needed tool list for dealer?

[antid2]

I'm moving to pittsburgh in a few days, and i have a few interviews for a couple different dealerships for entry level tech and lube tech, at Cadillac, Chevy, Lexus, toyota, and at a suburu dealership, the guy called me and said they're almost always hire, so i'm wondering...what tools should i buy to prepare myself?

i have SAE/metric wrenches, and ratcheting wrenches, TONS of screw drivers, all different pliers, SAE and metric 1/2 deep and shallow, 3/8 deep and shallow, 1/4 deep and shallow sockets, tons of gearwrench ratchets,a 1/2 torque wrench, and a 3/8 torque wrench, odds and ends, i have a o.k. impact but its HF brand and it's twin hammer but not that strong, also i don't have any impact sockets at all, other than those 2 what else should i get to prepare myself for a lube tech position? i've worked at jiffylube for the passed 2 years as the pit guy so i have a general idea just making sure i cover my bases before i jump in, i've never been inside a dealership let alone work at one so i don't want to show up short handed

 

[kiatech]

Take the hint, if they are always hiring that means they are always firing.

 

[antid2]

where would be the best place for a person like me to go then? working 2 years at a jiffylube, and i can do some repairs, i did do and engine and trans swap on my car, tons of other things but im not certified where would you recommend me going?

 

[Jacks3am]

My suggestion as a former lube tech at a Chevy dealer is to have a set if deep well metric impact sockets, a 32mm oil filter socket, a 24mm socket, both for different variations of the cartridge style oil filters, a good digital air gauge, and if you don't already have a box, Ide at least suggest getting a cart. HF has a 13 piece impact socket set for 19.99 with coupon, Mac sells the 32mm for about 13. Btw, if you have the compact half inch impact from HF, plan on upgrading asap, I used mine in the lube tech setting for 7 months before becoming an apprentice, and it fell apart. A cordless 1/4 impact also makes life earlier, my ridgid is a monster for its size! The most important thing when starting at a new shop is to work hard and be friendly, not cocky. Being a friendly guy will grant you the knowledge of the master techs who can really help out in a bind!! Sorry for long first post!


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[woody 73]

Take the hint, if they are always hiring that means they are always firing.

Funny story but many years ago my wife and I were at a party and the owner tells us that his longest employee had been with the company for 5 years... yes that guy would fire just about everyone a the drop of a hat, very sad.

 

[Jacks3am]

I would suggest being an apprentice. I am currently in the GM ASEP program as an apprentice and I have learned more than I ever thought possible!


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[antid2]

i appreciate it alot, yeah i have a 11 drawer HF box the black one at the moment but i want to get the tool cart seems easier and working at jiffylube i worked with a ASE certified guy who worked there for tax purposes for side work i guess but he was always nice became good friends, and i am never the cocky type, i love listening and learning from everyone around me and putting that into use for my work, working on my own cars kind of taught myself what i know so far..just trial and error until i got it right, most of my stuff is gearwrench and HF seeing as i don't make much money at the moment

I would suggest being an apprentice. I am currently in the GM ASEP program as an apprentice and I have learned more than I ever thought possible!


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do apprentice's make money? i'm not currently in school but i plan on it, but at the moment i have to support myself and my girlfriend until she finds a decent job, we're both pretty young and doing this on my own so i definitely need a paying job

 

[wornoutoldman]

Flashlight-Maglite or better
Impact Sockets-Harbor Freight are fine for now
Quality Airchuck/Gauge

Pen

 

[Jacks3am]

Yes apprenticeships make money, I make 8.50, started out at 7.50, but my dealer is very cheap lol, I would say just try to get some impact sockets and an air gauge right now, when money affords it, build up your tools! You'll know quickly what you need! Also if your starting out, try and be an hourly employee, flare rate on the lube rack will overwork and underpay you!! Good luck man!

-Jimmy


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[gagreen]

Take the hint, if they are always hiring that means they are always firing.

Any work is better than no work. I have a buddy who cant get a decent job because he sat idle and worthless for a few years. Jobs are stepping stones until you find a place you like and turn it into a career. A&P mechanics who want to go the airline route always start for a regional carrier, who are always hiring, once experience is gained you move up to a higher paying job with a bigger airline.

Be flexible when you are making a name for yourself, if you have a ****** boss grit your teeth and bear it. Keep an updated resume in front of employers you would like to work for and keep a positive attitude. Most jobs go unadvertised so having your name infront of an hr person makes it easier for them to give you a call.

 

[redsand187]

i appreciate it alot, yeah i have a 11 drawer HF box the black one at the moment but i want to get the tool cart seems easier and working at jiffylube i worked with a ASE certified guy who worked there for tax purposes for side work i guess but he was always nice became good friends, and i am never the cocky type, i love listening and learning from everyone around me and putting that into use for my work, working on my own cars kind of taught myself what i know so far..just trial and error until i got it right, most of my stuff is gearwrench and HF seeing as i don't make much money at the moment






do apprentice's make money? i'm not currently in school but i plan on it, but at the moment i have to support myself and my girlfriend until she finds a decent job, we're both pretty young and doing this on my own so i definitely need a paying job

Just as a lube tech, you should be able to get $10 an hour. (hourly) Or at least when I worked in a dealership, 5 years ago, that's what they were starting lube techs out at, and that place was notoriously cheap.

Gearwrench and HF is perfectly fine. There will likely be some snobs in the shop that think if it's not Snap-On it's trash. Those guys typically have $50,000+ ******* in their tools, drive ****** cars, and are struggling to pay all of their bills.
Some things are worth spending extra on, but probably 95% of the time, budget stuff will get the job done just as well. So if having an expensive set of tools is your main goal in life, and you're willing to sacrifice a lot of other things, truck brand tools are the way to go. If you look at it as a way to earn a living, you can probably outfit yourself with stuff 100% from HF, Sears, Home Depot... and be just as effective.


Oh, and the stuff you have should be an okay starting point. Flashlights are always needed, and getting some basic electrical stuff like a test light, and a meter will be necessary when you work on real diagnostics. The more work you do, you'll find what you need, and what you can add to be quicker. For example, 12v mini impacts like Makitas or Milwaukee's are amazing to have.

At least where I worked, everyone was glad to lend a hand and loan a tool, especially if you are a young new guy just starting out. Just don't be a ****, and you'll be okay.

 

[AndrewV]

Hf impacts, gearwrench chrome sockets, descent set of wrenches, and a cartridge filter set. You'll be pretty much covered for lubetech work. Grab the hf earth quake 1/2 impact.
And then upgrade, as pay is earned.

 

[antid2]

Just as a lube tech, you should be able to get $10 an hour. (hourly) Or at least when I worked in a dealership, 5 years ago, that's what they were starting lube techs out at, and that place was notoriously cheap.

Gearwrench and HF is perfectly fine. There will likely be some snobs in the shop that think if it's not Snap-On it's trash. Those guys typically have $50,000+ ******* in their tools, drive ****** cars, and are struggling to pay all of their bills.
Some things are worth spending extra on, but probably 95% of the time, budget stuff will get the job done just as well. So if having an expensive set of tools is your main goal in life, and you're willing to sacrifice a lot of other things, truck brand tools are the way to go. If you look at it as a way to earn a living, you can probably outfit yourself with stuff 100% from HF, Sears, Home Depot... and be just as effective.


Oh, and the stuff you have should be an okay starting point. Flashlights are always needed, and getting some basic electrical stuff like a test light, and a meter will be necessary when you work on real diagnostics. The more work you do, you'll find what you need, and what you can add to be quicker. For example, 12v mini impacts like Makitas or Milwaukee's are amazing to have.

At least where I worked, everyone was glad to lend a hand and loan a tool, especially if you are a young new guy just starting out. Just don't be a ****, and you'll be okay.

thanks for the advice, and yeah i have a test light and a multi-meter..and my girlfriend actually makes fun of me because i have about 30 flashlights, also one streamlight from matco the stinger i believe


i also had a question, working at a dealership, as a lube tech do you generally work alone? i'm used to working with 2-3 guys but i was kind of excited to be able to work on my own

 

[jakemac]

Go to the Jiffy Lube in the new area to start. You are already familiar with their system and won't need to be trained. Or, try one of the other quick lube places.

That will get you a job to start in the new area, and give you the time to learn where the good places to work will be. Right now, you're going in blind and desperate. That works against you finding a good place to work for the long term. Get something with a paycheck first, then after a couple months when you're settled search out something with better pay and opportunities.

 

[Jwych]

I have an aircat impact that is pretty good, also sears has a set of deepwell impact sockets on sale right now for like 40 bucks.

 

[Jwych]

Go to the Jiffy Lube in the new area to start. You are already familiar with their system and won't need to be trained. Or, try one of the other quick lube places.

That will get you a job to start in the new area, and give you the time to learn where the good places to work will be. Right now, you're going in blind and desperate. That works against you finding a good place to work for the long term. Get something with a paycheck first, then after a couple months when you're settled search out something with better pay and opportunities.

Damn good advice sir!

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Take the hint, if they are always hiring that means they are always firing.

Or it's easy for people to find better jobs.

 

[MatcoDave]

I'd say follow some of the other guys' advice and jump back into a jiffy lube (short term). Look for a decent independent shop if you do not have ASE's and/or do not plan on getting them or if you have not been through schooling. Get time time under your belt and then hit the dealers. From my observation you will learn the most (general repair) in an indy shop because only a few guys do EVERYTHING and when they need a hand you'll be the first one they grab. Some independents are flat rate as well without being too crazy so you can get a taste of making hours without dealership pressure. Watch and learn, ask questions without being a PITA and make your brain a sponge! Good luck!

 

[antid2]

well i finally got here to pittsburgh and walked up the "strip" all the dealerships handed me applications but none really said anything, i stopped into the subaru dealer and the service director asked for me to come into his office and sit and we talked for a good hour then introduced me to his foreman in the garage, he spoke to me about how he likes to make sure all of his employee's are well taken care of in anything they need so seemed to me to be pretty nice place to try and get my foot in the door, not too many indy shops around this house but there are LOADS of dealerships, he told me he'd like for me to come in he would start me out as an apprentice and then after a while move me to flat rate if i do well, i also walked around the garage afterwards before i left and talked to a few of the guys there, they said it's one of the best place's they've worked so far, so hopefully it goes well..that was alot of typing sorry, did want to add to my initial question, anybody work at a subaru dealer? any regularly used tools or special tools that you HAVE to have on a day to day basis?