Automotive Tools

This section of your study unit will introduce you to some of the many different types of tools you'll use every day as an automotive technician. Auto technicians use literally thousands of different tools to perform the wide variety of repair jobs they need to complete. In addition to the standard hand and power tools you're probably familiar with, a wide variety of specialized engine repair tools are also available. The type of tools you'll use will depend on the type of vehicles and specific systems on which you work.

All skilled professionals, no matter what their trade or field, know how to use their tools properly and safely. As you gain experience in the automotive repair field, you'll learn how to do jobs faster and more efficiently. By knowing what tool to use for each task, you'll be able to get jobs done quickly, safely, and with the least amount of effort. This will allow you to keep up a fast, skillful pace all day long and, in the long run, increase your earning potential.

Automotive tools can be classified into the following categories:

• Standard Hand Tools
• Specialized Automotive Tools
• Measuring Tools
• Testing and Diagnostic Equipment

It would be impossible for us to discuss every available auto repair tool in this study unit. For this reason, we've limited our discussion to the tools that you'll use most often in your work. You've probably already used many of the standard hand tools that we'll cover. However, you may be unfamiliar with some of the specialized auto repair tools, measuring instruments, and testing instruments. Take your time to read about all the various tools and instruments and familiarize yourself with them. Later in the program, when we cover topics such as engine disassembly and rebuilding, we'll discuss the specialized automotive tools and testing instruments in much more detail.

Now, let's start with a review of standard hand tools.