Jeff Hume, John Partipilo, Terry Kirschbaum and
Jesse Hernandez
CMJ Automotive
Addison, IL
We went through an extensive study of the tools we use most often and the ones we just like a lot. Our list is in no particular order.
Snap-on MODIS Scanner — Helps us diagnose vehicles faster and more efficiently.
Huth Pipe Bender — Custom-made exhaust and repairs are no problem with this piece of equipment.
Hobart Handler 145 Wire Feed Welder — Quick and easy repairs, even a novice welder can make a good-looking weld with this equipment.
GearWrench Reversible Wrench — Saves time in hard-to-reach spots, quick and easy to use.
Snap-on Line Wrenches — Never spread, offset angles helps.
All of these tools help us finish jobs on time and make the job easier for us. However, it is hard to have a favorite tool in this industry. As some of our guys here said, “my favorite tool is the one that helps me get the job done.”
Davidson George, owner
George Automotive
Killeen, TX
Here are my top hand tools that are used in my shop, and what features I like about them:
Sears Craftsman, 3/8” Drive Ratchet — The feel of the handle, the sound of the ratchet mechanism.
Actron OBD II Code Reader, Model CP9135 — The instant display feature, the quick and easy usage.
Snap-on #6 Flat Tip Screwdriver — Multi-functionable tool, its durability and strength, heavy-duty blue handle (I’ve nicknamed it “Big Blue”).
Mac Tools 90° Angle, Air-Powered Die Grinder — Multi-purpose tool, cutting, sanding, cleaning and the distinct high-pitched sound.
Cornwell Ratcheting Serpentine Belt Wrench Set — Fits into small areas, long and handy.
Robert Bales
Goodyear Automotive Service Center
Villa Rica, GA
Matco Hand-Held Genisys
Snap-on 3/8” Air Ratchet
Snap-on 1/4” Air Ratchet
Mac Black Light (for A/C leak detection)
ALLDATA
John Flanagan, owner
Annex Auto Repair
New Haven, CT
Snap-on 1/2” Drive Ratchet
S•K Hand Tools Combination Open End, Box Wrenches
Craftsman Screwdrivers
Vise Grip Locking Pliers
Ridgid 10” Pipe Wrench
Robert Mullen
Opequon Automotive Ltd.
Kearneysville, WV
Snap-on Vantage
Pyrometer (infrared thermometer)
Leak-down Tester (cylinder leak-down)
Waste-oil Furnace
Garden Tractor (modified to push snow or pull dead vehicles)
Michael Barrett
Tysinger Hyundai
Poquoson, VA
BG Fuel Injection/Induction System — Best for cleaning deposits off variable intakes.
BG Transflush — Simple, easy to use, fast.
Fluke 88 Meter — Always can count on this.
Snap-on Offset 17/19 Box Wrench — Use on trucks’ flywheel bolts.
Nextech’s HI-SCAN — Great features, free downloads.
Anthony MacFadyen, technician
Southwest Auto Service and Wash
Wyoming, MI
Internet-enabled PC
Ingersoll Rand Titanium 3/8” Impact Wrench
Makita Cordless Fluorescent Light
Vetronics Tech 2
Pocket Screwdriver — flat blade
William Pierce, technician
Anderson Auto
Orleans, MA
Ingersoll Rand Titanium 1/2” Impact Gun — It’s light and powerful.
Ingersoll Rand 1/4” Air Ratchet — Small and light-weight.
Cornwell Ratchet Wrench — Fast and comfortable.
Cornwell 5-lb. Sledge Hammer — It gets the job done.
Snap-on 20-ton Jack — There isn’t much it won’t pick up.
Dave Bremer, owner/technician
Dave’s Auto Service
Finley, ND
OTC Genisys 2000 with 2.0 — It’s fast, fast, fast!
Mac Tools Seal Puller #S120 — Best tool for the money.
Lisle 29200 3/8” Impact Tool Set — Very handy.
Mac Tools 1/2” air wrench, AW434 — These really last, only had two in the last 30 years!
9001 ALM Hoist — Handiest hoist in the shop.