Top 5 Tools Every DIY Mechanic Needs

So you’re looking into auto DIY and don’t know what tools you need to get started. Or maybe you’re in the middle of a job and suddenly realize you don’t know how to get that one tiny part screwed off. You’re in luck – Advance has just released a new line of DieHard hand tools, all crafted to last and ready to help you with any job.

Now while an aisle filled with shiny chrome tools is alluring, it can also be confusing. To help you figure it out, here’s a quick guide to the five basic DIY tools that will help you twist, turn and tighten the parts that keep your car moving along.  

DRIVERS

DieHard drivers may seem like ordinary screwdrivers, but they are built with specially designed magnetic tips to ensure that you get the job done right the first time. Depending on the size, location and object you need to rotate, tighten or loosen, different types of automotive projects require different types of drivers. Among your many choices, there are flathead/slotted drivers for screws with one straight slot, star and Phillips head drivers for star-shaped and cross-shaped recesses, precision drivers for small fasteners, and nut drivers for threading nuts with hollow shafts.

Many of these styles feature precision-machined magnetic tips. With comfortable thermoplastic rubber handles, DieHard drivers provide a better fit and better control Plus, they also have a corrosion-resistant coating and high-strength chrome vanadium steel construction, meaning your DieHard drivers will serve you for a lifetime.

Projects You’ll Need Them For:

WRENCHES

 

Wrenches are synonymous with automotive repair and care and are available in several styles and sizes so you can tackle everything from the most common to the most complex jobs. All DieHard wrenches are made from heat-treated chrome vanadium or carbon steel for durability, with a polished chrome finish that resists corrosion.

Whether you select ratcheting wrenches for ease and efficiency, adjustable wrenches for versatility, combination wrenches for dual functionality, offset wrenches for reaching into tight spaces, or crows foot wrenches for getting around obstacles, these quality-made tools are a great choice to get the job done right.

Projects You’ll Need Them For:

RATCHETS & SOCKETS

DieHard ratchets and sockets work together to help you loosen or tighten fasteners of all sizes quickly, easily and expertly. At the top of the ratchet handle is a square-drive connector where you click into and pop out of place the detachable socket, shaped to fit over the fastener head. Unlike the conventional wrench, where you must remove the tool from the fastener and reposition it with each turn, the ratchet mechanism lets you quickly pivot back and forth while keeping the socket on the fastener, saving time and effort. 

DieHard ratchets come with a variety of drive sizes and tooth counts, as well as features like a sealed head that resists dirt and grime, a flex head that pivots to avoid obstacles, and a quick-release button for easy socket removal. Additionally, DieHard ratchets are made of heat-treated chrome vanadium steel for durability and exceed the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard proof torque. This means that even under the highest turning force, the ratchet head will not break.

DieHard sockets are available in a wide range of sizes and lengths. Thanks to their off-corner loading design, you won't have to worry about rounding or stripping the fasteners. They are crafted from chrome vanadium steel and are built to be durable and easy to use while resisting corrosion.

Projects You’ll Need Them For:

PLIERS

Get a grip on your DIY projects with DieHard pliers. Versatile and frequently required, pliers are perfect for adjusting metal parts, cutting wires and grabbing objects in tight areas. The DieHard line includes lineman's pliers, which grip, twist, bend and cut wire, cable and small metalwork components, locking pliers for clamping things in place, long-nosed pliers for bending, re-positioning and cutting wires, and the traditional slip-joint pliers.

Many of the styles include a comfort-grip and anti-slip handle. With heat-treated chrome vanadium steel for durability and a corrosion-resistant finish, DieHard pliers excel as a multi-functional automotive tool that lasts.

Projects You’ll Need Them For:

All DieHard hand tools have a lifetime warranty, so if you need to replace or add a tool to your collection, go to your local Advance Auto Parts to check out our new selection! If you’re not sure what you need, talk to a team member who can help you complete your DIY projects by recommending the right hand tool for the job.

What are your essential DIY tools? Tell us in the comments below.

Last updated July 27, 2022

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