Learn which tools you need for DIY car repairs. From basic hand tools to specialty equipment, this guide helps beginners build the perfect toolkit.
Ever stared at your car making that weird noise and wondered if you could fix it yourself? You’re not alone.
Many car owners feel intimidated by the thought of diving under the hood, but here’s the thing—most basic repairs are totally doable with the right tools and a bit of know-how.
The tools you need to perform DIY car repairs don’t have to break the bank or fill an entire garage. With some smart choices and a gradual build-up of your toolkit, you can tackle everything from oil changes to brake pad replacements.
Build your ideal inventory at home now with the help of our quick checklist below.
The Basic Toolkit: Wrenches, Sockets, and Screwdrivers
Here’s where most DIY mechanics start, and honestly, these tools will handle about 80% of what you’ll encounter.
A good socket set is your best friend. Look for both metric and standard sizes—you never know what your car will throw at you.
A 3/8-inch drive set covers most jobs, though a 1/4-inch set is handy for smaller bolts in tight spaces.
Combination wrenches (open on one end, box on the other) give you flexibility when sockets won’t fit. Start with sizes 8mm through 19mm for metric, or 5/16″ through 3/4″ for standard.
Screwdrivers seem basic, but quality matters here. Get both Phillips and flathead in various sizes. Magnetic tips are a lifesaver when you drop screws into hard-to-reach places.
Electrical Work: Multimeters and Wire Tools
Electrical problems used to mean an automatic trip to the shop, but with the right tools, many fixes are straightforward.
A basic digital multimeter with voltage, resistance, and continuity testing will handle most car electrical work.
Wire strippers and crimpers help you make clean, reliable electrical connections. Cheap ones are frustrating and create poor connections that’ll fail down the road.
Electrical tape and heat shrink tubing protect your connections from moisture and vibration. One of the top benefits of heat shrinkwire connectors is their mechanical strength, but electrical tape works fine for temporary fixes, too.
A test light is quicker than a multimeter for simple “power or no power” checks.
Organization: Keeping It All Together
Some of the best tools you will need to perform DIY car repairs aren’t tools you will use on the vehicles. For example, organizational systems are absolutely necessary for your supplies.
Having the right tools doesn’t help if you can’t find them when you need them.
A rolling tool cart keeps everything organized and mobile. Look for one with multiple drawers and a work surface on top. It’ll become your mobile command center.
Socket organizers prevent the frustration of hunting through a jumbled pile of sockets.
Whether you prefer rail-style or tray-style organizers, anything beats digging through a drawer. Small parts containers with multiple compartments help organize bolts, washers, and other small hardware during repairs
Nothing’s worse than losing a critical bolt halfway through a job.
Take the leap and transform your relationship with your vehicle today! Whether it’s changing a simple air filter or tackling a more challenging repair, every effort brings you closer to mastering your skills and saving time and money in the long run.