Must have tools

[rider9195]

Hey guys. I am currently trying to build up my tool collection while I can get discounts from the major tool truck brands. I'm in a auto tech program at college and plan to work in the field as a tech. What tools do you guys recommend that are must haves for any tech?

I already have most all shallow and deep sockets, combo wrenches, and the basics. I am talking like double box end offset wrenches, caliper piston turn back tools. Stuff like that. I know this is a very wide topic and there are many variables, but I would appreciate as much input as possible.

Thanks all!

 

[mrjaw14]

chisels and punches, good multi-meter, pliers, breaker bars, flare nut wrenches, air tools (1/2" impact, 3/8" impact, air ratchet, air hammer, cutt-off tool, etc) Nice tool box, nice flex head ratchets in the 3 main sizes, bit sockets, torx sockets, allen sockets, the list goes on and on. I paruse the tool box thread and see what others have in their boxes and if I see something I need I go and buy it.

 

[Farmall450]

Spark plug sockets, extensions, universals too.

Soft faced hammers/mallets.

 

[shockwave]

One of the most used tools out of my box would have to be my 1/4 universal sockets they will save u countless times. And also get a couple of good flashlights I like the streamlight pt2l for it's size and light output it's always on my at work and use stinger ledhp the rest of the time

 

[genevabuck]

If you can get a discount, buy the most expensive and most used tools that you can afford. I highly suggest good 1/4 and 3/8 flext ratchets. Forget the ratcheting wrenches. Go with GearWrench. Solid pry bars, punches and chisels. Go craftsman with sockets, unless impact. Get good screwdrivers. The new MAC ones look great. And WITHOUT A DOUBT, by high quality Irwin Vice Grips. Preferably the older ones. There is no other brand.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

just buy everything you can afford.

 

[bcradio]

If you can get a discount, buy the most expensive and most used tools that you can afford. I highly suggest good 1/4 and 3/8 flext ratchets. Forget the ratcheting wrenches. Go with GearWrench. Solid pry bars, punches and chisels. Go craftsman with sockets, unless impact. Get good screwdrivers. The new MAC ones look great. And WITHOUT A DOUBT, by high quality Irwin Vice Grips. Preferably the older ones. There is no other brand.

Craftsman impact sockets are great actually.

 

[Brownsfan]

Craftsman impact sockets are great actually.

Are you talking about the current china versions or the old USA versions? Craftsman gets a bad rap here even the USA stuff. I have nothing but USA Craftsman sockets and they have been nothing short of awesome. There is a Ace hardware close by that has a good amount of nos USA stuff including impact sockets. They have sae metric in deep and shallow. To the OP. Your question really depends on the truck brand you have a discount with. Any of them are great tools some just do some stuff better than the others. Also depends on what type of repair you will be doing. I will say even at the discount any of the truck brands sockets are too expensive for what they are. You can still get Williams USA for less than Snap ON even with the discount for the EXACT same socket. Shop smart and your money will go further.
Of all the tool trucks I like the Snap On plier line up the best. They have some of the best gripping needle nose pliers on the market. The grips are the best I have used. The most comfortable and they dont slip when greasy. I like Snap On dual 80 ratchets the best out of all. The smoothest toughest I have used.

 

[Evan(CA)]

I'm in the same boat as you. It's so hard to decide what to get when you want it all! Even with the SEP discount the total adds up really quick. Two must buys right now are 1/4" and 3/8" quick release flex head ratchets on special until the end of the year.

FHRLF80 for 50 bucks
THRLF72 for 40 bucks

Can't beat that!

I'm going to have to splurge on the CT8810 and the CTR725 as well along with some 3/8 swivel impacts but none of that stuff is cheap. Still better than buying off the truck though that's for sure. Some of you guys buying off the truck would cry if you saw what students pay.

All the hand tools are basically 50% off and they have monthly specials making things even cheaper. SDDXL70AR was on special for 54 bucks last month.

 

[shoggoth80]

I am a big fan of roto-head ratchets. Also, ratcheting stubby wrenches have saved my **** more than once. Hose-clamp pliers, and EZ Reds are very useful. Oh, and a serpentine belt tool.

 

[Farmall450]

Don't forget Channellocks in every flavor!

 

[Brownsfan]

So what company is the one you are dealing with? That will make our recommendation easier. Someone mentioned a multimeter before. I would not buy any of the tool truck branded ones. If you can get Fluke through them gl that route. The truck brands are just rebranded from another company and usually overpriced. Any will tell you nere that Fluke is the best.

 

[akhappy]

Two of my most used tools are a Streamlight Strion, and a Snap On CTS661 Cordless Screwdriver.

If you are gonna work on Honda brakes you will need an impact driver because some bonehead engineer thought it would be cool if the rotors were held on by a Philips screw.

 

[Skin]

Unless you're already committed to the platform pass on Snap-Ons cordless tools. Worst warranty in the industry. Milwaukee is 5 years on the tool, Bosch is 3 years if you register for their Provantage coverage, IR is a tiered warranty out to 3 years, Snap-On is 1 year firm.

 

[CWP1616L]

1/4 drive swivel sockets (not impact) Snap-on

 

[Skin]

1/4 drive swivel sockets (not impact) Snap-on

The newer style Proto/MAC with the nickel plated splined pins look very nice as well.

 

[justanengineer]

Every time this question is asked I like to give the same reply, buy the most uncommon tools you think you might need off the truck, buy the common ones used. The student discounts look really appealing, until you realize you can get a multiple of the tools for the same money otherwise. Personally, Id rather have a wider selection of lightly used tools than have a few brandy new tools.

 

[Evan(CA)]

Every time this question is asked I like to give the same reply, buy the most uncommon tools you think you might need off the truck, buy the common ones used. The student discounts look really appealing, until you realize you can get a multiple of the tools for the same money otherwise. Personally, Id rather have a wider selection of lightly used tools than have a few brandy new tools.

What have you found cheaper used than what you can buy it for brand new with the SEP discount? Sockets are the only thing that come close to being a better deal and it's really not good enough to justify used over new. I'm all for saving money so my ears are always open to suggestions if you know something I don't. I've been looking pretty religiously as of late though.

 

[zkling]

This question has been asked many a times. You may want to do a search on the topic. It basically boils down to what you currently have, what type of work you will be doing and on what types of vehicles. I always recommend a good basic multimeter.

What have you found cheaper used than what you can buy it for brand new with the SEP discount?

I guess it depends on luck of finding the item and how long you want to wait till what you want comes up cheap (enough). A few weeks back I picked up a pair of snap on needle nose pliers at a garage sale for $1. I bet your SEP discount can't beat that.

 

[shoggoth80]

Student discounts are great while you have it. While those prices don't get much lower for new in your brand flavor, there are also other very good brands that can be had new for less. Don't shy away from any reasonably priced stuff you may need, as long as it's from a good manufacturer.

Also, radiator picks, when you get around to that part of schooling. I have mini-picks...but I am about to cough up coin somewhere for a set of the full size ones. Those and pry bars... all around useful stuff. I use pry bars a lot more often than I thought I would. Ridiculously often. But I have done ****** R&Rs, clutches, and engine R&Rs.

 

[rider9195]

Thanks for all the responses so far guys. I've read them all and considered many of your suggestions.

 

[rider9195]

Every time this question is asked I like to give the same reply, buy the most uncommon tools you think you might need off the truck, buy the common ones used. The student discounts look really appealing, until you realize you can get a multiple of the tools for the same money otherwise. Personally, Id rather have a wider selection of lightly used tools than have a few brandy new tools.

I do agree and try to find used tools that are in good condition. But for example, the snap on radiator hose pick set 6 pc. I can get 60 percent off that price. I don't think I will every find a used set that cheap.

 

[bcradio]

Are you talking about the current china versions or the old USA versions? Craftsman gets a bad rap here even the USA stuff. I have nothing but USA Craftsman sockets and they have been nothing short of awesome. There is a Ace hardware close by that has a good amount of nos USA stuff including impact sockets. They have sae metric in deep and shallow. To the OP. Your question really depends on the truck brand you have a discount with. Any of them are great tools some just do some stuff better than the others. Also depends on what type of repair you will be doing. I will say even at the discount any of the truck brands sockets are too expensive for what they are. You can still get Williams USA for less than Snap ON even with the discount for the EXACT same socket. Shop smart and your money will go further.
Of all the tool trucks I like the Snap On plier line up the best. They have some of the best gripping needle nose pliers on the market. The grips are the best I have used. The most comfortable and they dont slip when greasy. I like Snap On dual 80 ratchets the best out of all. The smoothest toughest I have used.

Yes, I have the ~95pc set I believe and they do happen to be made in the US (not that I care where it's made). They are great and have quite a few sizes without skips. I have not tried the newer version of Craftsman impacts though, so I could not tell you how they compare.

One tool that I just got was an underhood clamp style light. This thing is amazing and will really help you see in dark areas. Also just got the lisle spill free funnel. Very nice to have for coolant system work.

 

[mrjaw14]

So what company is the one you are dealing with? That will make our recommendation easier. Someone mentioned a multimeter before. I would not buy any of the tool truck branded ones. If you can get Fluke through them gl that route. The truck brands are just rebranded from another company and usually overpriced. Any will tell you nere that Fluke is the best.

True, fluke is the best. But if I'm not mistaken blue point meters are fluke rebrands. So if he can get a fluke rebrand 50% off that's a no brainer

 

[ijroorda]

Double flaring tool, I think the inline type is best bang for buck. Fuel/AC line disconnect tools. Hub nut sockets. Gear/Pitman arm/tie rod end pullers. Ball joint press. Deep offset box wrenches like you mentioned. Stubby wrenches. 3/8 cordless impact and cordless screwdriver, but as suggested above I would go Milwaukee on these rather than truck brand. Ball peen dead blow hammers. Torque wrenches. Knipex Cobra pliers. Locking extensions. Wobble extensions. Locking flex head ratchets.

I'm not a pro, just thinking of things I've bought to work on my own vehicles. The student discount from the truck brands is great, but don't do what so many do and go into debt just because it's "cheaper."

 

[Davefr]

I'd get tool truck brand hardline tools using the discount. It's hard to beat ratchets, wrenches, sockets at half price. (Your odds of finding good used at <<50% is slim unless you want to spend years looking.)

However I would buy used or HF storage units.

Don't go hog wild on specialty tools. They can drain your wallet very quickly. Buy them only as you need them. Since you're still in school you don't know for sure which direction your career will lead to. (ex: spark plug tools don't help much if you end up in diesel!)

 

[Smokeshow69]

One that no one has mentioned that I use nearly everyday is a headlamp that you wear. Get a good expensive one ($30) and it will serve you well. Makes work so much easier when you can seen.

 

[Wakefield]

Is the need for very flat box end wrenches such as XDHFM or half moon wrenches negligible for most mechanics and techs? (reaches into narrow places)

 

[GreenNV]

I started out working on cars in my teens using a MW (Montgomery Ward) mechanics tool set and some Vice Grips. I added a lot of tools over the years but they primarily tend to make the job easier.

As you gain experience, you will learn what tool provides the most function for your needs. And remember, a fool with a tool is still a fool.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Snap on flare nut wrenches, metric and standard....Big time...

 

[Subyroo651]

Is the need for very flat box end wrenches such as XDHFM or half moon wrenches negligible for most mechanics and techs? (reaches into narrow places)

I would say yes they might save your bacon, those wrenches have a lot of Fans.
Another option would be the Matco Spline Drive Fixed & ratcheting/flex wrenches. Especially with a student discount.

 

[ijroorda]

Snap on flare nut wrenches, metric and standard....Big time...

^ This. I'm not much of a truck brand guy, but if you use the discount for nothing else, get the complete sets of metric and standard Snap-on flare nut wrenches. If you will be working on GM cars, also get the single 20mm flare nut wrench for fuel filters, since that size is not included in the set.

 

[joel63]

As far as a multimeter is concerned I have had very good luck and service with
S-O's EEDM540D Auto Ranging multimeter.
I believe it's a rebadged meter, but still it is a versatile meter.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675528&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[zakmartin]

You could get a better discount by telling people you know that you can get them a 75% discount on new Snap-On tools with your student discount, pocket the extra 25% and put those toward whatever you need to buy for school. I wonder how much money Snap-On loses each year to students who use their discount to sell on the side. Does Snap-On keep track of all sales to the point where they could say, "Hey, this guy bought five 6-point deep metric socket sets on his discount. Why would he need five sets?" LOL

 

[Skin]

You could get a better discount by telling people you know that you can get them a 75% discount on new Snap-On tools with your student discount, pocket the extra 25% and put those toward whatever you need to buy for school. I wonder how much money Snap-On loses each year to students who use their discount to sell on the side. Does Snap-On keep track of all sales to the point where they could say, "Hey, this guy bought five 6-point deep metric socket sets on his discount. Why would he need five sets?" LOL

SEP sales are limited to 1 of each item and the total purchase amount cant exceed $7500 (@ full list) plus one box (very limited selection out of the Classic series). You cant go on a buying spree through it, at least not online.

Is the need for very flat box end wrenches such as XDHFM or half moon wrenches negligible for most mechanics and techs? (reaches into narrow places)

They have their place, mainly for the leverage. They make good tensioner holder tools as well. I'd definitely recommend the Matco ratcheting flex ones over the basic 12pt set.

Snap on flare nut wrenches, metric and standard....Big time...

MAC, Matco, Proto, Cornwell. All of them make very nice flare wrenches. Snap-On is not the only manufacturer of a flare wrench that works and doesn't spread. The only thing Snap-On has over the others is in the combo regular open end and flare end wrenches (RXS/M series). They make a lot more sizes compared to anyone else. But as far as the double end flare wrenches go, all pretty much equal.

 

[Wakefield]

A magnet or/and magic claw type pick up tool on a cable.
Might relieve panic!

 

[shoggoth80]

"Is the need for very flat box end wrenches such as XDHFM or half moon wrenches negligible for most mechanics and techs? (reaches into narrow places) "
-I would say yes. EZ Reds are similar to this, and the Matco with a flexible ratcheting end wrenches (dunno what to call them) fit this description too. Long, thin... great for access, leverage, and speed. You bet they come in handy. I need a set of my own still. I borrow them from my mentor all the time. Like anyone else, building stuff up slowly, as I can (relatively) afford to do so.

 

[rambo19]

Buy it as you need it.

 

[zakmartin]

SEP sales are limited to 1 of each item and the total purchase amount cant exceed $7500 (@ full list) plus one box (very limited selection out of the Classic series). You cant go on a buying spree through it, at least not online.

That must be why you see so many brand new SO Classic series boxes for sale on Craigslist.

 

[helterskelter]

Two of my most used tools are a Streamlight Strion, and a Snap On CTS661 Cordless Screwdriver.

If you are gonna work on Honda brakes you will need an impact driver because some bonehead engineer thought it would be cool if the rotors were held on by a Philips screw.

The reason they're held on by a phillips screw is so they do not fall off during assembly.