Appliance repair jobs can have you fixing all kinds of equipment—from washers and dryers to refrigerators. Having a diverse set of tools in your bag keeps you prepared to deliver quality service and work safely.
To help you find the right tools and budget for them, we’ve compiled a list of appliance repair tools for all types of jobs, along with descriptions and average prices.
When you’re ready to shop, download this appliance repair tool checklist to keep track of what you’ve purchased and what you still need.
Screwdrivers
Keep each of these screwdrivers in your tool bag for all kinds of appliances ($7–20 in total):
11. Flathead screwdrivers help you turn screws with a linear, single slot, which you’ll find often in older appliances and electrical connections.
12. Phillips screwdrivers have a cross-shaped tip for screws with a cross recess common in many modern appliances.
13. Torx screwdrivers have a star-shaped end made for torx screws. Torx screws are common in electronics and some newer appliances.
14. Duck bill screwdrivers come with a wider tip for turning screws in tight spaces or holding flat components.
Pliers
Pick up a set of pliers for $15–45, and make sure it has each of these:
15. Needle nose pliers are long and thin-tipped, making them ideal for gripping, bending, and cutting in tight spaces. You’ll use them to manipulate wires and pick up small parts.
16. Slip joint pliers have a pivot point that can be moved to increase the tool’s jaw size—this is handy for gripping appliance parts of various sizes.
17. Cutting pliers are mainly designed to cut wires and thin metal parts. These pliers have sharp blades near their base to easily snip through materials during repairs.
Refrigerator repair tools
When you or your appliance repair technicians are assigned to a refrigerator repair, make sure you have these tools in your van, and set aside $80–155 if you’re buying all of them new:
18. Condenser brush ($15–30): Clean the condenser coils in a customer’s refrigerator with a condenser brush to improve cooling in the system.
19. Refrigerator defrost timer ($15–25): This timer controls the defrost cycle in refrigerators, preventing excessive frost buildup.
20. Evaporator fan motor wrench ($15–35): Designed to fit and remove the bolts securing the evaporator fan motor, this wrench is essential for motor replacement and repair.
21. Evaporator fan blade puller ($35–65): This tool helps you safely remove the fan blades from motors in refrigeration units.
Washer and dryer repair tools
To repair malfunctioning washing machines and dryers, keep these tools around (and budget $115–200 for all of them):
22. Socket set ($45–65): Keep a collection of sockets and a ratchet to work with nuts and bolts in a washing machine.
23. Belt tension gauge ($20–40): This gauge measures the tension in drive belts so you can ensure they’re neither too tight nor too loose for optimal machine performance.
24. Drum roller kit ($25–55): These kits come with drum support rollers, axles, nuts, and more replacement parts you can use for worn-out dryers.
25. Dryer vent brush ($10–20): Use this brush to clean lint and debris from dryer vents, prevent blockages, and improve dryer efficiency.
26. Tub nut wrench ($15–20): Also called a tub spanner wrench, this wrench is designed to remove and tighten the central nut that holds the washing machine tub in place.