Help me get my starter set together

[Aklass]

Hey GJ,
I might get a job as a shop helper soon after interning at a shop for 6 months. I'll mostly be doing tires, oil changes, and maybe some brake jobs. I'm doing this mainly as a hobby, I don't want to make a living out of this! I want to keep cost down as much as possible to maximize my profits that I can save for school, so I definitely cannot buy from the snap-on or mac guy! I'm looking mostly at HF stuff and Gearwrench, since most of their stuff seems better and cheaper than CM and has a lifetime warranty. The first thing that is definitely on my list is the 45" box from HF (Wish I had the money for the 56" box). And I have a ratchet set from Blackhawk, but most of the sockets are 12pt so I definitely need some 6 pts. Can you guys help me get a starting set together? ( pretty much what you think I need now and what to buy later)
Thanks!

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

This is a heck of a good start with a decent tool box.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00935283000P

 

[trexdoink]

It really depends on what you will be doing. My tool list is 10 pages but I have been at it a while. But get basic sets of wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets, hammers, pliers etc. and update/upgrade to better quality as you go. Buy specials as you need them like brake tools. Have a set of 6pt sockets in standard and metric. Buy tool truck ratchets or always wear gloves with the cheap stuff, you will break a cheap one and injure yourself. You'll need standard and metric. MAC guys have good speciality tool sets with brake tools, bit sets, pliers in a bag etc. that would cost about the same to put together from pieces bought new individually. Buy used if possible, go to the pawn shops... Ebay... Many old school names that are made in the USA can be had for cheap. That is a 45" long box? That's way big for a part time gig. Maybe less box and more quality tools. Good luck

 

[cf2004]

I agree with the comment about getting truck brand ratchets. I think that would be a must! I recently bought a snap on dual 80 and love it. Am done with cheap ratchets breaking on me and getting ****** knuckles. Do your self a favor and spend $150. on a 1/4" and 3/8" set (little more for comfort handle--that you can later do the hard handle mod on lol) you'll never look back!

 

[DrkMtnDew]

if you are just doing tires, brakes, and basic tune-ups, a 45'' box seems like an overkill. getting a smaller box will cut down your costs so you can spend more on the tools. and as far as tools a simple kit from sears or HF will work very well. then as you work and use your tools more then you'll know which tools to upgrade and which one don't get used enough to justify cost. just my $0.02.

 

[NWphotog]

I agree with the comment about getting truck brand ratchets. I think that would be a must! ...

Hmmm, part time, hobby, still in school? Tool truck ratchets wouldn't even get close to being on my list. CM or Duralast would be perfect. Go with what works, not what will be stolen.

 

[larry_g]

This is a heck of a good start with a decent tool box.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00935283000P

I have to agree with Robert. A good starter kit that can take you a long ways. I would suggest that if your a student on the cheap that keep an eye on the craigs list. Tires and lube rack will require a minimum of tools, brakes will require a few depending if your working an independant shop or a brand specific dealer. As for the 12 pts they will serve you fine. I bought my first kit some 40 years ago and those old 12pts still get the job done. Don't be seduced by all the fancy things you see on this forum. When you become a mechanic your job will dictate to you the number and quality of tools you NEED not want.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Aklass]

I'm good ratchet wise, I've got a ratchet set from Blackhawk which should hold up better than any CM ratchet. The 45" box is mostly for holding my guns, air ratchets, and sockets when I get them in the future. And as I learn to do more stuff, I would love to get more tools.

. As for the 12 pts they will serve you fine. I bought my first kit some 40 years ago and those old 12pts still get the job done.

12 points are fine for most things except oil changes, the rule in our shop is that drain plugs must be used with 6 points.

 

[pipsters]

I took apart and pulled the engine/****** on a late model european car with a $160 set of craftsman tools (used about 1/5 of them, mostly the 10mm and 13mm), a $5 hex set from HF, a $10 torx set from HF, and (trying to think what else) I think the smallest vice grips they make (6" or so length).

Before that my only other major mechanical work was a brake job (rotors and pads) on the same car using a $15 3/8" ratchet and socket set from China...

Don't buy into the hype.

 

[Red Green]

I would check craigslist or ebay for a 26" used box. Quality 26" boxes can be found cheap. Sounds like you are going to need a impact gun and couple impact sockets for tires. 19 or 3/4, 21, and 13/16 are the most common sizes. A ratcheting screwdiver and quality bits would be at the top of my list also.

Older truck brand ratchets can be bought used. A 36 tooth Snap-on is a high quality ratchet that can be bought for lower price than the current model. Very close to the design of the Durlast.

 

[cf2004]

Hmmm, part time, hobby, still in school? Tool truck ratchets wouldn't even get close to being on my list. CM or Duralast would be perfect. Go with what works, not what will be stolen.

He's willing to put down 350-399 on a 45" box for a part time, hobby, still in school gig where 80% of it won't be full for what he is doing with it, IMO wouldn't be even close to being on my list. Plus you can score those two ratchet way under 150 (even better if he buys the 936's ) on GJ or ebay or where ever.

I get what you are saying tho. But I have used other and then the snap on, and now prefer it. and am far from a fan boy. It's just a good investment on a nice tool IMO. it was just my suggestion.

Edit: nevermind, reading owns me. He already has a good ratchet set.

 

[leod]

if you wait for Craftsman sets, they tend to go 50% off once in a while, comes with small toolbox too.

i started out buying the things i need like ratchets and 3/8 and 1/2 socket sets and an adjustable wrench (6" and 8 or 10"). (if your car is JAP then you only need metric) then add when needed.

when you have saved some $ then you can think of buying the item or set you really want.

 

[mossyboy6]

Cant go wrong with this :thumbsup:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270693679165#ht_1983wt_197

 

[Aklass]

lol 400 for a tool box isn't really much considering a Matco after student discount is still 1.5k. The tool box will only take me 1 month to pay off, the matco probably half a year. The black hawk ratchets will serve me well, I might upgrade to the Gearwrench flex head with grips in the future though. We have a Snap-on and a MAC guy, the mac guy shows up every week, the Snap-on guy if you're lucky once a month. I would buy Matco since they are much cheaper, but we don't have one of those guys. Also for those recommending socket sets, I have a Blackhawk set with 1/4-1/2 sockets and ratchets, hex keys, and some combo wrenches. The only thing is that the sockets are mostly 12pt and I would much rather use 6 pts

He's willing to put down 350-399 on a 45" box for a part time, hobby, still in school gig where 80% of it won't be full for what he is doing with it

In school and summer job, I work 5 hours a day for 3 days a week, and considering full time in the summer. And Its just to be future proof so that when I get out I can add even more tools at home.

 

[v7guy]

I've been using some Goodwrench/china wrenches and sockets for about 10 yrs, I've rebuilt motors transmissions, suspension etc and very rarely have I broke a socket. Ratchets I break routinely... maybe I need to try out some of these ratchets all you guys talk about.
A metric set and a standard set of sockets and wrenches is important. With brake jobs your going to see a lot of allen head bolts, so make sure you have an assortment of sizes you can toss on a ratchet.

You can do a lot with a little. You'll discover the nice stuff you'd like with experience and reading.

 

[rsanter]

where zre you located?
I can make you a deal on a MAC top and bottom box

bob

 

[Aklass]

When I meant cheap I meant around 1.5k tops which is even less than what most people pay for there boxes. I know I need at least and impact gun and hammers since tires here don't like to come off with all the rust and road salt. And at least an air ratchet to remove those damn plastic covers to get to the oil filter. when I tried to do it by hand last time, a fellow tech handed me an air ratchet and said you'll be spending all day on that cover if you do it by hand.

 

[woody 73]

Keep your eye out and check CL everyday for tools,You are going to need a lot of metric tools so you might want to look at HF or gearwrench tools. Cripe Dist. always has great deals so check them out.

Sometimes you might be able to find a good deal on used tool boxes,but be sure and find a box that will give you some extra growing room for additional tools.

I would stay away from chinese taps and dies,files and screwdrivers as these tend to be made out of cheaper steel and that will not hold up to everyday use.

Hope this helps.

 

[nw2571]

I would recommend several types of oil filter wrenches, cap style, band style, and pliers. Each individual filter may pose a different challenge and require a different tool.

In terms of your 6 point socket needs, start out with a set of impact 6 point sockets. You might as well buy them and there are very few issues using these with hand tools. The only real issue I know of is that the walls are thicker, but this won't cause you a problem on drain plugs.

Also, a lot of the newer engines have drop in style filters, as opposed to canisters. A lot of these have large hexes, so you'll want a socket set that goes beyond the standard probably. Talk to the other guys in your shop.

I'd also recommend a good set of extensions. I like the wobble style much better.

 

[NWphotog]

lol 400 for a tool box isn't really much considering a Matco after student discount is still 1.5k. The tool box will only take me 1 month to pay off, the matco probably half a year. The black hawk ratchets will serve me well, I might upgrade to the Gearwrench flex head with grips in the future though. We have a Snap-on and a MAC guy, the mac guy shows up every week, the Snap-on guy if you're lucky once a month. I would buy Matco since they are much cheaper, but we don't have one of those guys. Also for those recommending socket sets, I have a Blackhawk set with 1/4-1/2 sockets and ratchets, hex keys, and some combo wrenches. The only thing is that the sockets are mostly 12pt and I would much rather use 6 pts



In school and summer job, I work 5 hours a day for 3 days a week, and considering full time in the summer. And Its just to be future proof so that when I get out I can add even more tools at home.

Lots of great advice in this thread. The HF 45" box is a great value. Considering the reasons you have mentioned I think you are right on target.

 

[Aklass]

Keep your eye out and check CL everyday for tools,You are going to need a lot of metric tools so you might want to look at HF or gearwrench tools. Cripe Dist. always has great deals so check them out.

Sometimes you might be able to find a good deal on used tool boxes,but be sure and find a box that will give you some extra growing room for additional tools.

I would stay away from chinese taps and dies,files and screwdrivers as these tend to be made out of cheaper steel and that will not hold up to everyday use.

Hope this helps.

Whats a good company for screw drivers? My dad is an electrician and has mostly Klein, he says they **** for anything other than electrician work

 

[creativecars]

To be cost effective I would get all the 6 point impact sockets that HF offers (deep, shallow, metric , SAE, Swivel ect…). I have found them to be of great value (have broken no more than SO). If and when they have a skip in sizes, lose, or break one,- replace it with a Craftsman or from a truck.
With what you have said you already gotten, I would add
Screw driver set
Pliers set
Hammer set
Dead blow hammers
Impact extensions and universals
The Earthquake impacts and pro air ratchets from HF are a good deal also.

 

[chewy7]

Hmmm, part time, hobby, still in school? Tool truck ratchets wouldn't even get close to being on my list. CM or Duralast would be perfect. Go with what works, not what will be stolen.

or stanley ratchets might work too.

 

[W650Mike]

“I don't want to make a living out of this! I want to keep cost down as much as possible to maximize my profits that I can save for school…”

“…The tool box will only take me 1 month to pay off, the matco probably half a year.”
My thoughts:
1. I like the strategy expressed in your first post.
2. Be careful of the temptation of debt for shiny chrome and fancy boxes. The box only holds the tools that produce the income; shinier chrome doesn’t produce more income. Debt kills income.
3. I worked my way through college as a M/C mechanic using mostly Craftsman tools “to maximize my profits.” C-man often takes an unjustified beating here, but they are still a decent value. (See post #2)
4. Stay focused on school. Bling, truck tools, and big boxes can come later.

Good luck and study hard!

 

[Aklass]

My thoughts:
1. I like the strategy expressed in your first post.
2. Be careful of the temptation of debt for shiny chrome and fancy boxes. The box only holds the tools that produce the income; shinier chrome doesn’t produce more income. Debt kills income.
3. I worked my way through college as a M/C mechanic using mostly Craftsman tools “to maximize my profits.” C-man often takes an unjustified beating here, but they are still a decent value. (See post #2)
4. Stay focused on school. Bling, truck tools, and big boxes can come later.

Good luck and study hard!

Thanks! I'd rather be making money than working all summer to break even, Hence why I rather shop HF, Gearwrench and Crescent to make a profit

 

[bart1]

... oil changes...

Lisle oile filter wrench

 

[Aklass]

Lisle oile filter wrench

I was thinking either that kind, or the claw kind

 

[bart1]

I have the claw kind - they work great for removing, except that they damage the filter pretty badly.

 

[Racr350]

I was thinking either that kind, or the claw kind

This style is much nicer and easier to work with compared to the 3 jawed style filter socket.

 

[Aklass]

I have the claw kind - they work great for removing, except that they damage the filter pretty badly.

At the shop, I've used both and managed to puncture filter with both, so I find them both equal, really doesn't matter if it damages as long as it removes the filter, since they are going to get trashed anyways

 

[trexdoink]

I'm not going to tell you that the Snap-On instinct handle screwdrivers are the most comfortable i've used in 25 years. I'm sure Harbor Fright has something for you... Or a big craftsman set for 29 clams would work fine. Buy good gloves.

 

[Aklass]

I'm not going to tell you that the Snap-On instinct handle screwdrivers are the most comfortable i've used in 25 years. I'm sure Harbor Fright has something for you... Or a big craftsman set for 29 clams would work fine. Buy good gloves.

No way that I'll use HF screw drivers, I'd rather use my dad's Kleins before I use HF. I'm currently looking at Crescent and Sunex screw drivers, and maybe Beta( $4 per is cheaper than SO). As for Gloves, I hear the HF nitrile gloves aren't bad

 

[mikebramel]

Id get
HF sockets
Armstrong Maxx Locking ratchets $200
Combo wrenches from www.thetoolchest.ca
Pliers from Channellock, KAL, or Proto, or www.thetoolchest.ca
Hex and Torx bits Snap on on ebay if you can afford it. The HF ones work fine for me
Screwdrivers Snap On, Craftsman Pro, or Husky Pro at home depot

 

[Lotek]

A little advice from a pro, buy a set of allen and torx sockets from the tool truck, Snap On sells a set of 7 that will cover most brake applications, I think Matco and Mac do too. The cheap stuff will break or strip or damage the bolts, that will make you unpopular with the other techs. Get a Snap On ratchet screwdriver with interchangeable tips instead of a bunch of cheapos that will tear up your hands or the screw heads or both, Get good quality tips, toss them when they get worn. Buy good sockets for only the sizes you use every day, you can get by with cheaper stuff for the other sizes at first. Gearwrenches will survive in a shop, Knipex pliers and cutters. Don't look at buying tools just for the summer, good tools will last a lifetime and beyond, I still use some of my grandfather's tools that are over 70 years old.

 

[mtkst19]

i think you are going about it correctly. best word of advice i can give you since you will be doing oil changes a lot--make 100% certain that the o-ring is w/ he filter and not stuck on the housing. i see it happen more than you think where people forget to check and double o-ring the filter only to blow out and make a huge mess.

a girlfriend of mine use to work at a dodge dealership as a college job (oh yeah, she is hot too). she started hanging around myself and my friends. as a result, she picked up an interest in cars and we would teach her **** while she hung out w/ myself and friends at my garage. showed her how to change oil, do bakes tune up little maintenance ****. she used that interest to springboard from a receptionist job to a oil change lube person back in the shop. her work at first thought it was a joke. but the wrenches and service manager was all for it (did i i mention she was hot?)

we had her setup w/ craftsman 264 piece tool set. it is pretty thorough socket and wrench size--it will get the job done. she upgraded to snap on ratchets though because she liked how they felt in her hand as opposed to the c-mans. Also, she broke her 3/8 twice and got pissed as where she worked--c-man was a long ways away. thats when she went into hawk on the snap-on truck.

we also picked her up the cap style oil filter wrenches, a seat belt style strap, and the regular band style wrenches. on her own she ended up grabbing the channel lock style filter wrench as she prefered it. i really think what style filter wrench you use is dictated by preference 99% of the time.

last main items i can think we got her was a ingersol titanium impact from sears, harbor freight impact socket set and i gave her an older 3 lb drilling hammer and a ball pein hammer. w/ lowes clearance sale on vaughn hammers--i would suggest going there. a good hammer is worth it's weight in gold.

she quickly outgrew her c-man 4 drawer box and a normal roller cart. the older techs in the garage seen she was legit and started to give her older tools too. So through that she ended up w/ a mac top box on a c-man bottom. nothing huge, but a damn good start. oh, she also progressed to where she had her pa state inspection liscense (and the required tools to perform the inpections) and more or less entry level work. they would toss her a brake job alignments and tire changes when the quick lube was slow. they also started sending her to dodge classes to start grooming her for whatever dodge does to train their techs.

 

[Aklass]

i think you are going about it correctly. best word of advice i can give you since you will be doing oil changes a lot--make 100% certain that the o-ring is w/ he filter and not stuck on the housing. i see it happen more than you think where people forget to check and double o-ring the filter only to blow out and make a huge mess.

a girlfriend of mine use to work at a dodge dealership as a college job (oh yeah, she is hot too). she started hanging around myself and my friends. as a result, she picked up an interest in cars and we would teach her **** while she hung out w/ myself and friends at my garage. showed her how to change oil, do bakes tune up little maintenance ****. she used that interest to springboard from a receptionist job to a oil change lube person back in the shop. her work at first thought it was a joke. but the wrenches and service manager was all for it (did i i mention she was hot?)

we had her setup w/ craftsman 264 piece tool set. it is pretty thorough socket and wrench size--it will get the job done. she upgraded to snap on ratchets though because she liked how they felt in her hand as opposed to the c-mans. Also, she broke her 3/8 twice and got pissed as where she worked--c-man was a long ways away. thats when she went into hawk on the snap-on truck.

we also picked her up the cap style oil filter wrenches, a seat belt style strap, and the regular band style wrenches. on her own she ended up grabbing the channel lock style filter wrench as she prefered it. i really think what style filter wrench you use is dictated by preference 99% of the time.

last main items i can think we got her was a ingersol titanium impact from sears, harbor freight impact socket set and i gave her an older 3 lb drilling hammer and a ball pein hammer. w/ lowes clearance sale on vaughn hammers--i would suggest going there. a good hammer is worth it's weight in gold.

she quickly outgrew her c-man 4 drawer box and a normal roller cart. the older techs in the garage seen she was legit and started to give her older tools too. So through that she ended up w/ a mac top box on a c-man bottom. nothing huge, but a damn good start. oh, she also progressed to where she had her pa state inspection liscense (and the required tools to perform the inpections) and more or less entry level work. they would toss her a brake job alignments and tire changes when the quick lube was slow. they also started sending her to dodge classes to start grooming her for whatever dodge does to train their techs.

hah, Yeah I've never left an O-ring on since I always inspect the filter I pull off for it, I have under tightened one before and had it pop off in someones driveway, oops

 

[Aklass]

A little advice from a pro, buy a set of allen and torx sockets from the tool truck, Snap On sells a set of 7 that will cover most brake applications, I think Matco and Mac do too. The cheap stuff will break or strip or damage the bolts, that will make you unpopular with the other techs. Get a Snap On ratchet screwdriver with interchangeable tips instead of a bunch of cheapos that will tear up your hands or the screw heads or both, Get good quality tips, toss them when they get worn. Buy good sockets for only the sizes you use every day, you can get by with cheaper stuff for the other sizes at first. Gearwrenches will survive in a shop, Knipex pliers and cutters. Don't look at buying tools just for the summer, good tools will last a lifetime and beyond, I still use some of my grandfather's tools that are over 70 years old.

I really wish I could afford Snap-on, I might look at SK, crescent and proto to see if they have any hex/torque bits, What do you think of Gearwrench hex sockets? As for screwdriver I'm thinking of buying a Beta set or a ratcheting driver as I have alot of Dewault tips

 

[Lotek]

Matco has a set of 5 for $115, trust me, there is nothing worse than trying to get a buggered caliper pin off. Cheap sockets just don't cut it.
A buddy has a sign in his shop...Quality doesn't cost, it pays.

 

[Aklass]

Matco has a set of 5 for $115, trust me, there is nothing worse than trying to get a buggered caliper pin off. Cheap sockets just don't cut it.
A buddy has a sign in his shop...Quality doesn't cost, it pays.

Sadly we don't have a matco guy, So I'm stuck at this point between gearwrench, SK, or buying from Mac

 

[bart1]

I really wish I could afford Snap-on, I might look at SK, crescent and proto to see if they have any hex/torque bits, What do you think of Gearwrench hex sockets? As for screwdriver I'm thinking of buying a Beta set or a ratcheting driver as I have alot of Dewault tips

Here's a couple cheaper but good options, I think.

http://chadstoolbox.com/wiha7139438sockethexbitsetmetric5piece4-10mmiinpouch.aspx

http://chadstoolbox.com/05018282006wera9326chsldrvrsdset4-sl2-phrack.aspx

Use code testthebest to save 15 or 20% on Wera.