Mechanic vs Technician

[Shipfittin]

What is the real difference between the two? I see some people referred to as one vs the other. I take it a Technician is more skilled into using the computers and stuff. I've also seen a few techs kind of take a little offense to being called mechanics.

To me they are all auto mechanics, that's what I was always taught they were called.

In my trade they are trying to do away with calling us journeymen, now they want to call us mechanics. Just like the guys they used to call like the Master Shipfitter, now it's the Shipfitter Superintendent. Foreman are Supervisors, General Foreman are Zone Managers. It's all just odd to me, sounds like everyone just wants some "special" name for their job.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

as i understand it a tech can rebuild systems a mechanic just swaps parts

come on spider gearsman you should been here already

 

[DTB]

Just my take on it but it seems Technician is a term for a modern,highly skilled "mechanic",where as a mechanic could just be the 55 year old guy who has been turning a wrench his whole life,but hasn't recieved updated or recent training. I'm sure there is a better way of putting it.

 

[Obie]

I see technician as being a combination of mechanic and a little bit of engineer. My job description is Test Technician and I work with construction equipment product engineering and validation. I have to set up test stands, monitoring systems and equipment, etc. Lots of computer work and math whereas with my own vehicles, I'm a mechanic. Diagnostics and parts changing/repairing.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

we call them all technicians

 

[stopdroplol]

I imagine somebody did a study and the word "technician" inspired more confidence than "mechanic" and so the company started calling their "mechanics" "techs" and the rest followed.

 

[I can fix anything]

I prefer mechanic.

 

[Fedwrench]

Which one pays better?

 

[NJHandyGuy]

the one who works for a better company DUH

 

[treasureseeker]

A technician won’t tell you the service mistakes they have made while a mechanic will.

 

[Skaal-tel 79]

I think Technician is way over used. It's just a way of dressing up a ****** job. Mr lube guys are called oil change "technicians" window washing guys are transparent wall technicians.. blah blah.

 

[mtds]

I may be mistaken, but I thought it worked like this: When you are hired and paid, you are a mechanic. When the owner bills out your services, you are a technician.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

How i look at it:

Fitter - Basic parts changer. Tyres, oil changes, maybe a little brake/suspension/exhaust work.

Mechanic - More advanced parts changer. More suited to preventative mainenance and mechanical repair. Basic diagnosis of mechanical systems.

Technician - The most advanced of the bunch, does all the above and more. Advanced diagnosis into all mechanical and electrical systems.

I don't really care what i'm referred to as. Myself and a few friends refer to ourselves as "scumbag mechanics" following an argument with a stupid customer a while back.

 

[CaseyJoes.]

I prefer mechanic.

Me too! I work on mostly older things. Although, I associate Technician with a person who works on late model cars/ other mechanical items with computers.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Why does everyone seem to think that the word "mechanic" or "technician" only refers to automotive? I have been a mechanic/technician/machinist my entire adult life, but have never worked on automobiles professionally. I'm sure there are many out there who take mild offense to this "invisibility". I would think that it's because most everyone can relate to an automobile, whereas they may have no knowledge of many other things even existing in their narrow little world. What opinions do the rest of you have on this? I'm comfortable with who and what I am, but this is something I keep noticing in posts on here. Seems like it would make for good discussion, given the title of this thread.

 

[Wesley B]

I prefer mechanic.

Me too, I guess I'm old school like that.

 

[Obie]

Just a quick thought, back in the Marines I was an airframes mechanic and a hydraulics technician. Maybe it just has something to do with general repair vs. system/components.

 

[A_Pmech]

It is interesting how the definition of words change with popular usage. In the original meaning of the word, a mechanic is one who understands the entire mechanical system from concept, to design, prototype, production and maintenance. A mechanic is not a parts changer, but a well-rounded master of machines. In the purest form of the word, engineering is a dicipline of the mechanic, as is machining and the maintenance of machines.

A technician, on the other hand, is one who specializes. There are medical technicians, elevator technicians, lab technicians and obviously car technicians. A technician is a specialist at one small portion of an entire system, whereas a mechanic has a broad understanding of the entire system.

To bolster that assertion, here's what Webster's Dictionary has to say:

Technician: Specialist in the technical details of a subject or occupation.

Mechanic: An artisan. A machinst or one who repairs machines.

Before engineering was recognized as a profession, those who engaged in the science of designing machines were called mechanics. Mechanics generally not only designed the machines but were equally well versed in the making of them. James Watt was one such mechanic and reading books written a when he was alive, he was called variously a mechanic or an inventor. Those who ran his steam engines were called engineers as defined by Samuel Johnson's "A Dictionary of The English Language" published in 1767.

To get a better idea of who a mechanic was, in the truest meaning of the word, I recommend reading "Memoirs of the Most Eminent American Mechanics" by Henry Howe, published in 1840. The "engineers" of the Industrial Revolution were not called engineers back then, but mechanics.

 

[route246]

Same as "human resources" vs "personnel" which means they are the same. Just dressed up and more politically correct. You're either good or you're not. Doesn't matter tech or mechannic.

 

[fatfillup]

I agree with the some of the above statements that tech sounds better then mechanic and better titles inspire confidence, yada , yada, yada.

As far as skill sets, I'm sure the younger guys catch on to the higher tech stuff a little quicker then the older guys, but the older guys still have to keep up and one thing you cannot beat is an older guys experience.

I've seen plenty of techs who are merely parts changers and I've seen some old mechanics figure out problems that others couldn't. Being good at what you do has nothing to do with your title, it has everything to do with the effort you put in to be your best, and the pride you take in doing it right and fair. The dealer techs have an advantage on getting up to speed first on new systems, but that alone doesn't make them good techs.

A thought just occured to me, a tech, who puts in the time studying new systems, does the proper diagnostics, does good honest work, goes the extra mile may have a beef about being referred to as a mechanic. If he has taken the time to set himself apart from the rest, maybe he should be called a tech, or a master tech. Course, there is the term master mechanic. Now I am confused,,,,,,,lol, but if everyone in the shop is called a tech, then the term has little meaning.

 

[fatfillup]

Actually, I like Moose's definitions best!!!

 

[CaseyJoes.]

For whatever reason, I have always associated mechanic primarily with automobiles but also for anybody who works on something that uses an engine. Such as somebody who works on large stationary diesels, locomotive , planes (non electronic type work) etc., I would think of as a mechanic.

Technician I always associate more with the repair of something possibly mechanical that doesnt have an engine, and has electronics in its operating systems. Such as appliance tech, somebody who works on computer systems is a tech, etc.

Machinist I usually only associate it with just that one thing. No offence though, as my uncle worked as a machinist his entire life, and my father as well when he was in the Navy. I think this has to do with machinists are usually kept busy making parts and such since it is such a specialised area of knowledge.

 

[Gtamazing]

I always thought (automotive industry) that "Mechanics" did an apprenticeship and "Automotive Service Technicians" were the dumb kids that go to school for a few months and get a job screwing up your car at the local(insert repair franchise name here). I'm probably wrong and I don't mean to insult anyone.

 

[D9H 90V]

Around the dealership were just called slaves

 

[ptschram]

In industry, mechanics are maintenance guys who fix the machines, not to be confused with electricians, etc.

When I got started, we were called mechanics, then there was an article in the niase newsletter (anyone else remember when it wasn't just ASE?) that said they were leading the charge to call folks who fixed cars technicians.

For many, many years, I resisted being called an engineer as I was a chemist, not an engineer. I have finally embraced the word and am proud to call myself an engineer. In the UK, automotive repair shops are commonly referred to as engineering workshops, reminiscent of the days when those who did the repairs were called engineers and those who dreamt up the great ideas were called "designers" (kinda like what A_PMech said).

I didn't spend nine years in college to be called a technician dammit, I'm a professional, not just a parts changer-not to mention, the hard part is determining which part to change!

 

[richfinn]

I hold an ATA Master Technician card, and I hear all the hotshots banging on that they are Dealer Technician/Service Technician/Maintainence Technician etc etc.

I prefer Mechanic, and if you watch any motor racing, even F1 teams refer to their guys as Mechanics.

I only mentioned the Master Tech thing in your company to illustrate my point, I dont wear a patch or blow my own trumpet or anything. I just like playing with cars same as the Mechanic who trained me 25 years ago.

 

[blacK20]

No offense to anybody, but I think some people get too up tight on their title. I'm an ase master tech but I could not be bothered if some stranger calls me a mechanic/tech/wrench monkey. I know what I'm capable of and the guys I work with know as well. That's all that matters.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

In the UK, automotive repair shops are commonly referred to as engineering workshops, reminiscent of the days when those who did the repairs were called engineers.

I don't know of any car repair workshops here that are referred to as "engineering workshops." The only one i know of that's even close to that belongs to a friend, K***n Engineering which does engine machining/rebuilding and the like, and fabrication. They do very little repair work, most of their business is in rebuilding commercial truck diesel engines.

I've only ever once been referred to as an "engineer", and that was because the guy was foreign. I told him "I ain't no engineer, i'm a mechanic!"

 

[richfinn]

I don't know of any car repair workshops here that are referred to as "engineering workshops." The only one i know of that's even close to that belongs to a friend, K***n Engineering which does engine machining/rebuilding and the like, and fabrication. They do very little repair work, most of their business is in rebuilding commercial truck diesel engines.

I've only ever once been referred to as an "engineer", and that was because the guy was foreign. I told him "I ain't no engineer, i'm a mechanic!"

You can actually apply to the IMI to have the Engineer letters added to your title if you hold the ATA card.

I still prefer Mechanic.

 

[Davi]

No matter what level I get to (hoping to go as high as I can) I'll always class myself as a mechanic (once certified).

 

[Gtamazing]

No offense to anybody, but I think some people get too up tight on their title. I'm an ase master tech but I could not be bothered if some stranger calls me a mechanic/tech/wrench monkey. I know what I'm capable of and the guys I work with know as well. That's all that matters.

You don't work at Canadian Tire do you?

 

[blacK20]

You don't work at Canadian Tire do you?

nope why's that

 

[oldtools]

In the automotive field, I think a technician diagnose the problem and a mechanic fix the problem

 

[Moose-LandTran]

You can actually apply to the IMI to have the Engineer letters added to your title if you hold the ATA card.

I still prefer Mechanic.

Useless letters. It's not like customers ask if i'm qualified! (Not yet, soon.)

Looks like i might be getting Volvo qualifications too. Next week i start as a sub-contractor to a number of Volvo dealerships, and will be placed in all different ones as required. My friend who i work for has swung it so that i get Volvo training and qualifications thrown in.

 

[ptschram]

I don't know of any car repair workshops here that are referred to as "engineering workshops." The only one i know of that's even close to that belongs to a friend, K***n Engineering which does engine machining/rebuilding and the like, and fabrication. They do very little repair work, most of their business is in rebuilding commercial truck diesel engines.

I've only ever once been referred to as an "engineer", and that was because the guy was foreign. I told him "I ain't no engineer, i'm a mechanic!"

OK, maybe it's more traditional usage.

However, my friend from RSA confirmed that's what they were called when he was there (in RSA).

 

[ptschram]

I hold an ATA Master Technician card, and I hear all the hotshots banging on that they are Dealer Technician/Service Technician/Maintainence Technician etc etc.

Having watched some factory trained technicians, I don't think it's much to be bragging about.

What's ATA?

 

[ptschram]

Useless letters.

Just like MD or Phd?

 

[richfinn]

In the automotive field, I think a technician diagnose the problem and a mechanic fix the problem

I know a lot of "Technicians" who cant diagnose where the sump plug is to do an oil change

It was a WW2 Mechanic that taught me Ohms law

 

[richfinn]

Having watched some factory trained technicians, I don't think it's much to be bragging about.

What's ATA?

The British version of ASE.

Automotive Technician Accreditation, You just sit 5 different exams.

I wasn,t bragging if you read the post properly. I dont judge anyone on titles/tools/post count. I dont work for a manufacturer or attend factory training.

http://www.automotivetechnician.org.uk/

 

[Gtamazing]

nope why's that

just checking