New Job as Tech.

[muskaman67]

Hey guys, just got a new job as a entry level tech at toyota. Other then ratchets and sockets obviously, what other tools would you recommend me picking up? thanks!

 

[Mike83]

Nice hammers are often overlooked. I recommend the 2 lb Nupla deadblow with the soft face and metal face.

Get some nice prybars of various lengths. Breaker bars too, both up to 24".

 

[ajm859830]

I agree with the guy above. An impact is good to have as well.

Also look into some origination for your sockets and such if they do not come with a holder etc theres nothing worse than digging around for a tool you cant find if youre working on flat rate as well as a quality box. You dont have to spend a ton but if youre turning a wrench for a living a cheap box will be short lived.

 

[daveblank]

screwdrivers
hammers
flashlight
plier assortment
cordless drill then a cordless impact--you'll find it helpful on the splash shields
wrenches
air chuck
tire pressure guage
tread depth guage
torque wrench or torque sticks
1/2 impact for tire rotations
the oil filter set I recommended in the other thread & a pair of filter pliers

From here, I would get with one of the established lube techs in the shop. Ask them what they feel you need. Some shops will have you do other quick service items & some won't.

 

[daveblank]

By the way, where are you from?

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

This could be of Interest to you as well.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22769&highlight=Starting+Tech

 

[olds88]

When I started I bought a basic set of sockets and ratchets, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. and then I started buying based on what I went into my boss's box for.

Since your working on late model Toyotas, theres probably no reason for a complete SAE set, however eventually you'll find you'll need SAE wrenches 7/8, 15/16, 1, 1 1/16, 1 1/8 and 1 1/4. (Yes there are Metric equivelants of these sizes but every mechanic I know has SAE for these sizes, because once you're over 21mm/13/16, there isn't much difference in size, except 20mm, theres no SAE equivelant, as far as I know.


I'm curious what steps you took to get a dealership job. Did you goto school then get placement? I'd love to work at a GM dealer, so that I wouldn't have to work on Toyotas*, VW, Nissans, Chryslers, and various other cars I'd rather not know about!

*Yes I know the Nova/Prizm/Vibe are Toyotas.

 

[wreckercologist]

#1, Good tools don't cost, they pay. That's true. Really!

Cheap screwdrivers are a pain to use, don't skimp on those. Like someone else posted, good hammers as well as a basic set of punches and chisels. Don't skimp out on those either. Cheap striking tools are dangerous!

Other than that, I wouldn't worry too much about chrome sockets yet. Buy impact sockets as you can use them with a ratchet/breaker bar too. You can add the chromes later.

Dave Blank had a pretty good list and some good advise as well.

 

[muskaman67]

thank you everyone for the replies.

 

[muskaman67]

By the way, where are you from?

ft lauderdale, florida.

 

[muskaman67]

I'm curious what steps you took to get a dealership job. Did you goto school then get placement? I'd love to work at a GM dealer, so that I wouldn't have to work on Toyotas*, VW, Nissans, Chryslers, and various other cars I'd rather not know about!

*Yes I know the Nova/Prizm/Vibe are Toyotas.

actually, my girlfriends father is a service manager and president at the dealership so he was able to get me a job. so ya i was very lucky. i've been looking for a job for while.

 

[benjamming]

I would think that you WOULD want a set of SAE sockets & wrenches. I doubt you will work only on a Toyota. I know plenty of people that take their Toyota to a dealership & then their other vehicle (any make) to the same place for a variety of reasons.

 

[olds88]

I would think that you WOULD want a set of SAE sockets & wrenches. I doubt you will work only on a Toyota. I know plenty of people that take their Toyota to a dealership & then their other vehicle (any make) to the same place for a variety of reasons.

Then he could get a 9/16 wrench if he needs to change a water pump on an SBC or pull a E4OD trans from a 1994 Ford F-350. At the Toyota dealership.

 

[LGMechanical]

This must be exciting for you! Starting out was fun for me. Expanding your tool collection, organizing. Choosing brands etc. My advice though, buy cheaper combo wrenches and sockets for now. Even cheap ones are durable, especially impact sockets. Then later on if you don't like them, you can replace them with premium brands. I bought ALL my impact sockets (Excpet my MAC 12pt. 1/2 dr. impact set) from Genius and it cost me less than $300 CDN.

And thats 3/8" and 1/2" dr. metric and sae, deep and shallow. No problems, and if anything happens, lifetime warranty

 

[olds88]

My advice though, buy cheaper combo wrenches and sockets for now. Even cheap ones are durable

Craftsman is the only cheap brand worth getting. Regardless, sockets and wrenches are a 1 time expense, my opinion is might as well get good stuff.

However, if you do go the cheap route frist, still get a good US made brand like Craftsman, then when you get Snap-on, or whatever, then you can use the cheap set as your trunk set.

 

[Danglerb]

Snapon off the truck and snapon off craigslist work the same once they are in your box.

 

[LGMechanical]

My dad has China sockets and wrenches from 20-30 years ago that are still very useable. If you can justify spending almost $1000 new for a set of combo wrenches (metric & sae) than go for it. I spent $60 for a 32pc combo wrench set (sae & metric) from Mastercraft on sale. The finish is chrome and they have served me well. But there are certain tools that I prefer getting from SO, etc.

 

[Dust]

An electric screwdriver! I have a Black and Decker that cost thirty bucks, and it's almost bulletproof. Takes all the common 1/4" shank hex bits, and while it's not a high RPM tool, it'll cut your screw driving time by at least half. It's also much smaller than an electric drill, which means you'll be able to use it in more places, and for much longer without getting fatigued. It's invaluable for interior work.

I use mine so much I can't even remember the last time I used an actual screwdriver at work for anything more than a makeshift prybar.

 

[rhandwor]

Craftsman is the only cheap brand worth getting. Regardless, sockets and wrenches are a 1 time expense, my opinion is might as well get good stuff.

However, if you do go the cheap route frist, still get a good US made brand like Craftsman, then when you get Snap-on, or whatever, then you can use the cheap set as your trunk set.

I don't think Craftsman chrome sockets will hold up in daily use I broke 3-15mm 1/2 drive sockets using a long Proto ratchet on one head job. I purchased a quality impact set immediately after finishing the job. I didn't use an impact or cheater bar when they broke. Some of them was used less than one hour.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

when I was at toyota , the veterans only worked on toyotas
their only sockets were 8-10-12-14-17-19 and the 12 point 17 mm for tercel head bolts
I ended up taking over the used car service dept , they got sick of me joking about toyotas , we sold 50 new toyotas and over 100 used cars a month , so I was very busy

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

jimmy , a guy I worked with , was a very loyal craftsman guy , he had other things to spend money on , he broke a chrome 15 on tuesday , got it warranteed , the first bolt he loosened up on the new socket wed - blew the whole side out of the new socket
rule #1 - to be a craftsman mechanic - always have a spare on deck

 

[olds88]

I don't think Craftsman chrome sockets will hold up in daily use I broke 3-15mm 1/2 drive sockets using a long Proto ratchet on one head job. I purchased a quality impact set immediately after finishing the job. I didn't use an impact or cheater bar when they broke. Some of them was used less than one hour.

I have Craftsman tools in my trunk for emergencies and the rare road service, and they seem fine when I used them.

At work I use a set of Craftsman 1/2 drive deep impact sockets daily and I think they're great.

 

[wreckercologist]

rule #1 - to be a craftsman mechanic - always have a spare on deck

I'm not trying to turn this into a Craftsman bash. They are good tools for the money, and good tools to start out with. You just have to get them replaced alot if you use them everyday.

After my father died, I was cleaning and sorting out his toolbox and I bet I found 3 to 4 duplicates in his most commonly used sizes.

The other side of the coin is: Truck brand tools are too expensive to have back ups so when you break one yer boned!

 

[crashbumper]

Don't forget TopTul!

Mike Wren of wrenhandtools offers some great tools based on user reviews.

 

[Fedwrench]

Sometimes fewer tools maybe better than too many. You may end up not wanting to work on cars. At any rate, for a starter kit you want to think about taking wheels off and on, lube tools, very basic stuff. I would start off with the SK 1/4 and 3/8 drive sae and metric socket sets, a basic plier set, a basic combination screwdriver set, a 1/2 inch impact wrench with common deep lug nut sized sockets, a long handled combination wrench set 7-22mm, a tire inflator, common sized end cap oil filter wrenches, a good flashlight. The best thing to do would be to look at what the other techs at your level are using. Pay particular attention to the tools that look heavily used or worn out. Those are the sizes and the tools you want to get.
The best tool though as an entry level tech is your attitude and work ethic. pay attention to detail, watch and learn from others, be professional and be ready to work.

 

[Dust]

I don't think Craftsman chrome sockets will hold up in daily use I broke 3-15mm 1/2 drive sockets using a long Proto ratchet on one head job.

Their sockets are fine. I've used my set of chromies daily for the past eighteen months, on hand ratchets, air ratchets, and even a 3/8" impact gun. None have cracked or shattered or even chipped yet.

Their bit sockets, on the other hand...

 

[yellowbox]

everyone here has pretty much covered what you need
after you ask to borrow tools a few times , then you will know what you need to buy
now get a good pick set
brake piston retracting tool
3 ft long pry bar
torx head bits
a roll cart
impact swivel sockets 3/8 and 1/2 drives
wire cutters
wire strippers
long and short handled ratchets 3/8 and 1/2 drives
serpentine belt removing tool
as you go along you will figure out what you need

 

[olds88]

serpentine belt removing tool

You can live without this. I don't have one and only once I needed to borrow one. On Toyotas a 14mm wrench works fine.

impact swivel sockets 3/8 and 1/2 drives

These are expensive, you can get away with an adapter. However you will need 1/4 in drive and 3/8 in drive chrome swivels for common Toyota sizes, at least to start with. 1/4 drive 8mm, and both 1/4 and 3/8 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm.

now get a good pick set

MATCO has a new long pick set, made in China though, for $20. Sears has a nice 4 piece screwdriver handled set for $7. Get both types.

 

[msrfrog]

I would think that you WOULD want a set of SAE sockets & wrenches. I doubt you will work only on a Toyota. I know plenty of people that take their Toyota to a dealership & then their other vehicle (any make) to the same place for a variety of reasons.

I hate when they do that.

 

[CarCrafter]

What do you already have and what is your budget going to be?

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Hey guys, just got a new job as a entry level tech at toyota. Other then ratchets and sockets obviously, what other tools would you recommend me picking up? thanks!

Are you in Toyota t-ten program?
http://www.toyota.com/about/tten/

Wreches, impact socket, a good toque wrench, oil filter wrench(cup type)
Make sure you know how read electrical diagrams..........

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

electrical is not much of a problem on toyotas
heavy line keeps you busy there

 

[muskaman67]

thanks everyone for the replies.

 

[muskaman67]

What do you already have and what is your budget going to be?

right now i have a 154 pc. craftsman tool set. its something i got 2 years ago and has served me well for working on my vehicle. the only thing bad is that it only goes up to 18mm so i have to buy a few more sockets to finish the basic set out i would need. i have a full set of SK combo wrenches goin all the way to 24mm so i think im ok now. and all my ratchets i upgraded to snap on. i have both torx and hex drives to be used on rathchets. plus all the screwdrives i need. have all the pliers i need. my grandpa just got me the snap on CT4850HO impact gun. do you think i will have much use for it at the dealership beings that it is cordless and not air powered.

 

[muskaman67]

What else should i get based on my list? i know i need impacts and the oil filter cup set.

 

[autoace]

I'm not trying to turn this into a Craftsman bash. They are good tools for the money, and good tools to start out with. You just have to get them replaced alot if you use them everyday.

After my father died, I was cleaning and sorting out his toolbox and I bet I found 3 to 4 duplicates in his most commonly used sizes.

The other side of the coin is: Truck brand tools are too expensive to have back ups so when you break one yer boned!

To get you out of the gate, Craftsman will be fine. You get some time under your belt, and some truck tool 3/8 drive sockets/ratchets and wrenches will probably be you first purchases from the truck, because they are the most used. You can almost skip SAE at first these days.

Get yourself a good impact gun, and air ratchet, Craftsman/Matco impact sockets are about the same these days.

You will "learn" what little specialty tools are needed, the AST Toyota oil filter wrenches are an absolute must.

Good luck

 

[NeilH]

one piece of equipment you should either save up to get or get your parents to get is a damn good pair of boots.

you will be spending hours in them daily. dont buy an el cheapo pair.

cheap boots = the equivalent to a cheap ratchet.

 

[autoace]

right now i have a 154 pc. craftsman tool set. its something i got 2 years ago and has served me well for working on my vehicle. the only thing bad is that it only goes up to 18mm so i have to buy a few more sockets to finish the basic set out i would need. i have a full set of SK combo wrenches goin all the way to 24mm so i think im ok now. and all my ratchets i upgraded to snap on. i have both torx and hex drives to be used on rathchets. plus all the screwdrives i need. have all the pliers i need. my grandpa just got me the snap on CT4850HO impact gun. do you think i will have much use for it at the dealership beings that it is cordless and not air powered.

You already have some basics from varied quality brands. Wait and see what the dealer has you do. A master set of suspension puller tools, and a long 1/2 inch drive ratchet is a must. A good 1/2 inch drive torque wrench. Precision Instruments makes a great torque wrench, they are also sold by Snap-on just re-badged.

Make sure you have at least a sturdy tool cart,and or box to keep your stuff locked up, dealer service departments are high on theft.

If you don't already have a box, check with the dealer of choice, sometimes trade ins are a good value off the truck.

You need a high end box that rolls easy, being the new guy, they may have you move around a bit. Craftsman boxes sub-pro line, don't cut it in the service department. You need a good size rollaway or cart to use as a workarea for your paperwork, and personal items.

Dealers provide very little as far as equipment goes. Dealers usually won't allow you to tighten wheels with a torque wrench, so buy a set of torque sticks to use on your impact gun.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

A piece of scaffold pole 4' or 5' long. Great for removing seized wheels and unlimited other uses.

 

[muskaman67]

There are def. a lot of tool i see i have to purchase. As a entry level tech, i have no idea really the tasks im going to be set out to do other then tire rotations and oil changes (haha), so ya. i havent started yet. what kind of jobs are expected of me to be doing since a lot of you guys are suggesting all these tools for me to pick up. thanks.