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About This Quiz
Have you ever owned a fix-it car? You know the type. Just when you get the headlights aligned, the oil pan cracks. Just when you get the spark plugs gapped properly, the carburetor clogs. If you've had this kind of car, this quiz will probably be a snap for you!
The internal combustion engine revolutionized the world early in the 20th century when Henry Ford started rolling Model Ts off his production line. Of course, those early cars were pretty easy to work on, since no one had yet gotten the bright idea of slapping a bunch of emission controls, fuel injectors, and computer chips of all sizes and types on the system. As long as the fuel ignited properly and the driveshaft turned, you could pretty much get where you needed to go, and not much could go wrong that couldn't be fixed on the side of the road.
Today, of course, things have changed. The driver's seat of today's cars looks more like the cockpit of a Colonial Viper from "Battlestar Galactica" than your dad's old Dodge Challenger. What's under the hood has gotten similarly advanced, and the variety of tools needed to work on modern engines can be dizzying. Think you can identify them all? Get on your crawler, put this quiz up on lifts, and test your tool identification ability!
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Wrench
No self-respecting workshop is going to attempt any engine work without a number of wrenches. Available in a range of sizes, these are the easiest way to tighten or loosen nuts. An adjustable wrench where you can set the size is known as a monkey spanner.
Spanner
Hammer
Pliers
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Allen Keys
Hammer
Socket Set
A socket set serves much the same purpose as a wrench but here, you place the socket over the nut and use a socket wrench to tighten or loosen. The advantage is that it can be used to work on hard to reach nuts thanks to extender bars.
Torque Spanner
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Air Compressor
Allen Keys
Allen keys come in an array of sizes and are made to fit a small hexagonal-shaped head. They are sometimes called hex keys.
L Key
Stud Removal Tool
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Socket Set
Ohm Meter
Code Reader
All modern cars have computers that run pretty much everything in the vehicle. When something goes wrong with this computer, having one of these gadgets can not only help identify the problem easier but can also fix it in many cases.
Valve Checking Spring Kit
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Crankshaft Turning Socket
This is used for working on the crankshaft particularly and allows for its rotation with the damper removed. It workes with a normal ratchet.
Spanner
Wrench
Tap and Die Set
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Rod Belt Stretch Guage
Hammer
Valve Checking Spring Kit
This tool is particularly useful when working on the valves of an engine. It helps to determine the right height for both the spring and the valve in their chambers. A micrometer is needed for exact measurements. As measurements will differ between cylinders, use the shortest measurement taken.
Dampner Puller
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Ohm Meter
Torque Spanner
Monkey Wrench
Pushrod Length Checking Tool
When rebuilding an engine, having the correct length pushrods is critical. This tool helps ensure that this happens. Best of all, they are relatively inexpensive.
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Flashlight
Calipers
Stud Removal Tool
Sometimes studs can be damaged, making it impossible to remove the bolt from the thread or perhaps the bolt has broken off and the stud needs to be removed to insert a new one. Luckily, in times like this, a stud removal tool is just what you need to get the job done.
Valve Lash Tool
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Hammer
Wrench
Drill
Torx Bits
Similar to an Allen Key, a Torx bit will fit a specially shaped head on a range of bolts. They are easily identified by their six-point star shape.
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Car Manual
Socket Set
Pliers
Although you think you might never need pliers when working on an engine, you will be surprised the number of times you wish you had one if you didn't have one in your toolbox.
Spanner
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Torque Wrench
Similar to a regular wrench except in the fact that it applies a precise torque to the fastener or bolt you are tightening. This prevents overtightening. The torque wrench was invented in 1918 by Conrad Bahr.
Dial Bore Guage
Tap and Die Set
Rod Bolt Stretch Gauge
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Allen Keys
Flashlight
Ohm Meter
Ohm meters are a necessity, especially for any auto electrical work that you might need to carry out. They measure electrical resistance.
Dampner Puller
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Valve Height Micrometer
Deck Bridge
Screwdriver
Tap and Die Set
These special tools are used if you would like to create screw threads. This might be necessary when overhauling an engine.
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Crankshaft Turning Socket
Dial Bore Guage
This tool is used when working with engines, specifically to measure the inside diameter of pipes, cylinders or other round objects. Bore gauges are calibrated to 0.001 inches or 0.0001 inches.
Hammer
Magnetic Base Dial Indicator
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Repair Manual
When working on a make of vehicle, having the repair manual can help immensely. These are available online or in good bookstores.
Hammer
Socket Set
Screwdriver
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Dial Bore Gauge
Tap and Die Set
Valve Checking Spring Kit
Vehicle Speciality Tools -
This category can actually be divided into two parts. First, many car manufacturers have specialty tools that are used in certain parts of their makes and models. Second, it also refers to tools for working on certain parts of the car, like the brake system for instance.
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Sportsman Head CC Kit
Cam Bearing Installation Tool
This is not a tool that everyone will have in their workshop but if you plan on rebuilding engines on a regular basis, it is a necessity. This adjustable tool holds and installs different sized cam bearings.
Stud Removal Tool
Valve Lash Tool
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Stud Mount Valvespring Compressor Tool
Cam Bearing Installation Tool
Monkey Wrench
Rod Bolt Stretch Gauge
Bolts within an engine are crucial. You don't want them coming loose now, do you? This tool helps to stretch a bolt to the tolerance level as instructed by the manufacturer. This torquing process means that the bolt won't come loose during engine operation.
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Valve Height Micrometer
Used in conjunction with a Valve Checking Spring Kit, this micrometer helps determine the height of the valves in the engine.
Allen Key
Repair Manual
Screwdriver Set
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Valve Lash Tool
Screwdriver
A good screwdriver set is never out of place in a workshop and is a necessity when working on an engine of any kind. Make sure you have a range of different kinds from regular, to Philips or Robertson just to name a few.
Stud Removal Tool
Valve Checking Spring Kit
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Dile Bore Gauge
Dampener Puller
To remove the timing cover of the engine, the dampener must be removed first. This is always an extremely tight fit and needs a specific tool to remove.
Drill
Crankshaft Turning Socket
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Hammer
A hammer? To work on an engine? Yes, you never know when it might come in handy. For example, a jammed starter motor might just need a gentle tap of a hammer to become unstuck.
Wrench
Socket Set
Engine Stethoscope
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Rod Bolt Stretch Gauge
Rod Vise
Pulley, Hoist and Lift
No self-respecting workshop will be without a pulley, hoist and lift. Engines are heavy and these three tools make it possible to not only remove them but replace them back into the chassis with minimal fuss.
Rod Splitting Fixture
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Flashlight
A flashlight is crucial while working on the innards of a car, be it the engine, suspension or practically anywhere. And to keep your hands free, use a flashlight that straps to your head. Or employ an apprentice to hold one for you!
Pulley
Lubricant
Brake Pads
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Valvespring Compressor
Leak Down Gauge
Crankshaft Socket
While working on an engine, the crankshaft will need to be turned and adjusted many times. This socket does the job for you without any fear of damaging the crankshaft itself.
Valve Height Micrometer
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Wrench
Socket Set
Cleaning Brushes
A good set of cleaning brushes can be used throughout your workshop on a number of different things, including keeping an engine spic and span.
Protective Eyewear
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Engine Lubricant
A crucial part of keeping any engine running properly, a good workshop will always have a few cans of engine lubricant nearby.
Gas Container
Hammer
Dampener Puller
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Pully
Engine Stand
Engines are heavy. When removed from a vehicle, they need somewhere to stand without the chance of falling and getting damaged. An engine stand will do the job perfectly.
Jack
Hammer
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Socket extender
Wire stripper
Feeler Gauges
Feeler gauges are to measure gap widths, most notably in spark plugs. For example, too large a gap width means the spark plug will not fire properly which will affect the performance of the engine.
Screwdriver
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Thread Sealant
Thread sealant can be used instead of thread tape and pipe dopes. This sealant is specifically formulated for metal and makes sure any threads are sealed, safe and secure.
Engine Lubricant
WD-40
Spare Gas
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Socket extender
Hex Key
Drip Tray
Creeper
No, it's not something you need for Halloween but a simple flat board with wheels. Use this to scoot anywhere you need to while checking under a vehicle. This is particularly useful if you do not have a vehicle lift.
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Ohm Meter
A Jumper Pack/Charger Combo
Struggling with a flat battery? A jumper pack will get it started the first time and the charger will ensure that you get a charge back into it so you won't need to jump it again.
Computer Data Reader
Workshop Manual
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Rod Vise
Valve Height Micrometer
Valvespring Compressor
Part washing containers
Engine parts, particularly on old engine rebuilds need to be cleaned. The best way to do this is by simply soaking them and then cleaning them in a part washing container.
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Engine Sealant
Drip Pan
Drip pans help keep the floor of your workshop clean. Engines are filled with various fluids and when taking them apart, these will drip onto the floor. A drip pan helps you to keep control of the mess.
Cleaning Rags
Stud Mount Valvespring Compressor Tool
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Socket Set
Vise
Every good workshop needs a vise. You never know when you need to grip something tightly to be able to work on it without worrying that it might come loose and fall to the ground.
Spanner
Caliper
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Monkey Wrench
Part Washing Containers
Electric Impact Wrench
Also known as an air gun, this uses compressed air to spin and is the quickest way to attach or remove nuts.
Creeper
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Cleaning Brushes
Ear Muffs
Auto Stethoscope
Is there an auto doctor in the house? This stethoscope includes a long pointy probe, perfect for placing at places throughout the engine to listen for problematic sounds.
Valve Lash Tool
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Floor Jack
A hydraulic floor jack is the perfect way to quickly raise a car from one side.
Drip Tray
Creeper
Vise
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Air Gun
Screwdriver Set
Car Lift
Car lifts help raise a car off the ground and allow mechanics to check underneath the engine with ease.
Socket extender
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Stud Removal Tool
Oil Filter Wrench
Many oil filters are turned into place by hand and then tightened using an oil filter wrench. These also help remove older filters that might have become stuck in place due to the heat of the engine over time.
Sportsman Head CC Kit
Pushrod Length Checking Tool
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Ohm Meter
Timing Kit
Socket Extensions
A socket extension allows you to reach in difficult areas within an engine to loosen bolts or nuts.
Valve Checking Spring Kit
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Circuit Tester
Not sure if a particular circuit is working within the electrical system of your car? A circuit test will tell whether it is or not.
Crankshaft Pulley Holding Tool
Belt Tension Tester
Stretch Belt Installer
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
Spanner
Nut Splitter
A nut splitter is a great way to loosen nuts, screws or bolts that have become tricky to turn or loosen. It the nut still won't loosen, the splitter can be tightened until the nut breaks in half.
Rivet Gun
Alternator Extractor
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What tool or device is shown in this image?
String
Zip Ties
Zip ties are a great way to keep pipes, wires and leads together. For example, keep the high tension leads between the spark plugs and distributor cap neat and tidy by using zip ties to bind them together.
Spanner Set
Oil Filter Spanner
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