Working on your own vehicle can save you thousands on car maintenance. However, without the proper tools in your garage, you might not be able to perform even the most basic operations. Power tools, break kits and wrenches, alongside a whole host of other tools both small and large will give you the freedom to fix almost any problem you may encounter.
What are the Absolute Basics?
Screw drivers, ratchets and wrenches are required for most basic vehicle maintenance tasks. When looking for screwdrivers, you will want at least two or three Phillips screwdrivers of various head sizes and lengths. You may want duplicates of your basic screwdrivers fitted with flat heads as well as cross heads. If you are on a budget and must choose, flat heads, while more likely to wear out, can fit into cross head screws and may pull double duty. If you don’t use screwdrivers of various lengths, you may find that a particular screw is hidden in too tight a gap for your long screwdriver, or perhaps one particular screw is just out of reach.
Ratchets are great for particularly tough bolts as they give you a lot of extra force with their long handles at a right angle to the bolt. The main area of concern when collecting a ratchet set is the diversity of sockets available. A basic set of sockets should be easy to come across, yet, particularly for vehicle maintenance, you will want a set of deep sockets as well. In addition, if you can find a variety of six-point torx bits, be sure to pick them up as they are essential for brake calipers.
A basic wrench set of twelve point wrenches is required for particularly stubborn bolts, changing tires and engine maintenance. A set of small wrenches might look handy, but, if you are on a budget, stay clear until you absolutely require a smaller size. Wrenches are perfect for jobs where reach and power are king. They don’t perform as well in cramped conditions as a screwdriver or ratchet, however.
Break Kits
Fixing your brakes is one of the most expensive tasks for a public garage to perform. Yet, in your own garage where time is less of an issue, brake maintenance can be done substantially cheaper. A brake-bleeder tank is necessary for removing break fluid so you may begin your work. It works much like a vacuum cleaner, just less expensive.
To install new brake pads, one of the most common operations, a brake spreader will be required to push back the pistons easily. Brake spring pliers are necessary for attaching return springs to drum brakes, and you will most certainly want a whole array of hammers. From the small and steel coated to large rubber mallets, every hammer has a different purpose.
Power Tools
According to Houston Overhead Garage Doors, a provider of affordable garage doors in Houston, when attaching or detaching bolts and screws intended to withstand thousands of pounds of stress in an engine, only power tools have the necessary force required. A cordless drill is your bread and butter for driving in or removing screws, it is also great for drilling in the cast iron engine block.
For larger bolts, impact wrenches with hardened steel impact sockets will be required. If you still have difficulty finding power enough for your purposes, you may want to consider purchasing compressed air tools. These tools provide far more torque than standard electric powered tools.
Good luck to you in your journey towards saving on garage fees.
This article was contributed on behalf of Houston Overhead Garage Doors, your number one choice when looking for Houston garage doors. Check out their website today and see how they can help you!
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