Besides technical knowledge and skills, you also need the right tools for your DIY mechanic projects. However, with such a wide range of mechanic tools and equipment on the market today, it can be a daunting task narrowing down your choices to the most essential, so you can find the right hand tool you need in any given category.
This article highlights and reviews the 12 best hand tools you should own as a DIY mechanic.
12 Best Hand Tools for DIY Mechanics
1. Impact Wrench: AVID POWER Cordless Impact Wrench
The AVID POWER Cordless Impact Wrench is suitable for a wide range of mechanical work, including automotive repairs, major construction, heavy equipment maintenance, and product assembly.
It is designed to deliver optimal efficiency and ease of handling. Instead of a ball-bearing system, it has a friction mechanism that tightly holds sockets in the anvils.
It is fitted with a high spec motor for optimal efficiency even when removing over-tightened nuts and bolts. It has a maximum tightening torque of 3,983 lbs and a maximum loosening torque of 4,465lbs that drives the fasteners fast.
The impact wrench has a variable speed ranging between 0-2000 RPM. You can easily adjust the speed using a speed trigger. It is also fitted with a bright LED light to illuminate dark areas when working.
It is powered by a 3.0 AH rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It comes with a fast charger that charges the unit within 1-2 hours.
The product comes as a complete package with all you need to use the impact wrench, including the cordless impact wrench, 20V max lithium-ion battery, fast charger, user manual, and 4 pcs drive impact sockets.
Pros
- Cordless
- High performance
- Variable speeds
- Fitted with a bright LED light
- Comfortable handling
- Easy to use
Cons
- Battery issues
2. Torque Wrenches: LEXIVON ½-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
The Lexivon torque wrench has a unique patented operating mechanism that constitutes a smooth-twist rotating handle for reduced effort and hand fatigue. The handle has an ergonomic design with a slick non-slip knurled grip.
It is engineered to deliver high performance, optimal reliability, and a high level of precision. It is constructed with steel with zero plastic parts. The ratchet gear head is made of hardened chrome-vanadium alloy steel. Both materials are rust and corrosion-resistant.
The torque scale is easy to read. It is written in a rich, brightly-colored text that stands out in the contrasting background. The striking yellow markings are easy to read, even in dimly-lit conditions.
The wrench comes pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy level. It is ready to use upon delivery. It is packaged in a hard-sleek case for easy storage and portability. The package also includes a calibration certificate and the operator’s manual.
Pros
- Durable
- High-performance patent mechanism
- Pre-calibrated
- Comes with a storage casing
- Easy to use
- Available in a range of sizes (1/4â€, ¾,†and 3/8â€)
Cons
- Pricey
3. Socket sets: EPAuto Store 40 – Pieces Drive Socket Set
This is an affordable, high-quality drive socket set. It includes the following:
- A 1/4inch drive
- 6-inch spinner handle
- 3/8 inch reversible ratchet
- Spin disk
- 15 SAE inch socket (1/4-inch drive)
- 13 metric socket (1/4-inch drive)
- 3 SAE inch socket (3/8-inch drive)
- 3 metric socket (3/8-inch drive)
- 3/8-inch (F) X ¼ inch (M) adapter
- 3/8-inch Drive X 3 Inch extension bar
- 1 Storage case
- 3/8 – inch 72 tooth reversible ratchet
The sockets are designed to be durable and reliable. They are made from hardened treated chrome vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V). They are chrome plated and mirror polished to ensure corrosion resistance.
The socket comes packaged in a sturdy plastic casing for easy storage. The set includes both metric and English sizes. The set is also available as a 45-piece set, 69-piece set, 46-piece set, and 122-piece set.
Pros
- High-quality sockets
- Affordably-priced
- Includes 3/8†reversible 72-teeth ratchet
- Comes with spinner handle
Cons
- Poor quality case
- Not suitable for heavy-duty work
4. Ratchets: GearWrench Tools 4 Piece Ratchet Set
This GearWrench Tools 4 Piece Ratchet Set consists of the following:
- ¼†ratchet
- 3/8†ratchet
- ½†ratchet
- 84-tooth flex head teardrop
All the ratchets in this GearWrench Tools set have a well-thought-through design for enhanced durability and performance. They are made of alloy steel with a full chrome finish, which is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. They are precisely engineered with high strength pawl for durability.
For easy operation and high performance, each ratchet has an 84 tooth gear that provides tight turns, and a 4.3 degrees swing arc even in tight areas. The head has a teardrop, low-profile. It has a flush-mounted on/off switch to facilitate access to tight corners.
Pros
- Precision engineered
- Can be used in tight spaces
- Also available as 2-piece and 3-piece sets
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Some people received defective products
5. Wire Stripper: IRWIN Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool
This wire stripper doubles as a wire cuter too. The cutting edge induction hardened to ensure that it stays sharp for long. It strips and cuts 10-22 AWG wires. It has a pliers-style nose for easy pulling and looping in the wire. It crimps both insulated and non-insulated terminals.
Pros
- High-quality build
- Two-in one wire stripper and cutter
- Works also as a crimper
- Retains sharpness for long
- Meets all ANSI standards
Cons
- Not suitable for cutting screws
6. Breaker Bar:  NEIKO 00206A ½-INCH Drive Premium Breaker Bar
This heavy-duty breaker bar is great for accessing hard-to-reach spots when fasteners such as car tires and bolts are removed. It can also be used as a lug-nut wrench. It is suitable for both light and heavy-duty projects.
The 1/2 –inch drive breaker bar has an adjustable 24-inch long handle that enables you to leverage your reach. It also amplifies torque for loosening even the tightest nuts and bolts. The cheater bar’s head is 180 degrees flexible so that you can reach any space from any angle.
This breaker bar is built to enhance versatility and durability. It is made with a hardened chrome-moly drive head, while the drop-forged and heat-treated with chrome vanadium. The handle is grooved for a comfortable grip.
The breaker bar head has a unique spring-loaded ball-bearing design to secure the sockets and provide a precise fit. This design makes it possible to loosen and break stuck or rusted parts without damaging the vehicle or machinery.
Pros
- Available in 15â€, 18â€, and 24†handle length
- Suitable for heavy-duty work
- Doubles up as lug nut wrench
- Can be used in tight corners from different angles
- Adjustable handle
- Optimizes torque
Cons
- Some people reported that the breaker bar broke within a few uses.
7. Digital Multimeter: KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter
This digital multimeter is suitable for a wide range of applications, including testing temperature, capacitance, wire on-off, test-diodes, continuity, and frequency, among others. It measures up to 10 AC/DC, 600V AC/DC voltage, and 60 Mohms resistance.
It is easy to operate with a switch dial to your preferred function. The in-built LED light on the jacks illuminates accordingly. The large 2.9†LCD backlight display makes it easy to read the calibrated digits. It has an auto-ranging feature to do not have to worry about pre-determining that value range.
The unit is multi-functional. It has inbuilt features such as non-contact voltage testing, live function with light and sound alarm, low battery prompt, data retention, and auto power on and off. It has a stable kickstand and a flashlight at the back. It also has a Min/Max/Average feature to record signal fluctuation.
The multimeter is designed to optimize safety. It is RoHS certified, IEC rated CAT III 1000V, CAT IV 600V, and CE certified. It is also fitted with an anti-burn double ceramic fuse and thermistor protection circuit. Its silicone protective casing prevents it from getting damaged if it falls.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Wide range of applications
- Multi-tool
- Prioritizes safety
- Accurate
- Great value for money
- Comes with a 36-months after-sale service
Cons
- Some people received defective units
8. Hook and Pick Set: TEKTON Mini Pick and Hook Set
The set consists of the following:
- A full hook
- A 45-degree pick
- A 90-degree pick
- A straight pick
All pieces have ultra-thin tips for precision when probing, piercing, pulling, and positioning small parts into tight spaces. The handle is soft-textured to provide a comfortable non-slip grip. A section of the shafts is knurled to provide extra fingertip control and maneuverability.
The shafts are made of hardened deep steel that resists bending even under intense pressure. They are heat-treated for corrosion and rust resistance.
Pros
- Suitable for assembly and repair work
- Can be used in tight spaces
- Offer precision
- Ergonomic handle and shaft
- Can withstand stress without bending
- Affordable
Cons
- Some people find them smaller than anticipated
9. Hex Key Set: HORUSDY 30-Piece Hex Key Set
The HORUSDY Key Set consists of 30-pieces of Allen keys for all hexagon socket screws. The set consists of 15 long reach keys and 15 high leverage short keys. The keys are labeled in both metric and inch measurements. They are made of heat-treated steel with a black-oxide finish. The sizes are marked visibly on each wrench.
They come packed in a sturdy carrying case for easy size selection, organization, storage, and portability.
Pros
- Affordable
- A collection of both long reach and short keys
- Easy to organize and retrieve
- Offers high leverage on stubborn fixings
Cons
- Not durable
10. Hammer – C&T 6-Piece Hammer Set
A simple hammer is one of the most basic tools any DIY mechanic should have. Not sure what hammer to purchase? Why not try this 6-piece hammer set. It includes every hammer you want to have in your tool arsenal.
A ball peen hammer is used mostly for metal fabrication and when you need to make more precise blows. A rubber or soft blow mallet can be used to throw a blow without damaging the surface you are hitting.
This particular hammer kit comes with a ball peen hammer, rubber mallet, dead blow hammer, claw hammer, sledgehammer, and cross peen hammer. They all feature shock absorption handles and are forged and polished from heat-treated high carbon steel, so they are rust and corrosion-resistant.
Pros
- Includes every kind of hammer a DIY mechanic may need
- Rubber handles reduce vibrations and enhances control as you work
- High-quality construction
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
Cons
- More expensive kit that a starting DIY mechanic may not want to invest in right away
11. Screwdriver Kit – OMETOOLS Screwdriver Kit
A good screwdriver set is necessary for any beginner DIY mechanic looking to build his toolkit. A screwdriver is used to insert and remove screws and can even work as a pry bar when needed.
When looking at screwdriver sets, find those with a variety of handle lengths and sizes and those with both straight and Phillips screwdrivers like the one we will review below.
This screwdriver kit by OEMTOOLS is an 8-piece set with slotted flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, perfect for any auto mechanic, technician, or homeowner. They are durable and comfortable to use.
They are made with unique alloy steel that has been heat-treated for additional strength and durability. The handles are also ergonomically designed.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Comes in a convenient foam organizing tray
- Offers a good grip
- Comfortable and ergonomic design
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a #3 Phillips screwdriver
- Some users reported that some handles were warped
12. Combination Wrench – GearWrench Combination Wrench Set
While we have already listed an assortment of wrench options, we also wanted to introduce the combination wrench. A combination wrench is often considered the standard choice for a mechanic’s toolbox. They offer greater versatility and allow you to reach harder-to-reach spaces.
This GearWrench Tools combination wrench set is a 13-piece set that meets or exceeds ASME and ANSI specifications. With the wrench set comes a rack for storage and organization.
The wrenches in this wrench set have a 5° swing arc and 72 teeth, allowing for tighter turns. The pass-through design works on long bolts, off corner loading, reduces fastener rounding, and is chrome-plated for corrosion resistance.
Pros
- Available in standard and flex
- Kit includes everything you need to get started as a DIY mechanic
- Comes with a storage rack to keep everything together and organized
- Full polish chrome finish resists corrosion and makes wiping the tools down easier
Cons
- Some feel that the quality of the chrome finish could be better
Conclusion
There you have it. If you want to put together a toolkit with quality hand tools for your DIY projects as a mechanic, the above 12 hand tool options are absolute must-haves. If you are looking to extend your tool collection quality hand tools that are only for mechanics, then you may want to consider adding in some specialty tools, hand saws, and different drill bits to cover all your bases.
