A Comprehensive Guide to Having the Right Tool for the Job: Part 1

Sure, that time you stacked a few coins together to bring your box wrench down a size or two was clever. But let’s face it, not having the right tool for the job is one of the most frustrating and time-consuming obstacles in the garage. We all like to save money—especially when it involves part-time activities. But, really, is there any investment as rewarding as outfitting your shop with the right equipment?

Fact: there will be plenty of times when you’ll be forced to work with what you have. And yes, rigging things up like MacGyver or beating your way through a job with nothing but a hammer can feel very, very rewarding.

However, doing so can also be a colossal waste of time and flat-out harmful to the equipment—or car—you’re working on. So, you want to make sure that, at the very least, you have a basic toolbox set up with tried-and-true hand tools and access to (or possession of) some specialty tools.

Below, we’ve broken down what we feel are the most useful tools to keep in your arsenal. We’ve also highlighted some specific brands you should consider when shopping.

Be sure to check out Part 2, where we cover which specialty tools are worth factoring into your budget, as well as some A-list brands.

The Basics: Hand Tools

First and foremost: when starting your collection, you need hand tools. By this, I mean hand wrenches, a socket set, pliers, and some mallets. Now, you can spend thousands of dollars on top-of-the-line equipment. Line them up on the wall of your dream garage and never, EVER let anyone borrow them. But if you, like the majority of the human race, live on a budget (or only wrench on the weekends)—there’s no shame in shopping sales, deals, swap meets, and the like. Just watch out for the cheap tools that sucker you in with a super low price tag, only to leave you with busted knuckles and broken parts. And if you’re in this professionally? Well, then it’s probably worth the investment to go further up market.

Now, hand tools are hand tools and you really have a wide spectrum to choose from. But honestly, even in this department, there’s such a thing as having the right tool for the job.

Those professional brands aren’t all gimmicky marketing: they have fine-tuned qualities that make major differences.

Wrench profiles are important to keep in mind.

Essentially, you want wrenches that will actually fit into tight places. (The same goes for pliers and screwdrivers.) Trust me, it might not seem like a big deal up front, but you will be bound against the firewall, suspension parts, and the body. And if you think that auto manufacturers care about you having to work in tight spots, spoiler alert: they don’t. (In fact, I think a lot of the designers laugh at the thought of you struggling, as they draw up their concepts.)

Again, if this is the kind of work you’ll be getting into every day, consider investing in a top-tier brand, like Snap-On or Mac. As a weekend warrior, start lower on the totem pole and save yourself some money while you figure out what styles, designs, and brands work best for your needs.

High tooth count and strength are also incredibly important when it comes to ratcheting tools.

This is especially true when you think about those tight spaces. The distance of the swing during the ratcheting action being nice and tight can save you major time and aggravation. Keep in mind, with cheaper tools, the higher the tooth count, the weaker the ratchet. That means, you’ll have to do a little research before you buy.

If you’re lost on where to start, check out brand names like GreatNeck, and Milwaukee. Great quality, competitive pricing, and decades in the biz make these companies popular among gearheads. And if buying new just ain’t in the budget, or you love turning junk into gold, don’t be afraid to dig around in those rummage piles and tool bins. Just remember to keep an eye out for things like serious rust, over-worn handles, and giant wads of duct tape, as they’re all pretty good signs that the tool is past its prime. Also, look for brand names. While it’s not a guarantee you’ll get something in good working condition, it significantly increases your chances. (Plus, sometimes those manufacturer warranties still apply!)

It also doesn’t hurt to cross-reference online. Checking sites like eBay, Craig’s List, and Facebook Marketplace can give you an idea of what’s the average going rate for certain used hand tools in varying conditions.

Hammers are a pretty simple purchase, but you will want to keep a few things in mind.

First, a decent sledge is a must. There will be times when you’ll need to really pound away at things and you will not want a sledge that flies apart as you’re swinging. (Yes, it can happen. And yes, it is terrifying.)

Truthfully, a dead-blow hammer will often be a better choice than a sledge in many cases. Since it is made of polymer, it’s less likely to damage the surface you’re striking. (Think hammering out sheet metal.) And thanks to the lead shot or sand packed in the cylinder head, you get a lot of power without having to overexert yourself. There are plenty of great brand names out there—and they can vary a lot in price. An approach I find helpful for weekend wrenchers? Start with something that fits on the lower end of your budget. If you use it enough to break it, get a better one.

You’ll also want to add some soft-faced hammers to the tool box for those more careful jobs. Check out this one by Craftsman that features four interchangeable tips that can be swapped out for different surfaces.

One major thing to consider is how the tools actually feel in your hand.

No shameless plug intended, but GearWrench is a personal favorite of mine and an excellent choice of hand tools for weekend warriors. The company’s product line hits every point we’ve discussed so far, and while you’ll have to spend a little money—you certainly won’t be breaking the bank. It’s also worth mentioning that they offer complete kits that will have most of the tools you need to get started.

Get Shoppin’

Depending on what exactly it is you enjoy tackling in the garage will ultimately determine what your personal toolbox looks like. And while it’s impossible for us to run through every possible scenario or even every useful hand tool, if you keep the above-listed features in mind when you go shopping, you’ll have a good starting point and a better idea of what makes a quality tool.

Remember, building the perfect toolbox takes time (and money). What’s more, plenty of tools (like people) are going to come in and out of your life. But when you find the right one—the one that feels like an old friend—hold on tight. Treat it well and the chances are high that it’ll serve you for a long time.