Deisel tech first year tools?!

[SHolt]

Hi guys I'm going to be switching careers to a diesel tech. I would like to know what tools I will be needing in my first year? I have most the basics proto 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4" ratchets and deep/shallow sockets, 3"-8" extensions. Snap ring pliers, filter pliers, small punch set, 16oz ballpein hammer cp7748 1/2" impact, IR 3/8" ratchet and a set of metric and sae combination wrenches. And some odds and ends. What else would you guys recommend? I know I need lots more.
Thanks in advance for the advice guys.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=519994&stc=1&d=1453746026

 

[powerstroker]

Pry bars and a bigger hammer are good basics as well as a test light. What kind of environment will you be working in and on what specifically? Sounds like you have a good start. Are you switching over from working on cars or a totally different career?

 

[stevenhs]

Are you working with a tech? When I first started I used his tools. Eventually I knew what I needed the most.

 

[575cat]

Soap dispenser on tool box ??

 

[SHolt]

I'm trying to get on with peterbuilt pacific up here so I'll be working on tractor trailer units. I'm switching from a completely different career. I'm a carpenter now

 

[crewchief888]

a good DVM for a start.


until you know what you'll be doing, it's really hard to say...

torx bits a lot of them pesky screws are showing up

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Big tools like wrenches and a good 3/4" drive set.

 

[bcradio]

Start with the basics and build as needed. Get the best quality basics you can afford. Make sure you have impact sockets and impact swivels

 

[Empty Pockets]

You can always pick the brains of the techs currently working in the shop that you will be working for. Most shops have the BIG tools, but others dont. Much depends on your employer

 

[chris142]

I'm trying to get on with peterbuilt pacific up here so I'll be working on tractor trailer units. I'm switching from a completely different career. I'm a carpenter now

First you must know that there is no "U" in Peterbilt. Spell it wrong and you will be laughed at!

 

[bobcatdan]

Start with a good well rounded set so you can do the basic stuff they start you off with. From there show a genuine interest to learn and buddy up with the master techs. Ask them what you need. How I built my tools set was like this. I was paired up with a mentor in an apprenticeship. He had no issues with me using his tools. If I borrowed something three times, I put it high on the priority list and bought it.

 

[fordnut85]

1-1/8" Sockets and wrenches. Damn near everything on a big truck is 1-1/8 lol so make sure you got deep and shallow and swivel impact sockets in that size along with combo wrenches and angle wrenches.

After that make sure you have a good stout impact like ingersol rand titanium, line wrenches and angle wrenches are a good addition since there is alot of tubing on trucks. A good electrical repair kit (strippers, crimpers and a micro torch for heat shrink) A long 1/2" breaker bar and ratchet. Also, a cheap set of short (6' or so) ratchet straps for holding stuff out of you way.

Remember the golden rule of working with other techs, if you have to borrow it more than 3 times you need to buy your own!

 

[SHolt]

Oops damn auto correct. Yeah I'll have to talk to some red seal techs. So a good 3/4" drive set and with what I have now I should be almost good to start and I'll slowly aquire more over time.
Thanks guys

 

[brownbagg]

if you are in school just buy craftman, if you buy snap on, they will be stolen, just get good but cheap. after you start working then you can get snap on

 

[goodysgotacuda]

I'm trying to get on with peterbuilt pacific up here so I'll be working on tractor trailer units.

As an employee of Peterbilt Corporate, start with removing the "U" from the spelling of the brand, then look at tools.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I have most the basics proto 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4" ratchets and deep/shallow sockets, 3"-8" extensions. Snap ring pliers, filter pliers, small punch set, 16oz ballpein hammer cp7748 1/2" impact, IR 3/8" ratchet and a set of metric and sae combination wrenches. And some odds and ends

This should get you started with the basic jobs they give you.

You'll want to add a good multimeter to it. You can get a good enough basic one for under a hundred- just get something better than the harbor freight ****.

You'll want to get a prybar set- both the standard kind with striking caps and some ladysfoot and some "jimmy" bars like this kind

Suggest getting at least a 36" prybar now and bigger later as you need them.

Bigger hammers too. You can't have enough hammers or prybars in this job. The ladysfoot and jimmy bars are good for aligning stuff and the ladysfoot can sometimes be used to pull seals.

So a good 3/4" drive set and with what I have now I should be almost good to start and I'll slowly aquire more over time.
Thanks guys

Before you buy the 3/4 set talk to the other techs. you can probably hold off on 3/4 sockets for a little while plus you may be able to just get impact sockets and the snap on ratchet/breaker bar.

 

[fordnut85]

Also, be sure to ask them what tools are required for employment as some employers have a list of tools they expect you to have. Conversely, see what tooling, if any, they provide.

 

[youngunn2008]

GOOD torx bits, buy snap on or matco, craftsman twist for me, E torx, jumbo hex bits in sae and metric, brand name flare nut wrenches in sae and metric, not spreader Craftsman ones, GOOD DMM, test light, trailer pigtail tester, cheater pipes, big pry bars, pipe wrenches, up to 36", shop should have 48", 3/4" impact, 3/4 socket set, extendable handle 3/4 ratchet (for pulling 90s on head bolts), GOOD 3/4 to 1/2 adapter for same reason, don't want one twisting off, variety of lengths of extensions and wobble extensions in all drives, swivel impact sockets in sae and mm in 3/8 and 1/2, jumbo crowsfeet in sae and mm, big combo wrenches (1" and up), t handle hexes for setting overheads, good torque wrenches, sledgehammer, mini sledge, assortment of coolant reservoir adaptors, dial indicator, tap and die set, davco fuelpro wrenches in 6" and 8", feeler gauge set, those little hand torque wrenches that are preset for 8 in-lb for Cummins valve adjustment, good flashlights, cordless impacts and drills for on the road...

Oh yeah 8 pt sockets, especially 5/16" and 5/8"

That should get you started

 

[SHolt]

I know I know I my phone put the u in for me my bad lol Goodysgotacuda. Ok so I have some more investing in tools yet this is all great and helpful info guys much appreciated.

 

[youngunn2008]

I know I know I my phone put the u in for me my bad lol Goodysgotacuda. Ok so I have some more investing in tools yet this is all great and helpful info guys much appreciated.

No problem

Oh also get the Blue Point CHN410 parrot jaw pliers from snapon. Will tenaciously grip anything, forget vise grips.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I can confidently say (as a past employee of Kenworth), that you'll be doing a lot of "Full Service" work on tractor trailers, chasing lighting issues (corroded wiring), air leaks, and brakes (HEAVY, HEAVY DRUM BRAKES). I lucked out that we didn't do tires or paint.

A few things offhand that were invaluable:
CAT 185-3630 Filter Strap Wrench
OTC 4561 Large Filter Pliers (3-3/4" - 7")
A good Digital Multimeter, or at least a test light in the meantime.
Flare nut wrench set and stubby wrench set - For air lines
Lisle 45900 Hood Prop - For holding down clutch pedals during adjustments
Lisle Jeepers Creeper - You will use this every single day, buy one so you don't have to borrow.

Be ready to get some **** for a service taking too long. You should be able to get it streamlined to about 30 minutes for a truck and trailer when you get the routine down.

 

[youngunn2008]

+1 to oil filter wrenches, the ones that go on a ratchet, I have 3 different sizes. Then two sizes of hand filter wrenches for fuel filters, and they make a special pedal prop too if that Lisle one don't work for ya

As for how long a PM should take, it depends on if it's just LOF or a thorough inspection too. I take 2 hours to do a really good inspection and lube oil filter change. Sometimes a little longer depending on how things are going. Just don't rush and cut corners and miss things during an inspection, commercial vehicles are crucial to catch issues as it can kill people if you don't. You will get faster with time and experience.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

As for how long a PM should take, it depends on if it's just LOF or a thorough inspection too. I take 2 hours to do a really good inspection and lube oil filter change. Sometimes a little longer depending on how things are going. Just don't rush and cut corners and miss things during an inspection, commercial vehicles are crucial to catch issues as it can kill people if you don't. You will get faster with time and experience.

Where I was working there was a big difference between "Full Service" and a DOT inspection. DOT we took our time and made sure EVERYTHING was checked and covered.

Full service was filters, oil, grease every point, gear oil levels, coolant check, lights check, horn and gauges check, fluid and air leaks check, brake check, hub oil levels, shakedown suspension and brakes, and keeping eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. I think that was it, but it's been a couple of years.

Everything under vehicle was easy to do in one run, taking extra time to fight with the grease hose and can that loved to get hooked on every tire and crack in the cement,, and then decide to **** grease in your face, because why wouldn't it

 

[youngunn2008]

Where I was working there was a big difference between "Full Service" and a DOT inspection. DOT we took our time and made sure EVERYTHING was checked and covered.

Full service was filters, oil, grease every point, gear oil levels, coolant check, lights check, horn and gauges check, fluid and air leaks check, brake check, hub oil levels, shakedown suspension and brakes, and keeping eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. I think that was it, but it's been a couple of years.

Everything under vehicle was easy to do in one run, taking extra time to fight with the grease hose and can that loved to get hooked on every tire and crack in the cement, and then decide to **** grease in your face, because why wouldn't it

Lol I know right? I hate greasing trucks. The place I worked before this had pits... Those were great for PMs.

 

[powerstroker]

Some good suggestions here. I would grab some pens, some sort of notepad, some highlighters and a clip board. Ruler and a tape measure come in handy too. Just basic stuff to be help you be organized and prepared. Looks very professional to be prepared. I like to carry a good penlight, pen and pocket screwdriver in my pocket at all times aswell.

 

[youngunn2008]

Some good suggestions here. I would grab some pens, some sort of notepad, some highlighters and a clip board. Ruler and a tape measure come in handy too. Just basic stuff to be help you be organized and prepared. Looks very professional to be prepared. I like to carry a good penlight, pen and pocket screwdriver in my pocket at all times aswell.

+1 on a high quality ink pen, streamlight pen light, and pocket screwdriver, and I also carry a pocket extendable magnet for when I drop that nut on the floor and just can't quite reach and don't want to walk over to my box.

 

[rockinacummins]

Diagnostic tool and multimeter.

 

[Ruger_556]

I can confidently say (as a past employee of Kenworth), that you'll be doing a lot of "Full Service" work on tractor trailers, chasing lighting issues (corroded wiring), air leaks, and brakes (HEAVY, HEAVY DRUM BRAKES). I lucked out that we didn't do tires or paint.

A few things offhand that were invaluable:
CAT 185-3630 Filter Strap Wrench
OTC 4561 Large Filter Pliers (3-3/4" - 7")
A good Digital Multimeter, or at least a test light in the meantime.
Flare nut wrench set and stubby wrench set - For air lines
Lisle 45900 Hood Prop - For holding down clutch pedals during adjustments
Lisle Jeepers Creeper - You will use this every single day, buy one so you don't have to borrow.

Be ready to get some **** for a service taking too long. You should be able to get it streamlined to about 30 minutes for a truck and trailer when you get the routine down.

They make a pedal holder for that, Lisle 21520.

I see people recommending preset torque wrenches for engine work, diagnostic tools, and complete 3/4 sets etc... NO!!!! You're going to be greasing trucks, save your money. You will figure out what you need as you work your way up to more difficult jobs.

 

[powerstroker]

Get yourself set up well to do basic jobs. Oil filter wrenches, creeper, a punch for oil filters, sockets for cartridge style filters and so on. You will be starting off doing services and basic repairs. It sounds like you have a good base set of hand tools and that should cover most of what you will need to get started. As you work your way up you will find need for more and that's when you get it. Start a list of things you've had to borrow. Keep a running tally. When the item on the list gets a second check beside it, it's time to start researching where to buy that item. I try to stick to that because I've found it a cost effective way to get what I need as I need it.

 

[SHolt]

Awesome thanks guys. I'm excited to get my new career underway.

 

[powerstroker]

Keep us updated on how it goes! Have you been hired yet or just in the looking stage now?

 

[SHolt]

In the looking stage at the moment. I'm still building houses and Tim Hortons right now. Can't wait for the change. I'm going in fairly green here I work on my own vehicles and worked as a lube / brake guy for a year when I was younger. Wish I had gone down that path when I was younger

 

[powerstroker]

I really enjoy the work. Great career with lots of opportunities. Lube and brake work is good experience as that is the type of stuff that you will start out doing.

 

[SHolt]

Awesome. Thanks so much guys I'm more and more excited every day

 

[SHolt]

Powerstroker do you work on tractor trailer units or diesel pickups? I like the red Powerstroke is a the 7.3 or 6.0

 

[powerstroker]

My truck is a 7.3. I work on big trucks, at an International dealer. International dealership is a good place to apply if there is one close by to you. Always lots of work on those trucks.

 

[SHolt]

Lol yes there is and there is one close by to me too

I own the 05 6.0 love working on it

 

[powerstroker]

International would be a good place to put a resume in. We do lots of engine work on them, great place to get some experience.

 

[truckdriver]

12pt sockets in both 3/8 and 1/2 drive.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Some dealerships will do "Job Shadowing" for people interested in getting into the field. Just call and ask, and they'll schedule you for a shift working with a tech and helping him out. I did one at CAT when I started in school, and it was a good time. They weren't hiring at the time, but the guy I worked with was recommending me to the shop manager at the end of the day.