Having the proper tools on hand makes a world of difference for DIY appliance repair. With the right appliance repair tools, many repairs can be made quickly, correctly, and safely without needing to call for expensive professional service.
There are several key benefits to taking appliance repair into your own hands:
- Save money – Professional repair calls can be very costly. Doing it yourself saves all those service fees.
- Learn useful skills – Repairing your own appliances allows you to better understand how they work and builds your skills.
- Prevent future issues – Getting to know your appliances helps you spot potential problems early before they worsen.
- Convenience – No waiting around for an appliance technician to eventually show up. You can fix issues on your own timeline.
This article will highlight 18 appliance repair tools that are absolute must-haves for any DIYer. Having these basic appliance repair tools on hand will prepare you to tackle all kinds of appliance fixes yourself.
1. Cordless Drill
No toolbox is complete without a cordless drill. Cordless drills provide power and mobility to drive screws, stir paint, drill holes and so much more. They are indispensable appliance repair aids.
Here’s why a cordless drill in vital for appliance fixes:
- Remove screws to open up appliances for repairs
- Drill new screw holes if needed
- Mix epoxy, paint and other compounds
- Drive screws into materials
- Carve out stuck pieces from appliances
Key Cordless Drill Features
- Lithium ion batteries – Holds a charge for extended periods without losing power
- Variable speed triggers – Allows precise screw driving and drilling control
- Clutch settings – Adjust clutch to limit torque preventing over tightening
- Keyless chuck – Allows bits to be changed quickly without tools
- Belt clips – Keep drill handy and secure for mobile work
2. Impact Driver
An impact driver may look like a drill but works differently making it another essential DIY appliance repair tool. The rapid rotations from an impact driver give it tons of fastening torque perfect for driving long screws and bolts.
Here’s why an impact driver excels at appliance repairs:
- Effortlessly drive lag bolts through metal frames and casings
- Set and remove old rusted appliance screws with ease
- Doesn’t strip screw heads due to adjustable torque
Key Impact Driver Features
- Variable speed triggers – Precision control over screw driving speed
- Quick release bits – Easily and rapidly change driving bits
- Belt clips and lights – Help illuminate dark appliance interiors
- Electric brakes – Instantly stops bit when the trigger is released
3. Screwdriving Bits
No appliance repair job can be done without a variety screwdriving bits. Appliances use a wide range of specialty screw heads that require having the right bit to remove or install them. Here are some you’ll need:
- Phillips Bits – Fits crossed Phillips screw heads, one of the most common
- Slotted/Flat Bits – Fits single slot screw heads
- Hex Bits – Fits hexagonal-shaped screw heads
- Torx Bits – Fits 6 pointed star-shaped Torx screw heads
- Security Bits – Fits specialty tamper-proof appliance screw heads
Why Have a Range of Bits Matters
- Removes screws and bolts easily avoiding stripping
- Allows driving screws correctly without damaging heads
- Provides proper fit and torque for each unique screw type
4. Tape Measure
A trusty tape measure is vital for taking any kinds of measurements while making appliance repairs. Getting accurate measurements of appliance openings, frames, replacement parts, and more will be needed.
Here’s why a tape measure is indispensable:
- Confirm replacement part sizes – Ensure ordered parts fit correctly
- Measure openings – Double check spacing to fit hands or tools inside
- Gauge project scope – Determines overall size and scope before starting
- Precision – Allows for detailed small measurements when needed
Key Tape Measure Features
Retractable tapes with auto-locking mechanisms, finger grips, belt clips, and lengths up to 25 feet work great. Look for easy-to-read markings with scales in both Standard and Metric units.
5. Level
A level is used to confirm appliances have been correctly re-installed and calibrated. Levels utilize built-in vials and guide markings so you can quickly validate the alignment of appliance surfaces and parts.
Here’s why levels are a necessity for appliance work:
- Set washing machines properly – Ensures it sits flat and stable
- Check dishwasher alignment – Confirms door closes squarely
- Level refrigerator doors – Stops doors sagging open unevenly
- Mount TVs correctly – Verifies it won’t tilt or wobble
Key Level Features
Tubular spirit levels up to 24 inches long work great for most appliance alignment tasks. Look for impact resistant ends, strong magnets along the base edge, and easy to spot level guide markings.
6. Torque Wrench
A torque wrench allows properly tightening bolts and screws when repairing appliances. Using the correct torque ensures parts are tight while preventing damage from over-tightening.
Here’s why a torque wrench is a vital tool:
- Achieve optimal tightness – Apply just the right pressure on screws and bolts
- Avoid cracking plastics – Prevents cranking down too hard on plastic components
- Confirm torque specifications – Honors specific torque requirements for parts
- Prevent future rattling issues – Uniform tightness reduces noise and vibration
Key Torque Wrench Features
Click adjusting beam torque wrenches from 10 to 100 ft/lb cover most appliance torque needs. Features like reversible scales, multiple units (in/lb, Nm, etc), and storage cases prove handy.
7. Multimeter
A multimeter is an indispensable tool for diagnosing electrical issues in non-functioning appliances. It allows measuring voltage, amps, resistance, continuity and other factors across circuits and components.
Here’s why every DIYer needs one for appliance repair:
- Isolate shorts and faults – Pinpoint exactly where circuit or wiring faults occurred
- Confirm power flow – Prove electrical current is actually reaching components
- Identify “hot” wires – Detect live wires safely without getting shocked
- Measure electric metrics – Quantify amps, volts, resistance for diagnostics
Key Multimeter Features
Look for autoranging meter capabilities up to 600V plus continuity detection, voltage detection lights and large digital displays. Resistance, continuity check, diode test and frequency measurement functions also prove useful.
Read More: How To Use A Multimeter To Check Appliance Parts
8. Insulation Tester
An insulation tester is used to measure the resistance levels of cables and insulation inside appliances. This allows evaluating their integrity and checking for weaknesses or faults.
Here why insulation testing is important for repairs:
- Assess insulation integrity – Make sure protective layers haven’t degraded
- Isolate compromised wiring – Determine which wires and cables need replacement
- Prevent electric shock hazards – Proactively detect potential ground faults and shorts
- Meet safety regulations – Confirm appliances meet electrical safety standards
Key Insulation Tester Features
Look for insulation testers that provide adjustable testing voltages from 250V to 1000V for testing light switches, motors, compressors and more. Models with warning lights, large displays and durable cases prove most useful.
9. Electrical Tape
No electrician or DIY appliance repair technician should be without several types of quality electrical tape. Electrical tape is used extensively for insulating wires plus securing and bundling components.
Here’s why electrical tape is indispensable for repairs:
- Insulate wires and terminals – Ensure exposed conductors stay fully isolated
- Wrap connections – Waterproof joined wires and prevent shorts
- Secure components – Temporarily fasten parts during repairs
- Mark phases – Color code wires based on phase to avoid confusion
10. Needle Nose Pliers
Needle nose pliers serve countless purposes during appliance repair with their tapered, precision gripping jaws. The key benefit comes from accessing and handling small hardware, screws, clips and wires in tight appliance compartments.
Here’s why needle nose pliers prove handy:
- Reach small spaces – Easily access confined areas inside appliances
- Retrieve dropped items – Pick up tiny screws or springs in awkward areas
- Manipulate fittings – Grip and position water line compression fittings
- Cut small wires – Built-in cutters slice through small gauge wires
Key Needle Nose Pliers Features
Look for needle nose pliers with adjustable joints, cushion grips, wire cutters and even built-in wire strippers. High carbon steel handles precision hardening and blackening for corrosion protection.
11. Wire Strippers
Removing old appliance wiring or connecting replacement wires will require a good set of wire strippers. Wire strippers cleanly cut through rubber/plastic insulation exposing metal conductor core wires for connections.
Here’s why wire strippers are indispensable:
- Prepare wire ends – Expose clean, untarnished wire core for connections
- Prevent wire damage – Avoid nicking and slicing conductors
- Uniform stripping – Remove insulation evenly for consistent lengths
- Save time – Quickly prepares wires compared to knives or scissors
Key Wire Stripper Features
Self-adjusting wire strippers with multiple openings sized for 8 Gauge to 22 Gauge wires work great. Built-in crimpers and cutters are also useful additions for all-in-one functionality.
12. Voltage Tester
Testing for live power and confirming appliances are receiving voltage requires a non-contact voltage tester. Voltage testers detect electric fields around cables and lighting up when voltage is present making them indispensible diagnostic tools.
Here’s why you need one:
- Safely detect live currents – Test for power without contacting dangerous conductors
- Verify grounds – Check that appliances are properly grounded
- Diagnose supply issues- Validate voltage reaching appliance components
- Quickly confirm fixtures – Rapidly determine if outlets, switches and wires are hot
Key Voltage Tester Features
Look for testers rated for common residential voltages like 120V and 240V AC. Models with LED lights, audible indicators and rugged insulating casing offer the best user experience.
13. Staple Gun
Power staple guns provide an quick, easy electrically safe way to affix replacement appliance wiring, insulation tubing, protective sheathing and other components during repairs.
Here’s why they are so indispensable:
- Secure wiring – Affix wires to structures avoiding hazards
- Attach insulation – Adhere barrier tubings for exposed conductors
- Fasten protective coverings – Attach sheathing, shields and covers
- Holds better than tape – Prevents wires and parts coming loose over time
Key Staple Gun Features
Opt for electric staplers with adjustable power levels to control staple depth. Handy features like work lights, jam clearing mechanisms and dual operation modes increase utility.
14. Air Compressor
Air compressors supply compressed air to power all kinds of air tools used during appliance repairs. Plus certain repairs require appliances be blown clear with high pressure air. Having a compressor on hand saves both time and effort.
Here’s why they are must-have items:
- Power air tools – Drive nail guns, staplers, air ratchets that aid repairs
- Clear debris – Use air nozzle extensions to blow out appliance interiors
- Clean parts – Blast away grime and dust from appliances
- Inflate tube tires – Pump up tires on carts, fridges, ranges and washers
Key Air Compressor Features
Look for “hot dog” style compressors that provide solid air power in compact sizes. Models rated up to 150 PSI can power most common air tools for considerable work periods. Those with power dials and built-in power gauges give the most control over compressed air flows.
15. HVAC Refrigerant Recharging Kit
HVAC refrigerant recharge kits are required for repairing coolant issues in refrigerators, dehumidifiers or HVAC systems. They allow you to safely add refrigerant into sealed A/C systems without releasing gases. This saves having to replace entire appliances due to low refrigerant.
Here’s why they are must-owns for cold appliances:
- Replenish lost refrigerant – Avoid replacing whole appliance due to leaks
- Seal refrigerant systems – Recharge coolant without releasing gases into atmosphere
- Diagnose issues – Determine if lack of cooling stems from low refrigerant vs other faults
- Restore efficiency – Properly refilled systems run cooler with lower energy bills
Key HVAC Refrigerant Recharge Kit Features
Look for kits containing gauges, valves, hoses and adapters for both R134a and R12 refrigerants used across all AC appliances. Sturdy cases to prevent gas leaks plus supporting items like sealants, teflon tape, and filters also prove useful.
16. Foam Insulation
Installing replacement foam insulation helps appliances maintain desired temperatures and also dampens sound. Foam sheets, sealants and expanding sprays stop air leaks plus lock cold or heat in appliance compartments.
Here’s why insulation aids repairs:
- Seals temperature leaks – Traps cold/heat preventing appliance energy losses
- Creates air barriers – Stops airflow into/out of appliances
- Reduces noise – Muffles sounds from vibrating compressor pumps
- Easy to install – Many foam products just peel and stick into place
17. Drain Cleaners
Clogged sink, tub and shower drains cause water to back up inside related appliances leading to major repair headaches. Having a chemical drain cleaner on hand lets you safely clear blockages and remove odors.
Here’s why they are so useful:
- Clear clogged drains – Dislodge hair, grime and sludge causing backups
- Prevent water damage – Keep water flowing preventing appliance flooding and rust
- Removes odors – Eliminate stenches from sink pipes and traps
- Weekly maintenance – Apply regularly to deter future clogs
Key Drain Cleaner Features
Seek heavy duty formulas containing sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide that break down organics and dissolve inorganic materials. Opt for thicker gels that cling allowing longer contact plus built-in pipe scrubbers.
18 Flaring & Swaging Tools
Working on gas appliances requires a flaring tool kit to correctly shape copper tubing ends to integrate valves and fittings. Flaring forms a funnel shaped end while swaging reshapes pipes to couple to fittings.
Here’s why they are essential:
- Integrate gas valves/fittings – Connect new gas lines to appliances
- Repair leaks – Seal cracks in gas lines using compression fittings
- Meet code – Ensure gas line joints meet residential building standards
- Prevent fires & explosions – Faulty joints can allow gas leaks causing disaster
Conclusion
Having these 18 must-have appliance repair tools on hand equips DIYers to tackle repairs on refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, electrical systems and more. Investing in these essential items now saves significant money down the road by preventing costly appliance replacement.
These basic appliance repair tools empower you to quickly diagnose and fix issues yourself without having to wait days for a repair company to eventually show up. And DIY repairs provide the satisfaction of saving money through your own efforts.
So boost your home’s appliance reliability and save thousands over their lifetime by investing today in these indispensable repair tools. Equipping your toolbox prepares you to handle any appliance malfunction from faulty coolers and jammed ice makers to broken control boards and leaky water valves. Let potential problems know DIY homeowners are ready!