Collision repair is a vital service in the automotive industry. It addresses damages from accidents and ensures vehicles are restored to their pre-accident condition. The tools used in this process vary widely, from basic hand tools to advanced machinery. This article will explore the essential tools involved in collision repair, breaking them down into categories based on their function and usage.
Hand tools
Wrenches, ratchets, and sockets
Wrenches and sockets are fundamental for loosening and tightening bolts and nuts. They come in various sizes with the most common being standard (SAE) and metric. Ratchet wrenches allow for quick adjustments and can reach tight spaces in a vehicle’s engine or frame. My personal favorite and one that saved my potential hearing loss was the Milwaukee 12V 1/4" Electric Ratchet. Snap-on makes and sells an excellent one as well, but if you’re like me and looking for the absolute best reliable bang for your buck, then book a flight to Milwaukee and never look back. As far as the best bang for your buck on sockets, SUNEX sells large quantities of assorted sizes.
Pliers
Pliers are versatile tools used for gripping, twisting, and cutting. You have needle nose, channel lock, and wire strippers just to name a few. I've even used linemen pliers from Klein in our industry. Although, I don’t think any pliers are as good as KNIPEX. The adjustable jaw and the various sizes have served me wonders.
Hammers and dollies
In collision repair, hammers and dollies are crucial for metal shaping. Different methods are used with the hammers and dollies. You can hammer ON with a dolly directly behind the impact point, or hammer OFF bringing those nasty low spots back, which requires outward pressure using the dollie while hammering adjacent to the repair. A few of the tools I personally like to use are Martin Tools' hammers and dollies.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are essential for removing and installing screws on various components, from interior trim to exterior components. As primitive as some of these tools are in 2024, there are some times when you just cannot beat an extended version of a torx head screwdriver. There isn’t any brand to grab in particular, but I will say don’t be shy about spending a pretty penny on these because the cheaper you go the easier it is to strip the interior of the tool or damage the head.
Power tools
Electric and pneumatic sanders
Sanding is a critical step in preparing a vehicle for painting or roughing out your bodywork. In my day and age, everyone wanted to have a good ole’ square Hutchins (which by the way are still sold to this day) in their box. Give it a shot!
Impact wrenches
Impact wrenches, either electric or pneumatic, are designed to deliver high torque output with minimal effort. They are particularly useful for quickly removing rusted or stubborn bolts, making them a staple in collision repair shops. These impact wrenches are also good for over-torquing down bolts and causing them to break. When using impact tools make sure you pay attention to torque specs so vehicles are being fixed properly.
Welding equipment
Welding is often necessary for repairing collision damage. It’s found when we replace exterior panels and structural panels. The two most common types of welders found in shops are GMA welders, aluminum welders, bronze brazing, and squeeze-type resistance spot welders. To correctly repair vehicles of this age you need to pay attention to the manufacturer's welding requirements. Welding wire could change based on the substrate or panel to be replaced.
Body repair tools
Frame machines
Frame machines are used so a vehicle can be mounted so it can be measured using 3-D measuring equipment. There are three manufacturers that really dominate the market here. Car-O-Liner, Spanesi and Celette. In my opinion, each machine has its own usage. All three of these tools are fantastic as long as they are used appropriately.
Pulling tools
Pulling tools, such as slide hammers and anchor pulls, help to remove dents and restore the shape of damaged panels. These tools use leverage and force to pull out the metal without causing additional damage. These tools are still being used today, but now we have tools such as glue pull repair for collision (Keco, Cam Auto, etc ...) as well as weld-on tools like BETAG. Both glue pull and weld-on offer fantastic training programs so technicians stay up-to-date on education. With the way current technology is evolving on the collision repair side, using old methods such as weld-on studs from the 50-lb yellow gun is no longer applicable.
Metal finishing tools
Metal finishing tools, like body files and body spoons, are used for smoothing out and shaping metal after it has been repaired. Body spoons are particularly useful when you need to spread out the blow of the hammer. When I first started doing body work, I was working for free at a custom shop to learn how to shape metal. I even got to learn how to make my own panels, and then use the English wheel to straighten them out. The goal was to always straighten a panel using the least amount of filler possible.
Diagnostic tools
Scan tools
Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced electronics, making diagnostic tools indispensable in collision repair. Scan tools allow technicians to read error codes and diagnose issues related to the vehicle’s computer systems. In the last several years, these scan tools have evolved. There are tools that use a gateway connection to allow you the usage of the OEM scan tool, without having the actual tool in front of you. However, I will say that nothing is as good as having the actual OEM tool.
In this day and age not only are we scanning the vehicle before and after repairs to make sure that all of the vehicle's modules are properly communicating without issue, but now we are scanning the vehicle in process! These in-process scans can aid in diagnosing issues before reassembly or help if you have an issue along the way. We have all been there — disassemble a vehicle 100 percent and now it won't start.
Measuring systems
Precise measurements are crucial for ensuring that repairs meet manufacturer specifications. Remember the center line gauges hanging on the wall? In fact, they are probably still there, right? I thought so. 3-D measuring and more compact alignment tools have greatly simplified the ways in which we verify the structural integrity of the frame, suspension, or unibody.
Conclusion
The tools used in collision repair are diverse and specialized, reflecting the complexity and nobility of the work involved. From basic hand tools to advanced machinery, each tool plays a significant role in restoring vehicles to their pre-loss condition. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the tools and techniques used in collision repair, emphasizing the need for technicians to stay informed and adaptable. Constantly investing in your tools will greatly increase not only your knowledge of the tasks but the efficiency with which you do them.
Investing doesn’t just mean pulling out your wallet on the tool truck either. It means putting your time into training. A big problem this industry has is the lack of training on equipment or a tool. Arguably so, training and education are the two most important tools involved in this industry. So to you reading this article, think about certain tools that have helped you along the way. I challenge each of you to open your mind, be interested in learning new ways to reach the same solution, and think about how you can be better or better serve the industry. We are all in this together!
