Best specialty tools for a new mechanic?

[Goinlow]

I am a new mechanic learning the ropes at a shop. I have all the basics (sockets, wrenches,hammers, pliers all that kind of stuff) but I'm looking to build my tool collection slowly so when I don't have the luxury of using all my boss's tools I have my own things.

What is some of the most important specialty tools I should get first?

 

[chadster1]

From my point of view, you should invest in diagnostics. I am sure some of the guys who actually turn wrenches for a living will give you some good advice as well.

 

[BlindViper]

Well what specialty tools have you used the most so far? If you have none then I would say to get a good serp belt tool.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Get yourself a compression tester or multimeter. Like Chad said; invest in some diagnostic gear.


One tool i WOULD reccomend getting is a ball joint separator. This is the one i have:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merc...Z400107613387QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[Fedwrench]

What tasks do you routinely perform and what tools do you borrow to perform those tasks? Start with those. However, you can't wrong by having a set of cable operated hose clamp pliers, a pair of flat band hose clamp pliers, a short and long hose pick, a short and long trim tool, a good DVOM, a long handled serpentine belt tool, and a set of 10-19mm matco pinless impact swivel sockets, and a streamlight stinger flashlight.

Additionally: torquesticks to match the applications you work on and if you due engine work a 1/4 and 3/8 drive torque wrench.

 

[Goinlow]

I guess a little more info would be good. I am going to get a maybe a pick set tomorrow from our SO guy as well as maybe some plastic trim pullers. The shop I work at does autobody and everythig mechanical so the specialty tools I use vary day to day. Friday we needed a multimeter but that was the first time.

Is a serp belt tool that useful?

My boss has a set of cable operated hose clamp pliers and they are very handy. I might try to find these on eBay.

Yes to the swivel sockets also I have a 10mm impact I got off eBay for cheap because Ive needed a 10mm swivel a lot. I think I might get a set of these real soon also.

 

[Even 11]

Well what specialty tools have you used the most so far? If you have none then I would say to get a good serp belt tool.

X2!! I use mine all the time!

-Dane

 

[Fedwrench]

Is a serp belt tool that useful?

You will come across a vehicle sooner or later that the only way to remove the belt is with a serpentine belt tool. You may not need it right this minute but, you will need it.

 

[alamerang]

+2 on the serpentine tool. A slide hammer with an assortment of attachments. Pullers (2 jaw, 3 jaw, harmonic balancer) and +1 on the ball joint separators.

Plus I always find a use for this one. A small roll of 16 ga bailing wire. Cheap but always comes in handy when you need to fish something small out of a small opening or you need an impromptu pick or hook.

 

[y20dth]

I agree with all above

It does VERY much depend on the work you do. Look at that, watch the other mechanics and what they USE (not what they have in their box).

There are so many really nice tools out there...

http://www.klanngedore.com/

 

[Dust]

Electric screwdriver or mini-impact driver with a standard 1/4" hex for bits.

 

[Goinlow]

+2 on the serpentine tool. A slide hammer with an assortment of attachments. Pullers (2 jaw, 3 jaw, harmonic balancer) and +1 on the ball joint separators.

Plus I always find a use for this one. A small roll of 16 ga bailing wire. Cheap but always comes in handy when you need to fish something small out of a small opening or you need an impromptu pick or hook.

Oh ok well I guess I'll get a serp belt tool bc if I recall right I think they aren't very expensive at all.

We aren't a very big shop (a painter, boss, another kid and me.). Boss is very knowledgable and I have been watching what tools he uses.

 

[wreckercologist]

It does VERY much depend on the work you do. Look at that, watch the other mechanics and what they USE (not what they have in their box).

+1

Your fellow wrench benders will know. Here's a few possible suggestions:

Angle die grinder.

Like everone else said....diagnostics.

Prybars

Biggest pair of Channellocks you can find.

Cordless tools. (customers like it when you don't have to drag a filthy air hose inside their vehical).

 

[poprockcrusher]

fuel pressure gauge
power probe
st 125 - spark tester spark plug
short finder circuit breaker
compression gauge set
let the boss pay for a GOOD scanner

 

[Stephenw]

You should start with a set of brake tools. Brake spring pliers, caliper piston tool, etc.

 

[Skin]

Electric screwdriver or mini-impact driver with a standard 1/4" hex for bits.

i cant echo this suggestion enough. I've had a Bosch PS20-2A Pocket Driver for years and its been the best investment ever. They make more powerful versions but thats the best model that still has a comprehensive clutch which saves you from stripping those delicate items.

Thats not really specialty in my opinion, should be standard equipment.

 

[petty4243]

multimeter
hose clamp pliers(cable)
oil filter tools(pliers, cups, etc) special sockets if needed for bmw, ford diesel or gm ecotech motors
if gm, feul/ water seperator tool
test light
balljoint press(also used for u-joint)
prybar and pick sets
hose pick set
cordless driver(like S-O cts561 or makitas version of same)
torx and hext bit sockets
brake pad spreader
serpentine belt kit
a couple different flashlights
lighted inspection mirror
extra long test leads... 18'
depending on where u work a simple scaner for accessing codes(use theirs for advanced stuff)

perhaps the most important tool is your mind... imaginataion, and ability to look at something and know how it works, ability to know when to ask for help or advise is manditoy.... ...


also, remember just cause snap on is there all the time, does not mean they are the only tool for the job, try them all and see what works best for you

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

Nice set of hammers different weights and shapes and materials. But that is what I use alot of IE you need to look at the work you do.

 

[MrMark]

What tasks do you routinely perform and what tools do you borrow to perform those tasks? Start with those. However, you can't wrong by having a set of cable operated hose clamp pliers, a pair of flat band hose clamp pliers, a short and long hose pick, a short and long trim tool, a good DVOM, a long handled serpentine belt tool, and a set of 10-19mm matco pinless impact swivel sockets, and a streamlight stinger flashlight.

Additionally: torquesticks to match the applications you work on and if you due engine work a 1/4 and 3/8 drive torque wrench.

Fedwrench, which flat band hose clamp pliers do you recommend? Same question for the short and long trim tool?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Best trim tool out there, bar none:

VW T10236, made by Matador.

 

[Farmrod]

It all depends on your line of work... For me "specialty" meant an IM1800L I do tires all day everyday the weight of that gun has saved my back and shoulders I love it and it is the best tool in my box well that and the new 54" snap on bar I just got

 

[Goinlow]

depending on where u work a simple scaner for accessing codes(use theirs for advanced stuff)

perhaps the most important tool is your mind... imaginataion, and ability to look at something and know how it works, ability to know when to ask for help or advise is manditoy.... ...


also, remember just cause snap on is there all the time, does not mean they are the only tool for the job, try them all and see what works best for you

I have all the truck brands except no conwell dealer comes buy. Our snap on guy is by far the best. I am a 23 and by no means his biggest customer but he has came by after hours to warranty thing and cut me deals etc. So anything new I buy is from him unless I can find deals used for much cheaper. Our mac and matco guys are ehh. We have an sk lacy that is pretty good also.

I think I'll look at a serp belt tool and some brake tools. I know where I can pick up a test light very cheap too. I have torx and hex sockets but I could use picks and some trim tools.

Thanks everyone for all these great comments.

 

[Fedwrench]

Fedwrench, which flat band hose clamp pliers do you recommend? Same question for the short and long trim tool?

I like the Mayhew or Schley (SP Tools) versions. Although lately, I've found the Facom (Mac) version for those clamps that lock fully open to be handy.
As for the long and short trim tools, I like the set made by VIM and resold with different shaped handles by most tool trucks.
http://www.tooltopia.com/vim-v613.aspx

 

[MrMark]

Thanks Fedwrench! How many times would you exercise the flat band clamp before you would no longer trust it and need to replace it?

What about this VIM tools set?

I am looking to be prepared to deal with door panel removal on MB.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance


EDIT: is this the Mayhew plier you recommend?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t..._shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A30DGJTMHYAU9C&v=glance

 

[billymade]

The craftsman cable operated hose clamp plier is the cheapest I've found and it works well; OEM is Mayhew supplied by the french company SAM; not very **** but reasonable @ $40!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947390000P

 

[crewchief888]

multimeter
hose clamp pliers(cable)
oil filter tools(pliers, cups, etc) special sockets if needed for bmw, ford diesel or gm ecotech motors
if gm, feul/ water seperator tool
test light
balljoint press(also used for u-joint)
prybar and pick sets
hose pick set
cordless driver(like S-O cts561 or makitas version of same)
torx and hext bit sockets
brake pad spreader
serpentine belt kit
a couple different flashlights
lighted inspection mirror
extra long test leads... 18'
depending on where u work a simple scaner for accessing codes(use theirs for advanced stuff)

perhaps the most important tool is your mind... imaginataion, and ability to look at something and know how it works, ability to know when to ask for help or advise is manditoy.... ...


also, remember just cause snap on is there all the time, does not mean they are the only tool for the job, try them all and see what works best for you

the couple things i reach for all the time are
LED mini flashlight
o-ring pick (s)
extendable magnet
HD test light ( i personally dont like the coiled cord models)
good voltmeter

look and see what you're borrowing most, and get that stuff 1st.
buying an individual socket or wrench is IMHO the way to go, when you starting out.
getting a full set of something and finding out you only use 1 piece of it, makes a for a lot of tools in the toolbox, and a big hole in the wallet.

 

[MrMark]

Is the Mayhew Cat's Paw (45650) for $40 any good?

 

[MrMark]

The craftsman cable operated hose clamp plier is the cheapest I've found and it works well; OEM is Mayhew supplied by the french company SAM; not very **** but reasonable @ $40!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947390000P

Thanks Billymade. Those look good.

 

[RLRRLRLL]

for the serp belt tool, if you can afford it get the gearwrench one, its aweseom! i dont own it myself but i used it at the shop, i just have your standerd cheapie one for home use.

 

[Goinlow]

for the serp belt tool, if you can afford it get the gearwrench one, its aweseom! i dont own it myself but i used it at the shop, i just have your standerd cheapie one for home use.

http://mobile.usablenet.com/mt/www....y Tools&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

this one?

 

[pmohr]

http://mobile.usablenet.com/mt/www....y Tools&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

this one?

Yes, that tool is awesome.

 

[Goinlow]

Yes, that tool is awesome.

What are the crowsfeet for?

 

[pmohr]

What are the crowsfeet for?

Same thing the sockets are for, getting on belt tensioners. Sometimes the only thing that will work is one of those.

 

[Goinlow]

I see. Well tomorrow I'm gonna be looking at a few things

 

[lynam]

Is the Mayhew Cat's Paw (45650) for $40 any good?

I use my cats paw all the time never any problems. Its not the best on small hose clamps used on some vacuum hoses. But thats why i just ordered these:
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-17100-Adjustable-Clamp-Plier/dp/B0002NYB6Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1268008748&sr=8-4

 

[00S4Boy]

Tools kinda depend on what your working on for cars.

 

[quneur]

O-ring pliers?
scanner?
torque wrench?

 

[Fedwrench]

Thanks Fedwrench! How many times would you exercise the flat band clamp before you would no longer trust it and need to replace it?

What about this VIM tools set?

I am looking to be prepared to deal with door panel removal on MB.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance


EDIT: is this the Mayhew plier you recommend?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t..._shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=A30DGJTMHYAU9C&v=glance

Is the Mayhew Cat's Paw (45650) for $40 any good?

I'm not sure what trim tools you need for MB. The Vim set you linked is a nice set too. I have rebadged Matco pieces from that set.
Yes, those are the fixed hose clamp pliers I use along with Mayhews cable operated set. The cat's paw set is the same but, imported. This Astro Pneumatic set is rebadged and sold by most tool trucks. It's a durable set and at $31 a decent price.
http://www.tooltopia.com/astropneumaticast9409a.aspx

 

[Goinlow]

O-ring pliers?
scanner?
torque wrench?

Curious as to what o-rings are really useful for? I haven't seen anyone use them yet.

 

[00S4Boy]

Curious as to what o-rings are really useful for? I haven't seen anyone use them yet.

Any bolt on connection for a hose.

A/C
P/S
A/T
Oil