【Chosen by Professionals】 What are the top 3 tools adored by automotive mechanics? It turned out to be an unexpectedly interesting world when I asked.

When I asked the mechanic who takes care of my Jimny JA22 about their favorite tools, I saw their choice of tools shaped by expert insights and improvements. This led me to discover the unexpected depth of the world of tools.

Professional Tool No. 1: All-purpose "Snap-on Electric Impact Wrench"

When asked about the top 3 favorite tools, I was told, "Almost everything is done with this one..." referring to the Snap-on（※1） electric impact. As a beginner, I didn't quite understand at first, but it turns out that by swapping out sockets like the one in the image below, various tasks can be done with just this one tool. It seems that my Jimny is mostly finished using just this tool.

※1 Snap-on is a tool brand originating from the United States, known for releasing high-quality and durable hand tools and maintenance equipment for professionals.

However, I was also told that this preference was simply a result of seeking efficiency in work, and that generally using electric impacts excessively is "not a good thing." The reason is that ensuring quality requires skill and familiarity, and mistakes can damage bolts and screws. It suggests that after handling multiple machines alone, this "electric impact wrench" was chosen.

When I asked what other tools are frequently used...

Professional Tool No. 2: High-performance "Snap-on Electric Soldering Iron"

"This is interesting!" what was presented to me was an electric soldering iron. When you touch the part labeled "TOUCH HERE" on the grip, it adds heat, and if the mechanism at the bottom is grounded to the surface, it continues to heat in the state shown in the image. They say that if it tips over, it turns off. At first, I couldn't quite grasp what was convenient just from hearing about the functions, but after watching work done with traditional soldering irons, I understood.

If you want to solder with both hands free, it seems that with traditional tools, you end up in a situation like this (the image above). The cord management is poor, and it looks cramped, so using a snap-on soldering iron that can be placed on the workbench could likely improve quality.

I was informed that the cord and cable management issue is also present with the earlier electric impact wrench.

With battery performance improving and the air cable becoming neatly cordless

before electric tools became widespread, air tools were the norm, and one would connect the air cable to use the impact wrench. As battery performance improved and cordless options became available, the elimination of the air cable enhanced workability, leading to most tools now switching to electric. However, there are many automotive mechanics who are particular about choosing air tools, so it isn't a matter of which is superior. The operational sound of air tools has a distinctive tone that is recognizable to anyone as being associated with maintenance work.

Pro favorite tool No. 3: The deep commitment tools "10mm wrenches".

The tool I was imagining is a hand tool like the one in the image above, so I decided to ask about non-electric tools as well. It seems that there is a particular interest in the 10mm size among wrenches, and they brought out a wrench of the same size but with different functions.

Rare!? 10mm Gear Wrench "Blue Point" with 6-point and 12-point on opposite sides

Among them, the Blue Point（※2） gear wrench is rare, as the wrench hole shape has a 12-point on the backside and a 6-point on the front side, allowing for work without passing through, depending on the bolt or nut, making it an excellent tool. It helps prevent bolts and nuts from falling and is useful for working in hard-to-reach places.

※2 Blue Point is Snap-on's second brand. It offers tools that maintain quality while keeping costs down.

10mm wrench with high grip "Frank Drive"

A wrench that can be turned without stripping the corners of stuck bolts and nuts, known as "Frank Drive." It has a contact surface that is processed with serrations to grip the bolts and nuts, allowing force to be transmitted effectively. Frank Drive has a unique feel that divides opinions, but it has the advantage of being able to turn securely.

There is also a Frank Drive monkey wrench, but for some reason, it tends to get stuck on bolts and nuts, so it is not used much. I feel a depth in the existence of wrenches that you don't understand until you use them.

Initially, I didn't understand why there are so many types just for wrenches, but I learned that, to efficiently and effectively carry out repairs on various cases as a professional, a vast amount of tools is necessary. I have developed an interest in the deep world of tools, so I plan to gradually collect tools and become capable of maintaining my beloved vehicle myself.

Interview and text by Kazuma Tanaka

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