Can You Name the Auto Shop Tool From an Image and a Hint?

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Name the Auto Shop Tool From an Image and a Hint?
Image: gilaxia/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

When cars were invented over a hundred years ago, their engines were certainly not as complex as they are today. And they definitely did not have computers which made sure that everything ran as smoothly as possible at all times like modern engines do. 

In fact, if your car has a problem, the first thing an auto mechanic is likely to do is plug in his laptop to see if he can isolate where it originates from. But that's not the only tool he is going to use while working on your vehicle. While modern engines are a far cry from those of yesteryear, some tools needed to work on them remain the same.

Engines still need to be bolted together, so you're going to need sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers and many more loosening and tightening tools. A good hammer also comes in handy when something needs a light tap, such as a stubborn bolt that won't turn. There are also a plethora of gauges and measuring tools that auto shops use on a daily basis. The list goes on and on.

Now the question is, do you think you could identify a range of tools that are used in the auto shop?

Let's put your knowledge to the test!


Pliers
Maciej Toporowicz, NYC/Moment/Getty Images
The tool in this image can hold, cut and twist if necessary. What is it?
Pliers
Heat gun
Laser thermometer
Cordless drill
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although you think you might never need pliers when working on an engine, you will be surprised the number of times you wish you had one if you didn't have one in your toolbox.

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Flashlight
RunPhoto/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Want to see a little clearer in the depths of the engine, then use this. What tool are we talking about?
Jack stand
Flashlight
Scissors
13-inch socket
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A flashlight is crucial while working on the innards of a car, be it the engine, suspension or practically anywhere. And to keep your hands free, use a flashlight that straps to your head. Or employ an apprentice!

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Wrench
Image Source/Image Source/Getty Images/
You won't only have one of these in your auto shop, you will have plenty. What tool is pictured here?
Safety glasses
Drive socket
Wrench
Plastic tip hammer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No self-respecting workshop is going to attempt any engine work without a number of wrenches. Available in a number of sizes, these are the easiest way to tighten or loosen nuts. An adjustable wrench where you can set the size is also known as a monkey spanner.

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Ohm meter
FotoAta/E+/Getty Images
Any electrical work might need a piece of equipment like this. Can you name it, please?
Hacksaw
Wire brush
Braking adjustment tool
Ohm meter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ohm meters are a necessity, especially for any auto electrical work that you might need to carry out. Ohm meters essentially measure electrical resistance.

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Tap and die set
EverythingNewUnderThe Son via youtube
Can you name the tool shown here that can create screw threads?
Tap and die set
Plug spanner
O2 sensor
Pipe wrench
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These special tools are necessary if you would like to create screw threads. This might be necessary when overhauling an engine.

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Valve checking spring kit
Tyson Lucas via youtube
In this image we have a tool that you will use when working with a certain part of the engine. What is it?
Fuel pressure tester
Monkey wrench
Valve checking spring kit
Spark plug
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This tool is particularly useful when working on the valves of an engine. It helps to determine the right height for both the spring and the valve in their chambers. A micrometer is needed for exact measurements. As measurements will differ between cylinders, use the shortest measurement taken.

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Stud removal tool
Catus Maximus via youtube
The tool pictured here helps remove broken fasteners that otherwise could prove troublesome. Please can you tell us what it is?
Oil filter wrench
Breaker bar
Female torx set
Stud removal tool
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sometimes studs can be damaged, making it impossible to remove the bolt off the thread or perhaps the bolt has broken off and the stud needs to be removed to insert a new one. Luckily, in times like this, a stud removal tool is just what you need to get the job done.

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Repair manual
manley099/E+/Getty Images
Technically not a tool but just as important when fixing a car, what is shown in this image?
Car creeper
Repair manual
Tape measure
Oil can
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When working on a make of vehicle, having the repair manual can help immensely. If your car dealer does not supply you with one for your vehicle, finding one online is easy.

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Hammer
xxmmxx/E+/Getty Images
Sometimes you just gotta knock some sense into your engine! What tool shown here is perfect for the job?
Electrical tape
Hammer
Ramps
Car jack
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A hammer? To work on an engine? Yes, you never know when it might come in necessary. For example, a jammed starter motor might just need a gentle tap from a hammer to become unstuck.

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Socket set
TheDurbinCompound via youtube
Used to tighten and loosen nuts, what tool is shown in this image?
Funnel
Socket set
Oil dripping pan
Pliers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A socket set serves much the same purpose as a wrench but here, you place the socket over the nut and use a socket wrench to tighten or loosen. The advantage here is that it can be used to work on hard-to-reach nuts thanks to extender bars.

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Allen keys
Anton Petrus/Moment/Getty Images
Shown here is a tool to loosen and tighten a certain type of fastener. Can you name it?
Brake bleed and vacuum pump
Cylinder compression tester
Air ratchet
Allen keys
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Allen keys come in an array of sizes and are made to fit small hexagonal-shaped head. Allen keys are sometimes called hex keys.

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Screwdrivers
Utamaru Kido/Moment/Getty Images
These fastening tools come with a range of different heads. What are they?
Spark plug gap tool
Needle nose pliers
Screwdrivers
Mallet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A good screwdriver set is never out of place in a workshop and a necessity when working on an engine of any kind. Make sure you have a range of different kinds from regular, to Philips to Robertson just to name a few.

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Pushrod length checking tool
Scruf's Garage via youtube
Pictured here is a specialized measurement tool. What is it?
Brake cleaner spray
LED headlamp
Circlip pliers
Pushrod length checking tool
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When rebuilding an engine, having the correct length push rods is critical. This tool helps ensure that this happens. Best of all, they are relatively inexpensive.

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Valve lash tool
rlbatch1via youtube
Used for adjusting a certain part of your engine, can you name this tool?
Wire terminal crimper
Tire Inflator with gauge
Valve lash tool
Jump starter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sometimes called a valve lash wrench, this is used when adjusting the valves on an engine. Sometimes this tool also comes with a built-in torque wrench.

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Cam bearing installation tool
Brad Noon via youtube
Used to install a certain engine part, what engine tool is this?
Cam bearing installation tool
Metric flare nut wrench set
Torque Angle Gauge
Ball-pein hammer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is not a tool that everyone will have in their workshop, but if you plan on rebuilding engines on a regular basis, it is a necessity. This adjustable tool holds and installs the different-sized cam bearings.

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Oil filter wrench
Silver Cymbal via youtube
Can you name this automotive tool used for removing a certain type of filter in your car?
Feeler guage
Oil filter wrench
WD40
Suction gun
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many oil filters are turned into place by hand and then tightened using an oil filter wrench. These also help remove older filters that might have become stuck in place due to the heat of the engine over time.

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Torque wrench
VisualField/E+/Getty Images
Used to loosen and tighten to a precise point, can you name this tool?
Torque wrench
Brake strip
Hose clamp pliers
Pry bars
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This tool is similar to a regular wrench except in the fact that it applies a precise torque to the fastener or bolt you are tightening. This prevents over tightening. The torque wrench was invented in 1918 by Conrad Bahr.

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Valve height micrometer
COMP Cams via youtube
You would use this tool to measure the height of a certain part of your engine. Can you name it?
Heavy-duty wheel chocks
12-inch filter pliers
Multi-purpose funnel
Valve height micrometer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Used in conjunction with a valve checking spring kit, this micrometer helps determine the height of the valves in the engine.

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Pulley, hoist and lift
prha via youtube
Please can you tell us what auto shop equipment is shown in this image? It is the only way to lift a heavy engine.
Rolling tool chest
Pulley, hoist and lift
Ratchet
Pipe wrench
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No self-respecting workshop will be without a pulley, hoist and lift. Engines are heavy and three tools make it possible to not only remove them but replace them back into the chassis with minimal fuss.

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Calipers
gilaxia/E+/Getty Images
Can you name the measuring tool pictured here?
Gasket scraper
Calipers
Pry bar
Piston ring compressor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A caliper is used to measure the distance between from opposing sides of a particular object. They have any number of uses when working on a car engine.

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Torx bit
Afrank99 via Wiki Commons
What is the name of this particular type of fastener
Flat head screw
Torx bit
Phillips screw
None of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Similar to an Allen key, a Torx bit will fit a specially shaped head on a range of bolts. They are easily identified by their six-point star shape.

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Computer code reader
Your Best Digs via youtube
Pictured here is the the device that talks to the "brain" of modern vehicles. Can you name it?
Drive socket set
Metric allen wrench
Computer code reader
Vise grips
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

All modern cars have computers that run pretty much everything in the vehicle. When something goes wrong with this computer, having one of these gadgets can not only help identify the problem easier but can also fix it in many cases.

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Crankshaft Turning Socket
YouTube
What is the name of this part that tightens a certain part of the engine?
Hack saw
OBD2 scanner
Spark plug tester
Crankshaft turning socket
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is used for working on the crankshaft particularly and allows for the rotation of the crankshaft with the damper removed. It works with a normal ratchet.

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Creeper
Blake's Garage via youtube
This makes moving around under the car so much easier. Can you name it?
Pressure washer
Engine degreaser
Oil filter pliers
Creeper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No, it's not something you need for Halloween, but a simple flat board with wheels. Lie on this and you can scoot anywhere you need to while checking under a vehicle. This is particularly useful if you do not have a vehicle lift.

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Auto stethoscope
boschettophotography/E+/Getty Images
A tool for listening to the car engine. Any idea which of the options below best describes it?
Wire terminal crimper
Auto stethoscope
Adjustable wrench
Microfiber towel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Is there an auto doctor in the house? These stethoscopes included a long point probe, perfect for placing at points throughout the engine to listen for problematic sounds.

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Floor jack
Masum321 via Wiki Commons
Can you name the auto tool shown here that helps lift a vehicle on one side?
Floor jack
Multimeter
Breaker Bar
Hex wrench set
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A hydraulic floor jack is the perfect way to quickly raise a car from one side. It is a far better option than a manual jack and gets the job done in seconds. It does cost a little more, however!

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Nut splitter
Koon Trucking via youtube
This loosens stubborn fasteners. What is it?
Fuel pressure tester
Curved pliers
Nut splitter
Saw
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A nut splitter is a great way to loosen nuts, screws or bolts that have become tricky to turn or loosen. It the nut still won't loosen, the splitter can be tightened until the nut breaks in half. Then you simply need to replace it.

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Flexible sockets
Bianditz1965 via youtube
Due to its ability to move in any direction, this tool helps you easily turn hard-to-reach fasteners. What is it called?
Flexible sockets
Jump starter
Fuses
Pry bar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Flexible sockets allow you to get into hard-to-reach places, attach a socket to a nut or bolt and remove it with ease. Couple it with an extender and you will have no problem loosening anything.

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Zip Ties
n/a
A plastic fastener, this is very useful to have around an auto workshop. What is it?
Allen fastener
Phillips screw
Zip ties
Torx bit
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Zip ties are a great way to keep pipes, wires and leads together. For example, keep the high tension leads between the spark plugs and distributor cap neat and tidy by using zip ties to bind them together.

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Socket extension
Catus Maximus via youtube
The tool pictured here allows you to loosen nuts deep in the engine. What is it?
Multi-tool
Socket extension
5-inch pliers
Pocket torch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A socket extension allows you to reach in difficult areas within the engine to loosen bolts or nuts. This makes it far easier to loosen these fasteners than having to struggle with a normal socket tool.

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Circuit tester
Daderot via Wiki Commons
Can you name this meter that helps to see if an electrical circuit within the car is actually working?
Gloves
Gauge coil mechanics wire
Lubricant
Circuit tester
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not sure if a particular circuit is working within the electrical system of your car? A circuit test will tell whether it is or not .

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Car lift
ChicagoMopar via youtube
You would find this in a proper auto shop, as it is a very expensive piece of equipment. What is it?
Wire stripper-crimper
Brake caliper compressor
Car lift
3/8" drive spark plug sockets-
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Car lifts help raise the car off the ground and allow mechanics to check underneath the engine with ease. They make life so much easier than sliding around on your back or on a creeper under the car.

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Electric impact wrench
Ratchets And Wrenches via youtube
Can you name this car part? It is also known as an air gun.
Metric flare nut wrench
¼ drive socket set metric
Electric impact wrench
Allen Wrench set
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Also known as an air gun, this uses compressed air to spin and is the quickest way to attach or remove nuts. If you have one, you too can change tires as fast as they do in IndyCar racing.

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Vise
DNY59/E+/Getty Images
What is the name of this piece of equipment that is used to hold things?
Vise
Molding removal tool set
Jumper wires
Slip joint pliers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Every good workshop needs a vise. You never know when you need to grip something tightly to be able to work on it without worrying that it might come loose and fall to the ground.

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Drip pan
California Car Cover via youtube
This simple tray helps keep your workshop clean. What is it?
Drip pan
Scratch awl
Rubber mallet
Channel lock pliers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Drip pans help keep the floor of your workshop clean. Engines are filled with various fluids and when taking them apart, these will drip onto the floor. A drip pan helps you to keep control of the mess.

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Part washing containers
Pete's Garage via youtube
Here you can keep your engine parts clean. What is it?
Vacuum pump
Tire gauge
Part washing containers
Battery terminal puller
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Engine parts, particularly on old engine rebuilds need to be cleaned. The best way to do this is by simply soaking them and then cleaning them in a part washing container.

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Jumper pack_Charger combo
randomrazr via youtube
Car battery flat? No problem with this handy combo. Can you name it, please?
Jumper pack/Charger combo
Circuit powered test light
Brake spring tool
Hose
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Struggling with a flat battery? A jumper pack will get it started first time and the charger will ensure that you get a charge back into it so you won't need to jump it again.

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Engine stand
Chet Spencer youtube
This can hold a weight. What is it?
Steel tape
Engine stand
Antifreeze tester
Hose clamp pliers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Engines are heavy. When removed from a vehicle, they need somewhere to stand without the chance of falling and getting damaged. An engine stand will do the job perfectly.

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Cleaning brush
Detail King via youtube
A dirty engine needs to be cleaned. This can help to remove grime from it. What is it?
Cleaning brush
Tire air chuck with aero fittings
Valve core removing tool
Snap ring pliers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A good set of cleaning brushes can be used throughout your workshop on a number of different things, including keeping an engine shiny clean.

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Crankshaft Socket
YouTube
This fastening tool is used on a particular part of the engine. Can you identify it?
Digital caliper
Impact sockets
Air ratchet
Crankshaft socket
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While working on an engine, the crankshaft will need to be tuned and adjusted many times. This socket does the job for you without any fear of damaging the crankshaft itself. This is all done when the harmonic balancer, or dampener, is removed.

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