Advice and random thoughts for those starting out.

[vavet]

The box doesn't do the work. You and the tools do the work. Don't blow a big wad on the flashy, shiny box. It's tempting. You need something big enough so that you can stay organized. Start with a used CL box or even a new HF box. It'll get you going.

Buy what you borrow. Most of the more experienced guys are happy to lend you less commonly used tools if you've demonstrated that you're willing to invest in them yourself. You can't buy everything at once and you wouldn't want to anyway because you don't know going in what you'll be using. I asked the service manage and shop foreman several times for a basic tool list before starting a job as a service tech. There was no existing list. The best i could do was ask the more experienced guys to walk me through their boxes and ask for their advice on where to spend more and where to spend less. Some of the most experienced, well-respected, high earning guys had the most humble boxes, but their stuff was organized.

 

[Magnum440d100]

Aaron_W's post (early in this thread) had to do with a $500 budget for a new automotive tech. i replied to that post. In that scenario, the tech will need to buy a core set of tools for $500. Waiting to find a nice tool at a garage sale or under the Christmas tree really wasn't an option. Of course, that's always an option for a DIY weekender.

Exactly..

But if you buy entry level tools that work, the upgrade comes over time as money allows. Plus you’ll never know when or where you’ll find quality tools.

For instance:

Yesterday I had to go to the junkyard to get parts. At the entrance was a giant box of tools for sale, $1 each. Picked up a Snap on wrench and a socket. I already have both, but they’re Chinese Craftsman. That’s an upgrade right there.

Then I noticed the Klein “Made In USA” screwdrivers and got those too. $1 each x 2 screwdrivers.

So $4 for probably about $40-$50 worth of tools.

If you’re patient and can make do with entry level stuff in the mean time, you can upgrade a box for fairly cheap if you don’t mind used tools.

I guess my point is, be patient, look for deals while using what you can afford.