10 Essential Tools Every Beginner Needs to Start Modding Cars
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Having the right tools for DIY car mods is the first step to a successful project. Not only are you trying to avoid the inconvenience of stopping work before it gets started, but you also want to ensure your efforts don’t compromise safety or risk damage. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of car modification tools that should be in every car enthusiast’s garage. Importantly, these essentials don’t have to break the bank. With careful shopping, you can get what you need for the bare minimum. We’ve also made suggestions if you want to splurge in a particular area.
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1. Jack and Jack Stands
Don’t rely on an OEM-supplied jack to lift your car for more than changing a tire. A quality floor jack safely elevates your car for a project, while premium jack stands ensure the car stays where it’s supposed to.
Use Cases: Every suspension mod, brake work, exhaust installation, and undercarriage access.
Budget Option: Harbor Freight’s Pittsburgh series offers 1.5- to 3.0-ton floor jacks with a fast pump feature for $110 to $150.
Premium Pick: Arcan aluminum racing jacks ($250-$300) are a nice step up and easier to transport for off-site use (like at a track day event).
Pittsburgh Series
Aluminum Racing Jacks
2. Mechanic’s Tool Set
It’s time to move on from pliers and a few mismatched wrenches. A comprehensive mechanics set with sockets and wrenches will make mod life much easier and more efficient.
Use Cases: Engine mods, suspension work, brake repairs, and body panel access.
Budget Option: Home Depot’s Husky and Lowe’s Kobalt lines offer numerous options in the $100 to $200 range. For maximum convenience, opt for a set with SAE and MM tools. Adding TORX capabilities is valuable, too.
Premium Pick: Going the professional route with Snap-on or Matco wrenches and sockets requires a considerable investment ($500+), but these tools will last a lifetime.
Husky Mechanics Tool Set
True Mechanic Tool Set
3. Torque Wrench
Precision is everything when working on a car. Over-tightened components can cause damage or compromise safety, which can be prevented with an affordable torque wrench for mods.
Use Cases: Wheel installation, engine work, suspension components, brake calipers.
Budget Option: A Tekton 1/2″ drive torque wrench ($50-$75) delivers accuracy for more applications.
Premium Pick: A Snap-on or Proto digital torque wrench ($600-$800) might be over the top for most amateurs, but it’s a must-have for precise readings and data logging.
Tekton 1/2″ Torque Wrench
Proto Elect Torque Wrench
4. Impact Wrench
While not necessarily a must-have, an impact wrench can speed things up, especially if you’re working on the suspension or wheels.
Use Cases: Wheel removal, suspension bolts, exhaust work, and brake jobs.
Budget Option: Keep it simple with Harbor Freight’s $80 Bauer 1/2-inch corded electric impact wrench.
Premium Pick: A cordless unit from Milwaukee, Ryobi, or DeWalt ($150-250) provides portable convenience. Stick with one brand for all your portable power tools so battery swapping doesn’t become an expensive hassle.
5. OBD2 Scanner
At a minimum, you’ll want a simple plug-in OBD2 reader to understand dashboard warning lights and clear codes. A modestly more advanced unit with an OBD2 dongle and smartphone app can help diagnose issues, monitor performance, and provide live data.
Use Cases: Troubleshooting check engine lights, monitoring air-fuel ratios, and clearing codes after mods.
Budget Option: Any $20 basic code reader is a good starting point, but the $80 Topdon TopScan unit is a worthwhile step up that provides remarkable capability.
Premium Pick: A more advanced Autel scan tool ($400-$500) provides professional-level information.
6. Work Light
Even in daylight, seeing inside the engine compartment or underneath the car can be challenging. A good work light prevents mistakes and eye strain.
Use Cases: Engine bay work, undercarriage inspections, and detailed assembly work.
Budget Option: A basic work light or headlamp ($20-40) from Amazon or Walmart will provide more than enough illumination in dark spaces.
Premium Pick: Many portable power tool brands (Milwaukee, Ryobi, and DeWalt) sell compatible rechargeable work lights ($50-$100) for hands-free illumination.
7. Quality Gloves
You’ll realize the value of work gloves after your first knuckle injury or when cleaning grease from under your nails days after working on your car.
Use Cases: Disposable gloves are ideal for handling greasy components or chemicals, while thick, fabric gloves are for working with sharp or hot components.
Budget Option: The bare minimum is a box of quality (8-10 mil) disposable nitrile gloves ($15-$20).
Premium Pick: While more of a necessity than a premium upgrade, Mechanix leather or fabric gloves ($25-$30) provide cut-resistance and temperature protection for your hands.
8. Multimeter
Few things are as frustrating as troubleshooting electrical issues. A multimeter is a must-have diagnostic tool that can help minimize headaches.
Use Cases: Aftermarket stereo installation, lighting mods, troubleshooting electrical gremlins, and battery and alternator testing.
Budget Option: Basic digital multimeters ($20-$30) that can handle voltage, resistance, and continuity testing are readily available online and at auto supply stores.
Premium Pick: Fluke automotive multimeters ($125-$300) offer specialized automotive functions for advanced users.
9. Pry Bar Set
When gentle persuasion isn’t enough, it’s time to call in a pry bar. These affordable sets can help you separate stubborn components without causing damage (when used correctly).
Use Cases: Separating ball joints, removing body panels, positioning components, and general leverage needs.
Budget Option: A basic Harbor Freight pry bar set ($10-$25) is all that’s needed for most situations.
Premium Pick: Mac Tools offers premium pry bar sets ($75 -$300) with better steel and ergonomics.
10. Basic Hand Tools
Don’t skip the fundamentals like good-quality screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and hammers.
Use Cases: Electrical connections, small fasteners, adjustment tasks, and detail work.
Budget Option: A Stanley or Craftsman basic tool set ($50-$80) should meet most of your needs. As tasks require, consider adding rubber mallets and dead blow hammers (they’re inexpensive).
Premium Pick: Bosch tool sets ($75-$150) are a nice upgrade, a notch below professional-grade and pricier options.
Setting Up Your DIY Workspace
Having essential tools for car enthusiasts is only part of what’s required for DIY modifications. Staying safe and organized is also part of the equation. A garage setup for car tuning should encompass these steps:
- Plan a space that can expand with your interests and capabilities.
- Create a sturdy workbench or surface at a comfortable height.
- Ensure your workspace has good lighting and ventilation.
- Create a dedicated storage area for tools and parts.
- Get in the habit of returning tools to the same place after use.
- Verify there is an adequate electrical supply for power tools.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby—one that’s rated for automotive use.
- Take advantage of training videos and manuals to ensure safe tool use.
