For many of us, doing our own mechanical repair work is often driven by a money saving instinct. Sure, we also get as a sense of accomplishment from doing the job ourselves. But mostly we like the cost savings more than the sore body and dirty hands that come with it.
Over the years, we’ve spent a lot of time around shop tools and equipment. Of all the ones we’ve used, the following five tools are our favorite all-around workhorses in a home garage. Used correctly, they can save DIY mechanics serious money by enabling safer, more accurate, and professional-grade work.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check out how each one helps you cut costs and get more done at home.
Bench Vise
We say it a lot around here: a good bench vise is the cornerstone of a great workshop. They work great as a ‘third hand’ to hold parts or secure work while cutting, drilling, or grinding. They also let you press in small bushings and are surprisingly good for bending (or straightening) metal. And let’s not forget using them to hold and clamp parts during welding. In short, a decent bench vise improves control and prevents damage to parts, saving you the cost of replacing them.
Hydraulic Press
A hydraulic press builds on many of the benefits of a bench vise, but adds superior strength and extra capacity. If you have projects that involve replacing bearings, bushings, or ball joints, a shop press can be invaluable. Over multiple projects, you likely pay professional shops hundreds of dollars to press in suspension, engine and driveline parts. A hydraulic press will pay for itself in a few uses, not to mention save you valuable time in the process.
Tap and Die Set
Replacing damaged original hardware can get expensive. Repairing them with a tap and die set is an age-old money saving solution. Every time you chase a crossed or corroded thread with a tap or die, you keep money in your pocket. And don’t forget, a full set of taps and dies also lets you create threads in new parts.
Air Compressor
The addition of an air compressor to your shop isn’t necessarily a money saver by itself. However, it opens the door to a world of options that save you both time and money. Whether it’s running powerful air tools like impact wrenches, or the simple convenience of filling tires at home, a compressor is invaluable. Beyond removing stubborn bolts, they’re also great at cleaning filters or painting panels without outsourcing. And unlike expensive power tools, there are no batteries to recharge or replace.
Torque Wrench
If you’ve ever snapped a difficult-to-reach bolt by overtightening it, you understand the true value of a torque wrench. In fact, some of the most expensive hardware for engines, brakes, wheels, suspension, and drivetrain requires precise torque application. Torque wrenches are cheap insurance against stripped threads or snapped bolts from over-tightening. Or, just as dangerously, failure from under-tightening.