“If it is not perfect, it is not YG-1” - yg carbide end mills

We researched hundreds of automotive tool options, taking into account the different types, cost and purpose. Then, we made sure to select a wide range of tools that would fill out a mechanic’s shop and allow them to work on a variety of projects. Finally, we combed through user reviews to see how real people interact with each automotive tool, only suggesting buys that are worth your time and money.

Most socket organizers lock you into a standard configuration. But Triton MagClip socket storage trays use magnets to give you maximum flexibility for organizing your automotive tools. Leave the centering pins in place to store sockets, or remove them and just let the magnets hold your socket extensions and ratchets. The trays are available individually and in sets.

The local extraction units are the key to the program. “We used to have to ship the entire drill bits to facilities around the world,” says Kangleas. “And the extraction of the cemented carbide then required a very unsafe and energy intensive process. By doing this in a safe and efficient way at the point of use we now only transport the material we need. This significantly reduces our transport emissions. We can also provide jobs on the local extraction units to people in the local communities.”

Plenty of mechanic jobs can and should be done sitting down. The Wen Rolling Mechanic Seat has four ball-bearing swivel casters and on-board storage, making it as convenient as it is comfortable to use.

When you’re working in areas like engine compartments, sometimes you just can’t get a socket into the tight spots. That’s where this Tite-Reach tool comes in handy. Slap your socket onto one end of the extension tool and attach your ratchet to the other end. Then loosen or tighten the “unreachable” bolt.

The cemented carbide recycling program is the only program of its kind in the world. It has been made possible through two major developments by Sandvik; extraction units that separate used cemented carbide inserts from the steel body of drill bits at customer sites, and a process for creating premium cemented carbide powder from the recycled material.

Seasoned mechanics can disassemble and reassemble just about anything. Know how they do it? They mark each piece as they disassemble. That’s where this inexpensive carbide-tipped scriber comes in handy. Just scratch alignment marks or numbers or whatever you need on the parts as you remove them so you won’t have to remember where they go when it’s time for reassembly.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.

Tungsten is a key component in cemented carbide and the extracted inserts are being sent to the Sandvik owned Wolfram Bergbau und Hütten AG tungsten plant in Austria. A new process is used to turn the recycled cemented carbide into powder that has the exact same premium quality as that produced from virgin material. It is then used to manufacture new inserts.

I’m a national award-winning writer and journalist specializing in outdoor trends, interior design, home decor and gardening. As a shopping editor and writer at Family Handyman, I’m well-versed in researching products and recommending the best options to suit various needs. In fact, I’ve personally tested more than 100 products, from outdoor gear and DIY gadgets to mattresses and vacuums.

“The Heleman model is the exact model I own,” says O’Donnell. “The fact that it has a light so that you can see what you are picking up makes it even more useful.”

We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices.

Decide whether it’s more practical to purchase individual tools or invest in a comprehensive set that will prove useful for future tasks. Additionally, factor in tool storage. To prevent loss or damage, ensure you have a designated space for your automotive tools. Consider investing in a tool bag or storage cabinet to maintain organization and protect your tools.

Grab hold of plug wires with pliers and you’ll almost certainly damage the boot. But the padded jaws on these boot pliers let you get a firm grip on a spark plug without tearing anything. Slide it onto the top portion of the boot near the wire and clamp down. That’ll apply force to the metal clip inside the boot. Then twist and pull—no more torn boots or wires.

If you do your own repair work on a newer vehicle, a heavy-duty floor jack with lift pump is one of the must-have automotive tools. This jack from Big Red allows you to get under low-profile vehicles for repair work. It’s made of durable, high-strength aluminum and steel, is easy to carry and has a machined, non-slip handle. It can lift a car up to 14 inches and has a load capacity of 1-1/2 tons.

This mirror and magnet set belongs in every toolbox for car, appliance and home repairs. The telescoping handles pull out to 25 inches, and the screw ends let you swap out attachments. The kit comes with two handles, two swiveling mirrors, two fixed magnet heads and one swivel magnet.

It’s a drag when you pull your ratchet and extension bar out of a tight spot only to discover that the socket is still stuck on the bolt head. That’ll never happen if you use locking extension bars. Pull back the locking ring, snap on a socket and let go—it won’t budge until you release the lock.

“A socket set or mechanics tool set is a must if you plan to maintain any engine, from your car to a leaf blower. To a mechanic, they are as essential as a hammer and nail are to a carpenter,” says O’Donnell. “Even though a good set can be reasonably expensive, they will last a long time. The set my grandfather purchased for me nearly 30 years ago is still in use today.”

This air-powered tool may look like a sea monster with tentacles, but the tentacles are actually 19 1/8-inch needles that hammer off rust, scale and dirt at 4,600 blows per minute. Move the adjustment collar forward or backward to vary the needle force and coverage area. Use it to knock rust and old paint off your car, wheelbarrow or other metal object. You’ll still have to deal with the pits from the corrosion, but at least the flakes will be gone. Wear hearing and eye protection and leather gloves, because this baby kicks up a lot of dust and debris, and it’s loud.

“My mechanic’s roller seat is the first thing I reach for when working on my motorcycle, bicycle or truck,” says O’Donnell. “The height is ideal for working on my motorcycle or bicycle on their lift or for changing the tires on my truck. Despite being close to the ground, you’re still mobile and have easy access to onboard tool storage. Honestly, it’s one of the best bang-for-your-buck automotive tools you can have in your garage.”

With engine compartments more crowded than ever, a set of flex sockets may be worth the investment in your automotive tools arsenal. They have a much shorter profile than an ordinary socket and universal joint combo. Yeah, they’re a bit pricey, but they let you remove and install bolts in really inaccessible places. What’s that worth to you?

Many electrical connectors in late-model vehicles are locked together with plastic pins and slides. Going after them with needle-nose pliers can wreck those locks. But you can easily finesse them out with a pick from this automotive hook set. They’re also good for snatching O-rings—and even hors d’oeuvres.

“A magnetic tray is one of those inexpensive tools I use constantly,” says O’Donnell. “Whether I am working on my truck, bicycle or installing a light fixture on a ladder, these little magnetic trays are like an extra hand that holds screws, bolts and washers safely and securely.”

Although the Neiko light is called an under-hood light, it’s an even better under-vehicle light. Just unsnap it from the bracket to use it from below. The strong magnets hold it in place, so you can aim the light exactly where you need it.

How many hours have you spent looking for nuts, bolts, washers and other small parts spread willy-nilly around the garage? Just drop them into this handy magnetic tray, and they’ll be there when you need them. The 4-1/4-inch cup holds a handful of parts, keeping them in place so they don’t get lost, and the cup itself sticks to any ferrous metal surface.

OK, so you already own needle-nose pliers. But have you ever noticed how your hand is always in your line of sight when you’re trying to grab small things with them? Well, so did the guys who came up with the Kiwi pliers. The angled handle lets you go after clamps, clips and retainers and still see what you’re doing.

The socket wrench is the most frequently used mechanic tool. It enables rapid and efficient tightening or loosening of nuts, bolts and various other fasteners. Make sure to invest in a high-quality socket wrench to ensure its longevity.

Sandvik and our vendors use cookies (and similar technologies) to collect and process personal data (such as device identifiers, IP addresses, and website interactions) for essential site functions, analyzing site performance, personalizing content, and delivering targeted ads. Some cookies are necessary and can’t be turned off, while others are used only if you consent. The consent-based cookies help us support Sandvik and individualize your website experience. You may accept or reject all such cookies by clicking the appropriate button below. You can also consent to cookies based on their purposes via the manage cookies link below. Visit our cookie privacy policy for more details on how we use cookies.

You are now visiting the Sandvik Group website in English. Would you like to switch to another language site with selected content translated?

Various car makes and models often require specialized tools for maintenance and repairs. For example, European cars may require different tools compared to American vehicles. Always research your car’s specific requirements before investing in tools.

“We want the inserts back,” says Dean Kangleas, VP Product Line Services at Sandvik Rock Tools Division. “And the program brings many benefits to customer too. First of all we are buying back the inserts from customers, so we are paying for them. And by separating the cemented carbide from the drill bit the steel value also increases. As we do this on site, customers can then sell the scrap steel to local scrap dealers for a premium. It’s a win-win.”

“A telescoping magnetic pickup tool is one of those automotive tools that you hope you won’t have to use too often, but when the need arises you will be glad you possessed one,” says Family Handyman editor and automotive expert Ethan O’Donnell. “Their purpose is to pick up anything magnetic that falls into your engine compartment but is too small to be picked up by hands.”

Equipping your workshop with a range of high-quality automotive tools can significantly enhance your car maintenance experience. While it’s tempting to add every tool to your cart, it’s important to refine your selection by identifying the specific tools required for your current projects. After narrowing down your list, establish a budget and opt for top-quality products known for their durability, so they last. Our curated list serves as an excellent starting point.

After years of being clamped in place, most radiator and heater hoses become welded to the pipe. If you want to reuse the hose, you can easily spend 30 minutes finessing it off so it’s still in good enough condition to reinstall. That’s where this cool hose remover tool pays off.

If you’re a beginner DIY mechanic or just starting to fill your tool cabinet, you’ll want a socket set, a wrench set, screwdrivers, pliers, an oil filter wrench, a spark plug socket set and a multimeter for diagnostics.

DeWalt, a brand known for its heavy-duty power tools, makes good quality sockets and wrenches as well. After giving them a try, we can tell you that these are no ordinary tools.

Sure, shade-tree mechanics can stand on a peach crate to work on the truck engine. But if they lean a little too far over, the crate goes flying. That won’t happen with the TireStep 4040 from Heininger, one of the most no-brainer automotive tools. It has more adjustments, a larger step and higher-quality construction than others, and it comes with its own storage pouch. Just unfold this baby, pop it over your front tire, adjust it to the right height and hop on. You can even use it on a rear wheel to secure loads to your roof rack.

Sandvik is implementing a unique cemented carbide recycling program. It will provide huge benefits to customers, local communities and the planet.

Making new inserts from recycled material significantly reduces the need to mine resources. This means that energy use is reduced by 70 percent and 64 percent less CO2 is emitted. It also means that Sandvik doesn’t have to worry about tungsten supply, a scarce and finite material.

As soon as you pick up one of these ratchets, you’ll notice that it’s heavier and has a beefier handle that fits better in your palm. The fine-tooth, 5-degree ratchet has recessed quick-release and reversing mechanisms so the head fits in tighter spots. Plus, the sockets and wrenches are laser-etched before they’re chromed instead of surface-etched afterward, like most run-of-the-mill tools. The size markings will be readable forever.

The program is currently being rolled out across all Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions customer sites around the world. Sandvik produces tens of millions of inserts every year. It has a target to buy back 90 percent of this volume from its customers. By reusing the recycled material in new tools, the company will achieve 90 percent circularity with cemented carbide.

The mechanic light provides up to 1,200 lumens of light for working, and the 202-bulb LED light is rechargeable. The internal battery runs the work light for three hours on low and six hours on high. As a bonus, it’s an excellent emergency light for the house during power failures.

A sardine can is roomy compared to your average engine compartment. Mechanics need all the help they can get trying to work in such cramped quarters. These crowfoot wrenches attach to any 3/8-inch-drive extension bar and let you remove nuts and bolts from far away. Their flare nut design is great for removing brake and power steering lines, making them essential automotive tools. Just slip the line through the opening and the wrench will encircle the flare nut to give you extra turning power.

Tighten a bolt without a torque wrench and you can do major damage. But doing it the right way can mean buying several sizes of torque wrenches. Safely torque without spending a lot of dough with this digital torque adapter. Just set the specified torque and crank away. The digital display shows the rising torque, and the LED readout and audible signal let you know when you’re done. The digital adapter fits 1/2-inch-drive sockets and comes with 3/8-inch- and 1/4-inch-drive adapters.

For some, working on cars means being able to change a tire, for which you can get away with using the jack and lug wrench that came with your vehicle. But if your mechanic skills progress beyond that, you’ll need to hit the hardware store for better automotive tools. Here’s what to stock in your garage tool kit—all available on Amazon.

Just slip the pointed end into the lip of the hose and pull the tool around the pipe. The rounded edge breaks the hose free, then use the tool to pull the hose off. This baby will save you a lot of time and at least a good 25 curse words for later use on a different repair.

“It’s good for local communities because with the extraction units we can create local jobs and it is good for the planet because by mining less tungsten and using less virgin material we use less resources and emit lower amounts of CO2. And it is good for Sandvik because it is a cost save. We can produce the same quality drill bits with a lower material cost. It is just good for everybody,” says Kangleas.