A list to help the young techs out there

[joedodge]

There's so many threads on what box or what tools to get for my first job or when I'm out of school. What brand how many and so on. And what should I expect or how should I act. This is my take on it as one young guy who has been a tech for 7 years now.

First you gotta keep your eyes and ears open and mouth shut. Be a sponge take it all in learn all you can. But most of all mouth shut just because you worked on cars at home since you were a kid and went to tech school don't mean you can hang in the shop or know it all at all or even close we aren't born all knowing. Try and find a good tech in the shop and learn from him there's good and bad you'll have to weed out the bad and take them for what there worth. And remember there's gonna be other guys who know it all and grumpy old techs who are hardened from the life but listen to them too and don't let them ruin your attitude or ambition either.

Now for the tool box.....some run out and buy a big box and try and compensate for there ability .......or other things.....the box doesn't fix cars or make money or really impress anyone at all. Get a box that you can afford and is secure put the money in the tools. I'm working out of a matco 2 bay 4s I've had for 6 years now and haven't out grown it with proper organization and have all the tools to do full line work and diag. And work out of a craftsman stack at my second job at the dealer. Get what you can afford and is secure a big 10k snap on box with no tools makes no money.

Tools...... Buy what you can afford be it gear wrench, snap on , matco who ever buy what you can afford and will do the job safely and make you some money. You can upgrade as time gos on a and buy better sets or just replace the common sockets or what ever you use a lot with better stuff. And only buy what you need too many techs get wrapped up in buying sets or just tools they'll never need or use. Because they were the latest and greatest or the tool guy said you gotta have it. If its not gonna make money on a regular basis or you won't need it more than twice it may not be worth investing in.

Now for a last few things. This ones a lil off beat get good shoes good supportive work shoes be it boots or shoes get some good shoes and good socks your gonna be in these shoes on the line for 10 hrs 5-6 days a week on the concrete.and if you borrow a tool more than twice you need to buy it it will make you money and you don't want to be that guy who borrows stuff all the time. Don't get in to deep with the tool dealers but buy what you need cash if possible or low balance to keep them showing up and wanting to warranty your stuff.

Either way this was just a small list for the beginners since I see so many threads about it thought I'd make a lil starter thread go ahead and chime in everyone with additional help

 

[rusty65]

Lots and lots of sae tools . I think a good set of pry bars fine tooth 1/4,3/8 ratchets also thread chasers are also good to have I'm not a pro wrench turner so I'm all out of ideas .

 

[joedodge]

Lol ya lots of sae..... Ya basic hand tools will do a lot more than folks give credit for. Pry bars are an excellent one though all the way up to 36" will be used regularly

 

[dirtydogintex]

Prolly best to avoid ratchetitis (a form of tool polishing as someone so elegantly phrased it) from the onset.
Have reasonable, robust ratchets, breaker bars - tools that you wouldn't hesitate to use/do whatever to in a heartbeat.
There won't always be air available and air tools won't do anywhere close to everything!!

Remember tool trucks - both service and tools are tremendously overrated and over priced.
Invest your money wisely in the tools you truly need and the investment will pay in spades.
Unless you own the biz do not put your every dime into tools (including storage of said tools).
The titles are impossible to win and don't pay worth a damn.
In short - don't drink the koolaide.

~~~~~~~

It goes w/o saying you'll be deciding if you'll attempt to become
a flat rate parts changer speed king
or
a genuine mechanic (aka 'technician' by some).
There are major differences between 'em as you'll see....

 

[joedodge]

Well put

 

[buco]

Take a loan out from a bank, or line of credit if buying lots, don't use tool truck credit or credit cards

 

[fordnut85]

I have been turning wrenches for 15+ year now and here are a few tips I wish someone would have told me.

Tool quality, I have to admit that Snap-on makes some of the best tools out there but there prices can kill a guy quick. I have an off brand roll cab and top chest that I found at the local Runnings store that has served me VERY well for the last 6 years. Grey Pnuematic makes some really good impact sockets that are VERY affordable. What tools to buy first was a big struggle for me, find the most seinor tech in the shop and flat out ask him where to start. Keep in mind every shop is different and you will have to adjust your tools accordingly. Some of the tools I wish I would have bought when I started out is a good set of the cable operated hose clamp pliers, my power probe III and my 3/8" cordless impact.

As stated, get a really good pair of boots, I prefer the composite toe since they don't get as cold. steel shank and metatarsal protection depends on the environment your working in.

Good hand lotion, don't laugh, the chemicals in an auto shop will kill your hands. Lotion will help with this along with your hands will come much cleaner at the end of the day. Speaking of which, those guys with constantly dirty hands will tell you it just shows that they work for a living however it shows me that they have poor hygiene and the customer can already see the greasy fingerprints all over their car.

Information., Find yourself a big 3 ring binder and a place to keep it, all the handy information you come across can go in the binder for future reference. I go a step further and have one binder that has a BUNCH of charts, how to's and what not. In the other I have my personal notes organized by vehicle make. For instance I had a late 90's chevy pickup come in that had the shift motor constantly shifting but not coming out of 4 lo after a transmission repair at another shop. I discovered that the connector for the shift motor and the O2 sensor were identical and had gotten swapped. Now if a year down the road if I run into the same issue and say to myself "ive seen this before but can't remember" I can look into my binder and the info is there.

Lastly, like said before soak up all the information you can, again, find the most seinor tech and learn from him. Ask questions on boards like this. Sign up for a membership on iATN, there is a boat load of information there that is always there.

 

[joedodge]

Well said ford nut most of my box is gear wrench and sunnex and gp and such snap on is great and I have some but man it'll bankrupt you. And the taking care of your hands is a great point often forgotten. I keep a small folder also for printouts and such ill prolly use again. I just got a pair of redback boots and after a few weeks there amazing and affordable. 3/8 cordless impact is actually on my list it never ends lol

 

[wornoutoldman]

Wear Ear and Eye Protection at all times!!!

 

[joedodge]

That's a good one that took me a while to get used to and is still awkward at times

 

[SKAutomotive]

Only thing I disagree with in this thread is SAE...wait until you get hired, because everything I own SAE is wasted money for me at Subaru, even the trade-ins we get from the US car companies use a lot of metric fasteners now.

 

[Vettedrmr]

I've just retired from 32 years as a software engineer and have joined my Dad at his specialty car shop as a newbie mechanic after wrenching on the side during my engineering career.

I bought a used Matco box full of fairly cheap tools. When I was getting I was showing what I had to my Dad and commented on the quality of the tools. He said "Son, cheap tools make money until they break. When they break THEN buy the good stuff."

So far nothing has broken yet. I'm also browsing the local pawn shops and Craigslist for used good tools.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

 

[dsimatt]

If I could go back all my air tools would be IR and would Bought off line and saved alot of money.

 

[humpdawg]

Tools...... Buy what you can afford be it gear wrench, snap on , matco who ever buy what you can afford and will do the job safely and make you some money. You can upgrade as time gos on a and buy better sets or just replace the common sockets or what ever you use a lot with better stuff. And only buy what you need too many techs get wrapped up in buying sets or just tools they'll never need or use. Because they were the latest and greatest or the tool guy said you gotta have it. If its not gonna make money on a regular basis or you won't need it more than twice it may not be worth investing in.

I've gone this route lately. I have started buying tools off Amazon.com. Wiha screwdrivers, Wera bit sets, Knipex pliers, IR air tools, and VIM bit sockets, all well under retail prices you will have to pay on the tool truck or local store. With a prime account, you get free 2 day shipping on certain products. I'm not only paying a lot less for tools, I get them much faster than off the trucks.

 

[joedodge]

Amazon and tool topia are great outlets to Ava emoney and avoid the trucks. And sk your exactly right my reply was sarcastic I haven't used sae even on class 8 stuff in a long time except maybe on ac work

 

[nato]

I also can't stress enough to BUY ONLY WHAT YOU NEED AND WHAT IS CONCEIVABLY PRACTICAL.... lol. I've wasted sooooo much $ not following this in the past. When I started out wrenching, nearly 10 years ago, I was a lube tech at a Ford Dealership having only your 'standard issue' 3-tiered Craftsman red/black tool box, a few air tools, screwdrivers and a Craftsman 350 pc. mechanics starter set...

Now, I've got a Matco 5S triple bank and have all but one center drawer full.
I say the opening statement because within my first week of working for that Ford dealership, that first Wednesday, I was visited by their Snap On dealer. About 20 minutes later, he handed me his business card with my freshly-made-available Extended Credit line written on the back...$4000.00 open.
Needless to say, I went nuts! I picked up a double bank Heritage series roll ab and spent the other nearly $2000.00 on tools. Within like 3 weeks, it was maxed and I was making $18-20 weekly payments. Most of us have been there. I bought damn near useless things, such as that older Blue Point flex head 3/8" air ratchet for like $250.....WTF was I thinking?!!

Luckily, within the past 5 or so years, I've made pretty close to all my money back on previous frivelous tool purchases and now, I even find it hard to spend $20 on a specialty socket, or something like that I need. About 3 weeks ago, I lost a Craftsman 1/4" drive 10mm universal socket that was so floppy, is was past due for warranty by a long shot, but instead of spedning <$10 for another (this would have been the third) that will soon enough, get flimsy and go floppy again, I forked out $34 for a Cornwell because they are that much better and will keep a much better eye on it these times. I really had to think about it though. 6-8 years ago, I would've bough the eintire metric set, not blinking an eye!!!!!

I've gain much wisdom and even more responsibility. I'm happy to report that my $7000.00 string with Snap On has been squashed and my Matco 5S will be payed off in about a month or so, pending Uncle Sam, and this will be the first time in 10 YEARS that I will be debt free of any tool purchased (no truck r/a right now either!)

I tell you what, I have to say that in all honesty, if it's POSSIBLE to get yourself a big, master-sized tool box from the get-go, do it!!!!! My reasoning is this; you will never only have one toolbox....if you do, I haven't met you yet, lol. I've been through....5 tool storage setups in less than 10 years. Each time, dropping thousands in credit lines. I could've saved soo much wasted money but giving it my all and get a large tool box from the beginning, rather than 'trading-up' numerous times. Even if it's a good, quality used box, get it!!!! If I would've started out and made the big step to a KRL at the Ford dealership, I definitely see myself as most likely still owning it this day. Maybe adding a top chest/side box combo, but still having the main roll cab.

Think very hard about your purchased and FCS, spend the extra money where it needs to be spent; like certain air tools, RATCHETS, WRENCHES, SOCKETS (most hardline items), DRILL BITS!!!!!! PLIERS, DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT, SPECIALTY TOOLS...etc.
Things that truck brand's copy and boat in from the rice-patty's, do yourself a favor and get them online OR go to Harbor Freight. They usually are the SAME EXACT THING!!!!!

And lastly, work boots. Spend just as much time researching/trying out work footwear as you do looking at high-priced tools, because your body NEEDS THEM. Don't make the scarifice by going to Wal-Mart and picking up the $30 Brahma's.....

 

[GTA Matt]

Lastly, like said before soak up all the information you can, again, find the most seinor tech and learn from him. Ask questions on boards like this. Sign up for a membership on iATN, there is a boat load of information there that is always there.

Conversely, don't go up to the senior tech in the shop on your first week and tell him that when you graduate from tech school, you're going to take over his spot in the shop and he will have to move his tool box because yours will be bigger. I got a kick out of that kid. He didn't last long.....


Get the basics first. Don't come and show off your new $150 digital air pressure gauge and 5 minutes later come ask to borrow oil filter pliers. It don't work that way.

 

[joedodge]

Man NATO great post with some real wisdom there I can relate to a lot of that. I'm still crammed into a neatly organized 4s and a 4 drawer cart because I'm cheap lol

 

[nato]

Man NATO great post with some real wisdom there I can relate to a lot of that. I'm still crammed into a neatly organized 4s and a 4 drawer cart because I'm cheap lol

haha, thx. I'll be 28 next month and this is where I'm at. One day, I'll get to physically resemble all the old guys that I just made myself sound like....

I feel as far as your and my age goes, that it's important to be in this mindset or you're just going to fall down a hole in deep tool debt. It's a miserable beast.

ps-4S ain't bad. I'd take it over a Heritage/Classic Snap On or Mac Tech series any day of the week!

 

[SKAutomotive]

Conversely, don't go up to the senior tech in the shop on your first week and tell him that when you graduate from tech school, you're going to take over his spot in the shop and he will have to move his tool box because yours will be bigger. I got a kick out of that kid. He didn't last long.....


Get the basics first. Don't come and show off your new $150 digital air pressure gauge and 5 minutes later come ask to borrow oil filter pliers. It don't work that way.

You ever wonder what makes these kids think they can say this?

 

[joedodge]

Lol thanks its been a great box so far ill be 25 in June and your right its to easy to fall into that trap

 

[nato]

Take a loan out from a bank, or line of credit if buying lots

I agree, BUT, most younger guys starting out, <21, might not be able to do this and herego, low interest and monthly payments get traded out for high interest and easily accessible weekly payments.

Most banks/lending corporations will NOT give 18-19 year old's personal styled loans/ lines of credit. It *****, but most of us still jump at it.

 

[joedodge]

Sk its the fact that these schools build them up to be the best from jump street out the box. I went to a local voed center and got a great education but my teacher told us this ain't like the line in his exact words it and those vets on the line will eat you up if you not careful the big box schools make these kids think there ase masters with 25 years expierence

 

[SKAutomotive]

Sk its the fact that these schools build them up to be the best from jump street out the box. I went to a local voed center and got a great education but my teacher told us this ain't like the line in his exact words it and those vets on the line will eat you up if you not careful the big box schools make these kids think there ase masters with 25 years expierence

We won't even hire from UTI/Lincoln/WyoTech, because they just churn out **** real fast to make as much money as possible.

 

[joedodge]

Exactly the few guys I grew up that moved off and went to those schools......I wouldn't let fix my kids hot wheels. Not to say there isn't good there tho

 

[nato]

Sk its the fact that these schools build them up to be the best from jump street out the box. I went to a local voed center and got a great education but my teacher told us this ain't like the line in his exact words it and those vets on the line will eat you up if you not careful the big box schools make these kids think there ase masters with 25 years expierence

So much truth to that. UTI & Wyotech seem to parade their alumni around as if they're bulletproof, and that's fine but they better be able to back it up.
I worked with a douche at Pep Boys that graduated from a UTI and really, being an entry level 'installer' is all his future held for him.
You pay all that extra cash vs. a smaller trade school (like I went to) and still can't tell the difference between an a/c signal and a square-wave pattern....

 

[SKAutomotive]

I worked out of 3 small carriable tool boxes and a cardboard box for my first year. Hell the tools I acquired in my personal projects were more than enough to do all the work they kicked at me. In fact, people were borrowing from me within the first weeks.

 

[GTA Matt]

You ever wonder what makes these kids think they can say this?

I blame the schools. Most of them set the kids that have little common sense up for failure and fill their heads with big ideas. I've always said that you can have all the best training in the world, but there is NO replacement for experience in this field.

 

[Lotek]

Eh, you kidz stay off a my lawn.

Best advice I can give is keep your hands out of your pockets, earphones in your car and phone in your toolbox, you are there to work, not socialize or play on the computer. We had three lube/helper/lot people. Two ran from place to place, got cars in and out, kept the area clean and busted their asses, the third was a disappearing artist at the end of the day...as of Thursday, we have two, guess which ones.

 

[SKAutomotive]

Eh, you kidz stay off a my lawn.

Best advice I can give is keep your hands out of your pockets, earphones in your car and phone in your toolbox, you are there to work, not socialize or play on the computer. We had three lube/helper/lot people. Two ran from place to place, got cars in and out, kept the area clean and busted their asses, the third was a disappearing artist at the end of the day...as of Thursday, we have two, guess which ones.

The disappearing artist and the guy you hired to replace the other two slouches?

 

[shoggoth80]

Hmmm...
Interesting thread. I see it is a little light on recommendations, but good on advice about what to do. I'm just a fledgling, as in... I've been doing car/motorcycle stuff since my mid teens, and have continued to do it as needed/as is practical...with occasionally fixing stuff for other people. Finally got myself enrolled in school for auto tech, and should be getting my first paid tech position (part time right now) as soon as background check completes.

I have a lot of the basics. Most of those basics aren't even remotely top tier in terms of price, finish, COO etc. Hell, I have only recently acquired some stuff that is considered upgrades by me. Got most the bases covered in terms of 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets, and sockets for the most part. Want to get better sets as money comes in. Only recently got my first air tool... which I didn't spend a lot on (didn't have much to spend)... 1/2" impact gun (Cman), and a 3/8" and 3/4" adapter. I figured I could only afford one right now, and the adapters will get a little more versatility out of it (mostly gonna be used for taking stuff OFF, not putting back on). Like others have said...I'll use the cheaper stuff until I can afford to replace/upgrade, or until it breaks and I have to.

More a concentration on metric, with a smattering of SAE in there. Most stuff I run across seems to be metric, though I was informed that the shop that I am supposed to be going to also sees a fair share of standard. What you need seems to depend on the shop, and what kind of work you expect to take on. There are plenty of things I won't need at the very start... but there are some tools that I could see investing in rather quickly... the brake kits with the caliper tools seem to be a good example. I think that tools that make you faster make sense in a field that seems to operate on flat rate.

I don't necessarily agree that "the tools make the tech." Sure, a serious tech is more likely to have serious tools... but someone just starting is literally going to only have whatever he/she can afford. I understand the whizz bang, the wow factor. It isn't even that I don't like the idea of having all one nice brand of stuff. The reality just doesn't seem to line up there, at all. I have some classmates that want to get the Snappies. One has a voucher... but it isn't for a lot (and it wouldn't buy him much in the way of Snap On, even with student discount). Another classmate had some savings, and spent a nice chunk on Snap On. He didn't have any tools until I gave him some extras that I had after I sorted and inventoried and did some upgrades. Pretty sure he got one of the technician packages. Not a bad spot to start. Not the cheapest, but certainly not bad. I guess I am sort of long winded, and just agreeing with the "don't get sucked in" sentiment.

I've pretty much accepted that my kit is going to be a hodge podge of stuff. I hunt for decent upgrades as best I can find them. All that said, I am kind of partial to Armstrong. Got a buddy who sold me some of his after he upped to something else. They aren't all here yet, but he works odd hours, and the price was right so I can forgive the slow shipping. He's the one who linked me to Cripe, which is doom waiting to happen. Lol. Got some nice wrenches off of there, and some nicer 1/2" impacts in some of the larger sizes (but managed to overlook the 36mm ).

I can attest to how one can feel a little overwhelmed. There are a lot of tools that will help you do the job faster, and easier. But you can accomplish an awful lot with just hand tools as well. I know I don't have a lot of experience in the field.... but working over the years between my father's garage, borrowing tools, fixing my various machines and whatnot... we have never used air tools, or electric/cordless impact tools... and we've been able to keep things rolling. I guess I am saying not to underestimate your abilities "just" because you have basic hand tools.

Ok, that was long winded. If I seem to have things backwards, feel free to correct me.
I'm new to the tool accumulation side of things too. Lol. Part of this post was just to see if others thought my mindset seemed right.

Oh yeah... and don't forget some insoles for the footwear? I used to work security, and have pulled my share of 10s and 12s... insoles in a comfy pair of boots are a life saver. I don't think I could agree more with the mentioning of footwear.

 

[larryq]

IAs stated, get a really good pair of boots, I prefer the composite toe since they don't get as cold

Who makes comfortable shop boots that won't break the bank? I agree wholeheartedly that good shoes are a must if you're on your feet 8 hours a day.

 

[shoggoth80]

I've been rocking a pair of Grinders with memory foam insoles/inserts (picked up cheap at Safeway)... can go for quite a while in them. The soles are oil/grease/slip resistant, steel toe, and the uppers are pretty nice leather. I think mine ran about $100 or so. So far, I like 'em.

 

[Fedwrench]

I always like these threads where people new to the automotive field share their experiences. The only advice I can offer is that less is often more. Starting out, you need to think about entry level tech tasks and what you need to accomplish those tasks. Lube, wheels on and off (1/2 impact, torquesticks, and lug sized impact sockets), and quick lane type repairs.
Your best tool aside from some great hand/eye coordination, is your brain. You have to comprehend what you see without over thinking it, and fix what you see. patience, tact, and self discipline also come in handy as you navigate the world of customers, service writers, and and managers.
I cannot over emphasize the importance a good work ethic. Be on time (which is early), be prepared to work, be consistent, and take pride in your work. It's funny, most of the posts in this thread aren't about tools.

 

[jmm]

Information., Find yourself a big 3 ring binder and a place to keep it, all the handy information you come across can go in the binder for future reference. I go a step further and have one binder that has a BUNCH of charts, how to's and what not. In the other I have my personal notes organized by vehicle make. For instance I had a late 90's chevy pickup come in that had the shift motor constantly shifting but not coming out of 4 lo after a transmission repair at another shop. I discovered that the connector for the shift motor and the O2 sensor were identical and had gotten swapped. Now if a year down the road if I run into the same issue and say to myself "ive seen this before but can't remember" I can look into my binder and the info is there.

THIS! Don't think I've ever heard it mentioned on GJ in my time here, but this is one of the most important things for a young tech in any field to use -- even though the great majority don't. Still green and taking notes, you'll catch endless ****. Laugh it off and know, there'll come a time when they come to you for what you've learned.

 

[joedodge]

Wow great input guys hearing from everyone. If we keep this up this will be one stop shop thread for a new tech

 

[Hanen42]

The comment on IR air tools is so true. I have found myself wanting a strong 3/8 impact. I checked out the Snap On...but daaang over $400 bucks. I'm definitely going to stick with IR's version for nearly half the cost. I'm not a pro wrencher, so I don't need the best all the time. The only big name stuff I have is my ratchets and some specialty items. My main tools are a craftsman set I bought when I was 15 years old. No sense in going out and dropping $1600 dollars to replace just my 1/4 and 3/8 socket sets...

 

[joedodge]

IR makes the best tools for the buck only truck brand stuff i have is a blue point air hammer which i like alot, a snap on 1/4 and 3/8 air ratchet tghe 1/4 has been nothing but issues the far 72 has been great but i want a hammer head from IR really bad

 

[jfcasey]

I'm still a pretty green tech myself but just from working with some real idiots my advice to anyone greener than my self is keep a POSITIVE attitude and don't stand still!

If you show up to work and have a nasty negative attitude about anything, you will be hated. Nobody wants to work with someone whos constantly getting worked up and bitchy about stuff.

As for not standing still, if you have 5 minutes between jobs, find something to do, especially if you are hourly!! It takes all of 1-2 min to grab a few full trash bags and haul them out to the dumpster. Got 30 minutes to kill? Go around taking out the scrap metal and garbage for the flat rate guys. There always something you can be doing to fill those little gaps in the day and at the end of the year you will be remembered for it.

If you are bent over your tool box poking away on your laptop every time your foreman or another tech walks by, its not going to do you any favors. If you are working on something or you have a rag in your hand cleaning something everytime someone walks by, it will do you a lot of favors!

My favorite part about this field is although it ***** at times, YOU CONTROL YOUR FUTURE. If you want to be a lazy ************* you can do that. If you want to spend your time off hours learning and keeping up on training, and your time on the clock doing everything you can to learn more and become more proficient, you can do that too.

 

[jfcasey]

I forgot to throw in there also, just about anybody off the street will come in with a good work ethic for the first month or two then fade back into just another slouch. Don't be that guy, keep up the good work and don't turn lazy after a few months, because then you're just a fake.