Auto Repair

Screwholders (Auto Repair)

Screwholders are perfectly marvelous for hanging onto screws that have to fit into tiny places. Instead of hanging onto a screw with the fingers of one hand while wielding the screwdriver with your other hand, you simply fit the screw into the screwholder and use the screwholder instead of a screwdriver to tighten the screw. […]

Wrenches (Auto Repair)

Wrenches are probably the most basic tools for auto repair. You need a couple of different kinds in different sizes. There are several basic types of wrenches, some for very specialized purposes, but the following sections cover the kinds you need for most jobs. Look for sets made by well-known toolmakers, and try to buy […]

Pliers (Auto Repair)

Almost everyone has needle-nosed and slip-joint pliers (see Figure 2-13); if you rummage through the family toolbox, you’ll probably discover that you have them, too. Both types of pliers are useful for auto repair. If you have to buy pliers, the very best kind to get are combination slip-joint pliers. You can adjust these general-purpose […]

Jacks (Auto Repair)

Most new cars come with a jack to be used when changing tires. If you have a secondhand car, or if your jack has been lying around neglected, you may need to buy one. If you think that you need a new jack, you can buy the scissor type, but I suggest that you invest […]

Work Lights (Auto Repair)

Whether you plan to work on your car in your home garage, in your driveway, at the curb near your house, or in the auto shop at a local school, you’ll find that the lighting will be inadequate once you get under the hood — or under the car, if you’re that adventurous. A work […]

Jack Stands (Auto Repair)

If you plan to work under your vehicle, you also need a pair of jack stands (refer to Figure 1-2 in Chapter 1). With these, you jack up the car, place the jack stands under the car close to where the jack is, and then remove the jack so that the weight of the vehicle […]

Funnels (Auto Repair)

You use funnels to fill your radiator, add oil, and add transmission fluid to your car. Steal a large one from the kitchen, or buy one at an auto supply or hardware store. Either metal or plastic is fine. Just be sure to clean it thoroughly after each use. Some automotive funnels come with a […]

Fire Extinguishers (Auto Repair)

A fire extinguisher isn’t really a tool, but it’s a must for your vehicle. Get the 2X-pound dry chemical type. An engine fire won’t necessarily ruin your car — if you can extinguish it quickly. A gasoline leak can be ignited by a stray spark from your spark plug wires. The resulting fire looks awful, […]

Creepers (Auto Repair)

If you’re going to spend a lot of time under your vehicle, you may want a creeper, which is basically just a board with casters under it. (See Figure 2-19.) You lie on it and move around easily. Figure 2-19: A creeper makes working under your car more comfortable. If you’re good at carpentry, you […]

More Things to Carry in Your Car (Auto Repair)

You can pack your toolbox with the best tools that money can buy, but all those fancy gadgets and gizmos won’t do you any good if they’re in your garage at home when your car breaks down 30 miles from civilization. Don’t tempt fate: Keep these tools and materials onboard at all times (you probably […]

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →