TOP 10 ENGINE TOOLS BUYING GUIDE 2025
Find the best engine tools for maintenance, repair, and assembly. Our comprehensive buying guide covers everything from barring tools to measuring gauges.
Whether you're a professional mechanic tackling complex engine rebuilds or a dedicated DIY enthusiast performing routine maintenance, having the right specialized engine tools is crucial. Standard wrenches and sockets won't cut it when dealing with the precision and tight tolerances of modern internal combustion engines. Specialized tools ensure accuracy, prevent damage, and significantly speed up tasks like engine assembly, timing, and component measurement.
This guide will walk you through some of the most essential and specialized engine tools available, helping you understand their function and what to look for before making a purchase. From tools designed for precise bearing clearance measurement to heavy-duty engine barring tools, we cover the gear necessary to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.
Allstar Performance
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Allstar Performance
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An engine barring tool (or turning tool) is used to manually rotate the engine's crankshaft via the flywheel. This allows mechanics to precisely position the engine for tasks such as setting valve timing, adjusting valves, or finding Top Dead Center (TDC) on a specific cylinder.
Plastic connecting rod guides are used during engine assembly to protect the highly polished and critical crankshaft journals from being scratched or damaged by the connecting rod bolts as the piston/rod assembly is lowered into the cylinder block. They ensure smooth, damage-free installation.
Plastigauge is a thin, specialized plastic thread placed between the bearing and the journal. When the bearing cap is torqued down, the plastic flattens. The width of the flattened material is then measured using a provided scale, which translates the width into the precise bearing clearance in thousandths of an inch.
Investing in specialized engine tools is essential for performing accurate, reliable, and efficient automotive repair. The right tools not only save time but also prevent costly damage to sensitive engine components. Review your specific engine project needs, prioritize precision tools like Plastigauge, and ensure you have the correct barring and assembly guides for your make and model. **Browse our selection today to equip your garage with the professional-grade engine tools you need for your next build or repair!**