Tools video

Mower Repair Tools

This video covers the tools and materials you'll need to successfully repair your mower.

Torque Wrench

This video covers torque wrench setting, use and care.

Over View

You’ll find useful resources on this page, tips, links to tools, parts and supplies required to complete your repair.

We’ll need some tools obviously, and this video covers the type tools we’ll need.

Most I’ll bet you already have but there may be one or two you’ll need.

My tools are personal, they remind me of places, people, jobs and times past. I’m lucky enough to have some of my fathers and grandfathers tools.

Using their tools knowing their hands used them is a joyful experience. I own lots of tools, some expensive some cheap, some that should be looked after a little better, but ultimately all are loved.

I’ve listed tools you may need below and included a link to Amazon.com. I do make a small commission when purchased through the links, but it won’t cost you any extra.

Tools are an investment in your future self and they’ll pay for themselves after the first repair.

Before working on your mower be sure to remove the plug wire to prevent accidental starting, see “Repair Safety Video”.

Tools & Parts

To nail this procedure you may need the following tools, parts and supplies.

WD40

This is the first tool on the list for good reason, WD solves a ton of problems. I won't work without it, because I can't. Picture links to Amazon.com

Ratchet Tool Set

Before we can do anything, we'll need tools. I've selected this set as I own some Craftsman tools and while I have worn some out, they did do a lot of work. So I expect this set will last the occasional user quite a long time.

This set carries both metric and standard sockets and that's important, because some mowers will have both type of fastener sizes. Set includes spark plug sockets. Picture links to Amazon.com

Gas & Oil Syphon

You'll find this tool really useful if you need to drain the gas tank, and you will if the gas is stale. The siphon will remove it without fuss or mess and it can be used for extracting the oil too. Picture links to Amazon.com

Gas Line Clamp

Some small engines will have a gas tap, which is really handy when removing the carburetor, stops gas flowing all over the shop. However most engines won't have one, these useful clamps simply squeeze the fuel line and prevent a spill while you perform surgery. Picture links to Amazon.com

Carb Cleaner

When cleaning your carburetor you'll need this stuff. Gumming is a sticky substance that's hard to shift. The carb cleaner will remove it, however if your carb is really bad, save yourself some work, go ahead and buy a new carburetor. Picture links to Amazon.com

Cleaners

You'll find these nylon brushes super useful when it comes time to clean those tiny passageways of the carburetor and jet. Use these in conjunction with the WD Carb cleaner. Picture links to Amazon.com

Gas Stabilizer

Mix this with the gas when winterizing your small engine. Gas isn't what it used to be, it goes stale, in some cases after just one month. Bad gas causes gumming and that's a carburetor killer. Stabilizer will save you money and stress in the long run. Picture links to Amazon.com

Gas Can

Briggs and Stratton refuel can. These guys got it right, I like it a lot, it offers press button control, no fuss no mess and no funnel required. Picture links to Amazon.com

DVOM

Every home needs a Dvom (Digital Volt Ohm Meter). It's used to check for continuity in lawn mower wiring, and for voltage when there's a battery fitted. But don't use this tool to check spark, that will kill it. I use mine everyday. I have the previous model to this and it's still doing its job. Picture links to Amazon.com

Flywheel Puller

Now this tool is a must have if you're removing the flywheel. Why would want to remove the flywheel? Sometimes the flywheel key shears, it stops your engine starting. The key is really cheap and it's easy to fix when you've got this tool. Picture links to Amazon.com

Tap & Die set

Used to cut threads. Many flywheels are not threaded which a right pain in the jacksie, but this Gearwrench kit makes short work of threading. I especially like the ratcheting T handles. Picture links to Amazon.com

Ignition Tester

This tool is used to check both the spark plug and the coil for spark. Sure you can check the spark without the tool, but it's not as good, the tool is designed to stress the whole ignition system. Picture links to Amazon.com

Feeler gauge

The ABN 26 blade feeler gauge set is marked in SAE and metric. You'll need this set to adjust valve lash and is useful when setting armature/coil air gap. You can also use it to gap spark plugs. Picture links to Amazon.com

Plug Gapper Tool

This tool isn't strictly necessary if you have a feeler gauge, but it's a lot easier to handle. If you haven't guessed. You use this tool to check the gap of your spark plug, simple effective tool. Picture links to Amazon.com

Compression Tester

This is a compression tester, it's fitted in the plug hole using the adaptor. The engine is cranked over and a reading of how much compression the cylinder makes is captured on the gauge.

A low reading can be caused by a simple fault such as a sticking valve. Picture links to Amazon.com

Leak-down Tester

The OTc is quality kit and will last many years of use. A leak-down tester will require compressed air. The tester measures how much air escapes a cylinder and helps you find weak rings, valves head gaskets etc. Picture links to Amazon.com

Impact Wrench

I love DeWalt, they're make quality tools. This heavy duty but lightweight 1/2 inch impact wrench makes short work of stubborn bolts like flywheel nuts and rusty blade fasteners. Upto 700 ft lbs of torque on tap, I keep one in the trunk of our family car, makes a flat almost enjoyable. Picture links to Amazon.com

Drill/Screw Gun

I use a Dewalt screw gun (also a drill) in the workshop to speed up the process of removing engine covers, carburetor bolts, Armature bolts etc. It's a brushless motor and as tough as nails, I driven over it a few times - still works great! Batteries are interchangeable and so if you have a Dewalt product already you won't need the battery. Picture links to Amazon.com

Torque Wrench

Teng 1/2 Torque wrench, fantastic tool I use it every day and mine is still going strong. A torque wrench is advised for tightening components such as flywheel nuts and blades. The torque spec of these components is very important. Picture links to Amazon.com

If you are considering buying a torque wrench, definitely check out my review of Teng torque wrench.

Piston Stop Tool

Universal piston stop tool 10mm and 14mm, used to lock the crankshaft when removing and tightening the flywheel nut. Picture links to Amazon.com

Blade sharpening tool

Handy blade sharpening kit that fits to a cordless drill, includes blade balance tool. Picture links to Amazon.com

Blade holding tool

Very useful blade holding tool, used to hold the blade steady while the blade bolt is loosened and tightened. Picture links to Amazon.com

Wire brush kit

Stainless for heavy duty and brass for and brass wire brush kit for heavy duty and finer applications like electrical connections and softer metals. Picture links to Amazon.com

Wire wheel

Wire wheel and drill makes life easy and the job almost enjoyable! Picture links to Amazon.com

John Cunningham

Auto Technician and Writer at Lawnmowerfixed | Website

John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Lawnmowerfixed.com. I've been a mechanic for over twenty years, I use my knowledge and experience to write "How to" articles that help fellow gear-heads with all aspects of mechanical repairs, from lawn mowers to classic cars.