Recommended tools for a truck mechanic apprentice?

AdamD87 · Jan 7, 2016

Hey guys,

Quick question I got a position at my current employer as a diesel mechanic apprentice. Ill be maintaining a fleet of Kenworth and Peterbuilt Trucks and trailers. I have experience in a auto shop doing oil changes, brakes and suspension and steering work. So I have some tools required for that but I have no experience with big trucks (other than holding the steering wheel). Any advice as to what I will need for them?

Ill be taking an aptitude test tomorrow and ill be getting a tool list at some point I am sure but I figured it would be nice to get some more opinions. I did pick up a set of large metric SK wrenches today off craigslist just cause the price was right.

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Rlfd213 · Jan 7, 2016

Buy the biggest tool box you can't afford. That's all you need.

nevertoomanytools · Jan 7, 2016

Rlfd213 said:
Buy the biggest tool box you can't afford. That's all you need.

Don't forget a wardrobe of snap on apparel

toolaholic · Jan 7, 2016

3/4 drive socket set.

RedneckWelder · Jan 7, 2016

Find out the tool list and build from there. Your shop may provide larger tools in the tool crib so you might be able to hold off on those for a while- being an apprentice they won't expect you to have everything at first but just having some basic tools is a good start.

Big channellocks and big oil filter pliers and a big strap wrench- all these are cheap (channelock for the pliers, you can get the strap wrench for $20-30 either on the truck or at NAPA)

toolaholic · Jan 7, 2016

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002L...socket+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51MqoRKQksL&ref=plSrch http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002G...C_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=Wright+socket+set 3/4 drive socket set

RedneckWelder · Jan 7, 2016

toolaholic said:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002L...socket+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51MqoRKQksL&ref=plSrch http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002G...C_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=Wright+socket+set 3/4 drive socket set

Why buy chrome 3/4 drive sockets when you can buy impact? (outside of special situations where an impact might be too thick)...buying impact sockets and a quality 3/4 ratchet will save room in the tool box.

four.cycle · Jan 7, 2016

don't buy any 3/4" drive stuff made in China.

shop Ebay for used stuff. every now and then a good, used, US-made 3/4" drive set will get listed. I've posted several of them in the 'Ebay hot deal' thread here.

couple of them were listed in the last 24 hours for HALF of that Wright set on Amazon.

Ebay - 'advanced search' - enter '3/4 socket set' - words to exclude: snap snapon snap-on cornwell Pittsburgh gearwrench - check "used" - check "US only" - select "newly listed".
there were at least a dozen listed since the first of the month: S-K, Proto, Wright, Armstrong, etc. - for $200-$300 you should be able to score a nice set with all the accoutrements and box.

softailgarage · Jan 7, 2016

Check with your Tool truck dealers, there may be packages available with an overpriced box of course.

Askme42 · Jan 7, 2016

toolaholic said:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002L...socket+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51MqoRKQksL&ref=plSrch http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002G...C_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=Wright+socket+set 3/4 drive socket set

Is that Williams set USA?

That's a pretty good price

Empty Pockets · Jan 7, 2016

The SK wrenches are likely a good start. 3/4 drive is a must.

The several shops that my carrier operates supply the larger tools, but that varies by company.

CL and eBay are good places to look for good used tools. If you don't get the tool list in short order, you might want to talk to the truck mechanics and get suggestions from them. Buying tools off of the truck are expensive, you can save money buying from SK or Wright.

Good Luck with the new job

AdamD87 · Jan 7, 2016

nevertoomanytools said:
Don't forget a wardrobe of snap on apparel

Of course my first priority will be a huge box I have to mortgage my house for then fill it with HF tools!

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AJO · Jan 7, 2016

1/ big hammer 2/ bigger hammer 3/ sledge hammer 4/ 5 foot pry bar 5/ 11/2 inch pipe 5 foot long 6/ 2 foot pipe wrench 7/ 2 foot adjustable wrench and just for a back up a 4 foot pipe wrench. This will help you get started. :thumbup:

AdamD87 · Jan 7, 2016

toolaholic said:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002L...socket+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51MqoRKQksL&ref=plSrch http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002G...C_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=Wright+socket+set 3/4 drive socket set

That set was in my amazon wishlist! Unfortunately I missed out on a good deal on a SK set off CL. Hopefully there will be more.

Im glad the channellocks and strap were mentioned those will be on the wishlist too.

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DoctorDiesel · Jan 7, 2016

I use a lot of hammers, big (like, 5lbs big) and small, and alignment tools are your friend. I also use a lot of pry bars, I use a 5ft pry bar all the time.

kctyphoon · Jan 7, 2016

The fleet mechaincs that work at my garage work on everything from Honda civics to diesel f750's, gmc 7500's bucket trucks and freightliner/ international digger derricks.. The tools are supplied to them by my compay. Power tools are Milwaukee, pliers are channellocks and most of the tools are gearwrench w/extreme tool boxes.. The mechaincs say they work fine. I would have guess proto - but they said the company has a deal with a vendor and most of what they provide them with is all gearwrench.

AdamD87 · Jan 7, 2016

I had nice set of matco pry bars that got ripped off! My *** is still chapped about that happening 6 years ago. I'll be on ebay getting another set I guess. I have already broke my share of HF pry bars. But where do I get a 5 ft pry bar?

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RedneckWelder · Jan 7, 2016

AdamD87 said:
I had nice set of matco pry bars that got ripped off! My *** is still chapped about that happening 6 years ago. I'll be on ebay getting another set I guess. I have already broke my share of HF pry bars. But where do I get a 5 ft pry bar?

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You can get a ******* huge Mayhew 54" for about eighty bucks on Amazon.

My snap on driver has the four piece set of prybars with the nice oversize striking handles for $130 this month- I brought a set today. This style, I really like the handles on them. Doesn't look like the set is on their website yet though.

Or you can always buy the Mayhew set too that is also great.

DoctorDiesel · Jan 7, 2016

AJO said:
1/ big hammer 2/ bigger hammer 3/ sledge hammer 4/ 5 foot pry bar 5/ 11/2 inch pipe 5 foot long 6/ 2 foot pipe wrench 7/ 2 foot adjustable wrench and just for a back up a 4 foot pipe wrench. This will help you get started.

Ah, I almost forgot about the cheater bar pipe! Make sure its long enough so at least 3 people can stand on it or hang on it.

DoctorDiesel · Jan 7, 2016

AdamD87 said:
I had nice set of matco pry bars that got ripped off! My *** is still chapped about that happening 6 years ago. I'll be on ebay getting another set I guess. I have already broke my share of HF pry bars. But where do I get a 5 ft pry bar?

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The one I use is a Crapsman and its actually held up pretty well. And it gets BEAT.

AdamD87 · Jan 7, 2016

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WZOJFE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Mayhew pry bars any good? The price is right

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RedneckWelder · Jan 7, 2016

AdamD87 said:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WZOJFE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Mayhew pry bars any good? The price is right

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Mayhew is excellent and they are the OEM maker for some of the truck brands (for example if you jump on the Cornwell truck you'll notice their prybars have the Mayhew handles with blue instead of red)

Farmall 1066 · Jan 7, 2016

While big tools are a necessity (insert **** joke here), a lot of what you'll be doing is small under dash, in door panel type stuff too, so don't overlook small tools too.

Good Fluke meter, lead set, quality back probe pins, butane soldering iron. Maybe a power probe, if you know how to use it safely. I'm sure you'll be chasing your share of electrical demons.

abvw · Jan 7, 2016

Everything gets pulled off by power tools. Hand tools are for small delicate repairs. Take a mental note of what common tools/sizes your coworkers/mentors are using on the job.

3/4" drive tools and wrenches over 1 1/2" are usually shop supplied.

toolaholic · Jan 7, 2016

Askme42 said:
Is that Williams set USA?

That's a pretty good price

Tawain. I have a Williams 33mm wrench to turn bushing on kd crankshaft pulley( harmonic balancer) installer kit that's made in tawain and is a very very nice wrench.

RedneckWelder · Jan 7, 2016

Oh and OP, you need to come join us over in the thread.

AdamD87 · Jan 7, 2016

abvw said:
Everything gets pulled off by power tools. Hand tools are for small delicate repairs. Take a mental note of what common tools/sizes your coworkers/mentors are using on the job.

3/4" drive tools and wrenches over 1 1/2" are usually shop supplied.

I know some 3/4 power tools are supplied. Not sure what all that entails. Like if I still need the 3/4 socket set or if that is only impact stuff.

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powerstroker · Jan 7, 2016

My battery powered tools are my best friend. Electric ratchet and impact get used every single day. A lot of people seem to get hung up on the big tools when talking about working on big trucks. In my experience I haven't needed big stuff all that often. All of our 3/4 and larger stuff is shop supplied and I don't need it very often. Now it could be different where you will be but I wouldn't jump right out of the gate and buy big stuff. You will for sure need good basic hand tools which it sounds like you have. Hammers and pry bars are a must. A nice long pointed punch is nice for draining oil filters before pulling them off. I also recommend some sort of hose pick. I love mine for rad hoses and charge air pipe boots. Another thing to check out would be some type of heel bar for popping out wheel seals. It all depends on what you're doing. Let us know what kind of work goes on in the shop and what your tool list says. I always like talking about tools and fixing trucks. Good luck :beer:

AdamD87 · Jan 7, 2016

Anybody have an opinion on aircat? I would like to get a new 1/2 impact and possibly 3/8 before starting. Aircat has been calling my name since my old IR is... well... old

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AdamD87 · Jan 7, 2016

powerstroker said:
My battery powered tools are my best friend. Electric ratchet and impact get used every single day. A lot of people seem to get hung up on the big tools when talking about working on big trucks. In my experience I haven't needed big stuff all that often. All of our 3/4 and larger stuff is shop supplied and I don't need it very often. Now it could be different where you will be but I wouldn't jump right out of the gate and buy big stuff. You will for sure need good basic hand tools which it sounds like you have. Hammers and pry bars are a must. A nice long pointed punch is nice for draining oil filters before pulling them off. I also recommend some sort of hose pick. I love mine for rad hoses and charge air pipe boots. Another thing to check out would be some type of heel bar for popping out wheel seals. It all depends on what you're doing. Let us know what kind of work goes on in the shop and what your tool list says. I always like talking about tools and fixing trucks. Good luck [emoji481]

Do you use a 1/2 electric impact? Is it really taking place of the air stuff?

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RedneckWelder · Jan 7, 2016

AdamD87 said:
Anybody have an opinion on aircat? I would like to get a new 1/2 impact and possibly 3/8 before starting. Aircat has been calling my name since my old IR is... well... old

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I have an Aircat Nitrocat 1200K. So far it has survived a year and a half in our heavy equipment shop. Many of my coworkers have the same impact and have similar good luck.

I think it is well priced for an apprentice, and I like that they are quiet and powerful.

For 3/8 I use the blue Cornwell one but I got it at a fairly good deal. I'd get the 3/8 version of the Nitrocat in a heartbeat if I had not brought the Cornwell.

powerstroker · Jan 7, 2016

AdamD87 said:
Do you use a 1/2 electric impact? Is it really taking place of the air stuff?

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I still use air for my 1/2" gun. My IR 2150 has been amazing and I haven't bought a 1/2" electric impact. I use air for my 1/2" gun, die grinder and occasionally my air hammer. My 3/8" air impact hasn't moved in a long time.

DoctorDiesel · Jan 7, 2016

AdamD87 said:
Do you use a 1/2 electric impact? Is it really taking place of the air stuff?

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I dont always have access to air, so I almost always use electric. Have to bust them loose by hand most of the time (we have ****** Dewalt 18v stuff at work) but they are still great.

I just bought a Nitrocat 1200k last night actually. Used in good shape for 50 bucks, couldnt pass that up. Got it to use in my shop at home though.

AdamD87 · Jan 7, 2016

Farmall 1066 said:
While big tools are a necessity (insert **** joke here), a lot of what you'll be doing is small under dash, in door panel type stuff too, so don't overlook small tools too.

Good Fluke meter, lead set, quality back probe pins, butane soldering iron. Maybe a power probe, if you know how to use it safely. I'm sure you'll be chasing your share of electrical demons.

Excellent point. That is some stuff I am guilty of overlooking and have needed many times for home use. My electrical diagnosis anility and tools are a bit lacking. Never had a problem I could not figure out but it usually involves a lot of googling. But I guess without diagrams what else ya gonna do. My question though when using a power probe or load pro or what have you. How do you avoid frying a module?

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powerstroker · Jan 7, 2016

AdamD87 said:
Excellent point. That is some stuff I am guilty of overlooking and have needed many times for home use. My electrical diagnosis anility and tools are a bit lacking. Never had a problem I could not figure out but it usually involves a lot of googling. But I guess without diagrams what else ya gonna do. My question though when using a power probe or load pro or what have you. How do you avoid frying a module?

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You have to understand how the circuit works and where you are in the circuit. You need to know what you're looking for and what you should expect to see. The book that the inventor of the load pro leads wrote is really good and I've read it a few times over. It really helped me get to the next level of understanding electricity. Something worth checking out for sure. His name is Dan Sullivan and the book is called Fundamental Electrical Troubleshooting I'm pretty sure.

AdamD87 · Jan 7, 2016

powerstroker said:
You have to understand how the circuit works and where you are in the circuit. You need to know what you're looking for and what you should expect to see. The book that the inventor of the load pro leads wrote is really good and I've read it a few times over. It really helped me get to the next level of understanding electricity. Something worth checking out for sure. His name is Dan Sullivan and the book is called Fundamental Electrical Troubleshooting I'm pretty sure.

I have watched a few of his youtube videos. I might just have to get the book.

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motofool33 · Jan 7, 2016

toolaholic said:
Tawain. I have a Williams 33mm wrench to turn bushing on kd crankshaft pulley( harmonic balancer) installer kit that's made in tawain and is a very very nice wrench.

williams part numbers with letters are usa, all numbers are taiwan.

ive got a bunch of taiwan williams its all nice equal to blue point.

abvw · Jan 7, 2016

AdamD87 said:
I know some 3/4 power tools are supplied. Not sure what all that entails. Like if I still need the 3/4 socket set or if that is only impact stuff.

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Honestly if you have a full range of 1/2" SAE impact sockets and wrenches you're pretty much set. I don't work on trucks (I'm in automotive) but I know pretty much everything is held together by 11/16"-1" fasteners. One guy I know doesn't own a single 3/4" socket yet he do kingpins and clutches with his IR2135 on 8t all day every day, the only time he's ever needed the shop's 3/4" stuff is torquing wheel seals.

RedneckWelder · Jan 7, 2016

AdamD87 said:
I have watched a few of his youtube videos. I might just have to get the book.

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Get the book it's excellent. I keep mine in my toolbox for an at-hand reference.

Ruger_556 · Jan 7, 2016

AdamD87 said:
I know some 3/4 power tools are supplied. Not sure what all that entails. Like if I still need the 3/4 socket set or if that is only impact stuff.

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Severely limit what you buy before starting, within the 1st week you'll figure out what you actually need pretty quick.

Don't buy any 3/4 tools yet except maybe a ratchet which you'll need for axle nut sockets, impacts and sockets are supplied by most shops.

Extra deep 3/4 impact socket for caging brakes

Either a 5/16 8-point socket or the brake adjusting tool sold by many companies

5/8 8-point socket for differential fill plugs

36" pry bar for checking kingpins etc...

I like an adjustable pry bar for wheel seals but most guys use heel bars, the shop will likely have a wheel seal remover but they don't work worth a ****.

Long heavy punch for driving out bearing races, shop may have a race installer/remover but it won't work on all hubs.

6 or 8 lb engineers hammer

Recommended tools for a truck mechanic apprentice?

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