??? for techs

[Zebu Fellenz]

I have plenty of tools I don't need. However I have very few tools I don't use.

I enjoy nice tools and I love having the right tool for the job to get work done quickly and efficiently. I know a guy that works primarily out of a 26" top chest, he never seems to have any issues getting the job done.

Neither of us are flat rate or even techs. If I were working against the clock I'm pretty sure I'd consider many of my "nice to have" tools to be essential to making a living.

 

[MattPersman]

you gotta understand a lot of techs are real choosy about what jobs they will do so they really don't need many tools. they wait for easy gravy work and never get involved in stuff they are uncomfortable with, but complain if there is no work. in this field you see people figure out how to live on 15-20 hours a week while you get some people scared of nothing and end up making the money. then the other guys complain it's not fair.

I try to tell the new people coming in, the toughest part of being a tech is the $ outlay on tools cause if you want to make $$$$ you need to spend $$$ on tools. the less you have the more limited work you can do and the less money you will make. the tools are crazy expensive new and seem to go up every year.

of course all this can vary but I doubt many shops have an abundance of easy basic tool work these days.

as far as the ASE goes, it shows your boss, shop owner or whoever you answer to you are somewhat serious about your career and go on your own time to test your knowledge. And to Joe and Susie down the street that bring there minivan to you, maybe ASE certified means you are the best of the best and it made them pick you over the competition. every little bit helps in this business. Most guys that don't pass them the 1st, 2nd and 3rd times say its stupid and worthless...I probably would too. lol

 

[illmatyk]

Most of the tools that I have I have used them. I don't have much tools but out what I have, there are only 3 tools that I've yet to use.

As for what I buy, I buy what I need/what I think/know I will be needing. Example: I bought me a 3/8 drive torque wrench last year, some guys gave me **** about brand( Toptul ) and that I don't need it. Now, we have an on going recall that requires a 3/8 drive torque wrench and some usually ask to borrow miine.

Another example: I also bought me a 5mm 1/4 drive allen hex socket from SO when I was in Sydney( $30AUD ), I only bought that to make life easier to remove intake manifolds for the same recall as above. I use it for nothing else( yet ), but life is way easier.

Just my 99 cents.

 

[kc-steve]

In my line of work i see /deal with alot of mechanics.

i drool everytime i see the show off your toolbox thread but i have to ???

how much of it is really "FLUFF"

yesterday i met a old time mechanic who's been a tech for 42 year and claimed the whole time till recently he's worked out of a craftsman cantilever handbox he had that and a 2 shelf cart that was it

i found myself watching him work and noticed he was efficient yet had no extra tools

this got me to thinking about how much waste some mechanics must have.

so how is it possible

for the record the guys wasn't a.s.e and said that was just a test it proves nothing

interesting guy to watch though

This is an interesting question, but it can only be answered by individuals themselves for the specific circumstances they deal with daily.

I used to work as a manufacturer's field electronics tech for 30+ years and started out working out of a briefcase tool bag. Out on the road tools were important to make sure I always had what I needed, at the same time, I couldn't carry EVERY possible tool necessary because I traveled to my destination sometimes by airline. I carried ONLY what I absolutely needed and improvised when necessary. Knowledge of what NOT to carry only comes with experience.

As the company started expanding their product line, my tool bag also expanded. However, there is a breaking point where travel at the same level becomes prohibitive when one has to carry more tools.

So like I said, specific circumstances of individuals are going to have different answers. It isn't the smartest thing to just make a single statement that one circumstance applies in all situations.

But I guarantee ya, the smartest tech will have what they need yet remain lean and mean.
I can't speak for flat-rate work though.

Steve

 

[mrholeshot]

If you work or own an independant repair shop you need vehicles to get in and out ASAP in order to make money and for your techs to make money. Buying specialty tools or a certain type of tool can cut the time in half or more. Time is money in the flat rate repair shops. Lot's of differant specialty tools in a shop that works on almost anything. Bottom line time is money. The more time you save the more money in your pocket. While I may have tool boxes now with 100 ratchets in one drawer it wasnt that way when I was working. I had about a dozen in my box at work. Same way with sockets, wrenches and other tools. maybe double up on most things but no fluff in the main work box. It's novelty now it was reality then. I spent the money and did quite well. The cheap *** techs stayed that as well and their paychecks reflected it.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

The axle shaft die kit has big dies that fix the threads of the axle on front wheel drive cars. When you have to hammer on the axle shaft to get it out of the hub sometimes you slip and marr the threads. I used to use a thread file but had a real bad one once and so I got the kit. I think mine is Matco and works well. Use it a couple times but paid for itself a couple times already compared to eating an axle.

There is usually a hole drilled in the center of the axle shaft, I always punch then loose/through with a pointed bit in my air chisel.
Works quite well.

 

[kc-steve]

If you work or own an independant repair shop you need vehicles to get in and out ASAP in order to make money and for your techs to make money. Buying specialty tools or a certain type of tool can cut the time in half or more. Time is money in the flat rate repair shops. Lot's of differant specialty tools in a shop that works on almost anything. Bottom line time is money. The more time you save the more money in your pocket. While I may have tool boxes now with 100 ratchets in one drawer it wasnt that way when I was working. I had about a dozen in my box at work. Same way with sockets, wrenches and other tools. maybe double up on most things but no fluff in the main work box. It's novelty now it was reality then. I spent the money and did quite well. The cheap *** techs stayed that as well and their paychecks reflected it.

I've got another question for ya concerning flat-rate work and independent shops. In my former employment (non-flat-rate) we had techs that had different levels of experience and knowledge. So what does an independent shop do when a tech is working on something above his knowledge?

In my previous employment, techs were classified at different knowledge levels and sometimes some of us had to take over another associate's job in order to "git 'er done."

Steve

 

[bgott]

There is usually a hole drilled in the center of the axle shaft, I always punch then loose/through with a pointed bit in my air chisel.

That, or thread the nut onto the axle so you are beating on the nut rather than the end of the axle. It doesn't cost much for an axle nut.

 

[Toolhorder]

There is usually a hole drilled in the center of the axle shaft, I always punch then loose/through with a pointed bit in my air chisel.
Works quite well.

True but if it's really effin stuck it will mushroom the end and you can't get the nut back on. That's what happened to cause me to buy the kit. I had to take a metal burr tool and grind a little around the outside (the smooth non threaded part) and then get the die on it to fix the threads.

When I started working at a independent shop I make a little $$ once fixing one a customer screwed up too so the kit is worth it to me.

I'm interested in the split die if one exists, never saw one yet though.

 

[xj31]

http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-7402.aspx
this works

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

why the hate on techs ?

 

[mrbreezeet1]

why the hate on techs ?

Why do you ask this?
I wasn't getting that anywhere?

 

[greasemonkey44]

man i wish all i needed was a 2 shelf cart and a cantilever box
i could figure a way to do 70% of what i do in a cantilever box; but it would take me forever...were talking 2 extra hours a day
my box is full of tools that make me fast; gearwrenchs, air ratchets, impacts, big sockets.....i used to getaway with using a lot less of these tools; but i was working for myself and there was no rush. I work on commission now, i dont hustle i dont get paid well. The tools do the hustling, not much room for fluff(too broke)
i do know some techs who have a lot of fluff, but its usually not tools; its usually cars, engines, trannies, broken down pieces of equipment......god knows why they hang onto this ****

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I would also say that the tech who can do everything he has to do out of a small carry around box or a cart must have a very specific set of tasks.

I'll admit, I buy some tools just 'cause I like 'em or as part of some deal /special and they could be considered "fluff". I have cabinet makers screwdrivers (super long) that probably didn't get used for the first 2 years I owned them. But I was glad they where there when I finally needed them.
At the same time, there's things I don't bother with because I put buying the "gotta have" tools ahead of the "want to have" - 16 years on the job and there is only impact sockets for 1/2 drive in my box becuase I almost never need 1/2" drive chrome (thinner wall than impact). If it 1/2" drive I'm gonna use the gun if at all possible, anyway.
The "must have" stuff can look unecassry to someone not doing the job - small puller set that looks too small to do anything with will save hours in replacing particular pump shaft seal..... heck there' even stuff that looks like scrap metal in my box - but the pair of 5/8 bolts with heads missing is for flange bearing alignment to assemble a compressor, the chunk of sheet metal witha bunch of hose clamps is the fastest way to align a flexible coupler on a pump drive setup....
I bought the SO radiator hose pick set a couple months ago just 'cause they where on a good sale -- didn't need them at the time and laughed at myself for buying "fluff" at the time....I've used them a dozen times since and realized how much faster /more comfortable it is than trying to do the same tasks with a regular screwdriver - also found they are great for grabbing wires back inside the dash where fingers can't reach.

 

[Danglerb]

Since I haven't seen it mentioned, lots of things these days come in sets only, or are much more expensive outside of a set. Makes it easy to end up with a dozen sets of sockets between drive sizes, impact, swivel, universal, shallow, deep, and extended.

 

[tcianci]

I know a guy who has a truck tire repair business. I often stop by and have coffee with him. Over the years he has shared the contents of many of his huge roll around cabinets with me as a point of conversation. Nearly everything he has ever shown me is BRAND NEW as in unused! I think he is the ultimate tool *****. I'm not envious of him, I have my share of stuff, actually quite a bit for a guy who is not a 40 hr/wk wrench. It's just such a hoot to get to see so much cool stuff in original condition. I think he's a tool addict. 99% of the stuff he has will never be used in a truck tire repair business but I have been very thankful for the times I have been in need of something and he produces a brand new, in the box example of whatever it is I need for me to use!
My dad was a registered L/M mechanic throughout the late 40's and 1950's, it's kinda nostalgic to look at some of the stuff he worked with every day knowing that unless I ever get the chance to do a Ford flattie or something or other on a 52 Hudson, Some of the stuff I have may never be used again. I can see how some of the techs who work in a shop 40hr/ wk can amass such a collection of stuff. I have one pretty big drawer in my bottom box that's full of "specialty" tools. A lot of them are home made. The other nightI had to change a water pump on a GM 4.8 V8 and I didn't have the correct spanner to hold the water pump pulley for removing the clutch fan. I dug up a 3 point spanner I had made about 20 years ago to work on the old GM Frigidaire AC compressors, and after a couple of minutes on the bandsaw, drill press and a quick tapping of a couple holes I had recycled the tool for another generation of repairs.

 

[bgott]

I'm interested in the split die if one exists, never saw one yet though.

They used to make one that was hinged and had like four different sizes on it. It kind of looked like the swage for a tubing flaring tool. I didn a little search and couldn't find one, I guess they don't use them much anymore. Somebody had posted a picture of a nut type that was split and spring loaded, the socket would hold it together when you removed it, cleaning the threads.

 

[Danglerb]

Murray makes split dies, no endorsement, found them in a search the other night.

http://www.murraycorp.com/split-die-tool.html

 

[ZRX61]

My most expensive roll-away (Hammerhead) cost a little over $700. When I outgrow a box I buy another & keep the original.. thats why I have at least 16 toolboxes including 6 roll-aways.

 

[FergusonTO35]

I was a tool hoarder the entire time I was a professional tech and still am today. Most of my years were spent at Toyota, they don't require much in the way of tools and the dealerships had a pretty good stock of specialty tools. I think most techs enjoy collecting tools, I know I do.

 

[Lotek]

I have always gone by the principle that if I have to borrow a tool twice, I buy it. Over the years and having changed mfgs a couple of times, it adds up to a sizeable collection. I've worked with the guy with the little box...it got old loaning him tools all the time.

 

[TWX]

To answer the original question, I don't repair cars, I fix computers, but there's a parallel.

Some guys who do my job have a suitcase of tools, with lots of screwdrivers, nut drivers, various pliers, cutters, knives, soldering tools, multimeters, punch tools, and the like with them at all times.

I carry a Gerber multitool, the kind where the pliers slide out and then it can be opened to pull the other tools out. I think it's in the 400 series. It has the screwdrivers, knife blade, and pliers I need for my job, and it's fairly rare that I need a handtool beyond this multitool. I occasionally need some other electronic tools, like a fluke network tool, but most of the time I don't even need a toolbag. I get at least as much work done as my coworkers despite how light I travel.

However, this past week I spent a lot of time working on network infrastructure, which normally I don't do. The first day I I tried using the Gerber and it was a PITA to work on the rackmount equipment with it. The next day I brought in one of my 19.2V Craftsman cordless drills, a quick-change bit driver for the drill, a larger slotted bit, a #2 Phillips bit, and a #3 Phillips bit. These allowed me to do everything I needed with infrastructure (which didn't involve pulling new drops, just MDF and IDF maintenance) with ease. Had I needed to pull drops, I would have had a fish, a 110 punchdown tool, a label maker, a cable stripper, and a roll of electrical tape with me.

I carry what I need to do the job. I try not to carry too much, even though it might look more impressive if I have more stuff. Getting the job done quickly and quietly makes more of an impression on my users than how much I haul around with me. I do have the tools i need beyond my Gerber, but I don't need to bring them out much or to make a big deal about them.

 

[crewchief888]

been wrnching on const eq for over 25 years at dealerships.
every manufacturer does things differently, hence the need for different tools.

i can do 95% of my work with 5% of my tools
other 5% of my work seems like it involves the other 95% of my tools.

 

[sberry]

been wrnching on const eq for over 25 years at dealerships.
every manufacturer does things differently, hence the need for different tools.

i can do 95% of my work with 5% of my tools
other 5% of my work seems like it involves the other 95% of my tools.

I will agree with that sentiment.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

been wrnching on const eq for over 25 years at dealerships.
every manufacturer does things differently, hence the need for different tools.

i can do 95% of my work with 5% of my tools
other 5% of my work seems like it involves the other 95% of my tools.

now with that being said wouldn't it make more sence just to do the 95% WITH 5% AND NOT OUTLAY THE COST

 

[kythri]

now with that being said wouldn't it make more sence just to do the 95% WITH 5% AND NOT OUTLAY THE COST

I would imagine that a large majority of those doing the hiring want someone that can do the 100%. There's probably a surplus of those who can't.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I would imagine that a large majority of those doing the hiring want someone that can do the 100%. There's probably a surplus of those who can't.

Yup. I was told when I started wrenching that the mechanic who has all the tools to do the work will get hired first. Ability / experience is a consideration, but you have to be really good / experienced before you can land a good position with a seriously lacking set of tools....that 5% work can be a reall PITA when the job comes to a halt becuase tech#1 needs to borrow a certain tool from tech#2...but he's off sick.....

 

[NJHandyGuy]

Yup. I was told when I started wrenching that the mechanic who has all the tools to do the work will get hired first. Ability / experience is a consideration, but you have to be really good / experienced before you can land a good position with a seriously lacking set of tools....that 5% work can be a reall PITA when the job comes to a halt becuase tech#1 needs to borrow a certain tool from tech#2...but he's off sick....

now i get that i do but i can't tell you how many "techs" i know that can work outta the back of a honda civic and still get it done.

that being said and correct me if i am wrong here but aren't european boxes a SHITLOAD smaller then ours

 

[Shipfittin]

I have a similar dilemma with my tools. My box is filled with tools I might only use once a month or so. I can't get rid of them because I need them but they are rarely touched. That's like I have a bunch of sockets and a couple 1/2" ratchets. I have not turned a wrench or ratchet at work since I want to say April. You never know though, I might get a job tonight I may need them.

The pain for me is I have to take my box around with me and it weighs somewhere around 200lbs. It has a couple wheels and a handle that pulls out from the bottom but that doesn't help when you have to pick it up and set it on a rack.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

that being said and correct me if i am wrong here but aren't european boxes a SHITLOAD smaller then ours

I think that's a mainland thing, small boxes aren't the norm here in the UK. Most boxes i see are in the 40-53" region.