Are You Handy in the Garage? Take This Auto Shop Tools Quiz.
Written by Don Ayres
Last updated · 13 min play time
This tools quiz will test your knowledge of the instruments used by auto mechanics. A repair shop is chock-full of devices that serve specialized functions, and a good technician knows how to use each one. See if you can name that tool based on a photo and description of its function.
Quiz written by
Don AyresAuto Shop Tools Quiz Questions
45 Questions · 21.1K Plays · 7 Comments
Question 1
What is the name of this tool used to bang on objects?
-
AHammer
-
BShocker
-
CPounder
-
DRammer
Hammer
The hammer is one of the oldest tools developed by living creatures. The earliest examples of hammers date back more than 3 million years, which makes them millions of years older than modern human beings.
Question 2
What tool do mechanics use to check the level of air in your tires?
-
ATire pressure gauge
-
BThey kick them
-
CScale
-
DLevel
Tire pressure gauge
A tire pressure gauge should be in the toolkit of every car owner, but you'll also find them at your mechanic's shop. Tires that are overfilled or underfilled can lead to decreased gas mileage and other problems such as uneven wear.
Question 3
Where does a good mechanic keep his or her tools?
-
ABackpack
-
BToolbox
-
CUnderground
-
DAt home
Toolbox
Toolboxes come in a number of different designs from portable to large rolling models. A good mechanic stays organized so his or her tools are always readily available.
Question 4
How do mechanics start a vehicle with a dead battery?
-
AHotwiring
-
BJump starter
-
CKick starting
-
DHand cranking
Jump starter
A jump starter, which is also known as a power bank, is basically a large battery that's used to start a car with a nonfunctional power supply. Vehicle owners can buy consumer-grade versions of this tool to keep in the trunk in the event of a breakdown.
Question 5
What is this tool you use to tighten or loosen screws?
-
AScrewdriver
-
BRoto Spanner
-
CPunch
-
DEtcher
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is one of the most basic tools in any mechanic's tool kit. It's used to loosen and tighten screws.
Question 6
What do you call this tool that makes a fun noise when you spin it?
-
ASocket set and ratchet
-
BTuner
-
CSpindle
-
DKrieger cylinder
Socket set and ratchet
Sockets are used to turn bolts and other fasteners, and they come in a number of different designs.
Question 7
What is this tool that you'll find in a mechanic's garage as well as your home kitchen?
-
AMouth widener
-
BFunnel
-
CDiverter
-
DPour basin
Funnel
Funnels are used to prevent spills of dangerous or messy substances.
Question 8
When you need to cover a wire up with a nonconductive material, what material do you use?
-
ATeflon
-
BBlackout putty
-
CConductive ribbon
-
DElectrical tape
Electrical tape
Electrical tape acts as an insulator to keep current from leaving a wire.
Question 9
What's the name for this miracle product that seems to be useful in every situation?
-
AMetal masking
-
BInsulating band
-
CDuct tape
-
DFlashing
Duct tape
Duct tape is a fabric-based adhesive that has incredible sealing powers. You can use it to seal hoses and repair tears in fabrics for a short-term solution.
Question 10
What is this tool that's used to loosen adhesives and make shrink wrap contract?
-
AThermablast
-
BHeat gun
-
CContractor
-
DTensioner
Heat gun
A heat gun is essentially a souped-up version of the hairdryer you probably use at home. Heat guns can emit temperatures as high as 1,000 degrees, which is more than enough to strip paint and loosen most adhesives.
Question 11
How do mechanics power all of their pneumatic tools?
-
AHand cranking
-
BFire
-
CSolar
-
DAir compressor
Air compressor
Pneumatic tools are powered by a gas that's put under high pressure. An air compressor performs this function while also serving other functions such as inflating tires.
Question 12
How do mechanics use sockets from different sets without changing ratchets?
-
AManipulation of space-time
-
BExtender tubes
-
CMagnets
-
DSocket adapters
Socket adapters
Socket adapters make sockets from different sets completely interchangeable, which cuts down on wasted time searching for the correct ratchet handle.
Question 13
These multicolored pieces of plastic and metal are often found plugged into a panel under your dashboard.
-
AAutomotive fuses
-
BEngagers
-
CPower chips
-
DElectrical bridges
Automotive fuses
Automotive fuses are designed to keep your car's electrical components from getting damaged in the event of a power surge. If the current exceeds the fuse's rating, it will burn out and need replacement.
Question 14
What do you use to lift your car when you get a flat tire?
-
ABooster
-
BInflator
-
CInverter
-
DJack
Jack
A jack uses leverage to lift heavy objects off the ground a little bit at a time. Most people are familiar with them because of their use in roadside assistance.
Question 15
What do mechanics use to collect oil that drains out of the engine?
-
AOil drip pan
-
BChum bucket
-
CCollector
-
DLube chest
Oil drip pan
An oil drip pan is an essential shop device that allows mechanics to collect used motor oil so it can be disposed of properly.
Question 16
What chemical do mechanics use to remove buildup from brake disks?
-
AVinegar
-
BBrake cleaner
-
CHydrochloric acid
-
DCompressed air
Brake cleaner
Brake cleaner is a special spray-on chemical used by mechanics to clean road debris and other deposits from brake disks. This type of cleaning agent is necessary because it doesn't leave any residue that could interfere with proper brake functionality.
Question 17
How do mechanics generally illuminate a larger area than a flashlight?
-
AGlow-in-the-dark tape
-
BNight-vision goggles
-
CLight bar
-
DRope lights
Light bar
Sometimes you need to illuminate the entire engine compartment and a flashlight won't cut it. While older work lights would clamp onto the hood, today's LED light bars use magnets a project a wide swath of illumination.
Question 18
What is this doctor's tool that mechanics often use to diagnose engine problems?
-
AX-ray machine
-
BUltrasonic microphone
-
CHeadphones
-
DStethoscope
Stethoscope
Your doctor listens to your ticker with a stethoscope, and your mechanic does the same thing for the heart of your car's engine. While mechanics started off using the medical model, modern versions are wireless and allow the technician to diagnose problems while driving the vehicle.
Question 19
What is the proper name for these cutting tools that have a lot of different uses?
-
AJaws
-
BScissors
-
CTrimmers
-
DSliceitizors
Scissors
A pair of scissors is essentially two knife blades that swing together around a fulcrum point.
Question 20
How do mechanics straighten up a mess of stray wires?
-
ADuct tape
-
BString
-
CCable ties
-
DRubber bands
Cable ties
Electrical wiring should be organized neatly so future repairs can be easily made. To keep wires from getting tangled, mechanics use plastic cable ties that can be tightened with the excess clipped to make everything fit.
Question 21
How to mechanics bore new holes in pieces of metal or plastic?
-
ACordless drill
-
BScratch awl
-
CHole punch
-
DLaser
Cordless drill
A cordless drill is a tool that should be in every auto mechanic's arsenal. Not only can it be used to bore new holes, but it can also rapidly loosen and tighten screws.
Question 22
How do mechanics generally keep screws and other metal pieces from rolling away?
-
ATelekinesis
-
BDouble-sided tape
-
CGlue
-
DMagnets
Magnets
Magnets can come in especially handy when dealing with small metal objects such as screws and nails. Not only do mechanics use magnetic trays to keep them in place, but they also use magnets to retrieve fallen pieces and extract small objects from otherwise inaccessible areas.
Question 23
What is the common name for these simple lever devices used to exert force or get a grip?
-
AWrenches
-
BSpanners
-
CVices
-
DPliers
Pliers
Pliers are actually the natural evolution of tongs that were once used by blacksmiths to handle hot metal.
Question 24
How do mechanics tell if a surface is cool enough to touch?
-
AFlicking water onto the surface
-
BLaser infrared thermometer
-
CGet close enough but don't touch it
-
DNight vision googles
Laser infrared thermometer
Many people refer to infrared thermometers by the laser used to aim the device, but this tool actually uses radiation to measure heat. This allows mechanics to get an accurate temperature reading of a surface or liquid without touching it or dirtying the probe of a conventional thermometer.
Question 25
What tool do mechanics use to prevent overtightening of sensitive screws and nuts?
-
ASpinning scale
-
BTorque wrench
-
CTightness coil
-
DRotational caliper
Torque wrench
A torque wrench allows a mechanic to tighten a screw or bolt to a specific level of tightness without risking breakage due to too much pressure.
Question 26
What is this heavy-duty tool used to keep things steady?
-
AImmobilization jaws
-
BDocking clamps
-
CGripper
-
DBench vise
Bench vise
Auto repair mechanics often need to work with metal that needs to be drilled or shaped, and precision is key. To keep an object immobilized during the fabrication process, a technician will use a bench vise to free up his or her hands.
Question 27
What does a mechanic use when he or she needs to get more leverage on a stuck nut?
-
APivot
-
BSee-saw
-
CBlowtorch
-
DBreaker bar
Breaker bar
A breaker bar is essentially an extension for a ratchet that allows the user to get more leverage. Mechanics rely on breaker bars to loosen stuck nuts that have been caked with years of build-up and corrosion.
Question 28
What do mechanics use to loosen rusted nuts and other corroded parts?
-
ASandpaper
-
BHacksaw
-
CPenetrating oil
-
DAcid
Penetrating oil
Penetrating oil gets into rusty and corroded parts because it has a low viscosity. This product is usually sprayed on and allowed to work before the mechanic applies force to the rusted nut.
Question 29
How do mechanics protect their hands from caustic chemicals?
-
AFrequent washing
-
BPouring carefully
-
CRubber gloves
-
DFunnels
Rubber gloves
While not spilling is the best way to protect your hands from chemicals, that's not always the easiest task to accomplish. Mechanics wear rubber gloves because they provide a layer of nonreactive protection.
Question 30
What is the technical name for this tool that's used to hold pieces together during welding?
-
AWelder's aid
-
BCurved jaw vice grips
-
CPlate clip
-
DLever wrench
Curved jaw vice grips
Locking pliers, which are usually known by the brand name Vise-Grip, allow the user to hold two objects together while also providing full use of both hands. Mechanics often use them during the welding process, which can't easily be done one-handed.
Question 31
What do you call this device used to measure electrical current?
-
AThermoscanner
-
BMultimeter
-
CCalculator
-
DDigitizer
Multimeter
Multimeters are used by electricians and mechanics alike to measure factors such as current, resistance and voltage.
Question 32
Which one of these tools is most commonly used to attach an electrical connector to the end of a wire?
-
AGlue gun
-
BElectrical tape
-
CPincher
-
DCrimper
Crimper
Crimpers work by creating a deformation in one piece of metal in order to affix it to another. You'll often see electricians using this tool, but mechanics also use them when dealing with automotive electrical systems.
Question 33
What do you call this tool mechanics use to loosen oil filters?
-
ADisengager
-
BLuber
-
COil-filter wrench
-
DTension wrap
Oil-filter wrench
An oil-filter wrench uses a rubber strap to create a circle of tension around the entire piece for easy removal.
Question 34
What do you call this versatile cutting tool mechanics use every day?
-
APutty knife
-
BBench scraper
-
CBox cutter
-
DPaint stripper
Box cutter
A box cutter, also known as a utility knife, has a number of different uses in the construction industry, but it can also be used in an auto repair shop. Mechanics use them to open boxes, remove paint from screws, strip insulation from wires and perform any other task where precision cutting is needed.
Question 35
What are these six-sided pieces of metal used to loosen and tighten screws?
-
ACorkscrew levers
-
BL-bars
-
CHex wrenches
-
DSkeleton keys
Hex wrenches
Hex wrenches, which are also called Allen wrenches or hex keys, come in a variety of sizes to match the screws and bolts used by manufacturers.
Question 36
What are these tools mechanics use to pry apart small objects such as electrical connectors?
-
APinchers and Scrapers
-
BPunches and Claws
-
CNeedles and Slips
-
DPicks and Hooks
Picks and Hooks
You might be most familiar with picks at your dentist's office, but auto mechanics also use them for similar reasons. When there's a space that's too small for fingers to safely enter, a mechanic will use a pick to carefully pry it open.
Question 37
What do you call this tool that attaches to an air compressor so your tires can get a boost?
-
ATire inflator
-
BFlow maximizer
-
CCirculating pump
-
DRe-leveler
Tire inflator
If you've ever gone to a gas station and inflated your tires, you've used this tool. A tire inflator connects to your mechanic's air compressor to quickly add enough gas to reach the desired level. This device also includes a pressure gauge to prevent overfilling.
Question 38
What is the loud tool you often see NASCAR pit crews using when changing tires?
-
AImpact wrench
-
BRoto-ratchet
-
CJackhammer
-
DDrill
Impact wrench
An impact wrench is a pneumatic tool that closely resembles a drill. Not only can these wrenches loosen and tighten bolts extremely fast, but they can also apply much more torque than a human can with manual tools.
Question 39
What tool is most often used to remove rust from a vehicle?
-
AFile
-
BGrater
-
CSandpaper
-
DAngle grinder
Angle grinder
An angle grinder spins an abrasive disk at high speeds to eat away at unwanted / rusted material. This tool is a must-have for mechanics who work in a collision repair center.
Question 40
What are these connectors mechanics put at the end of electrical wires?
-
AHalos
-
BRing terminals
-
CCircular pins
-
DDoughnut connectors
Ring terminals
A ring terminal is a circular-shaped plate attached to the end of a wire. A metal screw fed through the ring can be used to affix the wire in its intended place.
Question 41
What do mechanics use to remove dashboards, door panels and other interior components?
-
AHammer
-
BCrowbar
-
CAllen wrenches
-
DTrim removal tool
Trim removal tool
Mechanics sometimes need to get behind interior surfaces to access wires and other important components. Do do this gently without damaging connectors, most technicians use trim removal tools that come in a wide range of sizes.
Question 42
What tool is used to cycle brake fluid through the system to remove any possible air bubbles?
-
ASqueeze ball
-
BVacuum pump
-
CSiphon
-
DGrease gun
Vacuum pump
Vacuum pump brake bleeders are used for a number of different procedures including purging and flushing. The vacuum pump bleeder attaches to the output valve to forcibly remove fluid.
Question 43
What do mechanics use when they want leverage in separating two vehicular components?
-
ARebar
-
BCrowbar
-
CRhubarb
-
DSteel tongue
Crowbar
A crowbar is a brute force instrument, but sometimes that's what mechanics need. Crowbars can come in especially handy when trying to separate ball joints and shock absorber heads.
Question 44
How do mechanics drain fluid from containers that don't have a valve on the bottom?
-
AThey tip them over to dump the fluids.
-
BInversion pump
-
CFluid puller
-
DSiphon
Siphon
Human beings have worked with siphons for thousands of years, dating all of the way back to the Ancient Greeks. To drain from a tank that only has top access, the mechanic will use a tube that harnesses gravity and surface tension to draw the liquid out.
Question 45
How do mechanics undo bolts where there's no room to use a standard ratchet?
-
AFinger ratchet
-
BStrap wrench
-
COffset screwdriver
-
DMagnetic spinner
Finger ratchet
Finger ratchets are handy tools that allow a mechanic to apply torque to nuts in small spaces. You simply slip the device over the nut and turn with your hand.
Comments (7)
We want to hear your feedback! Share your scores and discuss the quiz, but keep it civil.
Fun!! Fun!! Fun!!
Enjoyed the quizzes,but the screen jumped causing wrong answers
@cpe351 yeaH MAN UK BROS 4LIFE
The ads screwed me and moved the screen causing a wrong answer.
I like it
Great!
should be more generic, american terms used