DIY Car Repairs Made Easy: Essential Tools for Your Shed

by Matt Pere | May 2, 2025 | DIY Do It Yourself, Garages Car Sheds, How to, Machinery, Motoring, Motorsport | 0 comments

If you’re serious about tinkering with your car in the shed, having the right tools can be the difference between a quick fix and a full-blown headache. Whether you’re swapping out a dodgy battery, tightening up loose bolts, or tackling a full oil change, these ten essential tools will make your life a whole lot easier. Let’s get into it, mate!

1. Socket Set

A solid socket set is the backbone of any DIY car service. You’ll use it for everything from removing spark plugs to tightening bolts on your suspension. Go for a metric and imperial combo so you’re covered no matter what you’re working on. A ratchet handle with a quick-release function is a bonus, making swapping sockets a breeze. Having deep sockets in your kit also helps reach those stubborn bolts in awkward spots. Check out top-rated socket sets here.

2. Torque Wrench

Ever over-tightened a bolt and stripped it? Yeah, not fun. A torque wrench ensures you’re tightening things to spec, which is especially crucial for wheel nuts and engine components. If you’re serious about precision, it’s a must-have. Look for one with a solid click-type mechanism to avoid over-tightening. A digital one can be handy if you want exact numbers, but a manual one does the job just fine. Find the best torque wrenches here.

3. Pliers Set

A quality pliers set is an underrated but essential addition to any shed. Whether you’re gripping, bending, or cutting wires, having the right pliers for the job can save you a ton of frustration. Look for a set that includes combination pliers, needle-nose pliers, and side cutters to handle a variety of tasks. Locking pliers (also known as vice grips) are a lifesaver when you need extra holding power. Check out pliers sets here.

4. Oil Drain Pan

Changing your own oil? You don’t want to be scrambling for an old ice cream tub when the sump plug comes out. A proper oil drain pan makes disposal easy and keeps your shed floor clean. Some even come with a built-in spout for less mess when pouring the old oil into a disposal container. If you’re doing oil changes often, grab a pan with a built-in filter to catch debris. Find oil drain pans here.

5. Multimeter

If your car’s doing something weird electrically—lights flickering, battery playing up—a multimeter will help you diagnose the issue without just guessing. Perfect for checking battery charge, testing fuses, and avoiding unnecessary part swaps. If you’re working with modern cars, get one with an auto-ranging function for accurate readings. Make sure yours can test DC voltage, continuity, and resistance at the very least. Check out top multimeters here.

6. Impact Wrench

Ever tried to loosen a rusted bolt by hand? Nightmare. A cordless impact wrench takes the grunt work out of it. If you’re doing brake jobs, wheel changes, or suspension work, this will save you hours. Look for one with multiple torque settings so you don’t overdo it and snap a bolt. A lightweight design also helps reduce hand fatigue on longer jobs. Find impact wrenches here.

7. Work Light

Car troubles don’t wait for daylight. A rechargeable LED work light lets you see what you’re doing without juggling a torch in your mouth. Magnetic or hook-style options are best for hands-free use. Some even have adjustable brightness settings, so you’re not blinded by the glare. If you work on cars at night, grab one with a pivoting head for better angles. Check out work lights here.

8. Screwdriver Set

From interior panels to battery terminals, a good screwdriver set is essential. Get a mix of flathead, Phillips, and Torx drivers so you’re ready for whatever your car throws at you. A set with comfortable, non-slip grips makes long jobs easier on the hands. If you’re working with electrical components, insulated screwdrivers are a good safety measure. Find screwdriver sets here.

9. Brake Bleeder Kit

Bleeding brakes the old-school way is a pain in the backside. A brake bleeder kit lets you do the job solo, so you don’t need someone in the driver’s seat pumping the pedal like a maniac. Some kits even come with a vacuum pump for a quicker, cleaner process. If you’re planning to do multiple brake jobs, investing in a pressure bleeder system is a game-changer. Shop brake bleeder kits here.

10. Mechanic’s Creeper

If you’ve ever slid under your car on a piece of cardboard, you know it’s not the best experience. A mechanic’s creeper makes moving around under the car smoother and saves your back from unnecessary pain. Your spine will thank you. Look for one with padded cushioning and swivel casters for easy movement. A low-profile creeper helps if your car sits closer to the ground. Check out mechanic’s creepers here.

A Few Extra Handy Tools

Since we’re talking about making car servicing easier, here are a few extras that can come in handy:

Magnetic Pickup Tool – Ever dropped a bolt in a tight spot? This little tool saves you from fishing around blindly.
Work Gloves – Keep your hands protected from grease, grime, and burns.
Funnel Set – Avoid messy spills when pouring oil or coolant.
Zip Ties & Electrical Tape – Perfect for quick fixes and tidying up loose wires.
Breaker Bar – When a stubborn bolt won’t budge, this gives you the extra leverage you need.
Trim Removal Tools – If you work on interiors, plastic pry tools help avoid damage.
Battery Charger – Handy to have when your car refuses to start after sitting for a while.

Having the right tools makes car servicing way easier and heaps more enjoyable. If you’re missing any of these from your shed, it’s time to gear up. Check out SuperSpares Australia for solid deals on all your backyard mechanic essentials. Happy tinkering, mate!