Identifying The Proper Tools You Will Need To Succeed When Starting A Small Engine Repair Business
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- The best tools for working on lawn mowers, snow blowers, chainsaws, generators, power washers and other equipment
Are you ready to take the next step in building your small engine repair business?
In this video, we dive into identifying the tools you’ll need to succeed in your entrepreneurial journey.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your tools & equipment, this will help you identify what you will need for success
We’ll cover the must-have tools to get started without breaking the bank-because the right equipment is key to working efficiently and professionally.
We also go over the specialty and optional tools to have depending on what kind of small engine niche you will be focusing on
We show necessary affordable tools that are perfect for starting your small engine repair business and what you do not necessarily need
See@IndRepairfor our small engine repair videos
#smallenginerepair #individualizedrepair #startyourownbusiness #smallenginetools #entrepreneurship #selfemployed #smallbusiness #selfemploymentideas
Tools Shown In The Video:
Craftsman Tool Set (we recommend 6 point sockets) amzn.to/4apQ1wI
Irwin Vice Grip Pliers amzn.to/4h0vLo4
Needle Nose Pliers amzn.to/4h4ckum amzn.to/4hqMH74
Double Joint Needle Nose Pliers amzn.to/3E5Sb8Q amzn.to/3PJrzwY
Hemostat amzn.to/3CjkZu0
Side Cutters amzn.to/4atk4n7
Utility Screwdriver amzn.to/4h4cBgS
Spark Plug Wrench Small 16mm 5/8" amzn.to/42oKLrg
Spark Plug Wrench Large 21mm 13/16" amzn.to/42qU6yL
Screwdriver Set amzn.to/40GRlIm
Spark Tester amzn.to/4apMi2e
Torch Tip Cleaners amzn.to/3PKNROG
Wire Brush Set amzn.to/4h4R2wM
Spark Plug Tool With T27 End amzn.to/3Eeep8p
Wire Strip & Crimp Tools amzn.to/40owWqe
Amp Meter Multimeter amzn.to/3EgSmhm
Compression Tester amzn.to/40nC0ey
Carburetor Adjustment Tool Set amzn.to/3PICkiT
Carburetor Adjustment Tool Kit With Leak Tester amzn.to/4jAPlZM
Titan Impact Bit Set amzn.to/4aIgqGt
Chainsaw Sharpener Manual amzn.to/3E5TLri
Chainsaw Sharpener Electric amzn.to/4gaihVr
Handheld Vacuum Pump For 2-Stroke Testing amzn.to/3CtNMff
Battery Load Tester amzn.to/40CNlZn
Roll Pin Punch Set amzn.to/3PJImQk
Punch Set amzn.to/3PLK8Ay
Tachometer amzn.to/40op6wI
Milwaukee Ratchet 12V amzn.to/4hqTgpR
Dewalt Angle Grinder 20V amzn.to/42lm5jm
Dewalt Impact 20V Large amzn.to/4g4r5fr
Dewalt Impact 20V Small amzn.to/3EgUrda
Air Impact amzn.to/4hit8OF
Dewalt Impact Driver 20V amzn.to/4h2NLy2
Dewalt Drill 20V amzn.to/3CtPeyd
Dewalt Grease Gun 20V amzn.to/4h34KA6
Manual Grease Gun amzn.to/40nEsSi
24mm (15/16") Socket amzn.to/42izZCX
Deck Leveling Gauge amzn.to/40KVB8L
Safety Glasses amzn.to/4hjaWDO
Feeler Gauges amzn.to/3WrxVVA
Tire Pressure Inflator W/ Gauge amzn.to/4hqRo0D
3 LB Hammer amzn.to/3PLD7zy
Dead Blow Hammer Set amzn.to/3Cl8UnX
OTC Leakdown Tester amzn.to/40RC4Vr
Tap & Die Set amzn.to/40EvKQK
Torque Wrench amzn.to/4anoA6N
Bolt Remover Set amzn.to/4hHkU2n
Etorx Internal Torx Set amzn.to/4jmQhAK
Hex Driver Set amzn.to/3WtYKrX
Step Bit Set amzn.to/4gnQil
Drill Bit Sets amzn.to/4hp65Bm
Allen Hex Set amzn.to/40obVvW
Torx Socket Set amzn.to/4aoRJOQ
Input Size Socket Adapter Set amzn.to/3Cr6Ydx
OEM Tools Oil Extractor amzn.to/3PJKyr2
Digital Calipers amzn.to/40ErcKj
Battery Charger amzn.to/3PKTqwQ
Gear Puller Kit amzn.to/3E3Bpal
Rotary Cut Off Tool Kit amzn.to/3CuxiDA
Micro Drill Bit Set amzn.to/3PJwCgU
Cheaper Micro Drill Bit Set amzn.to/3C8oVxE
Large Bench Vice amzn.to/40DGiQe
Ultrasonic Cleaner 10L Vevor amzn.to/4hon0np
Cheaper Ultrasonic Cleaner 10L amzn.to/3WrtV7k
Bench Grinder amzn.to/4jlZ5a3
Bench Grinder With Sander amzn.to/4anr1pX
Table Top Blade Balancer amzn.to/4h0C0Iw
Oregon Blade Balancer Wall Mount amzn.to/4jATP2y
Cheaper Same Design Balancer amzn.to/3PJfvf3
Dewalt Air Compressor amzn.to/42h9bTA
Good Enough Air Compressor Cheap Oil Lubricated amzn.to/42ilIpO
Large NocoBoost Jump Starter GB70 amzn.to/4ape9iW
Small NocoBoost Jump Starter GB40 amzn.to/4h2Nawi
Dewalt Shop Vac amzn.to/4h4XnIA
Welders amzn.to/4hnzgVo
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This video is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be financial or legal advice
pawn shops a great place to find tools. love your videos
It definitely is! Thank you for watching and for your support!
What kind of lift tables do you use or recommend? Thank you.
I have seen quite a few different ones and we like the Handy brand lifts you can find them at www.mile-x.com/collections/handy-industries We have a video on the three models we have at th-cam.com/video/on-ZyoX1u4A/w-d-xo.html
Here's my list, Martin, of what I have that I think is necessary but not too expensive if you buy one at a time as you need them. Forgive me if I duplicate any in your video. In no particular order. Many of these tools can be had inexpensively or free used on eBay, local thrifts, FreeCycle, Facebook local groups, used tool stores, etc. I have other tools that are used when someone gets more experienced, but for now those below I would call my basic stuff for working on anything from string trimmers to zero turns (in addition to almost all the ones Martin already listed).
-cordless drill/driver with 2 batteries and charger. I got a used one I really liked with a battery and charger, then eventually searched on eBay and found another set even cheaper, so I can switch between the two for some jobs and always have a second battery ready to go. These have an adjustable clutch so I can set them to fit the job I'm working on with no worry about damaging anything.
-T-handle Torx wrench set
-Short and long Torx bits for drill/driver
-ball peen hammers (small, large)
-small hand pump oiler
-assortment of funnels - short, long, wide, narrow, small, large
-handheld propane torch. I have one that has an igniter but you have to turn the knob on/off and adjust the flame. This will stay on until you turn if off with the other hand. I'm going to get one that has an igniter but stays on as long as you pull on the handle - I want to have one of each for different purposes. Also, these are much more stable using the camping--style short/wider bottles, which I refill from a 20 pound tank.
-hot air gun!
-small spray bottles - one for 2-stroke mix I use as starter fluid in all machines, both2T and 4T, and one for soapy water to test for leaks in tires, engines, etc.
-paint brushes, stiff, soft, wide, narrow, for cleaning things like chainsaws, etc.
-a complete set of all different kinds of brushes, picks, etc for cleaning all kinds of equipment - used when I'm pressure washing or washing with the garden hose
-at least two paper or shop towel dispensers - one at the bench and one at the opposite side of the workspace
-a collection of different-sized catchbasins for oil and fuel. I've made a bunch from plastic bottles, oil jugs, all sorts of plastic containers from the kitchen. Eventually you'll have a bunch for getting into all sorts of different spaces.
-formafunnel - bendable sheet of plastic with metal inside to direct the flow of fluids down into a catchbasin cleanly
-1/4 inch drive torque wrench - for those really small, low torque applications. I have three torque wrenches to cover everything I need from the smallest string trimmer to commercial zero turns. I hunted around for a long time to find the smallest one - the others are available at Harbor Freight for decent prices, although my middle one is a Snap-On I got for cheap at a yard sale. Many specs are now in Newton Meters (Nm) as well as inch-pounds, so having these are almost a requirement now.
-large and small slip joint pliers, regular
-set of nut drivers, handheld
-sets of combination wrenches in SAE and metric
-2 or 3 adjustable (Crescent) wrenches from small to large
-very small needlenose vicegrips; medium regular vicegrips (the more the better!)
-slip ring pliers, inside and outside types
-RPM tachometer - I got a great one to start and then found one as an app for my iPhone which is free and works great! Don't get the kind that have a wire to wrap around the high tension lead. Get the other kind that you just have to hold in the vicinity to register
-tire pressure gauge
-assortment of metal files
-Pferd chainsaw chain file - much better than the one you showed - it sharpens and takes down the depth gauges at the same time. About $50 each and you need one for each type of chain, but MUCH faster and more accurate and idiot proof - worth every penny. Stihl version of this is rebranded Pferd for more money but same tool. I've sharpened chains since I was a kid out in the woods in my teens and I'm now 77 and no matter what anyone says about "hand filing", this tool is a total game changer.
-hacksaw
-valve spring compression tool
-sets of inexpensive silicone tapered plugs - I got three sets of different sizes and colors and use them all the time to block off engine openings during washing, plus a bunch of other uses.
-battery post cleaning brush
-various size/types of bore brushes and wire brushes to chuck in the cordless drill to clean things. Also bristle disks - the good ones are expensive but worth their weight in gold for cleaning gasket mating surfaces, engine heads, etc.
-valve lapping tools
-inspection lights - I finally found ones that I really like because they are thin and will fit into the openings of fuel tanks, bar oil tanks, cylinders, etc. These are the Coast G20 and the G15. The G15 is small and light enough to fit into a little spring clip that one of them comes with to clip onto my hat for when I want hands free. Very powerful but very small.
-small pump grease gun for chainsaw bars, plus really handy to have around to apply small amounts of grease in many locations where a regular grease gun is overkill. This is the kind that sits upright on the bench with a push button on one side to pump grease out the other side, not the pistol grip style gun.
-an old baking pan for disassembling carburetors - I always line it with fresh paper towels so I can see all the tiny parts without losing any. If you do it on the bench without any containment, the springs and inlet screens will disappear into the twilight zone.
-set of T-handled hex drivers. The right angled ones are useful sometimes, but the T-handles are better for most applications.
-magnetic parts trays - start out with the small round ones at Harbor Freight and eventually graduate into larger rectangular ones for bigger jobs. I'd start out with at least three.
-C-clamps and spring clamps - various sizes and types - they'll all be very useful eventually.
-magnetic pickup tools - I have three, from very small like a pencil to larger and telescoping. These are absolutely necessary!
-pistol grip, reversible bar clamps - a couple different sizes
-short wood blocks of all different sizes. I have a large assortment of two-bys of all different widths, all with holes drilled in one end and hung on nails from the joists overhead in the garage. I also have several 4-4's for similar purposes. Extremely useful for blocking up different pieces of equipment on the bench and the floor.
-nitrile gloves and work gloves
-an old screw-type car jack to start, then floor jacks starting at 1.5 tons up to about 2.5 tons. I modified the screw jack for a specific size socket so I can run it up and down quickly to start and finish a job and use a ratchet at the point where the load is encountered. Having two or more of these around the shop will come in very handy for lots of jobs. You can get used ones out of old cars at the junkyard!
-telescoping inspection mirror with light
-zipties! All sizes and lengths - fit into the same category as clamps - to hold things in place temporarily, plus they're a consumable you use all time in the shop.
-worm drive hose clamps of all sizes - same as other clamps for all sorts of uses, both temporary and permanent. You can join as many as needed to accommodate larger projects.
That is a great and extensive list! Awesome stuff and thanks for being so thourough!
My 12v DeWalt screwdriver has saved me hundreds of hours abd probably thousands of dollars at this point for quickly and safely assembling and disassembling. The lack of impacting and adjustable slip clutch keeps you from damaging delicate components/fasteners and actually makes a pretty decent fast and dirty torque wrench. A decent little pocket multimeter does just about everything you'll ever need for electrical diagnosis
Definitely a great tip!! It works well for what you need it for and that is what matters. I used a smaller Matco impact driver 12v (bought used) for years and it worked very well with the same results (no clutch settings but not enough power to strip things out). Good job doing this!!
Martin, can you do a video on leveling zero turn mower decks? Specifically maybe even commercial grade stuff….. thanks!!!
I think that is a great idea! I will wait until I get a few more styles in to do this but I sure will get one done on this in the near future. I think the only deck adjustment in my videos recently is done at th-cam.com/video/tGSZ5KONv08/w-d-xo.html
3/16 flat head works perfect for main jets
Definitely!
Lift and jack stands, small torch for heating items, plus know some mechanics for knowledge and advice
Safety Glasses is the very first thing
Missed jack stands and a torch too darn it!!
I’m eating up all this knowledge! Would you please talk about chemical, used oil, old fuel and other waste management? Either working out of your garage or a commercial space, I’d like to better manage what I do with these fluids. Thank You!
I am so glad to help! I will definitely go over this part as it is very essential! Thanks for watching and for your comments!
boss man showin us the way ..... cant wait to see the new place and new shop ....
Can't wait to get it all figured out and set up either man!
Fire extinguisher is dam sure a must or a water hose and spray nozzle 😮
I play the what if game to be better prepared 😊
That is a definite! I have only needed to use one once but it can be the difference between a small fire and catastrophe. Funny story the fire I used one on. Fire lit up from Briggs Intek with flooded cylinder. I got it put out for the most part with some rags. Just still smoldering a little bit. The guy I had working with me at the time came over and used the air nozzle on it. I bet you can't guess what happens next lol
Very helpful. Some ideas…. Cut tips off of torch tip cleaners,round magnet with hole in cup helps with blades and HF has long needle nose with circular ends. Home Depot sells a bucket head sweeper, used it for years.
I am not sure about the magnet with a hole in the cup can you elaborate on this? Everything else I am familiar with and some great tips!!
@@SmallEngineEdge1 round chrome cup with magnet in it. Hole in center goes thru both. I put bolt thru, dbl nut on the back. My shelves have holes in the uprights. Nuts and washers secure it. I put any blade on it. Use it for balancing.
@@steveriggenbach90 Good stuff there! Thanks for the idea
Thanks for the videos i just started following. Im looking at starting a mobile small engine repair business with an enclosed 7x14 trailer to work out of in bad weather. Im in a rural area in southern va. I look forward to your upcoming videos and any insight on going mobile.
Awesome news! This is a great endeavor for you and will get you far with some hard work. I used to do a lot of mobile stuff but never did it with a fully stocked trailer. I am very familiar with the concept and can definitely help with some insight on this stay tuned for tips in the upcoming episodes! May even be the way I do it when I move to a new location, not sure how that will be set up yet. Thanks for watching!
Did I miss you talk about your lawnmower lift table. Who makes it?
I did not but barely mention it. The one here is made by Handy. It was not mentioned because to start off with it is something that does not have to be used but will eventually save your back and make you more money by being quicker. It is the Handy B.O.B. 1500 lb lift. I have a review where I compare the three different ones we have (all made by Handy) at th-cam.com/video/on-ZyoX1u4A/w-d-xo.html I purchased all of the ones we have at www.mile-x.com/
nice tool setup like my shop
Thank you!
u missed the coffee pot ...very important machine
Haha one of the very most important I missed!
Yes it’s a must in any size shop ❤
How ‘bout the radio? I never worked anyplace where there wasn’t at least one guy who had to have a radio 😮 Bob n Tom in the morning and top forty the rest of the day 😫
@ haaaa THAT SHOP WAS ALWAYS JAMMIN ...USUALLY 3 DIFFERNT TYPES OF MUSIC ...LOL
Definitely!
Where?
Do you get your OEM parts if you're not A Dealer. Besides EBay or Amazon
Most things that we can not directly purchase we source through local dealers we have cut discount price deals with (really only Echo and Stihl). Everything else is gotten through major distributors (the same ones the equipment dealers use for these parts) that sell us parts (Power Distributors, Oscar Wilson, Medart & Rotary along with a few other smaller ones). A quick phone call is all it takes for most of these to get set up
@SmallEngineEdge1 Thank you for your response. I also watch your other channel.
@@simoncastro4425 Awesome! Glad to help!
Gardner, stens, Oregon and briggs Kohler etc is who I use
I do use Gardner just not much as the others. Orderon I get through PD or OW. You have a direct Oregon account?
Best starter kit is the gear wrenxh 252 pc kit st gome depot jts 200 bucks lretty much everyrhing u need torx socket bits allen socket bits allen keys 3/8 shallow and deep 1/4 shallow and deep and ratchet wrenches its 199.99
Looks like a nice kit. The one shown comes in quite a bit less cost but I do love my gear wrench stuff!
@SmallEngineEdge1 yea great deal for 200 bucks to have it all
I totally disagree with some of what you are telling people. I think you are assuming that anyone who wants to get into engine repair has natural mechanical abilities. if you want to be a good mechanic get a good foundation go to your local votech and sign up even if it's night school. you will learn proper diagnosis and repair procedures. even more important today than 40 years ago when I started. with all the latest electronic and computerized stuff. anyone can do a parts shotgun approach ive seen way too many of these people. for tools you dont need new stuff but get the best quality tools you can from many sources including yard sales, auctions, pawn shops, flea markets. and specialty tools can sometimes be found used or from OEM suppliers. but if you go to votech and learn metal fab and welding you can even learn to make your own special application tools.
Hey there, definitely not assuming anyone who wants to do small engine repair has natural abilities. This will be talked more about coming soon but much of what needed to be learned in a vocational school before can be self taught with available information just as easy now. The electronic and computerized stuff is just an extension of the base knowledge and can be learned the same way. Welding and fabrication is something good to learn but again In 2025 you can learn all of the information that you would pay $5,000 or more for by doing the learning online with little effort and without a large pricetag. No this will not work for everyone out there because people learn in different ways and at different paces. I believe most can learn this stuff without any prior knowledge enough to make a good living and be debt free while building a career and income from scratch
I have to respectfully disagree! I'm 77 and started teaching myself small engine work 3.5 years ago, almost exclusively on TH-cam. I've logged over 6400 hours at this point (yes, your read that right - 5-7 hours/day every single day!) and have worked on everything from string trimmers to commercial zero turns. I NEVER fire the parts cannon! I consider my diagnostic skills at a journeyman level at this point. Yes, 40 years ago schools were the way to go unless you were lucky enough to start under someone in a shop willing to teach and bring you along. Times have changed, though, and you can learn how to do almost anything from TH-cam if you're willing to put in the time and effort.
I also download or acquire hard copies of service and owner manuals as well as IPL's, plus I've got a copy of several manufacturer failure analysis sheets. I read all these religiously, as they are largely the source material for many people creating TH-cam videos.
I've bookmarked tens of thousands of videos, all categorized so I can access any piece of information I need in a few seconds to refresh my memory before I proceed with a repair.
Martin is definitely one of the better TH-cam creators out there, for my money, so I watch his channel(s) religiously to glean further bits of knowledge.
I am subscribed to about 50 channels, although I only get notifications for about 20, and stay up to date within 2-3 days with most of those. I also try to supply my own knowledge when I think it will help, both on TH-cam and several Facebook groups.
FWIW, I've built houses, done custom English saddlery, was a sailmaker/rigger/yacht broker, among other things. I currently juggle two occupations (thanks a lot, Covid!!!), baking (which I've done for 15 years) and small engine work (flipping, repairing and restoring to sell on request from my parts yard). I just upped my hourly to $50 and expect to go to $60 within the next couple years, working out of my home garage in between baking bread and pastries to sell locally two days a week a couple blocks from my home.