Best Tools for Dodge Charger (2019-2024): Complete Buyer’s Guide
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Best Tools for Dodge Charger (2019-2024): Everything You Need to Keep Your Muscle Car Running Right
Whether you’re a weekend warrior wrench-turner or a daily-driver owner who likes to stay on top of maintenance, having the right tools for your Dodge Charger (2019-2024) can save you hundreds of dollars in labor costs and keep your machine performing at its peak. The 2019–2024 Dodge Charger — available in trims from the SXT all the way up to the fire-breathing Hellcat and Redeye — is a complex modern muscle car that deserves quality tools in the hands of whoever works on it. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the essential picks every Charger owner should have in their garage.
Quick Comparison Table: Top Tools for the 2019-2024 Dodge Charger
| Tool | Best For | Skill Level | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner | Reading & clearing fault codes | Beginner–Pro | $30–$300+ |
| Torque Wrench (3/8″ Drive) | Lug nuts, brake calipers, spark plugs | Beginner–Intermediate | $40–$150 |
| Floor Jack & Jack Stands (3-ton) | Oil changes, brake jobs, suspension | Beginner–Pro | $80–$250 |
| Serpentine Belt Tool Kit | Belt replacement on 5.7L/6.2L/6.4L HEMI | Intermediate | $25–$70 |
| Spark Plug Socket Set (5/8″) | HEMI spark plug replacement | Beginner–Intermediate | $15–$50 |
| Oil Filter Wrench Set | DIY oil changes | Beginner | $10–$35 |
| Brake Caliper Wind-Back Tool | Rear brake pad replacement | Intermediate | $20–$60 |
| Mechanic’s Socket Set (1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″) | General repairs across the whole car | All Levels | $60–$300 |
Top Tool Picks for the 2019-2024 Dodge Charger
1. OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner — Don’t Guess, Know
The 2019–2024 Dodge Charger runs on a sophisticated ECU system. When that check engine light flickers on, the last thing you want to do is drive blind to the dealership. A quality OBD2 scanner lets you pull Dodge-specific fault codes, monitor live data streams, and reset warnings right from your driveway. Look for scanners with enhanced Chrysler/FCA protocol support for deeper diagnostics beyond generic codes.
Top Picks: Autel MaxiCOM MK808, Launch CRP129E, BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro
View Top-Rated OBD2 Scanners for Dodge Charger
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- Pros: Saves money on diagnostic fees, supports Dodge/Chrysler-specific codes, portable
- Cons: Higher-end models can be pricey; budget units may miss manufacturer-specific codes
2. 3-Ton Floor Jack & Jack Stand Set — Safety First
The Charger is a heavy car — the Hellcat trims clock in at over 4,500 lbs. A 3-ton floor jack is the minimum you should use; a 2-ton unit is undersized for this vehicle. Pair your jack with quality 3-ton jack stands — never work under a car supported only by a floor jack. Look for a low-profile jack if your Charger is lowered or stock, as the front air dam sits close to the ground.
Top Picks: Arcan ALJ3T Aluminum Floor Jack, Torin Big Red 3-Ton Jack Stand Pair, Pro-Lift F-767 Low Profile Jack
Shop 3-Ton Floor Jacks for Dodge Charger
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- Pros: Handles Hellcat/Redeye weight easily, versatile for full brake and suspension jobs
- Cons: Aluminum jacks cost more upfront; low-profile models may need an extension for lifted cars
3. Click-Style Torque Wrench (3/8″ Drive) — Precision Matters on a HEMI
Torque specs matter on the Charger’s HEMI engines. Overtightening spark plugs in the aluminum heads or caliper bracket bolts can mean costly repairs. A reliable 3/8″ drive click torque wrench covering 10–150 ft-lbs handles most jobs — spark plugs, lug nuts (100 ft-lbs on most Charger trims), and brake caliper slide pins alike.
Top Picks: Tekton 1/2-Drive Click Torque Wrench, ACDelco ARM601-4, CDI Torque 1002MFRMH
Find the Right Torque Wrench for Your Charger
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- Pros: Prevents stripped threads in aluminum components, audible click confirmation, dual-direction models available
- Cons: Needs periodic calibration; cheap units lose accuracy quickly
4. Comprehensive Socket & Ratchet Set — The Backbone of Any Repair
A quality mechanics socket set covering SAE and metric sizes in 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drives is your most-used tool on any Charger job. The Charger uses a mix of metric fasteners throughout, so don’t skip the metric deep sockets. Sets from 105–270 pieces typically cover everything from interior trim work to serious engine bay access.
Top Picks: Craftsman 230-Piece Mechanics Tool Set, GearWrench 80942 120XP, Stanley 201-Piece Mixed Tool Set
Shop Complete Socket Sets for Dodge Charger DIY Repairs
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- Pros: Handles nearly every fastener on the car, lifetime warranties on top brands, organized storage cases
- Cons: Full sets take up significant drawer space; entry-level sets may have weaker ratchet mechanisms
5. Brake Caliper Wind-Back Tool Kit — Essential for Rear Brakes
Here’s one many first-timers learn the hard way: the rear brake calipers on the 2019–2024 Charger use a screw-in piston design — you can’t just compress them with a C-clamp like the fronts. You need a proper caliper wind-back tool kit with the correct adapter that threads into the piston while rotating it clockwise. Skipping this tool risks damaging the caliper piston seal.
Top Picks: Lisle 28600 Disc Brake Piston Tool, ABN Brake Caliper Wind Back Tool Set, OEM Tools 25067
Get the Right Brake Wind-Back Tool for Dodge Charger
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- Pros: Prevents caliper damage, works on both front (push-in) and rear (screw-in) pistons, reusable
- Cons: Budget kits may have plastic adapters that strip; choose metal-adapter sets
6. Oil Filter Wrench Set — For Clean, Easy Oil Changes
The HEMI engine’s oil filter location makes hand removal messy and sometimes downright stubborn after heat cycling. A rubber strap or cap-style oil filter wrench matched to the Charger’s filter size (typically 76mm for most HEMI applications) makes the job fast and drip-free. This is the one tool you’ll use every 5,000–7,500 miles.
Shop HEMI-Compatible Oil Filter Wrenches
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- Pros: Inexpensive, prevents skinned knuckles, essential for tight filter housings
- Cons: Different HEMI displacements may need different wrench sizes — confirm fitment
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Tools for Your Dodge Charger
Know Your Engine First
The 2019–2024 Charger comes in several engine configurations — the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (SXT, GT), the 5.7L HEMI V8 (R/T), the 6.4L 392 HEMI (Scat Pack), and the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat/Redeye engines. Torque specs, filter sizes, and access points vary between these. Always cross-reference tool sizes to your specific engine before buying.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
A 50-piece set from a reputable brand beats a 300-piece set from an unknown one. Look for lifetime warranties (Craftsman, GearWrench, Snap-on at the pro level) and chrome vanadium steel construction for socket sets. On safety-critical items like floor jacks and torque wrenches, never cut corners.
Think About Your Job List
Are you planning basic maintenance — oil changes, air filters, cabin filters, spark plugs? Or are you going deeper into brakes, suspension, and performance mods? Build your tool kit around your actual planned jobs and expand from there rather than buying everything at once.
Budget Ranges
- Starter Kit (Basic Maintenance): $150–$300 covers a socket set, torque wrench, oil filter wrench, and OBD2 scanner
- Intermediate (Brakes + Suspension): Add floor jack, jack stands, caliper wind-back tool — budget $400–$700 total
- Full DIY Garage: Add specialty HEMI tools, serpentine belt tools, and a professional-grade scanner — $800–$1,500+
Brief Installation Overview: Common Dodge Charger DIY Jobs
Oil Change (All Engines): Drain plug is on the bottom of the oil pan — 15mm socket. The oil filter is accessed from underneath on HEMI models. Torque drain plug to 20 ft-lbs. Use a torque wrench, not an impact gun, on aluminum pan drain plugs.
Spark Plugs (HEMI V8): Use a 5/8″ spark plug socket with a rubber insert to prevent ceramic cracking. HEMI engines have 16 plugs (two per cylinder). Torque to 13 ft-lbs — aluminum heads strip easily if overtightened.
Rear Brake Pads: After removing the caliper, use your wind-back tool to thread the piston clockwise while pushing inward. Do not force it with a C-clamp — you will damage the piston.
Lug Nuts: Charger uses a 14mm x 1.5 thread pitch. Torque spec is 100 ft-lbs in a star pattern. Always use a torque wrench — not an impact gun — for final tightening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size socket do I need for Dodge Charger lug nuts?
The 2019–2024 Dodge Charger uses a 21mm lug nut socket. The torque spec is 100 ft-lbs. Always torque in a star pattern and use a calibrated torque wrench for the final pass rather than relying solely on an impact gun.
Do I need special tools for Dodge Charger rear brakes?
Yes. The rear brake calipers on the Dodge Charger (2019–2024) use a screw-in piston that must be wound back clockwise while being compressed. A dedicated caliper wind-back tool kit with the correct splined adapter is required — a standard C-clamp will damage the caliper.
What OBD2 scanner works best with the Dodge Charger?
For the best results on a 2019–2024 Dodge Charger, look for an OBD2 scanner with enhanced FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) protocol support. The Autel MaxiCOM MK808, Launch CRP129E, and BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro are popular choices that access manufacturer-specific codes beyond the generic OBD2 set.
What floor jack do I need for a Dodge Charger Hellcat?
The Dodge Charger Hellcat and Redeye weigh approximately 4,500–4,600 lbs. You need a minimum 3-ton (6,000 lb) floor jack for safe lifting. A low-profile jack is also recommended since the Charger sits relatively low from the factory. Always use 3-ton rated jack stands in addition to the floor jack.
How many spark plugs does a Dodge Charger HEMI have?
All HEMI V8 engines in the Dodge Charger — including the 5.7L, 6.4L, and 6.2L supercharged versions — use 16 spark plugs total (two plugs per cylinder across eight cylinders). This is a defining feature of the HEMI design and means a full tune-up uses double the plugs compared to a standard V8.
Final Verdict: Building the Right Tool Kit for Your Dodge Charger
The 2019–2024 Dodge Charger is a rewarding car to own and work on — once you have the right tools in your corner. Start with the essentials: an OBD2 scanner that speaks Dodge’s language, a quality torque wrench, a proper floor jack and stand set rated for the car’s weight, and a solid socket set. From there, add specialty items like the rear brake wind-back kit and HEMI spark plug sockets as your DIY ambitions grow.
The investment in proper tools pays for itself quickly — a single dealership diagnostic visit or brake job can cost more than a complete starter tool kit. More importantly, the right tools mean you’re doing the job correctly, protecting your investment in one of America’s last great muscle cars. Get equipped, get under the hood, and enjoy every mile of Charger ownership.