Cool Tools: The Basics

New twists on old standards

Phil Coconis / autoMedia.com

For want of a nail, the kingdom was lost. Now, if you've ever experienced the automotive equivalent of this old saw (or wrench, if you prefer), then you know that for want of the right tool, a repair job can turn into a pain in the knuckles.

Necessities

To prevent you from having to learn this lesson from experience, here are some good examples of necessary service tools that every do-it-yourselfer ought to have. They are easy to acquire, relatively inexpensive, models of efficiency, simplicity, and versatility. And they'll save you time, money, aggravation, and possible physical harm, when used properly.

The Fab Five

The purpose here is to acquaint you with the tools themselves (or at least their type), and the general applications for their use. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with each tool. Although basic tool sets include some varieties of pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, and wrenches, they probably won't include the items we are featuring here. So, without any further ado, here they are:

THRU-HANDLE-SHANK SCREWDRIVER: Many of us may remember the stern lecture we received from our mechanical mentor when we attempted to strike a screwdriver with a hammer. As warned, damage could indeed be done to the screwdriver handle if we continued. Well, with this baby, you can actually strike the end—at least moderately, anyway (a screwdriver is still not a chisel, remember—).

Why would you want to do that? This technique will help with removal of an intended fastener, as well as for any lighter duties where a punch might otherwise be considered, but the shape of the screwdriver blade is just better-suited, such as for the removal of brake caliper retainer plates. There is also a hex on the striking end of the screwdriver for adding a wrench to get that little something extra, when needed. Bottom line—it's a more versatile screwdriver that you can hammer on without guilt (or a lecture).