Number of tools now vs. number of tools then

[l_bilyk]

I'm amazed at how little different types of tools mechanics owned 50 years ago. Obviously cars have become more complicated and require many specialty tools and odd sizes. However, I bet if you think about the type of work you typically do there is probably only a handful of sockets and wrenches that you actually need. The rest are just luxuries that come in handy once in a blue moon. For the longest time all the tools i had was a small 3/8 and 1/4 drive socket set in a blow molded case, a 1/2 breaker bar, and a few common 1/2 drive sockets. And that was sufficient to keep a whole fleet of beaters going lol. Now I am completely out of room in my tool box so i'm wondering how many of those tools do I really need.

Anyways... just a though

[wrenchr]

Yah I remember sifting through a plastic box looking for a 9/16 or 10mm socket and never being able to find them.

[billymade]

I don't think we can discount the obsessive compulsive and addictive quality of owning tools! IT IS a POWER TRIP to be able to open your rollaway and find the right tool for the job at your finger tips! One way i try to rationalize it; I find allot of things so cheap that I feel I cannot "not" buy it! For example from time to time; I will find Snap-On wrenches and screwdrivers at my local flea market for a $1! I have a hard time not buying this stuff and lately, I just seem to be find more and more cheap deals! Also, as I have gone through my old vw air-cooled phase into my 2002 Turbo S Beetle; my tool needs have changed! I had to buy a special vacuum coolant refill kit for this car, because of the way they designed the radiator (lower then the block), my warranty ended, so when CELs (check engine lights) came on, I had to buy a SOFTWARE program (VW specific not just regular OBD II), computer cable to troubleshoot the problems with my car. I still have my old diagnostic tools, a timing light, rpm/dwell meter, etc. which I may never use again; so allot is a era change on what I am working on but I tend to keep this stuff as well. Now I need certain special tool to work on my New Beetle; 12 point impact 30 MM sockets for the axles, triple square socket etc. the newer cars are requiring different tools and they are designed with CAD so they stuff things in ways a earlier era automobile designer would never even think of! I think my old beetles could be taken totally apart with : 8, 10, 13, 36 MM sizes! If you work on your car and do some of the "deeper" jobs, engine swaps, clutches, trannys you will end up with quite a bit of tools after awhile if you keep buying what you need; then there is me who can't stop going to the flea market!

[64merc]

Verry true indeed. When I was younger I would just dump all my sockets and stuff into a shallow cardboard box on the floor since I would be using the stuff anyway (my thoughts at the time). Honestly, times were simpler for me then so I actually did more work with just a basic C-man tool set, then I do now with an abundance of tools (still nothing compared to other members).

[Fedwrench]

In the future I see the need for fewer hardline tools. Don't get me wrong, I don't think we'll get back to the days of only needing 1/2 and 9/16 wrench. Even today, many vehicle problems are being fixed by reprogramming modules instead of replacing hard parts. A laptop based diagnostic platform will probably be a tech's most used tool. Of course with evolving powerplants, there will be new types of fasteners so, we may need even bigger boxes to hold new tools and equipment. Along with these powerplants will be even smaller engine compartments which may bring the need for more specialized tools:evil:
If the toolboxes get any bigger they won't fit in the shops.

[Jbullfrog]

My uncle worked at the Chevy garage in the late 50ies, at the IH dealership, and had a full service station in the 60ies. His toolbox is 36" wide and has a set of standard wrenches that hang on the side. This is all he has ever had, and he works on anything from lawn mowers to tractors and their semis.
Old school mechanics like adjustable wrenches and vise grips alot.
I work on the same variety of equipment and vehicles, but do alot more major repairs. Dealer techs have told me I have more tools than the shop they work at. Having the right tool makes all the difference when you are getting paid by the job.

[Mike83]

I think everyone should just ride a bike. You can take 90% of a bike apart with a 4, 5, or 6mm hex wrench.

[T56 Impala]

Lets see....

What I NEED:
9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 14, 17, 18, 19, 32 MM 3/8 sockets. Shallow and deep.
12, 13, 14, 15, 17 MM Bos end wrenches.
Hammer
1 common and 2 phillips screwdrivers
A razor blade scraper
3/8, 1/2, 9/16, 3/4, 1-1/16 SAE 3/8 sockets.
1/2 - 9/16 double box end wrench.
A pry bar.
A straight edge.
A cresent wrench.
Vice grips.

I could actually do just about anything to my cars with that, but what fun would that be?

[kvom]

I spent Tuesday working on my '99 Jeep. I swapped the u-joints in the front axle, changed the angle of the transmission shifter to avoid hitting the front console, and adjusted the rear e-brake pads. When I saw this thread I thought I'd list all the tools I used for this fairly simple work:

floor jack
jackstand
13/16 impact socket on 6" extension to 1/2" impact wrench (for lugnuts)
T15 torx socket with 3/8-1/4 adapter to electric screwdriver (remove hub bolts)
2 picks to remove snap ring
spindle socket with impact wrench to remove spindle nuts
3/8" allen socket and 3/8" ratchet wrench to remove calipers
5/16 3/8" socket with 1/2-3/8 adapter to impact remove spindle bolts
deadblow hammer to loosen rotor
snapring pliers to undo u-joint rings and put on the new ones
2 sockets and vise to press out u-joint caps
crescent wrench to pull of old caps
5 point sledge to seat new caps
... reverse above sequence to reinstall axle
torque wrench to torque spindle nuts to correct value and to torque lugnuts

12mm gear wrench to remove bolts attached gear shifter to tranny
shop press and press brake to bend shifter shaft

13mm gearwrench to remove rear brake calipers
flat blade screwdriver to adjust starwheel on brakes

A few years ago the only tool in the above that I owned was the screwdriver.

[dxdexter]

I'm amazed at how little different types of tools mechanics owned 50 years ago. Obviously cars have become more complicated and require many specialty tools and odd sizes. However, I bet if you think about the type of work you typically do there is probably only a handful of sockets and wrenches that you actually need. The rest are just luxuries that come in handy once in a blue moon. For the longest time all the tools i had was a small 3/8 and 1/4 drive socket set in a blow molded case, a 1/2 breaker bar, and a few common 1/2 drive sockets. And that was sufficient to keep a whole fleet of beaters going lol. Now I am completely out of room in my tool box so i'm wondering how many of those tools do I really need.

Anyways... just a though

When I started purchasing tools as a young heavy equipment mechanic back in 1980 they were all necessary for the tasks at hand. I could not afford to spend money on tools just to occupy space.

When you use tools for a living it is amazing the number of tools that will be used on a daily basis. It may appear that you will use only a few, but the actual number may surprise many.

That being said, there are many items that are just unnecessary (in my opinion) such as having numerous hammers and a ratchet for every occasion and sockets of every size and shape. When I was working in the trade I owned one ball peen and one ratchet of each drive size and never had occasion to need any others. I did break down several years later and purchases a SO flex ratchet, but that was a waste of money and was used very infrequently. My box and RC was a 27" with a total of 18 drawers (and many were empty). It wasn't until I was much older and out of the trade that I invested in more tools. I now probably own 3x more mechanics tools and a larger box then when I worked in the trade. Does that make sense?

I would venture to guess that most auto technicians do not own the number and variety of tools that are seen on this website. It would be financially impossible for the majority. That's why the majority of tools on this site are bright and shiny and many have never been close to a fastener. I was at the local Ford dealer a few weeks ago and noticed a half dozen tool boxes and roller cabinets in the shop. Not one of the setups would compare to those displayed on this site, including mine. Most were older SO, Gray and Craftsman and only one was 40" and the rest were under 30"

Most of us have a definite tool collecting problem/fetish and don't actually need many of tools in our boxes, they are just nice to have.:)

[MarkH]

When I started farming we were at 1200 acres, for tools we had 2 sets of 1/2 sockets Craftsman, one in shop, on in the pickup. 2 sets of open ends, 2 sets of box ends Craftsman sizes up to 1 1/2. Again one in the pickup one in the shop. Two sets of adjustable wrenches, one ignition set, about 6 hammers, 4 saws, a tap and die set, 2 screwdriver sets. Doubles always one in the pickup one in the shop. Anvil, vise, welder, bench grinder, ox torch, cut off, electric hack saw, 2 air compressors, 1/2 drill, 1/4 drill and bits, one hand brace a few vise grips, jacks, farm and bottle types, and of course a few pliers. Our neighbors did not know what we did with all of those tools.

Now, I have more than that at home. I do not want to even go near a main shop list. Then we did basic repair on basic machines, now the list of what we fix or make is much larger. If the dealer cannot handle it we may be able to.

[Uncle Buck]

For some years when I was younger I worked with a limited supply or assortment of tools compared to what I have now, but I can say that as I added many specialized tools and a good assortment of pullers and other specialized equipment it made jobs easier, the work more enjoyable and gave me a boost in the confidence to tackle harder or more difficult and in depth tasks.

I would guess that somewhere around 50% or more of my tools have been bought used, some very used so I never worry about scratches, or other such marks that my new tools acquire when working smart. I simply consider it part of what goes along with use. But I really never regret the volume of tools I own because I generally have most everything I need to go as deep as I wish on whatever project I am brave, or ignorant enough to tackle!

[billymade]

I think the good thing about have an assortment of tools is how it gives you OPTIONS on how to tackle a problem; I think in the past when I didn't have much tools; my approach was one sided. When you have more options; you have more chances of success and of course, experience with all the options helps as time goes on. As time goes on hopefully, you work smarter and with the added tools get the job done quicker! I can't say enough about having the right tool for the job; many jobs aren't too bad with the right tool! e.g.: doing a bendix brake job without the special brake tools and then having them; is like night and day difference!

[eschoendorff]

I don't think we can discount the obsessive compulsive and addictive quality of owning tools! IT IS a POWER TRIP to be able to open your rollaway and find the right tool for the job at your finger tips! One way i try to rationalize it; I find allot of things so cheap that I feel I cannot "not" buy it! For example from time to time; I will find Snap-On wrenches and screwdrivers at my local flea market for a $1! I have a hard time not buying this stuff and lately, I just seem to be find more and more cheap deals! Also, as I have gone through my old vw air-cooled phase into my 2002 Turbo S Beetle; my tool needs have changed! I had to buy a special vacuum coolant refill kit for this car, because of the way they designed the radiator (lower then the block), my warranty ended, so when CELs (check engine lights) came on, I had to buy a SOFTWARE program (VW specific not just regular OBD II), computer cable to troubleshoot the problems with my car. I still have my old diagnostic tools, a timing light, rpm/dwell meter, etc. which I may never use again; so allot is a era change on what I am working on but I tend to keep this stuff as well. Now I need certain special tool to work on my New Beetle; 12 point impact 30 MM sockets for the axles, triple square socket etc. the newer cars are requiring different tools and they are designed with CAD so they stuff things in ways a earlier era automobile designer would never even think of! I think my old beetles could be taken totally apart with : 8, 10, 13, 36 MM sizes! If you work on your car and do some of the "deeper" jobs, engine swaps, clutches, trannys you will end up with quite a bit of tools after awhile if you keep buying what you need; then there is me who can't stop going to the flea market!

Absolutely spot on. My dad NEVER had the right tools for the jobs he did. he always complained about it - but never spent money on tools! I vowed that would never happen to me. I might not know how to do shit, but at least I'll have the tools in case I ever get smart! :lol:

[eschoendorff]

Now, I have more than that at home. I do not want to even go near a main shop list. Then we did basic repair on basic machines, now the list of what we fix or make is much larger. If the dealer cannot handle it we may be able to.

That's got to be the coolest feeling ever!

[SpiderGearsMan]

those old timers all retired when electronic ignitions appeared
they used to strip stuff out and break lots of bolts
and those old cars were cake to work on

[Uncle Buck]

those old timers all retired when electronic ignitions appeared
they used to strip stuff out and break lots of bolts
and those old cars were cake to work on

Essentially old time mechanics do still exist, in fact I would say I am a likely candidate. Two of the four vehicles I own are still pre electronic ignition. The third, a 1986 is HEI, and the newest a 1992 Lincoln Town Car has the coil pack thingys which confound the life out of me.

The savior for mechanics that are not real car computer savvy are the internet forums where you can learn about specific vehicles, and the problems common to them. The internet has saved my bacon more than once while trying to figure out a vehicle problem.

So there are still shade tree wrenches out there, but some of us have simply figured out another way to skin the cat! :beer:

[eschoendorff]

Essentially old time mechanics do still exist, in fact I would say I am a likely candidate. Two of the four vehicles I own are still pre electronic ignition. The third, a 1986 is HEI, and the newest a 1992 Lincoln Town Car has the coil pack thingys which confound the life out of me.

The savior for mechanics that are not real car computer savvy are the internet forums where you can learn about specific vehicles, and the problems common to them. The internet has saved my bacon more than once while trying to figure out a vehicle problem.

So there are still shade tree wrenches out there, but some of us have simply figured out another way to skin the cat! :beer:

Where there's a will... there's a way.

[billymade]

Do you still use points in your dist. or have you converted your cars over to electronic ignitions? If I ever get another air cooled vw (or any older car for that matter); I will definitely convert the system to electronic and I would not miss replacing points like crazy! Now if you could just get hydraulic lifters instead of solids; you wouldn't have to adjust the valves on those air cooled engines every other day!

[dxdexter]

Essentially old time mechanics do still exist, in fact I would say I am a likely candidate. Two of the four vehicles I own are still pre electronic ignition. The third, a 1986 is HEI, and the newest a 1992 Lincoln Town Car has the coil pack thingys which confound the life out of me.

The savior for mechanics that are not real car computer savvy are the internet forums where you can learn about specific vehicles, and the problems common to them. The internet has saved my bacon more than once while trying to figure out a vehicle problem.

So there are still shade tree wrenches out there, but some of us have simply figured out another way to skin the cat! :beer:

Electronic ignitions were no problem for most older mechanics. They were relatively straight forward and easily diagnosed. My grandfather worked on them until he was in his eighties. The downfall of the older generation was the necessity / reliance on high priced specialized equipment to perform their job with the advent of interwoven computerized emission controls and fuel injection systems. Mechanics were essentially replaced with a scan tool and became parts replacers instead of diagnosticians. They now just plunk on parts until the engine codes clear and the engine runs properly. If you have a dealer stockroom at your disposal you can just keep replacing parts until the job is done. The other automotive systems such as brakes and chassis have basically changed very little.

[Uncle Buck]

Do you still use points in your dist. or have you converted your cars over to electronic ignitions? If I ever get another air cooled vw (or any older car for that matter); I will definitely convert the system to electronic and I would not miss replacing points like crazy! Now if you could just get hydraulic lifters instead of solids; you wouldn't have to adjust the valves on those air cooled engines every other day!

Funny you should ask about that; about a month back I installed one of the Pertronix units in my old 4door 68 Chevelle and I love it. I have every intention of installing one in my old 72 Chevy 1/2 T as soon as I can.

The Pertronix unit only ran about $80.00 which is a bit cheaper that doing the whole distributor.

[hamburglar]

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