Ultimate Tool Guide for Automotive Technicians – UTI & Snap‑On

For both new entrants and seasoned professionals, having the right tools can mean the difference between a competent repair and a flawless one. The edge that separates a good technician from a great one lies in knowing which tools to use and when to use them.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) understands that tools are the backbone of a successful automotive career. That’s why we partner with Snap‑On, the industry leader in high‑performance tools and equipment, to provide a definitive automotive technician tool list.

The Relationship Between Snap‑On & UTI

UTI and Snap‑On have collaborated for over 20 years, with Snap‑On supplying the tools and equipment that power UTI’s hands‑on training. Because of this partnership, UTI graduates can acquire professional‑grade tools at a fraction of the cost. Students enjoy exclusive discounts on Snap‑On products throughout their program, enabling them to assemble a set of industry‑standard tools before they even finish school.

UTI’s confidence in Snap‑On’s quality is evident: UTI students purchase more Snap‑On tools in the U.S. than any other consumer group except the military.

The 5 Basic Tool Categories

With thousands of options available, it helps to categorize tools into five essential groups:

1. Core hand tools – Ratchets, wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers.
2. Torque measurement tools – Precision devices that ensure fasteners meet manufacturer specifications.
3. Power tools – Cordless drills, impact wrenches, and other tools that speed up work in hard‑to‑reach areas.
4. Tool storage & organization – Roll‑cabinets and storage carts that keep your kit safe and accessible.
5. Diagnostic tools & testing equipment – OBD‑II readers, digital voltmeters, and other instruments that help pinpoint failures quickly.

Automotive Technician Tool List

In the automotive industry, time equals money. Barrett Crane, National Sales Manager for Snap‑On, notes that “being able to manage your time is crucial for a professional technician.” The right tools enable technicians to finish jobs efficiently while maintaining the high accuracy demanded by dealerships, franchises, and independent shops.

Below, industry leaders—dealership service managers, franchise store managers, and UTI alumni—have compiled two core tool lists to help you build a career‑ready kit.

Tools for a Technician Starting in a New Car Dealership

This list provides a solid foundation for technicians entering a new‑car dealership. OEM‑specific tools can be added under guidance from a Snap‑On Education Representative.

The following tools are categorized by item name and description and are available for purchase through Snap‑On.

• 112STMMY – 1/4DR 12PC 6PT DP SKTSET
• 117TMM – 1/4DR 17PC 6PT MM STARTER GSS
• 206EAU – 6PC 3/8DR ADP/EXT SET
• 207EFAMY – 3/8DR 7PC HX STD DR SET
• 212EFTXY – 3/8DR 12PC STD TORX SKTSET
• 212FSMY – 3/8DR 12PC 6PT SHL SKTSET
• 212SFSMY – 3/8DR 12PC 6PT DP SKTSET
• 317AMMPC – 1/2DR 17PC 6PT MET GEN SER SET
• 97ACF – 8IN LONG NOSE PLIERS
• ATECH3FR250B – TORQ WR 1/2IN ELEC 26.6IN LONG
• CSA8C – BLK 7-5/8IN RIG CAR SCRA
• F80 – 3/8DR 80T STD RAT
• FADH12B – 12IN ADJUSTABLE WR. FADH12B
• FX80A – 3/8DR 80T STD LCK RAT
• FXK11 – 3/8DR 11IN KNR FRIC BLL EXT
• HBBD24 – DEAD/BLW 24OZ BPEEN SFT/GR HM
• LP10WR – 10IN PLIER CURVED JAW W/CUTTER
• PK23A – SGL BVL MPL HDL PTY KNF
• PL400B – PLIER SET
• PPC710BK – 11PC PNCH/CHSL SET
• PRH57A – 8IN CONVERT SNP RING PLIERS
• PWC6 – WIRE CRIMP
• S9704KA – SOCKET
• S9706KRA – 6PT 5/8" STD RET SPRKPLG SKT
• SGA173BR – PCK RADIATR HOSE SG RED 10.3IN
• SGASA204CO – MINI PICK SET 4PC ORANGE
• SGDMRC44BO – RAT S/GR STD ORG SD
• SGDX60BO – 6PC COMBO INS S/GR ORG SD SET
• SGT4BR – SOFTGRIP 1/4IN DRIVER
• SPBS704AO – 4PC STRIKING PRYBAR SET ORANGE
• TMXK60 – 1/4DR 6IN KNR EXT
• UIM225 – 2-1/4"DI.MIRROR
• UPT35 – 3LB MAG-5LB POWERCAP MAG
• SOEXM710 – 10PC F/DR+ STD MET COMWRSET
• CT8850 – Cordless 1/2 Drive Impact
• CTR761 – Cordless 3/8 Drive Ratchet
• 315SIMMYA – 1/2 Drive Deep Impact Sockets
• 315IMMYA – 1/2 Drive Shallow Impact Sockets
• 214SIMFMYA – 3/8 Drive Deep Impact Sockets
• 214IMFMYA – 3/8 Drive Shallow Impact Sockets
• EEDM504 – DVOM - Digital Volt/Ohm Meter
• KRA2422 – 55" Roll Cabinet Tool Storage

Tools for a General Automotive Technician

For technicians working in franchises, independent shops, or dealerships that service both new and older models, this list offers the versatility you need.

The following tools are categorized by item name and description and can be purchased from Snap‑On.

• 110STMY – 1/4DR 10PC 6PT DP SKTSET
• 112TMMY – 1/4DR 12PC 6PT SHL SKTSET
• 114ATMP – 1/4DR 14PC 6PT SAE GSS
• 206EAU – 6PC 3/8DR ADP/EXT SET
• 207EFAMY – 3/8DR 7PC HX STD DR SET
• 211FSY – 3/8DR 11PC 6PT SHL SKTSET
• 211SFSY – 3/8DR 11PC 6PT DP SKTSET
• 212EFTXY – 3/8DR 12PC STD TORX SKTSET
• 212FSMY – 3/8DR 12PC 6PT SHL SKTSET
• 212SFSMY – 3/8DR 12PC 6PT DP SKTSET
• 313SWMYA – 1/2DR 13PC 12PT SHL SKTSET
• 317MSPC – 1/2DR 17PC 6PT GEN SER SET
• 97ACF – 8IN LONG NOSE PLIERS
• CSA8C – BLK 7-5/8IN RIG CAR SCRA
• F80 – 3/8DR 80T STD RAT
• FADH12B – 12IN ADJUSTABLE WR. FADH12B
• FX80A – 3/8DR 80T STD LCK RAT
• FXK11 – 3/8DR 11IN KNR FRIC BLL EXT
• GSAF1F – ADAPTER 1/2" INT - 3/8" EXT DR
• HBBD24 – DEAD/BLW 24OZ BPEEN SFT/GR HM
• LP10WR – 10IN PLIER CURVED JAW W/CUTTER
• PK23A – SGL BVL MPL HDL PTY KNF
• PL400B – PLIER SET
• PPC710BK – 11PC PNCH/CHSL SET
• PRH57A – 8IN CONVERT SNP RING PLIERS
• PWC6 – WIRE CRIMP
• QD3R250A – TORQ WR 1/2IN DR 80T 50-250FT
• S9704KA – SOCKET
• S9706KRA – 6PT 5/8" STD RET SPRKPLG SKT
• SGA173BR – PCK RADIATR HOSE SG RED 10.3IN
• SGASA204CR – MINI PICK SET 4PC RED
• SGDMRC44B – RAT S/GR STD RED SD
• SGDX60BR – 6PC COMBO INS S/GR RED SD SET
• SGT4BR – SOFTGRIP 1/4IN DRIVER
• SOEX707 – 7PC 12PT F/DR+ COMWRSET
• SOEXM710 – 10PC F/DR+ STD MET COMWRSET
• SPBS704AR – 4PC STRIKING PRYBAR SET RED
• TMXK60 – 1/4DR 6IN KNR EXT
• UIM225 – 2-1/4"DI.MIRROR
• UPT35 – 3LB MAG-5LB POWERCAP MAG
• CT8850 – Cordless 1/2 Drive Impact
• CTR761 – Cordless 3/8 Drive Ratchet
• 315SIMMYA – 1/2 Drive Deep Impact Sockets
• 315IMMYA – 1/2 Drive Shallow Impact Sockets
• 214SIMFMYA – 3/8 Drive Deep Impact Sockets
• 214IMFMYA – 3/8 Drive Shallow Impact Sockets
• EEDM504 – DVOM - Digital Volt/Ohm Meter
• KRA2422 – 55" Roll Cabinet Tool Storage

Start Building Your Automotive Tool Set

Once you’ve identified the core tools, the next step is to assemble them. Most employers provide high‑end diagnostic and specialty tools, so focus on acquiring the everyday items you’ll use daily.

Start building your kit during your training. A solid set of tools at graduation gives you a competitive edge when you apply for your first role.

Snap‑On offers more than 40 starter set configurations that fit nearly every career path in the transportation service sector. As a UTI student, you can take advantage of student discounts to purchase these tools at a lower cost.

Professional‑grade tools are built to last. Snap‑On’s engineered durability ensures you’ll use the same high‑quality instruments for the duration of your career—only replacement is needed if a tool is lost or technology changes.

Train to Become an Automotive Technician

Ready to launch a career in automotive repair? UTI’s Automotive Technology program delivers the knowledge, skills, and hands‑on experience you need to excel. Visit our program page and request more information today.