Entry level tech tools

[ihasmiata?]

Ok, so I'm getting ready to take a entry level (hourly) tech position at the Acura dealership in my town.

And I don't have any air tools, I can't really afford any of the fancy brands at the time. And need something that will last for a little while, but needs to be within my budget.

I've been looking at some basic air tool kits from Craftsman, Kobalt, and Husky. I'm not particularly bias to any of these brands, but most of my hand tools are craftsman because there's a Sears 2 minutes from my house. And I usually only work on my personal car, family member's cars, and the occasional side job.

Reviews go from "GREAT!" to "JUNK!" so, any opinions on what will do fine with what I need.

Thanks in advance!


Craftsman- http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-10-pc-air-tool-set/p-00916852000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Kobalt- http://www.lowes.com/pd_2174-47120-...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

Husky- http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4-Tool-Air-Tool-Kit-HDK1008/203465606?N=c27h#.UlNezdJOOSo

 

[cryan]

Have a look on ebay,gumtree etc as there are lots of bargains for used tools.

 

[ihasmiata?]

I thought about that, but it seems with stuff like S.O and the other high end brands are still pretty pricey used. So I figured my best bet was one of those brands since they have some sort of a warranty.

 

[Fedwrench]

Your new employer knows of your tool inventory or lack there of? They've interviewed you and offered you the job?

Skip the kits you listed. They all basically ****, As a lube tech, you really only need to get wheels off and back on quickly. I'd get an IR231 or a clone, a handful of deep impact sockets 19, 21, 22mm and a couple of torque sticks. You also need a tire inflator with gauge.

Some Honda dealerships in my area provide the lube techs with tools because they work as a team. Good luck,

 

[scaron]

if you're looking for el cheapo i hear (relatively) good things about the HF "earthquake" 1/2" gun (fwiw i have no personal experience with this product).

 

[Nanashi]

IR makes some great tools and are sold at sears. I use snap on personally but I have a 20 year old IR 3/8" air ratchet that I use, my dad passed it down to me when I started my first auto job. The damn thing just won't die. I do like the IR line up swell both cordless and air.

 

[greasemonkey44]

if you're looking for el cheapo i hear (relatively) good things about the HF "earthquake" 1/2" gun (fwiw i have no personal experience with this product).

ive been running the earthquake 1/2 since may; works great, its heavy but the performance and durability makes it worth while
also seeing its a cheap gun i dont mind leaving it out over night or throwing it under a car and dragging it through the shop

a good assortment of 1/4 " sockets for air filters, and a few wrenches for the drain plugs on hondas and you would be all set

 

[e30bradley]

you got the job but you don't own tools? How do you know how to work on cars if you don't have tools? Anyway, I'd say get snap on used off ebay. Impacts for wheels, a full set of torque sticks, a good 1/2" impact, a good grease gun.. wait, cars dont have grease anymore. and then after that wrenches and sockets. If you want to get anywhere with this job you better invest a large portion of each paycheck into new tools.
buy the impact new. Look on here for discussions about impacts.

 

[ihasmiata?]

I dont see where everyone keeps assuming I dont have any tools. The only thing I said I didnt have was air tools. I dont have a compressor at home, nor have I been employed as a tech before. So I never invested in any air tools.

I have all the basic hand tools I need for the time being, and yes I do intend on putting aside money so I can buy higher quality tools, etc.

But thanks for some of the brands, ill look into them. And I'll look at some used ones too(still kinda timid about that)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Loscaldazar]

Aircat? Generally pretty cheap and good for the money.

 

[CWP1616L]

Don't waste your money on cheap wrenches. Get just the sizes you need from Snap-on. Whatever sizes Hondas take.

 

[Filson]

Be easy on him guys, Jesus.

Look bro, just swing by HF and pick up some cheap stuff. It'll get you through a few paychecks until you can save up for IR, SO, etc.

If it breaks on you, just pick up another for $10-20 whatever. Spend your time between now, and when you have some $$ saved up, researching online more and talking to fellow techs at work for further input.

Hope this helps - congrats on the new job!

 

[Chris83]

From my personal experience the cheaper air tools usually dont cut it. You would better off finding a well maintained used impact or getting into a lower model IR.

We all gotta start somewhere and work our way up to the nice stuff.

 

[AcuraTech225]

Have you tried Amazon? You can get the IR 2135TiMax for under $200. Starting as an hourly employee, you don't need an air ratchet or air chisel right away. Spend a little more on a good impact wrench cause you will be using it all day every day. Those cheap ones you listed probably won't last a month.

 

[CWP1616L]

An IR231 will be fine.

 

[zkling]

As much as this pains me to say it. If I was in your position I would either order a used IR off of ebay or go to harborfrieght and buy one of the 1/2" earthquake impacts. As well as a set of the 1/2" impact sockets in both deep and shallow and a 1/2" torque wrench. You will be ~$150 in the hole and ready to go.

What all will you be doing? Brakes, rotation, oil and the like? Do you have a cart/box yet? Keep that in mind for your budget. I would avoid the kits for now. If you really want a 3/8" air ratchet spring for it separate. May also want to pick up a blow gun for air.

 

[Filson]

As much as this pains me to say it. If I was in your position I would either order a used IR off of ebay or go to harborfrieght and buy one of the 1/2" earthquake impacts. As well as a set of the 1/2" impact sockets in both deep and shallow and a 1/2" torque wrench. You will be ~$150 in the hole and ready to go.

What all will you be doing? Brakes, rotation, oil and the like? Do you have a cart/box yet? Keep that in mind for your budget. I would avoid the kits for now. If you really want a 3/8" air ratchet spring for it separate. May also want to pick up a blow gun for air.

+1.

Nobody likes having the "cheap" stuff. That applies to pretty much everything in life, not just tools. And a lot of people on here have been in the business for years. They have their tools, and frankly - the idea of having to swap out what they've worked hard to accumulate over the years for entry-level stuff is a complete mental block.

Keeping things in perspective though is what it's all about. Your new to the work, you don't have all the tools, you haven't even earned for first paycheck through this place. The idea of a newbie showing up with a cart full of snap on and IR is just plain dumb.

Yard sales, swap meets, Craigslist, Ebay, and Harbor Freight will be your friend for awhile. It is what it is. Buy the stuff you need now from HF. Keep your eyes open in the other places for higher quality, used tools that you can pick up at a discount to slowly replace your set.

Another important point on this - is that because you are new, you likely don't know exactly what style of tools you need, or will personally prefer. Only experience will make this clear for you, no sense in spending out the *** for stuff you may hate.

Also, talk to your shop supervisor and ask what specific pneumatic tools you'll need. I doubt you'll need a full kit.

 

[rednecklimo85]

My advice is to buy as much gun as you can afford, that goes for most tools, you'll get to learn what you can cheap out on. It DOES NOT IMHO make sense to buy a 100 dollar gumby brand air gun that needs to be replaced in a year. I'm a huge fan of IR stuff, just as good as any snap on, mac etc but half the price. A co worker had his snap on gun rebuilt after roughly 4 years because it was getting weak, he could have bought a new IR for what they charged, and it came back with a screwed up seal...

My first gun was a rebadged IR sold thru craftsman and I finally replaced it roughly 8 years later because it was starting to get weak.

Unless your not sure your going to be doing this 5 plus years from now, its much more expensive to pay for gumby brand tools, and then have to rebuy name brand stuff 2 or 3 years from now, when you could have bought snap on, mac, sunnex, SK etc the first time around. If you buy used snap on, mac, or matco lifetime warranty tools and it has a problem, a good dealer should have no problem fixing it under it warranty.

The one good thing you get out of rebuying is you gain a home set, if its not shot.

 

[erty67]

if you're looking for el cheapo i hear (relatively) good things about the HF "earthquake" 1/2" gun (fwiw i have no personal experience with this product).

ditto.


As for good tools/cheap tools, SO people kill me. Entry level job and this guy should break the bank? I say start small, get something affordable, knowing you will eventually want better, and keep shopping as you make money. Make some money 1st, then work towards that killer tool set.

 

[schmelpboy]

I thought about that, but it seems with stuff like S.O and the other high end brands are still pretty pricey used. So I figured my best bet was one of those brands since they have some sort of a warranty.

If you have the time and patience, my best buys of Snap-On tools have always been at auctions. I hit one earlier this year where I was buying entire flats of Mac,Snap-on, and Matco wrenches for 100 a flat full to the brim. (I also heard people calling me names behind my back for being an "idiot" spending 100 bucks on a flat of wrenches which had at least 40-50 wrenches in each flat, minimum).

I went home with, retail, 8,950 dollars worth of snap-on...paid just under 1300 for everything. Now, my box is set up for years.

 

[Moose97]

You are just getting into this. Don't break the bank! Any of the 3 will do fine or go the HF route. You can get more expensive, better equipment on down the road. Amazingly, many people, the world over, have managed to make a nice living with non-truck brand tools. If after a while, you are making good money and want to invest in a higher quality tool, that is your prerogative but it's not a necessity.

 

[jd_1138]

Unless your not sure your going to be doing this 5 plus years from now, its much more expensive to pay for gumby brand tools, and then have to rebuy name brand stuff 2 or 3 years from now, when you could have bought snap on, mac, sunnex, SK etc the first time around. If you buy used snap on, mac, or matco lifetime warranty tools and it has a problem, a good dealer should have no problem fixing it under it warranty.

The one good thing you get out of rebuying is you gain a home set, if its not shot.

Heck, even if he decides not to turn wrenches for a living, having decent air tools will help him save time and money just on his own vehicles and if he does side jobs for family/friends.

 

[richfinn]

Those Honda/Acura wheels are only torqued to 108nm maybe a bit more on 4x4s, you don't have a compressor at home. If your only servicing wheels and brakes.

Get a good cordless Impact, it's worth it and if it doesn't work out they sell for good money.

Just another perspective.

 

[karrbass4life]

Ingersoll Rand 231C $117

I have two of these plus my Snap-On MG725. They are the workhorse of the impacts IMO. They aren't light but, they are well built and damn near bullet proof.

Ingersoll Rand 231G & 3/8" Air Ratchet with sockets $149

Above is another great deal.

 

[basspro]

Chicago Pneumatic. 90% of my air tools are this brand, all purchased used, all generally old, and all work like a champ. Iv paid a grand total for a Harbor Freight pencil die grinder, CP 3/4 drive impact gun, CP 1/4in die grinder, CP 3/8 air ratchet, CP 3/8 air drill, CP 3in air cutoff tool... $115. Ive had all the old CP units apart, cleaned and lubed and I use them everyday in an industrial plant. Id say buy quality, but go used.

 

[mech-tech]

Don't make the mistake I did and buy the kobalt impact. It worked great the first day, then just rattled every day after that. If buying new, just go ahead and get the ingersol linked above. I have the 600 foot pound model and its as good as the snap-on impacts the other techs have. There are many things you can cheap out on, impact sockets included...but impact wrenches are not one of them. My $40 got me a half decent impact for a day. Then I still needed an impact, bought the IR and never looked back.

 

[mopar01]

Id buy ir air tools. Check the tool trucks, my snap on guy always has used air tools at good prices.

 

[ihasmiata?]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. Ill start looking around for some used higher quality tools. But I think im leaning towards buying the IR231 everyone keeps mentioning. It's not completely out of the budget, and I would have some peace of mind buying it new.

And as to making this a career, I do intend on it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

 

[shoggoth80]

"I'd get an IR231 or a clone, a handful of deep impact sockets 19, 21, 22mm and a couple of torque sticks. You also need a tire inflator with gauge."

I'll second this. Get yourself a decent airchuck with gauge. Hell, get a HF one, mine still works, and cheap as dirt. lol. Impacts I would run with are 17,19,21,22mm for starters.

I can't recommend Kobalt for air tools. I have warranted out 3 air guns so far (two half inchers, and one three eighths). The only reason I don't have better is warranty exchange and a lack of budget.

I'll drop Gearwrench if you are thinking of being in the market for affordable hand tools. For import tools, I like them.

If inspections are part of your job, get a good flashlight. Worst case scenario is you have a nice light. Lol. I'd also recommend a fan out style brake gauge, so you have measurements to put on your paperwork. If the shop doesn't supply them, you should be able to snag one for like $30 on the high end.

 

[unslow1]

if you're looking for el cheapo i hear (relatively) good things about the HF "earthquake" 1/2" gun (fwiw i have no personal experience with this product).

Very happy with mine. Try checking the local pawn shops.

 

[Zeroek]

If you have a little extra money get an aircat. If you need something cheap grab that 1/2" impact from harbor freight. The red one. Then when you get paid go get an Aircat or Ingersol rand. And I barely had any tools when I started as a lube tech. Only air tool I had was a 3/8" air ratchet.

 

[EFS463]

focus on honda stuff. get a full set of metric wrenches. sockets in 10 12 14 17 19 21. a decent 1/2 gun (i started with an earthquake, worked for 2 years and sold it to my brother who still uses it daily, 3 years in total now and still works well). dont cheap out on basic hand tools if you want to continue in the field, buy the best you can afford. if the best you can afford is craftsman, so be it. but check ebay

EDIT: a 12, 14, and 17 impact swivel will save you so much, 3/8 drive is fine.

 

[ihasmiata?]

I have all the basic tools already, meaning sockets, wrenches, screw drivers, pliers, breaker bars, a couple pry bars and some other misc. stuff. The only tools I'm lacking are the torque sticks, impact sockets, and the air gun.

I had already planned on getting the impact sockets, and torque sticks from HF.

And I pretty sure I'm going to get the IR231, I might even wait another day or so to get the IR231 and air ratchet that was posted above.

As for the tool cart and chest, I'm picking up my former boss's Us general 44" chest with side cabine. And I'll probably get one of the HF tool carts as well, but that probably wont be right away.

Again, thanks for everyone suggestions on which route to go air tool wise!

 

[skruft]

Congratulations on your new job.

I am not sure what air tools you need for that particular work. (For instance, some mechanics use air ratchets or butterfly wrenches often and others don't.) With brands, I have had good success with IR and Snap-on for many years so I have mostly those. A benefit of IR is that you can find them used at very reasonable prices, and I know of no better 1/2 impacts than the 230-231.

 

[BlksnshN]

If you can swing it, get a IR2135. Great gun. I bought one used for $150 and it lasted 6 years before finally breaking a trigger. After that I bought the Snap On MG725 and it was awesome but after a little over 2 years of work, it's getting weak.

 

[Felipe the Ant]

Put down another vote for the 231, an impact gun is not something you want to be without. Think about it, a minimum of 16 lug nuts at ~80ft lbs is not fun to do by hand at the end of the day or when you're trying to be fast.

Get the 231 and when you can afford it go for a 2135 and keep the 231 as a backup. You can rebuild IR guns yourself without sending them out and most trucks carry parts for them. Cornwell is selling rebranded IR guns with their own name on them also, maybe you can swing a deal. Mac has done this in the past as well if you're looking at used.

Also don't worry too much about finding a quiet version, mufflers are cheap

 

[GoodEnough]

Which one of those tool sets is good for a dentist?

I am just a guy who might use an air ratchet on a car a few times a year.
Lug nuts 2x a year for snow tires, and maybe replace a shock or control arm

Please don't tell me I need to buy used SO or IR.
Of those 3 tools sets posted in the OP, which one is best?

 

[032484]

I bought my IR impact gun for $60, IR air ratchet new for $40 and my oil belt driven 2hp 30gal air compressor with hose for $75. I found it all on craigslist, i see many similar deals like that on craigslist. I dont know the model numbers off hand but they are one of the better ones.

 

[devoncoolman]

Ir 231. Same gun i started with. Still got it at home still works. 7 yrs later. Just a sugestion but invest in the protective boot for the gun. It really helps keep it from getting beat up and will help keep it from cracking if you drop it or it falls off a lift.

 

[MG44]

i actually prefer the earthquake 1/2 over the IR231. More power, generally cheaper, and a warranty.