Different types of power tools are used to work on cars. They are necessary for any mechanic’s toolbox. In the right hands, these tools deliver powerful and precise results.
Power tools for cars can measure and adjust different aspects of the car from the inside out. They can also be used to work on the outside of the car.
There are many different types of power tools for cars, each with its own specific purpose. Here are some of the most popular types:
1. Torque Wrenches
Torque wrenches are used to tighten or loosen bolts and nuts. They can be used to assemble or disassemble parts. They deliver a precise level of torque, so they are perfect for working on delicate parts.
2. Impact Drivers
Impact drivers are used to drive screws and nails. They deliver a high level of torque, making them ideal for working with tougher materials.
3. Air Wrench
One of the most common tools is the air wrench. It uses compressed air to turn a socket on a fastener. This tool is perfect for removing lug nuts on a tire.
4. Power Drill
Another type of power tool is the drill. It can be used for drilling holes in various materials, including metal and plastic. For car work, it can be used to install screws and bolts.
5. Buffing and polishing machines
These machines are used to buff and polish the surface of a car. They can be used to remove scratches, swirl marks, and other imperfections.
6. Air compressor
An air compressor is a necessity for any garage. It powers many different types of tools, including impact drivers and air wrenches. It can also be used to inflate tires.
7. Spray guns
Spray guns are used to apply paint, primer, and other finishes to a car’s surface. They can be used for touch-ups or full paint jobs.
8. Wheel balancer
A wheel balancer is used to balance the wheels of a car. This ensures that the car rides smoothly and evenly. It also helps to extend the life of the tires.
9. Tire changer
A tire changer is used to change the tires on a car. This tool is necessary for any garage or auto shop. It can be used to change both regular and racing tires.
10. Battery charger
A battery charger is used to charge the battery of a car. This tool is essential for keeping a car’s battery in good condition. It can also be used to jump-start a dead battery.
11. Plasma cutter
A plasma cutter is a tool that uses plasma to cut through metal. It is perfect for cutting through thicker pieces of metal.
12. Floor jack
A floor jack is used to lift a car off the ground. It is necessary for many different types of repairs and maintenance tasks.
13. Engine crane
An engine crane is used to remove and install engines. It is a powerful tool that can lift heavy engines with ease.
14. Mechanics’ creepers
Mechanics’ creepers are used to crawl under cars. They are perfect for performing maintenance tasks and making repairs.
15. Portable generators
Portable generators are used to power tools when there is no electricity available. They are perfect for use in remote areas or during power outages.
16. Porta-Powers
Porta-powers are used to lift and hold parts in place while they are being worked on. They can be used with a variety of tools, including power drills and air wrenches.
17. Lifts
Lifts are used to raise cars off the ground so that they can be worked on more easily. There are both hydraulic and mechanical lifts available.
18. Car ramps
Car ramps are used to provide access to the underside of a car. They are perfect for performing repairs and maintenance tasks.
19. Jumpstarters
Jumpstarters are used to start a car when the battery is dead. They are essential for any garage or auto shop.
20. Pressure Washers
Pressure washers are used to clean the surface of a car. They can be used to remove dirt, mud, and grime.
21. Winch
A winch is used to pull cars or other objects out of difficult situations. It is a powerful tool that can be used for many different applications.
22. Lug Wrench
A lug wrench is used to loosen and tighten lug nuts. It is for changing tires.
23. Socket Set
A socket set is used to remove and install screws and bolts. It is a necessary tool for many different types of repairs.
24. Paint Gun
A paint gun is used to apply paint, primer, and other finishes to a car’s surface. It can be used for touch-ups or full paint jobs.
25. Screwdriver Set
A screwdriver set is used to remove and install screws and bolts. Electric versions provide speed and reliability.
26. Electric Chisel
An electric chisel is used to remove paint, primer, and other finishes from a car’s surface. It can be used for touch-ups or full paint jobs.
27. Hammer
A hammer is used to drive nails and screws into a car’s surface. For cars, an electric hammer can be accurate and powerful.
28. Sawzall
A sawzall is used to cut through metal, plastic, and wood. With cars, it is used to cut through the metal frame.
29. Tire Iron
A tire iron is used to remove and install tires. Garages need a reliable tire iron to change tires quickly and easily.
30. Jigsaw
A jigsaw is used to cut through metal, plastic, and wood. It is a versatile tool that can be used for many different applications
31. Polisher
A polisher is used to polish the surface of a car. It can be used to remove scratches, swirl marks, and other imperfections.
32. Cordless Drills
Cordless drills are used to drill holes in a car. They are perfect for use in tight spaces.
33. Air Hammers
An air hammer is used to break loose bolts and screws. It is a powerful tool that can be used for many different applications.
34. Air Ratchet
An air ratchet is used to loosen and tighten bolts. It is a useful tool for many different types of repairs.
35. Shop Vacuum
A shop vacuum is used to clean up debris and particles. It is perfect for use in a garage or auto shop.
36. Brake Lathe
A brake lathe is used to resurface brake drums and discs. This helps them to work better and extends their usage. It is a very important tool in any automotive workshop.
37. Coolant System Tester
A coolant system tester is used to test the coolant levels in a car. It is important to keep the coolant levels in a car topped off, as this can prevent the engine from overheating.
A coolant system tester can be used to test the levels of coolant in a car’s radiator, as well as the levels of antifreeze in the engine.
38. Ignition System Tester
An ignition system tester is used to test the ignition system in a car. It is a necessary tool for diagnosing problems with the car’s engine. There are many different types of ignition system testers, but they all do the same job: testing the igniter, spark plugs, and distributor.
39. Wheel Alignment Machine
A wheel alignment machine is used to align the wheels of a car. Wheel alignment means the car drives smoothly, tires wear evenly, and keeps drivers safe on the road. There are many different types of wheel alignment machines, but all work in basically the same way.
The first type of machine is a three-wheel alignment machine. This machine uses three sensors to measure the angles of the wheels. It can be used for both front and rear wheel alignment.
The second type of machine is a four-wheel alignment machine. This machine uses four sensors to measure the angles of the wheels. It is more accurate than a three-wheel alignment machine, but it can be more expensive.
The third type of machine is a computerized wheel alignment machine. This machine uses sensors and computers to measure the angles of the wheels. It is the most accurate type of machine
40. Brake Bleeder Kit
A brake bleeder kit is used to bleed the brakes of a car. This is done for many different reasons, but the most common reason is to remove air from the brake line.
This can be done manually or with a machine, but it is usually best to do it with a machine. The kit consists of a master cylinder, which contains the fluid that will be used to bleed the brakes, and a brake bleeder valve.
The brake bleeder valve is attached to the brake line and is used to release the fluid from the master cylinder.
41. Circuit Tester
A circuit tester is used to test electrical circuits. It is a necessary tool for diagnosing problems with a car’s electrical system. A circuit tester has two metal probes that are inserted into the open ends of a connector.
When the tester is turned on, it will create a circuit through the probes. If there is current flowing through the circuit, the tester will light up or make a sound. A circuit tester can also be used to test for voltage.
By touching the probes to different points in a circuit, you can determine if there is voltage present. If there is no voltage, the circuit is open and needs to be repaired.
42. Computer Diagnostic Tool
A computer diagnostic tool is used to diagnose problems with a car’s computer system. This type of tool is used to test the computer for faults and to repair any that are found.
43. Engine Stand
An engine stand is used to support an engine while it is being worked on. It is a necessary tool for auto mechanics to give them the best view of their engine.
44. Fuel Pressure Gauge
A fuel pressure gauge is used to measure the pressure of the fuel in a car’s engine. It is a useful tool for diagnosing problems with the car’s engine.
45. Jack Stands
Jack stands are used to support a car while it is being worked on. They are an essential tool for auto mechanics to keep the car stable while they work.
46. Oil Pressure Gauge
An oil pressure gauge is used to measure the pressure of the oil in a car’s engine. It is a useful tool for diagnosing problems with the car’s engine.
47. Voltmeter
A voltmeter is used to measure the voltage of an electrical circuit. It is used to test the functionality of a car’s electrical system. The voltmeter works by measuring the difference in electrical potential between two points.
48. Oxygen Sensor Tester
This is a great tool for testing the oxygen sensors on your vehicle. It can help you determine if they are working properly and if they need to be replaced.
49. Sandblaster
A sandblaster is used to remove paint and other surface contaminants from a car. The device uses a high-pressure stream of sand to blast the paint and other debris off the car. A sandblaster can also be used to etch designs into a car’s surface.
50. Corded Drills
A corded drill literally has an electric cord and is plugged into a socket. These are durable and powerful tools. The drawback of a corded drill is that you cannot move around easily with it, especially if you are working on rather smaller areas in the car.
51. Saws and Grinders
Depending on the amount of work you do on your car, you may need a saw or grinder in your garage. However, as these are powerful and quite specialized tools, they are not likely to be found in the average garage and are used routinely in cars.
They can also be used in the process of restoring parts of a car, or even a whole car. A saw may be used to cut away body parts, like doors, or to make major changes to a car.
Grinders or orbital sanders are a powerful tool to be used to scrape away stubborn things like rust on sections of a car or to smooth rough surfaces, especially if you are considering respraying your car.
You can also use a rotary brush for fast cleaning of sections of the car, or as an option for polishing. You can also use a soft-bristled attachment to remove some rust and paint.
52. Electric Carjacks
There are many times when you will need to jack your car up to work underneath, or simply to change a wheel. In this case, you can use the jack the car comes equipped with, which is likely to be a scissor jack or a bottle jack. All of these require some degree of manual effort.
You could also use a trolley jack, which is bigger than either a scissor or bottle jack and would be a feature in your garage. The lever on a trolley jack requires less manual effort because the lever is longer.
An alternative to a manually-operated jack, no matter how efficient, is an electric jack. These require no manual effort and work much quicker than other jacks. Before buying an electric jack, you must foid out how much your car weighs and make sure the jack is capable of raising that weight easily.
53. Power Lifts
Sometimes, it isn’t actually the car you need to raise, but a part of the car to be able to load something like a scooter or wheelchair.
In this case, you will need to have your car fitted with a power lift, which is a very alternative and unusual power tool to use with your car.
54. Pressure Regulator
The pressure of the air needs a pressure regulator, which is essentially a valve that sets the pressure in the compressed air system. It filters the air out and contains lubricants that make air tools last longer.
55. Blowgun
Another, rather unusual power tool, is a blowgun, which can be used for drying or cleaning equipment or parts of the engine or car.
FAQs
Why should I use power tools for a car?
The power tools allow you to fasten bolts and the like tighter and more convincingly. They also mean you can undo fasteners that have been tightened with a lot of force.
You can also work more quickly if you are using power tools and keep from exhausting yourself.
Do I need a set of screwdrivers if I have a cordless driver?
A cordless screwdriver comes with a body and a set of different heads that fit into the socket. This means that a set of screwdrivers is not necessary.
It can be an addition to your toolbox, in the case of your cordless screwdriver running out of battery power.
How can I use a power washer?
A power washer forces water through a nozzle at high pressure, so that it can dislodge dirt and grease that has become ingrained in the engine. You direct the spray of the water at the affected parts of the car.
If it is the engine, then you will need to work the nozzle around the parts of the engine.