Have you ever lost a little wrench or a tiny part that seems disappear into the automotive abyss? Or how that all-too-familiar situation where you can just feel the fastener but you can’t get a wrench on it, let alone see it? You’re certainly not alone. Everyone crosses that bridge once or twice—or a zillion times—when working on a project.
Over the years, I’ve collected some really handy little tools that help with the above scenarios. None of these tools will break the bank.
Inspection Mirrors
Let’s look at shop inspection mirrors. Most have a double-flexible head of some sort, which allows the mirror to be carefully angled so you can get a good look at the problem child. Some have extendable shafts that can be almost a foot or more long. Others have a flexible shaft for a handle that allows you to snake the mirror into position. There are even inspection mirrors that come with a magnet for fishing out dropped items.
Magnet Tools
Speaking of magnet tools, I have four of them. I probably have more! The biggest one has a telescopic handle that extends a couple of feet plus a double-adjustable magnetic head. Another has a flexible shaft that is approximately 18 inches long.
Another good retrieval tool is this Allstar Performance Telescoping Magnet Tool. It has a shaft that extends from five to 24 inches and it comes with a handy side clip so you can put it in your shirt or pants pocket.
Pickup Tools
Prong-style pickup tools have been available for decades. They are built with a retractable, flexible jaw arrangement that you control at the handle. Some also have a magnet that doubles your chances of picking up that elusive part or tool.
A set of tweezers can be a useful addition to your tool box. They’re very useful when working with delicate parts that are easily fumbled with bare hands. Some have serrated jaws. Some have smooth jaws. Some are even insulated. Summit Racing carries a nice selection of Knipix tweezers for you to choose from.
Hemostat pliers are also very useful. They have a small, sometimes curved jaw, along with a locking clamp. This allows you to grasp something tiny and then lock the pliers so the jaws don’t open.
Additionally, I have a miniature needle nose plier set in my toolbox that I’ve owned since I was a kid building model cars. They’re very useful, but you really don’t want to use them for any heavy work. Summit Racing carries some nice ones made by Knipix.
Magnifiers & Flashlights
Magnifiers and magnifying glasses also come in very handy. You can get them in various magnification levels so you can get up close and personal with a part in question. Some have built-in lights to help you see small things even better.
I’d be very disappointing if you don’t have an LED flashlight or two to your tool box. You can’t beat them for illuminating the dark cracks and crevices that nuts and bolts seem to gravitate towards. You can even get headlamp style flashlights that keep your hands free for working.
These inexpensive tools are major frustration savers. You don’t know you need them until you do, so make sure they’re in your toolbox arsenal.
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