Our pit crew tool & equipment guide is your one-stop shop for equipping your team with the essential tools they need to operate at peak performance. From air guns and air compressors to the strategic use of duct tape, this guide dives into the tools and equipment that make the difference between a winning pit stop and a costly delay.

1 | Pump Jack: Essential Lifting Power

The jack man's job is all about speed: getting the car up, tires changed, and the driver back on track in record time. A pump jack is a game-changer, lifting the car quickly and efficiently. Simply slide it under the frame of the car, pump it up, and you’ve got enough clearance to get those tires on and off in a handful of seconds.

2 | Air Gun & Air Compressor: A Powerhouse Duo

For pit crews, time is money, and every second counts. The air gun and air compressor team-up is a powerful duo that delivers the speed and efficiency needed for a flawless pit stop.

• Air Gun. This handy pit crew tool takes the grunt work out of lug nut changes. Powered by compressed air, it allows crews to quickly zip off those lugs and get those fresh tires on fast.
• Air Compressor. The air compressor is the workhorse behind the scenes, providing the pressurized air that fuels the air gun.

Note: While standard air compressors work well for most circle track operations, some professional teams use compressed nitrogen instead of air. Nitrogen offers superior stability under extreme temperature fluctuations, making it less prone to malfunctions under pressure during a high-octane pit stop.

3 | Fuel Can: An Endurance Booster

No 400-lap race is complete without a mid-race refuel, and the fuel can is the vital tool that keeps the car running strong. Equipping a pit crew with a puncture-proof, durable fuel can is crucial for safe, quick pit stops. Choosing the right fuel can goes beyond just hauling gas; it's about reliability under pressure.

4 | Duct Tape: The Pit Crew's MacGyver Tool

Duct tape is a pit crew member's secret weapon. This versatile adhesive can fix just about anything that throws a wrench (or lug nut) into race day. From securing loose hoses to redirecting airflow for better performance, duct tape is a must-have for quick trackside fixes.

Bonus Tip: For ultimate versatility, pick up a few rolls of BSC racers tape. It creates airtight seals on the car body, marks a pit box for easy identification, and adds grip to trailer steps—all without leaving a sticky residue when removed.

5 | Adhesive Sheets: Patching Up the Competition

Duct tape fixes are legendary, but for extensive repairs, pit crews reach for adhesive sheets. These wide, heavy-duty sheets are perfect for tackling repairs that go beyond the capabilities of duct tape. A single, large adhesive sheet can effectively cover and secure significant portions of the car's body, such as the hood, fenders, or sides.

6 | Mallet/Hammer: The Gentle Persuaders

Even a minor fender bump can sideline a race car, but there's no time for a trip to the body shop during a pit stop. That's where the pit crew's trusty mallet or hammer comes in. These tools allow the crew to carefully nudge out minor dents, getting the car back in racing shape fast. Use a soft-faced mallet to avoid further damage to the car's delicate body panels.

Bonus Tip: Keep a couple of different mallet sizes in the pit crew toolbox. A smaller mallet offers more control for those delicate dings, while a larger one tackles bigger bumps with ease.

7 | Locking Pliers: Conquering Stubborn Bolts

Every pit crew member has encountered a nut or bolt that refuses to budge. That's where locking pliers come in—they're the ultimate weapon against stubborn fasteners. Often referred to by the brand name Vise Grip®, these versatile tools adjust to grip objects of various sizes. Once locked, they provide a powerful grip, acting like an extra hand to help muscle off those seized bolts.

8 | Fire Extinguisher: Safety First on Pit Road

While not a traditional tool, a fire extinguisher is an absolutely essential piece of pit crew equipment. Accidents can happen in a flash, and a fire extinguisher is the first line of defense in an emergency. A fire extinguisher in the hands of a crew member trained in its proper use can make all the difference, ensuring the safety of the driver, the car, and the entire pit crew.

9 | Extension Pole: The Multitasker

Don't underestimate the power of a simple extension pole. This versatile tool is a pit crew's secret weapon for a smooth and efficient stop. Think of it as a long arm that extends your reach for various tasks:

• Maintaining Visibility. The extension pole allows for a quick windshield wipe-down, ensuring the driver has a clean view of the track.
• Cleaning the Grille. The trusty extension pole helps the crew clear the grille for optimal engine performance.
• Hydration on the Fly. Keeping drivers hydrated is important, and the extension pole allows for a quick and safe handoff of a drink during a pit stop.
• Pit Stop Signal. Perhaps the most critical function: the extension pole guides the driver into their designated pit stall with a clear and visible signal.

Beyond the Basics: Essential Extras for the Prepared Pit Crew

While a well-equipped pit crew toolbox starts with the core tools covered previously, having a selection of additional parts and supplies on hand is imperative. These seemingly minor items can save valuable time and frustration during a race or in the garage, ensuring the crew is always prepared to tackle any unexpected situation.

Here are some essential extras to consider adding to your pit crew arsenal:

• Zip ties in a variety of sizes and colors
• Hardware kits with bolts, nuts, caps, and plugs
• Aluminum/steel rivets in assorted sizes and head colors
• Brake lines, coated or uncoated

Safety First, Style Second: Gearing Up the Pit Crew

Keeping a crew safe and comfortable is paramount for a successful pit stop. The right safety gear allows them to perform their duties effectively while minimizing the risk of injuries. Here's a look at the essential protective apparel every pit crew member should have:

• Safety Gloves. Not only do safety gloves protect pit crew members hands from cuts, scrapes, and burns, they add grip to keep tires, fuel cans, and tools steady.
• Knee Pads. Pit crew members, tire changers especially, who wear knee pads reduce the risk of serious injury, or at the very least, a case of road rash.
• Safety Glasses. In the pits, everything is going a mile a minute. Safety glasses keep debris, liquids, and tiny pieces of car material from entering the eyes and causing harm.
• Safety Shoes. Protect feet and get the grip to stay upright with flame-resistant safety shoes for the pit crew.

And don’t forget team T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other racing apparel that shows team unity on and off the track!

Behrent’s Performance Warehouse knows a pit crew has a lot to do on race day and beyond, so we stock the tools and equipment needed to handle any task. We carry tools and parts from the top names in racing equipment, including BSC Components, Joes Racing Products, Bert Transmissions, Hellraizer Jacks, Inc., K1 Race Gear, and Allstar Performance. Whether you need an impact wrench, a dead blow hammer, or a pair of safety goggles, find the pit tools and equipment to perform your best on race day when you shop the selection at Behrent’s.