Auto Collision Repair Tools List: 50+ Essential Items

It’s often said that a technician is only as good as his or her tools. This is certainly the case when it comes to collision repair!

Collision repair technicians analyze, diagnose and repair damaged vehicles. Accidents happen on our roadways every day, and these technicians play an important role in getting vehicles back up and running. To do their job well, they must have a specific set of tools they can rely on.

If you’re considering a career in this industry or are currently completing your collision repair training program, this list is for you. Follow along as we share a complete auto body tools list.

Key Points:

- Collision repair technicians are essential for analyzing, diagnosing and repairing vehicles damaged in accidents, requiring a specific set of tools to perform their jobs effectively.

- Aspiring technicians are advised to start building their toolset early, with a basic collection expected by potential employers, including a variety of sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, chisels, punches, dollies and other specialized tools.

- The list of necessary tools for a collision repair technician is extensive, covering everything from standard and metric socket sets to professional screwdriver sets, locking pliers, hammers and advanced painting guns for topcoat and primer application.

- Building a tool set can be a gradual process, with opportunities to acquire tools as gifts or at discounted prices through programs like the Snap-on® Student Excellence Program offered by Universal Technical Institute (UTI) or by purchasing from retiring technicians.¹⁹

- UTI offers a collision repair training program designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and hands-on education needed for a career in the industry, with campuses in Houston, Texas, and Long Beach, California.¹

How To Find Tools for Auto Body Repair

Finding the right tools for auto body repair involves understanding the specific needs of the job and where to source quality equipment. UTI offers comprehensive training programs in collision and auto body repair, providing students with hands-on training using industry-standard tools and equipment.

This exposure helps aspiring technicians become familiar with the tools used in the industry. Additionally, UTI's relationships with leading manufacturers ensure that students train with state-of-the-industry tools and technology.

For those looking to purchase tools, it's beneficial to explore specialized automotive tool suppliers, online marketplaces and local hardware stores, ensuring the tools meet professional standards and are suitable for specific repair tasks.

H2: Auto Collision Repair Tool List

As an aspiring collision repair technician, it’s important to start building your toolset as soon as possible. According to David Sydnor, Education Manager for the Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) program at UTI, it’s critical to have a set of tools before sitting down for an interview with your future employer.

While many companies will provide the specialty tools used on the job, technicians are expected to have a basic set of tools. Tools for car body repair include:

H3: ¼” drive sockets

• Six-point standard/metric socket set (44)
• Torx bit dockets: T-10, T-15, T-20, T-25 (4)
• Six-point 9mm deep socket (1)

H3: ¼” drive tools

• QR TD ratchet
• 3" extension bar
• 6" extension bar
• Universal joint
• 6" spinner handle

H3: ⅜” drive sockets

• Six-point standard deep sockets (11)

o 3/8"

o7/16"

o 1/2"

o 9/16"

o 5/8"

o 11/16"

o 3/4"

o 13/16"

o 7/8"

o 15/16"

o 1"

• Six-point metric deep sockets (11)

o 9mm

o 10mm

o 11mm

o 12mm

o 13mm

o 14mm

o 15mm

o 16mm

o 17mm

o 18mm

o 19mm

• 12-point standard sockets (10)

o 5/16"

o 3/8"

o 7/16"

o 1/2"

o 9/16"

o 5/8"

o 11/16"

o 3/4"

o 13/16"

o 7/8"

• 12-point metric sockets (3)

o 9mm

o 19mm

o 21mm

• Easy-to-read 12-point metric sockets (9)

o 10mm

o 12mm

o 13mm

o 14mm

o 15mm

o 17mm

o 18mm

o 19mm

o 21mm

• Screwdriver bit socket set (23)
• Torx bit socket T-47

H3: ⅜” drive tools

• QR TD ratchet
• 3" extension bar
• 6" extension bar
• 10" extension bar
• 10" flex-handle universal joint
• 3/8" to 1/4" socket adapter

H3: Wrenches

• 12-point full-polish standard combination wrenches (13)

o 1/4"

o 5/16"

o 3/8"

o 7/16"

o 1/2"

o 9/16"

o 5/8"

o 11/16"

o 3/4"

o 13/16"

o 7/8"

o 15/16"

o 1"

• 12-point full-polish metric combination wrenches (13)

o 7mm

o 8mm

o 9mm

o 10mm

o 11mm

o 12mm

o 13mm

o 14mm

o 15mm

o 16mm

o 17mm

o 18mm

o 19mm

H3: Hex keys

• Long-arm standard hex key det (11)
• Long-arm metric hex key det (11)
• Short-arm standard hex key det (11)
• Short-arm metric hex key det (11)

H3: Screwdrivers

• Phillips and slotted professional screwdriver set (8)

H3: Pliers

• 6-3/4" pro slip joint
• 7" pro straight-jaw locking
• 10-1/2" arc joint
• 8" pro long-nose
• 8" pro wide-jaw diagonal

H3: Hammers

• Shrinking and utility pick hammers (3)

H3: Chisels

• Cold chisels (3)

o 1/4" x 4"

o 3/8" x S"

o 1/2" x 5-3/4"

H3: Punches

• Punch end line-up tools (5)

o 1/0" pin

o 1/1G" pin

o 3/32" pin

o 5/32" pin

o 5/32" line-up

H3: Dollies

• Dollies (4)

o Universal

o Heel

o Combination

o Panel

H3: Other tools

• Trim pad removing tool
• 12" hacksaw
• 9" rubber sanding block
• 1/4" professional blow gun
• Shoehandle wire brush
• Scratch awl
• 10" compound leverage snips, straight cut
• 5 pc. specialty tool kit
• 3" stiff scraper SAS hornet safety glasses
• SAS overspray safety goggles
• Earmuff hearing protector
• Voltage tester
• Window molding remover
• Gasket scraper
• 11" locking C-clamp
• 25' locking tape measure
• 4pc. body trim set

H3: Topcoat & primer guns

• SATAjet 100 B F HVLP primer gun
• SATAjet 5000 B HVLP topcoat gun (color)
• SATAjet 5000 B RP topcoat gun (clear)

H3: Rolling box

Don’t forget a cart or rolling box that organizes your tools so they’re easy to use.

Start Building Your Collision Repair Tool Set

This is a long list, and it might seem overwhelming to those just starting out. Remember that you can build your tool set over time as you complete your training. David suggests letting friends and family know that you’re building your tool set so that when Christmas and birthdays come around, you can receive tools as gifts.

Be sure to also do your research and take advantage of UTI’s industry connections to talk with potential employers and ask what tools you’ll be expected to have. Not only will this make a great impression, but it can also guide you as you add tools to your set.

Finally, there may be ways to save money when purchasing your tools. UTI has a close relationship with Snap-on, a leading manufacturer of high-end tools and equipment for professionals in the transportation industry. Through UTI’s Snap-on Student Excellence Program, students can receive discounts on tools while they are enrolled at UTI.¹⁹

Additionally, as technicians retire, many choose to sell their tools to the next generation. Take advantage of your network—you may be able to purchase some high-quality tools at a lower price!

Train To Become a Collision Repair Technician

Interested in pursuing a career in collision repair? UTI’s CRRT program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and hands-on training needed to pursue a career in the industry.¹ To learn more, visit our collision repair program page and request information today.