1. Wrenches. Wrenches are hand tools that are used to twist or hold a bolt or a nut. They should come in handy for you as they come in different sizes, depending on what kind of vehicle you have. It is good to buy combination wrenches but the most competent kind would be the type that has an open end and box on the other side. Just ensure that both ends have equal sizes. It is important to take note that in most instances, wrenches with 6-points are not that useful compared to wrenches with 12-points.
2. Hammer. This is a tool you cannot do without. It is advisable to get hammers with a 12-ounce ball peen and one with 14-ounce ball peen as well. But if your toolbox still has room for one more, add in the 16-ounce one.
3. Flashlight. This is definitely a must because the sun is not always there to give you light. Tools are not going to be of much help if you're not seeing what you're making them do.
4. Pry bar. The recommended sizes to get for pry bars would be 12 and 24 inch ones. It's true that some tools can substitute pry bars but mind you, most of them are not made to pry off things.
5. Bottle Jack. Cars may already come with jacks but a bottle jack will make things so much easier for you. It will prove useful too in pushing away a fender from the car's wheel in instances when you've hit something.
6. Screwdrivers. What could be more useful than Phillips screwdriver #2? You must also have straight blade ones both large and small.
7. Sockets and Ratchet. A good ratchet would be the 3/8" drive one. Keep a socket handy especially during times when a wrench cannot do so. The socket will help loosen a fastener and at the same time tighten it.
8. Pliers. For pliers, regular ones will do. However, you must also have a set of Channel Locks as well as a set of vise grips both large and small. Don't forget needle nose pliers, too.
9. Jumper Cables. You'll never know when your battery is going to turn out dead. Keep jumper cables handy. Finding someone who's willing to help you give a jump doesn't necessarily mean they have jumper cables with them.
10. Work gloves. This is always a must to protect your hands in fixing things up.
