Students are required to buy their own tools. Listed below are the 'Basic Tools' that are needed by everyone who enrolls in an automotive lab. Other tools are required for each course you take (see below).
Tool Lists
Please purchase quality tools; they will cost you less money in the long-run. During the first week of each semester tool vendors will be on campus to offer tools at discounted prices to students.
Tools Required for All AUTO Labs
- Metric 6-point socket set, 1/4” drive (shallow and deep sockets, extensions and ratchet) (5mm-13mm)
- Metric 6-point socket set, 3/8” drive (shallow & deep sockets, extensions & ratchet) (10mm-21mm)
- Metric hex (Allen) socket Set (3mm-10mm)
- Torx socket set; male T8 - T55
- Socket adaptor set (Matco #SRA5TB or equiv)
- Metric Combination Wrench Set 7mm - 19mm
- 9” needle-nose locking pliers (Vice Grip or equiv)
- Flat Blade Screwdrivers 3/16”, 1/4”, & 3/8"
- Phillips Screwdrivers #1, #2, & #3
- Needle-nose pliers (6” or longer)
- 4-piece pick set
- Groove-joint pliers (10” or longer)
- Diagonal cutter pliers (6” or longer)
- Flashlight (rechargeable, pocket-size or magnetic base) - cell phone not acceptable
- Magnet with telescoping handle
- 12-volt test light (with a light bulb, not an LED)
- Wire stripper/crimper pliers
- Safety glasses (purchase through office)
- Back-probe & alligator clip terminal kit
- Trim panel removal tool
- Multimeter (AstroAI WH5000A); (in University Store)
- 20” 3-drawer toolbox (available in university store) (Maximum size=21”x12”x9”) (Example: GearWrench 83151)
Optional Tools
All tools stored on campus must fit inside your toolbox. Additional tools must be stored off-campus. Students enrolled in 351L and 366L labs are permitted to have a tool cart (maximum footprint of 36” x 24”) in the lab.
- 1/2" drive impact wrench
- Air / cordless ratchet 3/8” drive
- Air / cordless ratchet ¼” drive
- Air fitting - Milton 727 or equivalent (for all air tools)
- 1/2" drive impact socket set, (metric)
- Automotive PicoScope (4425A)
- 60-amp current clamp
- 600-amp current clamp
- 2-3 lbs sledgehammer
- Rubber mallet (dead blow)
- Pry bar set
- Compression gauge set or PicoScope pressure transducer
- Cylinder leakage tester
- Soldering iron or gun
- Heat gun
- Memory saver—with OBD II connector
- Torque wrench
- 6” caliper (digital or dial type)
- Micrometer set (0-4”)
Tools Required for AUTO 132L & Higher
- Spark tester w/ adjustable gap (Thexton #THE404 or equiv)
- 5/8" Spark Plug Socket (included in some socket sets)
- Feeler gauge set (down to .0015”)
- OBD II scan tool & data logger (OBD Link MX+)
Tools Required for AUTO 255L & Higher
- Flare (tubing) wrenches: 10mm, 13mm
- Magnetic tool/parts tray
- Punch & chisel set (4 piece or more)
- Coveralls or shop coat (clean, dark color, no holes)
Tools Required for AUTO 351L & 366L
- 3/8” drive impact wrench (pneumatic or battery powered)
- 3/8” drive impact wobble socket set (metric)
- Small bolt/parts organizer
Important: Other labs not listed here require the same tools as their prerequisite courses.