What Snap On tools should beginning mechanic buy first?

OldsRocket · Apr 2, 2011

First I want to say I did a search and read the recommendations of first tools for beginning mechanic/technicians.

However, I am wondering which Snap On tools a mechanic should buy first? What do you use and abuse most often as a mechanic?

Wrenches? Regular ratchets/sockets? Impact wrenches/sockets?

Which items are MOST IMPORTANT to get as Snap On and which can you get by with other tools. For example, are the serpentine belt tools, general brake tools, ball joint tools, hose clamp cable pliers, etc. that much better than other brands? Are they all actually made by Snap On or are they manufactured by someone else and just have Snap On name?

fatfillup · Apr 2, 2011

Ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers and cutters.

toolnut · Apr 2, 2011

The ones you could afford. Never get in over your head and if you can't afford the Snap-on version find a substitute and trade up when you can. I always try to pay cash and wait for the deals from my Snap-on guy. Trade-ins and repos are sometimes the way to buy. My 2 cents.

DanCo · Apr 2, 2011

Ratchets, buy it quality the first time. you should start with those

DaleK · Apr 2, 2011

Used ones.

crewchief888 · Apr 2, 2011

first thing that comes to mind is buying good ratchets, whether they are SO or matco, i dont think it really matters, more of a personal preference on what feels right.
comfort grip vs hard handle vs knurling, vs ........

same with screwdrivers, some prefer cushioned grips, some prefer hard handles.

:beer:

Moose-LandTran · Apr 2, 2011

TF72, FHF80, FLF80, SF80, 24" breaker bar.

MechManiac · Apr 2, 2011

SO fine tooth ratchets first...or any other reputable brand. It's a lot for a newbie but it pays off really quickly

tw33k2514 · Apr 2, 2011

Wrenches, ratchets, impact sockets and prybars.

IR, CP, and Aircat make great air tools. Although I love my MG325.

Get extensions from Matco. They are much cheaper.

Chrome sockets, I like SK. But really just find a nice quality set and don't waist your money on SO.

And of course Channellock/knipex for pliers.

rsanter · Apr 2, 2011

you buy what you will use the most
to me thats:
ratchets
base set of sockets
base set of wrenches

whenI say 'base' I mean a smaller set of the most used sizes. that may only be a set of 9-11 pieces
suplement this with Cman
the Cman stuff will end us later as you backup/abuse items

look for used stuff

sales pitch
I have a nice set of MAC metric wrenches for sale if you need some

bob

otis66 · Apr 2, 2011

impact sockets, flare nut wrenches, angle wrenches.

Farmrod · Apr 2, 2011

ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, and impacts 3/8 and 1/2"

ourkid2000 · Apr 2, 2011

toolnut said:
The ones you could afford. Never get in over your head and if you can't afford the Snap-on version find a substitute and trade up when you can. I always try to pay cash and wait for the deals from my Snap-on guy. Trade-ins and repos are sometimes the way to buy. My 2 cents.

+1 on this.....

That being said, spending the $$ on ratchets, screw drivers & pliers in the beginning wouldn't set you back "too" much and they'll last you a lifetime.

The rest, buy good quality substitutes and trade up as you go. If you're using them for your job it's a great opportunity to build a nicely equipped home tool set with your old tools as you trade up.

mrholeshot · Apr 2, 2011

Ratchets, Screwdrivers, A set of 1/2 to 3/8 impact locking extensions. Keep a running truck account and try to keep the balance under 500 dollars. It insures you will see the toolman each week. He needs you more than you need him. Remember that

idoitproject · Apr 2, 2011

Instinct screw drivers, you will thank me later.

richfinn · Apr 2, 2011

If your just starting out your going to be servicing cars, taking wheels off to check pads and doing oil/Filter changes and simple stuff like changing bulbs and checking tyre pressures. I would get a nice used tool cart and then get the following tools.

The best 1/2" drive impact wrench you can afford.

A set of deep lug nut Impact sockets.

A 1/2" drive Torque wrench.

A ratchet screwdriver and bits (for undertrays, headlamp mounts etc.)

A relevant oil filter tool for whatever you work on.

3/8" drive socket set with spark plug sockets/hex/torx bits included.

a tyre inflator with gauge.

Combination Spanners.

Pliers/cutters/needle nose/vise grips.

creativecars · Apr 2, 2011

Vaseline!!! :lol_hitti

Agreed with below, but...
My thought if you are on a tight budget, buy what you can with Craftsman (or the like). If you only have $500.00 to spend and have no other tools to start with, than SO is not for you, you can't do much work with 500 worth of SO. You can make much more money (work) with 500 worth of other tools.

Quote:
Originally Posted by toolnut
The ones you could afford. Never get in over your head and if you can't afford the Snap-on version find a substitute and trade up when you can. I always try to pay cash and wait for the deals from my Snap-on guy. Trade-ins and repos are sometimes the way to buy. My 2 cents.

+1 on this.....

That being said, spending the $$ on ratchets, screw drivers & pliers in the beginning wouldn't set you back "too" much and they'll last you a lifetime.

The rest, buy good quality substitutes and trade up as you go. If you're using them for your job it's a great opportunity to build a nicely equipped home tool set with your old tools as you trade up.

Fedwrench · Apr 2, 2011

None. Unless you have a student discount through your vocational education program.
As somone else pointed out, an entry level tech will start out in the lube/tire/quick lane area. You'll generally be slinging oil, tire rotations, and very minor repairs such as replacing bulbs.
Snap on tools for these tasks are overkill. They are great tools but, you would be better off with a lesser brand initially. Besides there are so many techs that start out and later (within the first year) discover that life as an auto tech isn't for them. Life is good without a weekly tool bill but, that's just me.
Later, as your skills improve and you stay in the field, I would look at snap on flare nut crowfoot wrenches and line wrenches.

BJ42LX · Apr 2, 2011

1) 3/8" ratchet, short sockets (metric, SAE), breaker bar, 6" extension
2) 1/2" ratchet, short sockets (metric, SAE), breaker bar, 6" extension
3) Screwdrivers: 1, 2 Phillips, 1/4" and 5/16" flat

4) Combo Wrench set (metric, SAE)
5) 3/8" deep sockets (metric, SAE)
6) Deep impact 1/2" (metric, SAE)
7) 1/2" deep sockets (non-impact, metric, SAE)

1-3 are interchangeable in order, as are 4-7. You can get by with two or three channellock pliers, Craftsman adjustables and a couple China hammers.

BJ42LX · Apr 2, 2011

mrholeshot said:
Keep a running truck account and try to keep the balance under 500 dollars.

Good advice there. If he'll loan you the money for free (no interest) take it. But you have to keep it under control, hence the $500 limit.

bobcatdan · Apr 2, 2011

You need to buy the tools to do your job. Sockets, wrenches, pilers, screwdrivers and an impact. Don't buy junk, but you don't need Snap on right off the bat. What you buy now can turn into your second set for home. SO ratchets are nice, but you don't need 20 different ones, find the style you like and use the most and buy that one. Don't buy things until you need them, like a prowerprobe 3 if all you do is rotate tires. Try to plan out a way to grow your set. Buy used when it comes along.

spongerich · Apr 2, 2011

I'd definitely start with a set of Dual80 Ratchets. SO Wrenches are nice, but I'd check out the other truck brands too to see what fits your hand best. I had some stubby Mac wrenches that I never would have parted with if they were metric...

I wouldn't count out the "lesser" brands like SK for wrenches and sockets either. Even if you've got tools that are warrantied, it's always great to have extras of the stuff you use the most and used SK wrenches and sockets often cost only $1-$2 a piece.

Skin · Apr 2, 2011

i'll second fedwrench, none. There are no hard line tools you cant buy elsewhere for far less money. As you get going replace your cheaper tools as you break them, this indicates they see enough use that it may be a smarter move. This suggestion isnt made just because SO is expensive but also a starting tech statistically wont last even 2 years.

Things i'd seriously consider on discount right off the bat, would be a nice service cart and SO bit sockets [torx, hex] but thats it.

OldsRocket · Apr 2, 2011

I have to say the guys on this forum are awesome! I really appreciate how particular you folks are (people giving part numbers is much appreciated) and the good advice as well. I worked at Pep Boys years ago as an installer and due to a layoff in a completely unrelated field I was fortunate to get hired back. This time I am really wanting to learn everything I can and advance as fast as possible. I have worked on cars for years (old ones though, mainly 60s GM) so I know how to do basic things.

I have a tool set at home but I am not really wanting to take it to work. I have old USA made Husky wrenches, sockets, ratchets, etc. They have served me well for working at home so I am hesitant to buy a slightly more expensive set since I already have a good "home" tool set.

I have been checking out the Williams Supercombo wrenches, the SK Superkrome, and Craftsman Professional. I am unsure about the Williams because they have the "teeth" like the flank drive plus and I think I would like to avoid that. The SK Superkrome I really can't find much information on. The Craftsman Professional would be nice but I can't find any of their wrenches that aren't made in China. The Sears by me sells individual Craftsman Professional USA but not in the set. I have also read that people order the Professionals and they receive the Chinese ones.

It seems that for about $200 I can get a base set of Snap On wrenches 10-19mm. That isn't too much more expensive than the Williams or SK wrenches.

Will Craftsman impact sockets hold up?

Will the US General 5 drawer cart be adequate for shop environment?

Skin · Apr 2, 2011

By your choices i'm guessing you want to stick with domestic manufacture so i'll for-go suggesting the likes of Sunex/GP impacts. Yes Cman will hold up.

As far as wrenches, see if your store has these Cman sets.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934273000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

Exact same Cman Pro wrenches sans the "Pro" on the packaging. The wrenches are identical though.

I wouldnt look at SK stuff as a good indicator of pricing. Since there is no active supply yet people are gouging and have been since SK went bust. The prices should return to normal in time.

OldsRocket · Apr 2, 2011

What general brake tools or fuel line disconnect tools are necessary? Is the KD tools 15 piece brake service set any good? Or the KD fuel line disconnect kit? Or is that something you buy from the SO truck?

nissan_crawler · Apr 2, 2011

fatfillup said:
Ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers and cutters.

Agreed.

toolnut said:
The ones you could afford. Never get in over your head and if you can't afford the Snap-on version find a substitute and trade up when you can. I always try to pay cash and wait for the deals from my Snap-on guy. Trade-ins and repos are sometimes the way to buy. My 2 cents.

Also agreed.

OldsRocket said:
It seems that for about $200 I can get a base set of Snap On wrenches 10-19mm. That isn't too much more expensive than the Williams or SK wrenches.

Will Craftsman impact sockets hold up?

Will the US General 5 drawer cart be adequate for shop environment?

Several things. One, watch ebay, http://www.cripedistributing.com/, http://store.harryepstein.com/c/Closeouts.html, amazon, craigslist, etc.

I just bought a 1/4"-1" snap on wrench set from a member on here for $200, and it was in great shape.

I say get yourself a snap-on ratchet for each drive size, you'll love them at home, even if this doesn't work. I would also get a basic snap on screwdriver set.

As for the rest of the wrenches/sockets/pliers/get the deals you can find for now. When you get settled in, you can decide what tools you want to swap out, and you'll also see what tools so-and-so has, that you like.

I started out with a large amount of Craftsman stuff. Most guys started out with a small amount of snap-on stuff that cost more money...guess who had the tools to do more work?

Don't get me wrong, I'm slowly swapping over to Snap-on, knipex, proto, etc...but the craftsman stuff opened a bigger door to start with, and got the job done.

For impact sockets, check out sunex/gray pneumatic. Again, check for these at the above sites, sometimes you can find screaming deals. Don't be afraid to buy used. I have Snap-On tool sets that cost me 1/4 as much as the guys that bought new...sure, there are a few scratches, and even some engravings...guess what? The job still gets done, and more jobs can be done, because that means I can buy 4x as many tools.

I'm not dogging, snap-on, I love snap-on tools. However, when you're starting out, if it's the difference between 4x as much craftsman (or whatever), and 1/4 as much snap-on, you're going to get more work done with 4x as many tools. They may not last, but you can deal with that on an individual basis as they wear out.

LawnDart79 · Apr 2, 2011

When I first started out as an auto tech, I bought a 200+ piece Craftsman set of tools. Once I got my feet wet, I replaced the ratchets and wrenches with Snap-On. Best decision I made as Snap-On wrenches and ratchets are far superior to Craftsman.

However, to this day I still use all the chrome sockets I got with this set. I never felt the need to replace them. I've been using these sockets for around 15 years or so. I have, however, added to my socket collection with Mac, Snap-On, Wright, etc.

Just do what you can afford, buy a little at a time and before long, you'll have quite a collection of tools.

ZRX61 · Apr 2, 2011

OldsRocket said:
Which items are MOST IMPORTANT to get as Snap On

Absolutely nothing. I've been turning wrenches for over 30 years.

OldsRocket said:
I have a tool set at home but I am not really wanting to take it to work. I have old USA made Husky wrenches, sockets, ratchets, etc. They have served me well for working at home so I am hesitant to buy a slightly more expensive set since I already have a good "home" tool set.

I work on multi-million $$ aircraft using GearWrench & Husky stuff. I won't recommend GearWrench because their warranty proceedure is ******** nightmare.

mtkst19 · Apr 2, 2011

buy their metric allen/hex set. it will save you in the long run and is worth the premium over any other brands.

AZ_Catskinner · Apr 2, 2011

If you really feel the need to have something Snappy in the box to start with, I recommend a ratcheting screwdriver - SSDMR4B or SSDMR4BO. The time saved on things like taillights and dashboards with one makes them pay for themselves pretty quickly.

DrkMtnDew · Apr 2, 2011

having been a beginning mechanic not too long ago, i would say that it is best to work without them for awhile. eventually you will know which ones will save you the most time and worth the expense. if you have money thats burning a hole in you pocket right now i'd recommend an FLF80. if you can wait thought and watch pawn shops and classifieds, you'll get far more bang for you buck.

What Snap On tools should beginning mechanic buy first?

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