Can You Name the Auto Shop Tools We Need to Complete an Engine Repair?
By: Robin Tyler
5 min
Image: da-kuk / E+ / Getty Images
About This Quiz
With over one billion cars on roads around the world, it's safe to say that the modern motor car is one of the preferred forms of transport for those who can afford it. But those cars don't just run by themselves. That's why manufacturers recommend these vehicles to be serviced every certain number of miles. That keeps them in tip-top condition. And if you don't service them? Well, at some point, your vehicle will break down and need to be fixed.
No matter what route you decide to take, it's inevitable your vehicle will have to go to an auto shop at some point. With the average car containing over 30,000 unique parts, mechanics will need a range of tools when working on it. These include standard tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, spanners, sockets and hammers. Yes, even a hammer can come in useful to a mechanic. But multiple specialist tools are needed as well. Most of these are used when working deep within the engine, for instance with pistons and cylinders. Would you be able to name auto shop tools that would be used by mechanics working on a car's engine? Do you think you could get close to 100% on this tricky quiz? Good luck!Â
If you want to fasten or loosen a nut, this is your go-to tool. What is it?
Wrench
No self-respecting workshop is going to attempt any engine work without several wrenches. Available in many sizes, these are the easiest way to tighten or loosen nuts. An adjustable wrench where you can set the size is known as a monkey spanner.
This tool is a real allrounder. It can pull, hold and even cut if you need it to. What is it?
Brake bleeder
Wheel spanner
Pliers
Although you think you might never need pliers when working on an engine, you will be surprised at the amount of times you wish you had one in your toolbox.
You would need this tool when working on engine valves to determine their height. Can you name it?
Ballpeen hammer
2 claw adjustable cylinder hone
Valve checking spring kit
This tool is particularly useful when working on the valves of an engine. It helps to determine the right height for both the spring and the valve in their chambers. A micrometer is needed for exact measurements. As measurements will differ between cylinders, use the shortest measurement taken.
Which of these is a measurement tool useful for ascertaining the inside diameter of pipes or hoses for example?
Adjustable hook wrench
Wheel balancer
Dial bore gauge
This tool is used specifically to measure the inside diameter or pipes, cylinders or other round objects. Bore gauges are calibrated to 0.001 inches or 0.0001 inches.
What is the name of a tool that you would use to listen to a car's engine for a small noise?
Battery hydrometer
Brake fluid tester
Diesel compression tester
Auto stethoscope
Is there an auto doctor in the house? These stethoscopes include a long point probe, perfect for placing at points throughout the engine to listen for problematic sounds.
Need to measure the inside of a piston casing? Then use this!
Side calipers
Side calipers are used to measure the inside measurements of an object. For example, you could measure the exact distance of the two sides of a piston casing.
You need this tool to prime a specific engine part when it is new. What tool are we talking about?
Battery charger and booster
Valve core torque tool
Oil pump primer
The oil pump primer is a crucial tool to ensure that a rebuilt engine is properly primed before starting it for the first time. If the engine is not primed properly, a dry start can cause untold damage.
From the options below, can you choose the tool you would use to loosen a stuck oil filter?
Exhaust back pressure tester
Oil filter wrench
Many oil filters are turned into place by hand and then tightened using an oil filter wrench. These also help remove older filters that might have become stuck in place due to the heat of the engine over time.
What is the name of the tool you would use to check an electrical system on a car?
Ohm meter
Ohm meters are a necessity, especially for any auto electrical work that you might need to carry out. Ohm meters essentially measure electrical resistance.
What is the name of a specialist tool used on the crankshaft of an engine?
External puller set
Crankshaft turning socket
This is used for working on the crankshaft particularly and allows for the rotation of the crankshaft with the damper removed. It works with a normal ratchet.
If you rebuild an engine, you need to know the correct lengths for pushrods. This tool will help you figure that out. What is it called?
Chain hoist
Engine stand
Pushrod length checking tool
When rebuilding an engine, having the correct length pushrods is critical. A pushrod length checking tool helps ensure that this happens. Best of all, they are relatively inexpensive.
From the options below, which would allow you to move around freely under a car?
Hydraulic frame straightener
Welding and cutting kit
Creeper
No, not something you need for Halloween but a simple flat board with wheels. Lie on this, and you can scoot anywhere you need to while checking under a vehicle. This is particularly useful if you do not have a vehicle lift.
What is the name of the tool that will easily solve a flat battery problem?
Battery handle
Jaw gear puller
Jumper pack/Charger combo
Struggling with a flat battery? A jumper pack will get it started first time and the charger will ensure that you get a charge back into it so you won't need to jump it again.
Dirty engine parts should be cleaned for optimal performance. What would you do this in?
Mini hook set
Funnel and spout
Creeper
Part washing containers
Engine parts, particularly on old engine rebuilds need to be cleaned. The best way to do this is by simply soaking them and then cleaning them in a part washing container.
This tool comes with a flathead, a star head and a Robertson head. It is used to turn a certain kind of fastener in and out. What is it?
Coil spring compressor set
Screwdriver
A good screwdriver set is never out of place in a workshop and a necessity when working on an engine of any kind. Make sure you have a range of different kinds from regular, to Philips to Robertson to name a few.
If your car is not running properly, you may plug this in to read error codes. Which of the options below are we talking about?
Injector socket set
Hinged chain oil wrench
Heavy duty lock ring plier
Computer code reader
All modern cars have computers that run pretty much everything in the vehicle. When something goes wrong with this computer, having one of these gadgets can not only help identify the problem easier but can also fix it in many cases.
A tool that allows you to fasten bolts to a precise point, this one is a must when working on engines. Can you name it?
Oil filter cups
Torque wrench
A torque wrench is similar to a regular wrench except in the fact that it applies a precise torque to the fastener or bolt you are tightening. This prevents over tightening. The torque wrench was invented in 1918 by Conrad Bahr.
Can you name this tool that helps remove broken bolts that cannot be loosened?
Stud removal tool
Sometimes studs can be damaged, making it impossible to remove the bolt or perhaps the bolt has broken off, and the stud needs to be removed to insert a new one. Luckily, in times like this, a stud removal tool is just what you need to get the job done.
What is the name of plastic fasteners useful for keeping wires or pipes together?
Steel line stopper set
Diesel injector puller
Oil filter wrench kit
Zip ties
Zip ties are a great way to keep pipes, wires and leads together. For example, keep the high tension leads between the sparkplugs and distributor cap neat and tidy by using zip ties to bind them together.
Can you name the tool that helps adjust the engine crankshaft?
Spark plug wire plier
Crankshaft socket
While working on an engine, the crankshaft will need to be turned and adjusted many times. This socket does the job for you without any fear of damaging the crankshaft itself. This is all done when the harmonic balancer, or damper, is removed.
When you remove an engine from a car, you need somewhere to place it. What would you use?
Diesel engine locking kit
Engine stand
Engines are heavy. When removed from a vehicle, they need somewhere to stand without the chance of falling and getting damaged. An engine stand will do the job perfectly.
Which of these tools help tighten a bolt without overtightening?
Nut splitter
Rod bolt stretch gauge
Bolts within an engine are crucial. You don't want them coming loose now, do you? This tool helps to stretch a bolt to the tolerance level as instructed by the manufacturer. This torquing process means that the bolt won't come loose during engine operation.
Engines are heavy. If you need to take them out of the vehicle, you would need these.
Pneumatic oil extractor
Drill and guide set
Pulley, hoist and lift
No self-respecting workshop will be without a pulley, hoist and lift. Engines are heavy, and these three tools make it possible to not only remove them but replace them back into the chassis with minimal fuss.
Want to measure a distance between two points? This tool makes it easy. Can you name it?
Auto body repair tool set
Bumping hammer
Calipers
Calipers are used to measure the distance between two opposing sides of a particular object. They have any number of uses when working on a car engine, for instance, when measuring the cylinders.
This tool helps to cast some light on the subject and can illuminate even in the deepest parts of the engine. What is it?
Fuel line plier
Flashlight
A flashlight is crucial while working on the innards of a car, especially the engine. And to keep your hands free, use a flashlight that straps to your head. Or employ an apprentice!
Need to loosen a stubborn bolt? Give it a light tape with this tool. Which from the options below do you think we are talking about?
Flange type puller
Double suction cup
Digital oil control valve
Hammer
A hammer? To work on an engine? Yes, you never know when it might come in necessary. For example, a jammed starter motor might just need a gentle tap from a hammer to become unstuck.