So I need to build a quick cheap tool set to do Oil changes, Battery installs, and Tires for a shop. My question is what tools would you bring and I'm looking for the cheapest set of tools I can get that'll get the job done until I can afford better. Can all be mixed brands. Basically starting from scratch here until I can start getting the good stuff again.
Lube Tech tool set
- Thread starter Zeroek
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G1GRANDEUR
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they said you will need your own tools? because some shops have their tools for lube techs.
NiteWolf
Well-known member
Basically what you need for those jobs is a 3/8th drive socket set in sae and metric, combo wrenches in sae and metric, and a lug nut socket set with a long 1/2" drive ratchet or breaker bar. thats all you need to start if all your doing in oil changes, batteries and tires.
almost forgot and a basic set of screwdriver.
almost forgot and a basic set of screwdriver.
This is a set I would get if I was starting out and was going cheap. Hell, I like to get this set for my house. It don't have impact sockets but it is still a decent set with good reviews.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200326812_200326812
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200326812_200326812
metaleltr
Well-known member
Gearwrench for hand tools, sockets, wrenches. As a lube tech you may want to check out their magnetic drain plug socket set. For air tools I would think you would only need an impact and a tire inflator. I would go Chicago Pneumatic for an impact and Milton for a tire inflator.
87FoRunner
Well-known member
As stated, a basic set of metric sae and metric wrenches and sockets
1/2 breaker bar, harbor freight flip sockets are kinda pricey, but are easier to me to just grab and go. Eventually pick up a 1/2 impact and torque sticks.
Oil fitter wrenches, but the shop would prolly supply them.
I uses one of those dogbones and kept it attached to the oil drainer, most newer imports can be done with this vs whipping stuff out and putting them back.
1/2 breaker bar, harbor freight flip sockets are kinda pricey, but are easier to me to just grab and go. Eventually pick up a 1/2 impact and torque sticks.
Oil fitter wrenches, but the shop would prolly supply them.
I uses one of those dogbones and kept it attached to the oil drainer, most newer imports can be done with this vs whipping stuff out and putting them back.
I'd want to use an impact for Tire removal and install. The impact I'm kinda confused on what brand to get. I know IR is good but can cost some money. I may be taking tires off bigger trucks like 3500 HD Chevrolets and possibly stuff like that.
If I was stating out this would be my wish list
Craftsman metric wrench set
Craftsman SAE 1/4 and 1/2 wrenches
Craftsman metric socket set
Craftsman Top box which you can add a cabinet to
Craftsman plier set
Craftsman screwdriver set, Smaller set, you don't need 20
Snap On ratchet
Snap On ratcheting screw driver
High end oil filter wrench of your choice
Craftsman metric wrench set
Craftsman SAE 1/4 and 1/2 wrenches
Craftsman metric socket set
Craftsman Top box which you can add a cabinet to
Craftsman plier set
Craftsman screwdriver set, Smaller set, you don't need 20
Snap On ratchet
Snap On ratcheting screw driver
High end oil filter wrench of your choice
Remember you get what you pay for. If an impact would be of high value to you spend money and get a good one.
Your tools make you money. If you buy a cheap one you will likely get frustrated with it and buy a better one anyway.
JKady
Well-known member
Yup years back when I was working in a chain oil change place we had a dog bone wrench and a set of filter pliers hanging from every oil drain, they'll get 99% of oil change work done just fine.
I prefer filter pliers to wrenches myself, less chance of slipping and less guessing which size filter wrench means more time working and more work done. I don't remember the last time I took a regular canister type filter off with anything other than one of the two pairs of filter pliers I have (one smaller car size pair, one big tractor/big truck pair) or my bare hands.
87FoRunner
Well-known member
I almost forgot, the sockets for GM ecotec canisters
I would get a $99 black HF Cary eventually too. The goal is to have just enough to be very profitable, but still very comfortable and quick working.
I would get a $99 black HF Cary eventually too. The goal is to have just enough to be very profitable, but still very comfortable and quick working.
I know how it is on the impact wrenches too. I figure if I buy a good one now I could use it throughout the time I work there. I plan to move up I just haven't got any tools right now and quick lube is the perfect place for me to get my tool collection built back up.
NiteWolf
Well-known member
yeah to start thats ok. swap out with better stuff as you go.
I cant be-leave i forgot to mention filter wrenches strap and plier type.
crewchief888
Well-known member
IMHO
one of the "best bang for the buck" as far as an impact would be an IR 231.
bought my last one a few months ago from summit racing, under $140 delivered to the door.
set of flip sockets
CM or gearwrench wrenches
gearwrench, CM or duralast sockets
duralast ratchets
HF 1/2" breaker bar
HF 1/2" torque wrench
i really have no suggestions or filter wrenches/pliers, what works for me, may not be suited to your applications...
channellock or knipex for pliers
screwdrivers are a "comfort & feel" kinda thing sooooo...
once you get "started" you'll find out more specific tools you'll need or want.
HF cart, or a med sized top box
depnding on the size & available work area you'll have
one of the "best bang for the buck" as far as an impact would be an IR 231.
bought my last one a few months ago from summit racing, under $140 delivered to the door.
set of flip sockets
CM or gearwrench wrenches
gearwrench, CM or duralast sockets
duralast ratchets
HF 1/2" breaker bar
HF 1/2" torque wrench
i really have no suggestions or filter wrenches/pliers, what works for me, may not be suited to your applications...
channellock or knipex for pliers
screwdrivers are a "comfort & feel" kinda thing sooooo...
once you get "started" you'll find out more specific tools you'll need or want.
HF cart, or a med sized top box
depnding on the size & available work area you'll have
petty4243
Well-known member
do not skimp here... just buy a good one.... snappy 3/8 or half.... ir 1/2.... either will do the job well.... most of the common cheap impacts will not get the nuts of a 1500 chevy...... get the impact sockets also.... start with HF or craftsman... then as money frees up get some better stuff..... torque wrench.... or atleast impact torque sticks...... otherwise you will have customers coming back with tires off their mommas caravan... metric and sae wrenches... i used gearwrench ratchet wrenches when i started.... evolved into bluepoints cause i got tired of replacing the 13 and 15mm ones..... as others said... basic set of metric and sae 3/8 sockets, drivers and extensions.... a 10mm hex bit for checking fluid in transfercases of fords... mostly superduties..... basic plier set,,, screwdivers, filter tools.... (pliers, sockets and 3 point grips) also band straps.....good tire gauge/inflater.... HAMMERS and PRYBARS.... the rest will come from time and expierience watching others.... just get in, get your hands dirty and learn
signcrafter
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- May 9, 2012
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- 12,359
If the shop does provide tools I wouldn't waste my money buying a cheap set and upgrading later. If the shop does provide tools I would show up and use theirs and see what you use the most and save up and buy your own decent set skipping buying the cheap set now. If you use a 3/8" ratchet a bunch the first day then go out and buy a decent set of 3/8" sockets and ratchet. Buy specialty things like filter tools, tire tools, impact, etc based on how much you use them at work. If the shop doesn't provide tools then by all means buy a cheap set to get you by until you can upgrade but if they do provide most I would skip this and just use the shop tools until you save some money and can buy desent tools. No need to waste your money on cheap tools.
87FoRunner
Well-known member
If the shop provides tools, and the one you need is missing, your productivity goes down, writers will notice, and your job may become question. Some people don't understand the excuse of tooling, but rather number crunching. Especially since he is looking to move up, he could take pride and go the extra mile and move up much easier.
JKady
Well-known member
Well this will probably ruffle some feathers but I'm gonna say it anyway, Snap-On impacts are junk. Heavy, the triggers have no modulation, reversing/power control setup is a joke with anything but the cleanest of hands My 3/8 gun got replaced in short order with a "cheap" Cornwell 2150 and I haven't looked back.
Buy an IR or a NitroCat 1200K if you're buying a 1/2" impact. The 1200K can be had for around $180 online and parts are readily available. In a shop I left recently, the owners of Ti Ingersoll Rands and even the guy with a brand new Snap-On who did a fair bit of **** talking about my "Cheap chinese pos gun" ended up borrowing it frequently when their guns fell short.
jfcasey
Well-known member
Spend the most money on a IR impact, a 2135 timax or timaxqt is my recommendation. From there stick with gear wrench, sunex, and Grey Pneumatic. If you have a tool guy who sells through a wtd catalog buy all your stuff through there and stay off the snap on truck unless your buying blue point!
Don't waste your money on a 3/8 impact or air ratchets until your have your bases covered for the lube rack work. Nothing makes you look like a bigger dipshit then having to borrow a simple tool like a combo wrench or a valve core tool from another guy when you have a box full of air tools and specialty pliers when all you do is hump tires and drain oil all day.
Remember, live your wage, don't blow all your cash on stuff you really cant afford. Once your basics are covered start accumulating more tools for when you can move up.
Don't waste your money on a 3/8 impact or air ratchets until your have your bases covered for the lube rack work. Nothing makes you look like a bigger dipshit then having to borrow a simple tool like a combo wrench or a valve core tool from another guy when you have a box full of air tools and specialty pliers when all you do is hump tires and drain oil all day.
Remember, live your wage, don't blow all your cash on stuff you really cant afford. Once your basics are covered start accumulating more tools for when you can move up.
petty4243
Well-known member
if you read what i wrote, i included IR.... just might hae looked like "if" i have had good luck with my snappy impacts.... yes, the half is heavy, but is also a horse.... 99% of what i do is done with my 4 y/o mg31.... only replaced socket retainer a few weeks ago.. otherwise flawless for me...
kiatech
Well-known member
Get a drain plug pro. You will thank me later.
jvitez
Well-known member
Do you have a Menards around you? They sell Masterforce tools which are rebranded Allan, ie USA made Danaher. You can get a full 3/8 socket set, wrenches and impact socket from there, all at very reasonable prices. Get a set of Craftsman screwdrivers, and a Channellock oil filte wrench and slip joint pliers, and you'll be set for a long time.
nitrocat guns cannot be used with torque sticks. Not sure if the OPs shop uses them, worth mentioning anyway. Also wouldn't say snap-on's current impacts are junk. Decent, just not worth full retail.
bcradio
Well-known member
Why is that?
Awesome advice here! I agree 100%.
Definitely look at Gearwrench. They have some nice ratchets, sockets, and wrenches.
Sent from my DROID RAZR
JKady
Well-known member
Different impact mechanism that can overtorque through a torque stick. I don't use torque sticks so it was of little concern to me.
karrbass4life
Well-known member
Get an IR 231 impact wrench. They are a workhorse and I used one everyday when I was a tire tech. I'm not a fan of flip sockets so I'd get a set of deep impact sockets. HF was my first set and when they broke I got a snap-on in the same size. Get a good trusty air gauge and a long reach one for those trucks with dual rear wheels. If your going to a dealer as the lube tech find out which tools make everyone's life easier. I'd get a HF roll cart to store your tools.