Just starting out, looking for suggestions

[Original Man]

Hello everyone, I recently enrolled in an automotive technician program and ive decided to start buying tools. Currently I have a Cman 250ish pieces set that comes in the black and red box so I have 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 sockets both sae and metric. I also have keys, extensions, and various wrenches. I recently purchased a Central Pneumatic Earthquake 1/2 Impact Gun from HF as a tech I was working under had his for I believe 6 years and it was still working just fine.

Next I would like to purchase some impact sockets, a small toolbox, and an air ratchet, and a cordless 3/8 impact/driver/flashlight kit. I was thinking to go with these..tell me what you think?


Matco 11PC 1/2 DP IMP 6PT SKT SET 12mm - 19mm, 21mm (#SCDPM116TA) $119.09

Makita 14.4V AUTO COMBO KIT(3/8" impact wrench,3/8" driver drill,ML140 Flashlight) $335.96

US General Five Drawer Service Cart($199.99) or 13 Drawer Red Industrial Quality Roller Cabinet ($399.99)


I'm not sure what air ratchet to choose just yet, ive noticed the cheaper ones are very loud. As far as a toolbox goes im leaning towards the 13 drawer roller as it has many addons. Of course as time goes on I will be purchasing more tools as I need them but what do you all think? Are these sufficient in quality? Could I go cheaper in certain places? I'm but a broke college student so I'd like to save where I can.


Thanks!

 

[TireTracks]

Thers a coupon to get the 13 drawer box for $350. Everyone on here seem to say good things about them.

 

[Original Man]

I recently went into a HF, I saw a sign that said they no longer allow coupon usage on toolboxes I thought.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Depending on the program you are in, you are liable to get some good discounts offered to you.

I'd buy the cart, and a set of Harbor Freight impact sockets to start with and see what kind of deals you can get on the other stuff later on.

 

[TireTracks]

I recently went into a HF, I saw a sign that said they no longer allow coupon usage on toolboxes I thought.

Only the 20% off ones don't work, this coupons specificaly for the 13 drawer box.

 

[Original Man]

Depending on the program you are in, you are liable to get some good discounts offered to you.

I'd buy the cart, and a set of Harbor Freight impact sockets to start with and see what kind of deals you can get on the other stuff later on.

Yep, we receive snap on and matco discounts. The matco discounts being higher. Those prices I posted are discounted.

Only the 20% off ones don't work, this coupons specificaly for the 13 drawer box.

Good to know I'll look into this.

 

[shank]

get an led rechargable stream light, it worth its weight in gold
http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=123

 

[sonnyboy]

One thing to consider as a tech starting out, is (if you can find a way to scrape up the money) buy one of those complete used sets of professional truck brand tools. Right now, if you look a little bit (CL, Ebay, etc.), you can find a guy selling his $20,000+ collection of tools complete with a box for $2,000-$4,000. Rarely over 35% of new. Granted, that's a lot of money for a guy starting out, but the tools should always be worth at least what you pay for them (should you decide to make a career change), and they will easily last a lifetime or two.

 

[wornoutoldman]

One thing to consider as a tech starting out, is (if you can find a way to scrape up the money) buy one of those complete used sets of professional truck brand tools. Right now, if you look a little bit (CL, Ebay, etc.), you can find a guy selling his $20,000+ collection of tools complete with a box for $2,000-$4,000. Rarely over 35% of new. Granted, that's a lot of money for a guy starting out, but the tools should always be worth at least what you pay for them (should you decide to make a career change), and they will easily last a lifetime or two.

Please PM me the next time you see one of these deals!!!!

To the OP be sure to always wear ear/eye protection. 20 years in the trade and now deaf in my right ear from running air impacts, hammers, drills. Didn't even realize it until I retired.

 

[Butters]

FYI:
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q304/rbrtawhyt/HF%20Coupons/13Drawer5-4-11.jpg

 

[Original Man]

Wow thanks for that. Now I just have to figure out how im going to get it home heh.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Hey OM, does your school have Snap-On or Mac come in and give a student discount? You might want to look into it..

 

[moparmuscle88]

torx set would be a good idea, as well as a good screwdriver set like a snap on 4 pc set, good screwdrivers make alot of difference with old fasteners

as far as what else to get, what will you be doing? id say a torque wrench, would be a good investment, maybe some prybars as well

best to get the hardline stuff first, and buy used if you can, all the good stuff has warranties

 

[Original Man]

torx set would be a good idea, as well as a good screwdriver set like a snap on 4 pc set, good screwdrivers make alot of difference with old fasteners

as far as what else to get, what will you be doing? id say a torque wrench, would be a good investment, maybe some prybars as well

best to get the hardline stuff first, and buy used if you can, all the good stuff has warranties

I'll be working at a GM dealership not doing anyone specific thing. I will be working the lube rack on weekend. On the weekdays I'll be working under a tech doing various things(Coolant flushes, reprogramming modules, finding shorts, R&R's etc etc.


Yes I actually need a nice screwdriver set. When you dont have the right size it can be a real PITA. The ones I saw a HF didn't look too impressive. Some had ends that weren't even straight. Matco accidentally sent me a 36" prybar when I ordered a vacuum gauge. Im assuming I'll need various sizes though.

Hey OM, does your school have Snap-On or Mac come in and give a student discount? You might want to look into it..

Yes but im also trying to save money where I can without too much sacrifice on quality.


Thanks guys

 

[lynam]

I use my Makita 18V daily as a automotive tech mostly on 8MM-14MM fastener, and the odd time on Philip screws.(really nice for radios and dash work) Its been going strong now for 2 years of daily use and abuse. Battery seem to last forever on a charge to. I pop them in maybe 1-2 times a month for a charge which takes no time at all 10-45mins.
This is the one i have, im looking at getting the 3/8" version, so i dont have to use socket adapters.

Forgot about the specs:
1,330 in.lbs. of Max Torque (about 110Foot pounds of torque) It can do some lug nuts but im talking vehicles that just got delivered from the factory.
weighs just 3.4 lbs
3-year warranty on tool

 

[krogsmash86]

streamlight a must have tool while working in a dugeon i mean shop even the best mechanics a ***** if he cant see what the explitive he is doing!!!

 

[krogsmash86]

also a test light is great investment most of the most difficult electrical problems are solved by this tool i only break out the dmm in the most dire of circumstances after all other routs have failed saves a lot of overthinking headaches that way

 

[Original Man]

Those are on my list as well. I'll be going with a fluke 88.

Are the matco impacts more improved over the craftmans? I was considering the $90 metric set that comes with 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, and 27mm as I could go to sears and just replace a socket if it ever fails. Granted I can get a matco $240 set for $119.

 

[pipsters]

Those are on my list as well. I'll be going with a fluke 88.

Are the matco impacts more improved over the craftmans? I was considering the $90 metric set that comes with 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, and 27mm as I could go to sears and just replace a socket if it ever fails. Granted I can get a matco $240 set for $119.

I don't know about Matcos but I compared my Craftsman to SK and they are similar in size.

I have this set
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915820000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

I bought it for $161 + tax, but actually thru some luck got it for $152 + tax not a month ago.

I would not buy just the 12-27 set for $90 as they typically go on sale and also can be bought off ebay for around $70. If you are so inclined, you could buy the 52 piece set and ebay out the rest of the pieces and end up into it for around $50 at most.

 

[wheats71]

something i learned after buying 3 snap on test lights, a blue point sst test light a fluke and sveral other dmm's that a power probe 3 is well worth the money saves piles of time wish i had been able to get one when i was starting out

 

[crewchief888]

since you'll be "training " with someone, keep an eye on what he's using on a daily basis.
best way to find out what you'll need in the near future.

IMHO matco's impact wobble sockets are the best in the bidness.