New guy needs help
- Thread starter EddieB90
- Start date
Garage5.9
Well-known member
get one of those 150 piece tool kits from sears as a start
DARKSCOPE001
Well-known member
when I went to AMT school I started out with a craftsman 302 piece tool set. This set had lots of filler fluff. (imo worthless craftsman clear handle screwdrivers and allen keys which craftsman counts each individual key as a tool) But overall Im very happy with this kit. it came with enough sockets to just about fill each size of a hansen socket tray, and some nice ratchets,
Them improtant thing to remember is that your still growing. You dont need everything right this second. Start with the basics. 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets and their respective sockets go with mostly 6pt sockets (im yet to see a 12pt on a car)
Buy tools that you are proud of. If you go down to horrific freight and buy a "master set" for 100 dollars and you lose bits and pieces you wont care as much. Buy U.S. made when you can (getting harder to do) and have fun.
Also my proffesors always told us "put the money in the tools not the box" Dont buy a big huge snapon or matco box that costs more than the tools its holding espeicaly when starting out when a big box store tool cart or horrific freight tool car will get you through school. Infact I know plenty of guys who roll around the harbor freight carts in a professional setting.
Good luck!
Sean Scott
Them improtant thing to remember is that your still growing. You dont need everything right this second. Start with the basics. 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets and their respective sockets go with mostly 6pt sockets (im yet to see a 12pt on a car)
Buy tools that you are proud of. If you go down to horrific freight and buy a "master set" for 100 dollars and you lose bits and pieces you wont care as much. Buy U.S. made when you can (getting harder to do) and have fun.
Also my proffesors always told us "put the money in the tools not the box" Dont buy a big huge snapon or matco box that costs more than the tools its holding espeicaly when starting out when a big box store tool cart or horrific freight tool car will get you through school. Infact I know plenty of guys who roll around the harbor freight carts in a professional setting.
Good luck!
Sean Scott
bczygan
Well-known member
First step is to spend all your spare time here on GJ, reading the tools section and the new posts. That will sufficiently confuse you so that you will have to start making notes. Notes will allow you to start sorting the wheat from the chaff. Start by determining what you will be doing in school. Check with the school and ask what will be needed. Start thinking about what kind of work you will be doing out of school and lean in that direction as far as the tools you get. As far as which brands of tools for a particular task, read here on GJ and also try out tools for yourself. Part of the learning process is deciding what works best for you. You have to decide on the best combination of quality, features and cost for each tool and what selection of tools will work best for you.
Lotek
Well-known member
Check with the school as far as what they require, but the Craftsman sets are a good starter assortment, I bought one for the garage when I moved from the apartment so I wouldn't have to drag tools home from work. Don't waste money on a homeowner type box, they don't hold up in a shop, the larger carts with locking drawers make good starter boxes, or find a good used smaller box.
Thanks for all the input guys I appreciate it. this forum is pretty bad ***. its got a lot of info. and bczygan like you said i actually have been doing just what you've said, I've been on forums and sites that seem to be pretty reputable (like this one) and just actin like a sponge.
Eddie,
Best of luck in Tech school. As the guys above mentioned you can't beat the price of the Cman sets. If I could offer you one tip it would be this - Please do not get caught up in the snap on mentality. I know guys who will only buy snap on - while they make a fantastic tools, I dont agree with students going into debt with student loans to buy snap on tools. Who knows if after you graduate if you will even find a job or even like the automotive industry. Buy only what you can afford to pay cash for - if thats snap on then great, but please focus on school and not taking out loans. You will thank me later.
Derek
Best of luck in Tech school. As the guys above mentioned you can't beat the price of the Cman sets. If I could offer you one tip it would be this - Please do not get caught up in the snap on mentality. I know guys who will only buy snap on - while they make a fantastic tools, I dont agree with students going into debt with student loans to buy snap on tools. Who knows if after you graduate if you will even find a job or even like the automotive industry. Buy only what you can afford to pay cash for - if thats snap on then great, but please focus on school and not taking out loans. You will thank me later.
Derek
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wornoutoldman
Well-known member
Do not buy one of those pre-made sets. Too much junk in them. Your school should have a list of required tools and if not perhaps you can develop one for them. Pick and choose tools carefully. You will end up with a much better set. Craftsman is likely a good choice at this point in your career. After you've done it for a while you may want to consider moving up in quality. (Or just keep the money you would have spent on tools in your pocket). Good luck with your choices.
NCCheesehead
Well-known member
I don't see much "waste" in this set for a guy with no tools.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00937154000P?prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=G7
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00937154000P?prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=G7
Jason Ga
Well-known member
NCCheesehead... That is pretty similar, if not the exact same set I started with.
AZ_Catskinner
Well-known member
+1 on the Craftsman sets as a starter.
wornoutoldman
Well-known member
I don't know that I'd call that a "complete set". Not trying to start an argument but I think a larger set of tools is in order here. (unless you want to be that guy that is always borrowing stuff)
Wrenches;
1/4 thru 1-1/4 SAE raised panel
8 thru 21 METRIC raised panel
1/4 Drive Ratchet raised panel
1/4 Drive sockets 1/4-9/16 sae and 5-13mm (12 point)
2,4,6,10 inch extensions
3/8 Drive ratchet raised panel
3/8 Drive Flex Head raised Panel
3/8 Driver Breaker Bar raised Panel
3/8 Drive sockets 3/8-1 sae and 8-21mm (12 point)
2,4,6,10 inch extensions
1/2 Drive Ratchet raised panel
1/2 Drive Breaker Bar
1/2 sockets 7/16-1-1/4 sae 12MM-27mm (12 point)
2,4,6,10 inch extensions
Screwdrivers- Large Professional Set
Prybar 1 Large
Pliers-Pro series Duckbill, Needle Nose, Slip Joint, Side Cutters
Hammer -Get a Snap on Deadblow it'll cost like 65$ but worth it. HBBD16
Punch and Chisel set
Hex driver set MM & SAE (not ****** keys)
I'd go with the 12 point for sockets and wrenches rest assured you will find 12 point fasteners plus they are easier to use in most situations (more swing area).
Mag Lite
Harbor Frieght Multi-Meter
Safety Glasses and Ear Protection
And a Harbor Frieght Cart US General Red or Black to keep the tools in.
This set will get you through 95% of all the repairs your likely to come across.
Anything I may have missed guys?
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daveblank
Well-known member
Well said.
NCCheesehead
Well-known member
No I'm not looking for a fight especially over someone elses tools. I only suggested the "kit" because it is my truck box. It does just about everything "on the go" that I need. It fixes bobcats to garage doors on jobsites, powerhead swaps at the lake on my race boat, and attennas and stripper poles at deer camp...
I start tech school in a couple of months and have zero tools. I don't know much about cars yet so i have no idea where to start on what to buy. so any suggestions you guys have I'd appreciate.
Sam
Go to school first. The school will either supply the tools you need or tell you what to get.
That's good advice right there. Once you get an idea of what all you'll need, the Craftsman starter sets are worth looking at. Also, look for a thread on here by user MechanicNamedJohn. Among many, many other things, he has the 301 piece set from Harbor Freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html
Don't laugh. Read the reviews. That 301 piece set is a good value, especially since you're just starting out in school. As time goes by, you may feel the need to upgrade, but you may not and even if you do, at just over 50 cents per piece, that kit can serve a long, useful life as a backup/emergency set if nothing else.
The $99 Cman set NCCheesehead posted is less than what you would pay by the piece for the same tools at the fleamarket for used tools. Of course, if I picked out that many tools at the flea and they wouldn't start dealing I'd put them down and walk off.
KEH
KEH
fordbroncodave
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2009
- Messages
- 4,555
if your school offers the tool discount program before starting school then consult with the schools snap on dealer and start buying stuff and pay for it in full.
next best piece of advice, buy a KRL toolbox from snap on, not a classic 96
next best piece of advice, buy a KRL toolbox from snap on, not a classic 96
idoitproject
Well-known member
Honestly, I don't like the CM sets nor do I like the 12 points. They do work but I have out grown them plus I wish that someone would of steered me in the right direction early on.
Here's what I would get
CM sockets:
1/4
deep and shallow metric 5.5-15 6 point
3/8
shallow metric 7-21mm 6 point
deep metric 7-21mm 6 point
1/2
deep and shallow metric 12-21-22-24-23 Mainly will only need shallow and I would buy them in impact so you wont need to get impacts when you buy a air gun. I think you can get GN set 12-19 for about $24 bucks, I don't know about the HF. Only thing I hate about HF is that sometimes (most) the set is incomplete. 12-19 will be missing the 16 and 18.
I have been working on cars for a few years now, maybe needed standards on 8 occasions in the last for years. Invest in metric and get standards when needed.
Duralast ratchets:
1/4 and 3/8 Flex Head ratchet
1/2 ratchet
Great Neck:
extension set/ also their wobble set
universal joint set
hex sets metric/standard
torx set
CM Pry bay set (3 for $20 when on sale often)
Snapon screw drivers, $9 a piece thru Student discount.
Duralast Plier Set $20 4 piece
GN or HF 1/2 breaker bar
For wrenches I'd go CM Evolve because they are cheap but decent.
Adjustable cresent style wrenches are your friends.
Goto snapon.com and apply for the student discount, also matco gives a student discount, they both run about 50% ish off.
Anyway, I decided to compile a list if you want to wait for it. Should be done tonight or tomorrow. Pricing and sources included.
Here's what I would get
CM sockets:
1/4
deep and shallow metric 5.5-15 6 point
3/8
shallow metric 7-21mm 6 point
deep metric 7-21mm 6 point
1/2
deep and shallow metric 12-21-22-24-23 Mainly will only need shallow and I would buy them in impact so you wont need to get impacts when you buy a air gun. I think you can get GN set 12-19 for about $24 bucks, I don't know about the HF. Only thing I hate about HF is that sometimes (most) the set is incomplete. 12-19 will be missing the 16 and 18.
I have been working on cars for a few years now, maybe needed standards on 8 occasions in the last for years. Invest in metric and get standards when needed.
Duralast ratchets:
1/4 and 3/8 Flex Head ratchet
1/2 ratchet
Great Neck:
extension set/ also their wobble set
universal joint set
hex sets metric/standard
torx set
CM Pry bay set (3 for $20 when on sale often)
Snapon screw drivers, $9 a piece thru Student discount.
Duralast Plier Set $20 4 piece
GN or HF 1/2 breaker bar
For wrenches I'd go CM Evolve because they are cheap but decent.
Adjustable cresent style wrenches are your friends.
Goto snapon.com and apply for the student discount, also matco gives a student discount, they both run about 50% ish off.
Anyway, I decided to compile a list if you want to wait for it. Should be done tonight or tomorrow. Pricing and sources included.
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LincolnCont.
Well-known member
DARKSCOPE001 (im yet to see a 12pt on a car) QUOTE said:79' Lincoln 12pt nuts on driveshaft bolts
90' Dodge diesel 12pt starter bolts
...jst throwin' that out there
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str8axle55
Well-known member
Does the school have a list of required tools? Mine did, but that was 20 yrs ago. Keep an eye on CL also. Here are a few I use daily, at a dealership. I could go on, you get the idea. You don`t need S/O everything to start out, unless getting a student discount. Many of my tools have been upgraded over the yrs to S/O. Some tools you don`t want to skimp on if you rely on them daily.
1/4 dr metric, shallow & deep mixed lot 6pt
1/4 dr extensions
S/O 1/4 dr flex head ratchet
S/O 3/8 dr metric shallow & semi deep 6pt
S/O 3/8 dr metric ratchet
S/O 3/8 dr air ratchet
S/O 3/8 dr cordless impact gun
various 3/8 extensions, locking and non locking
S/O 3/8 dr universal sockets 6pt
large and med Channel locks
long needlenose, straight and curved
Vise Grips various sizes
S/O screwdrivers
S/O 1/2 dr deep impact sockets 6pt
IR 2135 1/2 dr impact gun
prybars
S/O metric Flank Dr Plus wrenches
1/4 dr metric, shallow & deep mixed lot 6pt
1/4 dr extensions
S/O 1/4 dr flex head ratchet
S/O 3/8 dr metric shallow & semi deep 6pt
S/O 3/8 dr metric ratchet
S/O 3/8 dr air ratchet
S/O 3/8 dr cordless impact gun
various 3/8 extensions, locking and non locking
S/O 3/8 dr universal sockets 6pt
large and med Channel locks
long needlenose, straight and curved
Vise Grips various sizes
S/O screwdrivers
S/O 1/2 dr deep impact sockets 6pt
IR 2135 1/2 dr impact gun
prybars
S/O metric Flank Dr Plus wrenches
Two dollar steak
Active member
Probably 95% of all work could be done with just wrenches, sockets, prybars and screwdrivers. Get some good wrenches and a nice socket set, long pattern is nice to have. Metric deffinatly metric. Dont skimp on either of these, ask for them for birthdays and christmas and graduation or whatever. I consider prybars and screwdrivers as consumable items. What you will need really depends on where you will be working. If its at a dealer you will need specific things in certain sizes, and most specialty tools the auto makers sell to the dealerships. Be warned, there will be untold numbers of gadgets and whatsits that you will "just have to have".........be strong.
NCCheesehead
Well-known member
For what it is worth, my brother in law is an auto body instructor at the local community college and he has one of the best second hand Snap-On collections around. He says guys with little or no experience will register for the program and buy all the required tools from Snap-On on the student discount. Usually they will purchase these tools with student loans or financial aid. He says many student find that they do like the automotive field and end up unloading their tools cheap.
Moral of the story, buy the true basics and find out if is something you want to pursue as a career.
Moral of the story, buy the true basics and find out if is something you want to pursue as a career.
That might just be the best advice in this whole danged thread!
idoitproject
Well-known member
The only 12 point that I have seen is 12mm and 14mm on drive lines. 13mm somewhere and I think 6mm on a front diff of a domestic 4wd truck that held the ABS sensor.
idoitproject
Well-known member
I still have a way to go myself. Got the basics well covered but it's all the specialty ****.
toolmaker1
Well-known member
DARKSCOPE001 (im yet to see a 12pt on a car) QUOTE said:79' Lincoln 12pt nuts on driveshaft bolts
90' Dodge diesel 12pt starter bolts
...jst throwin' that out there
'94-01 ram dana 44 spindle retainer bolts 14mm 12 point
highland512
Well-known member
DARKSCOPE001 (im yet to see a 12pt on a car) QUOTE said:79' Lincoln 12pt nuts on driveshaft bolts
90' Dodge diesel 12pt starter bolts
...jst throwin' that out there
Almost all Ford trucks have 12pt bolts on the drive shafts.
I have also noticed that many turbo's are mounted with 12pt bolts on many different makes and models.
To the original poster you might also hit up any pawn shops you go past, there are usally dozens of cman socket and wrench sets that can be had on the cheep! Do make sure to buy a good set of screwdrivers as well. (Snap-On, MAC, you might also look at Wright's screwdrivers I have a few of them and I have been using them more and more everyday!!!)
thanks for all the input guys. i know the school is probably going to supply the tools, i just need to start getting my own for when im out of school but more importantly for right now because i cant work on my own truck without borrowing tools from friends.
AZ_Catskinner
Well-known member
On the 12 point stuff, if you get into heavy duty work (diesel/off highway) you'll find that stuff is crawling with 12 point fasteners. Just FYI.
The engine on my Bronco is loaded with 12 point fasteners as well, but they are all ARP aftermarket stuff.
The engine on my Bronco is loaded with 12 point fasteners as well, but they are all ARP aftermarket stuff.
camarotoolman
Banned
I would get up early on saturday and sunday and go to all the flee markets yard sales in your area. Then I would go on criags list and evilbay and get the stuff cheaper than at the store. Then go to the pawn shops too. Get some metric wrenches and sockets etc.