Automotive Shop Equipment & Supplies
Every automotive shop needs supplies to get the job done. Whether it's for a business or just to fill out a home garage, it's necessary to have a robust amount of shop equipment to repair different vehicles. From motors to wheels to doors and every part in between, automotive shop equipment and supplies must hold up to repeated use.
What kinds of tools are used in an auto shop?Auto shops do not have any "standard" set of tools but standard toolboxes often include many of the same instruments for repairing vehicles. A few of the more common options include:
- Wrench: A wrench is used to tighten bolts or to help add torque when twisting something. Different styles of wrench can be used for different types of bolts.
- Screwdriver: Screwdrivers have different styled points for tightening screws.
- Mallet: A mallet can be used to deliver additional force to push parts into place or for buffing out dents in metal.
- Pliers: Pliers can be used for both gripping smaller objects securely or cutting and stripping wires. Many have rubber-coated handles to prevent users from being shocked when doing the latter activity.
Auto shops will have different tools depending on the work they do and the vehicles they service. In general, a few of the common supplies they use include:
- Jack: A jack is a type of lift that is used to hoist a section of a vehicle off the ground. It is useful for changing tires or servicing the underside of a car.
- Roller seats: Roller seats are a type of small cart that people lay on to quickly and easily move underneath and away from a vehicle in a garage.
- Lift frame: A lift frame is a large device that can lift an entire vehicle off the ground rather than just a section.
- Engine hoist: When adding or removing an engine in a car, an engine hoist is used to more easily lift the heavy part.
- Ramp: A ramp is an inclined surface that can be used to elevate a car. These are often employed to lift and park a car in a way that allows people to work on the underside.
Shops use various types of supplies to help them work on vehicles in conjunction with the tools and equipment. Some examples are:
- Oil pans: Oil pans are placed under a car when changing the oil. They safely collect spent oil as it's drained from the car so that new oil can be added in.
- Funnels: Funnels have a variety of uses in the shops, particularly in assisting in the refilling of different fluids that help the car run.
- Gloves: Gloves, especially those made from rubber or thick cloth, are useful for protecting a mechanic's hands as they repair vehicles.