New guy here!

[diesel1]

Hey guys i kinda accidentally came across this site today and did a little poking around and decided to join. Im a member on alot of the diesel forums also. Anyways i come here to seek advice from you guys. I just turned 20 and im finishing up school for diesel mechanics. Hoping to do mostly light duty stuff such as pickups and other on road vehicles. But my question to you guys is what would be a good list of tools to start out with? Ive always turned wrenches with my dad but ive never really been on the professional side of things. Ive already got a box i picked up from lowes that will get me by for awhile until i get more financially stable. Also ive got a discount on Matco, Snap on, and MAC. What should i get from each supplier(i.e. some people say matco ratchets and snap on sockets and wrenches). Just want to make sure i start out on the right foot so i figured id come to you guys. thanks for the help in advance

 

[Sheriff Roscoe]

Welcome to the board Diesel1!

The standard stuff is always the best place to start. 3/8 drive sockets, ratchet, 1 Phillips screwdriver, 1 flat screwdriver and a pair of needle-nose pliers. I started with a cheap starter set (less than $35) some years ago and was surprised how much I was able to accomplish with it. Doing so bought ALLOT of time while I gathered "the good stuff"...and lots of it!

 

[ihatethatguy]

Im in a similar boat to you but I have saved up a fair amount to get my tools going. if I was starting out with out my little bit of cash Id do napa and craftsman tools. they are good and about 1/3 the preice of matco and snap on stuff. or look at the harbor frieght thread on here adn see what good and bad. one bit of adive I heard was to buy everything from harbor freight and when it brakes replace it with a truck brand tool. that way you spend less money adn only have the tools you use most in nie brands without waisting loads of money. Ive only been a member of this board for a short time and its great place to get advice so welcome and good luck my friend.

 

[ihatethatguy]

oh and to answer your question about matco vs snapon. they are both the best money can buy so you cant go wroing either way. really its just what you prefer. I personally like matco stuff in general but at the school I went to they had snap on and I like just about everything with the exception of combo wrenches, they hurt my hands. so take that for what its worth (which isnt much) haha

 

[1/2 Cup]

Welcome to the GJ from down under, enjoy..

 

[jwsia]

Welcome to GJ, you will find all kinds of stuff to buy on here. I would go with the Matco 88 ratchets

 

[wornoutoldman]

Before spending a dime on tools I'd advise you to spend a full day or more on this site researching threads like "tool truck equivalents" "help me pick out tools" "newbie looking for opinions on tools" "Snap on VS (insert tool brand here)" "Harbor Freight" "tools on ebay" and so on.

Welcome to the GJ!

 

[diesel1]

wow thanks for all the advice! i think out of all the forums ive been on this is DEFINITELY the most welcoming one! looks like ill be spending alot of time on here lol

 

[Plombob]

Welcome diesel1! Don't rule out pawn shops. You can get some great deals if you know what things are worth.