Basic Tools Required To Set Up An Auto Service Workshop

An auto-service workshop requires that there are basic tools available for it to perform its function, otherwise, it won’t be called an auto-service workshop. Amongst Nigerians, an auto-service workshop is popularly called mechanic’s workshop; and it’s the go-to place for repair, maintenance, or diagnosis of car-related issues.

Anyone who has gone through the required training needed to repair and service a car can decide to set up his/her auto-service workshop. It’s a profitable business as there are lots of cars on the road in need of repair and maintenance; hence you won’t run at a loss if you start one. But hey, no one will want to bring their car to your workshop if they realize you don’t have the necessary tools to carry out auto-related repair or service. This is the essence of this article; make sure you read the end to find out basic tools every mechanic must have to set up an auto service workshop.

Wrench Set

There is hardly any automotive job you will want to do that doesn’t require a wrench. Without a wrench, you won’t be able to loosen or tighten those nuts and bolts that keep in place many of the mechanic parts of a car. It wouldn’t be ok to have just one or two wrenches, it’s best to buy a set; this way you have different sizes of wrench available to meet whatever auto service demand that is brought to you.

Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers come in different sizes and types depending on the size of the screw head. This tool is a must-have in any auto service workshop. A screwdriver is a handy tool that makes it easy for you to lose and tighten screws Flat and Phillips are the most common types of screws, but there are other types too. It’s best to get high-quality screwdrivers of different types and sizes in your auto service workshop. You will definitely need one when carrying out auto repairs or maintenance.

Pliers

Pliers are another handy tool to have in an auto service workshop. You can either buy a full set or get a standard pair of pliers. Pliers perform diverse functions during automotive servicing- starting from loosening tight bolts to strip wires apart- this makes it a very important tool to have in your workshop. When buying your pliers, ensure to buy high-quality ones, this might be a bit expensive, but they will last longer.

Car Jacks

An auto service workshop isn’t complete without having one or two or even more car Jacks. This is because, being a mechanic, it’s nearly impossible that you won’t have jobs that would require you to get under the car. With a car jack, you can conveniently lift up the car to a desired height above the ground to make it easy for you to work underneath. There are different kinds of car jacks you will find in the market, however, the general rule is to buy the ones that are strong and sturdy- such that they can lift any model or brand of the car brought to your workshop.

Jack Stands

Once the car has been lifted with a car jack, a jack stand is needed to keep the car lifted so that you can do your job. Tasks ranging from work on tires, brakes, gas tanks and other parts situated below the car, will necessitate that a jack stand keeps the car lifted. For a small professional auto service workshop, having at least 3-4 jack stands is good. However, depending on your budget, you can start with having two jack stands.

Air Compressor

Air compressor is another must-have basic tool in an auto service workshop. This tool has a variety of functions it can perform in an auto workshop such as inflating tires which is the commonest use. It’s advisable to buy a portable air compressor, especially if you intend to run a small workshop, this makes it easier to move around.

Headlamp

When you are working in the dark, or perhaps underneath the car, you will need light to see clearly the parts of the car you are working with. This is where a headlight comes in. While a flashlight could be used, it will keep one of your hands busy. Using a headlamp gives you the much-needed light while keeping both your hands-free to do the task at hand. Every auto service workshop should have at least one headlamp available.

Multimeter Or Multitester

A car is made up of both mechanical and electrical parts. Hence, your tool kits in your workshop should have tools that can meet mechanic needs as well as electrical needs. A multitester is needed for various electrical works on a car. It helps to find out the electricity flow and identify dangerous hot wires. A multitester can also read the current, voltage, and resistance values on a given auto device. Both analog and digital models of multitester are available, ensure to buy quality ones that you find comfortable to work with.

Jump Starter

Quite a lot of auto repair and maintenance requires you to deal with a dead battery. To save you the stress of jump-starting a vehicle, using a jump starter will easily help you reawaken a dead battery. When buying your jump starter, ensure it is portable and it has long wire cables.

Ratchet And Socket Set

Another basic tool to have in your auto service workshop is a ratchet and socket set. Your socket set should include standard and metric sizes and 3/8-inch, 1/4-inch, and even 1/2-inch drivers and sockets. Ratchets come in three different sizes – small (1/4 inch), medium (3/8 inch), and large (1/2 inch); they help you work with bolts in tight places as well as awkward angles.

Battery Carrier

Battery carriers are used to lift up a car battery from its compartment within a car and carry it to anywhere required for you to work on it. Batteries can be very helpful or even hot (especially if the car has been in use); so using a battery carrier is an easier and safer means to handle car batteries.

Brake Cleaner Spray

Certain challenges that worry the brakes of an Automobile are simply because of dirt and grease accumulated in the brakes. When cars with this challenge walk into your workshop, having a brake cleaner spray will make it easy for you to get the job done. As the name implies, a brake cleaner spray helps you clean off dirt, grease, or stains around the brakes.