Automotive Tools

Only a Tool Uses the Wrong Tool:

When it comes to your automobile, there are thousands of nuts, bolts, plugs, seals, cotter pins, dowel pins, seal rings, spring washers, lock washers and—well, you get the point. And, each of these different fasteners and fixtures requires a tool of some sort to tighten, loosen, adjust or remove.

The only problem is that there are as many automotive tools as there are car parts that need ‘em, if not more. And, a common trap that most weekend warriors and driveway do-it-yourselfers have fallen into is using the wrong tool on the wrong part. Why do we do this? Many reasons: to save time, laziness, ignorance, or just because we don’t have the right tool and the job still needs to get done.

In many cases, the wrong tool isn’t so wrong that it won’t work. Using the wrong size screwdriver doesn’t always result in catastrophe. Wrenching with an adjustable wrench rather than a box wrench can work, and pliers have been used successfully to install and remove circlips. But what about a spark plug gap gauge or a Service Reset Tool? Now we’re talking about tools with no substitute.

When you need the right tool for the right job, this is the place to get them. From lug wrenches to timing gauges, AutoAnything has the tools you need and fasteners that get turned by them. Below is a quick rundown of some of the most common tools and fasteners.

Spark Plug Gap Gauge
Spark plug gap adjustment is critical to a well-tuned engine. A too narrow gap may not deliver the spark needed to successfully ignite the fuel-air mixture, and a too wide gap may not spark at all. To make sure your plugs are adjusted correctly, you need a Spark Plug Gap Gauge.

There are 3 main spark plug gap gauge designs on the market. The most common is the disc design. A small metal disk has a sloping edge carved into it that is marked with gap measurements. The edge is inserted into the electrode and rotated until it bottoms out at which point the measurement is taken and adjustments made as necessary.

The wire style Spark Plug Gap Gauge is a disc with several wire loops attached to the edge. The wire used in each loop is of precise diameter, each designed for a different gap measurement. With this Spark Plug Gap Gauge, the appropriate wire loop size is located and the gap adjusted to fit.

The easiest Spark Plug Gap Gauge to use is the key style gauge. These are a simple set of keys crafted of various thicknesses, and each key is marked with a gap measurement. The spark plug’s electrode gap is then adjusted until the key fits.

Lug Wrenches
Not just a derogatory nickname for your brother-in-law anymore, the Lug Wrench is important to any vehicle. This is the tool that’s specifically designed to remove the lug nuts that hold the wheels on—and the one tool you don’t want to be without when you get a flat.

Diagnostic Scan Tools
Mostly used by professional mechanics, the Diagnostic Scan Tool is indispensible for troubleshooting problems with modern, computerized vehicle. Most Diagnostic Scan Tools simply plug into the OBD port and deliver a trouble code that corresponds to the problem at hand.

Service Reset Tools
The handy little service reset tool does just what its name implies, it resets service lights. This baby can save you a trip to the dealership and some big bucks.

Engine Bushing Tools
Changing bushings without an engine bushing tool could eat up most of your weekend. Get one of these babies and spend some time relaxing after your repair job.

Timing Gauges
A timing gauge is really the only way to ensure proper timing after engine reassembly. If you don’t have one, you may end up facing engine re-reassembly.

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