Truck repairs and maintenance can be challenging with the potential problems that can arise. A mechanic, therefore, should work through these processes for their clients as they have the relevant training and knowledge. They should also have the correct HGV tools to repair these vehicles.
But what tools does a mechanic need to service or repair a truck?
Due to the size of these vehicles, the tools used for car maintenance may not be enough, so you need to find ones that can repair trucks. So, whilst having tools in a home is not uncommon, there are certain ones a truck mechanic should have, and working with HGVs would be difficult without this additional equipment.
This blog explains five tools you need for truck maintenance, whether you’re a mechanic servicing your truck or repairing them for your clients.
Mechanic Tools You Need to Maintain a Truck
1) Impact Wrench
The impact wrench is a must-have for anyone wanting to maintain their truck. They are ideal for removing a rusty nut or bolt from your vehicle, especially if other tools don’t have the required torque.
For example, the Ingersoll Rand 1” Square Drive Impact Wrench has 2000Nm reverse torque and a square socket retaining ring.
Air impact wrenches have more powerful torque than their cordless counterparts, making them an excellent choice for circumstances that require more force.
If you are using an impact wrench, there is a range of impact sockets designed for use with this tool, as they can withstand more torque than the standard socket.
2) Pliers
Useful for hard-to-reach areas, pliers are a great addition to any toolbox. Each set of pliers is better suited for different purposes, but they can help you reach tighter areas where other tools wouldn’t fit.
If you purchase a set of pliers, you can utilise the different sizes to meet your needs best, as the type of truck you are repairing will alter which specific tool sizes you require. This tool can help wire headlights and connect or disconnect speakers in a vehicle.
In particular, water pump pliers are helpful in this industry due to the slip joint, which enables you to widen the opening so it can fit around large parts. You can use this tool when testing the ball joints on your vehicle, such as before a colleague can help you test them more thoroughly.
For those wanting to obtain this tool, you can purchase water pump pliers from Heamar. An example of a set of water pump pliers available is the Stahlwille 177mm Waterpump Pliers, which have seven adjustment positions and anti-squeeze protection.
3) Torque Wrench
A mechanic mainly uses this precision tool to tighten bolts and nuts without using more torque than necessary. Torque wrenches are helpful when you fit the wheels on your vehicle, as you must fasten the nuts to a specific torque. If you use the wrong torque, it can result in various damages, such as broken nuts.
A truck torque wrench is essential to a mechanic as it enables you to tighten fastenings without worrying about the HGV’s different clamping parts breaking or deteriorating.
To properly establish the torque for your tools, you need to use the correct torque calibration equipment. A mechanic can also use this calibration equipment with torque screwdrivers.
The vehicle manufacturer should specify the required torque for the truck in question.
For those wanting a torque wrench, the Mountz 3/4” Adjustable Click Torque Wrench has a torque range of 183Nm-779.5Nm. When used, this tool clicks when it reaches the correct torque.
4) Vehicle Jack
Some maintenance elements require you to access the truck’s underside, and the vehicle jack is essential for you to do this.
A heavy-duty truck jack can lift the vehicle gradually, enabling you to remove the tires without causing damage to parts such as the driveshaft and repair parts such as the brakes and oil filter.
Therefore, this can help with tire changes and other needed maintenance and repair processes.
To operate this tool, slide the jack beneath the HGV, which allows it to lift the vehicle and give you access to the various areas beneath the truck.
5) Spanners
A truck spanner set gives you various tools to find the ideal one for your vehicle and situation. Each spanner has its own features to make them better suited for specific issues, so you must find the right one for your repair or maintenance task.
For example, ratchet spanners have a ratchet mechanism, meaning they will turn the fastener in one direction but not the other.
You will need a hammer to loosen and fasten your nuts and bolts when using a slogging spanner. The hammer enables you to use an increased level of torque, and the vibrations and force can help to loosen fasteners that are otherwise stuck. They are ideal for removing nuts and bolts needing high torque levels to loosen them or in awkward or hard-to-reach places.
This specific tool is useful when working with HGV wheels.
Need tools for your truck?
Truck maintenance is crucial so the vehicle runs smoothly and you can find and fix any damage. However, this is only one vehicle that requires repairs and maintenance to function correctly.
If you are a mechanic wanting to repair your client’s vehicle or you want to maintain your own, Heamar has various tools that can help you keep them operating as they should. Our mechanic hand tools can help you with multiple tasks to repair vehicles and in other industries, such as aerospace.
If you want the best results for your customers, see how Heamar can help you get the tools you need.
