Love Your Garage
There are several tools that a custom car builder will definitely need in order to complete the project, but first and foremost, purchase a manual that tells you how to diagnose fix or repair problems for your specific vehicle. Manuals are available at your local auto parts store, Amazon or eBay and are an invaluable tool for you to have!
Clarke 329-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit with 14-Drawer Tool Chest
This great value package includes all the professional tools you need including 5-drawer cabinet and top selling CTC900 9-drawer tool chest, which are ideal for daily use. Alternatively, below is a list of individual kits.
Clarke CHT862 235 Piece Mechanics Tool Kit
This mechanics’ tool kit contains a comprehensive selection of the most popular garage tools you will need, housed within a sturdy two drawer metal tool chest. Tools and sockets are produced from heat treated Carbon Steel and screwdriver bits are produced from high quality Chrome Vanadium Steel.
Clarke CHT102 Welding Clamps 'C' TYPE
This set of 3 different sized clamps for holding metal securely in position prior to welding. Manual C- and G- Clamps like these go back several centuries. The earliest types are just as popular today as they were back then!
Clarke CHT923 44-PCE Screwdriver & Bit Set
A screwdriver & bit set made from hardened chrome vanadium steel, tempered for greater strength and durability. Ergonomically designed soft grip handles for increased user comfort. Supplied with a moulded storage / display stand
Clarke PRO138 29-PCE HEX & TORX Key Set
A tough, useful and versatile Torx®, metric & imperial hex key set. All keys feature Chrome Vanadium blades for strength and durability, and are stored in one of three handy organiser / holders,
Sealey TBTP06UK 13-PCE Hacksaw, Hammers & Punches
Ideal tool to use for cutting thin metal and pipes quickly. This set features a robust build for ensured reliability.
Clarke CHT128 11-PCE Metal File Set
These tough steel files comes in a range of shapes with both long & short pieces each fitted with a comfortable moulded handle. You will need them for “deburring” the edges of cut metal in order to smooth the jagged edge of the cut.
A 57mm dia mirror with flexible head for close inspection work & good visibility in hard to reach areas. The pick up tool is great for retrieving cotter keys among many other uses.
Clarke CM250 Measuring Set
A perfect starter kit for measuring the metal that you might need to cut. This kit includes the four most commonly used precision measuring / checking devices. Excellent value for money and no compromise on quality.
Wire Crimper Stripper Cable Cutter
A versatile and user-friendly tool that cuts, strips, and crimps wires, designed to simplify to make your electrical splices, or connections when installing automotive accessories like radios/CD players and fog lights, etc.
Car Fuse Test Light
You will use this to determine if electrical current is present such as headlights, speed sensor, relays, and diodes, and fuses, helping you reduce diagnostic time for your car’s electrical system.
Electrical Fittings/Connector, Electrical Tape
You will need these in order to connect power wires to your electrical accessories.
Digital Multimeter Circuit Cranking Analog Signal Tester
This is an advanced version of a test light. It will not only tell you if current is present, but also specific voltage, continuity, resistance and much more. These are very important to have when diagnosing electrical problems.
Soldering Iron Electrical Automotive Angled Chisel
These are used to melt lead, or solder, to cover electrical connections for better conductivity
Timing Light, With Digital Advance and Rev Counter
This is used to help you adjust the timing of the ignition system in your engine.
Car Battery Charger
This is important of the tools required because it is an invaluable device that is used to recharge the battery in your car. After prolonged use of your battery, during electrical accessory use and installation on your car, the battery can discharge and cause your car not to start due to lack of battery power.
Power Drill
This will be necessary to have in case you need to drill holes in something, perhaps so you can pass electrical wires through, and also to make new bolt holds for attaching things.
Hydraulic Jack & Axle Stand Set
A hydraulic jack is what you will use to lift your vehicle off of the ground. Use at least a 2ton capacity. These are very important. NEVER RELY ON YOUR JACK ALONE TO SUPPORT YOUR VEHICLE IN THE AIR. ALWAYS SUPPORT THE VEHICLE WITH JACK STANDS. Hydraulic jacks have been known to fail and allow the vehicle to fall to the ground and either crush or seriously injure people under the vehicle!
DeWalt DCG412N 18V XR 125mm Angle Grinder
Used to grind metal, or to remove paint from a service. Cutting discs can be attached to these to provide another method of metal cutting.
PAIR Rubber Wheel Chock Heavy Duty
These are placed in front of or behind your tires on the ground to prevent the vehicle from rolling. during testing and electrical accessory use and installation on your car.
Draper Grease Gun
Use this to lube all of your grease joints on your chassis (ie. ball-joints, steering linkage) to allow for smooth movement an extended life of the joints.
8 Litre Oil Drain Pan
Use this to catch the oil that is being drained out of your engine during an oil change. You can then take the used oil to your local recycle centre. It is a violation to pour chemicals like this down your drains at home or in the street. Contamination of city water can occur if you do this, plus there can be very large fines to pay.
LED Batten Lights
You will need sufficient lighting in order to be able to see what you are doing. Working with inadequate lighting is not only dangerous and bad for your eyes, but it is easy to make mistakes, especially electrical mistakes when you can’t see what you are working on/with. Replace any dim or flickering lights with bright LED fixtures that provide ample illumination.
Stainless Steel Workbench
A sturdy workbench is the foundation of any well-equipped garage like this stainless steel top by SEALEY. A quality tool chest with multiple drawers keep your tools organised and easily accessible.
3 IN 1 MIG ARC and TIG Welder Gasless
Welding metal means to heat the metal to a temperature that liquefies it and allows the metal to be joined to another piece of similar metal. Welding is an art form and should not be attempted without proper training by a professional.
Bench Grinder With Belt Sander
This is a stationary grinding tool that is mounted to a work bench or stand and allows you to grind metal.
Belt Sander
Use these to prep your part to be painted or welded.
Work Bench Vice
These is another workbench mounted device that will allow you clamp down, or hold the part you are working on.
HENRY Hoover Industrial Vacuum Cleaner
A clean work environment is a good work environment.
Wall Mounted Pegboard
Invest in storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets and pegboards to keep your tools, supplies, and equipment organised. Utilise wall space to hang frequently used tools. Label storage containers and create designated areas for different types of items.
Floor Paint
Having a painted garage floor won’t only improve the look of your garage but it will reflect light, keep the concrete floor clean, reduces dust and helps improve floor traction, making your garage a much safer place to work.
Drinks Fridge
Don’t forget a small fridge to keep your favourite beverages cool and refreshing.
Smart TV
To make your garage a truly enjoyable space, consider adding some must-have amenities. Install a quality sound system to keep you entertained while you work. A TV can be a great addition for catching up on your favorite shows or watching tutorials on YouTube.
Classic Wall Art
Finally, add personal touches to make your garage feel like your own. Hang up motivational posters, artwork, or photographs that inspire you. Consider adding a comfortable seating area where you can take breaks or brainstorm ideas.
Conclusion
Transforming your garage into a bright and inviting workspace is a rewarding project that can enhance your productivity and enjoyment. By focusing on lighting, insulation, garage floor tiles, must-have amenities, organisation, and personal touches, you can create a space that is not only functional but also reflects your unique style and interests.