Every mechanic and car enthusiast faces the same question at some point. You need a tool for a job — but is it worth buying, or would hiring make more sense? The default answer most people go with is buy everything. But for a significant number of tools, hiring is dramatically cheaper over a two or three year period.
This guide gives you a practical, honest framework for making that decision — and works through the major tool categories so you know exactly where your money is best spent.
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The Golden Rule — How to Decide
| Buy if… | Hire if… |
| You use it more than 6 times per year | You use it fewer than 4 times per year |
| Purchase cost recovers within 2 years | Purchase cost takes more than 3 years to recover |
| Small enough to store without hassle | Large, heavy or requires significant storage space |
| Not having it immediately costs you money | Technology changes quickly enough to date it |
Always Buy These Tools
Socket Set
Used on virtually every job. Even a mid-range set pays for itself after a handful of jobs. No practical hire market exists for socket sets — they are a fundamental ownership tool.
Torque Wrench
Required for every wheel change and any safety-critical fastener. Hire cost is typically £8 to £15 per day — ownership pays off after 3 to 4 uses. A safety tool as much as a workshop tool.
Cordless Impact Wrench
For wheel changes and stubborn bolts. Hire cost is typically £15 to £25 per day — ownership pays off after 4 to 6 uses for anyone doing regular maintenance.
Always Hire These Tools
Engine Crane
Used for engine removal and installation — a job most home mechanics do a handful of times at most. Large, heavy and takes up significant garage space when not in use. Hire cost approximately £30 to £50 per day from HSS Hire.
Transmission Jack
A specialist jack for supporting and removing gearboxes. Used rarely even by active home mechanics. Purchase cost £120 to £300, significant storage requirement. Hire every time.
Industrial Steam Cleaner
A proper industrial steam cleaner for engine bay cleaning is a completely different proposition from a domestic unit. Hire gives you access to professional-grade equipment for a single job. Hire cost approximately £35 to £60 per day.
Cost Comparison — Numbers That Make the Decision Clear
| Tool | Purchase Cost | Hire Cost/Day | Uses to Break Even |
| Socket Set | £60 | N/A | Immediate — buy always |
| Torque Wrench | £40 | £10 | 4 uses |
| Impact Wrench | £100 | £20 | 5 uses |
| Engine Crane | £250 | £40 | 6 uses — hire usually wins |
| Transmission Jack | £180 | £35 | 5 uses — hire usually wins |
| Steam Cleaner | £400 | £50 | 8 uses — hire usually wins |
Using HSS Hire
HSS Hire is one of the UK’s largest tool and equipment hire companies with depots across the country including Northern Ireland. Visit hss.com or call your local depot to check availability and book. Online booking is available for most equipment with next-day delivery options for larger items.
Final Thoughts
The honest answer to hire vs buy is that most mechanics end up owning too much equipment they rarely use and not enough of the fundamental tools they need every day. Own what you use regularly. Hire what you need occasionally. Apply the golden rule above to any tool purchase decision and you will spend your money in the right places.
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Garage Toolbox — Tool Reviews. Real World Tested. Trade Trusted. | thegaragetoolbox.co.uk
