Tool/Job advice for new lube tech?

[KyleF]

I just got a new job at my local Sears in the Auto Service Center as the Express Tech/Lube Tech. Does anyone have any advice on tools or about the job in general? They "provide" tools, but it's a chaotic mess and quite frankly I think the job could be done faster and more efficiently with a different selection than the ones available. This is what I've decided to bring so far:

US General 4 drawer black tool cart
Craftsman 2 drawer hand box to go in the bottom for seldom used tools
Craftsman 220pc tool kit sans wrenches and case
Craftsman 3/8" low profile ratchet
Craftsman 3/8" flex head long handle ratchet
Unknown brand of SAE/Metric wrenches (fathers old set, no idea where he got them)
20pc Gearwrench Sae/Metric ratcheting wrenches
K Tool Intl adjustable oil filter pliers
K Tool Intl 1/2" drive 18" breaker bar
Assorted screwdrivers and pliers
Autocraft 3pc pry bar set
Headlamp and mini 55 lumen flashlight
6pc Hansen socket organizer tray set
Heavy duty side grip battery carrier
Ratcheting terminal wrench


I'll be using their tire tools and air tools until I can pick up my own. Any advice on what tools to purchase to make my life easier, or advice about the job in general will be much appreciated!

 

[PavelK313]

What you have so far is more than enough for lube tech job.

 

[Riverrojo]

I started my tech career at sears. Get yourself a 4-15mm 1/4 drive set (shallow and deep), 3/8 drive 8-19mm (shallow and deep), ratchets, a few prybars, screwdrivers, pliers and an air gauge. Air tools, sockets and torque sticks will be given to you. You don't need much changing oil, batteries and tires. If you need something, leave the shop, go to the hardware section and buy it!

 

[nicksnothereman]

I just got a new job at my local Sears in the Auto Service Center as the Express Tech/Lube Tech. Does anyone have any advice on tools or about the job in general? They "provide" tools, but it's a chaotic mess and quite frankly I think the job could be done faster and more efficiently with a different selection than the ones available. This is what I've decided to bring so far:

US General 4 drawer black tool cart
Craftsman 2 drawer hand box to go in the bottom for seldom used tools
Craftsman 220pc tool kit sans wrenches and case
Craftsman 3/8" low profile ratchet
Craftsman 3/8" flex head long handle ratchet
Unknown brand of SAE/Metric wrenches (fathers old set, no idea where he got them)
20pc Gearwrench Sae/Metric ratcheting wrenches
K Tool Intl adjustable oil filter pliers
K Tool Intl 1/2" drive 18" breaker bar
Assorted screwdrivers and pliers
Autocraft 3pc pry bar set
Headlamp and mini 55 lumen flashlight
6pc Hansen socket organizer tray set
Heavy duty side grip battery carrier
Ratcheting terminal wrench


I'll be using their tire tools and air tools until I can pick up my own. Any advice on what tools to purchase to make my life easier, or advice about the job in general will be much appreciated!

You're good...actually better than good.

Sears does mainly tires and batteries...piece of cake. However...drop in filters. Some cars (GM mainly that I know of) have the (plastic) filter housing as drop in rather than screw in that you access in the engine compartment and it requires a specialized socket for the housing (I think there are a couple sizes on these sockets but most shops should have them). Also they require a fairly long extension to get to (over 12"); put the socket on the housing cover, drop the extension from above into the socket and remove cover. Not that any cars would come in with that setup (it's from the supercharged saturns and cobalts) but it's possible and it's possible there are similar obstruction issues in other vehicles. Pick set (or just a simple blunted folding knife...what I use) would also help with those to get the gasket off on those drop ins. Long handle scraper for the wheel weights.

Altogether that's maybe 25 bucks in serviceable tools (off of ebay or at retail) because it's once in a while stuff but you shouldn't really need to buy if they're providing it. Always good to have a full compliment of tools even if you don't use them for work. Auto parts store, home improvement, or sears itself would be more than adequate concerning these tools. My main extensions (the ones I use the most) are duralast and I've had them for something like 6 years; no issues. I also have a couple great neck extensions that I've never had an issue with. Most of what you're going to be doing is low torque anyway (with the exception of lugs and possibly exhaust).

 

[senor fozz]

There is alot of tools for changing oil quickly I nave a Whole 12*29 drawer of just tools for oil. not including funnels
Filter wrench I believe it was a Channellock it could do evey size on the market. From nissans to fords old style and even bigger. Shallow larger diameteer sockets for filter housings(gm mini bmw)
screw gun/m12 ratchet at least 25ftlbs for plastics, skidplates and airboxes
filter housing sockets for toyota, mazda, hyundia etc. You will know what I mean very soon.
Hammer and chisel for messed up drain plugs
heat glove for toyota v6 Camerys.
Filter remover that uses a ratchet and grips the metal filters. Get the ones with 2 large jaws and a return spring. get both sizes. I avoid the 3 jaw models. I believe the make is lisle.

With all this you will be able to change oil on 99.9% of cars without having to borrow.

Buying funnels that lock into the fill cap are ******* but pricey over 20 per from snappy. If you have filling nozzles then I would just get the Toyota one that screws into the old camerys(2 tabs instead of threads).

 

[KyleF]

Probably should have mentioned this originaly, but the reason I've chosen such a large assortment is because I have a MI Mechanic Trainee's License, which allows me to assist and work with a licensed tech. The managers goal for me is on my downtime to be helping the regular techs, and phase me into that position as I acquire certifications.

I like the idea of the screw in funnels, $20 a piece sounds a bit steep for something like that. Although, I guess that's pretty par for the course with Snap-On. I'll keep an eye out on eBay for them.

 

[KyleF]

I started my tech career at sears. Get yourself a 4-15mm 1/4 drive set (shallow and deep), 3/8 drive 8-19mm (shallow and deep), ratchets, a few prybars, screwdrivers, pliers and an air gauge. Air tools, sockets and torque sticks will be given to you. You don't need much changing oil, batteries and tires. If you need something, leave the shop, go to the hardware section and buy it!

I know! I'm probably going to end up giving them back nearly all of the money they give me; but, hey, it's for a good cause. Right?

 

[92integra]

Good start definatly and I do the same thing as you for the most part slowly working my way up. You should grab the 5 piece oil filter socket set from lisle. Works on new gm filters bmws audi pretty much every canister filter out there and get the the claw for regular filers I got mine from hf works great. Hf 1/2 impact sockets and a good 1/2 air impact from a pawn shop, ir or snap on. And if u really want I would jump into cordless tools milwaukee always get my vote there 1/2 fuel impact is damn near the best out there and is versatile with other m18 tools. Good luck!!!!

 

[babyjimmy]

Those heat gloves will also come in handy for some GM vehicles. Mainly the enclave, acadia, and traverse.

 

[619DioFan]

Get your own impact gun. the HF earthquake will do you just fine to start. also get a good set of flip style impact sockets for lug nuts. I also recommend the lug nut sockets with the nylon sleeve to protect high end wheels from damage.

 

[gsingh]

Wow dude you are off to a good start. I would try to ask the people that work there about some of the tools you might need.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

When I started I had:
-screw drivers
-3/8 socket set and ratchet for skid plates
-10-21mm open end wrench for drain plugs (Subaru and honda are 17mm, smallest is 1/2" for some makes)
-filter pliers

Optional is electric driver to make skid plate removal easy. If you do check overs air filter removal on some is easier too. Shop lights are ok but I prefer a pen light. Magnetic pickup tool. Tire inflator. Impact gun if you do tire rotations as well, flip flop socket will get you by. Tread depth gauge. Pick set for cartridge filters, needing to remove o-rings. A bit set, some air filters require torx. Some drain plugs require Allen wrenches. Common pliers for Prius or whatever cartridge filters use the retaining bent pieces of metal to stop the filter from turning. A hood prop for Chrysler products.

 

[senor fozz]

Those heat gloves will also come in handy for some GM vehicles. Mainly the enclave, acadia, and traverse.

aren't those all the same vehicle?

 

[senor fozz]

Probably should have mentioned this originaly, but the reason I've chosen such a large assortment is because I have a MI Mechanic Trainee's License, which allows me to assist and work with a licensed tech. The managers goal for me is on my downtime to be helping the regular techs, and phase me into that position as I acquire certifications.

I like the idea of the screw in funnels, $20 a piece sounds a bit steep for something like that. Although, I guess that's pretty par for the course with Snap-On. I'll keep an eye out on eBay for them.

More companies than SO make them now SO where just the first ones I saw.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

More companies than SO make them now SO where just the first ones I saw.

I just used exhaust heat shields to funnel oil away in certain areas, or rags. I hear the magnetic funnels work well too. They also make silicone ones I believe?

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

And I'm just an oil and fluids checker at work. Now I help out with whatever I can. I need a bigger box lol. What everyone is saying is good I believe you should look into a driver kit. Idk if you need the drill. I have porter cable but ridgid is the one I hear lots about. Lifetime warranty

Sent from my HTC Evo using Tapatalk

 

[Sloasszx3]

Thin wall flip sockets with a good warranty are worth the extra cash. Make sure they have warranty in case.they crack. Some Allen wrenches and torxs keys also. If you'really going to be an express tech you should be set on tools.
Also, I can't stress enough in having a decent light. They'll want you to do very thorough inspections on quick lube service.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

And I'm just an oil and fluids checker at work. Now I help out with whatever I can. I need a bigger box lol. What everyone is saying is good I believe you should look into a driver kit. Idk if you need the drill. I have porter cable but ridgid is the one I hear lots about. Lifetime warranty

Sent from my HTC Evo using Tapatalk

I love my Bosch ps-21, that's what I used in the shop.

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

I love my Bosch ps-21, that's what I used in the shop.

I've had my porter cable 18v nicad drill and driver for some time now ill admit the drill isn't the greatest. The impact driver is great comes in handy. Bought the set for 109 on CPO outlets with 2 batterys and charger. Might possibly look into the lith ion 20v set at Lowe's for 149.


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[shoggoth80]

I would advise getting the oil filter socket set from ooohhh... Great Neck, Lisle, Matco, whomever you can find it from. I'd get at least the 3 piece set, but if you can afford it, I'd get the 5 or 7 piece. The clearance the low flat socket gives makes all the difference when it comes time to pop that canister off. Example: I think the Chevy Eco-tec engines use a 32mm on the housing. I couldn't fit any of my normal 32mm sockets on there. The 32mm oil filter socket? Yup. Lol.

 

[ibedayank]

only tool you should need.. after all your only removing drainplugs


and it starts...

 

[spotco2]

As an old dude that started out as a lube tech many years ago but has been out of the game for over 15 years, I find this interesting. I guess technology has changed on oil filters on newer cars more than I realized.

Even as a master tech I only had a handful of the cup type filter wrenches, one of the 2 jaw wrenches that fit a ratchet (the ones with the 3 fingers collapsed and tore tight filters) filter pliers and a couple of these

Honestly, a lot of filters that I remember could be removed with not much more than a leather glove and a strong grip. Then there was always those that were seized up that ripped off and needed a chisel to remove.

 

[JasonCAT]

only tool you should need.. after all your only removing drainplugs


and it starts...

lol. I was coming in here to recommend a dogbone. That's like...the only thing it's good for, and it is REALLY good for it.

 

[BRIANBB]

Small tip on wrenches/sockets for removing drain plugs. Always use a 6pt of the appropriate size. This will allow you to NOT round off the customers plug unless of course Sears wants to replace every one to help the bottom line!

 

[ex-x-fire]

I use the HF plug socket set a lot. Make sure you have a torque wrench & a belt tool too.

 

[KyleF]

I actually, really, REALLY like those dogbone wrenches. I used them in one of my old jobs removing and installing boat docks. Saved a lot of time when you couldn't remember what size bolts were on that particular dock, and you have to park the truck about a quarter mile away...and make the walk in waders.

As for gloves I've got a pair of Mechanixwear M-Pact style gloves. They've got some sort of foam/gel padding in them that supposedly resists heat, but I haven't tested that out very well.

As for drive sets, I have about 190 sockets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. Both 6 and 12 point. I could use more deep sockets, though. I'd like to get a set of hex and torx sockets in the near future, I have a few for doing brakes but not as complete of sets as I would like.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I would advise getting the oil filter socket set from ooohhh... Great Neck, Lisle, Matco, whomever you can find it from. I'd get at least the 3 piece set, but if you can afford it, I'd get the 5 or 7 piece. The clearance the low flat socket gives makes all the difference when it comes time to pop that canister off. Example: I think the Chevy Eco-tec engines use a 32mm on the housing. I couldn't fit any of my normal 32mm sockets on there. The 32mm oil filter socket? Yup. Lol.

The exotecs are cartridge filters. They sell on amazon for cheap I think a lisle socket. My work provided them for us, as well as filter cups. You CAN get away with a rag and a filter strap as well to loosen them. Oh I forgot to mention a torque wrench if your work is picky about torquing the cartridge filters.

 

[Airframer]

Get both sizes of these: http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63250-Range-Filter-Wrench/dp/B0002SR4PY/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1385132405&sr=1-2-fkmr2&keywords=lisle+adjustable+oil+filter+socket
They are the only oil filter "sockets" that always work for me when I can't get the pliers to the filter.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Must have tool:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YC64K6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Comes in several sizes.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I like the finger type as well, although I mostly used the pliers, the finger type gives you the benefit of whatever length of ratchet you use and they fit a variety of sizes. I would just go on amazon and type in "lisle tools" I'm sure a ton of useful stuff will come up

 

[Talisheek]

How does Sears feel about a highly visible non-Craftsman items or stuff you can't buy through Sears like you cart?

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

How does Sears feel about a highly visible non-Craftsman items or stuff you can't buy through Sears like you cart?

i would think unless they were willing to pay for his tools, they don't have much of a choice.

 

[KyleF]

How does Sears feel about a highly visible non-Craftsman items or stuff you can't buy through Sears like you cart?

They don't care at all. As long as I'm getting the job done, my manager couldn't care less. They "provide" some tools, and I use that term extremely loosely. One of my coworkers has a Matco cart, another a Blue-Point, and they use the Craftsman tool cabs and top boxes because they can just wheel them over from the store, lol.

 

[atuttle11]

Makes life easier on a lot of cars, they make them in two sizes. Lisle makes them. I'll sometimes have to use a swivel on Fords I think. I'd get some kevlar sleeves too. You'll find that out quick on a Subaru

 

[Chuck122]

the universal filter sockets suggested above are a must. Also, i would suggest a Toyota cartridge socket. A comprehensive set of cartridge sockets will also go a long way but in a pinch, you can always make do with the universal or pliers and a rag. As for the pliers, these are the ones you want:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SR562/?tag=atomicindus08-20
the angle on the jaws make the much more usable than the channellock brand ones.
asfar as kevlar sleeves go, I have never bothered. with time, you will find tricks to do the job without getting burnt or you will stop caring.
a 3/8 universal will make your life easier when removing the filter on some Chryslers
A few long extensions will allow you to get some distance between you and the oil. with time you will learn to work clean. this will save you precious time of washing hands before taking the cars out.
flip sockets are your friends. with a 19/21 you can do about 80% of cars.
you will also want a 17mm for german cars and a 7/8 for trucks
if you only do tires, get an impact with a long anvil. this way, you can use flip sockets without an extension. (this advice is golden)

 

[babyjimmy]

aren't those all the same vehicle?

Pretty much. Slight variances here and there.

 

[wafrederick]

A 22mm deepwell impact socket for the 1988 and current GM fullsize trucks and SUVs.A 7/8 socket fits on them,too sloppy.

 

[skulldrinker]

If you get these things people will coming to you to borrow instead of the other way around.


Great Neck OEM 27197 3/8-Inch Drive Oil Filter Removal Socket Set, 7-Piece
by Great Neck OEM

30pcs Oil Filter Cap Wrench Cup Socket Tool Set
by KTC

Innovative Products of America 7899 Gator Jaws Oil Filter Plier
by Innovate Motorsports


You also need a good bright light. I use this one from HF. I only bought the set for the light. (PS don't get brake clean on the lens)

Cordless Drill/Driver and Flashlight Kit, 3/8", 18 Volt
Drill Master - item#68287

Don't forget a funnel or two.

========================================


I made these a few years ago for myself. They are full size 8-1/2 x 11. I took one and shrunk it down and got it stuck inside my lid so it's always in site. I even had other techs take pictures of it for themselves to use. You can print these out or download the file and shrink it. The one on my tool box is about like an index card size.

I also have a laminator here so of course mine are laminated.

Black and white
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...0and%20WHT.jpg

Color
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...a%20socket.jpg

I put a copyright on them in 2011. I appreciate being given credit.

=====================================

Here's a shot of my General Service cart.

 

[Farmall450]

I use the HF plug socket set a lot. Make sure you have a torque wrench & a belt tool too.

+1, my dad's gearwrench serpentine belt tool comes in real handy, even only on his 2 vehicles, and mine & my bro's trucks. Prob gets used 1-2x a year on 4 vehicles...may not sound like much, but you'll go thru 4 in 1/2 an hour.

 

[rival904]

This
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lil-13300?seid=srese1&gclid=CO76hOem_LoCFUlp7AodGDUA2Q

Plus this
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?tool=&item_ID=648944&group_ID=675601&store=snapon-store

Plus the 2 speciality toyota oil filter tools and a set of the HF picks, will get you leaps and bounds in the oil change world.

Those are the most common things I lend out to the new tire/lube guys at the shop.