essential tools

[jayjay9002]

So guys I'm new here but I have been looking at this site sometimes when y'all randomly pop up on my google search for something I'm trying to fix on my own and have never done before. I'm new to wrenching probably only 1 year behind me and honestly I don't make enough to buy snap on blue point Mac matco etc. I work as a basic tech, oil changes,tires (lots and lots of tires), smaller simpler basic stuff. I do sidejobs on my own outside of work sometimes brakes some steering parts etc. I don't have a lot of tools but the tools I did have were overflowing my small cheap box when I first got into this field. I have now purchased a Waterloo tr11815 unfortunately it's pretty empty. I might have the first 4 or 5 larger drawers filled. I have mostly craftsman stuff some cheaper menards brand stuff that I don't think I'll ever buy again but I needed something and figured I'd give it a try turns out it breaks and I'm sick of running to menards for warranties so I just stopped. I have an IR thunder gun impact. I went to farm and fleet for the sockets I didn't get with the super cheap CH impact set I bought from walmart when I first started also picked up some menards shallow impact sockets. got a few screwdrivers um duracraft wrenches,craftsman ratcheting wrenches, deadblow hammer, 4 lb. short handle hammer, plus the 309 piece toolset from craftsman. now as guys that do this all the time what are some tools that you couldn't live without on a daily basis? I mean somebody whose pretty broke could buy at a reasonable price but is so valuable it's almost irreplaceable?


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[Heavy Metal Doctor]

as guys that do this all the time what are some tools that you couldn't live without on a daily basis? I mean somebody whose pretty broke could buy at a reasonable price but is so valuable it's almost irreplaceable?

That makes it hard to answer, 'cause some of the best tools I have that get used for nearly every job (or make the work the easiest) are also expensive tools.
If you can bank some cash, then go find top grade stuff used or at auctions.....but for a working mechanic that can be a PITA to do, either for scheduling or finding stuff when you need it.....This is why, IMO, so many young techs owe their soul to the tool truck.

 

[tsonka]

Everyones work situation is different.

When I was a tech at Honda I guarantee I had a different kit then a Ford tech and an independent guy needs about everything. For the longest time I only had impact sockets in 10,12,14,17 and 19 because those were Honda sizes, Its easy to have a Snap On kit when you only need 5 sizes instead of a whole set.

My advise is this: Don’t buy tools just to have them, buy what you need or having to borrow. If you find that your breaking the same tool more then a time or 2 because your using it professionally, well you just found YOUR important tool and I would replace them first with Snap On / Mac / Matco.

 

[jmm]

I started out not unlike you, with Craftsman and HF. A lot of that stuff is still with me and I'd expect it'll still be for years to come. The tools that land you the job are the most essential, however, it really hurts to find your essentials failing. Figure out which ones you use the most, and invest in Snap-On, Proto, or SK even.

Another rule of thumb: if you borrow something twice, you should own it.

 

[tsonka]

And don't spend big money on a box until your tools are established. Your tools make you money, your box does not. I have seen many young guys spend money on a new KRL box when they have a pretty lacking tool kit.

I am unfamiliar with your box but from a quick Google search I don't think its excessive.