Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools
& Equipment

Kevin Call, owner
Kevin’s Auto Repair
Huntsville, AL

Power Probe III — It makes testing electrical systems so easy. The bright light at the end of the probe is great under dashboards.

OTC Genisys Scanner with scope module — The bi- directional controls are great. The automated system test tests all modules and mode 06, and gives you a report at the end so you don’t have to go into each module and check them for codes. The 4-channel scope is awesome.

iATN — We are a sponsoring shop for International Automotive Technicians Network. It is a great place for information. You can search the repair database, look at waveforms, get information from vehicle manufacturers or talk in forums.

Mitchell 1 Repair Software — We use Mitchell not only for repair information, but for inventory control and customer database. It just helps keep the shop running.

Snap-on Techwrench — This is the torque wrench which measures torque angle. It measures in inch pounds, foot pounds, Newton meters and angle. Just set the desired angle and when it’s reached, the torque wrench beeps and vibrates.

Shawn Gee, lead technician
After Hours Auto
Spartanburg, SC

Mac Edge 3/8” Drive Sockets — Grip almost everything.

Snap-on Swivel Head Ratchet — Gets used frequently.

Cornwell Tools 1/4” Stubby Air Ratchet — Fits in lots of small spaces.

Streamlight Stylus — Great for inspection work.

Raytek Mini Temp — Lets me know when it’s ready.

Bill Gugino, foreman
Z-Tech Auto Care
Niagara Falls, NY

Streamlight Stylus Pen Light — A must-have; we use it to inspect every vehicle. It’s handy, durable and reliable.

Snap-on MT2500 — Easy to use and easy to read on road tests.

Power Probe II — Great tester for just about everything electrical.

Snap-on Turbo Sockets — In the Northeast rust belt, these are real time- and knuckle-savers.

My wife — She has motivated, educated, supported and maintained the oldest tool in the “box” for 20+ years. She hasn’t let me down — ever. (Some maintenance required.)

Ron Ellis, owner
RPM Automotive Inc.
Hanover, MD

G & B Long Reach 1/4” Air Rachet — Great tool for timing belt and water pump work.

UView Airlift Kit — Makes air locks a thing of the past.

System One 500 Parts Washer — The best; cleans its own fluid to look and perform like new.

Freedom Cordless LED Light — Great for under dash or other tight areas.

ATD Groundless Test Light — Great for quick power checks where a ground is not close.

Joe Nelms, owner
North Town Automotive
Longview, TX

Snap-on Wheeltronics Low Rise Lift (6-0757) — It is portable and works easily and safely. (Servicing) brakes, under front or rear, is a snap.

Mac Tools Ratchet Driver (RSD590) — The overdrive feature is great. Removing or installing fasteners is quick.

Mac Tools Code Reader (ET75) — Quick, accurate and clears codes in a flash.

S-K XXL Double Box Ratchet Wrenches — They just work well on all fasteners.

Port-A-Cool Evap Coolers — We have two that are about seven years old. I can’t imagine a Texas summer without them.

Manuel Lozano, owner
Fuel Injection Service Center
City of Industry, CA

The shop was founded in 2002. I have been in the automotive business for about 20 years. I am an ASE master technician with L1.

The five tools that I use the most and have contributed to our success are:

Snap-on MT2500 Scanner

Snap-on Micro Vat Battery Tester

Logic Probe Circuit Tester

BG Fuel Injector Cleaning Apparatus

BG PF5 Transmission Flush Machine

The tools listed above have allowed us to have a presence in the industry, and to repair and diagnose the sophisticated vehicles on the road today.

Michael Hertel, owner
Japanese Auto Clinic
Greenwood, SC

We specialize on Japanese nameplate vehicles and also work on domestic cars, with an emphasis on driveability concerns and repairs.

Snap-on Vantage Graphing Digital Multimeter — One of the best base-level diagnostic tools that can help even a beginner technician become accurate and productive in diagnosing and repairing driveability and electrical system problems.

Snap-on MT2500 Scan Tool — Being able to access and communicate to onboard vehicle control systems is critical to effect emission and control system repairs. The Snap-on scan tool is a great general scan tool that allows us to fix today’s cars.

Very user friendly, highly accurate lab scope for zeroing in and verifying electrical problems, especially on ignition systems and sensors for fuel and emission controls.

Mitchell On-Demand Information Systems — Having accurate and detailed wiring diagrams and information is absolutely essential to repair today’s cars. The service and technical bulletins are so necessary, especially if you are working on a particular make/model you may not see that often.

iATN — International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN.net) — An absolutely unparalleled source of training, database, networking and camaraderie to help technicians in the trenches to learn, diagnose and fix cars, and also provide a means to connect with other technicians to address the problems we all see every day in our chosen profession. The best value for the dollar, bar none!