- 04/21/2015
- 1 Min Read
- By: Alex Fiehl
3 Specialty Tools For a Volkswagen You'll Use More Than Once
Think a 10mm socket and a screwdriver will suffice for European car repairs? If so, guess again - special tools are the name of the game when you own a Volkswagen, Volvo, or Mercedes. It's not difficult to load up a toolbox with one-time-use specialty tools, but there are certain tools you may need again and again, even if they're only compatible with one car in your garage.
Triple Square Bits
The triple square bit has been used on VW fasteners for many years. Also referred to as an "XZN" bit, this strangely shaped fastener head is a great design, but its limited use in the automotive market makes finding the right socket somewhat difficult if you don't already have a kit in your garage. 
Although considered a specialty tool on a Volvo, for example, the triple square bit will get used countless times throughout the life of a Volkswagen on things like brake calipers, seat tracks, engine components, and more. A simple set from CTA Manufacturing is usually all that is needed, and individual bits can be found online as well.
Audi VW Triple Square Socket Set (5 Piece) - CTA 8510
VW 74mm 2.0TSI Oil Filter Cap Wrench
Oil Filter Cap Wrench
If your dealership is like mine, they use a cap wrench to install oil filters when servicing my vehicle. This not only over-torques it, but it makes it impossible for me to remove by hand. Installation of an oil filter should be done by hand only, but when it hasn't been done right, the best way to remove it is with a cap wrench tool. Sure, it will probably only work for one vehicle in the garage, but it will come in handy every 10,000 miles. (or more)
Cap Type Oil Filter Wrench 74mm - CTA Manufacturing CTA-A258
Autel EBS301
Parking Brake Service Tool
I wish it was as easy as adjusting a cable, but as technology progresses, it also becomes more complicated. Volkswagen vehicles equipped with electronic parking brakes have been the bane of Euro DIY'ers for years. More specifically, the rear brake job usually means that the dealership or European specialty shop is required to use their electronic parking brake retractor tool. Other, less elegant methods have been discovered such as using a 9-Volt battery to retract the EPB motors, however success is not always guaranteed.
If you want a quick and easy way to reliably test, retract, and deploy the EPB system on a Volkswagen's rear brakes, it is $100 well spent, and will be utilized every time your vehicle is due for brake pads or rotors. The Autel EBS301 is a great entry level tool for this specific function, however higher models exist with more functionality than just parking brakes. (Check with the manufacturer for specific vehicle compatibility prior to purchase)
What strange tool do you pick up again and again?
