Entry Level Technician's Toolkit

[RotaryLove]

Hello all! long time lurker here but I've finally decided to make an account on the forum.

First and foremost, a little background. I'm an 18 year old kid straight out of high school, working for a Volkswagen dealership as a Lube Technician. Soon I shall be getting a promotion to our entry level technician, maintenance tech. For those who are unaware that would entail maintenance work, such as recalls, batteries, serp belts, probably brakes too. Basic stuff.

That said with the promotion I'll be needing my own tools and a box now. Could you all help me assemble a beginner set of tools for a reasonable price? I'd like to keep the budget below $800 if possible (excluding a box), but I have around $1500 saved if I recall. I'm not picky about brands. I don't care where it's made. I DO care that it's a quality product for a fair price. Is GearWrench any good for professional use? They seem to be a very good value product, but I've got not experience with them.

Considering I'll be working on Volkswagens I may need some special things, but here is a list I've compiled for starters.

• Metric Wrench Set (Probably long wrenches)
• Metric 3/8 Short and Deep incl. Impact Sockets
• Metric 1/2 Short and Deep incl. Impact Sockets
• 3/8 Extensions, Spark Plug Sockets (Preferably locking extensions and magnetic spark plug sockets)
• Metric Hex, Torx, and Triple Square Sockets (bit sockets or actual sockets... impacts?)
• Cordless 3/8 Impact (Probably Milwaukee M12 Fuel)
• 1/2 Pneumatic Impact
• 1/2 Breaker Bar
• Screwdriver Set
• Multi-meter
• Pliers, Vice Grips
• Oil Filter Wrenches/Cups

Anything I'm forgetting or will be needing? Tool Recommendations? I'm pretty overwhelmed right now.

As for a box I've considered picking up the harbor freight 30" Five drawer tool cart, that might be enough if I keep organized. Otherwise I wouldn't be opposed to buying larger. Are any of the 52-56 inch boxes that go for 1000-1500 any good? I'm not sure if they'd last.

Any suggestions and insight would be wonderful. -Ryan

 

[popparoach]

Harbor freight.

 

[RotaryLove]

Harbor freight.

I'd rather not. I'll use their stuff at home or keep it in the car but they skip too many sizes for my likings. Used tools aren't out of the question either.

 

[KamiCrit]

Ball peen hammers and striking tools, pry bars, might wanna throw in a sawzall.

You're going to use ratchets right?

 

[Bro-Hio]

Check out Kobalt. They have a 300 piece mixed mechanics set that is actually pretty decent. I scooped it up over the summer when it was on sale for $130. I am a mechanical engineer that has to do some occasional field work and I bought them for my work tools. You'll get almost a full set of wrenches and a good assortment of shallow and deep sockets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". It also comes with a decent little breaker bar and some other odds and ends. If you register your tools, the Kobalt stuff is also warrantied for life, you just have to take it into any Lowe's for a replacement.

When I'm not on the road for work, I keep the metric stuff in a tool bag in my car as my road kit. My wife and I both drive VW's too, if that helps.

You'll want to supplement it with some good screw drivers, a good set of pliers and maybe a hammer or two. Depending on what else you get into you might need a couple other odd wrenches. It should all fit into the HF 5 drawer tool cart. And the HF box will do you fine also. In the shop I work in there is one guy that has a Snap-On cart and Snap-On tools...he is unmarried and has the disposable income. Everyone else? The HF 44" box.

 

[Negen]

I am not a auto tech but I do own Volkswagen tdi jetta's. Torx sockets will be the best. I would not use an impact wrench when on the torx fasteners as things will probably break. One other thing that I can suggest is that you buy oil filter sockets VW uses 32mm. One other tip that I can give you if working on VW is to buy a Vaccum pump. The TDI VW are 10-15k oil change so probably you wont be doing that much but there is a plate underneath that has about 10-12 torx screws that are into plastic if you want to drain oil from the pan and even that will not drain all the oil due to the angle.

Everything else is up to opinion but Koken makes some really nice spark plug sockets with magnets. Well in fact I really enjoy using the koken zeal when working on newer cars. But again I only service my vehicles I am not a tech.

also I would check out the new proto duratek screwdrivers zoro has them for a good price.

 

[toolman9w]

Good fine tooth ratchets will make the day go better.
Ratchet wrenches are a go to. I don't know that I would start with long pattern wrenches for the first set. I would go for standard length first.
Stubby wrenches are great for tight areas. They don't have to be expensive ones to be effective. A good 1/4 socket set is a must.

 

[Spn1025]

Small deadblow hammer, maybe 1 pounder. Are you gonna be doing electrical work also? You mentioned a multimeter so... A decent set of wire strippers (Klein), heat gun, crimpers.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I used a decent bit of GW as a pro. Their T55 bit socket was the longest lived in the shop, outliving several of my boss' SO and Matco sockets doing dumb stuff like using my 3/4 gun on it to remove shackle bolts or GM caliper pins.

I'd skip HF for the simple fact that singles don't exist. Dropped your 10mm socket (or want a spare because you should have a few extra 10mm sockets)? Guess you're buying a set. Hey, maybe you can get lucky and find a set missing all but what you need on the clearance shelf... for 10% off normal price.

Spend your $ on metric when it comes to quality. Unless you start in a hot rod shop, you'll probably use your SAE less in the shop than a homeowner does. I used mine more working ON the shop than in it.

 

[Spn1025]

Is it at a dealership? I would assume they have a lot of shop tooling like torque wrenches. Find out what they have so you don't have to spend money on your own

 

[K-Dog]

Make safety gear your number one priority.

 

[RotaryLove]

Check out Kobalt. They have a 300 piece mixed mechanics set that is actually pretty decent.

It should all fit into the HF 5 drawer tool cart. And the HF box will do you fine also. In the shop I work in there is one guy that has a Snap-On cart and Snap-On tools...he is unmarried and has the disposable income. Everyone else? The HF 44" box.

I'm actually trying to avoid those tool kits because I don't want to pay for tools I'll never use, as in the SAE tools. As for the HF boxes, I've heard good things about them. And Most definitely, I'd rather spend what little disposable income I have on my car than a toolbox. haha

I am not a auto tech but I do own Volkswagen tdi jetta's. Torx sockets will be the best. I would not use an impact wrench when on the torx fasteners as things will probably break. One other thing that I can suggest is that you buy oil filter sockets VW uses 32mm. The TDI VW are 10-15k oil change so probably you wont be doing that much but there is a plate underneath that has about 10-12 torx screws that are into plastic if you want to drain oil from the pan and even that will not drain all the oil due to the angle.

also I would check out the new proto duratek screwdrivers zoro has them for a good price.

Volkswagens are definitely a pain. I change oil on them everyday . That's why I said a good Torx set, the skidplates are pretty much all T20 and T45s. 24mm, 32mm, and 36mm oil filter sockets are most definitely a must. Forgot about those. I saw a video on those proto screwdrivers, they're definitely on my watch list.

Good fine tooth ratchets will make the day go better.
Ratchet wrenches are a go to. I don't know that I would start with long pattern wrenches for the first set. I would go for standard length first.
Stubby wrenches are great for tight areas. They don't have to be expensive ones to be effective. A good 1/4 socket set is a must.

Any reasoning behind not using the long wrenches for an only set other than clearance issues? I love them for drain plugs.

Small deadblow hammer, maybe 1 pounder. Are you gonna be doing electrical work also? You mentioned a multimeter so... A decent set of wire strippers (Klein), heat gun, crimpers.

Any electrical work will more than likely me limited to the light system on a vehicle. I'll have to start the position to see for sure.

I used a decent bit of GW as a pro. Their T55 bit socket was the longest lived in the shop, outliving several of my boss' SO and Matco sockets doing dumb stuff like using my 3/4 gun on it to remove shackle bolts or GM caliper pins.

I'd skip HF for the simple fact that singles don't exist.

Spend your $ on metric when it comes to quality. Unless you start in a hot rod shop, you'll probably use your SAE less in the shop than a homeowner does. I used mine more working ON the shop than in it.

Exactly why I'll only use HF in the set I keep in my car. They're decent tools but forget buying sets all the time. As for SAE I intended to forgo buying SAE... if I do, It'll just be a craftsman set. Only time I've used SAE at my shop was for shop fixtures, like air hoses, doors, etc.

Is it at a dealership? I would assume they have a lot of shop tooling like torque wrenches. Find out what they have so you don't have to spend money on your own

It is at a dealership, but they don't supply anything but specialty tools. I'll be needing a good (decent?) 3/8 and 1/2 torque wrench for sure.

Make safety gear your number one priority.

I've been looking for a good pair of ear muffs! And I've got plenty of safety glasses too.

 

[shoggoth80]

3/8" drive is going to be your bread and butter. I work fleet shop and my go to ratchet at work is a Gear Wrench roto head. It has been going strong these last couple of years. Their sockets are actually very nice for the money.

32mm oil filter socket (Lisle) at most parts stores or online. Oil filter claw for non canister filters.

Get a good hex and torx set. Vim perhaps. I also remember lugs being almost exclusively 17mm.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Sounds like you already have your mind made up.

Also, no mention that you already own even the basics?

 

[92integra]

i would disagree with the 3/8ths drive being bread and butter........ on german cars at least 1/4" is where i put my money. your going to need torx e torx and triple squares. also my personal setup that works for me is the milwaukee m18fuel 3/8ths and an m12 impact driver (slap in alot of hex / torx 1/4" hex bits)

i would agree with d mcfarland what do you have currently?

 

[RatZ1LLa]

If you are looking for impact sockets check out the sunex sets, currently until 9/30/2015 they have a rebate program going on. A lot of gj users have purchased this recently to get the $100 rebates. http://www.sunextools.com/CASH

Hot Deals Sunex Thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=295887

 

[Spn1025]

A dealership doesn't supply torque wrenches? Are you responsible to get your own torque wrench calibrated too? That's a crock of ****. I guess I'm just spoiled working as a Navy civilian..

 

[abvw]

I'm actually trying to avoid those tool kits because I don't want to pay for tools I'll never use, as in the SAE tools. As for the HF boxes, I've heard good things about them. And Most definitely, I'd rather spend what little disposable income I have on my car than a toolbox. haha

Car loses value over time, your tools won't. Much wiser to save whats left of your disposable income for a house.

Go take a look at your coworkers' box and see what everybody has in common and add pieces as needed, the perks of working in a dealership is that you can get by with much less tools than indy shop techs.

 

[abvw]

A dealership doesn't supply torque wrenches? Are you responsible to get your own torque wrench calibrated too? That's a crock of ****. I guess I'm just spoiled working as a Navy civilian..

They probably do, maybe one of each size for the entire fleet of mechanics. You can wait in line (for others to finish) and lose your flag hours or you can buy your own, choice is yours.

 

[Spn1025]

They probably do, maybe one of each size for the entire fleet of mechanics. You can wait in line (for others to finish) and lose your flag hours or you can buy your own, choice is yours.

Decent reliable torque wrenches are gonna cost a pretty penny, not to mention you will probably need at least 3 different sizes. I'd check up on the shop tooling situation before spending your money on those right away. He said he's just starting out.

 

[Negen]

Volkswagens are definitely a pain. I change oil on them everyday . That's why I said a good Torx set, the skidplates are pretty much all T20 and T45s. 24mm, 32mm, and 36mm oil filter sockets are most definitely a must. Forgot about those. I saw a video on those proto screwdrivers, they're definitely on my watch list.

This is why it is important to use a vacuum oil extractor. It will save not only time but will remove about 99% of the oil. Using the drain plug will leave a cup or more of oil. I am sure on the gas engines this is not a problem. But since the tdi's collect the carbon soot in the oil with my cars I want every thing to be as fresh as can been when I change the oil. I started changing my own oil on the jetta even though I had free oil changes from the dealer do the fact that the dealer was not putting in spec 505 oil and were using spec 503.

Sata torque wrenches are something to look into if on a budget.

 

[abvw]

Decent reliable torque wrenches are gonna cost a pretty penny, not to mention you will probably need at least 3 different sizes. I'd check up on the shop tooling situation before spending your money on those right away. He said he's just starting out.

Realistically he only needs the 1/2" for lugs and wheel bearings.

You'd have to be some sort of retard to not properly tighten (or break) 10mm, 13mm and 15mm fasteners on fairly new cars still under warranty.

Do you torque your drain plugs, splash guards/skid plates and oil filters too? Tight is tight, just don't strip or cross thread it. If you can't feel it stay out of this trade.

 

[winlinmac]

Gear Wrench and the New Harbor Freight Made in Taiwan Tools are definitely worth it
Audi Enthusiast here by the way

You can pick up singles for cheap at Home Depot, and that too Husky, under the Danaher Corporation

 

[abvw]

This is why it is important to use a vacuum oil extractor. It will save not only time but will remove about 99% of the oil. Using the drain plug will leave a cup or more of oil. I am sure on the gas engines this is not a problem. But since the tdi's collect the carbon soot in the oil with my cars I want every thing to be as fresh as can been when I change the oil. I started changing my own oil on the jetta even though I had free oil changes from the dealer do the fact that the dealer was not putting in spec 505 oil and were using spec 503.

Sata torque wrenches are something to look into if on a budget.

Yeah sure, too bad most VW engines have their oil filters only accessible from under the car. You need to lift the car to do oil changes and routine inspections, what's easier for you at home doesn't translate the same in a professional environment.

That's like telling him to buy a floor jack. What good is that at a dealership???

 

[winlinmac]

I've heard great things regarding Harbor Freights 301 Mechanic Tools Set $150 (after Coupons in my neck of the woods). Tools are Made in Taiwan, by the same manufacturer that manufactures Blue Point Tools (Sister Company of Snap On)

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2381

Just make sure on the box it states Made in Taiwan

 

[Fedwrench]

The easiest thing to do is look at what the techs doing your new job use and emulate their kits.
You could also go to YOU TUBE, look up Humble Mechanic. He's a very knowledgeable VW tech. He may have some videos that may point you in the right direction tool wise. I believe he is a member here too.

 

[RotaryLove]

3/8" drive is going to be your bread and butter. I work fleet shop and my go to ratchet at work is a Gear Wrench roto head. It has been going strong these last couple of years. Their sockets are actually very nice for the money.

Oil filter claw for non canister filters.

Get a good hex and torx set. Vim perhaps. I also remember lugs being almost exclusively 17mm.

Good to hear about the gearwrench ratchet, Sounds like that'll be the one I'll go with. More of a band wrench kind of guy myself

I was looking at VIM hex and torx bits, they've got some good looking kits on tooltopia for pretty cheap!

Yeah, all Volkswagens use 17mm lug bolts.

Sounds like you already have your mind made up.

Also, no mention that you already own even the basics?

I do have a general idea of what I want, but I'm looking for testimonials on brands and what not. Biases get people nowhere. I do have essentially everything I listed, short of the hex, torx, and triple square stuff... Though they're daddy's tools. I don't want to borrow all of his tools from home on a semi-permanent basis considering we wrench on my cars together all the time.

i would disagree with the 3/8ths drive being bread and butter........ on german cars at least 1/4" is where i put my money. your going to need torx e torx and triple squares. also my personal setup that works for me is the milwaukee m18fuel 3/8ths and an m12 impact driver (slap in alot of hex / torx 1/4" hex bits)

i would agree with d mcfarland what do you have currently?

I've been looking for deals on the M12 3/8 impact gun, would be perfect for me especially with a 1/4" hex adaptor. If I'm going to purchase ANY cordless tools, it makes more sense (in my opinion of course) to stick with one brand, and one line. I've heard great things about the M12 Fuel line. Lots of technicians at my work use them and I use the M12 drill on a daily basis for removing skidplates on VWs.

If you are looking for impact sockets check out the sunex sets, currently until 9/30/2015 they have a rebate program going on. A lot of gj users have purchased this recently to get the $100 rebates. http://www.sunextools.com/CASH

Hot Deals Sunex Thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=295887

I think I'm definitely going to take action on that one!

A dealership doesn't supply torque wrenches? Are you responsible to get your own torque wrench calibrated too? That's a crock of ****. I guess I'm just spoiled working as a Navy civilian..

Betcha they provide beam types! I've seen technicians test a click type wrench for accuracy by throwing a 12 point socket on a beam type and locking them together.

Car loses value over time, your tools won't. Much wiser to save whats left of your disposable income for a house.

Go take a look at your coworkers' box and see what everybody has in common and add pieces as needed, the perks of working in a dealership is that you can get by with much less tools than indy shop techs.

Call me naive but I don't care if my car loses value, I don't modify/build cars to sell them/increase value

I'd be willing to bet they're all going to say hex, torx, and triple squares are a must haha.

This is why it is important to use a vacuum oil extractor. It will save not only time but will remove about 99% of the oil. Using the drain plug will leave a cup or more of oil. I am sure on the gas engines this is not a problem. But since the tdi's collect the carbon soot in the oil with my cars I want every thing to be as fresh as can been when I change the oil. I started changing my own oil on the jetta even though I had free oil changes from the dealer do the fact that the dealer was not putting in spec 505 oil and were using spec 503.

Sata torque wrenches are something to look into if on a budget.

I'll check out the SATA torque wrenches! Is it the same SATA that sells spray guns? My father used them exclusively when he was in the autobody business.

For the sake of time over at the dealership rather than use a vacuum pump if we're requested to flush the oil we just run an extra quart or two through the engine after it's been drained. Probably not as effective, but it does help significantly and is much faster.

 

[lightning02]

Tekton has alot of USA and Taiwan made tools that are very good and they don't skip sizes like HF does. I have some of there tools and like them. Great warranty as sell. Check them out.

Armstrong ratchets 88t and usa made.

BAHCO ratchets (have heard good things about them but never used one).

Kobalt and HF are good for fillers and anything Taiwan made from them is usually good.

 

[RotaryLove]

Yeah sure, too bad most VW engines have their oil filters only accessible from under the car. You need to lift the car to do oil changes and routine inspections, what's easier for you at home doesn't translate the same in a professional environment.

That's like telling him to buy a floor jack. What good is that at a dealership???

You'd be surprised, nowadays it's about 50/50 in terms of volume. 2.0s, 2.5s, VR6s, have the filter underneath, where as all the 2.0T (TSI, for sure, FSI IIRC is underneath) and Diesels are above. We're an ex saturn dealership too so we get a lot of GM ecotecs in the door (not that it pertains to VWs, of course), but I see where you're coming from. They ask we torque drain plugs for "quality control purposes." 20-22 ft-lbs on every drain plug.

The easiest thing to do is look at what the techs doing your new job use and emulate their kits.
You could also go to YOU TUBE, look up Humble Mechanic. He's a very knowledgeable VW tech. He may have some videos that may point you in the right direction tool wise. I believe he is a member here too.

The Humble Mechanic is one of my Favorite youtubers! very familiar with his content.

I've heard good things about tekton, though I dislike the fact that (at least to my knowledge) I can't go to a store to replace them. Not saying it's an issue, more of a peace of mind thing In a professional setting.

 

[Spn1025]

Realistically he only needs the 1/2" for lugs and wheel bearings.

You'd have to be some sort of retard to not properly tighten (or break) 10mm, 13mm and 15mm fasteners on fairly new cars still under warranty.

Do you torque your drain plugs, splash guards/skid plates and oil filters too? Tight is tight, just don't strip or cross thread it. If you can't feel it stay out of this trade.

Anything with a gasket under it? Valve covers, transmission pan?
Sorry, I rebuild huge motor generators and turbine generators for the Navy, housings (stator assembly) and complete rotor strip down and rewind. Everything gets torqued properly.

 

[winlinmac]

I second Tekton too, never seems to skip sizes

 

[Negen]

Yeah sure, too bad most VW engines have their oil filters only accessible from under the car. You need to lift the car to do oil changes and routine inspections, what's easier for you at home doesn't translate the same in a professional environment.

That's like telling him to buy a floor jack. What good is that at a dealership???

I bought the one the local vw shops use. It would be silly to advise him to buy tools that would not work for a professional. Once I saw it at two shops I asked about it got the part number and bought it. One was at a dealer and one was at a place called Archtunning. The dealer was the dealer in Auburn WA.
3109 Auburn Way N,
Auburn, WA 98002
(253) 833-4940

 

[RotaryLove]

Not sure what's a better value... The Tekton sockets or Sunex AFTER MIR. You're commited to buying more Sunex tools after the MIR of course, but if their stuff is any good it's worth it I guess.

 

[lightning02]

I've heard good things about tekton, though I dislike the fact that (at least to my knowledge) I can't go to a store to replace them. Not saying it's an issue, more of a peace of mind thing In a professional setting.

All you do is email or call them. There is even a rep on this site that can take care of any of your needs. Also if you look them up amazon they comment on everyone's post that needs help. They get back to you asap. No BSing around. Same goes with fb. They always reply to questions or fb Pm.

There are alot of stores around me that sell gearwrench but won't warranty what they sell. I have asked. That's the reason why I don't own that brand.

 

[erswill]

" Is it the same SATA that sells spray guns?"
No. Sata Tools is owned by Apex Tool Group
http://www.satatools.com.sg/site/?m=100&f=100

 

[Mikerodrig27]

For Torx, triple square and hex, I've come to the conclusion that VIM makes a great product.

 

[shoggoth80]

Someone mentioned not seeing how 3/8" drive wouldn't be the "bread and butter" of an automotive service tech's kit. I don't see how it couldn't be. I cannot imagine doing a lot of work, even general maintenance level work, without having a solid set of 3/8" drive tools, and a set of combo wrenches at the least. 1/4" is great for a lot of small stuff, or for slightly larger, but hard to reach fasteners (I use a 1/4" rat and a 13mm shallow at work very often for trailer door counterbalancers... just not a lot of room up there)...but I have a hard time imagining it as the majority of anyone's kit. Different environments and experiences I guess.

I use 1/4" for batteries, starter leads, door work, rebuilding 7-way connectors, counterbalancers, sometimes valve covers...especially on Caravans...IACs. Most stuff is 3/8", some is 1/2" drive, torque wrenches are 1/2 and 3/4 drive at work. Same with the impacts. I guess I am probably exposed to a little more variety than I realized. Lol. Do a bit of everything, use a bit of everything.

Remember German spec: Gutentight.

 

[1950mercury]

I've heard great things regarding Harbor Freights 301 Mechanic Tools Set $150 (after Coupons in my neck of the woods). Tools are Made in Taiwan, by the same manufacturer that manufactures Blue Point Tools (Sister Company of Snap On)

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2381

Just make sure on the box it states Made in Taiwan

Hf is not the same as blue point....

And the sunex deal that was mentioned earlier is to good to pass up.

Every flat rate mechanic I know uses air tools and impact sockets for 90% of the stuff they do. As far as chrome sockets 1/4 gets the most use.

 

[winlinmac]

Yep, I was recommended the same just yesterday

For Torx, triple square and hex, I've come to the conclusion that VIM makes a great product.

 

[winlinmac]

Why is it that others mentioned this in the past? I was always under the impression this was the case. Is there any Myth Buster article on this?

Hf is not the same as blue point....

And the sunex deal that was mentioned earlier is to good to pass up.

Every flat rate mechanic I know uses air tools and impact sockets for 90% of the stuff they do. As far as chrome sockets 1/4 gets the most use.