Best Hand Tools For Automotive
Article by Mark Trotta
Through the years I've accumulated a lot of tools. Many of them are now 30+ years-old, and every year I keep needing and buying more tools.
Most of my hand tools are American-made, but quality tools are quality tools, regardless of where they're from. These include screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, hammers, sockets and ratchets, and many others.
This article covers the different types and brands of hand tools for automotive repair. For other restoration tools:
Read: Tools Needed For Automotive Restoration
Read: Best Automotive Air Tools
Read: Automotive Engine Build Tools
If your American car was manufactured before 1980, "standard" tools will probably suffice, no metric tools needed.
Popular Tool Brands
Most popular tool brands are no longer "lone" companies, and have become part of a larger corporate family. Every year, tool companies are buying and selling other tool companies.
Bosch owns Dremel, Vermont-American, and others. Snap-On owns Blue Point, Sioux, Williams Tools, and others. Ideal now owns S-K Tools.
Tools Made in USA
Like most countries, Americans have always had a sense of pride in owning U.S. made products. At one time, they were the leader in many industries, including automotive hand tools.
For decades, American-made tools were considered to be among the best in the world. Many European tools were also top quality, but when manufacturing costs rose, cheap inferior tools started flooding the market. Most of these were from the Pacific Rim, like China, Japan, and Taiwan.
Craftsman Tools
Once 100% USA-made, Craftsman is now a mix of U.S. and imported. They were originally an exclusive Sears brand, made by several tool manufacturers, including Danaher Tool Group, who also manufacture tools for Matco, Allen, K-D Tools and GearWrench. Their hand tools have always had a hassle-free replacement warranty.
In 2010, Sears sold off Craftsman tools to the Black and Decker group.
Stanley Works/Black & Decker
Stanley Works merged with Black and Decker in 2010, and is now called Stanley/Black and Decker. Their home base is New Britain, Connecticut, and they are a Fortune 500 American company. The company also includes Porter Cable and Dewalt.
Chances are you already have some basic hand tools. These should include:
Channellock Pliers
I bought this trio of Channellock pliers over 30 years ago. They see constant use, not only in the garage, but around the house as well.
Shop: Channel Lock Pliers 3-Piece Set
Founded in 1886, Channellock still manufactures pliers and hand tools in the U.S.A. (Meadville, Pennsylvania). The set includes 12", 9.5", and 6.5" slip-joint pliers.
Flare Nut Wrenches
To prevent stripped nuts on power steering hoses and transmission lines, use flare-nut wrenches to loosen and tighten the ends. An open end wrench can be used to speed up the process in between loosening and tightening.
Ratchets and Sockets
Martin Tools
Based in Arlington, Texas, Martin Tool and Forge has been a family owned business since 1917. All Martin tools are U.S. made with the highest quality materials and engineering. Automotive specialty tools include hammers, dollies, and spoons.
Mac Tools and Proto Tools
Mac Tools are predominantly USA made with very few import items. They were acquired by Stanley Works in 1980. In 1984, Stanley Works purchased Proto from Ingersoll Rand and it became Stanley Proto. In some cases, a Proto item will be near or completely identical to a Mac item in all but color and price.
Blackhawk is Proto’s budget industrial line and features many American-made tools.
S-K Tools
S-K Tools is another old American tool company. They used to be sold at many auto parts stores up into the eighties. In 1985, S-K became part of Facom Tools. They were nearly out of business, but came back after being purchased by Ideal in 2010.
Pliers and Vice-Grips
Tekton Tools
Although largely internet based, Tekton (pronounced "Tectin") does sell in a few "brick and mortar" stores as well. They are a U.S. based company, but a large part of their selection is sourced from Taiwan. Tekton offers perhaps the easiest tool warranty out there--send a picture of your broken tool to them, and they'll send you a replacement no charge.
Shop: Tekton Hand Tools
Tekton also has a good selection of shallow and deep impact sockets.
Wright Tools
Ohio-based Wright Tool is a privately owned company that focuses on the industrial market. They produce very high quality tools. Wright Tool doesn't have as many tools in their line up as other companies (like auto specialty tools), but they are 100% made in the USA with U.S. steel.
Williams Tools
Williams Tools was acquired by Snap-On a few years back and now they're technically Williams Tool Group, and operates as Snap-On's industrial tool division. Be aware that there are two Williams lines - one is U.S. made, while the other is Taiwan-sourced.
Vaughn Tools
Many modern hammer designs in use today were originally introduced by Vaughan Manufacturing, who have been around for over 135 years. Located in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, manufacture of a Vaughan hammer starts with U.S. made, high carbon steel. They are made with an attention to detail that is exceptional.
Other tool companies that manufacture in the USA include Bondhus, Channelock, Chapman Tools, Eklind Tool Company, Estwing, Park Tool, Snyder, and Stiletto Tool. Klein Tools has been manufacturing tools in America since 1857.
Armstrong is known for their very unique looking ratchets which are of excellent quality. However, they be hard to find. Fastenal is one place that sells them.
Most Snap-On and Matco tools are still made in the U.S., although no longer 100%. Cornwell hand tools are mostly U.S. made.
I'm sure there are more American-made tools, but the point is made. There are still plenty of quality, precision tools made in the U.S.A.
Taiwan Tools
Today, some of the Pacific Rim tool manufacturers are stepping up quality and producing a quality product at a reasonable price. For instance, Taiwan-made GearWrench and Kobalt are a good tool for the money.
Japanese Tools
In 1995, Japan-Industrial brand "DEEN" began offering tools, and are one of the best-known brand tools in Japan. The Japanese-built Kokon is sometimes referred to as the "Japanese Snap-On".
"Good tools, as a rule, don't wear out, and good secondhand tools are much better than inferior new ones." (Robert Pirsig, Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance)
Hand Tool Use and Abuse
You should care for your tools and know how to properly use them. I have broken more tools than I care to admit, but admittedly from misuse.
Inexpensive Tool Kit
When you buy a set of tools you get more for your money. DeWalt offers socket/wrench sets in two sizes, a 204-Piece set and a 118-piece set. DeWalt hand tools feature a lifetime warranty.
DeWalt tools are made in multiple countries, including Mexico, Brazil, China, Italy, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Good Tools vs Cheap Tools
Always buy the best hand tools you can afford - they reduce fatigue and last a lifetime. Quality tools will be kept and used for generations to come.
