Special tools and fixtures

Having the appropriate set of necessary tools, you will be able to do the basic maintenance and repair of the car on your own. However, to perform individual work, you will definitely need a special tool. There are a number of special tools and attachments commercially available that make maintenance and repair work much easier. Below are the special tools that are desirable to have in the car.



Pic. 2.12. Hanging portable lamp used when working in poorly lit areas

Hanging portable lamp (pic. 2.12) is a great help when working under the car or in the engine compartment, as well as when working in the cabin and, as often happens, in a poorly lit garage.

The advantages of such a lamp include its anti-glare protection, oil-resistant connecting wire. The plafond of a lamp is covered with synthetic shock-resistant material. In addition, the lamp is waterproof.



Pic. 2.13. Adjustable collet wrench (1) and clamps (2), replacing in a number of works «third» hand


Adjustable collet wrench 1 (pic. 2.13), with which you can set the desired nut size for loosening, and clamps of 2 different sizes will help you in a number of jobs, for example, when fixing large parts or when there is no «third» hand.



Pic. 2.14. A small set of pullers: 1 - a puller with three grips; 2 - puller with two grips (common design); 3 - internal puller

Small puller set consisting of a three-arm puller 1 (pic. 2.14), double lever puller 2 (most commonly used) and internal puller 3. Pullers are a must-have for any auto repair shop. It is a good idea to have this tool in your garage, for example, if you want to remove a wheel hub or an axle bearing.



Pic. 2.15. Universal jack, which is a good alternative to a car jack: 1 - rubber gasket; 2 - hardwood block for weight distribution


A universal jack is better suited for repairs than a car jack. The ideal design is with a foot pedal for lifting. Pay attention that the lift with small wheels does not move under load. The most important parts for lifting the car are the hard rubber pad 1 (pic. 2.15), which protects the bottom of the car from damage, and a block of hardwood to distribute the weight. Support legs, shown in the background, will not let the car fall, and wedges are substituted under the wheels of the car to fix it.



Pic. 2.16. Special key (1) and universal key (2) for oil filter replacement

Special key 1 (pic. 2.16) and universal wrench 2 for changing the oil filter.



Pic. 2.17. Torque wrenches


Torque wrenches (pic. 2.17), which automatically begin to slip when the specified tightening torque is exceeded.



Pic. 2.18. Universal tester designed to accurately measure the control values of voltage, current or resistance in the electrical circuits of the car

Universal tester (pic. 2.18), designed to accurately measure the control values of voltage, current or resistance in the electrical circuits of the car. Experienced auto electricians do not work without it.



Pic. 2.19. Gap feeler set

Feeler set (pic. 2.19) to measure gaps. Needed to check valve clearance or measure clearances of ignition speed sensor or ABS sensors. When buying, pay attention to the fact that the set contains probes of the thickness you need.




Pic. 2.20. Charger with automatic charging current control

Charger (pic. 2.20) with automatic adjustment of the charging current is especially necessary in winter, when the car is used for short trips and a heavily loaded battery does not receive sufficient recharging from the generator.



Pic. 2.21. Electric probe (1) with clamp type «crocodile» and contact tip and pliers (2) with insulated handles that can be used to remove the insulation without damaging the wire

Electric probe 1 (pic. 2.21) with clamp type «crocodile» and a contact tip and pliers 2 with insulated handles, with which you can remove the wire insulation without damaging it.