When you do an auto repair, you need a set of tools. If you are a professional mechanic, you may have had a comprehensive set of tools over an entire career But if you are a beginner mechanic or a home mechanic who wants to start doing some basic repair for yourself, you need to buy basic tools, such as screwdrivers and socket wrenches for auto repair. Before you buy, you should know about types of tools, each tool's application and frequent of use. Once you get familiar with tools, you will spend money for tools wisely and get jobs done more smoothly.

Automobiles have lots of different size bolts and nuts. There is a kind of tools called Socket Wrenches for auto repair (or just simply called Sockets). Sockets are used for loosening or tightening bolts and nuts. There are many different sizes. Each size socket fits over each size bolt or nut. Some bolts and nuts are measured in metric and some in standard. Since the shape of bolts and nuts is mostly hexagon or 6-point, you first need 6-point socket set in both standard and metric. Sockets have another difference in length, deep (long) and shallow (short or mostly called regular or standard length). Deep sockets are necessary when you loosen or tight nuts through which bolts stick out. There is also semi-deep sockets but deep and shallow sockets are enough for starter.

On the opposite side from 6-point, there is a square hole. It's called "drive". Other tools such as ratchets, extension bars, impact wrenches, and so on, attach to the drive so you can turn sockets to loosen and tighten bolts and nuts. 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive sockets are mostly used in an auto repair (passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks).

Each drive size has a certain range of socket size. 1/2" drive sockets have a range of larger size, while 1/4" drive sockets have a range of smaller size and 3/8" drive sockets have a range of middle size. For example, in metric, 6mm to 14mm for 1/4" drive, 8mm to 19mm for 3/8" drive, and 13mm to 27mm for 1/2" drive. Of course, you can find lots of other size variations of socket wrenches for auto repair, such as 22mm 3/8" drive socket, 10mm 1/2" drive socket, but the size variation mentioned above is very common. Keep in mind, use these variation as a guide when you buy sockets.

Lastly, please don't forget that drive tools (ratchets, handles....) are necessary to use socket wrenches. For auto repair, you still need other basic mechanic tools, like wrenches and screwdrivers, also flashlight to see dark spot, gloves and goggles for safety. I hope this article helped you and gave an idea for your future purchase.