Many auto mechanics would love to move into the world of aviation, but maybe aren’t sure. They’ll need to go through special schooling, not to mention invest in new tools, which can be expensive and stressful. Right? Well, not really.The thing is, auto mechanics have the best foundation when it comes to aspiring aviation techs. They have an incredible knowledge base to work from, plus, in most cases, a ridiculously well-stocked toolbox that other newcomers don’t. We’re going to walk through ten tools that new airplane mechanics typically have to spend thousands of dollars to assemble, that auto techs already have.Yes. All that debt you took on at the tool truck just found another way to pay for itself. Ten Tools Auto Mechanics Already Have To Take On Aviation Hank O'Hop/Valnet Before we get carried away, there are plenty of specialty tools that aviation mechanics need and auto techs don’t. It’s inevitable that anyone just getting started will have to invest in equipment to do the job. That said, auto techs already have the basics covered.Below is a list of tools automotive mechanics have that new aviation techs need to get started: Sockets and Hand Wrenches Hank O'Hop/Valnet Just like cars, airplanes rely on plenty of nuts and bolts to hold things together. That means techs need a good set of ratchets, sockets, and hand wrenches to get the job done. These are the foundation of any basic mechanics tool set, which auto techs already own. Not only that, but they likely have pro-grade tools that will last the lifetime of their aviation career. Power Drill/Driver Hank O'Hop/Valnet Aviation technicians face off with countless small fasteners, too. A power drill or screwdriver will save them an unfathomable amount of time as they work, as opposed to manually doing it. Auto techs have no shortage of power tools in their collection, with these being among the most commonly used in that world as well. As a bonus, they will also get plenty of use from their beloved impact tools when working on planes, too. Screwdrivers Hank O'Hop/Valnet Of course, regular screwdrivers will go for the ride along with their powered brethren. We all know there’s a time and place for power tools, but there are jobs that you’re just better off doing manually. Auto mechanics already learned that lesson the hard way many times over and have a selection of screwdrivers to work from. Definitely some screw extractors too, just in case they forget. Flashlights Hank O'Hop/ValnetFlashlights are every mechanic's best friend. Planes have just as many dark places to work in as cars do. That’s why techs in both fields have moth-like obsessions with anything that lights up. Suffice it to say, auto mechanics have this base covered. Band File/Die Grinder Hank O'Hop/Valnet A power file or die grinder with abrasives is a lifesaver for auto techs. These tools help them knock down rust and corrosion to make sure jobs go smoothly. The world of aviation is no stranger to this, and every airplane mechanic is going to need them, too. Line Wrenches Hank O'Hop/Valnet Anyone who works on cars, period, knows just how important a good set of line wrenches is. Aviation mechanics rely on them just as often, if not more so. While planes may call for a few larger sizes than one would need in the automotive world, most auto mechanics already have a good set to work from. Crowfoot Wrenches Hank O'Hop/Valnet The new gearhead might not have them, but seasoned vets can attest to the importance of crowfoot wrenches. You don’t need them every day when working on cars, but when you do, they’re irreplaceable. They’re must-have items for working on airplanes, and auto techs who’ve been around for a while already have them in their collection. Low Profile Wrenches Hank O'Hop/Valnet Like crowfoot wrenches, slim wrenches aren’t used all the time in the automotive world, but they’re the only tool for the job in some instances. Those instances come up frequently in aviation. Yes. The tools that have been collecting dust in a forgotten drawer will finally see some action. Borescope/Inspection Tools Hank O'Hop/ValnetAirplanes have a ton of tight spaces with limited visibility. Borescopes are necessary for taking a look in limited-access corridors, inside engines, and more. All the same reasons auto technicians have already invested in one. Torque Wrench Hank O'Hop/Valnet Lastly, is the glorious torque wrench. These are critical to making sure fasteners are tightened to the proper spec, ensuring operating systems will function correctly and safely. They’re incredibly important when doing serious work on cars and planes, and every auto tech should already have a good, reliable one to take with them. Knowledge Is The Most Important Tool US Aviation Academy As important as tools are, they aren’t everything. Auto technicians will still need to go through proper schooling to make the career change. They will have a leg-up in the classroom; they just need to find the right one.US Aviation Academy offers FAA-approved curriculum with 8-month day and 15-month night courses at four convenient locations: Dallas, Texas, Austin Texas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Atlanta Georgia. Learn more at www.usaviationacademy.com/mechanics