Next time you need a gift for a mechanic in your life (including yourself!), here’s what to look for. A big part of the fun of antique tractors is in fixing them, and the right tools can make the job fun and easy.
Whether you are working on a Ford or Farmall, Oliver or Moline, John Deere or Allis-Chalmers, the key tools are the same. Tractors were intended to be fixed by the farmer in his field or shed, and common shop tools can correct most problems. So be sure you have a good, basic set of wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets, locking pliers and hammers. With these core tools and an impact wrench, you can go far!
But once this basic set is complete, there are still a few more handy tools to add on. Next time your birthday (or any other gift-giving holiday!) rolls around, here’s what you should ask for:
12-Volt Tester: When it comes to troubleshooting and quickly diagnosing problems with a tractor, this tool can’t be beat. I love it so much I highlighted it on my recent Wrenching with Rachel video – click here to watch the tester in action.
Brake-Spring Tool. This tool has saved us so much time and frustration when getting a spring over a shoe. If you’ve never used one before, pick one up before your next brake job – it will be a real help!
Torch: When a bolt is rusted on, heat is often the only way to get it loose. Just be sure to follow proper safety precautions and get a thick pair of leather gloves.
Short Wrenches: These are handy under the dash or hood to get into tight places. They’ve saved me from lots of unnecessary disassembly. My favorite set has a rachet end – it was a Father’s Day present to my dad, but we share a shop so I get to use them too!
Rivet Tool: A rivet tool is essential for re-lining worn brake shoes. The right size tool will peen tightly over the brass hollow rivets.
Infrared Heat Thermometer: Use this high-tech tool to quickly diagnose engine trouble. Let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up, then take the temperature of the manifold. By testing the temperature of each part of the manifold, you can determine which cylinder isn’t firing correctly – if the temperature is even throughout, all cylinders are firing. It’s an easy way to diagnose problems without needing to disassemble the engine.
Cordless Impact Wrench: This was a Christmas gift for the shop last year. It’s definitely been worth the cost. Just like my first cordless phone, I never knew how convenient it was until I got one of my own.
Voltmeter/Multimeter: The ohmmeter function can help you pinpoint broken wires. Save time and money by replacing only what’s broken.
Digital Caliper: The digital display makes it easy to take exact measurements of a bearing or shaft.
Gear Puller: We have a nice set that is 3-jaw or 2-jaw. This is essential for removing bearings or a steering wheel, taking the hub off of a water pump, pulley removal, and countless other jobs.
Die Grinder: I prefer an electric model over air powered. The electric version seems to have more power and runs a burr tip better.
How about you – what’s on your must-have tool list? Let me know in the comments below.
Jason DuFour says
Hello,
I love your videos and how too’s!! Keep up the great work!! I take tractors apart on a regular basis (selling used parts).
So I use pry bars a lot. And good punch and chisel set. Don’t forget safety glasses with those! And my favorite of all my tools is the sky hook!
Jason.
Nathan says
All very good tools. One other tool I’ve found usefull is a welder. Don’t need a big fancy one. Just a 110v one will do. You can use it to weld nuts onto bolts that have rounded off so they can be pulled out, repair cracked sheet metal parts, and weld beads to the inside of bearing races so they can be driven out.
Francois says
To add to your list, I like a basic leather cutting punch set to cut my own gaskets and a good wire connector crimping tool. A tube flaring tool a deviné to curve them is nice to have as well.
Thank you Rachel for sharing all your good tips.
Francois says
A “device”
mike says
Love your how to videos!! One essential tool is a box of blue latex gloves, to keep oil, fuel, and other chemicals off your skin. Chemicals , within seconds of getting on your skin, will get into your blood and end up in your bone marrow. These can be released later in life, poisoning your blood.
Scott Diamond says
Atta girl!…. I find the Snap-On cotter key puller can be very handy for a variety of uses. If you are unfamiliar with this item, it is basically a heavy duty hook/ pick tool with a screwdriver handle. Admire your pluck, and the great relationship you must have with your Dad. Scott
Larry Hodson says
I watched your video on replacing a tractor clutch. You used a “Splitting Stand” to make the job easier. You said it was available from Steiner but I’ve been unable to locate it on your site. Is it still available?
BTW I love your videos.
Lisa Warren says
Unfortunately we don’t carry splitting stands.
Lisa Warren says
We now carry splitting stands!
https://www.steinertractor.com/ABC4313-Tractor-Splitting-Stand-Kit-with-Rails
Dan says
I saw Rachel using a 12V circuit tester. Who manufactures the one she was using? All the ones I’ve seen on the Web have what appears to be a much shorter cord.
Mary Lou Quick says
Trying to get a 1952 Ford 8 N tractor running. Need to remove the hood so can run down the wires. Took the 4 bolts off and cannot lift the hood up. Used a flat screwdriver to try and break it loose. Is there a spray or has anyone else had this problem. It has been setting for 2.5 years.
Jan Borders says
Do I need imperial or metric scanners? Buying a gift for hubby. X
Lisa Warren says
Hi Jan!
Personally I would suggest the voltmeter/multimeter first if he doesn’t have one. This would be the most used and it is good for lots of other things besides tractor repair.