Industrial Mechanic tool list

[basspro]

Hello ladies and gentlemen. I work for a door company as our lead mechanic. Here we manufacture solid wood core interior and exterior doors. Its a fairly large plant at about 300,000 square feet with a large diversity of equipment. I have been at this plant for three and a half years and the plant has been in operation for four years. We are now in the process of hiring two mechanics with preferred electrical background for our soon to be second shift. As lead I am being asked to sit in on interviews, which is new to me and has been slim pickings to say the least. One guy we did end up hiring, he would have worked out I believe, but he ended up quitting due to family issues. One thing I noticed about this fellow, is that he provided himself with hardly any tools at all, even after we suggested nicely to bring some in. I let him work out of my box as he was shadowing me anyway, and after a week I figured I would mention bringing in tools, which we failed to mention in the interview, by the way. His second week he brought his bag in, which consisted of a 12" adjustable wrench, a multi screwdriver, and a claw hammer, and a few loose allen wrenches. I didnt say anything about his tools, just figured he was waiting for the first paycheck or something, but he quit the next day.

Anyway, I am now going to be a bit more thorough in the next few interviews, and I would like to present a basic tool list. When I was in tech school for Industrial Mechanics, we had a basic tool list we needed to buy, everything else we chose to buy was optional. My employer requires we have our own tools, but I was never given a list of specifics. I brought my tools, and quite a bit at that on my second day of work btw. The employer provides big wrenches, sockets, drill bits, taps, big pullers, spare hex keys, expensive testing equipment (thermal imaging gun, vibration analysis tool) electrically insulated hand tools and PPE. I would like to come up with a standard list, Im thinking a tech school list would work. I have a extensive list in my millwright book that would work too, but Im not sure about that. The company does not provide aid in tools, although I have pushed for that. They do however allow you to do a payment plan through them up to $500 total. Im thinking tools required could be of any brand, but ANSI certified? Is that fair do you think?

Here is my list, you guys can help me tweak it!


Combination Wrench Set 3/8” – 1 1/4" and 8mm-19mm
Socket Set ¼” Drive
Socket Set 3/8” Drive
Socket Set ½” Drive up to 1 1/4" and 32mm
1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive ratchets
1/2" drive breaker bar
Hex Key Set metric and sae
Prybar set
Softface hammer 3lb
Ballpein Hammer 16oz
Adjustable Wrench 8”
Adjustable Wrench 12”
Hack Saw with Blade
Diagonal Cutters
Linesman Pliers
Needlenose Pliers
Channellock/groovelock 10"
Basic Punch & Chisel Set
Lining Up Punch ¼” x 12 (drift pin)
Pinch and Lining Bar
Deep Socket Set ½” drive up to 1 1/4" and 32mm
1 – ¼ Stiff Putty Knife
Feeler Gauge
12” Combination Square
Tape measure
Folding Rule (stick rule)
Torpedo Level
Vise Grips
Aviator Tin Snips (straight cut)
4” C-Clamp
Multi screwdriver
Steel toe boots
Mutimeter (CAT III minimum)
Flashlight
Magnetic pickup tool
14" pipe wrench
6" caliper
Tool Box/tool bag

 

[jmscollinsiii]

Good luck. I've worked with about 20 maintenance mechanics and at 25 I have more tools then all of them combined. Its sad to say but we had 1 guy walk in with nothing and it stayed that way for six months.

 

[basspro]

Yeah Im 26 and about the same way, if someone needs something they come to me. Not a big deal as we are small and close knit, but people still need to bring stuff in.

 

[jmscollinsiii]

Agreed however the oh I left your wrench over on xyz equipment in the finishing dept... I think. Gets old quick, especially in a facility your size. I just left a 150,000 square foot facility so I feel your pain.

 

[KEH]

I always figured if I was in a situation where people constantly wanted to borrow my tools I would go the the pawn shop of flea market and buy some used tools that were cheap when new and cheaper now and loas them out. They might get the message. I might also spray paint them pink.

BTW, I have ran across used tools painted pink and have bought them when they met my other standards for used tools.

KEH

 

[Heavy tech]

Seems like a fair list to me. Assuming a guy was tooling up from nothing, the whole list could be had fairly inexpensively. Maybe look at common jobs you have, like replacing wear parts and see if there is any special tooling needed for that. Then pass the list around the other mechanics. You guys probably know every inch of your plant better than any one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[reptilezs]

i would go with tools you use on a daily basis and make a list off that. cull off the more expensive stuff like power tools and you should have a good list to work with

 

[tshetter]

If an applicant does not own 95% of that list of tools they are unprepared and most likely inexperienced for the position.

Granted, you could have a guy that worked in a place for 10yrs that supplied all the tools he needed.

But how does a man not own at least 75% of that stuff, even if he doesn't use them professionally?

 

[Gmonkee]

I took it from a position that I would be taking that job. That is a pretty big hit to take coming in the door the first day. An ex-auto tech or or other type of pro tool user might have all that at home waiting, most do not.
A big list would send most directly to a HF store which might be worse than coming in with a list half that size of better brands.

Break the list into two parts, first a helper's kit based on the most used dual purpose tools and a 2nd part to be completed before you do jobs alone, for a higher pay scale.

For example I carried a 12" adjustable rather than a set of large sized wrenches, it did the trick well for me for months. Later I got all the big wrenches and kept them at the ready in the shop. The travel bag continued with only the 12".

 

[basspro]

Heavy tech, I will think about that more. I can think of specific tools like T15,T20,T25, and T47 star bits, 32mm deep well socket/breaker bar, 17mm wrench.

Reptilezs, the company pays for power tools. We all get issued a cordless drill, some of us have our own air tools. I can make the list somewhat specific, but eventually, when he/she is alone on second shift, they may need everything on my list above and then some.

Tshetter, I do agree with you. I have most of what is on my list in my truck tool box. Personally, this is considered a basic list in general IMO.

Gmonkee, I didnt list real specific requirements for the job, but we would like to hire people of a few years experience at least. Im going to call the local tech school tomorrow and see if students are of interest, just to see. While I agree that if someone didnt have any of these tools, that would be a big hit for sure, but if you are in tech school you are likely required to have this basic list, and if you have been in this field working, you would have at least that, I would think. Im not saying we wouldnt hire someone with zero experience, we are considering all options. I will work on further breaking the list down.

Thanks guys!

 

[basspro]

Here is a revised list. I culled it down some. These two individuals to be hired will be learning every piece of equipment in the plant and a short period of time (3 months). They will work on presses, electrical 3 phase systems/motors, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, presses, cnc routers and boring machines, coping machines, large sanders up to 4 heads, moulders, gluespreaders, door clamps. These individuals will also do plumbing, run conduit, work on lighting systems, hang and fabricate dust collection piping, set and level machinery. Some welding and fabricating can be expected.

Combination Wrenches (10mm, 17mm, 18mm) (1/2", 9/16", 3/4")
Socket Set 3/8” Drive (3/8"-3/4")
3/8" drive ratchet
1/2" drive breaker bar
1 1/8", 1 1/4", 30mm, 32mm deep well sockets
Hex Key Set metric and sae
Softface hammer 3lb
Ballpein Hammer 16oz
Adjustable Wrench 8”
Adjustable Wrench 12”
Diagonal Cutters
Needlenose Pliers
Channellock/groovelock 10"
Lining Up Punch ¼” x 12 (drift pin)
Pinch and Lining Bar with rolling head
Feeler Gauge
12” Combination Square
Tape measure
Folding Rule (stick rule)
Torpedo Level
Vise Grips
4” C-Clamp
Multi screwdriver
Steel toe boots
Mutimeter (CAT III minimum)
Flashlight
14" pipe wrench
6" caliper
Tool Box/tool bag

 

[joel63]

If an applicant does not own 95% of that list of tools they are unprepared and most likely inexperienced for the position.


But how does a man not own at least 75% of that stuff, even if he doesn't use them professionally?

That looks like good list.

A man's got to have tools

 

[Gmonkee]

I was a late model mechanic, diesel work for a while and an apt home handiman for many years.

I still do the home stuff, pretty much everything. Many of my tools for the mechanic are used in plumbing, electrical and some light carpentry. Double duty tools I'm good at.

Your 2nd list is much more accessable and looks about right for a maintence man's cart. I could see that doing just about everything required. Of course Murphy's law never rests but that extra stuff could be added in later as each man sees fit.

Make having the tools a hiring requirement. If each man is going to have to stand on his own on any task he has to be ready for the same.
A three month time frame to turn a student into an apt millwright seems a stiff learning curve too. You are going to be looking at only the best students. Get to know the instructors well, they will help you weed out the uninspired.

 

[littletoes]

At least two pipe wrenches I'd say. Got to have a back-up to keep from breaking things. I'd say at least a 14 & 18.

Get rid of the folding rule....they use to be a staple in times past, but not any more. If your going to require one....then make it an inside measure...hehehe, see if anyone knows what I'm talking about!

 

[gtermini]

Your 2nd list looks pretty good to me. In addition, I would consider these:

I don't think it would crazy to ask for a complete set of SAE wrenches up to 1-1/8" or so, rather than the piecemeal handful. They just are used so many places.

1/4" dr SAE sockets, at least shallows, would be good for electrical connections and boxes.

In the fab dept, a good scribe and top quality center punch are invaluable.

Just my initial thoughts and $0.02.

Greyson

 

[cheechi]

One thing I would think of comparing the two lists. This may be a non-issue since your applicants won't have the two to compare, but I've been accused of being overly analytical.

Specifying having a set of combo wrenches, sae & metric. It's impossible someone will have a set that does not include your 6 specified sizes, unless they use the 17mm & 3/4 interchangeably. That will get you better prepared applicants than guys who go out and buy 6 singles. Maybe make things a little more general except for the 'have to have' since the second list makes little sense as a whole. a 3/8 ratchet is required, but not a 1/2" and yet you need a 32mm deep socket. Why not just say 'sockets & ratchets, SAE & MM, up to x size/x to y size" and that way you cover the 'must have' 32mm size as well as giving them flexibility. Some guy who can cover everything with a 1/2" set & handle and still has all the sizes you need shouldn't be turned away you know?

A lot of guys I knew in school would see the difference as

mechanic=needs to have all the tools
vs
maint guy=see the job get the tools needed

So you might want to consider that a factor also. I can see at least some guys assuming it's all or nothing, either bringing a full rolling cab or you provide it all.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I agree a man should have MOST of these tools already. Most of us on GJ of course have them and many more.

I think where the rub lies is that a lot of people are bums. Back in the day while framing, we almost always hired word-of-mouth (like most of Planet Earth does), because when Joe Blow walked in off the street he had tools from a Happy Meal.

So asking a noob to go out and buy tools off the get go is going to chase away a lot of, well, bums...and that's a good thing. B/C the guy that does get the tools, (or at least makes a real effort) is someone that WANTS to work there.

Also, said employee will probably not be a tool hound like us, so it will probably be in your best interest to advise on where/how/what used tools to buy and things of that nature. Sounds like you got yourself a leadership position, so...go lead.

 

[JDon99]

I am an Electro-Mechanic and the revised list looks ok to me, my previous employer supplied all tools, so when I switched companies, I had two options, bring my tools from home in, or buy new tools for work. I ended up buying more for work because I work on stuff at home and didn't really want to raid my box for work. We've had a few deadbeats come in and not have ANY tools to start with and it was a while before they brought some in, needless to say, they aren't employed there anymore.

 

[sloppy]

Here is a revised list. I culled it down some. These two individuals to be hired will be learning every piece of equipment in the plant and a short period of time (3 months). They will work on presses, electrical 3 phase systems/motors, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, presses, cnc routers and boring machines, coping machines, large sanders up to 4 heads, moulders, gluespreaders, door clamps. These individuals will also do plumbing, run conduit, work on lighting systems, hang and fabricate dust collection piping, set and level machinery. Some welding and fabricating can be expected.

Combination Wrenches (10mm, 17mm, 18mm) (1/2", 9/16", 3/4")
Socket Set 3/8” Drive (3/8"-3/4")
3/8" drive ratchet
1/2" drive breaker bar
1 1/8", 1 1/4", 30mm, 32mm deep well sockets
Hex Key Set metric and sae
Softface hammer 3lb
Ballpein Hammer 16oz
Adjustable Wrench 8”
Adjustable Wrench 12”
Diagonal Cutters
Needlenose Pliers
Channellock/groovelock 10"
Lining Up Punch ¼” x 12 (drift pin)
Pinch and Lining Bar with rolling head
Feeler Gauge
12” Combination Square
Tape measure
Folding Rule (stick rule)
Torpedo Level
Vise Grips
4” C-Clamp
Multi screwdriver
Steel toe boots
Mutimeter (CAT III minimum)
Flashlight
14" pipe wrench
6" caliper
Tool Box/tool bag

List looks pretty good.. Anyone worth a **** will show up with all of that plus..

I dont really get the C clamp. We have C clamps laying all over in every shop here I cant really think of a time I had the desire to carry one or needed just one when I did need a clamp I usually need a few.. Seems like a odd item to require one of..

 

[atwageman]

I think both lists are good. If somebody's been in the game at least a few years they should already have what's on that list.

If somebody was working somewhere that provided everything, I feel they should have that stuff anyways in case of a job change. I have issues with people that won't invest in themselves to some degree.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Having been in or managing industrial maintenance for 30 years I have lived through the exact same thing and I am still fighting the tools thing where some guys think that their skills are all that they need. One critical think to add to the list is a roller cabinet. I work for a company where the smallest facility is 310,000 square feet, with the largest being 2.4 million and an average size of 1.6 million. We have over 60 facilities in the US alone.

So having the techs roll out with whatever they may need is crtical to minimizing downtime or lowering project times. For interviews I have a 20 page list of questions in regards to the different skills such as electrical, mechanical, machining, plumbing, carpentry, electrical controls, PLC's, computers, network/communication system, and more. In the interview I ask detailed questions about their tools (I have a list I go over with them) I write down their responses and what brands of tools they have). Through this I can determine if the candidate has what is needed or is willing to acquire. The average tech needs at least $1,500 in tools and a roller cabinet. At some of our locations we provide Kennedy Maintenance pro roller cabinets for the techs and make sure they have room for their PPE, especially the arcflash/arcblast gear. I give the incoming techs two lists of tools, one that they need to walk in with and what they will need by 6 months.

TheGrooveking

 

[atwageman]

This is along the lines of what I do when interviewing. If I offer the job and they accept, I make them sign off on the tool lists. Show up on day one without what's on the first list and you will not have a job. It's harsh. But it's the result of dealing with bullshitters over the years.

Having been in or managing industrial maintenance for 30 years I have lived through the exact same thing and I am still fighting the tools thing where some guys think that their skills are all that they need. One critical think to add to the list is a roller cabinet. I work for a company where the smallest facility is 310,000 square feet, with the largest being 2.4 million and an average size of 1.6 million. We have over 60 facilities in the US alone.

So having the techs roll out with whatever they may need is crtical to minimizing downtime or lowering project times. For interviews I have a 20 page list of questions in regards to the different skills such as electrical, mechanical, machining, plumbing, carpentry, electrical controls, PLC's, computers, network/communication system, and more. In the interview I ask detailed questions about their tools (I have a list I go over with them) I write down their responses and what brands of tools they have). Through this I can determine if the candidate has what is needed or is willing to acquire. The average tech needs at least $1,500 in tools and a roller cabinet. At some of our locations we provide Kennedy Maintenance pro roller cabinets for the techs and make sure they have room for their PPE, especially the arcflash/arcblast gear. I give the incoming techs two lists of tools, one that they need to walk in with and what they will need by 6 months.

TheGrooveking

 

[basspro]

I agree with all of you on the list changes, and I will work on making those changes.

TheGrooveking, I agree with the roller. I assume tool box as a roller, but I suppose others may not. We have Rubbermaid industrial carts that are available to use if somewone wanted to put a top on one. I use one for loading up with shop supplys, conduit, pipe, things like that. I would be totally lost without my box, Im married to it at work, makes my job alot easier, safer, and faster. Although probably for another post, Im also looking for better tests and questions we can give applicants. My supervisor is the one who really gives the interview, but I have been asked to sit in on them, he has asked me for input and overview of his questioning and tests. The tests given could be better to be honest.

atwageman, you are pretty much on the same lines as grooveking, I agee with both of you.

Thank you gentlement for such great honest responses. I will update the list again and post.

 

[basspro]

Here is my second updated list.



Combination Wrenches (3/8"-1 1/4")
Socket Set
Hex Key Set metric and sae
Softface hammer 3lb
Ballpein Hammer 16oz
Adjustable Wrench 8”
Adjustable Wrench 12”
Diagonal Cutters
Needlenose Pliers
Channellock/groovelock 10"
Lining Up Punch ¼” x 12 (drift pin)
Pinch and Lining Bar with rolling head
Feeler Gauge
12” Combination Square
Tape measurea
Torpedo Level
Vise Grips
Multi screwdriver
Steel toe boots
Mutimeter (CAT III minimum)
Flashlight
14" pipe wrench
6" caliper
Tool Box/tool bag

 

[pshking]

How about Allen wrenches, and Electric Lockout tag-out.

 

[May Pop]

I believe the last list is about correct. It can be carried by hand, on a cart or bike. I personally would have the first list or more after I was comfortable there.
What is the pay range for this individual. This will help as a minimum wage guy should have all supplied for him. Why did the first guy leave? Was it the company or the man?

 

[arms1970]

My opinion. Don't be at the job site without tools. It's simple, real simple. If it requires "expierence" don't bs me and have the tools to get the job done. Don't have time to baby sit, or chase my own tools down that "I" bought.

 

[basspro]

pshking, hex/allen wrenches are on the list. Lockout/tagout and ppe are provided.

May Pop, the starting pay is in the mid teens. After three months they get a dollar bump. After a year its usually better than that if they are real good. You can make $20 per hour pretty quick if you are very good. Not the highest paying but I would say on par for the area, I never complain with my pay, and they offer all the overtime you want. The first guy we hired left due to medical reasons with family, I understand that. Some of it seemed fishy, and we were all very welcoming of him. We do alot for each other. Some of us talk to each other about our issues in marriage, faith, finance, whatever it may be... we are all very close friends and really enjoy working with each other. We really wanted this guy to stay, because he "fit" the team well, other than the tool thing. O well, we did what we could do, we wished him well, and now we are moving on.

So, Im going to look hard at this list one more time, go over it with our supervisor, get his approval, and set it as our standard. Thank you guys for your time and honest opinions.

 

[May Pop]

Looking again the multimeter should be a shop provided item if being certified or accurate is needed. This should be for all of the mechanics.Assigned to have some responsibility for it. Now a voltage tester/Wiggy is mandatory. Your basic list is what any decent factory maintenance man should own. Perhaps an item here or there to be purchased later. This will help weed out the less desireable candidates. If they can not keep or beg borrow or steal (I hope not) a few tools there is a major problem. Also a test period to see if the worker fits in might be an idea?
My guys use company provided tools and we purchase basics that they get to keep to help motivate them to take care of them. Not a real allowance in the companys eyes but shows the guys they are appreciated. Hope this gives a few more ideas.
Many members here are tool nuts and want to better their collection. Ive worked with guys that are happy to use a rock as a hammer and only want the paycheck by doing the absolute least to get by. This is a disservice to everyone but himself. These are the guys you dont want to employ or partner with. I have one man that was here when I started and will be happy when he retires. Sadly for him and me I dont think he can EVER afford to retire.
Good luck finding a new guy.

 

[djb2]

Hmmm, my opinion differs.

If there is a required tool list for a job, those tools should be provided by the company. Especially when the job pays close to minimum wage, which removes the 'almost-independent-contractor' nature of some employment (e.g. auto mechanics paid in part based on the 'book time' of their jobs).

One argument might be that it's not an extensive or expensive set of tools. Which is all the more reason for the company to provide a cheap, functional starter set to new hires, and a tool allowance for them to buy upgraded tools (which they will then own).

 

[Supe]

If an applicant does not own 95% of that list of tools they are unprepared and most likely inexperienced for the position.

Granted, you could have a guy that worked in a place for 10yrs that supplied all the tools he needed.

But how does a man not own at least 75% of that stuff, even if he doesn't use them professionally?

A few years ago, I was that guy. I had a set of hex keys. No socket sets, vise grips, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers... I'd borrow ****** screwdriver and a shifters if I needed one. One day the landlord came over for maintenance and asked to use a shifter. I said I didn't have one. He looked at me in shock and went to his truck to grab the tools he needed. That was a catalyst event. I realised how useless i was. I ordered a Charge Leatherman that night. A week later I bought a Stanley 1/4 socket set. I was so stoked when I used that socket set for the first time because I actually had tools.

Different story now. I now have some serious, high quality kit and a desire to learn and do. I'm stoked on on my gear and have bought tools for mates who were just like me.

 

[basspro]

May Pop, we all own our own multimeters, because that is how it has been, so the thought has never crossed my mind that it should be an issued item, but I will mention that to my superiors. The more I think about that, the more I agree.

djb2, I think we might have to agree to disagree with this one, only because if the employer provides the tools, how does that weed out the guys who are blowing smoke in an interview? Im open to suggestions, Im just curious. I guess I just relate my experience when I was in school. We were given a list and were required to buy what was on that list. We were also told the median pay starting would be around $20 and hour in most shops. We are a much smaller, newer company. The pay has increased as we have gone, Im sure that will continue. In say, the paper industry, an hour away in a large city, I would expect that pay rate to be higher I guess, different industry, but higher living costs for the area. Anyway...

Supe, everyone starts out like you for the most part I believe. This isnt a knock towards you, but we are targeting people who are skilled in this trade and isnt completely fresh to the work or tools for that matter, or is pursuing skills through training, schooling. I would agree, its nice to have things at home as well, alot cheaper doing things yourself usually.

 

[Ohmthis]

Basspro, I'm an industrial tech/mechanic, have been for 14 years now. In my opinion a tech worth a hill of beans has his own tools. How can he be experienced and not have some. I would add razor knife, fuse puller, controll screw drivers, nut drivers, and side cutters. The company I work for now had a list of tools when I hired on. They went through my box and checked everything off the list as we went. You missed one thing.......you missed out on working there. As far as companies buying tool sets, I worked for a place where they bought a set and you paid it off through your paycheck as you went. It insured that everyone had at least the basics.

 

[sloppy]

Hmmm, my opinion differs.

If there is a required tool list for a job, those tools should be provided by the company. Especially when the job pays close to minimum wage, which removes the 'almost-independent-contractor' nature of some employment (e.g. auto mechanics paid in part based on the 'book time' of their jobs).

One argument might be that it's not an extensive or expensive set of tools. Which is all the more reason for the company to provide a cheap, functional starter set to new hires, and a tool allowance for them to buy upgraded tools (which they will then own).

I dont agree. Where I am at now they buy the tools.. What they buy is a bunch of ****..

All company bought tools leads to is a bunch of guys doing work with the wrong tool because thats all they have.

 

[atwageman]

I dont agree. Where I am at now they buy the tools.. What they buy is a bunch of ****..

All company bought tools leads to is a bunch of guys doing work with the wrong tool because thats all they have.

I've worked a lot of overtime over the years because of techs on a previous shift didn't have the right tools for the job. Classic excuse......well that's all I had and I made due with what I had.

Nothing pisses me off more than some ****** screwing up good parts to replace a bad part during a repair, because well....... That's all they had to work with.

 

[Mstrfxit12]

As the Facilities Director for a pharmaceutical company I provide basically all the tools that my techs need. There are occasions where specialists(HVAC, Electrician, myself) will occassionally supply a specialty tool that the company does not have but this is pretty few and far bewteen. I also subscribe to the age old "borrow it 3 times" rule. If one of us has to supply it three times I try and figure out a way to purchase it.
I provide tools mainly because of the nature of our business. I cant have a guy using tools on Monday that he had at home on Sunday working in his yard. I think the list(s) you put together are a good start. I would offer that if the tools to be on site are owned by him then he should provide a storage means to secure then. I know you had mentioned a bag or box but it should be capable of being secured. I would also offer that you require all his tools to be permenantly marked with his name. In our case each mechanic is issued a cart and technician box. The tools are marked with the cart number. This helps to prevent tools from being misapropriated.
Good luck with your hiring, its tough to find good workers and ones actually willing to work.

 

[coldfoot_luke]

I would kindly add a few things:

T-handle allen wrenches (with allen sockets as an encouraged option) - mechanics at my plant with T-handles fly compared to those stuck with just the L-handles.

Fixed blade square - not necessarily machinist grade accuracy, but something sturdy enough to square up parts during assembly/inspection.

Files, with a stone or hone set as a preferable option.

 

[cheechi]

I would hope that if a file were part of the tools you would need in a facility, those would be a provided item. Not just because they are a wear item, but because the specific kind of file would probably be important for the task/part being worked on.

I totally agree on the T handle allens though. Most of my hex keys are loose or 'swiss army' style, but when I do get to use T handles they seem to make things much faster. I do have sockets and still prefer those over T handles but they both have their uses. I use those when I can but it seems most of the hex head stuff I encounter I have my car tool kit not my home tools. Or in the case of my guitars, the sockets are too short or don't go down to the tiny sizes.

 

[AndrewV]

Here is my list, you guys can help me tweak it!


Combination Wrench Set 3/8” – 1 1/4" and 8mm-19mm
Socket Set ¼” Drive
Socket Set 3/8” Drive
Socket Set ½” Drive up to 1 1/4" and 32mm
1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive ratchets
1/2" drive breaker bar
Hex Key Set metric and sae
Prybar set
Softface hammer 3lb
Ballpein Hammer 16oz
Adjustable Wrench 8”
Adjustable Wrench 12”
Hack Saw with Blade
Diagonal Cutters
Linesman Pliers
Needlenose Pliers
Channellock/groovelock 10"
Basic Punch & Chisel Set
Lining Up Punch ¼” x 12 (drift pin)
Pinch and Lining Bar
Deep Socket Set ½” drive up to 1 1/4" and 32mm
1 – ¼ Stiff Putty Knife
Feeler Gauge
12” Combination Square
Tape measure
Folding Rule (stick rule)
Torpedo Level
Vise Grips
Aviator Tin Snips (straight cut)
4” C-Clamp
Multi screwdriver
Steel toe boots
Mutimeter (CAT III minimum)
Flashlight
Magnetic pickup tool
14" pipe wrench
6" caliper
Tool Box/tool bag

I think bringing the list to bare minimals would do better. Drop 3/8`s, i cantaliver will hold most of the list so bag isn't realy needed. But I'm in automotive, so I don't fully know what you need, but you need a new hire to have tools, no way around it, no excuse, it's part of the job.

 

[They call me DUFF]

Hello. New the site.
I know i'm reviving a old post but this fits what i am here to ask.

I work for a start up company that has hired me as their maint. lead. My story is almost the same as the guy that started this thread BASSPRO. I have never been in this postion/roll before. I currently only have 2 guys working under me, one guy cross treaining and looking at hiring 3 more. The shop itself has some stuff, a welder, plasma cutter, a shared tool box with so so tools(which i am working on getting that changed to individual tool boxes) a few work benches in it but no where near what we need. My question is, if you starting from scratch what would be the most important things to have in the shop right off the bat.