10 Go-To Small Engine Repair Tools for Your Shop

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Fixing small engines is hectic. And if you run a repair business, you would know it’s no easy task.

Every day, customers visit you to get a quick fix for their lawn mowers, snow blowers, generators, pressure washers, and several other devices, and machines. As every machine is different, each repair offers its unique challenges. Thus, you need the right small engine repair tools to make your work easier and more accurate— from wrenches, to compressors, to small engine repair shop software.

Whether you’re planning to start your venture or have already stepped into this industry, your small engine repair tool kit defines your speed and quality.

Stay with us while we walk you through 10 tools for your small engine repair shop. These specialty tools will help you do repairs efficiently so that you can offer better service to your customers.

1.  Carburetor Cleaning Kit

Carburetors are a key component in IC engines that mix air and fuel for combustion, and fuel problems are common in them. Dirty carburetors cause poor engine performance and starting problems. A carburetor cleaning kit comes with brushes and tools to clean jets and passages. This cleaning process helps restore proper engine performance, address issues like hard starting, fluctuating idle, or poor acceleration. This way, you can enhance overall fuel efficiency. 

If you mainly repair lawn mowers, and generators, these tools will save time and headaches. It’s one of the simplest tools needed for small engine repair, but it’s highly useful.

2.  Spark Plug Tester

Spark plugs are often called the “heart of the engine” as they ignite the air-fuel mixture inside a small engine. If an engine is not starting, the first thing that comes to the customers’ mind is malfunction of the spark plug. In this regard, a spark plug tester can help you check that in seconds. It tells you if the spark is strong and consistent.

This tool is part of almost every small engine repair kit. It’s useful for testing lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other small engines.

In addition, ensure you have spark plugs in your inventory, as you might not want to lose a sales opportunity due to shortage of stock. For that, you can get help from inventory management software. It tracks every part, and product in your store, and notifies you if it gets low in stock. 

3.  Cleaning Equipment

For an engine to run smoothly, and last longer, it is a must to keep it clean. Clogged fuel jets inside the carburetor can cause the lawn mower engine to surge. This means that the engine’s rpm will fluctuate erratically.

Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of harmful substances that can degrade fluid and clog filters. To do this, you need to have all the cleaning equipment at your store including

• Air Compressor: It is used for tasks like blowing out debris, and leak detection.
• Ultrasonic Cleaner: It’s used to clean carburetors and other small parts of the engine.

4.  Digital Tachometer

It’s used to calculate the rpm (revolution per minute) of the small engine. When you use a digital tachometer, you don’t have to connect to it, just place it right next to the cylinder block, and it will tell you the rpm. You can get an analogue meter for a lower price. However, would it be great if you can buy convenience by just spending $30 to $40 more?

5.  Pipette

By far, this is one of the most simple, affordable, yet reliable tools needed for small engine repair you can buy today. If you have it, you can save money, time, and frustration in the future. It does not matter if you want to fix a chainsaw, or a hedge trimmer, the pipette can help you detect water in the gasoline. Just dip this tool into the gas tank and you can easily see what’s in there.

Also, gain valuable insights on how small engine repairs can drive business growth.

6.  Basic Hand Tools

Hand tools are a must for your small engine repair shop as you can’t function without them. They are easy to use and can help you with daily repair work. Your small engine hand tools should include

• Sockets and Torque Wrenches: They are used to remove, reinstall engine components.
• Screwdrivers: These are required for different fasteners.
• Pliers: Pliers help in gripping, bending, and cutting tasks.

7.  Flywheel Puller

In small engines, flywheels are one of the components that can be tough to remove. There is always a high chance that you may damage the crankshaft in the process. That’s where a flywheel puller helps. It helps you safely remove the flywheel without stress.

So, ensure to have this tool in your small engine repair kit when fixing ignition or charging systems. It saves time and reduces the risk of breaking key parts.

8.  Valve Spring Compressor

These are the coil springs in an engine’s cylinder head, and they are designed to hold the valves closed when they are not being actuated. While fixing small engine valves, you would need a valve spring compressor. This tool allows you to remove and install valve springs safely.

Without it, the job can become dangerous or cause damage. Add this to your small engine repair tools checklist for easy valve work.

9.  Feeler Gauge to Measure Gaps

Small gaps between the engine parts can lead to significant issues. For instance, improperly sized or aligned ring gaps can cause a loss of compression, increased oil consumption, and even engine damage because of leaks in the combustion chamber.

A feeler gauge is used to measure small gaps between parts, especially valves and spark plugs. It helps you set valve clearance correctly, which is key for engine performance.

Without a feeler gauge, your small engine tool list is incomplete. It’s small but essential for any detailed work.

10.  Digital Multimeter

Lastly, at the end, or start of every repair job, you need to measure voltage, resistance, and current. For that, you need digital multimeters. It helps you test batteries, switches, fuses, and wiring.

As a small engine repair business owner, you deal with electric start engines or lighting issues, and this tool acts as a life saver. So, keep in mind that it’s not just for electricians — it belongs in your small engine repair tools list too.

Bonus Tip: Automate Your Workflow with RepairDesk

Having the right small engine repair tools is one part of running a successful business. However, during all this, you also juggle between tasks such as managing inventory, repair jobs, employees, payments, etc. That’s why you should know how repair shop management software helps small engine repair businesses?

RepairDesk is a specifically designed software to suit all your business requirements. Along with managing inventory, it also helps you manage repair jobs, employees, and invoices.

Using this, you can quickly update a repair ticket, send notifications to customers, and collect payment—all from one place.

This repair shop software makes your life easier so you can focus more on fixing engines and growing your business.

Final Words

When you fix small engines, it requires patience, skills, and the right tools. Whether you’re replacing pistons or adjusting spark plugs, having reliable small engine repair tools matters. These 10 go-to tools cover the basics and beyond. They help you diagnose problems, work faster, and deliver high-quality repairs.

And while these tools help you handle physical work, RepairDesk helps you manage the business side. With both combined, your small engine repair shop can run like a well-tuned engine.