The 9 tools every DIY mechanic needs—and why a 10mm socket isn't one of them

Published Oct 6, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT Patrick Campanale has been in the tech space for well over a decade, specializing in PC/gaming news and reviews, as well as maker-focused products to build small businesses. With a start in technology back in 2010 surrounding the Palm/webOS ecosystem, Patrick spent his formative years developing mobile applications as well as blogging for various publications, eventually leading to starting his own website in 2014. After running a technology blog for a few years, he stepped out of that role and into the world of high-end custom PC manufacturing and building, with a focus on YouTube video production and overclocking. Then, in 2017, Patrick joined the 9to5Toys team as an editor/writer/reviewer with over 14,000 articles being published during his time there, ranging from deals and roundups to in-depth reviews on the latest technology, video games, 3D printers, and more. In his free time, Patrick loves to create projects from wood using various robots and methods, including leveraging the technologies of CNCs and lasers. If Patrick isn't working on a computer or playing video games, he's likely in his 2-car garage workshop creating something unique. In addition to all this, Patrick is also the media director at his local church where he feels God has called him to serve, and he loves every minute of it. Want to tackle some DIY car repairs? Well, having the right tools can make or break the experience. Here are the nine essential tools every DIY car repair kit should include, and why each one matters. Socket and wrench set The foundation of all DIY car repairs The heart of all car repairs centers on three things: a socket set, a wrench set, and plenty of 10mm sockets. If you don't understand why 10mm sockets are so important, don't worry; you will soon. All jokes aside, you really do need to have a solid socket and wrench set to tackle most DIY repairs. Really, if you don't get anything else from this list, get this. I have rebuilt the top ends of engines with nothing more than a socket and wrench set. A torque wrench does help, but it's not 100% necessary for most repairs. Husky Mechanics Tool Set (300-piece) Color Chrome Tool Type Ratchet, Sockets Warranty Lifetime Hand tools can be expensive, especially if you're just starting a collection. Get this excellent 300-piece kit from Husky and be ready to tackle any job. 3/8-inch cordless ratchet For when you don't have the room to swing a normal ratchet The first big upgrade I made to my DIY car repair kit was a 3/8-inch cordless ratchet. It came with my Milwaukee M12 kit that I bought when my wife and I got married, but you can get them from most brands now. A 3/8-inch cordless ratchet does the same thing as a normal 3/8-inch ratchet, just without you having to swing it. It tightens or loosens a bolt or nut with just the press of a trigger, making repairs so much easier and less work. Milwaukee M12 3/8-inch Cordless Ratchet Color Red Tool Type Ratchet Warranty 5 Year Limited Tool Warranty Make tough jobs in tight spaces easier than ever with the M12 cordless ratchet from Milwaukee. Telescoping inspection mirror Sometimes you need to see where your head can't fit I don't use my telescoping inspection mirror often, but when I need it, I'm glad I have it. Essentially, it's a mirror on a pivoting head that telescopes to reach where you cannot. I've used it to locate a bolt I couldn't see otherwise, find a wire clip, or figure out where in the world that bolt I dropped went. Telescoping Magnetic Pickup Tool Set This telescoping magnetic pickup tool set includes both a telescoping magnetic pickup tool, capable of lifting up to 20 pounds, but also a telescoping mirror to help you get into hard-to-reach places. Torque wrench Torque specs are there for a reason Credit: Home Depot I know I mentioned that torque wrenches are optional, and they kind of are. But torque specs do exist for a reason. A manufacturer often goes through extensive testing to determine the exact torque a bolt should be under for optimal holding power. Too much torque and it could strip; too little torque and it could loosen up over time. With a torque wrench, you can set the exact inch-pounds, foot-pounds, or newton-meters of torque that the wrench "breaks" at. Basically, once you reach that torque, the wrench gives way so you stop tightening, which also signals to you to stop pushing. Husky 50 ft-lb to 250 ft-lb drive Torque Wrench Material Steel Tool Type Wrench Warranty Limited lifetime Husky 1/2 in. Click Torque Wrench has a range of 50 ft. / lbs. to 250 ft. / lbs. and is made of alloy steel construction for strength and long-lasting performance on a budget. Breaker bar For when a normal ratchet isn't enough Sometimes a bolt or nut can be nearly impossible to break loose. Whether it was tightened too much, has Loctite on it, or is rusted shut, you still need to remove it even if it won't come off. That's where a breaker bar comes in. Breaker bars often don't have ratcheting heads, and their handles are typically much longer than a normal wrench's handle. As my dad always told me growing up, "With a big enough lever, you could move the world." A breaker bar gives you just that: a much bigger lever. I have had bolts that wouldn't budge with a normal wrench, but add a breaker bar (and maybe a tube extension), and they move almost effortlessly. Husky 3/8 inch Drive x 18 inch Breaker Bar The Husky 3/8-inch breaker bar is perfect for loosening stubborn bolts or nuts. With an 18-inch handle, this breaker bar has no ratcheting parts for extra durability. Goes where no arm has gone before Credit: Home Depot I can't tell you how many bolts or even tools I've dropped into an engine bay when working on a car project. Most of the time, the bolt or nut is simply out of reach. A magnetic pickup tool is the solution to that problem. It's very similar to the telescoping inspection mirror, but with a magnet on the end instead of a mirror. So, if you drop something in the engine bay (or just on the ground), you can simply extend the magnet and stick it down to pick it up. Snap-ring pliers Makes retaining rings not a pain to deal with Credit: Knipex Snap rings are one of the banes of my existence when it comes to DIY car repairs. These little rings are a pain to remove with normal pliers — trust me, I've tried. Snap rings are often used as retaining rings when working on a vehicle. They have two small holes that have to be pulled together or spread apart in order to remove them. In the past, I've used a pair of needle-nose pliers or two small screwdrivers to remove a snap ring. These days, I use a proper pair of snap-ring pliers as they make the task effortless and (mostly) frustration-free. WORKPRO 4-Piece Snap Ring Pliers Set with Storage Pouch WORKPRO's 4-piece snap ring pliers set is the perfect kit to remove snap rings with. It includes four sizes and styles of pliers, and there's even a storage pouch to keep everything organized in when you're not using them. Push pin puller Body clips don't have to be annoying to remove Credit: Lisle This is another tool that isn't "necessary" in that you could use a pair of pliers and a flat-blade screwdriver to remove a body clip, but it makes the job so much easier. I can't tell you how many body clips I've destroyed over the years doing DIY car repairs. But with a push-pin (or body clip) puller, I don't worry about that anymore. Lisle Push Pin Pliers These push pin pliers from Lisle are the perfect tools to remove body clips and push pins from your car when doing DIY work without damaging the pins. Hose-clamp pliers These might not seem important, but trust me, they are Credit: Home Depot Similar to snap rings, I hate hose clamps. Again, you can remove hose clamps with a pair of pliers, but you can also travel 10 miles on foot. Both are equally excruciating. Hose-clamp pliers are pliers designed to remove hose clamps. They're designed specifically for the task and offer a unique design that works much better than normal pliers. Remote hose-clamp pliers are also available, letting you remove hose clamps that aren't easy to reach with your full hand. Basically, it's the telescoping inspection mirror, but always extended, and with hose-clamp pliers on the end. WORKPRO 2-Piece Hose Clamp Pliers Set If you hate removing hose clamps, then these WORKPRO pliers will be just the tool you've been looking for. The 2-pack includes both a normal pair of hose clamp pliers as well as a 27-inch extended reach version. DIY car repair doesn't have to be difficult if you have the right tools So long as you're somewhat handy and willing to learn, you really can do a lot of DIY car repairs yourself. You might not be able to swap an engine, repair a transmission, or change an axle, but you can still do a lot yourself with the right tools.