Automotive Tools

and Equipment
Handtools
Common Wrenches
Box-End Wrench
• Box-end wrenches are the opposite of open-end wrench in that their
ends come with a closed opening that wraps around bolts or nuts.
Typically, the interior sides of the ring of these wrenches come with
ridges that are meant for use on hexagonal bolt heads.
• Usually, box-end wrenches’ ends are off-set from the handle. This
provides easier access to a nut or bolt. Another usual feature of box-
end wrenches is that they’re usually double ended typically with the
other end a size smaller.
Open-End Wrench
• As the name implies, these are the opposite of box-end wrenches
because the part that grips the nut or bolt is open. Like the box-end
wrench, the open-end wrench is also double-ended and features a
bigger or smaller sized opening at the other end.
• Unlike the box-end wrench tough, the open-end wrench doesn’t have
an off-set handle but the open ends are typically angled about 15
degrees for more range of movement in tight spaces.
Combination Wrench
• A combination wrench like the first two wrenches are double-ended
but with one end being a closed, box-end wrench, and the other is an
open-end wrench.
• Usually, both ends of a combination wrench are the same size.
Flare Wrench
• While not common in the Philippines, flare nut wrenches are similar
to a box-end nut but the part that holds bolts and nuts is not entirely
closed. It’s opening though is narrower than an open-end wrench and
it has a “jaw” which increases contact with the nut or bolt.
• In automotive repair, its commonly used to secure brake and clutch
lines as well as fuel pumps and temp sensors.
Ratcheting Box Wrench
• Is a box wrench that has a ratchet which means it has a reversing
lever. By activating that lever, the wrench can be flipped over to the
reverse direction for more leverage.
• Unlike other ratchet wrenches, the ratcheting box wrench’s socket
cannot be interchanged
Flex head socket wrench/Saltus Wrench
• Like the ratcheting box wrench, the Saltus wrench, otherwise known
as a flex head socket wrench has a permanently affixed socket to the
handle.
• The socket is linked to the handle with a rotating joint which of course
allows for access to tight, hard to reach nuts and bolts. But there are
others means to reach that stubborn bolt.
Striking face box wrench
• For hard to turn bolts, there’s the striking face box wrench, otherwise
known as the slugger wrench.
• Unlike a normal open-end wrench, this features a heavier, more
robust handle with a block end which is designed to be struck by a
hammer. This type of wrench also provides the shock to release stuck
nuts and bolts.
Socket Wrenches
Breaker Bar
• Just like the striking face box wrench, this wrench is useful for
loosening stuck bolts and nuts. Instead of force, however, the breaker
bar uses large amounts of torque from its very long handle.
• By classification, the breaker bar is a socket wrench so typically it is
business end has numerous sizes.
Socket Wrench
Socket wrenches’ feature a hollow cylinder which grabs a bolt head or
the end of a nut. Usually, socket wrenches also come as ratchet
wrenches and it generally has a built-in universal joint that can couple
into a number of other socket wrench sizes.
Ratchet Wrench
• The ratchet wrench uses a socket but what makes it particularly useful
is its one-way mechanism which allows for a continuous motion
without removing the socket to turn the wrench again.
• So instead, the motion required for turning a bolt or nut is a simpler
backward and forwards motion which is of course easier.
Speed Wrench
• Features a crank shaped handle driving a socket. Due to the handle,
working on a nut or bolt is faster due to the speed it can be turned.
• The speed wrench, however, offers less leverage than a ratchet
wrench.
Torque Wrench
• While its end usually has a socket wrench, the handle of torque
wrenches usually has a device that measures torque. This is used in
assembling parts of the car that requires precision or a pre-indicated,
set amount of torque.
• These include working on the cylinder heads, head-studs, camshafts,
brakes, and especially crankshafts.
Adjustable
Adjustable Wrench
• Resembles the open-end wrench greatly except that one side of the
jaw can be adjusted by turning a screw. This makes the adjustable
wrench able to handle different sizes of nuts and bolts.
• Due to this feature, the adjustable wrench is a crucial part of a
toolbox kit that you can carry around in your vehicle at all times
Keys and Screw drives
Screwdriver
• While there are many common screw types out there, the most
common we have in-car models available here in the Philippines are
Philips screw heads which feature a “cross” pattern, and the similar
Frearson, and the slot drive or “flat-head.”
• There are also many types of screwdrivers out there but the most
common and the cheapest is the hand-powered screwdriver
Allen Key/Allen Wrench
• This key is used to turn bolt heads with a recessed hexagonal pattern. 
• Usually, the Allen key comes in an L-shaped handle or a T-handle
which features a plastic or metal grip.
Specialty Tools
4-way lug wrench or tire spanner
A socket type wrench used to turn the lug nuts on a car’s wheel.
Strap or chain wrench
Primarily used to remove a cylindrical oil filter which we all know are
smooth surfaced and will provide minimal grip. May come with a strap
or a socket.
Impact Wrench
• This tool is a powerful tool that uses quick successions of torque to
loosen up a bolt or nut. While electric powered ones are common,
there are examples that use compressed air.
• Impact wrenches are particularly useful for removing that stubborn
nut or bolt. Take note though that these can also over-torque a nut or
bolt and will damage its threads.
Other hand-tools
Pliers
• Pliers are an essential tool for many mechanics. They’re used to hold
objects firmly while others have a cutting edge along the length of
their “jaws” which is, of course, useful for cutting wire, hoses, etc.
• Other special pliers are insulated from electricity due to their rubber
clad handles. Others come with a “slip-joint”, in other words, their
part that provides the fulcrum may be adjusted to accommodate for
larger objects
Jack
• You might be familiar with jacks as many brand-new and even used
vehicles usually come with a set of tire changing tools. If you didn’t
know, Jacks are used to elevating a motor-vehicle for better access to
its under-chassis or to raise its wheels when you need to change them.
• Usually, the jacks bundled with those utilize a hydraulic system which
one needs to pump up. Other jack types called scissor jacks to use a
screw.
Jack-Stands
• While Jacks are used to “jack-up” your car. Jack-stands are used to
keep your car up. As such, using jack-stands is the safer alternative
than just using jacks, or worse, several pieces of wood to raise your
vehicle.
• You can also place jack-stands in case your jack suddenly fails. Usually,
jack-stands have an indicated weight capacity so do check your
vehicle’s gross weight before buying a jack-stand.
Multi-Tool
• Others who own smaller cars know that space can sometimes
become a premium. As such, they will find ways to circumvent this
especially when tools are concerned. And one way they do this is
carrying around multi-tools.
• Now multi-tools, as the name says, is a tool containing other tools,
much like a Swiss-Army knife. While these are miniature versions of
the bigger, full-size counterparts, they are by no means reliable.
• Brands to note are Leatherman, which is expensive but they’ll last you
a lifetime.
Grease Gun
• Used to shoot grease into a “nipple” or a grease fitting which are
usually found in different parts of a car’s under-chassis. Typically,
amateur home mechanics will make use of a hand-powered grease
gun.
• There are however air-powered which uses air-pressure and
electrically powered ones which are more portable.
Automotive Diagnostic Tools
Another useful tool for detecting your car’s problems is an 
OBD scanner. This tool talks to the computer found inside your car. If
there are issues with your car, the OBD reader/scanner will provide you
with a summary of the problem.
Reference:

https://philkotse.com/car-maintenance/the-complete-guide-of-
automotive-tools-with-names-pictures-5741