Essential Equipment of an Auto Body Shop

Are you interested in auto careers? How about opening up your own auto body shop? If you love cars and possess a good work ethic, an auto body shop can be a lucrative business opportunity. For your shop to be successful, you’ll need a combination of effort, auto mechanic training, business acumen and, of course, the right equipment, which will enhance the speed and ease of body repair work. With the right tools, you’ll be able to meet the demands of today’s auto body structures.

Here are some of the most important tools in an auto body shop.

Air compressor

If you’re serious about paint jobs, investing in a powerful air compressor is a no-brainer. Make sure to select a model that can handle a solid workload and will last you for years, such as a 60 gallon compressor. If you’re planning on handling only small, touch-up paint jobs, you might be able to get by with a 25-35 gallon air compressor, though in most cases, the stronger your air compressor is, the better. Spending a little more to purchase the right compressor can be a worthwhile investment over time.

Spray Gun

To paint, you’ll need a spray gun. While spending a little more for the right air compressor can be worth it, you don’t necessarily need a high-end spray gun to begin painting. If you can afford a 600$ spray gun, you should, of course, purchase one, as you’ll definitely notice a difference in quality between a higher-end model and a lower-end one, but if budget is a concern, then try getting a model in the 100$-200$ range. It’ll get the job done.

Dual-Action Sander

A dual-action sander can save you a lot of time with basic sanding and body filler shaping jobs. When you start using one, you’ll notice how quickly it becomes an essential tool in your toolbox. Dual-action sanders aren’t overly expensive, costing anywhere from 50$ to 175$, and they are well-worth it. They’ll make hard work look easy, leaving you extra time for other tasks.

Slide Hammer or Stud Welder

To pull out panels and repair some dents, you’ll need either a slide hammer or an electric stud welder. A basic slide hammer, which will cost you about 190$, should be able to get the job done, so don’t worry about getting a high-end model. If you’ve never used a slide hammer before, don’t worry. Training from auto mechanic schools will teach you how they work.

Autobody Hammer and Dolly Set

A good auto body hammer as well as a dolly set will help you force panels back into shape. Auto body hammers are usually built to last, so purchasing one is definitely a long-term investment. Some hammers will come with a wooden handle, which might need to be replaced over time, though the hammer itself will be sturdy and ready to handle a good workload.