Dreaming of the perfect roll-cab overflowing with shiny new tools? Every car enthusiast does! But when it comes to kitting out a workshop toolbox specifically for car modifications, what are the must-have tools a seasoned professional mechanic would choose? We were lucky enough to get an exclusive peek inside the mind of an expert when Supercheap Auto invited us to their Penrith Superstore to gear up Super Garage.
Paulie, Super Garage’s resident mechanic, was enthusiastic to share his top tips and tricks for setting up a brand new toolbox or even reorganizing your existing setup. After the excitement of the unboxing subsided, the real learning began.
While we anticipated a deep dive into specialized gadgets, Paulie’s number one piece of advice was surprisingly simple: organize your toolbox based on your natural workflow and keep your most frequently used tools within easy reach. For Paulie, who works on a diverse range of vehicles, this means storing his go-to socket sets in a middle drawer where they are quickly accessible.
Socket sets are truly the backbone of any good toolkit, and Paulie emphasizes having a variety to handle any job. He recommends a 1/4in drive for those delicate, intricate tasks, a 3/8in drive for general, everyday work, and a robust 1/2in drive for tackling stubborn or larger fasteners. Investing in a set of impact sockets is also crucial if you’re using power tools; standard chrome sockets will quickly wear out with modern 18v brushless tools.
Spanners are another area where smart organization is key. Paulie keeps his regularly used spanners neatly arranged in a custom foam insert in the left-hand drawer. The right-hand drawer is dedicated to specialist spanners, including extra-long versions for hard-to-reach places, ratchet spanners for efficiency, crows-foot spanners ideal for brake fittings or seized fasteners, and stubby spanners for tight spots.
Adjustable or “shifter” spanners have their own designated space, stored in another drawer alongside hammers, keeping similar tool types together.
It’s a common phenomenon among car enthusiasts to find a collection of random, orphaned screwdrivers accumulating in their toolboxes. Where do they come from? Whose are they? And more importantly, do they know the whereabouts of the elusive 10mm sockets? Paulie keeps his screwdrivers in check with another foam insert, ensuring they are easily accessible when needed in a hurry.
Paulie was particularly impressed with the tooth design on the ToolPro-X spanners. He recently used them to remove a particularly stubborn diesel injector on a ute at Super Garage, highlighting their effectiveness. Paulie keeps several ToolPro-X kits on hand, praising their finer-resolution ratchets and high-quality construction. These are definitely tools worth considering when building your “Might Car Mods Tool Box Supercheap” setup.
Investing in good quality drill bits is an investment in your own valuable time. Don’t forget to grab some cutting compound to keep those bits in top condition. Paulie emphasizes the importance of reliable drill bits, especially for those unexpected emergency fixes. Struggling with a dull, cheap drill bit or having to make a run to the store mid-repair can quickly turn a simple task into a major headache. Having a quality set in your “might car mods tool box supercheap” will save you frustration in the long run.
