ASE Medium-Heavy Diesel Tool Set

[Solemn]

I recently became an apprentice ASE medium-heavy and within the past two months realized I hate borrowing from co-workers(the other apprentice loses everyone's stuff) and I want to start my own budget set that I can upgrade to Matco/Snapon/Cornwell/Mac or whatever expensive tool truck may catch my fancy.

The senior mechanic has told me to go to harbor freight but I'm not familiar with any of their brands via experience. I have however used much of the Husky line at home depot and I especially love the thinness and feel of their ratchets and wrenches. I have a craftsman 250 piece set(not enough) and I despise the ratchets and sockets.

So, gonna change everything to husky and I've been making a long list of everything I use on a day to day basis and finding it at THD. Haven't had a chance to use things like multimeters or anything, basically pure hand tools and power/air tools which the senior mechanic makes me aware I need every day. I don't know if you can see the link but...

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/MyHomeDepotList.pdf?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&listId=86374404(it has pictures )

Or so you don't have to link out

1/2 Deep/normal metric/sae sockets+ratchet
3/8 Deep/normal metric/sae sockets+ratchet & Bit Driver Set
1/4 Deep/normal metric/sae sockets+ratchet
Socket adapter set
1/2+3/8+1/4 Extension sets

1/2 Deep/normal metric/sae impact sockets
3/8 Metric/sae impact sockets

3/8 & 1/2 Breaker bar
Cordless 3/8 18v impact wrench
IR 1/2 impact wrench & ratchet
12v Dremel
Die grinder
Truck PSI gauge
25pc Air tool kit

Ratcheting Scredriver & and socket bit set
Metric/SAE ratcheting flex wrenches
Metric/SAE reversible ratcheting wrenches
Metric/SAE stubby ratcheting wrenches
Adjustable wrenches
Normal & mini pliers
Hex Keys
File set
Chisel Set
Rubber & metal deadblow hammer
Fiber glass hammer
Pry bar
Utility knives
Tape Measure
Magnetic pick up tool & Tray
Work Light with magnetic base and swivel
Knee Pads
Grease Gun
Air tool oil

Creeper
Work stool
Tool bags
1/2+3/8+1/4 magnetic socket rails
International 42in roller cabinet (Idk much about boxes to know if this is good)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beyond what's on that list I have no idea what I may need because I have not used it or had to borrow it or I already have it i.e. slip joint filter wrenches, strap filter wrench, tread depth gauge, torx bits.

So what am I missing that the general diesel tech might use? And looking for a good heavy duty roller cabinet for my tools that will be able to handle me for awhile until I decide to upgrade to a end tool box from one of the trucks?

P.S. Anyone know/have/used a great rechargeable headlight?
P.P.S. I did see GearWrench has a intermediate diesel tool set for 1-2 grand but I have no experience with them

 

[RedneckWelder]

Looks good and will probably do fine. I'm going to give you another option, though...

You know you could strike price balance between cheap tools and really expensive tools and buy one of the industrial brands like Proto, Wright, Williams, Armstrong, and there is also SK. I would STRONGLY look at those brands- the same quality as the truck brands while being much less in price most of the time.

As far as a box, Harbor Freight is pretty damn good. Take a gander at the 56" combo, should do you for a while. That and the 5 drawer roll cart is what I would consider getting.

Work gave me a 40" Snap On roll cab. it did not take long at all to fill it, which is why I suggest stepping up to at least a 56" box.

 

[AndrewV]

Gearwrench is another option.
Good quality, and price.

Impact sockets, i'de start with sunex. Have had them for years. No issue at all.
Or hf impacts. They work, and cheap. Warranty is good to.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Dont rush to grab 3/4 stuff i bet your job will supply a lot of it. You will want your own eventually though. Looks like decent list you have. You need some more and bigger hammers and pry bars. HF and NT both have stuff similar price to HD and better quality in some cases so definitely check them out especially if they are in your area.

If you dont like craftsman thats fine but I think their usa stuff is mostly pretty good. The hammers and pry bars are. The ratchets at least their RP ones are junk. RP wrenches fine by me. Punches and Chisels the cheap sets arent worth a damn and will break or bend easily. Craftsman has USA ones.

If you have the time research it a bit more dont put all your eggs in the HD basket.HF has stuff worth buying like the deadblow and drilling hammers. HF impact sockets are great. HF breaker bars are good. Just get pittsburgh pro if you get HF stuff. Do you have all the stuff you need to do PM's?

Craftsman USA or Northern Tool's Klutch wrenchs are good for cheap ones. Klutch Jumbo wrenches are good especially. You probably wanna get some Angle wrenches too.

Worth taking the time to check out cripedistributing.com and cripedistributing ebay. Also check out http://www.harryepstein.com/

Good luck.

 

[SantaAna12]

You are ahead of the game! Your competition loses his senior's tools. Man....if you cant nail this you don't deserve it.

FWIW: Keep a running conversation with the lead that is recommending HF. Find out which specific tools he likes....and consider them....more importantly....let him give you his 2cents.
For heavy diesel work...I personally have to question HF as my main source. And HD? No. Over time.....Redneck Welder is on the money.

Good Luck!

Maybe just wait? Watch and learn? Keep an eye on apprentice #2.....when he leaves others tools out at the end of the day? Make sure they get back.

 

[rlebroke51]

test light, wire strippers, crimper, vise grips. you will quickly figure out what you need on a day to day basis. also you might want to consider checking on amazon for some things on your list instead of entirely HD it will save you money and you will probably be able to find some more quality things.

 

[Solemn]

The main reason I was going all THD was because I get a 10% discount on the entire order lol.

@Redneck
I've already got some Matco for PMs but my boss told me to get a barebones set and add as I find I need more stuff. He bought me a rechargeable flashlight because I was greasing in the dark lol.

I have looked at toolwarehouse but since I was unfamiliar with brands I kind of stayed away. I know Husky well, but everything was foreign and they have the lifetime guarantee so worse case scenario I have to go down the street to replace something, if it's used often, I'll probably get it from Matco(the snap on guy doesn't seem to notice I'm around...)

@blackwire
I saw GearWrench has a full intermediate diesel set for 1.4 grand on toolwarehouse but I didn't know if it was a good brand or anything. My senior mechanic has some ratcheting wrenches but he also has things no one should have either lol

@Andrew
the intermediate diesel set from GW made me pretty interested, good to know they are reputable
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-57276-gearwrench-83096.aspx
that alone would take a lot off my list lol

@Mechanist
I'm gonna check those sites out. Thanks!

@Santa
I tend to leave apprentice number 2 alone. He went to to UTI for 2 years and since he knows more than me he feels he technically knows all. His favorite line goes "<insert tool> you're gonna wanna invest in that" to which I saw oh. Not that he's wrong or anything lol, but I don't need his 2 cents while I'm asking the senior mechanic what I need. Oh, he's messy with his tools, working on car transports all day his tools are all over the place.

@rle
haven't used those yet to know their uses unfortunately, so I will be adding like you said. All HD was due to just knowing their line and having used them a lot.

I'm gonna check out Pittsburgh and HF in general for the tool boxes. Another question, let's say I chose all GearWrench, everything from them pretty good?

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Do your research. I think for the price of some of the GW stuff, there are similar/better tools for cheaper definitely. USA stuff too. Some of the newer GW stuff is China. I know its tempting to just buy a big set all at once and be done with it, but I wouldn't recommend it.

It will be cheaper I think, and definitely have better quality tools for cheaper, to order everything individually. Plus no one company is the best for everything. You are gonna want something from everyone.

You should check this thread out also:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186713

 

[Joe green]

if you look on cl sometimes people get rid of their whole toolbox full of tools. they can be an absolute bargain.

 

[Solemn]

@Machanist
cool thread

@black
gonna pick up a test light from HF later today and some other stuff

@Joe
most stuff on cl was 5k plus, my limit is 3k

 

[sberry]

If the senior man in your place feels that is sufficient I think he will respect that way more than a fancy brand. At one time I would have been leery not so much now.
I have seen some real brutal shops with shared everything using the stuff and it seems to work just fine. You as a single user would never be able to replicate the duty. Today its cheaper to get, break, replace the items that really don't work.
Find a few nice things used if they come along but don't do without now. Can buy a bit set for lunch money.
Despite the ratchets the Sears sets are a bargain. The quality has went up and the cost down. Buy a socket or 2 off the truck if its something you really terrorize but there is no need to have lots of expensive pieces riding the box for occasional use.

 

[chris142]

the ir impact is a good tool but so is the hf earthquake gun at 1\3 the price.dont forget yard sales and pawn shops.

 

[Ruger_556]

So what am I missing that the general diesel tech might use? And looking for a good heavy duty roller cabinet for my tools that will be able to handle me for awhile until I decide to upgrade to a end tool box from one of the trucks?

P.S. Anyone know/have/used a great rechargeable headlight?

Zebralight headlamps are worth their weight in gold. Buy the floody version

Indexing head pry bars for wheel seals etc are nice

6+ lb engineers hammer for installing wheel seals/driving races etc

These make doing brakes a lot easier http://shop.braketechtools.com/Air-Brake-Anchor-Spring-Pliers-for-ArvinMeritor-BC-100-ABASP-2008.htm

5/16 8 point socket for adjusting brakes

These are the best knee pads IMO http://www.mcdavidusa.com/Product/6440R/MCDAVID_Hex™_Knee_Elbow_
Shin_Pads.aspx

Channelock 480 pliers (The big ones, you'll know them when you see them)

12 point 1/2" socket for driveline bolts

Have you looked at NAPA's Carlyle line? Very much nicer than than Craftsman anymore.

When you decide you want/need a bigger box look at Proto. They sell MAC rebadges (same parent company) for less than half. I've been very happy with mine.

I see someone said they never used 3/8 drive on trucks Umm, yeah... You're going to want a 3/8 impact etc

Angle wrenches (Snap On is worth it in this case)

Ebay is your friend!

 

[hickfied]

I would buy harbor freight over husky any day.

get a set of the multi colored 3/8 sockets, deep and shallow 1/2" PRO impact sockets, earthquake 1/2" impact, and anything else you may need from there. The 3/4" sockets are ok, but the ratchet in the set isnt. Get another or just use a breaker bar.

Just getting into wrenching, i would rather have it cheaply, than not have it at all. Once you have pretty much everything covered, then you can afford to upgrade as it is needed.

 

[jmm]

@black
gonna pick up a test light from HF later today and some other stuff

Keep that test light away from computer circuits...

They'll probably nearly obsolete in our field in a few years. For me, it might as well be.

 

[kiatech]

+1 on the zebra headlamp

 

[Ruger_556]

Keep that test light away from computer circuits...

They'll probably nearly obsolete in our field in a few years. For me, it might as well be.

Which is almost everything now...

I like meters myself.

 

[sberry]

I would buy harbor freight over husky any day.

get a set of the multi colored 3/8 sockets, deep and shallow 1/2" PRO impact sockets, earthquake 1/2" impact, and anything else you may need from there. The 3/4" sockets are ok, but the ratchet in the set isnt. Get another or just use a breaker bar.

Just getting into wrenching, i would rather have it cheaply, than not have it at all. Once you have pretty much everything covered, then you can afford to upgrade as it is needed.

This is good. I have seen a lot of 3/4 sockets survive from cheap sets and agree the ratchets don't make it if they are used much.
I got to agree with the now vs later view while you wait for deals from sales.

 

[Solemn]

@Ruger
Those zebra headlamps look awesome

@hick
I would much rather have a huge majority now and be less tempted to buy from the truck especially when I don't know quality from trash atm

And is husky that bad?

Does anyone know if there's some way to get tools via grant or loan? I'm pretty sure at this point I'm in good at my job since the boss has been buying me stuff

 

[jd_1138]

@Ruger
Those zebra headlamps look awesome

@hick
I would much rather have a huge majority now and be less tempted to buy from the truck especially when I don't know quality from trash atm

And is husky that bad?

Does anyone know if there's some way to get tools via grant or loan? I'm pretty sure at this point I'm in good at my job since the boss has been buying me stuff

Could take out a personal loan at your credit union.

 

[Solemn]

Wanted to say thanks for all the help. The other apprentice was fired. Spoke to my boss and his son about a route for tools and he's going to buy all the tools I want or need and just deduct from paycheck. They're going to buy me predominantly SK.

Found a headlamp I find to be better than the zebra. A led lenser h7r.2 rechargeable with 20-300 lumens and a twist focus

Since I don't have to worry about finding what I needed anymore I can't across http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KPU8MK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Technicians on there are swearing by it but I think if I asked my boss he would just say all I need is a test light

 

[Piles]

Wanted to say thanks for all the help. The other apprentice was fired. Spoke to my boss and his son about a route for tools and he's going to buy all the tools I want or need and just deduct from paycheck. They're going to buy me predominantly SK.

Found a headlamp I find to be better than the zebra. A led lenser h7r.2 rechargeable with 20-300 lumens and a twist focus

Since I don't have to worry about finding what I needed anymore I can't across http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KPU8MK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Technicians on there are swearing by it but I think if I asked my boss he would just say all I need is a test light

Sounds like you have a pretty cool boss. I wouldn't worry about a power probe. For how much the kit costs, there is ways around it. And this is someone who does a lot of electrical. Its a tool that sort of encompasses a few simple technologies in one. Slight timesaver I guess but I couldn't bring myself to spend the money when what I got works fine.

 

[Solemn]

88 versus 165 or even 200+, still not worth it?

 

[Piles]

88 versus 165 or even 200+, still not worth it?

Sorry I didn't realize that kit was only 88. Last I saw, which was a while ago it was around 300. Maybe that was a master kit though.

Perhaps then. Though I still think apprentices should learn using meters and sealed beam headlights or test lights. IMO it could give them a better understanding of electrical, rather than blindly throwing power and ground at stuff.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Sorry I didn't realize that kit was only 88. Last I saw, which was a while ago it was around 300. Maybe that was a master kit though.

Perhaps then. Though I still think apprentices should learn using meters and sealed beam headlights or test lights. IMO it could give them a better understanding of electrical, rather than blindly throwing power and ground at stuff.

I've never used a power probe but the power probe 3 master set is $130 shipped on tooltopia.com

 

[Piles]

I've never used a power probe but the power probe 3 master set is $130 shipped on tooltopia.com

Like I said it was a while ago last I remember seeing it. Maybe that was off one of the trucks or something with a big mark up?

 

[Solemn]

Sorry I didn't realize that kit was only 88. Last I saw, which was a while ago it was around 300. Maybe that was a master kit though.

Perhaps then. Though I still think apprentices should learn using meters and sealed beam headlights or test lights. IMO it could give them a better understanding of electrical, rather than blindly throwing power and ground at stuff.

I don't disagree with you, I'll be getting a test light soon, but it was more if a question for a future purchase. In your opinion would this be the penultimate tool for a technician? I do everything they allow me to do except for electrical at this point but I was told it is coming soon.

Everyone at my job has 20+ years on me and for them stuff like this isn't necessary nor do they care, they would all prefer to walk around with a flashlight in their mouths and change the batteries everyday, I other a rechargeable headlight lol.

But I'm a perfectionist and would prefer to make my job as easy and well done as possible.

 

[Ruger_556]

In my humble opinion, learn to use a meter 1st so that you fully understand what it is you are doing. Then start buying the specialty tools that will make you faster Too many people with tons of tools and no idea how to use them.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Like I said it was a while ago last I remember seeing it. Maybe that was off one of the trucks or something with a big mark up?

I wasn't saying you were wrong, normal price is around $300 like you saw, tool topia just has a huge discounted price on a lot of tools

 

[Piles]

I don't disagree with you, I'll be getting a test light soon, but it was more if a question for a future purchase. In your opinion would this be the penultimate tool for a technician? I do everything they allow me to do except for electrical at this point but I was told it is coming soon.

Everyone at my job has 20+ years on me and for them stuff like this isn't necessary nor do they care, they would all prefer to walk around with a flashlight in their mouths and change the batteries everyday, I other a rechargeable headlight lol.

But I'm a perfectionist and would prefer to make my job as easy and well done as possible.

If you are a perfectionist and would like to actually understand what it is you are looking for/fixing then a good meter is what you want. It is basically the foundation for electrical work. After you use it a while and learn its capabilities then you add on.

Like I said I haven't used a power probe. Maybe I really am missing out, but it seems like it is just jumper leads with a switch, a test light, and maybe a couple other little doo-dads rolled into one. Yeah it could save time, but there is a reason industry training is done with a meter.

It's almost like comparing an adjustable wrench to a whole set of combo wrenches. Yah they might both get the job done most of the time, and hell the crescent might even be quicker at times, but it isn't a replacement, nor 100% necessary like the combos are.

Lots of this work is preference though, you may find after you learn more about electrical the PP3 would be the cats ***. I just haven't had that epiphany yet

 

[Piles]

I wasn't saying you were wrong, normal price is around $300 like you saw, tool topia just has a huge discounted price on a lot of tools

Ahh I see. I never go on tooltopia, as last I checked they don't ship to canada.

 

[Solemn]

If you are a perfectionist and would like to actually understand what it is you are looking for/fixing then a good meter is what you want. It is basically the foundation for electrical work. After you use it a while and learn its capabilities then you add on.

Like I said I haven't used a power probe. Maybe I really am missing out, but it seems like it is just jumper leads with a switch, a test light, and maybe a couple other little doo-dads rolled into one. Yeah it could save time, but there is a reason industry training is done with a meter.

It's almost like comparing an adjustable wrench to a whole set of combo wrenches. Yah they might both get the job done most of the time, and hell the crescent might even be quicker at times, but it isn't a replacement, nor 100% necessary like the combos are.

Lots of this work is preference though, you may find after you learn more about electrical the PP3 would be the cats ***. I just haven't had that epiphany yet

I understand lol. So many techs swore by it and for 90, seems like a good future purchase. On a diesel forum they said to get a multi meter but no one in the shop really uses them but that might be because they're all 50+, me 21. Only the boss's son uses that and some other things.

Like I said though, I haven't done any electrical beyond replacing bulbs, and right now I'm learning to weld so r I'm not all that concerned but it seemed like an awesome tool

 

[BajaBound]

Buy JH williams USA wrenches. They have all the sizes you will need they are awesome wrenches and feel better than the snap on in hand.

 

[Solemn]

Buy JH williams USA wrenches. They have all the sizes you will need they are awesome wrenches and feel better than the snap on in hand.

My boss will be buying purely sk except he's going to matco for double box ratcheting wrenches

 

[BajaBound]

Congrats on getting a cool boss. Work your *** off to pay off the tools and learn all that you can. Congrats on the job.

 

[Solemn]

Congrats on getting a cool boss. Work your *** off to pay off the tools and learn all that you can. Congrats on the job.

Oh I am. Been there since the end of August and won my spot over the other apprentice.

 

[corrie]

What tool/tools do you borrow most?
Buy that first.
I wouldn't start replacing until you break something or have every tool you use daily.
Maybe if you really hate your ratchet try an SK or another industrial brand, should be able to get one used or cheap.
Don't rush to buy things, if you buy right the first time you can use most tools a lifetime.
Good luck.

 

[crewchief888]

my one suggestion would be,
if you are planning on a puchasing a cordless 3/8" dr impact, go with a brushless Li-ion gun, and grab an LED flashlight that takes the same battery.


you already sorta know what you use daily, i wouldnt buy cheap tools for those everyday tasks.

you may (or may not) already be finding the limitations of your tools, replace those with better quality.

 

[Solemn]

my one suggestion would be,
if you are planning on a puchasing a cordless 3/8" dr impact, go with a brushless Li-ion gun, and grab an LED flashlight that takes the same battery.


you already sorta know what you use daily, i wouldnt buy cheap tools for those everyday tasks.

you may (or may not) already be finding the limitations of your tools, replace those with better quality.


[emoji481]

My boss is going to supply that and he loves Milwaukee. I use LedLenser headlamp and never have a need for a drop light or anything. Some of my craftsman wrenches are bending slightly and the sockets round like no one's business

What tool/tools do you borrow most?
Buy that first.
I wouldn't start replacing until you break something or have every tool you use daily.
Maybe if you really hate your ratchet try an SK or another industrial brand, should be able to get one used or cheap.
Don't rush to buy things, if you buy right the first time you can use most tools a lifetime.
Good luck.

My boss's son is going to supply me with everything he uses and I'll pay it back in increments from each check. I mainly do pm at the moment and bought my impact, impact sockets, pry bars and general pm stuff from matco already. I was really just building a list for the future when I had the funds. Since they're going to buy me everything I find, want and or need I'll focus on getting stuff that makes my job easier like digital tire gauges.