provide a quick way to switch the flow of current to and from your meter without interrupting the connection, it connects directly to your meter, has fuses to protect it, and secondary connection points for your meter leads for voltage testing without losing the battery cable amperage connection and having to start all over.
Well there you have it; five of our favorite tools for automotive technicians that are guaranteed to make your job easier at prices that don't exist on most tool trucks. For additional tool lists, recommendations, and favorites, check out the Tool Hub!
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