What Tools I Would Buy First for My Garage
Whether you’re tightening bolts in your driveway, swapping out brake pads in your garage, or just trying to fix that annoying rattle under the hood, having the right tools makes all the difference. For hobbyists and DIY car enthusiasts, quality and budget automotive tools, from compact socket sets perfect for weekend projects to comprehensive kits that let you tackle everything from routine maintenance to more ambitious repairs are a much needed start. In this guide, I've rounded up What I Would Buy to get your garage space ideal not only for a hobbyist, but also one who may be their own home mechanic.
1. You need a Starter Set...
If you’re just starting to build a garage tool collection — whether for basic maintenance or weekend wrenching sessions, the Amazon Basics 287-Piece Mechanic Tool Set is like that reliable friend who shows up with snacks and a solid socket when you need one. This kit doesn’t just look impressive; it’s a seriously comprehensive toolbox packed with nearly everything a DIYer needs to tackle everyday automotive tasks.
First off, the sheer variety of tools included makes this set feel like a mini hardware store rolled into one rugged 3-drawer case. You get three quick-release ratchets in the most common drives (¼″, ⅜″, and ½″), a huge selection of both standard and deep sockets, wrenches, hex keys, nut drivers, adapters, extensions, and even a big collection of screwdriver bits. That means you can go from loosening rusted bolts to tightening engine components without instantly needing another tool.
This set is especially great for hobbyists because it covers both Metric and SAE/standard sizes — perfect for working on imports, domestic rides, or random projects that pop up around the house. Every piece has its place in the included storage system, and the three-drawer design keeps things organized so you’re not digging through a jumbled bin looking for that elusive 10 mm socket.
Yes, this isn’t professional-shop-grade gear, but that’s part of the charm. For the price, which is about 50% off the average, you’re getting a complete toolkit that’s far more capable than the bare-minimum sets you usually see, and many users are pleasantly surprised by how solid the tools feel and how much they actually get used rather than just sit in a drawer. It’s the kind of set that lets you confidently tackle tune-ups, brake jobs, battery swaps, or roadside fixes, and then be inspired to learn and buy more as your skills grow.
2. Impacts Make Life Easier
If you’ve ever stared down a stubborn lug nut with nothing but a breaker bar and bitter regret, this tool is your redemption arc. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2″ High Torque Impact Wrench isn’t just another power tool, it’s the automotive equivalent of Thor showing up with Mjölnir in hand. It’s rugged, it’s powerful, and it’s poised to become your go-to for every tire swap, suspension job, or seized–bolt showdown.
Right out of the box, this impact wrench packs serious muscle when paired with Milwaukee’s M18 REDLITHIUM™ batteries (sold separately). These 18 V batteries are part of Milwaukee’s massive ecosystem, meaning if you’re already running Milwaukee drills, saws, lights, or fans, those same batteries slide right in and power this beast with zero fuss. That ecosystem compatibility is huge for hobbyists: one battery library to rule them all.
What really gets a gearhead’s heart racing is what’s under the hood. With up to ~1,200 ft-lbs of fastening torque and ~1,600 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, this high-torque impact delivers performance that rivals, or even replaces, many air tools in a traditional auto shop. That’s big-truck territory right there, yet it wears a compact frame that still squeezes into tight wheel wells and cramped engine bays.
Whether you’re cracking frozen lug nuts, pulling rusty suspension bolts, or swapping out knuckles on your weekend project car, this Milwaukee impact makes short work of tasks that used to take elbow grease, long handles, and lots of sighs. And thanks to the friction ring design, you can swap sockets quickly and easily without wrestling with clips or pins, an appreciated convenience when you’ve got grease on your gloves and no patience left.
Milwaukee didn’t stop at raw power. The tool’s trim overall length (about 7.6″) and ergonomic grip keep it balanced and comfortable for extended use, while rugged construction stands up to the bumps and drops inevitable in any garage environment. The REDLINK electronics also help protect against overload, overheating, and deep battery drain, a feature you’ll appreciate when you’re halfway through a long job.
Bottom line: If you’re a car enthusiast who’s serious about DIY maintenance, from brake jobs to full suspension tear-downs, this impact wrench is a game changer. It’s not just powerful; it’s smart, versatile, and plays nice with the Milwaukee 18 V ecosystem you may already own. Say goodbye to stubborn fasteners and hello to smooth, confident wrenching.
3. Sockets for the Impact...
Now, you have to have the right sockets to match your impact, normally I like to save a little money, but when it comes to the Milwaukee Impact discussed above and the Shockwave sockets I am about to bless you with knowing about, you spend more now to spend less later..
What truly sets this set apart is Milwaukee’s SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty engineering, bold, ink-filled size markings that stay readable even after years of use, non-slip hex geometry that reduces the dreaded rounded bolt, and a dual-hole design that makes swapping sockets on and off your tool a breeze. It’s like they thought of everything a car enthusiast might grumble about and fixed it.
Whether you’re removing lug nuts, diving into drivetrain work, or just building out your toolbox, this set is like having the universal key to your garage projects. Its deep-well sockets give you reach when applications get awkward, and the included extension makes hard-to-get spots far less frustrating. Best of all, the whole bunch nests neatly in a rugged case so your gear stays organized, no more digging through a jumbled mess when inspiration strikes.
Bottom line: For the car enthusiast who loves turning the dreaded “battle with bolts” into a satisfying victory, this Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE socket set is one of those small upgrades that massively elevates your wrenching experience. It’s tough, intuitive, and ready for the high-torque situations your impact wrench thrives in, exactly the kind of gear that makes DIY maintenance feel awesome.
4. You got to have a place to Sit...
So… you have your basic tool needs, and you start working on a project, get stuck, and don't have somewhere to sit... Enter the M-AUTO Foldable Creeper with Adjustable Seat: part creeper, part rolling stool, and all the tool-bay companion you didn’t know you needed.
First off, this thing is clever. When you’re under a car tightening bolts or checking hoses, the last thing you want is a flimsy board or flat creeper that feels like it’s plotting against you. This foldable design gives you a low-to-the-ground creeper with smooth-rolling wheels that glide under cars like butter on a hot pan. But here’s the twist: when you flip it around and raise it up, boom — it turns into a comfy adjustable garage seat for tasks up high, electrical work, wheel cleaning, or just taking a breather between jobs.
It feels like the universe’s way of saying, “Yes, your back does matter.” No more crawling on chilly concrete or standing awkwardly hunched over a brake caliper, this creeper-seat combo gives you versatility that makes wrenching more fun and less of a workout you didn’t sign up for. The padded cushion adds bonus comfort, and the adjustable height means you can tailor it to tall days (hello, suspension installs) and low rides (looking at you, oil changes).
For the garage starter who’s slowly but surely assembling their dream workspace, this tool is the unsung hero that pays off in everyday convenience. Easy to fold up and store, lightweight but rugged, and capable of handling real work without drama — it’s the kind of gear that makes you say, “Why didn’t I get this sooner?”
Bottom line: If you’re building out a garage that’s meant to be used, not just look cool, the M-AUTO Foldable Creeper & Adjustable Garage Seat is a small investment with a huge comfort payoff. It moves where you go, supports your projects from every angle, and makes wrenching feel like less of an obstacle course and more like a good time.
5. Where to put Everything?
Now we come to a moment where the tools are solid, the projects are rolling, and the only thing missing is real organization, that’s where this 13-drawer rolling tool chest with detachable top steps in as the perfect final start up piece. This isn’t just storage; it’s the point where a beginner setup officially becomes a functional hobbyist workspace. Also, for the price, it is a great start to hold everything and more mention throughout this article!
With 13 smooth-sliding drawers in multiple sizes, this chest finally gives every ratchet, socket, wrench, and power tool a proper home. No more digging through bins or stacking toolboxes like a game of Jenga. The 2-in-1 detachable design adds flexibility, letting you separate the top box when needed or keep everything together as a full command center. Mounted on heavy-duty, lockable casters, it rolls effortlessly wherever the job takes you, then locks down solid when it’s time to work.
Built from durable metal with drawer liners to protect your tools (and your sanity), this chest is ideal for the DIYer who’s outgrown “starter chaos” and wants a garage that feels intentional. It doesn’t just clean up your space, it makes every project smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.
Bottom line: If you’re finishing out a beginner DIY garage, this rolling tool chest is the upgrade that pulls everything together. It’s organized, mobile, and satisfying in the best way, the moment your garage stops feeling temporary and starts feeling legit.
